Adopt Commendation for the Vietnamese Buddhist Community of Northern California for its dedication to preserving cultural heritage and community care through the Vesak Festival celebration. (Lee/Duong)

County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors Supervisorial District Three Supervisor Otto Lee 128191 DATE: April 14, 2026 TO: Board of Supervisors FROM: Otto Lee, President Betty Duong, Supervisor SUBJECT: Vietnamese Buddhist Community of Northern California RECOMMENDED ACTION Adopt Commendation for the Vietnamese Buddhist Community of Northern California for its dedication to preserving cultural heritage and community care through the Vesak Festival celebration. (Lee/Duong) ATTACHMENTS: • Vietnamese Buddhist Community of Northern California Commendation Board of Supervisors: Sylvia Arenas, Betty Duong, Otto Lee, Susan Ellenberg, Margaret Abe-Koga County Executive: James R. Williams (PDF) Page 1 of 1

W HEREAS, the Vietnamese Buddhist Community of Northern California serves as a vital spiritual and cultural institution, preserving Buddhist traditions while promoting compassion, harmony, and community engagement throughout the region; WHEREAS, the Vesak Festival, internationally recognized by the United Nations in 1999, is one of the most significant observances in Buddhism, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and Parinirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha, and is celebrated annually by millions of Buddhists around the world; WHEREAS, this sacred occasion highlights the core Buddhist values of wisdom, compassion, and peace, inspiring individuals and communities to foster understanding, unity, and service in an increasingly interconnected world; WHEREAS, in 2026, the Vietnamese Buddhist Community of Northern California will bring together more than 50 temples from across the region to celebrate Vesak of Buddhist Era 2570 over two days on April I 8 and I 9, 2026, at Lake Cunningham Park in San Jose; and WHEREAS, the festival will feature a variety of cultural, spiritual, and community activities, including the Opening Ceremony and Candlelight Vigil for Peace on April I 8, 2026,...