Former California Senator  Don Perata announced yesterday he plans to run for mayor of Oakland in 2010. After months of speculation and hints, Perata said he made his decision official while attending the funeral of the four Oakland police officers killed a week ago. The Ten-year senator has been investigated by the FBI for the past five years for possibly taking kickbacks or bribes, no charges have been fomally charged. Current Mayor Ron Dellums hasn't declared if he will campaign for re-election or not.

Since the departure of Elihu Harris, citizens of Oakland have looked far and wide for the next "Model Mayor", someone who will help bring Oakland into a positive light. Perata hopes to do so by running a campaign where all his motives are cast to the public eye.