Governor and First Partner Induct 13th Class Into California Hall of Fame
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New class includes Dr. Maya Angelou, RuPaul Charles, Brandi Chastain, Tony Hawk and Wolfgang Puck honored in annual ceremony at the California Museum in Sacramento

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom joined the California Museum to induct the 13th class of icons who embody the state's spirit of innovation and achievement into the California Hall of Fame Tuesday evening in Sacramento.

"California is a state not just of dreamers, but of doers who pride themselves on being on the leading edge," said Governor Newsom. "That entrepreneurial spirit and the incredible diversity, daring and perseverance of our beloved state is demonstrated in the lives and the journeys of those honored tonight."

"These inductees exemplify the beautiful diversity of our state and we are honored to induct them into the California Hall of Fame," said First Partner Siebel Newsom.

The inductees of the California Hall of Fame 13th class are: Writer, Poet, Performer and Teacher Dr. Maya Angelou; Actor, Model, Singer, Songwriter, Television Personality and Author RuPaul Charles; Athlete and Olympic Medalist Brandi Chastain; Astrophysicist Dr. France A. Córdova; Skateboarder, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Tony Hawk; Author and Activist Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston; Civil Rights Leader Reverend James M. Lawson, Jr.; Actor and Comedian George Lopez; Chef, Restaurateur and Entrepreneur Wolfgang Puck; and Winemaker and Vintner Helen M. Turley.

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2019 California Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

George Lopez receives Spirit of California medal from Governor Newsom

RuPaul Charles speaks at 2019 California Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

From left to right: Guy Johnson representing Dr. Maya Angelou; RuPaul Charles; Brandi Chastain; Fred Córdova representing Dr. France A. Córdova; Tony Hawk; Governor Newsom; First Partner Siebel Newsom; Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston; Reverend James M. Lawson, Jr.; George Lopez; Wolfgang Puck; Helen M. Turley.

Tony Hawk at 2019 California Hall of Fame Red Carpet

The California Hall of Fame was established in 2006 to honor legendary people who have made their mark on history through achievements across a variety of fields, including the arts, education, business and labor, science, sports, philanthropy and public service. California Hall of Fame inductees are selected yearly by the Governor and First Partner.

The Governor and First Partner announced the inductees in a social media video last month. This year's honorees join 122 inspirational Californians previously inducted for embodying the state's spirit of innovation.

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Inductees were presented with "Spirit of California" medals by the Governor and First Partner in an official ceremony held at the California Museum. In addition, the lives and legacies of the new inductees will be featured in an all-new artifact exhibit at the California Museum opening today, Wednesday, December 11 at 10:00 a.m.

For more information on the California Hall of Fame, visit http://www.californiamuseum.org/california-hall-fame.

Photo credit: California Museum. For high resolution copies of these images, contact Danella Debel at Danella.Debel@gov.ca.gov.

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