Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) released the following statement to mark the first day of the Lunar New Year:

“San Diego is home to a vibrant Asian Pacific American community that includes leaders in science, business, and culture. Our AAPI community makes significant contributions to our cultural heritage and enriches our region’s history.

“As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am proud to represent San Diego’s growing AAPI community in Washington and look forward to our future work together. I wish them and everyone in my district a prosperous Lunar New Year filled with happiness, good health, and good fortune. Happy Year of the Monkey!”

Last week Congressman Peters took part in multiple Lunar New Year celebrations, including the Lunar New Year Opening Ceremony at the San Diego Chinese Academy and the Year of the Monkey Celebration hosted by the Chinese Service Center, Chinese School of San Diego, and the House of China. Next week, Congressman Peters will be attending the San Diego Tet Festival held by the Vietnamese-American Youth Alliance.

Congressman Peters continued by thanking local AAPI leaders for hosting him at the Lunar New Year celebrations, “I appreciate the gracious invitations from the San Diego Chinese Academy, the Chinese School of San Diego, David Seid and House of China, Sally Wong-Avery and the Chinese Service Center, and Andy Nguyen and the Vietnamese-American Youth Alliance.”

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Pictured at the Year of the Monkey Celebration from left to right: Linda Young, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office; John Chiang, California State Treasurer; Dr. Lilly Cheng, SDSU Confucius Institute; Sally Wong-Avery, Chinese Service Center and Chinese School of San Diego; Congressman Peters; County Supervisor Ron Roberts; David Du, Chinese American Entrepreneur; David Seid, President of House of China.

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From the Year of the Monkey Celebration, Congressman Peters pictured with Ellis Island Medal of Honor winners Dr. Allen Chan, Sally Wong-Avery, and David Du.

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Pictured at the San Diego Chinese Academy from left to right: Fah-Seong Liew; Ian Han, President of the San Diego Chinese Cultural Association; Polly Liew, Past President of the San Diego Chinese Art & Cultural Society and Past President of the Chinese Women Association; Grace Liu, San Diego Chinese Academy; Congressman Peters; Linda Young, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office; Sherwin S. Wang, Commissioner of the Overseas Community Affairs Council; Dr. Winnie Davis, MBA Program Chair of the California University of Management and Sciences San Diego.

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Congressman Scott Peters pictured with students from the San Diego Chinese Academy.