Polish Community in California
California has a diverse and active Polish-American community spread across the state, from the San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles and San Diego. Polish Californians have contributed to the state’s culture, technology industry, and academic institutions.
San Francisco Bay Area
Polish Club of San Francisco (Dom Polski)
Location: 3040 22nd Street, San Francisco, CA Website: polishclubsf.org Founded: 1925
The Polish Club was formed when three member societies held their first joint meeting in 1925. The mission is to serve as a center for the propagation of Polish culture, art, language, and community.
Features:
- Cultural events and performances
- Polish language programs
- Social gatherings
- Community celebrations
- Meeting space for Polish organizations
Polish Pastoral Mission - San Jose
Location: San Jose, CA Opened: 1998 (new church)
The Polish community in the South Bay is centered around the Polish Pastoral Mission, which serves Polish Catholics throughout the Silicon Valley region.
Polish Club of Berkeley
Unites Polish people associated with UC Berkeley and promotes Polish culture on campus and beyond.
Bay Area Polish Group (BAPG)
Community organization connecting Polish professionals and families in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Los Angeles and Southern California
Polish Center in Los Angeles
Founded: February 24, 1967 Website: polishcenterla.com
Founded as a charitable organization with a major goal of acquiring a Polish Cultural Center. Since 2002, the Polish Center has donated over $100,000 to local Polish American organizations.
Mission:
- Promote Polish culture and heritage
- Support Polish-American organizations
- Provide community services
- Preserve Polish traditions
John Paul II Polish Center
Location: Southern California
The cultural and spiritual centerpiece for Polish Americans in Southern California, serving almost 1,700 families.
Offerings:
- Religious services
- Cultural programs
- Educational activities
- Community events
- Social services
Helena Modjeska Art and Culture Club
Established: 1971 Status: 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation Location: Los Angeles area
Promotes Polish arts and culture, named after the famous Polish actress Helena Modjeska.
Polish American Congress of Southern California
Serves as a hub for Polish American immigrants of all generations, coordinating activities among various Polish organizations.
Sacramento Area
Polish American Club of Sacramento
Website: sacpolishclub.com
Active organization serving the Polish community in California’s capital region with cultural events, social gatherings, and community support.
San Diego Area
Polish community organizations and cultural activities in San Diego County.
Religious Communities
Polish Catholic Churches and Pastoral Centers
Northern California:
- Polish Pastoral Mission, San Jose
- Polish Catholic services in San Francisco area
- Various parishes offering Polish-language masses
Southern California:
- John Paul II Polish Center (serves 1,700 families)
- Polish parishes in Los Angeles area
- Polish Catholic communities in Orange County and San Diego
Polish Communities Throughout California
Silicon Valley/South Bay
- Strong Polish presence in technology industry
- Polish Pastoral Mission in San Jose
- Polish professionals network
Orange County
- Polish organizations and cultural activities
- Polish Catholic communities
San Diego
- Polish community organizations
- Cultural events and gatherings
Central California
- Polish heritage communities
- Agricultural connections
Educational and Professional Organizations
Academic Connections
- Polish scholars at UC Berkeley
- Polish faculty and students at Stanford
- Polish community at UCLA
- Polish professionals in tech industry
Professional Networks
- Polish professionals in Silicon Valley
- Polish business associations
- Technology industry networking
Cultural Events
Annual Celebrations
- Polish Constitution Day (May 3)
- Pulaski Day celebrations
- Polish American Heritage Month (October)
- Dyngus Day (Easter Monday)
- Pączki Day (Fat Tuesday)
- Polish festivals and cultural celebrations
Regional Events
- Bay Area Polish cultural events
- Los Angeles area Polish festivals
- Sacramento Polish community gatherings
- San Diego Polish celebrations
Polish Language and Education
Polish Language Schools
- Polish schools in San Francisco Bay Area
- Polish schools in Los Angeles area
- Parish-based Polish education
- Saturday Polish schools
University Programs
- UC Berkeley - Polish language and studies
- UCLA - Polish programs
- Stanford - Polish language courses
Polish Media
- Polish-language newspapers and publications
- Online Polish community resources
- Polish radio programs
- Community newsletters
Resources
- Polish Club of San Francisco
- Polish Center in Los Angeles
- Polish American Club of Sacramento
- Wikipedia: Polish Americans
- American Council for Polish Culture
Connect with Polish Communities in Other States
Nearby Western States:
- Nevada - Las Vegas area
- Arizona - Phoenix and Tucson
- Oregon - Portland area
- Washington - Seattle area
Other Major Polish Communities:
- Illinois - Chicago’s massive Polish population
- New York - NYC and Buffalo
- Pennsylvania - Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
- Texas - Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio
Know of an organization not listed? Contact us to help keep this directory up to date.