CALIFORNIA – The second Monday in October is recognized federally as Columbus Day. However, in California, the state instead observes Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

California state offices do not close for Columbus Day, and Indigenous Peoples’ Day is an observance, not a paid state holiday.

Given the federal observance, the following services and businesses will be closed on October 13:

• U.S. Postal Service (USPS): All post offices will be closed, as on other federal holidays.
• Banks: Most banks will close in observance of the holiday.
• Federal offices and courts: Many will also be closed for the day.

Local communities with a paid holiday

San Bernardino County grants county employees a paid holiday for Columbus Day, while judicial employees receive a paid holiday on Native American Day, observed on the fourth Friday in September.

Other community observations include: 

• Los Angeles County: Replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a paid holiday for county employees in 2017.
• Solano County: Observes Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a paid county holiday, closing county offices on the second Monday of October.
• San Diego County: The Superior Court of San Diego County observes Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the fourth Friday in September as a paid holiday, though other county may remain open.
• San Francisco County: The San Francisco Unified School District is closed for the holiday, but the status for county employees may vary.

Local retail shops, supermarkets, and many private businesses are expected to remain open — though hours may vary by city and county.

California recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2019

Indigenous Peoples’ Day was first celebrated in Berkeley, California, in 1992, marking the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in the Americas.

The city replaced Columbus Day to honor Native American history and culture. Since then, the movement has grown nationwide.

California formally recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2019, when Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation replacing Columbus Day as the state’s official observance.

While it is not a paid state holiday, many cities and counties now hold ceremonies and educational events to celebrate Indigenous heritage.

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