CA ACR195

Designates November 2020 as California's Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month to recognize contributions of Sikhs to the state.

Acknowledges historical significance of Sikh pioneers who arrived in California in 1899, established the first U.S. gurdwara (Stockton Sikh Temple) in 1912, and contributed to agriculture, education, and civil rights movements.

Recognizes prominent Sikh Americans including Dalip Singh Saund (first Asian American elected to U.S. Congress, served 1957-1963) and Narinder Singh Kapany (inventor credited as father of fiber optics).

Condemns hate crimes and bias incidents against Sikh Americans, including the 2012 Oak Creek, Wisconsin gurdwara shooting and 2011 murders in Elk Grove, California.

Encourages all Sikhs to practice their faith freely and fearlessly, and directs the Chief Clerk to distribute the resolution to legislators and Sikh American organizations.