CA SCR116

Declares June 2022 as Portuguese Heritage Month in recognition of June 10 as the Day of Portugal and June 6 as the Day of the Azores

Recognizes Portuguese immigration to California beginning in the early 19th century, with major waves from the Azores Islands in the early 1900s and between 1958-1976

Acknowledges over 350,000 persons of Portuguese heritage currently living in California, with approximately 90 percent having Azorean ancestry or direct ties to the Azores Islands

Highlights Portuguese American contributions to California agriculture (especially dairy farming), fishing industries, education through Portuguese language programs, and cultural institutions including the Portuguese Historical Museum

Notes California's sister state relationship with the Autonomous Region of the Azores (established 2002) and recognizes notable Portuguese Americans including composer John Philip Sousa, architect William L. Pereira, and entertainers such as Katy Perry and Tom Hanks