William "Will" Sharkey (1876-1948): Publisher and Politician

 

Will Sharkey's vault in Mausoleum

Main Mausoleum Section E, 36, T4

William Richard Sharkey, born on June 6, 1876, in Sierra City, California, was a notable figure in early 20th-century Californian politics and journalism. He married Nancy "Nannie" Elizabeth Gott in 1899, and they had two children: Muriel M. Hexner and William R. Sharkey Jr. Sharkey passed away on July 25, 1948, in Martinez, California.

His son, William R. Sharkey Jr., was born in San Francisco in 1903. He became one of the first officers of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), holding badge number 5. Sharkey Jr. played a pivotal role in developing vehicle safety regulations in the 1930s, including the development of the sealed beam headlight, which replaced the bulb-type headlamp used in vehicles at the time. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he became the publisher of the family-owned Contra Costa Gazette in 1948. 

Will Sharkey for State Senate Billboard

 

Will Sharkey's political career began with his election to the California State Assembly in 1914 as a member of the Progressive (Bull Moose) Party, representing the 18th Assembly District. He later transitioned to the Republican Party and was elected to the California State Senate in 1916, representing the 9th Senate District. He was re-elected in 1920, 1924, and 1928. Following redistricting, he represented the 17th Senate District after winning the 1932 election. 

His legislative successes included the creation of the Mt. Diablo and Mt. Tamalpais State Parks, championship of the Central Valley Water Project and the development of highway, labor and school legislation. His Senate district included parts of Marin County.

In addition to his political endeavors, Sharkey made significant contributions to journalism. In the 1920s, he served as the editor and manager of the Martinez Daily Standard and the Contra Costa Daily Standard. Under his leadership, these publications played a crucial role in informing the public and shaping community discourse in Contra Costa County.