In fact, notes the Oakland Tribune, opponents are hoping about 10,000 demonstrators show up tonight to protest a fund-raiser Schwarzenegger is planning at the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco.

"Schwarzenegger's a non-action hero who is attacking the real action heroes of California," Tim Paulson, executive director of the California Labor Council, told attendees at a Monday evening organizing session. "We're going to make sure he's not welcome in San Francisco."

But, say supporters, those opposing the changes do so at the risk of California's already deficit-laden budget. They argue that dramatic reforms are necessary in order to erase the state's massive debts – the issue on which Schwarzenegger campaigned two years ago and used to unseat incumbent Democratic Gov. Gray Davis.

Some point to plunging poll figures as proof he is taking on too much too quickly. That, say Schwarzenegger backers, is because unions, teachers and other opposition groups are using "scare tactics" to fool Californians into thinking the reform effort is a bad thing.

"Union leaders, who are forcing state and local government into bankruptcy so they can maintain their gold-plated pensions, have been lying to the people of California," Joanne Monaco, a spokeswoman for Citizens to Save California, told the paper.

Aides to Schwarzenegger say he remains committed to his reforms, which he has long said are necessary in order to balance the state's books.

Editor's note: