Federal Issues
Governor Schwarzenegger’s powers rest solely as chief executive of California government as prescribed in the California Constitution. Therefore, the Governor does not have jurisdiction over federal agencies or policies, such as Social Security or immigration. California’s federal elected officials in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are best suited to assist or answer questions that pertain to the United States federal government.
You can contact Senator Dianne Feinstein by visiting her website at http://feinstein.senate.gov/public. You can also contact Senator Barbara Boxer at her website, which is http://boxer.senate.gov.
You can find contact information for your member of the House of Representatives at http://www.house.gov.
You can obtain forms and information regarding immigration and/or naturalization by visiting the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ website at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis.
To obtain information on U.S. Passports or to check on a pending passport application, you can visit the U.S. Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
To obtain information on Social Security and services rendered by the U.S. Social Security Administration, you can visit their website at http://www.ssa.gov.
Local Issues
Governor Schwarzenegger does not have any jurisdiction over local issues. Your elected representatives of local government are in the best position to assist on issues and/or concerns relating to local government.
For issues pertaining to city government, you should contact your Mayor and City Council members as applicable. For assistance obtaining contact information for your city elected officials, visit the California State website at http://www.ca.gov/About/Government/Local/cities.html
For issues pertaining to school districts, you should contact your elected school board to express your issues and/or concerns. The California School Boards Association’s website can assist you in obtaining your school board’s contact information at http://www.csba.org.
For issues pertaining to county government, you should contact your county’s Board of Supervisors. You can find assistance in obtaining the contact information to your county office and its officers by visiting the California State website at http://www.ca.gov/About/Government/Local/counties.html.
Judicial Issues
The Governor’s office cannot provide legal assistance or advice, nor can the Governor intervene in court cases due to separation of powers as outlined in the California Constitution.
If you seek legal help and cannot afford an attorney, the American Bar Association (ABA) offers resources that can direct you to free legal assistance. You can request information about free legal services from the ABA by calling (800) 285-2221 or by accessing its online resources at www.findlegalhelp.org.
For consumer complaints, you can contact the Office of Attorney General at http://ag.ca.gov.
If you have a complaint against the legal practices of an attorney in the State of California, you can contact the California State Bar by visiting their website at http://www.calbar.ca.gov/state/calbar/calbar_home.jsp.
If you have a concern about the performance of a judge, please contact the State of California Commission of Judicial Performance. You can find contact information and information on filing a complaint on their website at http://cjp.ca.gov/.
How do I invite the Governor to an event?
You can invite Governor Schwarzenegger to an event by submitting a formal request in writing, with at least 30 days advance notice, to the Governor’s scheduling office at:
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
ATTN: Scheduling Office
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
or by fax at 916-558-3160. (new number)
Please be sure to include the date, time and location of the event. Also include information pertaining to the nature of the event and the requested role of the Governor at the event.
How can I get more information about a pardon or other types of executive clemency?
You can find information on the pardon process, eligibility requirements and how to request a pardon or other forms of executive clemency by clicking on the following links:
Application for Clemency and Notice
How can I get a message from the Governor for an event?
To be considered to receive a message from the Governor for an event, please note the following guidelines:
Governor's messages are issued only to current California residents or organizations OR to residents or organizations hosting events in California. Out of state requests will not be considered.
Your request must be postmarked no later than 30 days prior to your requested deadline or event date, whichever comes first. All requests are subject to review and approval, and the Governor's Office reserves the right to deny any request.
Please be sure to include any pertinent information concerning the topic of the message, including, but not limited to:
Name(s) of recipient(s); rank or title; date of event; a short biography or list of accomplishments, honors, awards; duration of service; due date; and your contact information (phone number, mailing address, and email address).
If your request meets these criteria, please mail it to our office at:
Office of the Governor
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
Please note that due to the extraordinary volume of requests and our limited staff size, it is possible that not all requests can be fulfilled, even if they meet the above mentioned guidelines.
How do I get a flag flown over the capitol?
If you are interested in having your California or U.S. flag flown over the Capitol, please mail the flag along with a letter outlining your request to:
Office of the Governor
ATTN: Constituent Affairs
State Capitol
Sacramento, California 95814
The letter should include your contact information and should specify to where you would like the flag returned.
If you do not have a flag but would like to purchase one that has already been flown over the Capitol, contact the Senate Publications and Flags Office at 916-651-1538.