CA Commission on APIA Affairs

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CA Commission on APIA Affairs

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The California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs.

THE MISSION of the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs is to elevate the political, economic, and social issues of Asians and Pacific Islanders by contributing to and strengthening how state government addresses the needs, issues, and concerns of the diverse and complex Asian and Pacific Islander American communities.

10/27/2026

Registration is OPEN! Join the California AANHPI Intersegmental Summit 2027 and help strengthen pathways for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students across California.

Student success depends on the connections we build across campuses and higher education systems. This two-day statewide gathering will bring together educators and community leaders to strengthen collaboration across California’s higher education systems, share strategies that help AANHPI students succeed, and improve pathways from community colleges to CSU and UC campuses.

Whether your work focuses on student services, teaching, campus leadership, or community advocacy, join us to explore how we can:
-Bridge gaps in transfer pathways and student support.
-Build partnerships across California’s higher education systems.
-Share strategies that advance student success, leadership, and belonging.
-Strengthen advocacy and civic engagement for AANHPI and underserved students.

📅 February 22–23, 2027
📍 SAFE Credit Union Convention Center | Sacramento
🍽️ Breakfast and lunch provided both days

Make plans now to bring your perspective, build connections, and help shape a stronger college experience for AANHPI students. Register today and share this opportunity with your campus and community networks!

🔗 https://californiacommunitycolleges.cventevents.com/event/dbbc11ec-f568-4cc7-a367-50f121bf2978/register?environment=P2

10/15/2026

Celebrating a Historic Milestone for California!

Last night, CAPIAA joined community leaders, elected officials, and advocates in San Francisco to celebrate the signing of AB 2017, officially recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as California state holidays.

We were honored to celebrate alongside Assemblymember Matt Haney, who championed this historic legislation, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, CAPIAA Commissioner Gene Kim, and the many community advocates who helped make this milestone possible.

A special thank you to the Muslim Impact Council, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), and the many partners whose dedication and collective efforts advanced AB 2017 and made this historic milestone a reality.

This achievement represents a meaningful step toward greater cultural inclusion, recognizing the importance of Eid and ensuring that Muslim communities across California feel seen, valued, and represented.

Congratulations to Assemblymember Haney and everyone whose leadership and commitment helped bring this legislation across the finish line!

10/13/2026

At CAPIAA’s Filipino Community Listening Session, community members shared challenges, priorities, and ideas for supporting Filipino families. Among the key takeaways:

🎓College costs and family responsibilities can make it harder for students to pursue their education.
💼Small business owners need clear guidance, practical training, and access to mentors.
⚖️Families need accessible information about their legal rights and where to find support.

Participants also discussed preserving Filipino history, creating opportunities for youth to lead, and addressing barriers facing healthcare workers.

Swipe through to learn more. These perspectives help inform CAPIAA’s advice to the Governor and Legislature on the needs of California’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

Thank you to the community members, partners, and commissioners who shared their experiences and helped make these conversations possible.

10/12/2026

Today, on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we celebrate Indigenous cultures, honor their history, and recognize the many ways Indigenous communities continue to shape our world.

We honor Indigenous peoples around the world, including California’s Native nations, Native American communities, Alaska Native communities, and Native Hawaiians.

California is home to more than 95,000 Native Hawaiian residents. Their voices, experiences, and cultural traditions are an important part of our state.

At CAPIAA, we bring the needs and perspectives of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities to the Governor and Legislature to help inform state policy.

Today and every day, we celebrate Indigenous leadership and listen to communities as they continue to shape our future.

10/08/2026

🇵🇭 October is Filipino American History Month! CAPIAA celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of over 1.7 million Filipinos who call California home.

Filipino Americans have shaped our state through leadership in the labor movement, service in healthcare and education, entrepreneurship, the arts, and community advocacy. Their contributions strengthen California’s economy and connect generations through a shared commitment to family and community.

This past Saturday, our Filipino Community Listening Session in Delano brought that legacy into focus. From touring Agbayani Village to hearing community members share their experiences and priorities, we honored the past while listening to the voices shaping the future.

This month, we honor Filipino Americans whose leadership and contributions continue to shape a stronger, more inclusive California.

10/07/2026

On Saturday, October 3, CAPIAA joined community members and partners for our Filipino Community Listening Session, a day to share experiences and identify priorities for the future.

We began with a tour of Agbayani Village, reflecting on the legacy of Larry Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz, and the Filipino farmworkers whose leadership helped advance workers’ rights. Over Filipino food and conversation, we connected before gathering for discussions on education and youth, economic opportunity, legal stability and family, belonging and civic life, and the healthcare industry.

Thank you to our emcees for guiding the afternoon and to Commissioners Zain Yahya and Dr. David S. Yee for listening, sharing CAPIAA’s work, and engaging with the community.

We are grateful to our partners at Philippine Weekend and the Kern County Asian Chamber of Commerce, with special thanks to Jay Tamsi, Vivian Cao, Christine Yahya, and Daniella Hightower for helping bring this gathering together. Thank you also to community speakers Romeo Agbalog and Bakersfield Councilmember Eric Arias, our table facilitators, volunteers, and CAPIAA staff.

Most of all, thank you to every community member who shared their stories, concerns, and ideas. Your perspectives will help inform CAPIAA’s work and the priorities we elevate to state leaders.

10/01/2026

For more than 50 years, Asian Health Services (AHS) has worked to make healthcare more accessible, culturally responsive, and rooted in the voices of the communities it serves.

What began as a volunteer-run clinic founded by UC Berkeley students has grown into a federally qualified health center with 15 sites, more than 600 staff, and approximately 50,000 patients across Alameda County. Today, AHS provides care in more than 15 languages while addressing the broader factors that shape health, from access to food and housing to behavioral health and economic stability.

Through programs including food distribution, culturally responsive care, behavioral health services, community-based research, digital literacy, and community education, AHS continues to turn community knowledge into action.

As Julia Liou, Chief Executive Officer, shares:
“Everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and cared for, and the opportunity to achieve their highest health potential.”

And Dr. Thu Quach, President, reminds us:
“Everyone has a right to healthcare. It should not depend on whether you have coverage or what kind of coverage you have.”

CAPIAA is proud to spotlight Asian Health Services and recognizes more than five decades of community-rooted care, access, and efforts to advance health, safety, education, and wellness for AANHPI communities.

09/30/2026

A milestone for AANHPI student success in California! 🎓

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 2374, authored by Assemblymember Mike Fong and sponsored by CAPIAA, establishing California’s first statewide Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander–Serving Institution designation.

“I am proud that AB 2374 has been signed by Governor Newsom to recognize and support AANHPI students across California,” said Assemblymember Fong.

The new designation will recognize colleges that set measurable goals and strengthen academic and basic needs support to help AANHPI students stay enrolled, graduate, transfer, and pursue opportunities beyond college.

The signing also reflects a partnership between lawmakers and the communities they serve. As CAPIAA Vice Chair Dr. Kirin A. Macapugay shared, “Assemblymember Fong listened to our communities, brought people together, and never lost sight of the students and working families this law is meant to serve.”

CAPIAA thanks Governor Newsom, Assemblymember Fong, the students, educators, and community partners who helped bring this legislation to the finish line.😃

09/29/2026

📣Meet the speakers and note our updated location!

Join CAPIAA, Philippine Weekend, and the Kern County Asian Chamber of Commerce for the Filipino Community Listening Session in Delano. Together, we’ll hear community perspectives on education, economic opportunity, healthcare, family well-being, and civic life.

We’re pleased to welcome our speakers for the event:
• Zain Yahya — CAPIAA Commissioner
• Dr. David Yee — CAPIAA Commissioner
• Jay Tamsi — Chairman, Philippine Weekend
• Vivian Cao — President, Kern County Asian Chamber of Commerce
• Christine Yahya — Treasurer, Philippine Weekend
• Daniella Hightower — Volunteerism Chair, Philippine Weekend
• Romeo Agbalog — KCCD Assistant to the Chancellor
• Eric Arias — Councilmember, City of Bakersfield

📍UPDATED LOCATION: Agbayani Village
10701 Mettler Ave., Delano, CA 93215
🗓 Saturday, October 3, 2026: 12–4 PM

Your experiences and ideas will help identify priorities for future collaboration. Come share what matters to you, connect with community leaders, and join the conversation.

🔗Register today and share this invitation with someone who should be part of the discussion.😁
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/filipino-community-listening-session-tickets-2000283710424?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

09/29/2026

A meaningful step toward recognition and belonging for Muslim Californians.

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 2017, authored by Assemblymember Matt Haney, recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays in California law.

“With AB 2017 now signed into law, California is sending a clear message that Muslim Californians are seen and valued,” said Assemblymember Matt Haney.

The law provides options for locally negotiated school and community college closures and for covered public employees to observe the holidays using existing leave or holiday credit.

“For a student, this can mean being able to celebrate Eid with their family without feeling like they are falling behind at school,” said Commissioner Zain Yahya.

CAPIAA proudly co-sponsored AB 2017 alongside the Council on American-Islamic Relations California (CAIR-CA) and the Muslim Impact Council. We thank Assemblymember Haney for his leadership, our partners for their advocacy, and Governor Newsom for signing this legislation.

Read Our Full Press Statement Here:
https://capiaa.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2026/09/AB-2017-Signing-Press-Statement.pdf

Address

State Capitol
Sacramento, CA
95814

Website

https://capiaa.ca.gov/, https://tinyurl.com/CAPIAAcover26

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