What's Closed In CA On Columbus, Indigenous Peoples Day

CALIFORNIA — Monday's federal holiday dedicated to Christopher Columbus has been something of a political point of contention for years. In California, the holiday is still observed.

Government offices, state and federal courts and libraries throughout the Golden State were closed for Columbus Day, which is also now recognized as Indigenous Peoples Day.

Like all federal holidays, there will be no U.S. Mail delivery and banks were expected to be closed. Most school districts and transportation agencies were expected to remain open throughout the state on Monday.

Last week, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation to commemorate Indigenous Peoples' Day, which falls on the same day as Columbus Day. He is the first president to do so.

"The contributions that Indigenous peoples have made throughout history — in public service, entrepreneurship, scholarship, the arts, and countless other fields — are integral to our Nation, our culture, and our society," Biden said.

Here's what's closed on Monday

• Government agencies such as federal offices, DMVs and libraries.
• Most banks
• U.S. Postal Service
• U.S. Bond Markets
• The Federal Reserve Bank

In Los Angeles County, the second Monday in October is Indigenous Peoples Day under a ordinance approved in 2017 by the Los Angeles City Council, which replaced Columbus Day as a holiday on the city calendar. Los Angeles County also created an Indigenous Peoples Day holiday in place of Columbus Day.

"It's time to no longer deny our past but reclaim our history because it's all there for anyone who wants to see it," LA Councilman Mitch O'Farrell, O'Farrell said.

County Supervisor Hilda Solis, who introduced the motion to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day in 2017, recognized the day on Twitter Monday.

"Los Angeles County is home to multiple tribes who have never been federally recognized, and who continue to face land access issues despite their histories and cultural contributions," she said.

City News Service contributed to this report.