Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Why COVID Is Spreading Again This Summer

17 hours ago

Amid Threats From Trump, Sen. Adam Schiff Forms Legal Defense Fund

21 hours ago

Israel to Place $500 Million, US-Funded Order for Boeing Aerial Refueling Tankers

22 hours ago

Hurricane Erin Threatens North Carolina’s Outer Banks With Storm Surge

22 hours ago

Israel Approves Settlement Plan to ‘Erase’ Idea of Palestinian State

22 hours ago

Tech Stocks Pressure Wall Street as Caution Sets in Ahead of Fed Meet

22 hours ago

Most Americans Believe Countries Should Recognize Palestinian State, Reuters/Ipsos Poll Finds

22 hours ago

Gabbard Revokes Security Clearances of 37 Current, Former US Intelligence Members

2 days ago

Trump Escalates Attacks Against the Smithsonian Institution

2 days ago

California Republicans File Suit Seeking to Block Newsom Redistricting Plan

2 days ago
Schwarzenegger, Brown Talk Solar and Robots in Clovis
David Taub Website photo 2024
By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 6 years ago on
December 13, 2019

Share

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s star still shines.
The Hollywood celebrity, former California governor, and WWE Hall of Famer headlined a celebration of solar energy at the Buchanan High School’s CTE amphitheater in Clovis.


Listen to this article:
 


Photo of GV Wire's David Taub
David Taub
Opinion
“The Terminator” shared the stage with his successor, former Gov. Jerry Brown, in an event noting the 1 millionth solar panel installation since the passage of a 2006 law creating incentives. Both got a memento from a coalition of solar and environmental advocates.
Arnold received a giant panel for the millionth installed. Brown received a smaller one, representing one of the first panels made by ARCO in 1978.
The event, in front of hundreds of school kids on a sunny day in the outdoor venue, was an environmental rally. Before, during, and after the event, the kids clamored around the movie star, whose first “Terminator” movie was made before they were even born. Even “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” was made before they were born.
No worries. “Terminator: Dark Fate,” the latest in the franchise, plays at the Clovis 8 on Friday.

Impressed by Robots, Clovis

The two former governors lavished praise on the career technical program at the school, which they toured before the rally.
“I’ve never seen a robot at a school before,” Brown told the audience. “If you can make a robot, you can make a better world.”
Schwarzenegger wondered if his prior movie roles were the inspiration.
“Is this because I played a robot in one of my movies? I don’t know the reason for all these robots all of the sudden!?” Schwarzenegger said.

“When I was governor, I always called the Central Valley the abs of California … because the abs are very important. It’s the center of the body.” — Arnold Schwarzenegger
Brown noted how Clovis has grown since his first term as governor.
“In 1974, Clovis was nothing. Now, you got robots. You got solar energy!” Brown said.
Arnold added: “When I was governor, I always called the Central Valley the abs of California … because the abs are very important. It’s the center of the body.”

Arnold Believes State Must Address Transportation

Speaking after the event, Schwarzenegger called transportation the next big environmental issue.
“This is the only area where California is still not doing a good enough job. I’m not proud of our job … because we are not really in charge ourselves,” he said.
He was referring to the ongoing battle between the state and the Trump administration over mileage standards. Schwarzenegger called for more incentives to buy electric and hydrogen-powered cars. The state could pay for it from cap-and-trade funds, he suggested.

Brown Believes in Solar for Affordable Housing

Starting next year, the state will mandate solar panels on new homes. Meanwhile, the building industry says this may add up to $10,000 to the price of a new home.

“In 1974, Clovis was nothing. Now, you got robots. You got solar energy!” — former Gov. Jerry Brown
Do those goals conflict with the need to build more affordable housing? Brown says no.
“The state has to assist those of low income with the resources necessary. Look, climate change is going to wreak havoc on the lives of poor people. We have to keep going in our solar roofs and renewable energy. You got to get to net-zero carbon emissions. People need help. The government’s got to do it.”

Jerry Brown Humor

Brown appeared to enjoy the event, cracking jokes even as he made serious points.
In fact, when talking about the benefits of high-speed rail, Brown took a shot of his 81-year old self.
“It’s really good for old people like me. We shouldn’t be allowed behind the wheel. Because we get distracted. We’re always thinking about things in the past,” Brown said to laughter.

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

International Rapper Derrick ‘Aesop’ McElroy Who Called Fresno Home Dies at 51

DON'T MISS

Trump Administration to Vet Immigration Applications for ‘Anti-Americanism’

DON'T MISS

Texas Republicans Approve Trump-Backed Congressional Map to Protect Party’s Majority

DON'T MISS

Fresno County Authorities Seek Suspect in Casino Assault

DON'T MISS

Poll: California Dems Favor Newsom Over Harris in 2028 Matchup

DON'T MISS

‘Moral Conflict’ Drives Dem Doubts About Newsom’s Redistricting Plan

DON'T MISS

Fresno Animal Center at Critical Capacity After Receiving Over 100 Dogs

DON'T MISS

Fresno Police Arrest Two SoCal Men in Homicide Investigation

DON'T MISS

Fresno Police Investigating Fatal Stabbing of 31-Year-Old Man

DON'T MISS

Tulare County Sheriff Adds Goshen Teen to Most Wanted List

UP NEXT

Fresno County Authorities Seek Suspect in Casino Assault

UP NEXT

Poll: California Dems Favor Newsom Over Harris in 2028 Matchup

UP NEXT

‘Moral Conflict’ Drives Dem Doubts About Newsom’s Redistricting Plan

UP NEXT

Fresno Animal Center at Critical Capacity After Receiving Over 100 Dogs

UP NEXT

Fresno Police Investigating Fatal Stabbing of 31-Year-Old Man

UP NEXT

Lemoore Union Elementary Reaches Settlement Over Disability Discrimination Allegations

UP NEXT

Wired Wednesday: Why Is Pismo’s Manager in ICE Detention?

UP NEXT

Why COVID Is Spreading Again This Summer

UP NEXT

Visalia Police to Hold DUI Checkpoint on Friday

UP NEXT

What Trump Is Really Up to With the Military Occupation of DC

David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

Fresno County Authorities Seek Suspect in Casino Assault

14 hours ago

Poll: California Dems Favor Newsom Over Harris in 2028 Matchup

15 hours ago

‘Moral Conflict’ Drives Dem Doubts About Newsom’s Redistricting Plan

15 hours ago

Fresno Animal Center at Critical Capacity After Receiving Over 100 Dogs

15 hours ago

Fresno Police Arrest Two SoCal Men in Homicide Investigation

16 hours ago

Fresno Police Investigating Fatal Stabbing of 31-Year-Old Man

16 hours ago

Tulare County Sheriff Adds Goshen Teen to Most Wanted List

17 hours ago

Lemoore Union Elementary Reaches Settlement Over Disability Discrimination Allegations

17 hours ago

Wired Wednesday: Why Is Pismo’s Manager in ICE Detention?

17 hours ago

Why COVID Is Spreading Again This Summer

17 hours ago

International Rapper Derrick ‘Aesop’ McElroy Who Called Fresno Home Dies at 51

When he wasn’t touring Asia, Europe, or across the U.S., Derrick “Aesop” McElroy was busy making a name for himself and fo...

13 hours ago

Derrick 'Aesop' McElroy
13 hours ago

International Rapper Derrick ‘Aesop’ McElroy Who Called Fresno Home Dies at 51

A U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) naturalization ceremony in New York City, U.S., September 17, 2021. (Reuters File)
14 hours ago

Trump Administration to Vet Immigration Applications for ‘Anti-Americanism’

State Representative Matt Morgan (R-TX) holds a map of the new proposed congressional districts in Texas, during a legislative session as Democratic lawmakers, who left the state to deny Republicans the opportunity to redraw the state's 38 congressional districts, begin returning to the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas, U.S. August 20, 2025. (Reuters/Sergio Flores)
14 hours ago

Texas Republicans Approve Trump-Backed Congressional Map to Protect Party’s Majority

Fresno County authorities are searching for Robert Rios, 27, of Auberry, wanted for assault, burglary and drug possession following a June 6 domestic disturbance at Mono Wind Casino. (Fresno County SO)
14 hours ago

Fresno County Authorities Seek Suspect in Casino Assault

15 hours ago

Poll: California Dems Favor Newsom Over Harris in 2028 Matchup

Gov. Gavin Newsom at Election Rigging Response News Conference
15 hours ago

‘Moral Conflict’ Drives Dem Doubts About Newsom’s Redistricting Plan

The Fresno Animal Center is over capacity after taking in more than 100 animals in recent days, leaving dozens of dogs at risk of euthanasia unless the community steps up to adopt or foster, officials said. (Shutterstock)
15 hours ago

Fresno Animal Center at Critical Capacity After Receiving Over 100 Dogs

Fresno police arrested Krishan Kumar (left), 24, and Vishal Vishal, 31, in connection with the July 21 shooting death of Kuvar Kumar. (Fresno PD)
16 hours ago

Fresno Police Arrest Two SoCal Men in Homicide Investigation

Search

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Send this to a friend