California Legislature Recognizes Museums, Snoopy License Plate to Fund Museums

The California State Legislature unanimously passed a bill yesterday with bipartisan support to recognize the essential role that museums have in the State of California as educational institutions. This overwhelming endorsement complements a program underway to put the beloved beagle Snoopy on California license plates and help fund the state's museums at the same time. In recognition of California Museums Month, Californians are invited to visit www.snoopyplate.com to pre-order their Snoopy license plates and support the vital work of museums in preserving and sharing our State's culture and heritage.

Assembly member Ian Calderon (D-Whittier) introduced ACR 115 California Museums Month, a measure that designates May 2014 as California Museum Month and invites all Californians to recognize and celebrate the vital role museums serve as educational institutions. "California museums play an essential role in our state," stated Assembly member Calderon in a press release. "They are not only the key drivers of tourism, but also an excellent source of educational programs that enhance a student's learning experience." Assembly member Calderon is the Chair of the Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism and Internet Media.

The license plate features a reproduction of an original drawing of Snoopy by Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schulz. Proceeds from sales will establish a competitive grant program to support California's museums, administered by the California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE), a State entity.

In less than four months, over 3,800 Californians have pre-ordered the special interest license plate to support museums which is more than half the number needed to establish the program. The Department of Motor Vehicles will begin issuing the Snoopy license plates upon receipt of 7,500 paid applications.

The Snoopy plate is also an opportunity to commemorate Santa Rosa cartoonist and cultural icon Charles Schulz. Jean Schulz, the widow of Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schulz, the Schulz family, and Peanuts Worldwide are generously allowing access to the original drawing for this special plate.