With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
Schwarzenegger signs bill establishing 'Ronald Reagan Day' in California
Listen
• 0:17
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signs bills as former First Lady Nancy Reagan looks on at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley
(
Brian Watt/KPCC
)
In Simi Valley today, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger held a ceremonial signing of two bills honoring former President Ronald Reagan.
The governor signed the bills in the Air Force One Pavilion of the Reagan Library with former First Lady Nancy Reagan and a crowd of admirers looking on. One bill, SB 944, officially designates February 6 of each year as Ronald Reagan Day in California. On that day, the state will encourage educational institutions to remember the life and accomplishments of its 33rd governor and the country’s 40th president.
Ronald Reagan was born on February 6, 1911. He was 93 years old when he died six years ago; had he lived, next year he would have turned 100. So the other bill the governor signed, AB1911, creates the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission, tasked with promoting the celebration of that anniversary.
"We've got to celebrate really big," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "So this is why we create the commission which will help plan events and help us celebrate this special day. Maybe we throw a huge parade, name a college after him, or maybe a mountain range after him, or a lake after him – I don’t know. But the least thing we can do is start building a great statue of Ronald Reagan up there at the state capitol," he said.
Support for LAist comes from
The sponsor of AB1911, Assemblyman Martin Garrick of Carlsbad, said it was drafted with Reagan's philosophy in mind.
"In keeping with President Reagan's distrust of big government, we made sure that this bill won't use any taxpayer dollars and won't grow the bureaucracy," said Garrick.
The former First Lady Nancy Reagan, who turned 89 this month, did not speak at the ceremony.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist