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There was a time when all legislation crossed the desk of Assembly Speaker Willie Brown. There are few politicians, California or elsewhere, who have brought more energy and glamour to their profession. His best selling autobiography is a fun read. The problem is it wasn't long enough. The former Mayor of San Francisco was good enough to meet with California Conversations and let us give our version of a chapter we think he should have included.

He struggled for a long time before he hit pay dirt as an actor. It changed completely when he was cast as a space pirate with a nine-foot monkey as a co-pilot. Harrison Ford has managed to become one of Hollywood's iconic figures with his portrayal of larger than life heroic characters. We met with Harrison at his private hangar to discuss movies and the pleasure of flying airplanes and helicopters.

Kirsten Bloom found the arts when she was very young. She and her sister took ballet classes before Kirsten entered grade school. Her sister quit after a short time. Kirsten stayed. Three decades later, Kirsten remains a prima ballerina who has managed to dance beautiful and innovative programs.

Amy Brown always writes colorful stories for us and this issue is no different. She spends time with Bill Mabie and recalls a time of commitment to making the world better and a frog that managed to take the edge off some rough nights.

The University of California can boast of being perhaps the finest system of higher education in the world. It is only possible because of professors such as the brilliant and enjoyable A. R. Braunmuller. We spent time at UCLA visiting with California's renowned Renaissance scholar and while we might not be smarter for the effort, we are more knowledgeable and he was very interesting company.

Assemblywoman Patty Berg represents the First Assembly District and has charted a distinctive course in the Legislature as a national voice on the treatment of seniors and as the Chair of the Women's Caucus. It might not be more important than her lifetime of accomplished public service, but it is worth noting that California Conversations agrees with those who say Patty is also the best-dressed person in the Capitol.

Carla Din was talking green when the rest of the world was still marveling at the size of the next SUV being delivered. We were able to chat with Carla. We are also lucky enough to have another portrait taken of California by Ralph Heim, the art of Terry Flanigan, and an opinion from the insightful Juan Fernandez.

Oh, we also have our movie buffs weighing in on the ten most underrated scenes to have made the big screen in the past forty years...hope you enjoy the magazine.