How cool is this?! After gaining over 5000 signatures on the petition, February 10th is now known as “Cliff Burton Day” in Castro Valley. The petition, created by Robert Souza last month, asked the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council to honor the late Metallica legend on his birthday, and the board agreed that it was a good idea. The MAC Board voted 7-0 in favor of creating a “Cliff Burton Day,” and today the Alameda County Board of Supervisors approved the idea, which makes it official!

James Hetfield confirmed the news on his Instagram account. See below!

This is a great thing. Pushed through by local fans and friends. ?????

A post shared by Papa Het ??? (@papa_het_) on Feb 6, 2018 at 4:40am PST

Metallica later confirmed the news:

IT’S OFFICIAL! The Board of Supervisors from Alameda County has just proclaimed February 10, 2018, which would have been Cliff’s 56th birthday, “Cliff Burton Day.” As many of you know, Cliff was born and raised in Castro Valley and was the reason we high-tailed it to the Bay Area back in ’83. Thanks to all of the fans who got behind this initiative and we’d like to send our appreciation and respect to all of you who continue to honor Cliff in your own personal ways. We love that he remains so revered. ✍? #metallica #cliffburtonday #alamedacounty #cliffemall ? @castrovalleynews

A post shared by Metallica (@metallica) on Feb 6, 2018 at 2:56pm PST

Long live Cliff!