But George Deukmejian's rule as governor from 1983-1991 ushered in a reign of austerity in public spending in the state that was more than matched by the reactionary Reagan regime in Washington, D.C.
The Medi-Cal budget was slashed. Immigrants were targeted as "enemies." The AIDS epidemic struck disease and death into our once-happy communities.
President Ronald Reagan, legitimating homophobia, wouldn't say the word. A generation of wonderful vibrant young gay men was dropping like flies.