AR 133: Relative to 818 Day.

WHEREAS, The San Fernando Valley (Valley), proudly identified by its iconic 818 area code, is home to more than 1,800,000 residents and stands as one of the most diverse, resilient, and culturally significant regions in the State of California; and

WHEREAS, Long before the Valley’s neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and institutions took shape, this land was the ancestral home of the Tongva, Tataviam, Fernandeño Tataviam, and Chumash peoples, whose stewardship, traditions, languages, and deep relationship with the land have endured for thousands of years and continue to enrich the region today; and

WHEREAS, Once known for its vast citrus groves, ranches, and fertile farmland, the San Fernando Valley’s agricultural heritage laid the foundation for its growth, attracting generations of farmworkers whose labor helped establish the region as an important center of California’s economy and food production; and

WHEREAS, When California became a state in 1850, the Valley began to change from farmland to the County of Los Angeles suburbs. Two big things made this possible: railroads in the late 1800s and the Los Angeles Aqueduct in 1913. The aqueduct brought water to the dry Valley, letting more people move in. Following World War II, the Valley transitioned from agricultural ranch land to one of the largest postwar suburbs in the United States. It became the ultimate symbol of the sunny California dream, offering more space and single-family homes just minutes from downtown Los Angeles; and

WHEREAS, The San Fernando Valley has long served as a gateway for people seeking opportunity, safety, and a better future, welcoming generations of families from Mexico, Central America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and every corner of the world who have built thriving neighborhoods, small businesses, houses of worship, and more; and

WHEREAS, The Northeast San Fernando Valley has grown into a vibrant Latino-majority community whose civic engagement and leadership have strengthened representation at every level of government, culminating in historic milestones such as the election of Alex Padilla, the first Latino to represent California in the United States Senate; and

WHEREAS, Pacoima, often recognized as America’s first Black suburb, became the central hub for Black settlement in the San Fernando Valley during the 1940s and 1950s because it was one of the few communities where African Americans could legally purchase and own property, and generations of Black families, entrepreneurs, educators, faith leaders, and civil rights advocates helped shape the neighborhood into a vibrant center of culture, leadership, and community pride; and

WHEREAS, The San Fernando Valley is home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the United States, and generations of Jewish leaders, educators, business owners, and community advocates have strengthened the Valley through service, philanthropy, and a commitment to building inclusive and welcoming communities; and

WHEREAS, The San Fernando Valley is a diverse, cultured, and influential region, offering a vast array of attractions to visitors. With 260 square miles, the Valley boasts everything from historic movie studios to rugged mountains; and

WHEREAS, The San Fernando Valley is a major epicenter for the film and television industry. Iconic landmarks include Universal Studios Hollywood, the historic Bob Hope Airport (Hollywood Burbank Airport), and major studio lots across the Cities of Burbank and Studio City; and

WHEREAS, Even if you haven’t been to the Valley, you have seen it in films like the Karate Kid, Back to the Future, Clueless, Pulp Fiction, Terminator Z, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and more; and

WHEREAS, The San Fernando Valley has long been home to a rich equestrian tradition, with communities including Lake View Terrace, Shadow Hills, Chatsworth, Granada Hills, and portions of the West Valley preserving horse properties, riding trails, and ranching traditions that reflect the region’s rural roots and unique character; and

WHEREAS, The San Fernando Valley includes independent cities like the Cities of Burbank, Glendale, Calabasas, and San Fernando. It also encompasses dozens of City of Los Angeles neighborhoods such as North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Van Nuys, and Northridge, each with its own character, history, and charm; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That August 18, 2026, shall be recognized as 818 Day, named for the famous area code for the San Fernando Valley, to recognize the cultural, historic, and economic contributions of the San Fernando Valley; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.