‘Bacteria Bear’ statue is relocated to make way for Capitol Annex Project

The bronze bear statue lovingly nicknamed “Bacteria Bear” has moved.

The statue, which has stood outside the California governor’s office since it was purchased by then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2009, was moved Friday to make way for the State Capitol Annex Project construction. It has been relocated to the reception area of the temporary governor’s office in the swing space, according to a statement from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office.

“For many Californians making a trip to the State Capitol, one of the more memorable stops is the Governor’s Office — not to see the Governor but to visit the bronze bear statue that will continue to have a place of pride at our new, temporary office,” Newsom said in a statement.

“State leaders have governed California from the Capitol Annex for nearly seven decades, and as we turn towards the next chapter, we reflect on the storied history of our Capitol and look forward to the work ahead charting California’s path to a brighter future.”

The Department of General Services in 2018 was authorized to pursue the design and construction of the State Capitol’s swing space, which will house the governor’s office, State Senate and the State Assembly while construction is done on the annex project.

The $1.2 billion project will see the demolition of the annex. The project has garnered opposition from critics who say that it will kill several trees in the park surrounding the Capitol and also destroy a building with a lot of history.

Beginning on Nov. 22, Gov. Newsom, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the governor’s staff will begin working from the swing space, according to Newsom’s office.

This story was originally published November 19, 2021 at 12:26 PM.