By Cheri Rae
Famous people like Jerry Brown meet ordinary people like me all the time; the famous likely don’t remember their encounters like the ordinary people do. But I’ve never forgotten when Jerry Brown was very kind to me.
It was after his last term in the Governor’s Mansion—or, rather, the apartment where he chose to live simply, with a mattress on the floor, forgoing the more ostentatious official home that just wasn’t his style.
I had just landed the plum job as an editor at Runner’s World Magazine. The career advancement necessitated a move to Palo Alto where I knew no one, and it was more than a little scary to me. So my friends and family threw me a going-away party at a favorite landmark restaurant in Laguna Beach with a sweeping view of the coastline.
The former governor was dining at a nearby table; he witnessed the festivities, toasts and gift-giving with interest. He came over to the table and introduced himself simply as Jerry Brown; he offered his warm congratulations, and kissed me on the cheek, wished me luck in my new job and welcomed me to Northern California.
It was a lovely, generous gesture that thrilled me—a long supporter of Governor “Moonbeam”—and even impressed my Republican relatives who liked him much better in person than on tv.
Today, as I watch the Attorney General make his case about his qualifications for governor once again, I think back to that day many years ago, and how much has changed. The Golden State is no longer quite so golden; Runner’s World moved to Pennsylvania many years ago; my magazine career is basically over because magazines pretty well are, too; and Jerry Brown is poised to succeed a Republican actor—just as he handed his office over to one.
All politics is personal, and I’m willing to give extra points to the guy who took a moment to encourage a young woman at the beginning of her career. Nearing the end his own, it’s clear Jerry Brown is still dedicated to the possibilities of the California Dream. This native daughter still believes in the greatness of this land of myth and imagination—and believes that the once- and hopeful-future Governor Brown may just be able to summon the spirit of his own father who also served so long and so well.
Great slice of life and it is like old times again! Put on some Hendrix and let’s go riot in Isla Vista
California dreaming? makes me nostalgic
Damn it Goleta Jim…I’m a doctor, not a DJ!! Nice article Cheri! But I think I’m ready to “beam up” now!
nice piece I’m rooting for moonbeam too
If the SchwarzeMegger wasn’t so completely failing at her campaign, an old fossil like Brown would be laughed out of the state. As it stands, even a die hard Libertarian like me is seriously considering voting for both him and Newsom (as Maldonado is a tax pledge liar).
What is it, $120 million or $140 million of her own money spent? Give me $140 million and I could get Arnold the Pig elected Gov’ner. (Nice memory, Cheri.)
$140 million so far, Dan. She rarely bothered to vote at all before she decided to run. Her prime argument for her candidature seems to be that she was a “good businesswoman”. I’m not sure I see a line connecting that with politics.