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Proclamation
<br />Lunar New Year
<br />WHEREAS, the City of Redwood City joins people throughout the world in celebrating Lunar New Year, a time-
<br />honored tradition observed across Asia and in communities globally, marking the beginning of the lunar
<br />calendar with hopes for renewed prosperity, happiness, and good fortune; and
<br />WHEREAS, Lunar New Year is celebrated by millions of people, including Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and
<br />other Asian communities, with vibrant cultural traditions such as family reunions, ancestral remembrance,
<br />symbolic foods, music, dance, lanterns, and the exchange of red envelopes representing luck and blessings; and
<br />WHEREAS, 2026 marks the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac, a symbol of strength, perseverance,
<br />energy, and freedom qualities that reflect the resilience and determination of our community; and
<br />WHEREAS, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities have shaped our city, state, and nation
<br />through foundational contributions to our economic vitality, civic life, arts, sciences, education, public service,
<br />and cultural richness; and
<br />WHEREAS, as we celebrate the many achievements, traditions, and leaders within AAPI communities, we also
<br />acknowledge the painful history of exclusion, violence, and discrimination these communities have endured, and
<br />we reaffirm our shared responsibility to confront racism in all its forms and to foster a city where all residents
<br />feel safe, valued, and respected; and
<br />WHEREAS, the City of Redwood City is proud to have partnered with Redwood City International for the past
<br />15 years to celebrate one of the most important holidays in Asian heritage through festive performances,
<br />traditional decorations, and symbolic foods, bringing neighbors together in the spirit of unity and good fortune;
<br />and
<br />WHEREAS, Redwood City's strength lies in its diversity, and celebrations such as Lunar New Year reflect our
<br />ongoing commitment to inclusivity, cross-cultural understanding, and the joyful recognition of the many
<br />traditions that enrich our community.
<br />NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, ELMER MARTINEZ SABALLOS, MAYOR OF
<br />REDWOOD CITY, on behalf of the City Council and the people of the City of Redwood City, hereby recognizes
<br />and celebrates LUNAR NEW YEAR 2026 and every Lunar New Year thereafter, and extends warm wishes for
<br />health, happiness, prosperity, and peace to all who observe this special occasion.
<br />BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that we encourage all residents to learn about and participate in the cultural
<br />traditions of Lunar New Year, to support our AAPI neighbors and businesses, and to continue building a
<br />welcoming and inclusive Redwood Cityfor generations to come.
<br />Date: February 23, 2026 49;0
<br />Ehner, ar )les Sob (1110s. Mayor
<br />Kaia Eakin, Vice Mayor
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<br />Isabella Chu, Council Membar
<br />Jeff Dec, Council Member
<br />Diane Howard, Council Member
<br />Marcella Padilla,CouncilMember
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<br />Chris Sturkei, Council Member
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