To: County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Human Resources Department, Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition of North Bay
Staff Name and Phone Number: Janell Crane, 707-565-2885
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt a gold resolution proclaiming May 2026 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in Sonoma County
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Executive Summary:
The Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition of North Bay requests the Board of Supervisors to adopt a gold resolution proclaiming May 2026 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in Sonoma County.
Discussion:
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month began in 1978, when the U.S. Congress established the first 10 days of May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. In 1990, Congress expanded the observance to the entire month of May, and it was officially designated as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in 1992. The observance was renamed Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in 2009 to reflect inclusivity of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
This year’s theme, “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together,” emphasizes the importance of collective resilience, cross-cultural understanding, and community-building. The month of May was chosen for AANHPI Heritage Month to commemorate both the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869, which relied heavily on Chinese immigrant labor. AANHPI Heritage Month also serves as a time of reflection of the enduring impacts of discriminatory policies and practices in the United States, including exclusionary immigration laws and the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, as well as the ways in which present-day immigration enforcement continues to affect immigrant communities.
In Sonoma County, AANHPI residents comprise approximately 7% of the County’s population, representing a vital and growing part of the community, contributing culturally, socially, and economically, including through thousands of locally owned businesses. The County has made efforts to elevate AANHPI history and visibility through initiatives such as the recognition of Petaluma’s historic Chinatown and commemorations marking the legacy of Southeast Asian refugee communities following the Fall of Saigon.
During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition of North Bay invites the County of Sonoma to listen and engage with the AAPI community to better understand their situation and needs, including their experience with hate crimes, xenophobia, racism, violence, harassment and discrimination, and foster an inclusive and equitable community.
Prior Board Actions:
May 13, 2025: 2025-0470 Adopt a Gold Resolution recognizing and supporting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community in Sonoma County in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May 14, 2024: 2024-0347 Adopt a Gold Resolution Proclaiming May 2024 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Sonoma County
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
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Attachments:
Gold Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
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