Richard and Joe welcomed former City Council member, Lifeguard Sergeant, Lifeguard Association leader and spokesman, Ed Harris, who is running against Kevin Faulconer for San Diego Mayor in the June 7th primary. After serving his country as a Marine from 1984 to 1988, Mr. Harris became a lifeguard in 1989 and has been protecting the San Diego coastline and its visitors for 25 years. He is currently a Lifeguard Sergeant at the Boating Safety Unit on Mission Bay and a dive team supervisor answering high profile emergency calls. In 1999, the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) awarded Harris its Medal of Valor for a heroic sailboat rescue that took place in stormy seas just west of the Ocean Beach pier. Harris is also a longtime leader of the city’s lifeguard union.

After Kevin Faulconer’s election as San Diego mayor, Harris was appointed to serve the remainder of Faulconer’s District Two council term. As a councilmember, Harris served on the council’s Environment, Audit, Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations, and Public Safety and Livable Neighborhoods committees, where he built a reputation as an effective advocate for his constituents and as a dedicated watchdog protecting tax dollars. He became very vocal about his opposition to the lease terms of Belmont Park to Pacifica Enterprises. The lease terms were rejected by the Council in a 5-3 vote in September, opening the negotiations back up for the city of San Diego to receive more return on its iconic asset.

Mr. Harris resides in Point Loma with wife, Kate, and their two children. He received his high school diploma from Troy High School in Fullerton, California. He studied fire science at Palomar College.

Listen to a podcast of Ed Harris’s interview!