Pesonen (David) papers, 1921,, 1947-1987, bulk 1961-1984

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Summary

Title:
David Pesonen papers
Dates:
1921,, 1947-1987, bulk 1961-1984
Creators:
Pesonen, David E., 1934-
Abstract:
The David Pesonen Papers include materials produced and acquired by Pesonen relating to his professional activities as an environmental activist, lawyer, and judge in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Extent:
21 linear feet (16 cartons, 1 box, 1 oversize folder) and 5 audiotape reels (cataloged as Phonotape 4062 A and 4062 B);
Language:
English and Collection materials are in English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], David Pesonen papers, BANC MSS 98/133 c, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley

Background

Scope and content:

The David Pesonen Papers, 1947-1987 (bulk 1961-1984), include materials produced and acquired by Pesonen relating to his professional activities as an environmental activist, lawyer, and judge in the San Francisco Bay Area. The collection consists primarily of environmental reports, court proceedings, newspaper clippings, and correspondence. The collection is divided into seven series: Subject Files; Proposition 15; Bodega Bay Power Plant; California Department of Forestry; Superior Court Judge; Mendocino Power Plant; and Additions received in 2017-2018.

Additions received in 2017 and 2018 include materials on the Widener vs. Pacific Gas and Electric case; materials on the Bodega Bay Atomic Park; some personal papers, a few folders of materials relating to Pesonen's father, Everett Pesonen, and 5 audiotape reels.

Biographical / historical:

David Pesonen was an environmental activist, lawyer, and judge in the San Francisco Bay Area. After graduating from Boalt Law School, at the University of California, in 1968, he began work at a San Francisco law firm and became involved in the anti-nuclear movement. He was elected chairman of Californians for Nuclear Safeguards, and was one of the authors of Proposition 15—an unsuccessful 1976 ballot initiative to restrict nuclear power production in California. He was also involved in the successful opposition to proposed nuclear power plants near Bodega Bay, in Sonoma County, and Point Arena, in Mendocino County. In 1979 Pesonen was appointed by Governor Edmund Gerald "Jerry" Brown, Jr. to the office of Director of Forestry. In the final days of Governor Brown's term in office, he appointed Pesonen to the Superior Court in Contra Costa County. He ran unsuccessfully for reelection to the post in 1984.

Acquisition information:
The David Pesonen papers were given to The Bancroft Library by David Pesonen on March 18, 1998.
Processing information:

Processed by Josh Roselle in 2010. Additions processed by Lara Michels in 2019.

Processed by Josh Roselle in 2010. Additions processed by Lara Michels in 2019.

Accruals:

No additions are expected.

Physical location:
Many of the Bancroft Library collections are stored offsite and advance notice may be required for use. For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the library's online catalog.
Physical facet:
analog; 1/4 in; 5 in. and 7 in.
Rules or conventions:
Finding Aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Josh Roselle; Lara Michels
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2019-08-26 08:24:08 -0700 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Some materials in these collections may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction of some materials may be restricted by terms of University of California gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user. For additional information about the University of California, Berkeley Library's permissions policy please see: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/about/permissions-policies

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], David Pesonen papers, BANC MSS 98/133 c, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley

Location of this collection:
University of California, Berkeley, The Bancroft Library
Berkeley, CA 94720-6000, US
Contact:
510-642-6481
bancref-library@berkeley.edu
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