Yes, Veterans Day is an official state holiday in California. The observance, which occurs annually on November 11, is legally recognized under the California Government Code, Section 6700, which enumerates all holidays designated by the state. The central component of the keyword phrase is the proper noun "Veterans Day," which is defined in this context by its status as a "holiday" (noun), a day of legally sanctioned observance and cessation from official duties.
The designation as a state holiday has specific legal and operational consequences. According to California law, state government offices, agencies, and the California state court system are closed in observance. Furthermore, under California Education Code, Section 37220, public schools from kindergarten through the community college level are also required to close. This legal mandate for closure, however, applies specifically to public sector entities. The state holiday designation does not legally compel private employers to close their businesses or provide employees with paid time off. Observance in the private sector is entirely at the discretion of individual companies.
In practical application, the status of Veterans Day as a holiday in California directly impacts public sector employees and students, who are granted the day off. For private sector employees, the observance is not guaranteed and is subject to company policy. It is also important to note that Veterans Day is a federal holiday, which means that federal government operations within California, such as post offices and federal courts, are also closed, reinforcing its status as a day of public and governmental commemoration.
