Speaker Robert Rivas Recognizes Islamic New Year, Urging Reflection, Unity, Increased Security and Safety for Muslim Communities Across California

SACRAMENTO - As Muslims across California and worldwide commemorate the beginning of the Islamic New Year on Tuesday, Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas joins the community in offering a message of reflection and renewal.

And after the tragic, fatal shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego in May, the Speaker reinforces California's commitment to condemning hate crimes and advancing the safety and security of Muslims.

"This Islamic New Year is a moment for reflection - and for resolve," Speaker Robert Rivas said. "After the hate attacks targeting Muslim communities this past year, I offer my deepest condolences and a firm commitment: your faith, your traditions and your safety will always matter in California. We stand with you in the fight against Islamophobia, and we will not stop. May the coming year bring peace, hope and renewed strength."

"Last year, our own community experienced a hate crime at our masjid here in the South County, so when we heard about the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, it hit close to home in the most painful way," said Zain Yahya, who serves as a board member for the South Valley Islamic Community (SVIC) and Bay Area Muslim Council, and is a Commissioner for the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs. "This Islamic New Year, we are holding both grief and hope: grief for what our communities have endured at the hands of anti-Muslim hate, and hope that moments like this can become turning points. Speaker Rivas' recognition means a great deal to the South Valley Islamic Community, and we are grateful for his leadership in standing with us. We look forward to continuing this partnership and working directly with his office to ensure Muslim communities in his district and the state of California have the safety and security resources we need."

Understanding Islamic New Year

The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of a new Islamic lunar calendar and the start of the month of Muharram, one of the holiest in Islam.

Unlike many New Year celebrations, the observance is generally marked by reflection, prayer and remembrance, rather than large festivities. For many Muslims, it is a time to look back on the past year, renew spiritual commitments and look ahead with purpose and hope.

The occasion also commemorates the Hijrah: the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, establishing the first Muslim community. This journey is remembered as a powerful symbol of renewed faith and the struggle of perseverance, themes that continue to resonate today with Muslims around the world.

California Security Programs and Grants to Protect the Muslim Community

California is committed to supporting Muslim communities across the state.

The California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides financial grants to nonprofits, religious institutions, and community centers that are at elevated risk of hate crimes or violent attacks due to their ideology, beliefs, or mission.

The 2026-27 Assembly-Senate budget plan fights to secure $80 million for this program, and would allow eligible organizations to use the grant funding for physical security and emergency preparedness enhancements to ensure all communities are safe from hate crimes and attacks.

The South Valley Islamic Community has advocated for additional Security Grant funding, including an anticipated meeting with the Speaker's office to discuss these needs directly, and looks forward to continuing this dialogue in the months ahead.

Additionally, California created the Stop the Hate program to fund community organizations that provide services to individuals and communities targeted by acts of hatred.

The Stop the Hate network aims to foster healthy and safe neighborhoods throughout California, implementing research-based programs to transform impacted communities, including Muslims, Asian American and Pacific Islanders, immigrants, LGBTQ residents and refugees.

For more information and details on how to apply, please visit the Stop the Hate website.