Shira had no previous political experience before accepting a position as director of volunteers in Murphy's successful campaign for mayor. But the member of Temple Emanu-El had lots of community activities in her resume, including stints as president of the now defunct Miriam chapter of Hadassah and as a member of Hadassah's regional board.

In addition, Shira was a constant volunteer for the PTA's and fundraising foundations while her children attended schools in the San Carlos area of San Diego: Daillard Elementary School, Lewis Junior High School and Patrick Henry High School. 

"His daugher Kelly and my daughter Jennifer were best friends from the first grade, which is when we met the Murphys," Shira told HERITAGE.

"I've been a volunteer all my life," she said. "That's where I get my skills. We worked so hard to get Judge Murphy elected and now we get to see him in office. I'm very excited about that." -- Donald H. Harrison