July 1, 2004

Bill Clinton signs memoir in San Jose

Three thousand show up to meet the former president

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

In the midst of a massive Secret Service presence, police officers and bomb-sniffing dogs, the man nearly 3,000 fans had hoped to meet finally emerged, yet only one-third were rewarded with a signature and a brief but satisfying brush with the former president, who signed copies of his memoir, “My Life,” Tuesday night at Barnes & Noble on Stevens Creek Boulevard.

It was the culmination of a long day that started with a signing at Cody’s Books in Berkeley and a fund-raiser in Los Altos. Clinton arrived 15 minutes ahead of schedule and immediately started greeting his fans.

The cost of admission was a $35 copy of his 957 page biography that details his account of his life, both personally and as the nation’s 42nd president.

Many braved the elements since early Monday in an effort to be guaranteed one of the 1,000 wristbands that would grant them passage into the event.

Rick Rivas was the first in line, having traveled from the University of Michigan to stake his claim on the number-one spot at 5:30 a.m.—only to give his copy away.

“It’s a surprise birthday present for my brother Robert, who’s attends San Jose State,” he said. “He’s a big fan of Bill Clinton, so I thought it would be nice to give him the book. But he’s going to owe me big time.”

Ruben Paul Mendez agreed it was worth the wait. “I feel he was the best president we ever had. I really enjoyed the man.”

To pass the time, Mendez counted heads. By nightfall, 981 people had formed a line of tents, umbrellas and lawn chairs that snaked through the parking lot. On Tuesday morning, it had grown to over two thousand—far exceeding the allotted number that would ultimately be allowed in.

Hundreds continued to arrive, surprised to see so many people after the store told them earlier that there would be no camping out allowed. By midday, some had returned their books in protest, disappointed that the wristbands had been given out prior to the scheduled time of 9 a.m.

“Unfortunately we tried to do what we could, but sometimes with these high-profile events, sometimes decisions are made that are out of our control,” said community relations manager Cynthia Bournellis. “I really wish we could have accommodated everybody, but there were other people involved.”

Many, including Victoria Arroyo of Evergreen, knew to plan ahead, as she joined the cue at 8 Monday morning—a move that guaranteed her the 27th smile, handshake, and signature from the former president.

“I think he was the people’s president,” she said. “Clinton is a self-made man. He’s one of us.”

For nearly a week, Arroyo’s car had been packed and ready. “Because it was Bill Clinton, we figured we would have to be here at least 24-48 hours in advance and we drove by every morning and night until the line had formed.”

Almaden’s Janet Camagna, a retired Monroe Middle School history teacher, clad only in a T-shirt and jeans, met Paul Sanders in line Monday afternoon. Both were caught unprepared for the sudden disruption in schedules.

“I was driving by and saw the line and thought I had the night wrong,” Sanders explained. “I had nothing here but a chair.”

“I came with the intention of finding out where the line was going to be,” Camagna added. “They told me if I really wanted my book signed, I should get in that line. If Paul had not gone home and come back with food, water, and blankets, I would have really been feeling the elements.”

By Tuesday afternoon, not only had they become fast friends, Camagna succeeded in convincing Sanders to change political parties and held his spot while he went to register. The two later exchanged phone numbers and talked of plans for a reunion. “We might have an anniversary of this,” she said.

“It was phenomenal,” he exclaimed. “I’ve never camped out for anything before.”

No special treatment was given to Barnes & Noble employees either. Anna Woodall works at the Almaden store and took time off to secure her place in line Monday evening. “I can’t wait,” she said. “This is going to be a gift for someone really special.”

Although barely past the first chapter, Woodall had already established a connection with the former president. “I thought the personal side of it about his father was great,” she explained. “I kind of relate to it because I didn’t really know my father that well either.”

While the police tried to ease traffic snarls and restore order outside, preparations ensued in the store, which, according to Bournellis were “very intensive.” After it ended around 11 p.m., she was pleased with the outcome.

“His people were extremely impressed with the event,” she replied. “They said this was the best signing he’d had so far.”

Already touted as a bestseller, “My Life” sold 400,000 copies nationwide the first day, a huge chunk of the first 1.5 million copy print run released June 22 by Alfred A. Knopf Publishers. For his work, Clinton received a hefty $10 million advance.

He reportedly wrote the entire memoir in longhand on yellow legal pads while in his New York City office and farmhouse in Chappaqua—a fitting preparation for the estimated 500-1,500 books he is expected to sign at each stop on his U.S. tour.

“I’ve already signed 15,000 copies this week,” he said. “Hillary taught me some hand exercises.”
Tuesday, he signed over 1,000 more.