The 14 Most Important Californians

As most high school Social Studies teachers could likely attest, whipping up public interest in matters of history is no small task these days. So when First Lady of California Maria Shriver decided to combat what she saw as a pervasive disinterest among Californians in their state’s past, she pulled out the silver bullet against the MTV generation’s a-historical outlook: the almighty Hall of Fame.

Something about those three words can turn what would otherwise amount to a sleepy stack of encyclopedia entries into a momentous and captivating public event.

Shriver chalks up a lot of the ignorance she encountered to the fact that many Californians migrate here from somewhere else. And whether their point of origin is a foreign country or state “back East,” Shriver says most Californian newcomers retain stronger attachment to the history of their birthplace than that of their adopted state. “And yet the ironic thing is that they move to California because they believe this is the state where dreamers make their dreams come true–where innovators break new ground,” says the First Lady. The plan, then, would be to foster Californians’ interest in the Golden State by showcasing it’s leading legends.

Ronald Reagan

After two terms as Governor of California, Reagan went on to spend eight years in the White House. “Ronnie’s life embodied the California dream,” says is widow, Nancy Reagan.

Walt Disney

The creator of Mickey Mouse and Disneyland, Disney revolutionized the entertainment world in his 43-year career. Disney and his staff won 48 Academy Awards in his lifetime.

César Chávez

A farm worker, labor leader and social activist, Chavez fought tirelessly for the rights of migrant farm workers. His birthday, March 31, is an official holiday in California.

Lucile and David Packard

Founders of Hewlett-Packard, the Packards steered their high-tech venture to global prominence and created a philanthropic foundation to match its multi-billion-dollar success.

John Muir

An icon devoted to preserving the pristine beauty of California, Muir founded the Sierra Club, and with it the modern conservationist movement.

William Randolph Hearst

Born in San Francisco, Hearst became a key figure in the worlds of publishing, politics, entertainment and art. The Hearst family continues to build on his legacy today.

Amelia Earhart

One of the world’s most celebrated aviators, Earhart remains an ironic symbol of the power and perseverance of American women.

Clint Eastwood

Born in San Francisco, Eastwood is one of the most prolific and successful  filmmakers in Hollywood, having directed 24 films (twice winning the Oscar) and starred in 46.

Frank Gehry

On the short list of the world’s most influential architects with projects throughout America, Europe and Asia, Gehry’s CA masterpiece is L.A.’s Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Billie Jean King

A long Beach native, legendary athlete and winner of 37 grand slam tennis titles, King is considered to have made today’s world of professional women’s sports a posibility.

Sally Ride

Born in Los Angeles, Ride is the first American woman to fly in outer space and has dedicated herself to improving science education since her historic Space Shuttle flight in 1983.

David Ho

A leading Aids researcher for more than 24 years, Ho’s discovey of therapies using protease inhibitors has allowed many thousands of HIV patients to live long and healthy lives.

Alice Walker

Activist and social visionary, Walker is the author of six novels, including her Pulitzer prize-winning The Color Purple, and numerous volumes of poetry and essays.