John Burton, left, and Willie Brown celebrate ahead of final election results in Brown’s 1995 campaign to become San Francisco mayor. It was just one of their many successes in shaping the S.F. and California Democratic Party during their 70-year political alliance. 

The passing of former congressman, Assembly Member, California Senate President and California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton on Sunday at 92 marks the end of a tectonic era in San Francisco and California politics.

• Obituary: John Burton, former congressman and past California Senate president, dies at 92

• ‘Legendary liberal lion’: Longtime legislator John Burton mourned as major force for California Dems

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Former Mayor and Assembly Speaker Willie Brown started in politics with Burton as students at San Francisco State, and they teamed up to create a 70-year alliance, which formed the modern San Francisco Democratic Party structure.

“The Burton Operation” — it was never referred to as the “Burton Machine” — spawned major national leaders such as Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Sen. Barbara Boxer, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and former San Francisco Mayor George Moscone.

When asked what Burton’s contribution to California political culture was, Brown said, “It’s not matchable, frankly. … His influence was immeasurable.”

For decades, Burton was perhaps the most vociferous progressive force in a state that wasn’t........

© San Francisco Chronicle