Nicholas Petris, commonly known as Nick, was born in Oakland, California in 1923. He attended Oakland public schools and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 1943 with a B.A. in journalism. After service as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army in the European theatre from 1944-1947, he went to Stanford University law school, graduating in 1948 and passing the bar in 1949. He married the former Anna Vlahos of San Leandro in 1951 and became active in the Greek community and in local and state Democratic party affairs. He worked on Oakland committees for slum clearance, better parks and recreation and improvements in public transportation. In 1955 he was appointed to the city redevelopment agency and elected regional vice president of the California Democratic Council. He served in the California State Assembly from 1958 to 1966 and in the State Senate from 1967-1996. He represented Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. He authored landmark legislation concerning smoking, pesticides, and disability rights.
From the description of Nicholas Petris papers, 1952-2001. (University of California, Berkeley). WorldCat record id: 713879637
