Persistence paid off last week for esteemed Boalt professor Jesse Choper when Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed him to the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB).
“I originally approached Jerry Brown’s administration about 30 years ago,” Choper says. “Later, I was nominated by Pete Wilson ’62 at the end of his administration, but Gray Davis rescinded it when he took office. I was beginning to lose hope, but others urged me to keep trying. So I’m really grateful to Governor Schwarzenegger for giving me this opportunity.
“I’ve loved the sport ever since my colleague, Larry Sullivan, took me to Golden Gate Fields in the late 60s,” Choper says. “I was particularly fascinated by the challenge of handicapping, as well as the excitement of the horses coming down the stretch, and the whole atmosphere of the racetrack.”
Choper served a decade as dean of the law school and is a nationally recognized lecturer and author on constitutional law issues. He received the UC Berkeley Distinguished Teaching Award and the Rutter Award for Teaching Distinction at Boalt in 2006. Choper is also Cal’s faculty athletic representative to the Pac-10 and NCAA, responsible for compliance with the rules and the academic welfare of the student-athletes.
“I’m encouraged to see Jesse appointed to the Board,” says CHRB Vice Chairman John Harris. “We’re fortunate that someone with his knowledge and outstanding legal credentials has come along at a key time for the CHRB. His kind demeanor and true love of the sport will dramatically help the board.”