SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and the California Museum on March 3 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, celebrating their contributions to civic life, creativity, and social progress.
They include Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, a 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. He is known for his fusion cuisine blending traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients. His signature dish is black cod in miso.
Also inducted were:
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 California.
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 Olympics.
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.
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.
“From the State Capitol to Los Angeles, from bestselling books to Olympic triumphs, the inductees of the 19th class of the California Hall of Fame have reshaped our culture and our communities,” said Newsom. “Resilient and innovative, these leaders and luminaries represent the best of the California spirit.”
“This year’s class embodies the very best of California — creativity, resilience, and a spirit of community,” said Siebel Newsom. “These honorees remind us that innovation and courage flourish when people are lifted up by those around them. With deep ties to Los Angeles — a city whose influence and imagination continue to shape culture worldwide — their stories not only celebrate individual achievement, but also reflect California’s power to inspire, to open doors, and to reimagine what is possible for generations to come.”
“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 museum’s Board of Trustees. “The 19th class embodies the spirit of creativity that continues to shape California’s legacy and inspire future generations.”
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.
Past inductees include civil rights legend Mitsuye Endo, artist Ruth Asawa, author Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, actor and activist George Takei, and Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi.
For more information, go to: https://californiamuseum.org/california-hall-of-fame/