BILL ANALYSIS
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SCR 79
Author: Denham (R)
Amended: As introduced
Vote: 21
WITHOUT REFERENCE TO COMMITTEE OR FILE
SUBJECT : Portuguese Heritage Month
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : This resolution recognizes the month of June as
Portuguese Heritage Month.
ANALYSIS :
This resolution makes the following legislative findings:
1.September of 1542, Portuguese explorer Joao Rodrigues
Cabrillo sailed a ship into San Diego Bay and became the
first European to explore the land now known as
California. Cabrillo explored the California coast, and
is credited with numerous coastal discoveries.
2.In 1870, Portuguese immigrants began arriving in the
United States in relatively large numbers. The majority
of these Portuguese immigrants were men from the Azores,
who were primarily recruited to work on American whaling
ships and to farm.
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3.Between 1900 and 1940, as much as one-half of the
Portuguese community in California owned or operated a
dairy farm, worked on a dairy farm, or worked in a
dairy-supporting industry. Applying the Portuguese
belief in hard work and thriftiness, along with
additional labor from family members, a Portuguese
settler could earn enough to reinvest in his business,
buying land and more dairy cows.
4.Among the great Portuguese Americans who have contributed
significantly to this country are: composer John Philips
Sousa, best known for composing "Stars and Stripes
Forever"; poet Emma Lazarus, best known for her sonnet
about the Statue of Liberty, "The New Colossus";
architect William L. Pereira, best known for designing
the Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco; and singer and
actress Carmen Miranda. Many Portuguese Americans have
also served with distinction in local, state, and federal
office.
5.Portuguese Americans have truly made valuable and
substantial contributions to every facet of California
life. Portuguese Americans continue to thrive in
agricultural communities of the Santa Clara and San
Joaquin Valleys. The Portuguese Heritage Society of
California designated the second Saturday of June as a
day to celebrate Portuguese culture through music, dance,
art, cooking, parades, and other festivities.
This resolution declares June as the month of celebrating
Portuguese national heritage.
FISCAL EFFECT : Fiscal Com.: No
TSM:do 4/6/10 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: NONE RECEIVED
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