Low-Key Inauguration Planned for Davis’ Second Term

With Californians bracing for a grim year of higher taxes and severe cuts in state spending, Gov. Gray Davis is scaling down inaugural celebrations marking the start of his second term Jan. 6.

The dilemma for Davis: how to reward supporters with the expected celebratory spoils without projecting a “let them eat cake” attitude toward Californians facing painful budget cuts, one advisor said.

Davis and his aides say the leaner festivities will reflect the subdued tenor of the times. They will spend less than $1 million on four official functions, all paid for from private donations -- compared with $3.7 million lavished on 13 events when the Democratic governor took office four years ago.

“It’s a low-key inaugural,” said Gabriel Sanchez, spokesman for the Davis inaugural committee.

“The governor recognizes the situation California is in. He wanted to do events that were dignified but appropriate and respectful of the times.”

With most states facing severe budget shortfalls, many governors across the country are taking a similarly austere approach to their inaugurals. But even less prosperous Alabama is planning to spend between $750,000 and $1 million to celebrate the election of Republican Bob Riley as governor.

Davis is going further than some of his counterparts by scrapping plans for the traditional inaugural ball in favor of a casual “Celebrate California” party at the Sacramento Convention Center. Other events from the first Davis inaugural have also been shelved, including a black-tie gala and a rock ‘n’ roll ball.

True to his self-described centrist tendencies, Davis paid tribute to the political right and the left with his choices for inaugural co-hosts: the California Chamber of Commerce and the California Labor Federation. Uniting these longtime political protagonists in a common cause underscores the inaugural’s theme of “bringing Californians together,” Sanchez said.

The official inaugural schedule begins Saturday with a “Day of Service” in Southern California. About 9 a.m., Davis, other elected officials and more than 100 volunteers will gather at the Banning Park Childcare Facility in Wilmington to restore a mural, plant greenery and perform other chores.

The next stop for the governor and other participants will be Century Villages at Cabrillo in Long Beach, a transitional housing facility for homeless veterans and others. The group is supposed to pick up trash, refurbish a basketball court, plant trees and perform other acts of service.

Next Sunday, Davis will attend Mass with his wife and other members of his extended family, probably in Sacramento, Sanchez said.

Davis will be sworn in at noon the following day at Sacramento’s Memorial Auditorium. California Chief Justice Ronald George will administer the oath of office.

Afterward, Davis will have lunch with the corporate and individual donors -- about 70 people -- who are picking up the tab for the inaugural events, to “thank them for their support,” Sanchez said.

The final event will be the casual-dress “Celebrate California” party that evening at the Sacramento Convention Center for invited guests only. Tickets cost $15, compared with admission prices of $25 to $125 for events celebrating Davis’ first inaugural.

“What the governor wanted was for the party to be less formal,” Sanchez said. “It’s not a ball. Top hats are not required and are not encouraged.”

The inaugural committee is raising about $1 million to cover the costs of the celebrations, with donors choosing from three levels of sponsorship: $50,000 for platinum status; $25,000 for gold status and $10,000 for silver.

Funding inaugurals from corporate and private donations is common practice in California and other states.

Some critics suggest it is crass to hold even subdued celebrations when the state is facing a projected budget shortfall of nearly $35 billion. But Davis defenders say the celebrations are the trappings of democracy.

“It’s a time for Californians to celebrate,” said Assembly Speaker Herb Wesson (D-Culver City). “It’s a time for Californians to be proud.”