Jerry first became politically active as a high school student in Cleveland, Ohio, when he participated in the protest movement to end the Vietnam War. Even after being assaulted by fellow students, he continued undeterred. After graduating from Ohio State University with a B.S. in Nursing, Jerry moved to San Diego and earned a master’s degree in Psychology from the University for Humanistic Studies in 1982. He became the nursing director of a 25-bed mental health unit in San Diego and later worked in the Emergency Room at Tri-City Hospital.
In 1989, Jerry and his wife Kathy (also a nurse) made a career change to become real estate agents and investors. A top-producing agent who won many sales awards, Jerry also bought and improved properties using a team approach that gave employment to many people. In 2004, the Tetalmans started their own real estate and property management company.
In 2002, appalled by the lead-up to George W. Bush’s invasion of Iraq, Jerry became more politically active. He participated in the anti-war protests around the country and attended the World Federalist Movement’s international meeting in Copenhagen. After extensive research on the topic of war and peace, he joined peace activist Byron Belitso to write and publish One World Democracy: A Progressive Vision for Enforceable Global Law, which won the San Diego Book Award as the best political science book of 2005. In promoting the book and its ideas, Jerry appeared on TV and radio talk shows. He became president of San Diego Citizens for Global Solutions and California Citizens for Global Solutions. http://globalsolutions.org/
Jerry is a graduate of Peak Potentials Training, an extensive program of entrepreneurial skills, leadership and self-development. He volunteers with the organization, helping people to overcome fear and succeed in business and life. Jerry also has been a member and officer in Toastmaster International. Jerry and Kathy Tetalman have lived in North County since 1988.