Los Angeles County proclaims Nowruz, board votes 5-0

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously March 18 to proclaim Nowruz, the Persian New Year, recognizing the holiday’s cultural and communal significance across the county.

The proclamation was introduced by Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and coauthored by Supervisor Solis; Horvath moved the measure and Supervisor Solis seconded it. The roll call recorded aye votes from Supervisors Solis, Mitchell, Horvath, Hahn and Barger; the motion carried 5 to 0.

Nowruz marks the vernal equinox and is observed by communities from Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia and elsewhere. In presenting the proclamation, Supervisor Horvath said Nowruz “marks the arrival of spring and symboliz[es] renewal, hope, and a fresh start,” and noted Los Angeles County’s sizable Iranian and Central and South Asian communities. Supervisor Hahn, among others, tied the holiday’s theme of renewal to spring holidays such as Easter and Passover.

The board observed a Nowruz reception in the building prior to the vote and invited community members to join the supervisors for a group photograph on the dais. Speakers at the dais thanked the board and described local Nowruz events and community resilience after recent wildfires and economic pressures.

The proclamation does not create new county policy or funding; it is a ceremonial recognition that the board approved by unanimous vote. The board proceeded afterward with its scheduled closed-session items.

For context: the item was presented and voted on as agenda item 3 during the March 18, 2025 meeting of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.