Jewish American Heritage Month Proclaimed in San Luis Obispo County

On Tuesday, May 5, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors formally proclaimed May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month.

SLO Hillel Executive Director (and JCC-Federation of SLO Board Member)  Lauren Bandari and JCC-Federation of SLO Administrator Heather Townsend were present to receive the resolution. The proclamation recognized Jewish Americans as leaders in education, public service, the arts, social justice, and community life, and named our organizations by name — the JCC-Federation of SLO, SLO Hillel, Chabad of San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly, and our area synagogues — as "vibrant cultural and educational anchors for Jewish life in the county."

In her remarks, Bandari noted that much of the JCC's Board of Directors and Jewish community leadership were in Los Angeles the same morning, at the Skirball Cultural Center, where the ADL was honoring SLO Police Detective Sofia Marques for her work on a local hate crime case. ​

    This recognition means so much because it says that you belong here, that your history matters here in SLO County, and that we're a part of the story of this county." 
​— Lauren Bandari, SLO Hillel Executive Director & JCC-Federation of SLO Board Member

​She reflected on what Jewish heritage means beyond the calendar — the Shabbat tables, the partnerships across organizations and neighbors, the students who walk through Hillel's doors unsure if there's a place for them and leave with friendship and belonging. She also extended an invitation to the community to join the Jewish Heritage Festival on May 16th and 17th.

​Each of the five Supervisors offered remarks:

• Supervisor Peschong: "Thank you for being here and thank you for shining the light."
• Supervisor Moreno: "Despite the rising antisemitism, you continue to shine that light and continue to be vibrant."
• Supervisor Paulding: "We want SLO County to be a welcoming place for all."
• Supervisor Gibson: Reflected on the depth of Jewish tradition and its emphasis on mutual respect and understanding — particularly toward the stranger and the other — calling these "incredibly shining ideas that we should all pursue, especially in this time."
• Supervisor Ortiz-Legg: Noted that Jewish heritage in San Luis Obispo runs deep, going back to "the pioneer days," and expressed appreciation for the community's continued growth and its work "creating that neighborhood and that love that exists amongst all."