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 about Team Maria!

I’ve created a new series for this page, featuring blogs developed and written by my very own team.  I hope they will help introduce you to the members of our Team who work daily on projects and issues we care deeply about.  I also hope you will take the time to not only read them, but respond to them.  Hearing your thoughts and ideas is a great way for us to connect to you and other Californians -- and important in learning how together we can make a difference in our communities and our state. 

The California Hall of Fame

As a student and lover of history it was truly a special moment when I joined the 12 inaugural inductees into the California Hall of Fame.  Selecting the first 13 members into the Hall of Fame must have been a very trying and difficult task for those involved, but the Class of 2006 is truly reflective of the diversity, leadership and accomplishments that are so inherent in the fabric of the people of California.

Personally, it was a very special evening for me to share with my longtime friend Sally Ride.  Sally and I competed in junior tennis events in California as teenagers and for us to receive this special honor together was a great experience.  The “high five” we gave each other on the stage was a fitting salute not only for us, but to all of the women and men who were honored that evening.

I have long been a believer that we all have a responsibility to pass on what we know to the next generation.  The California Hall of Fame is a perfect setting to do just that.  Those who visit the outstanding exhibits in Sacramento should look to take home some of the knowledge, passion and commitment that is so evident in each of the honorees.  The Class of 2006 represents an amazing collection of leaders, individuals and innovators and while the works of any one of the 13 can inspire you, the collective impact of the group will change you.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, First Lady Maria Shriver and California Museum Executive Director Claudia French are to be commended for keeping this dream alive and making it a reality.  The Sacramento setting is a perfect home for the Hall of Fame and I hope people from all walks of life will make the time to visit this wonderful exhibit.