As we welcome the Lunar New Year and celebrate the Year of the Snake, I want to take a moment to acknowledge this special occasion and what it means for many in our community.
The Year of the Snake symbolizes renewal, transformation, and resilience—qualities that resonate deeply with our mission here at ZSFG. Just as the snake sheds its skin to grow and adapt, we continue to embrace change and innovation to meet the evolving needs of our patients and community. The resiliency embodied by the snake reflects the unwavering dedication each of you demonstrates every day as we face challenges with strength and determination.

Lunar New Year is a time to gather with loved ones, honor traditions, and look ahead with hope and purpose. Many of our staff and patients are of Asian descent and will be celebrating, participating, and reflecting together.

The entire Bay Area has already begun celebrating the Lunar New Year, which began on January 29th, with flower fairs, street fairs, performances and historical tours across a diversity of San Francisco’s Asian American communities – from Chinatown to the Richmond and Sunset to Excelsior and Portola. We join millions all over the world who celebrate, especially in Asian regions such as China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, and South Korea.

I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy this meaningful time with family and friends. I encourage everyone to check out this calendar of the many events the City sponsors, culminating in the dazzling Chinese New Year Parade on February 15, the largest of its kind outside of Asia. I will be there in partnership with our AAPI community representing ZSFG.

Here are some local events to get you into the spirit:

Saturday, February 8, 4 p.m.
Lunar New Year at the Symphony
Davie’s Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave

Saturday, February 8
Basketball Jamboree
Betty Ann Ong Recreation Center, 1199 Mason Street

Saturday, February 15, 5 p.m.
Chinese New Year Parade
begins at Market and 2nd Street

Friday and Saturday, February 15 and 16, all day
Community Street Fair
Grant between California to Broadway

Let us draw inspiration from these themes and festivities as we refresh our spirits and recommit to our shared purpose: providing exceptional care, fostering equity, and building a healthier future for all. Together, we can continue to grow, adapt, and rise to new opportunities.

Thank you all for your continued dedication to our mission.

I wish you a joyful Lunar New Year filled with happiness, health, and prosperity.