Although the California state holiday schedule and the federal holiday schedule are very similar, they are not the same. One major difference is the treatment of Cesar Chavez Day and Columbus Day. Another big difference is the inclusion of Furlough Fridays in which state offices are closed during the first three Fridays of each calendar month. It is not a good idea to assume the post office holiday schedule is the same as the California state holiday schedule.
The main reasons for these differences are due to the California state budget crisis and budget deficit.
In 2011, the state of California recognizes the following holidays:
- January 1, 2011 - New Year's Day (Sat)
- January 17, 2011 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Mon)
- February 21, 2011 - Presidents Birthday (Mon)
- March 31, 2011 - Cesar Chavez Day (Thu)
- May 30, 2011 - Memorial Day (Mon)
- July 4, 2011 - Independence Day (Mon)
- September 5, 2011- Labor Day (Mon)
- November 11, 2011 - Veteran's Day (Fri)
- November 24, 2011 - Thanksgiving Day (Thu)
- November 25, 2011 - Day After Thanksgiving (Fri)
- December 26, 2011 - Christmas observed (Mon)
If a holiday falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday.
Note that Cesar Chavez Day is not a federal holiday while it is a state holiday. Some city and county municipalities in California also do not recognize Cesar Chavez Day as a holiday. Check with the specific city and county to find out their holiday schedule.
California Furlough Friday Schedule
Due to the California state budget crisis in 2010, the governor mandated required days off with no pay for almost all state workers which are nicknamed "Furlough Fridays." This program started in January 2009. According to the Department of Personnel Administration (DPA), the exceptions include CHP officers (but not CHP staff), EDD unemployment office phone staff, state parks, and CalFire firefighters.
Generally, this means state prisons, state hospitals, and other 24-hour operations will remain open during holidays and Furlough Fridays. Most other offices will close on Furlough Fridays including DMV and state courts. The state university system (UC and CSU) will follow their own customized furlough schedule.
Scheduled Furlough Fridays in calendar year 2010:
- January 8, 15, 22
- February 5, 12, 19
- March 5, 12, 19
- April 2, 9, 16
- May 7, 14, 21
- June 4,11, 18
Cities and counties are not subject to the state furlough schedule, although they may have their own furlough schedule due to their own budget difficulties.
State of California and Columbus Day
Columbus Day used to be a state holiday until 2009. It is no longer a recognized holiday by the DPA and the state of California. Because of this, all state offices will open normally on that day even though it is a federal holiday when federal offices, post offices, and banks close for the day.
On Columbus Day in 2009, the SEIU Local 1000 union told their members to take the day off because their expired contract gave them a Columbus Day holiday. At the time, they did not have a new contract. According to the Sacramento Bee, most California state employees chose to work that day rather than risk disciplinary action.
In summary, federal holidays, post office holidays, and California state holidays are similar with Columbus Day, Cesar Chavez Day, and Furlough Fridays being the key exceptions. California city and county holidays may differ from the state holiday schedule as well.
Reference:
California State University East Bay. "CSUEB Furlough Information and Schedule."
Department of Personnel Administration. "List of Furlough Fridays."
