Governor Newsom, First Partner Siebel Newsom induct 19th Class of the California Hall of Fame

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Mar 20, 2026

Governor Newsom, First Partner Siebel Newsom induct 19th Class of the California Hall of Fame

What you need to know:  Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom inducted the 19th class of the California Hall of Fame, which includes leaders and luminaries in athletics, civil rights, culinary arts, and entertainment.

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and the California Museum celebrated the 19th class of the California Hall of Fame, inducting trailblazers whose achievements embody California's spirit of resilience and creativity. This class also shines a spotlight on Los Angeles as a global hub of culture and innovation.

California Hall of Fame 19th class inductees:

• John L. Burton: A lifelong public servant and legislator whose fierce advocacy for civil rights, health care, and foster youth has left a lasting mark on our state.
• Jamie Lee Curtis: One of Hollywood's most enduring stars, with a five-decade career and an Academy Award-winning performance in "Everything Everywhere All at Once." A passionate humanitarian, Emmy and Golden Globe winner, and best-selling children's book author, she continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
• Riane Eisler: A pioneering systems scientist, cultural historian, and author of the international bestseller The Chalice and the Blade, which is published in 27 languages. She has advanced a groundbreaking vision of human rights and caring, sustainable societies that has influenced leaders and movements worldwide.
• Janet Evans: One of the greatest distance swimmers of all time and the first American woman to win four individual Olympic gold medals in swimming. Today, she serves as Chief Athlete Officer for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
• Carl Lewis: Widely regarded as the greatest American track and field athlete. With unmatched speed, power, and versatility, he dominated the sprinting and long jump events in the 1980s and '90s, amassing nine gold medals across four Olympic Games.
• Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles: America's first all-women mariachi ensemble which has transformed the sound, look, and cultural imagination of the musical tradition. Dazzling international audiences for over three decades, the vibrant group has become a defining force in the historically male-dominated genre.
• Nobuyuki Matsuhisa: The highly influential chef, known simply as "Nobu," whose Nobu and Matsuhisa restaurants have changed the way the world eats. His restaurants span five continents, with 40 locations worldwide.
• Terry McMillan: An acclaimed author who wrote Waiting to Exhale, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, and other bestsellers. Her powerful storytelling has elevated women's voices, centered Black experiences, and reshaped American literature.
• Arnold Schwarzenegger: A singular figure in California history, embodying the Golden State's promise of opportunity. From humble beginnings, he built himself into a world champion bodybuilder, Hollywood icon, successful businessman, environmentalist, philanthropist, bestselling author, and the 38th governor of California.

"This year's inductees remind us that California's story constantly is written by people who challenge what is possible and redefine what leadership looks like. Their impact reaches far beyond their fields, shaping the future of our state in lasting and meaningful ways."

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Governor Gavin Newsom

"Behind every inductee is a story of persistence, creativity, and Golden State spirit. The 19th class honorees represent excellence in their fields while also helping to inspire and shape a more inclusive and dynamic California for generations to come."

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom

"Each Hall of Fame class offers a snapshot of California's evolving legacy, and this year's inductees reflect the depth of talent and vision found across our state. We are honored to share their stories and preserve their contributions as part of California's history." — Anne Marie Petrie, Chair of the California Museum Board of Trustees

Last night's ceremony also honored the posthumous inductees of the 18th class of the California Hall of Fame, with members of their family in attendance. Inducted during a virtual ceremony in 2024, Julia Child, Ina Donna Coolbrith, Vicki Manalo Draves, Mitsuye Endo, Dian Fossey, Alice Piper, and Tina Turner made history as the first all-women class.  of California.

About the California Hall of Fame

Launched in 2006, the California Hall of Fame recognizes history-making Californians who embody the state's spirit of innovation and have changed the state, the nation, and the world. Inductees are selected annually by the Governor and First Partner for achievements across arts, business, entertainment, food and wine, literature, music, public service, science, and sports.

For details on the California Hall of Fame or to download media assets, visit CaliforniaMuseum.org/Press-Room/19th-CA-Hall-of-Fame

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