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AGENDA BILL Agenda Item No. 5(C) Date: May 21, 2013 To: El Cerrito City Council From: Mayor Pro Tem Janet Abelson Subject: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month ACTION REQUESTED At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Abelson approve a proclamation proclaiming the month of May 2013 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the City of El Cerrito and inviting everyone to reflect on the notable accomplishments and outstanding services provided by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the Nation, California and the City of El Cerrito. BACKGROUND In 1978 Congress passed a joint Congressional Resolution to commemorate Asian American Heritage Weed during the first week of May. It was chosen because of two important and significant anniversaries that took place during this time: The arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in America on May 7, 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railroad by many Chinese laborers, on May 10, 1869. In 1990 Congress voted to expand the commemoration from one week to an entire month of celebration. In May 2009, President Obama officially proclaimed the month of May as “Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month” in celebration of the culture, traditions, and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. There are 26.7 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in California. This is one of the fastest growing ethnic populations in the state. According to the 2010 census, Asian persons represented 27.2% of El Cerrito’s population. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders contribute many resources that enrich our social, economic and political fabric. Some of the many contributions range from housing and job services, to organizing local and grassroots campaigns for economic and political justice, to serving on boards and commissions for the city, creating wonderful music, dance, art, poetry, theater and film. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been critical to keeping the diverse quality of life that has always been a part of El Cerrito. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS None. Attachment: 1. Proclamation ---PAGE BREAK--- Agenda Item No. 5(C) Attachment 1 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO PROCLAMATION May 2013 is Asian American Month WHEREAS, the earliest Asian Americans immigrated to the United States in the 1800’s and many Asian laborers contributed to the completion of the transcontinental railroad during the 1860s, and in the development of California’s agricultural industry to this day; and WHEREAS, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have played a critical role in the social, economic, and political development of California throughout its history; and WHEREAS, Asian Americans and Pacific Islander immigrants have contributed greatly to California’s economic success, rural growth and urban development; and WHEREAS, Asian Americans and Pacific Islander entrepreneurs have led many of California’s businesses to the pinnacle of their respective industries; and WHEREAS, the 26.7 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in California are one of the fastest growing ethnic populations in the country; and WHEREAS, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders represent 27.2 percent of El Cerrito’s population, representing ancestries throughout Asia; and WHEREAS, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders will continue to be an important part of El Cerrito’s cultural diversity and understanding; and WHEREAS, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a proud legacy of service and dedication to our community, our City, our State and our Country; and WHEREAS, May has become a symbolic month in which Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and supporters come together in various celebrations of culture, traditions and history. NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito hereby proclaims the month of May 2013 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the City of El Cerrito and invites everyone to reflect on the notable accomplishments and outstanding services provided by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the Nation, California and the City of El Cerrito. Dated: May 21, 2013 Gregory B. Lyman, Mayor ---PAGE BREAK--- Agenda Item No. 5(C) Attachment 1