Former California governor and Hollywood superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger made headlines this week for his spontaneous act of filling a large pothole in his Los Angeles neighborhood by himself. (AP News) Tired of waiting for the city to address the issue, Schwarzenegger decided to take matters into his own hands by picking up a shovel and filling the pothole with Quikcrete. (ABC7) He documented the process in a video that he posted on social media. (NBC News)
However, it was later revealed that the pothole was actually a service trench being used by the gas company, and the temporary asphalt covering it was set to be replaced with a permanent surface. (NPR) Despite this, Schwarzenegger remained proud of his actions, calling on his fellow citizens to take action instead of complaining. (USA Today)
This is not the first time Schwarzenegger has demonstrated his commitment to public service. As governor of California from 2003 to 2011, he was known for his focus on environmental issues and advocacy for renewable energy. He also founded the After-School All-Stars program, which provides after-school programs and mentoring to children in low-income areas. (CNN)
Schwarzenegger’s recent act of filling the pothole highlights a larger issue of deteriorating infrastructure in many American cities. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the United States has a backlog of over $2 trillion in infrastructure repairs and upgrades that are needed. (NBC Los Angeles) While Schwarzenegger’s actions may not be a viable long-term solution, they serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing these issues and taking action in our communities. (TODAY)
Overall, Schwarzenegger’s career as both an actor and politician has been marked by his dedication to public service, and this latest incident is just another example of his commitment to improving the lives of those around him. (CBS News)
