Sacramento, CA July 7, 2010 – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver today released the names of the 2010 inductees to The California Museum’s California Hall of Fame. In its fifth year, the California Hall of Fame has continued the tradition of honoring legendary people who embody California’s innovative spirit and have made their mark on history.

The 2010 California Hall of Fame inductees are: Governor Edmund G. “Pat” Brown, film-maker James Cameron, Silicon Valley visionary investor John Doerr, father of modern banking A.P. Giannini, country music legend Merle Haggard, author and activist Anne Lamott, former Secretary of State George Shultz, historian Dr. Kevin Starr, businessman and philanthropist Levi Strauss, screen and music icon Barbra Streisand, artist Wayne Thiebaud, comedienne Betty White, tennis champion Serena Williams, and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.

The 2010 inductees join 51 California Hall of Fame inductees who have made great achievements in science, philanthropy, sports, business, entertainment, literature, fitness, technology, activism and politics. The California Hall of Fame highlights the broad range of California interests by honoring trailblazers who have broken barriers in not just one field or talent, but have impacted the world with their overall courage, determination and creativity.

“The California Hall of Fame is a great way to honor amazing Californians whose dedication, determination and courage have helped shape this state,” said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. “What they have accomplished reminds us all that we live in the greatest state, one of opportunity and prosperity. They make me proud to call California home, and proud that they are this year’s inductees.”

“I am so honored to be able to recognize this incredible roster of people who are not only an inspiration to me but to others across California and beyond,” said First Lady Maria Shriver. “They represent the diversity, innovation and creativity that overflows from our amazing state.”

“Eureka! That word best described the California Gold Rush and it best describes the discovery of pure, raw talent that has been mined in California since 1849,” said The California Museum’s Executive Director, Claudia French. “These 14 modern day explorers represent the passion and risk-taking that is quintessential California.”

The California Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at The California Museum in Sacramento. The ceremony will be followed by a reception and unveiling of the new exhibit installation, featuring artifacts and mementos personally loaned by the inductees, their families and organizations, including many items that have never been exhibited before.

All living inductees and family of posthumous inductees are scheduled to participate in the presentation of the Spirit of California medals by the Governor and First Lady.

“California is known for its beauty, diversity and creative community,” said Barbra Streisand. ” It’s respected for its leadership in scientific research, environmental awareness and regulation. But to me, for most of my adult life, California is simply home. Thank you to the State of California for honoring me as an artist and a citizen.”

The California Hall of Fame-inspired Dreamers Challenge, an extension of the institution’s mission to dare young people to dream, was designed to recognize innovative and creative thinking by awarding two $5,000 scholarships to high school seniors who can best illustrate how they would change the world. Unlike other scholarship contests, participants can respond in whatever medium suits their style and talent – painting, poetry, videos, musical creations, essays or Power Point presentations, for example.

Visit The California Museum website, CaliforniaMuseum.org, for more information and to access images and biographies of each of the inductees.

To date, the 2010 California Hall of Fame sponsors include The California Governor and First Lady’s Conference on Women and the California Travel and Tourism Commission.

About The California Museum

The California Museum – home of the California Hall of Fame and California Legacy Trails – engages, educates and enlightens people about California’s rich history and its unique contribution to the world through ideas, innovation, art and culture. Through captivating, interactive and innovative experiences, the Museum seeks to inspire men, women and children to dream the California dream and dare to make their mark on history. Open Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. Noon-5 p.m.; Adults $8.50, Students/Seniors (with valid I.D.) $7, Children 6-13 $6.00; Free for Children 5 and Younger. Parking is free on the weekends. CaliforniaMuseum.org.