Mott , known as " The Mayor Who Built Oakland " , presided over the greatest disaster relief operation in Oakland when an estimated 150,000 people sought refuge in the city after the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco . He was re-elected in 1907 by a six-to-one margin , defeating Socialist O.H. Phillbrick , 7,317 to 1,226 , and re-elected to the third term in 1909 , defeating Citizens ' Party candidate F.F. Jackson 8,352 to 6,045 . Following the adoption of a new city charter establishing a city commission government in 1910 , Mott won the 1911 election by defeating Socialist opponent Thomas Booth , 11,722 to 9,837 . In a fascinating but little-known chapter of Oakland history , Mott survived the city 's first recall election , initiated by the radical Industrial Workers of the World , on August 5 , 1912 , with 17,139 voting in favor of keeping Mott in office , and 10,846 against
1906 earthquake
1906 San Francisco earthquake
Frank K. Mott