Assemblymember Caloza and Senator Cabaldon Make History with First-Ever FAHM Capitol Lighting and Formation of Filipino American Caucus

(Sacramento, CA) - On Monday, August 3, 2026, Assemblymember Jessica Caloza (D-Los Angeles), the first Filipina elected to the California State Legislature, and Senator Christopher Cabaldon (D-Yolo), the first Filipino American elected to the California State Senate, were joined by Filipino American community leaders, advocates, and families at the State Capitol to celebrate Filipino American History Month (FAHM) and honor the generations of Filipino Americans who have helped shape California.

On Monday afternoon, the California State Legislature made history as both the Assembly and Senate adopted House Resolution 102, recognizing October 2026 as Filipino American History Month and honoring the immeasurable contributions of Filipino Americans across the state. The historic occasion also featured a special tribute in the Capitol Rotunda, with photographs and posters honoring the first Filipino American elected and appointed officials in California, highlighting their trailblazing leadership and the legacy they created for generations to come.

"Filipino American History Month honors the generations of Filipino Americans whose hard work, sacrifice, and leadership helped build California into the great state it is today. I'm so proud to be the first Filipina elected to the California State Legislature, but being the first only matters if it paves the way for those to come after." said Assemblymember Jessica Caloza. "My parents immigrated to this country believing in the promise of opportunity, and without their sacrifices, I would not be where I am today. I carry that responsibility with me-to open doors, lift others up, and ensure Filipino Americans are represented in government."

"The story of California cannot be told without Filipino Americans," said Senator Christopher Cabaldon. "From the earliest generations of Filipino farmworkers and community builders to the leaders, artists, educators, workers, and entrepreneurs shaping our state today, our community has made extraordinary contributions to California. This celebration is an opportunity to honor that legacy and inspire the next generation."

The celebration continued with a reception at the Leland Stanford Mansion, honoring Filipino American Champions of Change whose leadership and contributions have made a lasting impact in the State of California. The celebration also brought together elected officials, community leaders, advocates, activists, students, and Filipino Americans from across the state to honor Filipino American history and contributions, as well as inspire the next generation of Filipino leaders, and announce the formation of the first-ever Filipino American Legislative Caucus in California.

"I am deeply grateful to Speaker Robert Rivas for his leadership in making this historic moment possible," said Assemblymember Jessica Caloza. "The establishment of the first Filipino American Legislative Caucus is a historic step forward, giving our community a stronger voice, a seat at the table, and a greater role in shaping California's future."

2026 Filipino American Champions of Change:

• Diosdado "Dado" Banatao: Pioneering Filipino American engineer and tech innovator.
• Joselyn Geaga-Rosenthal: President Emerita of the Friends of Echo Park Library and Founder of the Carlos Bulosan Book Club.
• Emil A. De Guzman: President of the International Hotel Association 1977. President Emeritus Manilatown Heritage Foundation 1996-2010.
• SoCal Filipinos: Leading voice for Southern California's Filipino American community.
• Manila International Film Festival: Promoting and helping uplift Filipino films from the Philippines in Hollywood and beyond.

"I want to thank Assemblymember Caloza and Senator Cabaldon for bringing us together this evening and creating this opportunity for us to celebrate, honor, and uplift the Filipino American community here in California," said Assemblymember Mike Fong, Chair of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Caucus. "Tonight is a reminder of the incredible impact Filipino Americans have made through generations of resilience, service, leadership, and advocacy. Their contributions have helped shape our state and continue to strengthen our communities."

"For 35 years, Filipinos across the country have come together to celebrate Filipino American History Month. It was an honor to do so once again, surrounded by some of our community's fiercest leaders as we celebrated our shared history, recognized our contributions, and looked toward a brighter future," said Cabinet Secretary Nani Coloretti. "Thank you to Assemblymember Caloza and Senator Cabaldon for their leadership and congratulations on forming California's Filipino American Caucus."

"California plays a vital role in this partnership. Filipino Americans contribute to every sector of this state and continue to strengthen the bridge between our nations. The leadership of Assemblymember Caloza and Senator Cabaldon, as well as the advocacy of countless others, ensures that these contributions are recognized, preserved, and passed on to future generations," stated Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon.

"Filipino American History Month is a celebration of a community whose resilience, service, and leadership have helped shape California for generations. From the fields and classrooms to our businesses, military, public institutions, and elected offices, Filipino Americans have made lasting contributions that continue to strengthen our state. As Chair of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, I am proud to recognize the pioneers who paved the way and the next generation who will carry that legacy forward. By honoring our history, we also reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every Filipino American, and every AANHPI community, has the opportunity to thrive in California," said Jason Paguio, Chair, California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs.

The celebration culminated with a historic California State Capitol Dome Lighting in the colors of the Philippine flag: blue, white, yellow, and red. The lighting served as a visible reminder that Filipino American history, culture, and contributions shine brightly across California. The Capitol Dome lighting also built on a landmark recognition championed by Assemblymember Jessica Caloza. While serving as a Los Angeles Board of Public Works Commissioner, Assemblymember Jessica Caloza helped lead the first-ever lighting of the Los Angeles City Hall in the colors of the Philippine flag during Filipino American History Month in 2019-a historic celebration that has since become an annual tradition.

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Assemblymember Jessica Caloza proudly represents the 52nd Assembly District, which includes the Los Angeles County communities of Angelino Heights, Atwater Village, City Terrace, Cypress Park, Eagle Rock, East Hollywood, East Los Angeles, Echo Park, El Sereno, Elysian Heights, Elysian Valley, Glassell Park, Garvanza, Highland Park, Hillside Village, Lincoln Heights, Montecito Heights, Monterey Hills, Mount Washington, Silver Lake, South Glendale, University Hills, and Vista Hermosa.