Yes, Moonbeam Jerry, governors do have legacies. Here’s why

Christopher Caledago’s article in the Jan. 25 Bee, quotes current Gov. Jerry Brown, commenting to his father, “Governors don’t have legacies.” Those of us who are left of the 1940s and 1950s remember that Gov. Edmund G. “Pat” Brown’s legacy was an affordable college education at the University of California’s two campuses.

During the 1940s, tuition was $28 a semester ($38 in the 50s). On the trimester system, one could graduate in three years. Tuition was less than books and lab fees. If you couldn’t afford books, the library would check them out for study sessions in the library.

Our Gov. Earl Warren was appointed to the Supreme Court, and is well remembered for his work there.

Let’s not forget when the state’s mental hospitals were closed by then Gov. Ronald Reagan, which was the beginning of the homeless problem we are facing today, with inadequate services and housing for the mentally ill.

Moonbeam Jerry’s remembrance may be pie-in-the-sky.

This story was originally published January 26, 2018 at 12:29 PM with the headline "Yes, Moonbeam Jerry, governors do have legacies. Here’s why."