Interview Summaries, C

Calderon, Charles (OH 2004–11)

Oral History Interview with Charles Calderon. (2003). California State Assemblyman, 1982–1990; California State Senator, 1990–1998.

Charles Calderon talks about his early life and background, early political interest and experiences, education, and campaigns. He discusses his election to the Assembly, the body's leadership, and his committee business. He comments on the impact of propositions, the formation and purpose of the "Gang of Five," the FBI sting, and fundraising and term limits. He talks about being Assembly Majority Whip and, later, the Senate Majority Leader. Calderon speaks of his election to the Senate, his involvement in legislation regarding earthquake insurance, hazardous waste and treatment, victim and prisoners rights, and family law with a particular interest in father's rights. He also relates information about the Latino Caucus, Cesar Chavez Day, and the way term limits changed legislative power.

Cameron, Ronald B. (OH 92–15)

Oral History Interview with Hon. Ronald Brooks Cameron (PDF) (1990). Congressman, 1963–1967; Assembly Member, 1959–1962.

Cameron discusses Democratic party politics, government, campaigns, and legislation; activities in the assembly and House of Representatives; personal opinions and problems with fellow assemblymen and House members, presidents Kennedy and Johnson; electronic voting idea, and publishing his voting record for his constituency.

Chappie, Eugene A. (OH 93–4)

Oral History Interview with Eugene A. Chappie (PDF) (1990). Assembly Member, 1965–1974; United States Representative, 1981–1986.

Chappie discusses his family and early life as well as running a farm in El Dorado County as an adult. He talks about his appointment and service on the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors and his campaign and election to the state Assembly. He details his participation in state welfare reform, the role of republicans in the Assembly, and reapportionment in 1966 and 1970. He refers to his efforts in removing architectural barriers for the handicapped and his views on water rights and water politics including Tahoe Basin planning and the Auburn Dam. Chappie talks about lobbying on the local, state, and national levels and discusses his House of Representatives service while offering comparisons of each level.

Cobey, James A. (OH 89–9)

Oral History Interview with James A. Cobey (PDF) (1988). Senator, 1955–1966.

He discusses his legal background as a deputy county counsel, chief law clerk to Justice Clement Shinn, and practicing attorney in Merced County. He talks about his first senate term: the power structure, nature of the senate, water legislation, and bills he carried. He speaks about various personalities: Governor Edmund G. Brown, Sr., Lieutenant Governors Powers and Anderson, Hugh Burns, and other senators.

Connelly, John Robert (OH 2002–2)

Oral History Interview with John Robert Connelly. (2001). Legislative Staff Member, 1960–1964; 1967–1978; 1979–1996.

Connelly discusses his early life and family background, his travels and military service. He details his legislative staff service on environmental legislation and with finance committees on the state budget. He talks about building a professional legislative staff and changes in California with term limits. Connelly comments on leaders and relationships in the legislature, the executive office under different governors, and the power of the Third House.

Corey, Dorothy D. (OH 90–32)

Oral History Interview with Dorothy D. Corey (PDF) (1990). Marketing and Public Opinion Research, 1932– .

Dorothy Corey reviews her family background and education. She recollects her days as a pioneering market researcher during the thirties in Chicago and her acquaintance with George Gallup and Elmo Roper. She talks about her company's clients in political polling and their reliance on research. She also discusses the various techniques in market research and their applicability in the political field.

Cory, Kenneth (OH 90–12)

Oral History Interview with Kenneth Cory (PDF) (1987, 1988). State Controller, 1976–1986.

Cory discusses tax reform efforts by the governor and the legislature in the late 1960s and 1970s, campaigning and campaign reform, reapportionment, the Office of Controller, audits of Medi–Cal and welfare programs, the Board of Equalization, unitary system of accounting for corporate taxation.

Costa, Edward (OH 90–34)

Oral History Interview with Edward Costa. (1990). President, People's Advocate, 1989– .

Costa discusses political campaigning, school system reform, proposition 13, Legislative Reform Act of 1984 (Proposition 24), and the Watson initiative (Proposition 14 in 1972); no–fault auto insurance, and tax–free pensions.

Costa, Jim (OH 2005-01)

Oral History Interview with Jim Costa. (2003, 2004). Assembly Member, 1978-1994; Senator, 1994-2002.

Costa discusses his time in the Legislature including his chairmanship of the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee and the Senate Agriculture and Water Resources Committee, agricultural labor issues, farm land conservation and water politics. He also describes issues relating to the health impacts of pesticides, prison sentencing reform and expansion of the Williamson Act.

Cullen, Frank, Sr. (OH 2004–16)

Oral History Interview with Frank Cullen, Sr. (PDF) (2003). Assistant Legislative Secretary, Governor's Office, 1963–1966; Chief of Staff, Governor Edmund G. Brown, 1967–1996.

Cullen discusses his family background, early education, and Air Force experiences. He talks of the John F. Kennedy congressional and Senate campaigns and his relationship with Bobby Kennedy. He speaks of his family business and moving to California where he was involved in more campaigns for Kennedy, Edmund G. "Pat" Brown, and others. He relates his experiences of working unofficially and officially for Pat Brown in the governor's office and beyond. He comments on the conflict between Jesse Unruh and Brown, Brown versus Ronald Reagan, and Brown's legacy. He also talks of the Edmund G. "Pat" Brown Institute of Government Affairs, Pat Brown's involvement in Jerry Brown's career, and Pat Brown's activity in Democratic politics after his time as governor.

Currie, William Ralph (OH 89–12)

Oral History Interview with Hon. William Ralph Currie (PDF) (1988). Chief Financial Economist, Department of Finance, 1949–1968; Economic Research Specialist, Division of Budgets and Accounts, Department of Finance, 1936–1949.

Currie describes the development of California Department of Finance revenue forecasting methods including population forecasting. He talks about legislative revenue and taxation committees, budget preparation, and financial concerns of the executive administrations. He also discusses the finance directors under whom he worked.