Bay Area represented in California Hall of Fame's 15th class of inductees

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KGO) -- Down the street from the State Capital building, some of the most noteworthy Californians were honored Tuesday night.

For the 15th consecutive year, a new class of individuals was inducted into the California Hall of Fame.

"It's just a reminder of how special this state is. Sometimes it's just nice to pause and reflect on what makes this state so special," said Gov. Gavin Newsom.

In total, 11 people were inducted.

A diverse group from up and down the state that are meant to be the embodiments of the very best California has to offer.

MORE: Soccer star Megan Rapinoe testifies before Congress on gender pay gap

"I think being a female athlete, being queer, being gay growing up here. Being such a progressive state, a welcoming state, that's what I see it as," said soccer star, Megan Rapinoe.

While Tuesday night's event honored Californians from all around the state, the Bay Area representation was also undeniable.

Local inductees included San Jose native and ice skating legend Peggy Fleming, as well as San Francisco-based choreographer Alonzo King.

Two inductees have Stanford ties - physicist Steven Chu and astronaut Barbara Morgan.

All of whom say they're humbled by the recognition.

VIDEO: San Francisco's Alonzo King LINES Ballet continues making moves amid pandemic

The art of movement has a way of keeping people going in the literal sense and beyond. Alonzo King LINES Ballet has been dedicated to dance since 1982 and it doesn't plan to stop during the pandemic.

"The fact that it's reverberated across the planet and is acknowledged, it means everything," King said.

While a variety of professions were recognized, one common theme seems to connect them all.

"The sky's the limit here to do what you want to do. It's free, it's beautiful and that's inspiring. Just the nature of California," said Fleming.

The intangible aspects that make us the Golden State, that Governor Newsom says, remain the envy of the rest of the world.

"That's California. The finest universities, more engineers, scientists, more Nobel Laureates, creativity. Eat your heart out Texas and Florida," Newsom said.

If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live