In April, Sacramento daughters enjoyed a VIP tour of the California State Capitol organized by Conservation Chairman Barbara Halpin, and committee member, Sandee Pierce.

Bob Ruffner, Deputy Secretary for Facilities, Senate Rules Committee, showed us details of the building “signatures” left by artisans who had worked there. The historic Governor’s office had a “medfly” on the ceiling memorializing the controversial 1981 medfly program, floor tiles were reversed on one rotunda floor section, and a gargoyle on the Senate Chamber ceiling in place of a leaf.

The Senate Chamber message board read “Welcome to the California State Senate Chambers, Daughters of the American Revolution.” We observed discussion and voting on bills there and then visited the Assembly Chamber to view their procedures. The Senate continues to vote with an oral vote, the Assembly has been voting electronically since the 1930’s!

Vito J. Sgromo, Building Manager at State of California Department of General Services, gave us a more detailed look at the art and architecture which showed more insight into the symbolism of the woodwork and Governor’s portraits.

Finally, daughter Erin Peth, Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary for Governor Brown, showed us the current Governor’s offices and pictures of historic First Ladies of California.

Submitted by: Barbara Leary