Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a law designating May 17 as Bruce Lee Day, honoring the legacy of the San Francisco-born actor and martial arts icon.

According to Asm. Matt Haney, who authored the proposal, the annual day of recognition honors Lee’s impact on film, culture, and Chinese American history, and makes him the first Chinese American commemorated with a day in California.

“To be the first Chinese American recognized this way is a testament to my father’s enduring legacy and the countless lives he continues to touch,” said Shannon Lee, founder and CEO of the Bruce Lee Foundation and Lee’s daughter.

Lee was born in San Francisco in 1940, while his parents were travelling for an international opera tour, but returned to Hong Kong soon after. May 17 was chosen to mark the day Lee left Hong Kong and returned to San Francisco at age 18, a pivotal moment that helped launch his acting and martial arts teaching career.

An international star who transformed martial arts cinema and introduced global audiences to Asian-led storytelling, Lee’s philosophy of adaptability, discipline and self-expression has made him a cultural icon who continues to influence athletes, artists and educators around the world. His films challenged Asian stereotypes that were prevalent in American media at the time, and launched a “kung fu craze” in the 1970’s.

“Bruce Lee represents the very best of California: innovation, diversity, determination, and the courage to challenge convention. Born in San Francisco, he transformed martial arts, redefined Hollywood, and inspired millions around the world to pursue their potential,” Haney said in a statement. “At a time when Asian Americans were too often absent from or stereotyped on screen, Bruce Lee helped generations see themselves represented with strength and dignity.”

According to Haney’s office, the state will encourage voluntary commemorative events across California, including school lessons, cultural exhibits and public events highlighting Lee’s contributions and history.

“Beyond the silver screen, Bruce Lee was a beacon for inclusiveness and tolerance and we feel strongly that his legacy needs to be remembered not only as the world famous martial artist and movie star but as an advocate of bridging diverse communities in the pursuit of equal representation and excellence,” said Justin Hoover, the creative director of Chinese Historical Society of America.

The first Bruce Lee Day will take place on May 17, 2027.

The King and the Joker together?

Is it possible that LeBron James could join the Denver Nuggets?

The 41-year-old James plans to play in 2026-27 for his 24th NBA season, but he’s informed the Lakers it will be with another team.

It seems like the Nuggets may be at least somewhat interested in pairing James with star Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets have reached out to James, the Denver Post reported on July 1.

Brian Windhorst of ESPN said he has “long believed” the Nuggets could be an “outlier” team in part because of James’ admiration for Jokic.

The Nuggets recruited James when he was a free agent in 2018 before he signed with the Lakers.

LeBron James next team betting odds

Where do the sports books think James is going? Sports betting company DraftKings Sports does not have the Nuggets high on the list.

SEATTLE — Sharp divisions emerged Wednesday as Seattle residents, housing advocates and environmental activists sparred over a proposal that would dramatically reshape the city’s land-use appeals process.

At issue is legislation proposed by Seattle City Councilmember Eddie Lin. The bill would eliminate State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) appeals to the city’s Hearing Examiner for major legislative actions, including Comprehensive Plan amendments and development regulations.

It prompted impassioned testimony at a public hearing before the Seattle City Council’s Land Use Committee, which Lin chairs.

Lin said his bill would prevent costly delays that have slowed housing production and climate-focused planning. Opponents countered that it would strip residents of one of their few affordable avenues for holding city government accountable on environmental issues before projects move forward.

Lin said that concentrating new housing in dense, walkable neighborhoods near transit reduces suburban sprawl, preserves forests and farmland, lowers greenhouse gas emissions and limits pollution harmful to salmon and orcas.

Lin said Seattle can achieve both affordable housing and a healthy urban tree canopy through thoughtful planning. However, having projects repeatedly delayed by appeals that ultimately have little legal standing is something the city cannot afford, Lin said.

Over the past several years, Washington lawmakers have expanded exemptions within SEPA specifically to reduce red tape for housing production. But Seattle’s municipal code still allows administrative appeals on many actions that state law has already exempted.

Although those appeals are frequently dismissed because of state law, city officials said the process itself can significantly delay legislation.

Under Lin’s proposal, residents could no longer file administrative SEPA appeals before the Hearing Examiner for major legislative actions. Instead, challenges would have to be brought before the Washington Growth Management Hearings Board or King County Superior Court.

During the public hearing, opponents said such a change would effectively place environmental appeals beyond the reach of many residents because pursuing litigation requires attorneys and substantially higher costs.

Several speakers warned that raising the financial barrier to appeals would disproportionately silence neighborhoods and community groups with limited resources.

Environmental advocates also argued the legislation removes an important layer of independent oversight before major decisions become law. They said appeals have historically uncovered flaws in Environmental Impact Statements, revealed previously undisclosed information and prompted improvements before projects advance.

The debate is expected to intensify as Seattle prepares for the next phase of updating its Comprehensive Plan under Mayor Katie Wilson’s administration. The forthcoming environmental review of the plan, which includes proposals for taller and denser development across the city, is likely to make the question of who can challenge environmental reviews a central issue in the coming year.

No vote was taken following Wednesday’s public hearing. The legislation will return to the City Council for further consideration.