HomeMy WebLinkAbout20260217 Lunar New YearProclamation
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Mayor Vicki Veenker
LUNAR NEW YEAR 2026
WHEREAS, today we commemorate Lunar New Year and join families in California, Asia, and around the
world in welcoming, for those following the Chinese zodiac, or similar zodiacs in other cultures, the Year of the
Fire Horse on February 17; and
WHEREAS, Lunar New Year, predominantly celebrated by millions of Asian American and Pacific Islander
(AAPI) Californians of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Filipino, Malaysian, Singaporean, and Vietnamese descent,
is a time of joy and renewal; and
WHEREAS, on this special day, families celebrate and prepare for the arrival of a new year of good health
and prosperity. As we look forward to a joyous new year, we proudly reflect on the contributions of AAPI
Californians who built California – from America’s first transcontinental railroad to the farms and small
businesses foundational to our state’s economy; and
WHEREAS, locally in Palo Alto, the Palo Alto Asian American Connection (formerly known as WizChinese)
was founded in 2014 by Palo Alto residents to promote inclusivity, cultivate community, and enrich the
experience of APIs living in Palo Alto. The Palo Alto Asian American Connection empowers AAPIs to get
involved in community and civic life and celebrate their unique, diverse heritages; and
WHEREAS, the Palo Alto Asian American Connection has partnered with the City of Palo Alto, Palo Alto
Weekly, and the Palo Alto PTA Council to host Lunar New Year celebrations at Mitchell Park Community Center
for the past decade, raising tens of thousands of dollars for local schools; and
WHEREAS, the AAPI community in Palo Alto makes up approximately 35-38% of the Palo Alto population
and continues to play a vital role in shaping the cultural, educational, economic, and civic fabric of our city.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Vicki Veenker, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto on behalf of the entire City Council
do hereby recognize and celebrate the Lunar New Year 2026, encourage all residents to join in honoring the rich
traditions and cultural heritage of our Asian American and Pacific Islander community, and extend our best wishes
for a year of health, happiness, prosperity, and renewed hope for all.
PRESENTED: February 22, 2026