The name ‘Ronald Reagan’ just doesn’t polarize like it used to

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The passage of time has reduced the political polarization that has surrounded former President Reagan.

That was clear Thursday when the state Senate voted unanimously to create a Ronald Reagan Day in California to commemorate the late Republican politician.

A former film actor who was elected first as governor of California and then president of the United States, Reagan was hailed by Republican lawmakers for his ‘peace through strength’ approach to international relations that they credited with playing a role in the collapse of communism in the former Soviet Union and the removal of the Berlin Wall.

“President Reagan is an American hero,” said Sen. Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga), a co-author of SB 944. “He was not only one of our nation’s greatest presidents, but also an exemplary public servant.’’

Dedicating a special day of recognition on Feb. 6 of each year will not make it a state holiday. While state offices will remain open, schools will be encouraged to teach about Reagan that day, according to state Sen. George Runner (R-Lancaster), the author of the bill, which now goes to the Assembly for a vote and then would require the signature of Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

--Patrick McGreevy