California officials help ring in the New Year

California state Senator Mark Leno was joined by two Chinese-American state Assembly members - David Chiu and Phil Ting - to celebrate the Chinese New Year with community members on Feb 12 in Leno's office.

More than 100 local residents, including Chinese community leaders, visited the representatives' offices and talked with the officials. Chinese New Year celebrations have been held in the state building for 13 years, but it was the first time that a state senator and Assembly members hosted community members in their offices.

Leno, representing California's 11th state Senate district, which includes San Francisco and part of San Mateo County, told the guests that the Jewish Lunar New Year and the Chinese Lunar New Year had some things in common - celebrating the year's harvest with families.

He said senators and Assembly members don't always agree with each other but he has established a good relationship with Chiu and Ting. He also thanked his two colleagues for their efforts to introduce bills that benefit California residents.

Ting, who represents the 19th District, encompassing western San Francisco and northern San Mateo County, praised Leno's work for San Francisco residents. He extended holiday greetings to the guests in Chinese.

Chiu, who represents the 17th District encompassing the eastern half of San Francisco, said they held the reception in their offices this year because residents have fewer opportunities to visit the state building. He said he hoped the community would learn more about their work through the event.

liazhu@chinadailyusa.com