In the 38th District of California there is a diverse community of peoples from many different ethnic groups, including two groups from Southeast Asia -- Cambodians and Hmongs. Each of these groups celebrates New Year's Day at different times. Many Cambodians fled persecution and mass killing by a brutal government known as the Khmer Rouge during the 1970s. Some of them came to this area of California. The Cambodian New Year is based on the lunar calendar, and is celebrated in mid-April, which is the first month of the year in Cambodia. An astrologer determines the exact date on which the celebration will be held. The Cambodian celebration features native food, religious events, and traditional Cambodian dances.