Nov. 9--Real classy, governor.

It showed class, sensitivity even, to come to Stockton the day lawmakers pass water legislation and brag that the peripheral canal he holds so dear will be built. Not it could be built. Or should be built. But will be built.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was in town to celebrate the opening of Electric Vehicles International, a new company here that builds electric trucks. Locals were on hand to hear a few words about EVI.

Instead, the governor, ebullient from his water victory, came to the heart of the Delta -- where feelings about a peripheral canal run deeper than the ditch he wants to dig -- to rub salt in our wounds.

It was bad enough that lawmakers representing counties surrounding the Delta were cut out of negotiations on the water bills. It was bad enough blurry-eyed lawmakers pushed through the five water bills, passing them in the middle of the night. It was bad enough the lawmakers, with the governor's support, shifted a decision on the canal to an unelected body. But did he have to come here to crow about it?

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