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Agenda Item No. 5(E) CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO PROCLAMATION May 2015 is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month WHEREAS, the earliest Asian Americans immigrated to the United States in the 1800s 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, approximately 27 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the nation 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 2015 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 19, 2015 Mark Friedman, Mayor