Assemblymember Kalra’s Resolution to Designate Little Saigon Freeway is Adopted

SACRAMENTO - Today, Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San José) celebrates passage of ACR 71, to designate the portion of State Route 101 in the County of Santa Clara from Story Road to the junction with State Highway Route 280 and State Highway Route 680 as the Little Saigon Freeway. ACR 71 was approved by the Senate today, its final step in the legislative process.

"As the proud representative of the largest Vietnamese community in any single city outside of Vietnam, it has been my honor to author ACR 71. Its passage just ahead of Lunar New Year is such a special way to commemorate and honor the Vietnamese communities that have enriched California," said Assemblymember Kalra. "I am thankful for the collaboration of community partners and our elected officials at the city, county, and state levels. By designating the Little Saigon Freeway, ACR 71 will ensure future generations can honor the name 'Little Saigon' with respect and pride. I look forward to the day we can unveil official signage."

"This is very much the Eastside story where communities have existed for years, but have not been given due credit for their contributions or recognized for their existence as part of our social fabric here," said County Supervisor Betty Duong. "Thanks to Assemblymember Ash Kalra and his co-authors, every traveler on U.S. 101 through Santa Clara County will know about our amazing Vietnamese-American community and that our county embraces its diversity."

"With the unveiling of the Little Saigon Freeway in Orange County last year and now the completion of San Jose's designation, California continues to honor the courage and resilience of Vietnamese refugees who came to America in search of freedom and opportunity after the Fall of Saigon. These recognitions ensure that their journey, sacrifice, and contributions to our state are permanently woven into California's story. I want to thank Assemblymember Ash Kalra for his leadership in helping bring this vision to life and for championing this important effort on behalf of the Vietnamese community," said Assemblymember Tri Ta, principal co-author.

Little Saigon is a vibrant hub for tourists and refugees from across the globe, offering a diverse array of services and businesses, such as restaurants, supermarkets, shopping malls, banks, and jewelry stores serving the Vietnamese American community as well as local residents of San José.

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Assemblymember Ash Kalra represents California's 25th Assembly District, which encompasses the majority of San José, including downtown and open space areas in southeast Santa Clara County. He was first elected in 2016, becoming the first Indian American to serve in the California Legislature in state history, and was re-elected to his fifth term in 2024. Assemblymember Kalra is the Chair of the Committee on Judiciary and also serves as a member on the Housing & Community Development, Labor & Employment, Natural Resources, and Utilities & Energy committees.