Year of the Horse rides into Milpitas with a couple events

"Bodhi Meditation Silicon Valley is holding a Lunar New Year Lantern Blessing Festival on Feb. 21-22 at 919 Hanson Court in Milpitas. Milpitas is celebrating Lunar New Year twice this month. First up is the city's celebration of the Year of the Horse on Feb. 13, 6-8 p.m., at the Milpitas Civic Center Plaza, 457 E. Calaveras Blvd. The event will feature performances, food, music and activities. For more information, call 408-586-3225 or email [e-mail]."

"The festival features a lantern making contest that encourages participants to express their hopes and blessings for the new year through handcrafted lanterns. Winners in three age groups will be recognized during the festival's closing ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 22 at about 4 p.m. Awards will be presented in in categories including Best New Year Spirit Award, Creative Excellence Award, Master Craftsmanship Award, People's Choice Award and A Celebration of Unity. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3ZPtG7e."

"Civic-minded residents can apply for service on the 2026-27 Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury, a cornerstone of government transparency, accountability and public oversight. The Civil Grand Jury is an independent investigatory body convened annually to examine the operations of county and city government, school districts, special districts and other local public agencies. Under the court's direction, grand jurors are empowered to review records, evaluate government programs, inspect detention facilities and issue findings and recommendations that promote ethical, efficient and transparent governance."

Milpitas will hold two Lunar New Year celebrations in February. The city’s Year of the Horse event is Feb. 13, 6–8 p.m., at Milpitas Civic Center Plaza with performances, food, music and activities; contact 408-586-3225 or [e-mail]. Bodhi Meditation Silicon Valley will present a Lantern Blessing Festival Feb. 21–22 at 919 Hanson Court featuring a lantern-making contest encouraging hopes and blessings through handcrafted lanterns. Winners across three age groups will be recognized during the closing ceremony on Feb. 22 with awards like Best New Year Spirit and People's Choice. Applications are open for the 2026–27 Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury, due March 27.

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