January 25, 2020 - SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a proclamation declaring today, (Saturday) January 25, 2020, as “Lunar New Year” in the State of California.The text of the proclamation is below:

PROCLAMATION

Today we commemorate Lunar New Year and join families in California, Asia and around the world in welcoming the Year of the Rat.

Lunar New Year, predominantly celebrated by millions of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Californians of Chinese, Korean, Singaporean and Vietnamese descent, is a time of joy and renewal. On this special day, families gather to celebrate and prepare for the arrival of a new year of good health and prosperity. Across the state, parades, community events and family meals illustrate the rich cultural history and diversity that define California.

As we look forward to a joyous new year, we proudly reflect on the contributions of API Californians who literally built California – from America’s first transcontinental railroad to the farms and small businesses foundational to our state’s economy. We also recognize that discriminatory laws, xenophobic policies and mistreatment suffered by API Californians are a blight on our state’s history.

Today, in rejecting past prejudice and embracing inclusion, let us join our API friends and neighbors in celebration. We also encourage California schools to take time to educate our students about the traditions of Lunar New Year and the past and present contributions of the API community in our state.

As the door to the Year of the Rat opens, we wish good fortune, health and happiness to all those who celebrate.

NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim January 25, 2020, as “Lunar New Year.”

GAVIN NEWSOM

Governor of California

ATTEST:

ALEX PADILLA

Secretary of State



Source: Office of the Governor