To: Board of Supervisors
From: Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor
Report Title: Resolution honoring Anne O for laying the foundation towards proclaiming May as Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a resolution honoring Anne O for laying the foundation towards proclaiming May as Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
BACKGROUND:
None
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
body
IN THE MATTER OF Honoring Anne O for laying the foundation towards proclaiming May as Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.
WHEREAS, Anne O, a proud East Bay native and alumnus of Middle College High School, earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Davis and a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California, establishing a foundation for a career dedicated to community advocacy and leadership; and
WHEREAS, joining the office of Contra Costa County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff in 2016, Anne served with distinction as Chief of Staff for over six years, providing strategic insights and fostering partnerships that advanced critical county initiatives, including modernizing Buchanan Field Airport and expanding regional drone-testing; and
WHEREAS, in 1992 the official designation of May as Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month was signed into federal law, and in 2021 was renamed Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, to recognize and include the indigenous population of Hawaii; and
WHEREAS, Anne collaborated with the Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition and spearheaded the creation of the county’s first-ever Lunar New Year Celebration, held by the Board of Supervisors in 2022, to share the diversity of cultures within Contra Costa County; and
WHEREAS, each year since, and now celebrating its fourth year, Contra Costa County develops a theme for AANHPI Heritage Month. The 2026 Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Commemorative Celebration event is themed, “Journey of Joy, Hope & Connection”; honoring the rich cultures, contributions, and shared commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive community; and
WHEREAS, in California, the AANHPI population is one of the fastest growing populations; 16 percent identify as AANHPI and more than 3 million speak an Asian language including Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Korean, Hindi and more; and in Contra Costa County, nearly one in every five residents identify as AANHPI; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa County celebrates and learns about the contributions made by AANHPI community members in the fields of government, science, politics, the armed forces, medicine, literature, sports, and the arts; and recognizes the discrimination, exclusion, and violence that AANHPI communities face today and throughout history; and
WHEREAS, since leaving the County, Anne O has worked on statewide efforts to make broadband accessible to low-income communities across California and currently manages two broadband adoption and access grant programs at the California Public Utilities Commission; and
WHEREAS, Anne O is an on-going member of the Board of Directors for the Contra Costa College Foundation, and continues to mentor the next generation of leaders, ensuring they have the resources to thrive in the community where she was raised, and is recognized as a visionary leader, dedicated mentor, and cherished friend whose tireless work has built a more inclusive and resilient Contra Costa County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors does hereby honor and commend Anne O for her outstanding contributions and lasting impact on the residents of this county and proclaims May 2026 as Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.