A welcome change from the preceding corrupt administration of Mayor Schmitz and Abe Ruef, James Rolph was elected to the office of mayor in 1911, which marked the beginning of five terms, lasting until 1930. He went on to become our 27th governor in 1931 (to 1934). He was fondly remembered for his pre-mayoral involvement with relief efforts after the 1906 earthquake. As mayor he was very bullish on building new buildings and transportation systems.