Tartans are woven fabrics Scottish people and their descendants have long used to represent their families and their cultural heritage. California’s tartan, derived in part from the Muir family tartan, evokes California’s history and natural splendor. The tartan's blue reflects the sky, the Pacific, the rivers and mountains, while the green reflects the Sierras, fields, forests, and parks. The red, gold, and blue signify the arts, sciences, and industry of the people of the state of California.

The California Assembly unanimously enacted legislation in 2001 that made the tartan official. Now, any California resident may “claim” the California tartan and share in this distinguished Scottish tradition. In June 2006 at the California State Library, State Librarian Susan Hildreth, on behalf of the California State Library, and Blaine Lamb, on behalf of State Archivist Nancy Zimmelman and the California State Archives, received official tartan banners from Jim Andersen, a key promoter of the tartan legislation.

Yolo County Supervisor Helen Thompson and State Librarian Susan Hildreth with the California tartan.

Also receiving the tartan in the State Librarian’s office was Yolo County Supervisor Helen Mac Leod Thompson who while a California Assembly person shepherded the tartan legislation through the Assembly. Thompson, who “grew up very Scottish,” says California’s popular Highland games illustrate how Californians enjoy connecting to Scottish traditions. The Sacramento area’s Highland Games are held every year in Woodland, a bucolic town in Thompson’s district. The Highland games held every year in Pleasanton are the biggest in the world, including Scotland.