Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

West Bank Town Becomes ‘Big Prison’ as Israel Fences It In

2 days ago

Trump Says He’s Willing to Let Migrant Farm Laborers Stay in US

3 days ago

US Electric Vehicle Tax Breaks Will Expire on Sept. 30

3 days ago

Eyeing Arctic Dominance, Trump Bill Earmarks $8.6 Billion for US Coast Guard Icebreakers

3 days ago

Trump’s Sweeping Tax-Cut and Spending Bill Wins Congressional Approval

3 days ago

Americans Celebrate Their Independence With Record-Breaking Travel Numbers

3 days ago

US Supreme Court to Decide Legality of Transgender School Sports Bans

4 days ago

Nvidia Set to Become the World’s Most Valuable Company in History

4 days ago

Poll: 41% in US ‘Extremely Proud’ to Be American, Near Historic Low

4 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

How Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Will Make China Great Again

DON'T MISS

What’s Caitlin Clark Worth to the WNBA? A Lot More Than Her $78,066 Salary.

DON'T MISS

Trump to Sign Tax-Cut and Spending Bill in July 4 Ceremony

DON'T MISS

Madre Fire Spurs Evacuations Across 3 Counties, Grows to More Than 70,000 Acres

DON'T MISS

Clovis, Sanger, Madera, and Bass Lake Will Light the Sky With Fireworks Shows Tonight

DON'T MISS

Oil Dips Ahead of Expected OPEC+ Output Increase

DON'T MISS

613 Killed at Gaza Aid Distribution Sites, Near Humanitarian Covoys, Says UN

DON'T MISS

Fresno County Authorities Investigating Suspicious Death of Transient Man

DON'T MISS

West Bank Town Becomes ‘Big Prison’ as Israel Fences It In

DON'T MISS

Israeli Military Kills 20 in Gaza as Trump Awaits Hamas Reply to Truce Proposal

UP NEXT

Madre Fire Spurs Evacuations Across 3 Counties, Grows to More Than 70,000 Acres

UP NEXT

Clovis, Sanger, Madera, and Bass Lake Will Light the Sky With Fireworks Shows Tonight

UP NEXT

Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Rachelle Maria Blanco

UP NEXT

Fresno Police to Conduct DUI Checkpoint on Fourth of July, Boost Holiday Patrols

UP NEXT

July 4th Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of the Founding Fathers

UP NEXT

Fresno Crash Involving Unlicensed Teen Driver Sends Woman to Hospital

UP NEXT

Madre Fire Burns More Than 52,000 Acres in San Luis Obispo County

UP NEXT

RIP John Harris: Fresno County Rancher, Racehorse Breeder Was a Visionary Leader Who Leaves a ‘Profound Legacy’

UP NEXT

Valadao, Costa Spar on What Passage of Trump’s Bill Means for Medicaid Recipients

UP NEXT

Kaweah Health Names Its New Chief Nurse. She’s From Texas

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

Trump Calls Musk’s Formation of New Party “Ridiculous” and Confusing

5 hours ago

Fresno DUI Driver Slams Into CHP Motorcycle, Tow Truck on Highway 99

11 hours ago

Russia Downs 120 Ukrainian Drones Overnight, Defense Ministry Says

12 hours ago

Israel Sends Delegation to Qatar for Gaza Talks Ahead of Netanyahu Trip to US

12 hours ago

San Luis Obispo’s Madre Fire Grows to Nearly 80,000 Acres, 30% Contained

12 hours ago

Musk Announces Forming of ‘America Party’ in Further Break From Trump

12 hours ago

Death Toll From Texas Floods Reaches 59, Including 21 Children

12 hours ago

California’s Politics Drifts Right While New York’s Leans Left

12 hours ago

How Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Will Make China Great Again

2 days ago

What’s Caitlin Clark Worth to the WNBA? A Lot More Than Her $78,066 Salary.

2 days ago

TikTok Building New Version of App Ahead of Expected US Sale, the Information Reports

TikTok is building a new version of its app for users in the United States ahead of a planned sale of the app to a group of investors, The I...

5 hours ago

A logo is displayed over a door at the U.S. headquarters of the social media company TikTok in Culver City, California, U.S. January 17, 2025. (Reuters File)
5 hours ago

TikTok Building New Version of App Ahead of Expected US Sale, the Information Reports

Boxes of aid are stacked as Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said it has commenced operations to begin distribution of aid, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, May 26, 2025. (Reuters File)
5 hours ago

Hamas Government Office Rejects US Accusation of Involvement in Gaza Aid Site Attack

A volunteer searches for flood victims after deadly flooding in Kerr County, Texas, U.S., July 6, 2025. REUTERS/Sergio Flores
5 hours ago

Death Toll From Texas Floods Reaches 78, Trump Plans Visit

Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk listens as US President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with House Republicans at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Washington, DC, U.S. on November 13, 2024. (Reuters File)
5 hours ago

Trump Calls Musk’s Formation of New Party “Ridiculous” and Confusing

A 22-year-old suspected DUI driver crashed into a parked CHP motorcycle and tow truck on Highway 99 near Fresno, narrowly missing an officer and bystanders, CHP said Saturday, July 5, 2025. (CHP)
11 hours ago

Fresno DUI Driver Slams Into CHP Motorcycle, Tow Truck on Highway 99

A service member of a drone unit of the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo of the Ukrainian Armed Forces controls a heavy combat drone while it flies over positions of Russian troops, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk Region, Ukraine June 12, 2025. (Reuters File)
12 hours ago

Russia Downs 120 Ukrainian Drones Overnight, Defense Ministry Says

An Israeli tank maneuvers in Gaza, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, July 6, 2025. (Reuters/Amir Cohen)
12 hours ago

Israel Sends Delegation to Qatar for Gaza Talks Ahead of Netanyahu Trip to US

The Madre Fire near New Cuyama has burned nearly 80,000 acres as of Sunday, July 6, 2025, morning, prompting widespread evacuation orders and warnings across three counties. (CalFire)
12 hours ago

San Luis Obispo’s Madre Fire Grows to Nearly 80,000 Acres, 30% Contained

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

Search

Send this to a friend