Frank Colbourn 12Frank Colbourn was elected in 1921 and served as the Commissioner of Public Health and Safety at least until 1924, under mayor John L. Davie.

He was a member of the Good Government League 8

BIO

Frank Colbourn's spot on the primary ballot was contested by incumbent F.F. Morse who alleged that the ballots were improperly cast and that Colbourn should be left off in favor of Morse.9 Right before the recount was about to be granted, Morse withdrew the suit and allowed Colbourn's name to go on the ballot. He apparently believed that he had worked out a deal with Colbourn that Walter J. Petersen would be renamed Chief of Police and that he would have some control if Colbourn won. Colbourn's political party, the Good Government League denied this, saying that Morse withdrew because he knew he wouldn't win a spot on the ballot even with the recount.10

In 1921, as Commissioner of Public Health and Safety, Colbourn proposed a new form of police academy. New recruits would have to study 18 subjects and pass a test. The "police school" would also involve continuing education for current police officers. He believed the department would improve the quality of policing.  Subjects taught would include: "Geography of the city, Elementary principles of the law, Important city ordinances relevant to traffic, nuisances, etc, First aid to the injured, Discipline and deportment, How to make arrests and serve warrants, Classification of crimes, Essential points necessary to constitute certain offenses, Securing and presenting evidence, Court procedure, Making various kinds of reports, Care and use of firearms, Americanized jiu-jitsu, Humane handling of criminals, Gymnastic and military drills, Public health, Police methods and procedure, Identification, finger prints, etc."2

Also in 1921, Colbourn was involved in a new scheme to exterminate rats. A trial run at a building at 12th and Broadway allegedly killed 2500 rats in a single day. A chemist spread a bacteria on a piece of bread and the rats ate the bread, spreading a disease around which proved fatal.4

As Commissioner of Public Health and Safety, Colbourn took a stand against the Ku Klux Klan. In 1922, along with other city officials, he received a letter allegedly from the KKK saying that they had done a safety/vice audit and found Oakland wanting. The letter asked for cooperation with the group.6 In 1924, Colbourn revoked a permit for a KKK parade.7

In 1921, Colbourn founded the Fire Prevention Bureau which made inspections and was in charge of preventing fires. In the first year, the Bureau made over 10,000 inspections.11

Colbourn was a member of the "Order of Red Men."3

Note: In 1941 there was also a Frank Colbourn who was city clerk and a Frank Colbourn Jr who was a photographer. His wife, Dorothy, passed away in 2011.

OTHER POSITIONS IN CITY GOVERNMENT

  • at least between 1907-1915, Secretary of the Civil Service Board1 (he made $125/month)5
  • 1937-1939: Port Commissioner

 

REFERENCES

  1. "OAKLAND HAS NEW POLITICAL LINE-UP: Davie Element Will Be in Complete Control of the Administration PATRONAGE IS PLENTIFUL Police Chief's Job Is Among Those Affected by the New Developments." San Francisco Chronicle: May 13, 1915.
  2. "Training School for Oakland Policemen Proposed." San Francisco Chronicle: Sep 11, 1921.
  3. "RED MEN COMBINE IN INSTALLATION CEREMONY." San Francisco Chronicle: Jan 17, 1909.
  4. "Exterminator of Rats Puts Cats Out of Old Job." San Francisco Chronicle: Sep 11, 1921.
  5. "OAKLAND OFFICIALS GET LARGE SALARY RAISES." San Francisco Call: Oct 7, 1907.
  6. "LAW GUARDIANS GET K.K.K. WARNING." Sausalito News: Apr 29, 1922.
  7. White Nativism and Urban Politics: The 1920s Ku Klux Klan in Oakland, California by Chris Rhomberg
  8. Rhomberg
  9. "Oakland Election Officers Accused of Mistakes." San Francisco Chronicle: Apr 24, 1921.
  10. "Oakland Primary Election Contest Case Dismissed." San Francisco Chronicle: May 1, 1921.
  11. "BUREAU HAS REDUCED LOSS FROM FIRES: Anniversary of Organization to Prevent Destruction Is Celebrated." San Francisco Chronicle: Dec 24, 1922.
  12. Polk's Directory 1924
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