Interview Summaries, K

Keene, Barry (OH 96–2)

Oral History Interview with Barry Keene. (1994). Assembly Member, 1972–1978; Senator, 1978–1992.

Keene comments on his childhood and education and becoming involved in politics as an intern. He discusses his law career and his work on the Constitution Revision Commission. He talks of Democratic politics in California and on the national level, including comments on Assembly speakers. Keene speaks about health policies: the California Natural Death Act, durable power of attorney, generic drug substitution, child abuse reporting, and the Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act. He also compares governors Reagan, Jerry Brown, Deukmejian and Wilson and discusses environmental issues such as costal protection, forestry, oil spills, and trails.

Kennedy, David Norman (OH 2004–02)

Oral History Interview with David Norman Kennedy (PDF). (2002). Director, California Department of Water Resources, 1983–1998.

Kennedy talks about his family background and education and his work as an engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and California Department of Water Resources (DWR). He talks about the Metropolitan Water District (MWD), his job with that organization, and the projects he was involved with there. He discusses the State Water Project, the previous heads of DWR, and the Peripheral Canal campaign. Included in the discussion are information on Mono Lake, water agreements, the Cal–Fed process, and the issues of flood control, drought, water needs, and water policy. He speaks of his tenure as director of DWR and the relationships between departments within the Resources Agency. He also details his post–DWR experiences including serving as a World Bank consultant.

Killea, Lucy L. (OH 2001–1)

Oral History Interview with Lucy L. Killea. (2000). Assembly Member, 1982–1989; Senator, 1989–1996.

Killea discusses her family background, childhood in Texas, education, her work in military intelligence, and being a delegate to the first General Assembly of the UN. She talks about living in Mexico during her husband's service as U.S. consul general, pursuing a graduate degree, her service on the San Diego City Council, and her successful bids for the assembly and the senate. She focuses on campaigning, the role of the Democratic Caucus in her campaigns, and the decision to change her party affiliation from Democrat to Independent. Killea discusses carrying legislation, committee assignments, the Women's Caucus, women serving in public office, and efforts toward ethical reform in the legislature. The Constitution Revision Commission, and the leadership style of colleagues and governors, the impact of term limits, and her interest in history and preservation are other topics.

Kline, J. Anthony (OH 92–7)

Oral History Interview with J. Anthony Kline. (1990, 1991). Legal Affairs Secretary, 1975–1980.

Kline discusses the governorship of Jerry Brown, 1975–1983, and covers criminal justice issues including sentencing and prison reform, bail reform, the judiciary and court reform, the Agricultural Labor Relations Act, water issues, California State Supreme court Chief Justice Rose Bird, and the workers' compensation system.

Kopp, Quentin L. (OH 2003–3)

Oral History Interview with Quentin L. Kopp. (2001). Senator, 1987–1998.

Kopp discusses his family, childhood, and early education. He talks about his university and law school experiences, early jobs, and military service. He relates his experiences with several law firms, including his own, and his stints working on democratic campaigns in California. He details his experiences in campaigning for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, his election, conflicts with Dianne Feinstein, and district issues. He discusses Dan White and the assassination of Harvey Milk and George Moscone, his campaign for mayor versus Feinstein, and his attempted run for a Board of Equalization seat. He also discusses running for San Francisco District Attorney and re–registering as an Independent after a disappointing final term in Board of Supervisors. He comments on his decision to run for senate and difficulties for independents in California politics. Kopp also talks about his committee service and his sponsored legislation, particularly in relation to open meeting laws and transportation issues. He also discusses redistricting and senate corruption scandals as well as leaving the legislature after term limits and his appointment as a judge.