Live Blog: Newsom’s 2-Year-Old Son Steals The Show At His Dad’s Inauguration

Inauguration Day Is Over, And The Newsom Era Has Begun

The events of inauguration day have concluded, and the Gavin Newsom era of California has officially begun.

We’re done with updates for today, but you can look back through the blog below to see the sights and stories from the Capitol ceremony, and find continuing coverage of state government here.

Thanks for following along!

Schwarzenegger Looks Back At His Own Inauguration

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger takes a selfie with Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg at the inauguration of Gavin Newsom on Jan. 7, 2019.Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

Arnold Schwarzenegger had an inauguration unlike any other California governor.

Taking over after the recall of Democrat Gray Davis, California's most recent Republican governor was inaugurated Nov. 17, 2003, the only governor to be sworn in during that month.

Schwarzenegger remembers receiving similar advice from both Davis and Republican Gov. Pete Wilson: Enjoy the day.

"'Why do you say that?' And they say, 'Because it's gonna be the only day when you're really going to be happy. From now on, it goes downhill,’" he told CapRadio's Ben Adler Monday.

"But it's true enough, and I got into office, and I realized what they were talking about, because you do step into this office and the overwhelming amount of problems and challenges — challenges from the past, challenges in the present, challenges that are coming up in the future, and stuff like that," he said. " And to me I always looked at those challenges in a very enthusiastic way because I felt like anything is possible."

Hear more of Adler's interview with Schwarzenegger here, including his thoughts on Gov. Newsom.

—Chris Hagan

Republicans Look For Common Ground As California Welcomes Another Democratic Governor

California Republicans discussed working with Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom following his inauguration Monday, a reflection of the party's recent difficulties in the state.

While this will be the first time since 1887 with back-to-back Democratic governors, Republicans don't currently hold a statewide office, and control barely a quarter of the seats in the state Legislature.

Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron said she was encouraged by Newsom's mentions of mental health care, addressing the housing crisis, and desire to listen on issues facing rural communities.

"California is facing some very serious issues as we move into 2019," Waldron said. "And we look forward to working with the governor in a bipartisan way to solve many of those issues. We feel we can support a lot of the goals and work on some of the others and make things happen for our citizens."

Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa of Oroville said while there was much from Newsom's address he didn't agree with, he was also encouraged to hear Newsom bring up rural issues in his address.

"For me, to serve my constituents, you build on the things you can find as common ground, the low-hanging fruit, and take those issues and work forward," LaMalfa said. "There's going to be a ton of stuff we'll never agree on that he outlined in his speech today but I have to — to serve my constituents the best I can — find those common ground things and be successful, and we'll work around it."

—Chris Hagan

Newsom’s 2-Year-Old Son, Dutch, Steals The Show At His Dad’s Inauguration

Gov. Gavin Newsom's 2-year-old son, Dutch, made his way onto the stage a few times during his father's inaugural address.Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

While the attention was expected to be on Gavin Newsom and his vision for California during his inaugural address, another Newsom stole the show.

Newsom’s 2-year-old son, Dutch, escaped his mother’s arms and wandered his way onto the stage a few times during the speech, drawing laughs and cheers from the crowd.

Newsom, who’s focused on education throughout his campaign, picked up his son and kept talking.

During the inaugural address, Newsom touched on his commitment to providing support for parents and families.

“My wife Jennifer and I have four children, and there is nothing more important to us than giving them a good and happy life,” he said in his speech. “But all kids – not just the children of a governor and a filmmaker – should have a good life in California…. Not ripped away from their parents at the border…  Not left hungry while politicians seek to pour billions into a wall that should never be built.”

Read a full transcript of the inaugural address as prepared here.

Gavin Newsom Sworn In As Governor Of California

Gavin Newsom takes the oath of office as First Partner Jen Siebel Newsom and their four children stand beside him.Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

Gavin Newsom is officially governor of California. He took the oath of office, administered by California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, just before noon.

Chants of “Gavin!” from the crowd drowned out protesters who were escorted from the ceremony outside the state Capitol.

Newsom’s inaugural address focused on the idea of the California Dream.

“The story of our state is the story of a dream – one that has drawn strivers and seekers here forever,” he said. “It’s what brought my family to California three generations ago – the promise not just of a better life, but a bigger one, with opportunities they couldn’t find anywhere else in the world.”

Those in attendance at the event include San Francisco Mayor London Breed, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, all seen dancing in the crowd of the main event tent.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg dancing in the tent as music played before the ceremony.Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

Also there are former governors Jerry Brown, Gray Davis and Arnold Schwarzenneger.

—Kacey Gardner

Spectators Outside Capitol Drawn To Inauguration For Different Reasons

Yvonne Walker, president of SIEU Local 1000, said she was optimistic about Gavin Newsom's leadership at his inauguration ceremony on Jan. 7, 2019.Vanessa S. Nelson / Capital Public Radio

Many of the people waiting outside the Capitol for today's inauguration are with progressive interest groups and unions supportive of Gavin Newsom.

Yvonne Walker, president SIEU Local 1000, said Jerry Brown was supportive of state workers and expected Newsom to be, as well.

"They're two different guys — both of them phenomenal," Walker said. "I think it's an unfair comparison. It's like what kind of chocolate do you like? It's chocolate. Both of them are great."

John Gore, chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, said Newsom's challenge will be dealing with a powerfully Democratic legislature that will be testing him. Brown has had to be a leader but also hold lawmakers back, Gore said.

He said Newsom will have to do that as well, but Gore thinks he can.

"He's in a place where he has the support of California," he said.

But Chris Ross, 24, was part of a group of about 30 people protesting Newsom.

"The middle class is being taxed out of California," Ross said. "Gavin Newsom plans on raising these taxes to continue breaking the middle class instead of giving us tax breaks and letting us stimulate our own economy."

Chris Ross, 24, pictured left, attended the Gavin Newsom inauguration ceremony in protest.Vanessa S. Nelson / Capital Public Radio

—Sally Schilling

Rain Forces Inauguration Ceremony Into Tents Outside Capitol

Tents were set up outside the Capitol for Gov. Gavin Newsom's inauguration on Jan. 7, 2019.Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

It’s a rainy inauguration day for Gavin Newsom and those attending the ceremony outside the state Capitol building.

Three tents have been erected for guests — only one of which has a direct line of sight to the stage. The side tents only have video boards because all tents are now fully enclosed due to weather.

Guests fill tents outside the state Capitol building for Gavin Newsom's inauguration ceremony on Jan. 7, 2019.Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

The ceremony is set to begin at 11:15 a.m., with the oath of office taking place about noon.

—Kacey Gardner

Newsom's Inauguration Not The Only One Happening In Sacramento Monday

While much attention will be on Gavin Newsom this afternoon as he officially takes over as governor of California, he’s not the only one being sworn in to state office today.

Here’s a list of the other inauguration ceremonies happening throughout Sacramento:

• Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis
• Secretary of State Alex Padilla
• Attorney General Xavier Becerra
• Treasurer Fiona Ma
• Controller Betty Yee
• Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara
• Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond

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PolitiFact California's 'Newsom-Meter' Will Track The Campaign Promises Of California's New Governor

Democrat Gavin Newsom will be sworn in as California’s next governor today. On the campaign trail, he made bold promises about creating universal healthcare and building millions of new homes.

CapRadio’s PolitiFact reporter Chris Nichols will be following those promises and other as part of the ‘Newsom-Meter,’ a project that will track the governor’s top campaign pledges over the next four years.

In all, the project will follow 12 promises and offer regular updates on their progress, or lack thereof. Ultimately, we’ll rate each as ‘Kept’, ‘Broken’ or ‘Compromise.’

You can follow all the of the promises and read more about the project here.

— Chris Nichols

Former Gov. Gray Davis Says Newsom Held Back From Running Against Brown

Former California Gov. Gray Davis said he’s optimistic his fellow Democrat and political ally Gavin Newsom will be a successful governor.

Davis said that for a time Newsom, who will be sworn in as governor today, couldn’t wait for the top job.  

“Several times he was thinking about running against Jerry Brown,” Davis said in an interview on Insight With Beth Ruyak. “And I was trying to tell him I think the world of him and can’t we find a way where you guys aren’t running against each other.

"Happily, I’m sure, many people advised him similarly, Davis said. "So, he spent eight years watching the Brown administration function. He should have all the skill sets and all the experience he needs to be a fantastic governor. Not a good governor, a fantastic governor.”

Davis added that the job requires some luck, such as avoiding a deep recession. He described governing as more art than science.

Listen to the full interview with Davis on Insight today at 9 a.m.

— Chris Nichols

Looking Back On Jerry Brown's Final Term As Governor

It’s the final hours of Jerry Brown’s tenure as California’s longest-serving governor.

Recently we spent time with Brown at his family’s ranch in Colusa County and reflected on his impact on the state.

From the policy decisions he won’t refer to as his “legacy,” to his Latin- and literature-laced “Brown-isms,” you can see all of the stories, interviews, photos and videos here.

— Kacey Gardner

Gov. Jerry Brown stands with his dog in front of his house on his family's land near Williams in Colusa County.Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio