Interview Summaries, N

Nannini, Rico J. (OH 89–17)

Oral History Interview with Rico J. Nannini. (1986, 1987). Assistant Secretary of State, 1975–1984; Deputy Secretary of State, 1960–1966.

Nannini describes a period of growth and professionalism in the Department, 1948–1984. He was closely involved in the development of the California Uniform Commercial Code, and the development of an electronic data processing system for those records, including the Central Records Depository. The interview also discusses notaries, the development of state election services, state budgets and personnel procedures, affirmative action, and the Political Reform Act of 1974, which changed the requirements for reporting campaign financing, both for candidates and lobbyists. He also discusses the administrative style of Secretaries of State Jordan, Sullivan, Brown, and Eu.

Navarro, Armando (OH 90–28)

Oral History Interview with Armando Navarro. (1989). State Director, Californios for Fair Representation.

Navarro discusses his early life and education in Cucamonga, California, military service and higher education, and provides information about his role as scholar/community activist in such organizations as La Raza Unida, Californios for Fair Representation as well as organizing regional conferences and meetings to discuss such issues as immigration reform, voter registration and education, policy–community relations, church–community relations, and United States–Mexico relations.

Nejedly, John A. (OH 89–31)

Oral History Interview with John A. Nejedly (PDF) (1988). Senator, 1969–1980.

Nejedly discusses the work of the Contra Costa County District Attorney and Nejedly's innovations during the 1960s. It covers his career in the state senate, where he carried much environmental improvement legislation, serving as chairman of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildlife.

Nevins, Richard (OH 91–19)

Oral History Interview with Richard Nevins. (1987, 1989). volume 1 (PDF), volume 2 (PDF). Board of Equalization, 1958–1986.

Nevins discusses family and career background, activities in California Democratic organizations, and profiles the Board of Equalization. He reviews developments in California taxation since 1933, interweaving them with BOE policy and structural change. He emphasizes A.B. 80, Reagan era tax reform, Proposition 13 (1978), property and unitary tax issues, and specialized taxes. He concludes with his elections and the election process.

Newman, Frank C. (OH 93–10)

Oral History Interview with Frank C. Newman (PDF) (1989, 1991). Justice, California Supreme Court, 1977–1989; Professor of Law, UC Berkeley, 1946–1996.

Newman discusses his education and career, including work with the Office of Price Administration, the University of California (with mention of security/loyalty issues, the Tenney Committee, Governors Earl Warren, Pat and Jerry Brown, and faculty colleagues). Newman discusses the California Supreme Court from 1977 to 1983 with references to his fellow jurists, the Constitutional Revision Commission, and the Commission on Judicial Performance. He talks about human rights work with Amnesty International and the United Nations and his visits to Greece and Chile. He also makes references to politicians, judicial personnel, and presidents throughout the period.

Nichols, Leland L. (OH 93–9)

Oral History Interview with Leland L. Nichols (PDF). (1991). Governor's Radio–Television Press Secretary and Chief Consultant to the Assembly, 1960–1968.

Nichols discusses his family and educational background, working as a reporter for NBC News, especially during the 1960 Democratic convention, working for Governor Pat Brown as Radio–Television Press Secretary, working with Jesse Unruh as an assembly staff member and devising and institutionalizing the staff system for the California State Assembly. He also reflects on being gay in political and personal life.

Nielsen, Vigo G., Jr. (OH 90–15)

Oral History Interview with Vigo G. Nielsen, Jr. (1989). Assistant Deputy Controller, 1967–1968; Chief Administrative Officer, California State Assembly, 1969; Chief of Staff, Lt. Governor's Office, 1970–1971; Attorney, Political and State Government Law, 1972– .

Nielsen discusses his youth and education in southern California and at Yale University, his Coro foundation fellowship and work on Ed Reinecke's first campaign for Congress; Flournoy's campaign for controller in 1966 and his staff position in controller's office; duties and politics of chief administrative officer for Assembly; work of lieutenant governor's office under Reinecke, Reinecke's reelection campaign, alleged perjury. He also discusses the emergence of field of political law 1972–present; his legal work for Republican Party candidates and for initiative campaigns; and the effects of Political Reform Act of 1974. He assesses the Fair Political Practices Commission under four chairmen and changes in the state legislature since 1967.

Nigg, Cyril C. (OH 94–4)

Oral History Interview with Cyril C. Nigg (PDF) (1993). Regent, University of California, 1955–1957.

Nigg discusses his family background, education at the University of California, Los Angeles, long–time involvement in and support for the UCLA Alumni Association, and the business of the Regents of the University of California during his two years of service as alumni association president.