California’s in Style

There were Dianne, Gavin, Antonio and a few others, but apparently no Linda and beau.

The California State Society’s Presidential Inaugural Luncheon and Fashion Show at the Ritz Carlton Hotel Sunday afternoon attracted several of the state’s big-name politicians but also included a few notable no-shows.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D) walked down the carpeted staircase in a dramatic red cape covering a black pantsuit and multi-colored shoulder scarf. Later, she left the VIP room alongside Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (D) and Reps. Ed Royce (R), Buck McKeon (R), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D) and Loretta Sanchez (D).

However, despite reports she would attend the event, Loretta’s pregnant sister-legislator, Linda, and the father of her child, boyfriend Jim Sullivan, were nowhere to be found when other guests took their seats. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) was also missing at the start of the event, as was the country’s most powerful woman and member of the California delegation, House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D).

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom (D) arrived a little too fashionably late.

The foyer had already cleared out, and the master of ceremonies had just welcomed guests when Newsom casually descended the staircase, flanked by a comely blonde woman. A man met Newsom at the bottom of the stairs, telling the mayor, “They already introduced you.”

— Kris Kitto