The California Governor’s Mansion now reflects $4.1 million in renovations, with Gov. Jerry Brown and his wife moving into a home unlived in since 1967.
A chunk of the funds needed to restore the house came from tax-exempt nonprofit Residence Foundation, which raise about $385,oo0 between 2009 and 2013. But it’s the $155,000 raised last month alone by the California State Protocol Foundation that saw the insurance industry participate.
Both
Farmers Insurance and USAA Insurance are among the donors for the latter initiative, according to statements on file with the secretary of state.
The 15-bedroom home required extensive work was— which for decades has primarily served as a state museum — still needs some new drapes and lots of furnishings.
“More than anything, fixing the electrical and installing the fire sprinklers was the most important part of the work that occurred,” Brian Ferguson with the
California Department of General Services told reporters. “(It was about) making sure it’s a safe place for the governor, his family, for visitors and ultimately for the public."
Still, the renovations have raised eyebrows as well as concerns about lavish spending. Insurance industry donations have helped to preserve the state’s history while highlighting the corporate responsibility of carriers themselves making history.
California is one of a few states that have operated without a permanent governor’s residence. While donations played a key role in the funding the renovations, the sale of a Carmichael mansion built for but never used by then-governor Ronald Reagan footed the moiety of the bill.
