Community News

Governor Newsom announce new inductees to the California Hall of Fame

 

by: CA Press Office
Published: March 3, 2026

 

SACRAMENTO...Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Museum today announced the 19th class of the California Hall of Fame, celebrating 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.

The inductees will be formally enshrined during a ceremony at the California Museum in Sacramento on March 19, 2026, celebrating their contributions to civic life, creativity, and social progress.

California Hall of Fame 19th class inductees:

• John L. Burton: A lifelong public servant and legislator whose fierce advocacy for civil rights, healthcare, 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.

“The California Museum is honored to serve as home to the California Hall of Fame, where we celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Californians to our state and the world," said Anne Marie Petrie, Chair of the California Museum Board of Trustees. "The 19th class embodies the spirit of creativity that continues to shape California’s legacy and inspire future generations.”

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.