SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, with ACR 118, Assemblymember Mark González, joined by his colleagues Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva, Senator Choi, and Senator Durazo, declares January 13, 2026, as Korean American Day in the State of California.
Home to over 500,000 Korean Americans, California is proud to recognize the invaluable cultural, civic, economic, and social contributions of the Korean American community. Korean American Day commemorates the arrival of the first large wave of Korean immigrants to the United States on January 13, 1903.
"As the Assemblymember representing Koreatown in Los Angeles – home to the largest Korean American community in the United States – I am honored to champion this resolution and I am committed to ensuring this community receives the support and recognition it deserves," said Assemblymember González. "I'm proud to celebrate the rich heritage and lasting impact of Korean Americans in Assembly District 54 and throughout California."
"Korean American Day is an opportunity to honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of Korean Americans who have helped shape California and our nation," said Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva. "I am proud to coauthor ACR 118 and to represent Assembly District 67, where the Korean American community strengthens small businesses, enriches our schools, and helps advance an inclusive and culturally equitable future across our local communities."
"As the only Korean American in the California State Legislature, acknowledging the contributions of the Korean American community is especially important to me," said Senator Choi. "I join nearly 575,000 Korean Americans residing in our state in recognizing the achievements of Korean Americans and reaffirming California's commitment to diversity, opportunity, and unity."
"As the proud state senator who represents Koreatown, I've had the privilege of working alongside organizations like KYCC, which supports youth and families; KIWA, which fights for workers' rights; Kheir Clinic, which provides healthcare to underserved communities; and youth groups like Help on the Go, which brings young people together for community service," said Senator Durazo. "For 123 years, this community has enriched California through their contributions and perseverance. At a time when immigrant families face renewed threats and uncertainty, we must do more than celebrate their legacy. We must protect their rights and fight for their future. I'm honored to join my colleagues in recognizing January 13 as Korean American Day."
In celebration of Korean American Day, Assemblymember Mark González, in partnership with the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles, will be hosting an in-district reception with Koreatown community leaders on Friday, January 16. If interested in attending, please RSVP for more details.
We are also excited to announce that Doris Kim, 2025-2026 Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellow, has joined the Capitol team!
Doris Kim is a 2025-2026 Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellow with the Office of Assemblymember Mark González. She grew up in Cerritos, Orange County, with a strong Korean American community supporting her dreams of policymaking. As a child of Korean immigrants, Doris was brought up with ideals of social justice and the stewardship of power and land. She approaches policy with the same priorities of protecting vulnerable communities and ecosystems. She graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning and a minor in Economics.
김 도리스 (Doris Kim)은 마크 곤살레스 (Mark González) 캘리포니아주 하원의원실에서 활동하는 2025–2026 제시 M. 언루 (Jesse M. Unruh) 하원의회 펠로우다. 오렌지카운티 세리토스에서 성장한 그는 한인 이민자 가정에서 자라나며, 한인 커뮤니티의 든든한 지지 속에서 정책 입안가의 꿈을 키워왔다. 이 과정에서 사회 정의와 권력 및 토지에 대한 책임 있는 관리라는 가치를 자연스럽게 배우며 성장했다. 이러한 성장 배경은 현재 그가 정책을 바라보는 시각에도 그대로 이어지고 있다. 그는 취약한 지역사회와 생태계를 보호하는 것을 최우선 과제로 삼아, 공공의 이익을 위한 정책을 구상하고 실행하는 데 힘쓰고 있다. 도리스 김은 캘리포니아대학교 데이비스 (UC Davis)를 졸업하고 환경정책 분석 및 계획 (Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning) 전공으로 이학사 학위를 취득했으며, 경제학을 부전공했다.
Assemblymember Mark González is the Assembly Majority Whip. He serves on the Committees on Appropriations, Health, Public Safety, Rules, and Utilities & Energy. He represents the 54th District, composed of the cities of Los Angeles, Commerce, Montebello, and Vernon.
CONTACT: Jaspreet Johl; Jaspreet.Johl@asm.ca.gov; (916) 335-8871
Kyle Johnson; Kyle.Johnson@asm.ca.gov; (925) 549-2030
