Governor Takes Campaign to Glendale Bakery

Some very surprised diners came face-to-face with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger at Porto's Bakery in Glendale on Wednesday. The stop was to promote his "Protecting The California Dream Tour," part of his campaign for re-election.

"Christmas is our busiest time," said Betty Porto, a member of the Montrose family that owns bakery. "This is like Christmas."

The governor began his campaign visits in northern California in June, he continued to the central and finally the southern parts of the state. His goal is to meet and speak to community members on current issues, Soderlund said.

"Gov. Schwarzenegger continues to talk to real people," said Julie Soderlund, a campaign representative.

Speaking to the governor was not easy as he made his way through the bakery. Most of Porto's customers only had time to asked for autographs and take pictures.

They tried to keep the visit quiet, said Glendale Police Department Officer John Balian. The street parking in front of Porto's, in the 300 block of Brand Boulevard, was blocked off by police. The longer Schwarzenegger was in Glendale the more the word got out and the bigger the supportive crowd grew.

Not everyone was there to support the governor. Members of the California Nurses Association were protesting against many of his policies. They carried signs in support of Proposition 89, the Clean Money and Fair Elections Act. The governor and CNA have been in a battle over Prop 89, which is sponsored by the association. The governor has indicated he is not in support of the proposition.

All the protesters were kept outside while the governor bought croissants and mingled with "real people."

Porto was surprised at how crowded the bakery was. "People pushing and shoving, it's crazy," she said.

She was told only a few days ago that the governor would stop at her bakery. She was excited and honored but a little overwhelmed.