Jerry Brown’s campaign tale of frugality overlooks his $1.8 million home, with view of SF Bay

Brown’s tale of frugality omits $1.8 million home

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — When he takes to the campaign trail in California, Jerry Brown is fond of reminding voters that he shunned the governor’s mansion in Sacramento in favor of a rented apartment during his first tour in the executive office.

Brown also likes to say he lived in a downtown loft in Oakland while he was mayor of the crime-ridden city.

The stories are part of a campaign narrative of frugality. The Democratic nominee wants voters to remember that when they consider whether to send him back to the governor’s office as California faces a $19 billion budget deficit.

What California voters do not hear is Brown boasting about his latest home — a custom-designed, $1.8 million house in that’s a five-level architectural gem perched high in the wooded Oakland Hills.