“What do you think of Arnold’s bear?” asked Marie as she sipped some coffee.

“You mean the bronze grizzly bear the governor bought and placed in front of the governor’s office?” asked Cal.

“Yes. The one he brought back from Aspen.”

“I think lobbyists will rub its nose shiny in hopes of getting their bills signed,” said Cal. “It’s already a must see when touring the capitol. I hear people are talking pictures standing beside it.”

“They better take them fast,” said Grady, “cause the bear won’t be around forever.”

“What do you mean?” asked Marie.

“The governor didn’t pay for it with state funds. He bought it himself, so when his term ends he could take it with him.”

“That would be a shame,” Marie said sadly, already fond of the bronze grizzly.

Grady said, “Wonder what will replace it. The governor started a new tradition so the next governor will probably follow with a statue that reflects his or her personality.”

“Like what?” asked Marie.

“Like Meg Whitman might put up a statue of a horse.”

“Borrowed,” said Grady.

“And Jerry Brown might have a statue of the California satellite he wanted to launch thirty-five years ago.”

“You’ll have to explain that one to me, I wasn’t around then,” said Marie.

“Never mind,” said Cal. “Let’s keep everything up-to-date. That means Gavin Newsom. If he becomes governor what would his statue be?”

Marie responded, “From what I read in an L.A. Times article, his statue should be a bottle of hair gel.”

“Whether he likes it or not,” said Grady.