The California State Legislature on Thursday unanimously approved legislation to officially recognize the accomplishments of Filipino Americans. Senate Concurrent Resolution 48, authored by Sen. Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Mateo), declares October as Filipino American History Month.

The earliest documented proof of Filipino presence in the continental United States was the date of Oct. 18, 1587, when the first “Luzones Indios” set foot in Morro Bay...