Schwarzenegger places giant bronze bear in Capitol
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has been out of state quite a bit lately vacationing, fundraising for ballot measures and mugging for the adoring national news media, wanted to make sure Californians knew he was thinking about them on his travels, so he hauled back a big gift.
Now sitting in front of the public entrance to the governor’s Capitol office is a giant bronze bear. The statue of the official state animal, which the governor purchased at a gallery in Aspen, Colo., was installed this morning.
Schwarzenegger spokesman Aaron McLear declined to say how much the governor paid for the piece of art, but he said no taxpayer dollars were used. The governor came upon the bear, a work by sculptor Steven Bennett, while taking a stroll through town.
“He thought it would be appropriate to put out front,” McLear said.
-- Evan Halper
Photo: CHP Officer Shawn Bien stands near the statue outside the governor's office. Credit: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press
EDITOR'S PICKS:
Wow. If only he were this creative running the state.
Posted by: Michael J. Arvizu | April 07, 2009 at 05:37 PM
legacy...need i say more...
Posted by: deartoni70 | April 07, 2009 at 05:44 PM
As a child growing up in Sacramento in the 1950's, I enjoyed climbing on the two golden bear statues at the fairgrounds. Why did Arnold have to buy a new bear and what happened to the old ones? Rhetorical questions...............
Posted by: Susan | April 07, 2009 at 05:55 PM
A picture would be nice.
Posted by: coolrepublica | April 07, 2009 at 07:18 PM
I think that's great.
Posted by: Randall Yarbrough | November 04, 2009 at 11:23 PM