Nov. 4 Special Election: California acts to prevent voter intimidation

CalMatters

Federal and state election monitors will be present at some of California voting sites.

With the Special Election just days away, California Attorney General Rob Bonta  and Gov. Gavin Newsom held a virtual press conference to announce that the state will monitor the federal monitors sent by Donald Trump for the Nov. 4 election day.

Trump's weaponized Department of Justice will deploy election monitors to five California counties on Election Day, the department announced a week ago, in what it describes as an effort to “ensure transparency, ballot security, and compliance with federal law.”

While it is not uncommon to have monitors at the polls, Trump's order is seen by state officials as an an attempt to suppress voting by voters of color through intimidation after the GOP-controlled Supreme Court approved racial profiling by federal agents, including agents from ICE and the Border Patrol.

“Our election laws provide the backbone for a free and fair election, and as California’s top law enforcement officer, I will do everything in my power to protect your right to vote," said Bonta at a press conference.

Attorney General Bonta, a son of immigrant parents from the Philippines, enforces California’s election laws to ensure free and fair elections. In the lead up to the election and on Election Day, the California Department of Justice will be on call to provide assistance to the Secretary of State’s Office in enforcing California’s election laws, as needed, through a team of attorneys and administrative staff located across the state.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Atty General Rob Bonta assure no interference from
federal monitors during the November 4 Special Election.

Arrests of Asians by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have tripled compared to 2024, according to a study by UCLA.

“Voting is one of our most powerful tools for creating change. Thanks to its voters, its leaders, and the work of many organizations, California has become a national leader in making voting more accessible, more convenient, and more inclusive for everyone,” said Shilpi Agarwal, Legal Director at ACLU Northern California. “But rights cannot stand on their own — we must defend and exercise them. And we can do just that by voting — and voting early — in upcoming special election.”

“CAUSE’s 'Together We Vote' programming shows that civic participation can be creative, fun, and community-driven,” said Nancy Yap, Executive Director of the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE). “Together takes many forms — whether you join us at a community event, drop your ballot in an official drop box, or vote early at a local vote center, every act of voting connects us and strengthens our collective voice.”

The California Voter Bill of Rights is printed in 23 different Asian languages. It is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese, Arabic, Armenian, Bengali, Burmese, Gujarati, Hmong, Ilocano, Indonesian, Laotian, Mien, Mongolian, Nepali, Persian, Punjabi, Syriac, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.

Proposition 50

There is only one issue to vote on Nov. 4: Proposition 50. The measure is in response to Texas legislation redrawing five Democratic-leaning Congressional districts to include more Republican voters as ordered by Trump, who wants to retain the GOP majority in the US House of Representatives. The Texas Governor has already signed the order gerrymandering those districts.

In retaliation, California Governor Gavin Newsom, is targeting five Republican Congressional districts to favor Democrats.

The big difference between the two actions is that California voters will decide whether or not the districts can be redrawn; whereas in Texas, the state legislature and governor rammed it down the throats of the voters, who have no say in the gerrymandering.

The request for federal watchdogs came from the California Republican Party, the Associated Press reports.

A "Yes" vote approves the temporary measure allowing the redistricting. Polls indicate that the proposition will pass in the heavily Democratic state. However, the Republican a long-shot strategy, with no hope of winning the majority in a fair election, is to limit Democratic-inclined voters from casting their ballots.

Voter intimidation

California Democrats immediately denounced the presence of DOJ monitors as a weaponization of the Justice Department against the state’s voters.

Latino American voters are particularly vulnerable to intimidation with ICE and the  Border Patrol arresting, detaining and deporting anyone who looks like an immigrant, even if they are here legally. Media reports have found that at least 170 US citizens have been detained or arrested by poorly trained federal agents.

FYI: The Secretary of State’s Office issued an updated memorandum concerning voter intimidation explaining, in part, that:

• It is a felony for any person to possess a firearm at a voting location or in the immediate vicinity of a voting location.
• It is illegal for any uniformed peace officer, private guard, or security personnel or any person who is wearing a uniform of a peace officer, guard, or security personnel to be stationed at or in the immediate vicinity of a voting location.
• Shirts, hats, or other displays that indicate a person is with "Election Security" or "Ballot Security" or apparel or accessories with any semblance of a logo or display that might be confused with any private guard or security company or government agency are prohibited. This includes observers and anyone who is not there to vote. 

While the majority of California's voters cast their ballots by mail, in the past, most Latino Americans preferred to vote in person as an expression of their patriotism, according to a survey by Latino Community Foundation. The presence of federal watchdogs might dissuade voters at the polls on election day.

However, the survey also found that two-thirds of the Latino voters surveyed said they were at least somewhat worried that ICE or Border Patrol agents could show up at polling places.

State Sen. Anna Caballero, a Democrat representing Merced, a city in one of the targeted districts, told CalMatters that US citizens told her they’re afraid to go outside, especially when there have been reports of ICE sightings in the region.

ICE said that there are no plans to have their agents at polling sites. However, the spokesperson said that if agents are monitoring a suspect and that person goes to the polls, agents can make an arrest at the voting site.

“They’re not going to be allowed to interfere in ways that the law prohibits,” Bonta, a Democrat, told reporters during the virtual news conference. “We cannot be naive. The Republican Party asked for the US DOJ to come in.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

California makes Diwali a state holiday

During the Diwali celebration, people light rows of clay oil lamps (diyas) to celebrate the inner light and
guard against spiritual darkness. 

California Governor Gavin Newsom just signed a bill, AB 268, making Diwali a statewide holiday. The bill got signed on Oct. 6 and it goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. This is a big deal, folks.

For years, many members the Indian American and broader South Asian community have been celebrating Diwali as best they could. Family and friends gathered together for a party, light some diyas, and make some rangoli, but it was all done after work or on the weekend. It was a cultural and spiritual celebration that was isolated from the rest of their lives at school or work. But not anymore.

Indian American Assemblymembers Ash Kalra (San Jose) and Dr. Darshana Patel (San Diego) co-authored this bill, and it’s a testament to the fact thatSouth Asian voices matter and that they're a recognized part of California's vibrant tapestry.

"Diwali brings communities together with the message of goodwill, peace, and shared sense of renewal. California should embrace Diwali and its diversity, not keep it hidden in darkness," said Kaira.

California is the third state to declare Diwali a state holiday, following Pennsylvania and Connecticut. Some other states, like New York and New Jersey, have specific school districts that observe Diwali as a holiday, and Texas also recognizes it.

While Diwali is a major Hindu festival, the legislation acknowledges that it is also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists.

According to a 2025 Pew survey, 960,000 out of the nation's Indian population of 4.9 million — or 20% — live in California.

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Light, will be celebrated Oct. 20 this year.

Next year, state employees have the option to get a paid day off, and public schools and community colleges can choose to close down. Think about that for a second. For the next generation, South Asian American kids won't have to choose between going to school and celebrating with their families. They can proudly share their traditions with everyone, and that's a beautiful thing.

This isn't just about a day off; it's a statement about our community's place in the Golden State, from Silicon Valley to Sacramento. This is about inclusivity, about recognizing hope over despair, and light over darkness. It's a win for all of us.

Lobbying for the bill was L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn, whose supervisorial istrict includes Artesia, home to the “Little India” and also includes the city of Norwalk where Radha Krishna temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples west of the Mississippi River, is located.

“Diwali is significant for thousands of families across L.A. County, and I think it’s important for government to recognize that. I’m proud to have led our County in doing that for our Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities,” Hahn said in a press release. “And now more than ever, we can find comfort and hope in the defining message of Diwali: Light will triumph over darkness and good will triumph over evil.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

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L.A. protests: “Donald Trump is creating fear and terror," says governor

National Guard soldiers were ordered to 

The heavy-handed tactics used by federal immigration authorities has sparked angry  protests and a lawsuit against Donald Trump and his questionable use of the California National Guard that appears to be escalating the tension and anger in Los Angeles.

Trump's use of the National Guard to quell protests against tactics used by federal immigration agents in Los Angeles has California's Filipino American Attorney General Rob Bonta filing his 24th lawsuit against Donald Trump and his administration

Bonta and California Governor Gavin Newsom are suing Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth in response to their orders seeking to federalize the California National Guard for 60 days under 10 U.S.C. § 12406.

 In the early hours of Sunday morning, the US Department of Defense, at the direction of Donald Trump, redirected hundreds of National Guard troops from San Diego to Los Angeles, without authorization from the Governor and against the wishes of local law enforcement. In total, the Department intends to deploy 2,000 troops from across the state, an inflammatory escalation unsupported by conditions on the ground. 

Lawsuit filed against Trump

In the lawsuit filed Tuesday, Bonta and Newsom asks the court to hold unlawful and set aside the Trump’s order federalizing the National Guard by way of a rarely used law, arguing that such action exceeds the federal government’s authority under the law and violates the Tenth Amendment.

“President Trump’s order calling federalized National Guard troops into Los Angeles – over the objections of the Governor and local law enforcement – is unnecessary and counterproductive. It’s also deeply unfair to the members of the National Guard who are hard at work every day protecting our state, preparing for and responding to emergencies, and training so that, if called, they can fight our nation’s wars,” says  Bonta. 

        RELATED: California challenges Trump's tarriffs

“Let me be clear: There is no invasion. There is no rebellion. The President is trying to manufacture chaos and crisis on the ground for his own political ends," says Bonta. "Federalizing the California National Guard is an abuse of the President’s authority under the law – and not one we take lightly. We’re asking a court to put a stop to the unlawful, unprecedented order.”

“Donald Trump is creating fear and terror by failing to adhere to the US Constitution and overstepping his authority. This is a manufactured crisis to allow him to take over a state militia, damaging the very foundation of our republic,” says Newsom. 

On Friday and Saturday, June 6 and 7, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted multiple immigration raids in downtown Los Angeles; at a Home Depot and at apparel manufacturers Around 3 p.m. Friday. Crowds began gathering in shouting at the federal agents and trying to stop the federal agents' vehicles.

These raids were met with multiple protests. 

Following threats to send in the National Guard from several Trump Administration officials, on the evening of June 7, Trump issued a formal memorandum entitled “Department of Defense Security for the Protection of Department of Homeland Security Functions,” purporting to authorize the Department of Defense to call up 2,000 California National Guard personnel into federal service for a period of 60 days. 

In implementing this directive, the Department of Defense circumvented authorization from the Governor and began deploying National Guard troops to Los Angeles over the objections of local law enforcement actively on the ground. Notably, by the time the National Guard arrived Sunday morning, the protests had dissipated and streets were quiet, but soon after the National Guard arrived, tensions reignited, leading to the very sort of unrest the National Guard was supposedly sent in to quell. 

Concerningly, Trump has already made clear his intention to expand the use of these National Guard troops to conduct interior civil immigration enforcement activities normally conducted by civil immigration law enforcement officers, creating fear and terror in California communities.

Trump’s unprecedented order attempts to usurp state authority and resources via 10 U.S.C. § 12406, a statute that has been invoked on its own only once before in modern history and for highly unusual circumstances — when President Richard Nixon called upon the National Guard to deliver the mail during the 1970 Postal Service Strike. This is also the first time since 1965 — when President Johnson sent troops to Alabama to protect civil rights demonstrators — that a president has activated a state’s National Guard without a request from the state’s governor. 

In this case, Newsom did not request that the state’s National Guard be federalized, as local authorities were managing the situation on the ground, and openly expressed concern that bringing in the National Guard could inflame the situation. After the President plowed ahead with his order, the Governor sent a letter to Secretary Hegseth requesting that the Department of Defense rescind its unlawful deployment of troops in the state and return them to his command.

In the lawsuit filed Tuesday, Bonta and Newsom asks the court to hold that Trump's and Department of Defense’s orders federalizing the California National Guard are unlawful, arguing that:The federalization of the California National Guard deprives California of resources to protect itself and its citizens, and of critical responders in the event of a state emergency.

Newsom had filed an emergency motion with the courts Tuesday in an attempt to prevent Trump's expansion of the military in LA - a federal judge denied it and set the hearing for Newsom's lawsuit for Thursday

        FYI: A copy of the lawsuit is available here.

10 U.S.C. 12406 requires that the Governor consent to federalization of the National Guard, which Newsom was not given the opportunity to do prior to their deployment.

Trump’s unlawful order infringes on Newsom’s role as Commander-in-Chief of the California National Guard and violates the state’s sovereign right to control and have available its National Guard in the absence of a lawful invocation of federal power.

“State and local law enforcement have repeatedly said they have the resources necessary to handle the situation. It is completely un-American and needlessly provocative for Donald Trump to deploy the National Guard and Marines to Southern California," said California Rep. Ted Lieu, whose district includes part of Los Angeles. 

"So, I want to talk about the National Guard first. Their legal authority Trump is using is 10 U.S.C. Section 12406. I encourage all of you to read it. It very specifically says the only way he can do this is through the orders of the Governors of the states. Governor Newsom clearly has not given this order; the National Guard troops are following unlawful orders. I ask every National Guard person who is under this order to read the order, to see if it came from Governor Newsom and then to read the law and then decide for themselves if they are following unlawful orders," Lieu implored.

“Like millions of Americans across the country, I am deeply concerned by the administration’s use of aggressive tactics against immigrant communities. Armed agents have raided schools, workplaces, and homes—terrorizing our neighbors and ripping families apart,” said Congressmember Grace Meng (NY-06), chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. 

“This is not about public safety, this is about exerting control and striking fear in immigrant communities," said Meng. "As Members of Congress, we will continue to exercise our legal authority to conduct oversight of detention centers and demand accountability from the administration, and we will fight for immigration policies that reflect our nation’s values of fairness and dignity for all—not cruelty disguised as law and order.”

Protestors take to the streets

The protests were in response to raids by ICE and Homeland Security at workplaces, schools and when immigrants arrived at their immigration check-ins which they agreed to in order to remain in the country.

“Mass raids without warrants has been what has started this whole thing,” alleges Rep. Judy Chu, D-CA., “It was started by Donald Trump.”

On Friday, June 6, the federal government, through IICE, began conducting widespread operations throughout Los Angeles without providing notification to local law enforcement. During the course of these operations, ICE officers took actions that inflamed tensions, including the arrest and detainment of children, and military-style operations that sparked panic in the community. The Department of Homeland Security reported that its enforcement activities on June 6 resulted in the arrest of 44 individuals, two of whom appear to have been minors. Only five of those arrested reportedly had any criminal history.

In response, community members began protesting to express opposition to these Gestapo-like tactics, the Trump’s heavy-handed, violent immigration agenda, and the arrest of innocent people, and to express solidarity with and concern for the individuals and families most directly impacted by the enforcement actions taking place in their community. 

Protests continued for two more days, and although some violent and illegal incidents were reported — leading to justified arrests by state and local authorities — these protests were largely nonviolent and involved citizens exercising their First Amendment right to protest. 

As the protests moved into a third day, Tuesday night L.A. Mayor Karen Bass instituted a curfew in downtown Los Angeles. Small bands of people ignored the curfew and the LAPD began making arrests.

At no point did these protests necessitate federal intervention, and local and state law enforcement remained in control of the situation. Local law enforcement, despite no communication or advanced notice from the federal government, responded quickly and did not request federal assistance.

“Every governor, red or blue, should reject this outrageous overreach," says Newsom. "This is beyond incompetence — this is him intentionally causing chaos, terrorizing communities, and endangering the principles of our great democracy. It is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism. We will not let this stand.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X or at the blog Views From the Edge.

FilAm Attorney General leads probe of "state-sanctioned kidnapping" of migrants.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta suspects Florida may have broken California law when
South American asylum seekers were transported to California from Texas.

Gloves are off in the brewing brouhaha between California and Florida. It is Blue state vs Red state. Conservative vs Progressive. Republican vs. Democrat. Gavin Newsom vs. Ron DeSantis.

California is investigating to see if Florida broke any laws by transporting migrants from Texas to California June 2, Friday.

When a chartered jetliner flew 16 legally documented migrants from Colombia and Venezuela and dropped them off in Sacramento, California's state capitol, someone was making a deliberate political statement. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and his Attorney General, Rob Bonta, aim to find out who was behind the act.

Since the initial batch of migrants were brought to Sacramento, another planeload of migrants were flown in yesterday (June 5).

“We are investigating the circumstances by which these individuals were brought to California," said the Filipino American AG. "We are also evaluating potential criminal or civil action against those who transported or arranged for the transport of these vulnerable immigrants. While this is still under investigation, we can confirm these individuals were in possession of documentation purporting to be from the government of the State of Florida."

"State-sanctioned kidnapping is not a public policy choice, it is immoral and disgusting," Bonta stated.

The migrants, who were legally processed in Texas and assigned court dates for their asylum hearings, had no idea what awaited them in California, according to the migrants.

A spokesperson for Florida's Division of Emergency Management, Alecia Collins, admitted that Florida helped arrange the flight from Texas. In a statement released Tuesday, he said, "Through verbal and written consent, these volunteers indicated they wanted to go to California." 

"Through verbal and written consent, these volunteers indicated they wanted to go to California. A contractor was present and ensured they made it safely to a 3rd-party NGO (non-governmental organization)," said Collins. "The specific NGO, Catholic Charities, is used and funded by the federal government."

A video provided by the Florida agency showed how the migrants were informed about California and them signing waivers, apparently without any coercion. 

After landing in Sacramento, the young men and women were dropped off Friday outside the office of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento with only a backpack’s worth of belongings each.

That's not what they told the California officials who interviewed them. “They were lied to and intentionally deceived,” said Eddie Carmona, campaign director at PICO California, a faith-based community group that has been assisting the migrants.

The diocese apparently was not informed ahead of time about the migrants' arrival. However, diocese staff acted quickly to feed them and find temporary housing. Miriam Sammartino, the diocese’s director of Catholic Charities and Social Concerns, told Crux that the agency was shocked and surprised at the arrival of the migrants. 

The act was heartbreaking, said Sammartino, especially considering it appears that Sacramento wasn’t the migrants’ final destination, nor was it on the way to where they intended to go after they were processed at the border. A few of them needed to get to San Diego and Chicago, she said.

“I don’t believe the migrants themselves even understood that they were being brought to Sacramento,” Sammartino told Crux.

There is no love lost between the progressive Newsom and DeSantis, who is a Presidential candidate for the GOP nomination.

Newsom has strongly criticized DeSantis' so-called anti-"woke" policies on reproductive rights, voting rights, LGBTQ rights and banning of books in schools that mention racism or gay lifestyles.

After meeting with the first planeload of migrants, an angry Newsom sent out a tweet saying, “This isn’t Martha’s Vineyard. Kidnapping charges?” wrote Newsom referring to the first instance when "someone" paid for migrants transported from Texas to the Massachusetts resort island.

In the same tween, Newsome called DeSantis a "small and pathetic man." and included a screenshot of a section of California penal code, stating that:

“Every person who, being out of this state, abducts or takes by force or fraud any person contrary to the law of the place where that act is committed, and brings, sends, or conveys that person within the limits of this state, and is afterwards found within the limits thereof, is guilty of kidnapping.”

"We are a nation built by immigrants and we must condemn the cruelty and hateful rhetoric of those, whether they are state leaders or private parties, who refuse to recognize humanity and who turn their backs on extending dignity and care to fellow human beings," said Bonta.

"California and the Sacramento community will welcome these individuals with open arms and provide them with the respect, compassion, and care they will need after such a harrowing experience.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a developing story. Check back later for updates. For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter or at his blog Views From the Edge.

California's newest Poet Laureate is a Korean American professor

RAMAPGE / YOUTUBE

California's Poet Laureate Lee Herrick teaches English at Fresno City College

A Korean American fan of rap group Public Enemy has been appointed as California's Poet Laureate.

Governor Gavin Newsom today appointed Lee Herrick, who was adopted by a White couple when he was one-year old, to serve as California’s 10th Poet Laureate. 

Herrick, 52, of Fresno, is a writer and professor who teaches at Fresno City College and the MFA program at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe. A former Fresno Poet Laureate, Herrick’s work is a vivid celebration of the California experience. 

“As a teacher, poet, and father, Lee writes movingly about his identity as a Californian and encourages others to reflect on what the state means to them,” said Governor Newsom.

 “Lee’s dedication to highlighting the diverse experiences of Californians, and making them so accessible through his poetry, makes him a perfect candidate for Poet Laureate. I look forward to his work to inspire communities and individuals across the state through the power of the written word.”
 
Herrick’s poetry canon explores the diversity and vitality of the California experience and the exhilarating success of the American experiment. Born in Daejeon, South Korea and adopted as an infant, he grew up in Modesto immersed in literature, art and various cultural influences.

Herrick writes eloquently on the immigrant experience – bringing to life the smell of chapchae and the sound of mariachi trumpets, the farmers market at midnight, and the small talk of Armenian neighbors. Herrick’s work is a Whitmanesque celebration of the best spirit of our state, the vibrancy of the Central Valley, and ourselves, continued Newsom's statement

“I am deeply honored, humbled, and excited to be named California Poet Laureate,” said Herrick, who will use his platform called Our California to bring together poetry with a social justice or civic engagement organization in each city that he visits during his term as Poet Laureate. 

“I am grateful to Governor Newsom, his staff, First Partner Siebel Newsom, the Fresno Arts Council, the City of Fresno for making me a poet, poets and writers and readers throughout this great state, friends, teachers, colleagues, students, and mostly, my family, parents and sister, and my wife and daughter for their love and light.”
 
Herrick served as Poet Laureate of the City of Fresno from 2015 to 2017, where he led local efforts to bridge communities and engage young people in expressing themselves through writing.

Herrick tells the campus newspaper Rampage that becoming an English major was not always plan A. In college, he changed his major three times.

He says, “I started off as business [major.] I just wanted to be rich. Then I switched to law, and then I settled on English.” However, he always loved poetry. “I loved writing little raps songs.”

Herrick tells the Rampage his inspiration to write comes from “family, music and the beauty and struggle of other people’s lives.”

He says he has a passion for live music.

“I grew up listening to a lot of rap and punk,” he says. “So, I would see bands like Public Enemy and Fugazzi.”

He credits his parents for providing a safe place for him and his sister. “They made my home, our home, a place that was safe. And a place where we could talk about race or racism, or education and any challenges that I was having.”

In the Rampage interview, Herrick says he has not met his birth parents but would love to. In contrast, he has met some distant cousins and stays in touch with them through Facebook.

In 2008, he flew to South Korea to do a birth search but was unsuccessful in finding his parents. “ Very emotional and very difficult,” Herrick said. “But I am extremely glad I went through that process.”

Lee Herrick was interviewed when he was named Fresno's Poet Laureate.

 
Herrick’s work has been published in the Bloomsbury Review, Columbia Poetry Review, Berkeley Poetry Review, the Normal School, The Poetry Foundation, ZYZZYVA, and other publications. He is a contributor to many anthologies, particularly those examining the literary flourishing of California’s Central Valley. Herrick is the author of three books of poetry: Scar and Flower, Gardening Secrets of the Dead and This Many Miles from Desire.
 
The California Poet Laureate is charged with advocating for poetry in classrooms and boardrooms across the state, inspiring an emerging generation of literary artists, and educating all Californians about the many poets and authors who have influenced our state through creative literary expression. 

Over the course of a two-year term, the Poet Laureate provides public readings in urban and rural locations across California, educates civic and state leaders about the value of poetry and creative expression and undertakes a significant cultural project, with one of its goals being to bring poetry to students who might otherwise have little opportunity to access it.
 

Herrick's position requires Senate confirmation. He will receive a stipend from the California Arts Council.

 “I’m thrilled that Lee Herrick will serve as California’s next Poet Laureate. Lee’s poetry invites us to reflect on our love of California and reminds us of the values we hold so dear — our inclusivity, empathy, and creativity,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. 

“Lee’s deep understanding of culture and community alongside his irrefutable talent will no doubt guide him throughout his tenure as our state’s poetry advocate. I look forward to working with him as he spreads a love and appreciation of poetry and literature across California, especially amongst our youth.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter.

California Governor signs bill making Lunar New Year as an official holiday for state employees

San Francisco's Chinese New Year's Parade is the largest in the nation.

In a flurry of bill signing before the end of September, among the dozens of bills signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom was a bill that would make the Lunar New Year an official holiday for state employees.

“Recognizing this day as a state holiday acknowledges the diversity and cultural significance Asian Americans bring to California and provides an opportunity for all Californians to participate in the significance of the Lunar New Year,” said Newsom in a proclamation.

in signing the bill authored by Assemblymember Evan Low (San Francisco), Newsom did not specify a date to the new holiday, which would apply only to state employees. Various ethnicities celebrate the Lunar New Year, but the actual date of the event fluctuates among the different cultures and depends on the Lunar cycle.

According to the US Census, Asian Americans make up 15% (or, 6-7 million) of California's total population. Chinese Americans number around only about 1.3 million out of a total of almost 40 million but are concentrated in politically powerful urban centers such as the San Francisco Bay Area and the Los Angele-Orange County metro region.

Although earlier this year, Newsom proclaimed Feb. 1 a state holiday, to celebrate Chinese New Year, the best known of the Lunar New Year celebrations. In the US, the Vietnamese and some Hmong have altered their celebrations to coincide with the Chinese New Year, although in the countries of origin, the dates might differ. For example, the Hmong celebrate the new year in early December and the Thai usher in the new year in April.

Chinese New Year is defined as the second new moon after the winter solstice; thus it begins sometime between late January and mid-February, approximately at the beginning of Spring (which, in the Chinese calendar, starts forty-five days after the winter solstice). It is celebrated not only in China, but also in Korea, Vietnam (where it is known as Tet), and in Chinese communities throughout the world.

“I am signing AB 2596, which authorizes any state employee to utilize 8 hours of vacation, annual leave, or time off in lieu of receiving 8 hours of personal holiday to observe the Lunar New Year,” specified Newsom.

The new holiday does not create an extra day off for state workers. The proclamation allows employees to use existing vacation time to take the day off if they wish. In the past, workers who wished to take the Lunar New Year's day off, had to use personal time. The state proclamation does not mandate the holiday for private businesses or other local jurisdictions.

"I am extremely proud of the richness of the diversity and backgrounds represented in our state and understand the importance of watnting to see one's own experience reflected in our state holidays," said Newsom in his proclamation.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter.

California governor establishes Racial Equity Commission

California state Sen. Richard Pan, left, and Gov. Gavin Newsom.

It has been quite a week for California's AANHPI communities with Gov. Gavin Newsom taking action aimed at countering the anti-Asian hate plaguing these ethnic groups.

With one of the most diverse populations in the US, including the largest Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities (AANHPI), California is sensitive to the institutional barriers that they face.

“In California, we recognize that our incredible diversity is the foundation for our state’s strength, growth and success – and that confronting inequality is not just a moral imperative, but an economic one,” said Newsom. 

Following his appointments to the Commission on the State of Hate Tuesday, Sept. 13, Newsom announced additional action to build on California’s leadership in expanding opportunity and justice for all including the establishment of the Racial Equity Commission. 

Hours later, the governor signed two bills that will bolster enforcement  against anti-Asian hate on public transit, (SB 1161) and private businesses (AB2448) and ordered the creation of a Racial Equity Commission.

“Our state has made great strides in redressing historic wrongs and stubborn disparities, but we know that much work remains to tackle the barriers that hold back too many Californians and undermine our collective prosperity. California won’t shy away from this challenge – with today’s action, our state is doubling down on the ongoing work to make the California Dream a reality for every one of us,” said Newsom.

The Commission, developed with state Senator Dr. Richard Pan and the racial equity organizations that sponsored SB 17, will produce a Racial Equity Framework consisting of resources and tools to promote racial equity and address structural racism. More broadly, the Commission will recommend tools, methodologies and opportunities to advance racial equity, and will be available to provide direct assistance to state agencies in reviewing and updating policies and practices upon request. 

“Dismantling systemic racism to achieve equity is difficult work, and I applaud Governor’s Newsom’s leadership in beginning to confront these challenging issues in state government in his Executive Order,” said Senator Richard Pan, California Asian American & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus Chair.

Executive Order

“Policy changes and cultural shifts go hand-in-hand,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “As we work together toward a more just and equitable society, good policy – like today’s executive order – will go a long way to shifting workplace cultures, as well as the hearts and minds of the workforce. For this reason, we are intentionally embedding equity into the mission and practices of state agencies and departments – a critical model for private sector employers as well."

Newsom signed an executive order directing state agencies and departments to take additional actions to embed equity analysis and considerations in their mission, policies and practices. 

This action will help expand opportunity for all by addressing disparities for historically underserved and marginalized communities. Addressing unequal circumstances helps drive equal outcomes so all Californians have the chance to reach their full potential and lead healthy and rewarding lives, and all California communities can thrive and prosper. 

State agencies and departments are being directed to embed policies and practices in their strategic plans in order to further advance equity and opportunity and address disparities in access and outcomes. As part of these efforts, agencies and departments will incorporate more inclusive public engagement and data analysis to better serve all Californians.  

In addition, the order helps protect communities against hate violence and discrimination through accelerated actions, supports equitable investment of federal infrastructure funding, promotes a more inclusive and diverse state workforce, and encourages contracting opportunities for California businesses in disadvantaged regions and communities. 

Under the order, the California Health and Human Services Agency and Government Operations Agency will also develop recommendations to improve language and communications access to state government services and programs.

FYI: A copy of the executive order can be found here.

Newsom earlier this year appointed Pam Chueh as  the state's first State Chief Equity Officer at the Government Operations Agency for leadership as it relates to state operations, procurement, information technology and human resources. The Governor has taken action to embed equity within the state budget process led by the Department of Finance. 

Legislation 

Additionallly, besides the establishment of the Commission on the State of Hate, Newsom has signed two of bills sponsored by Asian American legislatures were inspired by the surge in attacks against AANHPI people.

• AB 2448 by Assemblymember Philip Ting (D-San Francisco) directs the state’s Civil Rights Department to create a pilot program that recognizes businesses for creating safe and welcoming environments for customers free from discrimination and harassment.
• SB 1161, the Increase Safety for Public Transit Riders. sponsored by Sen. Dave Min (D-Irvine), requires the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State University to create a community survey for California transit operators to strengthen and promote passenger safety. The data collection effort is a critical first step in creating a larger framework for meaningful safety solutions. The data-driven approach centers rider experiences and ensures consistency in the collection of demographic information, first and last mile safety concerns, and overall experiences with safety, including street harassment.

The passage of these laws, which go into effect Jan. 1, 2023, are first steps towards giving legislators to write stronger laws that hopefully give law enforcement the legal tools  to stop and, if necessary, arrest people for harassing other people, the most common form of anti-Asian acts.

The governor also signed several bills focused on advancing equity and tackling disparities. 

• AB 316 by Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) requires CalHR to prepare a report on gender and ethnicity pay equity in certain classifications where there is an underrepresentation of women and minorities.

• AB 1604 by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) will provide workers with greater opportunity to move upward within state service through improvements and best practices in processes for hiring, recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce.

• AB 1957 by Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) will update the information that the Department of Developmental Services and regional centers are required to compile and report on the purchase of services for individuals with developmental disabilities to better identify disparities in race, ethnicity and language.

“As Chair of the Asian American Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus," said Pan, "I have witnessed how often inequity is justified by racist tropes such as the Model Minority Myth and the devastating impact of inequity on American health and lives. Governor Newsom’s Executive Order is an important step toward a more fair and just state government for all Californians.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter. Last edited Sept. 22 to clarify details of SB 1161.