Simpler times
Do you recall … Oops! Do you remember Governors Henry Gage, George Pardee, James Gillett and Hiram Johnson?
Every year, living-history volunteers gather together for Governor’s Day and re-enact the highlights of previous governors’ administrations. Imagine, if you will, Governor’s Day 2083, when volunteers are acting out our current recall situation. Governor Gray Davis shackles himself to the stairwell and vows to stay in office. Arnold Schwarzenegger bursts through the doors and delivers a deadpan, “Hasta la vista, baby.” Michael Savage berates tourists for their sexual orientation from the Capitol steps. Folk musician Bill Mylar covers Woody Guthrie protest rags from the front lawn. Yes, it’s a crazy time to be governor right now. If you long for the days when real catastrophes, such as railroad monopolies and earthquakes, were a governor’s chief concerns, relive turn-of-the-20th-century politics at Governor’s Day 2003. The event happens Saturday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Capitol. Admission is free. Call (916) 324-2088 for info.
