Watson, (Diane E.) Papers, 1987-1996

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Summary

Title:
Senator Diane E. Watson Papers,
Dates:
1987-1996
Creators:
Watson, Diane E.
Abstract:
This collection documents the activities of the California State Legislature, the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services and Senator Diane E. Watson during the passage and implementation of Proposition 99, California's landmark anti-tobacco bill, and associated bills.
Extent:
1 carton, 2 boxes 2.25 linear ft.
Language:
English.
Preferred citation:

Senator Diane E. Watson Papers, MSS 98-02, Archives & Special Collections, UCSF Library & CKM.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection documents the activities of the California State Legislature, the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services and Senator Diane E. Watson during the passage and implementation of Proposition 99, California's landmark anti-tobacco bill, and associated bills.

The documents were assembled by John D. Miller, Principal Consultant for Diane E. Watson, in her role as chairperson of the California State Senate Committee on Health and Human Services.

Materials include legislative files, summaries, correspondence, and clippings as well as legal documents concerning lawsuits against AB 816 and SB 493. The materials are divided into two series: LEGISLATIVE FILES and SUBJECT FILES.

Biographical / historical:

Diane E. Watson was born in Los Angeles and has a B.A. in Education from University of California Los Angeles, an M.S. in School Psychology from California State University Los Angeles, and a Ph.D. in Education Administration from Claremont College, Claremont, California.

She was first elected to the California State Legislature in 1978, as a Democrat from the 26th District (South Central Los Angeles), and served until 1998, when term limitations made her ineligible for reelection. From 1981 until 1998, she was the Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, which oversees bills relating to public health, welfare, the blind and disabled, alcohol and drug abuse, mental health, and related institutions. Watson authored several anti-tobacco bills, including SB 2133 (1988), in anticipation of Proposition 99's passage; and SB 1099 (1989), a Proposition 99 re-authorization bill.

Watson was the second woman and the first African American woman to serve in the California State Senate. In addition to her service on the Health and Human Services Committee, she served on the Budget and Fiscal Review Committee, the Education Committee, the Local Government Committee and the Public Safety Committee. Watson was the chair of the Legislative Black Caucus and was the founder of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislators/Women (NOBEL/Women).

Watson served as the United States Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia from 1998 until 2001, when she ran for Congress in a special election after the death of Congressman Julian Dixon. In November 2002, she won reelection to the 108th Congress.

Acquisition information:
John D. Miller, Principal Consultant for Diane E. Watson, in her role as chairperson of the California State Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, donated the Senator Diane E. Watson Papers to the Tobacco Control Archives in January 1998.
Physical location:
Archives

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Processed by Julia Bazar.
Date Prepared:
© 2003
Date Encoded:
Machine-readable finding aid created by UCSC OAC Unit. Date of source: July 1998.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Copyright has not been assigned to the Library and Center for Knowledge Management. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Archives and Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Library and Center for Knowledge Management as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.

Preferred citation:

Senator Diane E. Watson Papers, MSS 98-02, Archives & Special Collections, UCSF Library & CKM.

Location of this collection:
UCSF Library & CKM Archives and Special Collections, 530 Parnassus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94143-0840, US