Honoring Lunar New Year

In light of the Monterey Park shooting that occurred on Lunar New Year’s eve, cities can expect increased law enforcement presence around celebrations this year.

“We are monitoring the tragic event that occurred overnight in Monterey Park. We do not believe there is a connection to San José,” tweeted the San Jose Police Department following the shooting. “Out of an abundance of caution we will have a presence at various events occurring throughout the city”.

You can donate to those affected by the shooting through GoFundMe’s verified fundraisers hub here. To learn more about advocating for the Bay Area’ AAPI community, check out Stop AAPI Hate and AAPIP Silicon Valley.

The traditional holiday is celebrated for 15 days during cultural festivals across the Bay Area and the world. Despite recent tragedies, events are still scheduled for the coming days as many seek comfort in community gathering.

To feature an event, email us at newstips@cupertinotoday.com.

Changing Tides Safe Space Café

Virtual

Friday, January 27, 6pm-7:30pm

Changing Tides is a Los Angeles-based organization advocating for mental health within the Asian American community. On Friday, the group will host a virtual safe space to gather as a community and process emotions around the Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay shootings. The event is open to all generations (ages 14 & up), backgrounds, and locations. Register here.

ACCC Virtual & In-Person New Year Celebrations

Avenidas Chinese Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Rd, #B-6, Palo Alto

Thursday, January 26, 11am-12:30pm

The Avenidas Chinese Community Center (ACCC) is bidding farewell to the Tiger and hello to the Year of the Rabbit. The celebration will be presented in English and Chinese and feature live lion dances, music, and other performances. Attendees can join in-person or on Zoom. Learn more here.

Lunar New Year-Tet Festival

Eastridge Center, 2200 Eastridge Loop, San Jose

Friday, January 27-Sunday, January 27, 11am-11pm

UStar Productions will host the largest Vietnamese Lunar New Year-Tet Festival in San Jose across three days. The free event includes lion dancers, contests, Miss Vietnam California, fashion & magic shows, carnival rides, and more. Find out more here.

Santana Row Lunar New Year Celebration

Santana Row Park, 1008 Santana Row, San Jose

Saturday, January 28, 11am-1pm

Enjoy live entertainment and partake in the New Year red envelope tradition at Santana Row on Saturday. Performers will include LionDanceMe, Fremont Chinese School, Concord Kung Fu, and more. Celebrate the New Year with great in-store offers and dining specials, and enter a giveaway for a chance to win a gift card to Santana Row. Find details here.

Lunar New Year Planting at Redwood Grove

Redwood Grove Nature Preserve, 482 University Ave, Los Altos

Saturday, January 28, 9am-12pm

Celebrate Lunar New Year in nature with Grassroots Ecology. Volunteers will plant native plants and take time to appreciate the act of new beginnings while sharing gratitude for old roots. Gloves, tools and light refreshments will be provided. Register here.

Children’s Discovery Museum Lunar New Year Special Event

Children’s Discovery Museum, 180 Woz Way, San Jose

Saturday, February 4, 9:30am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-4:30pm

The Children’s Discovery Museum’s annual Lunar New Year celebration brings together Chinese and Vietnamese traditions. The museum will kick off the Year of the Rabbit (in Chinese culture) and Year of the Cat (in Vietnamese culture) with lion dances and crafts. Register here. Can’t make it in-person? Build your craft at home with the help of online instruction. Try it yourself here.