Sacramento Bee executive editor Rick Rodriguez introduces Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at the California Theatre in San Jose. Latino Reporter/Joey Anchondo

By Ana Ley

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger touched on some of his signature issues – including immigration and the environment – in an appearance before hundreds of journalists at the California Theater in San Jose Wednesday night.

A panel of journalists peppered the governor with questions at an informal chat that was part of the National Association for Hispanic Journalists convention.

One issue that drew attention was Schwarzenegger’s comment on the need for immigrants to turn away from Spanish-language media in order to better assimilate in this country.

“You have to turn off the Spanish television set,” the governor said. “I know this sounds odd, it’s not the politically correct thing to say, and I’m getting myself into trouble. But I know that when I came to this country, I did not or very rarely spoke German anymore.”

His comments raised the ire of some in the audience.

“Hello, you’re at a convention with Spanish-language media,” said University of Texas-El Paso student Fernanda Camarena, adding that the message seemed contradictory to the message of the convention.

Others said his comments reinforced the perception of him as a moderate Republican.

“He’s compassionate about immigration, but he’s no-nonsense about it,” said Gustavo Arellano, a staff writer at the Orange County Weekly. “You can’t peg him.”

Schwarzenegger is credited with raising the state minimum wage and flexing his muscle on global warming issues. Some critics say he spends too much money and is too lenient on immigration issues.

Before tackling politics, Schwarzenegger was a businessman and “famous bodybuilder and a Hollywood action hero,” according to a biography on his office’s Web site.