The records of the Mandella Community Garden are the records of its neighborhood development and later of its legal battle to retain their undeveloped green space in the densely urban setting of downtown Sacramento, California. Interaction within the community and with other community gardens is documented. Numerous tutorials on organic gardening and environmental standards are retained in the records. Included in the collection are membership lists, correspondence and letters, city counsel minutes, CADA agency proposals and minutes, organic gardening publications, photographs and scrapbooks, maps, financial records, legal files relating to the campaign to save the garden, video speeches, newspaper articles, physical artifacts from the garden and various ephemera.

The Mandella Community Gardens was formed in 1971 as an endeavor in urban organic gardening and alternative energy experimentation. Established in Sacramento, California during an era of community activism, the Gardens promoted urban green space, organic gardening, air quality improvement, and ethnic harmony. The Garden was situated on state owned land under a renewable lease at a cost to the organization. Membership fees maintained any expenses incurred. The Garden was named in honor of Ron Mandella one of the original organizers, who died in 1978. Famous members of the Garden include Judge Lloyd Connelly. Infamous members include "Squeaky" Fromme, one of the followers of the notorious Charles Manson family.

3.98 Linear feet (6 manuscript boxes and 1 flat box)

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This collection is open for research. Some restrictions may apply.