Gov. Jerry Brown, often uncomfortable with protocol-heavy events of the sort that will fill his schedule next week in China, said Thursday he is "excited" about the trade mission – even if a week of banquets and meetings "can be a little bit … it's not, like, exciting."
The third-term Democrat, who leaves California on Monday, is expected to promote carbon-reduction policies and to seek investment in the state. He told reporters at the Capitol that he is open to Chinese investment in public infrastructure, including high-speed rail.
He visited Japan when he was governor before, in 1977, to try to persuade car manufacturers to site a plant in California.
But the larger delegation he will lead to China is "unprecedented," Brown said.
Relationship-building with Chinese officials is significant to the state and its companies, he said, and he predicted the trade mission will help facilitate billions of dollars in investment here.
"At least I'm putting my stake in the ground over there and flying the California flag," he said.
As he showed reporters out of his office, he said again he was looking forward to it.
"These banquets, though," said Brown, who will turn 75 on Sunday. "Oh, boy, that's going to be tough."
– David Siders
CAPITOL WATCH
The Libertarian Party of California, which is holding its convention through Sunday at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento on L Street, is hosting a rally nearby on the Capitol's west steps today from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Longshot gubernatorial candidate Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, R-Twin Peaks, is scheduled to speak at noon.
– Jeremy B. White
WORTH REPEATING
"Just think Solyndra on steroids."
SEN. KEVIN de LEÓN, Los Angeles Democrat, likening Gov. Jerry Brown's plan to spend Proposition 39's green energy funds with the failed, federally subsidized solar plant in Fremont
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