'Make My Day' Meets 'Hasta La Vista'

In a classic Hollywood showdown that could only happen in California politics, Gov. Schwarzenegger axed actor-director-former Carmel, CA mayor Clint Eastwood from the Parks Commission at the expiration of his term after his 'no-vote' on a toll road.

2 minute read

March 21, 2008, 3:00 PM PDT

By Irvin Dawid


"The governor refused to reappoint his brother-in-law Bobby Shriver and fellow acting icon Clint Eastwood to the State Park and Recreation Commission, where both had served for several years.

The move stunned park advocates and other members of the commission, who said the two men were outspoken champions of the beleaguered state parks system and had disagreed with Schwarzenegger on a project he had championed.

A spokesman for Schwarzenegger said Eastwood and Shriver weren't reappointed because their terms had expired and there was nothing unusual about the decision."

"But more than a few park advocates were skeptical. Shriver was the commission chairman and Eastwood was the vice chairman and they had both recently opposed the governor's plan to build a toll road between Orange County and San Diego that would have cut through San Onofre State Beach." [See related links.].

"Eastwood said there are no hard feelings, especially under the current budget circumstances.

Eastwood, who, like Schwarzenegger, is a Republican and a friend of the governor, said he heard Tuesday that he hadn't been reappointed and nobody explained why."

"When you appoint people to the commission, you appoint people who have a soft spot for the parks, so I would think 99 out of 100 would vote against putting a highway through a state park," Eastwood said.

"It's not a fun time in Sacramento with all the budget issues," Eastwood said. "It was more fun with the girly-man thing."

Thanks to Jim Metropolus

Wednesday, March 19, 2008 in The San Francisco Chronicle

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Street scene in Greenwich Village, New York City with people walking through busy intersection and new WTC tower in background.

Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility

Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.

April 14, 2024 - Todd Litman

Rendering of wildlife crossing over 101 freeway in Los Angeles County.

World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County

Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.

April 15, 2024 - LAist

Empty hallway lined with white tile in subway station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

How Transit Architecture Impacts Real and Perceived Safety

More than a third of Americans believe major transit systems are too unsafe to ride. The built environment can change that.

28 minutes ago - WHYY

Facade of brick multistory apartment buildings in New York City with fire scapes.

New York Passes Housing Package Focused on New Development and Adaptive Reuse

The FY 2025 budget includes a new tax incentive, funding for affordable housing on state land, and support for adaptive reuse and ADUs.

1 hour ago - Governor Kathy Hochul

"No 710" lawn sign on green lawn.

LA Metro Board Approves New 710 Freeway Plan

The newest plan for the 710 corridor claims it will not displace any residents.

April 22 - Streetsblog LA

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.