Lunar New Year Reception Honors Local AAPI Leaders

At the reception to celebrate the Lunar New Year (Photo – Hilda Solis office)

On Friday, Feb.16, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, in partnership with the Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Lindsey P. Horvath, co-hosted a reception to celebrate the Lunar New Year alongside Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) elected leaders and community members.

By News Desk

The Lunar New Year marks the start of spring and the end of winter — with festivities typically occurring within two weeks, with February 1, 2024, as the first day of the new year. It also marks the transition between zodiac signs: ushering in the Year of the Wood Dragon and saying farewell to the Year of the Rabbit.

”As the Supervisor representing the largest concentration of AAPI residents, I was proud to lead a motion to proclaim the Lunar New Year throughout Los Angeles County,” said Supervisor Solis. “Celebrating this holiday preserves culture, and to that end, grateful to have hosted a reception that commemorates the diversity and uniqueness that make up the fabric of our beloved County.”

“Los Angeles County has a strong and diverse AAPI community that contributes to our civic, social, cultural, and artistic connections in meaningful ways,” said Chair Horvath. “As we celebrate Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Dragon, I am proud to join Supervisor Solis in uplifting AAPI leaders and organizations whose wisdom and impact are felt across Los Angeles County.”

The event included a keynote from Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Assistant Chief Dominic H. Choi, who was recently named LAPD interim chief, effective March 1, 2024.

LAPD Assistant Chief Dominic H. Choi said, “My north star remains clear: to continue to protect and serve Angelenos while fostering a safer and more connected community. May the Lunar New Year bring new beginnings, opportunities, and strength to the people of Los Angeles and around the world.”

In Chinese culture, the dragon symbolizes power, luck, and strength. During the event, Supervisor Solis and Chair Horvath honored 20 remarkable local leaders who exemplify those values.

The emcee for the event was Cher Calvin, KTLA award-winning news anchor.