Governor Pumps Up Crowd at O.C. Fair

By Susan Anasagasti

July 31, 2004 12 AM PT

Times Staff Writer

For Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, working a crowd must seem as natural as breathing. He has been doing it since his days trying to impress judges as a world-class bodybuilder, then as an international movie star and now as California governor.

Fueled by what usually are admiring crowds, the governor has traveled to shopping malls, food courts and restaurants to urge voters to pressure state legislators to pass his budget.

He visited another out-of-the-way spot Friday, this time the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa. Schwarzenegger strolled onto the Heritage Stage to the tune of “Takin’ Care of Business” and rallied a crowd of 3,000.

But rather than exhorting the crowd to back one of his proposals, the governor said he was there to celebrate his 57th birthday and the passing of the state budget.

“Man, I’ve never had a birthday celebration like this before,” Schwarzenegger said to his fans, who spontaneously began to sing “Happy Birthday.” “I love being with the people.”

Many fairgoers were surprised by his visit.

“I can’t believe he’s here,” said Orange resident Mike Turner. “After all, it’s not every day that people get the chance to see the governor addressing everyday people at a county fair.”

After his rowdy reception, the governor took a turn at applauding the crowd.

“The legislators say to me, ‘You’re supposed to be here in the Capitol,’ but the action is with the people and you have the ultimate power,” he said. “I’m not talking about my accomplishments. I’m talking about yours. You helped me.”

Andy Gonzalez of Norwalk, who was at the fair with his wife, Rose, was amazed by Schwarzenegger’s birthday visit.

“He looks like the type of governor who is willing to try anything,” Gonzalez said.

The governor cited special interests as the reason state legislators took so long to approve his $105.3-billion budget.

“Hasta la vista, baby, with the special interest,” he said. “I’m the outside intervention and I’m proud of you.”

Janice Harrison of Fountain Valley spotted a poster Friday of the governor at the main entrance gate of the fair.

“I was pleasantly surprised. He goes out of his way to come to these places,” she said. “That attitude makes me more of a supporter.”

Costa Mesa resident Shirley Young returned to the fair just to see the governor. She had been at the fair Thursday with her children, but when she checked her telephone messages, there was one from the governor inviting her to the event.

“I got a message from Arnold himself,” she said. “It was a recorded message, but I definitely listened and I wouldn’t have missed this opportunity.”

Large crowds gathered at the Heritage Stage two hours before the governor spoke. Wearing a red gingham hat and a white T-shirt with an American flag, Marcy Stellar said it was worth the wait.

“He’s a self-made man,” said 84-year-old Stellar. “And he is proof of the American dream.”