Executive Committee & Officers of CSS – Join CSS

The California State Society is managed by a volunteer executive board consisting of Hill staff members and representatives of corporations and small businesses around town. The Chairman and Vice Chairman are
members of the California Delegation and the CSS Executive Officers are appointed members of the CSS
Board of Directors.

Historically Speaking

The California State Society…An institution since 1893

Early California State Society records are sparse, but we do know that Californians have been gathering in Washington, DC since 1893 when the members of the Society erected a cabin in honor of the "Frontier Poet" Joaquin Miller, in what is now known as Meridian Park. The cabin was moved in 1913 to Rock Creek Park on Beach Drive, a location in Washington thought to most resemble Miller's beloved California Sierras. Since those early days, the tradition of Californians celebrating California in Washington, DC has continued. Although primarily a social organization, the Society is proud of its role in promoting California in our nation's Capital, and of its ready support for fellow Californians. Records show the society's assistance to wounded service men and women from California during World War II, and that it hosted a "Picnic in the Park" in their honor in 1946 at the A.W.V.S. Canteen at 21st and Constitution. More recently, the State Society has contributed to disaster relief efforts in California through the American Red Cross.

The annual California State Society picnic is one of the most enduring traditions in Washington, D.C. Thousands of Californians have come together over the past century to enjoy this summer rite first celebrated at the old Joaquin Miller cabin in 1893. Some members still remember picnics in the 1960's where Congressman "Bizz" Johnson presided with his famous BBQ chicken and when admission was just $1.50. The picnic still offers great food, prizes, entertainment, and games...all California-Style!

The Society is a non-profit, non-partisan organization open to anyone with an interest in California. Its activities are managed by a volunteer board of directors, assisted by both the California Congressional Delegation and generous corporate sponsors.