The California Museum, Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom have announced the 19th class of the California Hall of Fame, with many of its inductees boasting a strong tie to LA.
Officially enshrined in the hall of fame on March 19, the class spotlights Los Angeles and a cultural and innovative hub. It includes Hollywood icon and Santa Monica native Jamie Lee Curtis, former governor and Brentwood resident Arnold Schwarzenegger, 2028 LA Olympic Games Chief Athletic Officer Janet Evans and America’s. first all-women mariachi ensemble.
“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,” Gov. Newsom said. “Resilient and innovative, these leaders and luminaries represent the best of the California spirit.
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Former chair of the California Democratic Party, John L. Burton is an American public servant and advocate for civil rights, environmental protection and healthcare reform who died in September 2025.
Boasting a five-decade career with an Academy Award-winning performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” Jamie Lee Curtis is an Emmy and Golden Globe winner and best-selling children’s book author.
A systems scientist, cultural historian, attorney and author, Riane Eisler writes about the effort of gender and family. She has transformed the lives of people across the world through her writing, speaking and research.
The Chief Athlete Officer for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, Janet Evans was the first woman to win four individual Olympic gold medals in swimming.
Former chair of the California Democratic Party, John L. Burton is an American public servant and advocate for civil rights, environmental protection and healthcare reform who died in September 2025.
Boasting a five-decade career with an Academy Award-winning performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” Jamie Lee Curtis is an Emmy and Golden Globe winner and best-selling children’s book author.
A systems scientist, cultural historian, attorney and author, Riane Eisler writes about the effort of gender and family. She has transformed the lives of people across the world through her writing, speaking and research.
The Chief Athlete Officer for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, Janet Evans was the first woman to win four individual Olympic gold medals in swimming.
The California Hall of Fame 19th class inductees are:
• John L. Burton: Former chair of the California Democratic Party, Burton is an American public servant and advocate for civil rights, environmental protection and healthcare reform who died in September 2025.
• Jamie Lee Curtis: Boasting a five-decade career with an Academy Award-winning performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” Curtis is an Emmy and Golden Globe winner and best-selling children’s book author. She was born in Santa Monica and has spent her life in LA.
• Riane Eisler: A systems scientist, cultural historian, attorney and author, Eisler writes about the effort of gender and family. She has transformed the lives of people across the world through her writing, speaking and research.
• Janet Evans: The Chief Athlete Officer for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, Evans was the first woman to win four individual Olympic gold medals in swimming.
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Across four Olympic Games, Carl Lewis dominated the sprinting and long jump events in the 1980s and ‘90s, earning nine gold medals.
For over three decades, Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles has been a defining force in the male-dominated genre. They are America’s first all-women mariachi ensemble.
Known simply as “Nobu,” Nobuyuki Matsuhisa is a highly influential chef. His restaurants span five continents, with 40 locations worldwide, including his first in Beverly Hills.
Acclaimed author Terry McMillan wrote successful novels including “Waiting to Exhale” and “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.”
Across four Olympic Games, Carl Lewis dominated the sprinting and long jump events in the 1980s and ‘90s, earning nine gold medals.
For over three decades, Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles has been a defining force in the male-dominated genre. They are America’s first all-women mariachi ensemble.
Known simply as “Nobu,” Nobuyuki Matsuhisa is a highly influential chef. His restaurants span five continents, with 40 locations worldwide, including his first in Beverly Hills.
Acclaimed author Terry McMillan wrote successful novels including “Waiting to Exhale” and “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.”
• Carl Lewis: Across four Olympic Games, Lewis dominated the sprinting and long jump events in the 1980s and ‘90s, earning nine gold medals.
• Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles: For over three decades, Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles has been a defining force in the male-dominated genre. They are America’s first all-women mariachi ensemble. As the name suggested, the ensemble is based in LA.
• Nobuyuki Matsuhisa: Known simply as “Nobu,” Matsuhisa is a highly influential chef. His restaurants span five continents, with 40 locations worldwide, including his first in Beverly Hills.
• Terry McMillan: This acclaimed author wrote successful novels including “Waiting to Exhale” and “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.”
• Arnold Schwarzenegger: Though he spent years in Sacramento as the 38th Governor, Schwarzenegger is a quintessential Angeleno who built his fame in Venice Beach. The world champion bodybuilder, actor, businessman and philanthropist resides in Brentwood.
This year’s class embodies the very best of California — creativity, resilience, and a spirit of community,” First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom said. “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.”
For details on the California Hall of Fame, visit CaliforniaMuseum.org.