Welcome to California Sikh Council

August 8, 2004

WHAT'S NEWS AT THE CALIFORNIA SIKH COUNCIL...

Sikh sworn in as reserve deputy

On the evening of July 27th, Jagjit Singh was sworn into the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department as a reserves officer. He is the first Sikh ever to be sworn into the department with full beard and turban.

Members of the Los Angeles area Sikh community looked on with pride, as Jagjit Singh pioneered the way for Sikhs in California and across the nation, to begin serving in law enforcement agencies.

Jagjit's graduation is the result of about a year and a half of hard work by a four member committee of the California Sikh Council and top brass from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. It welcomes the beginning of a new realm of opportunity for Sikhs to serve the community.

This is the first time in the history of the Sikh community in America that Sikhs have been invited to serve in law enforcement and for that we owe a great deal to the true sense of openness, equality and community service of Sheriff Leroy D. Baca.

After the swearing in Jagjit Singh's commanding officers, members of the press, and friends and family all congratulated him on this momentous occasion and appreciated him for his hard work and excellent performance.

California Sikh Council trains Orange County Sheriffs department and other Orange county agencies on Identity
and values of the Sikh community…

July first four members of the CSC trained members of the Orange County Sheriffs Dept. and representatives form several different Orange County law enforcement and emergency services agencies on the Identity and values of the Sikh Faith.

This is part of an important effort on behalf of Orange County agencies to increase their cultural competency and awareness of the community members they serve.

As a result of this presentation several agencies attending have requested further educational presentations at their own respective agencies.

May 15, "Notes of Harmony" fund raiser a great success!!!

An entertaining and spiritually uplifting evening was had by all who attended the CSC's "Notes of Harmony", "an evening of unity in diversity", fundraising event on May 15, 2004.

The funds raised from the event will allow the CSC to greatly expand its efforts to create awareness of Sikhs, stop harassment and discrimination against member of our community and help leverage community resources to improve the quality of life for Sikhs and the surrounding communities in which they live.

The first position of executive director was filled by Nirinjan Singh Khalsa, who has been extremely active in the social and political arena since 9/11.

The second position of a general secretary, was filled by Jagjit Kaur Khalsa who will take care of many of the important communication, and record keeping needs.

Both of these positions will enhance the CSC effectiveness and efficiency.

Once again we thank all of those who so generously supported this event.

Legislative hearings concerning hate crimes against and the harassment of Sikhs will be held September 28th at the Museum of Tolerance in west LA

Assemblywoman Judy Chu who chairs the hate crimes committee for California legislature is holding hearings to gather more information regarding hate crimes and harassment of members of the American Sikh community.

This is an important step in beginning to better address this terrible injustice. If you have been a victim of a hate crime or incident or harassed or discriminated against because of your appearance, please e-mail: nirinjan@khalsa.com

California Sikh Council seeks to form chapters up and down the state…

In an effort to co-ordinate and better leverage the resources of the Sikh community in California in dealing with the issues before us, the CSC is in the process of reaching out to all Sikhs and communities of Sikhs throughout the state to form chapters of the California Sikh Council in their local areas.

These chapters would be composed of concerned, grass roots community members motivated to help improve the quality of life for all Sikhs across California and the nation.

The Chapters would be autonomous with their own administrative structure but would co-ordinate efforts with the main CSC body and the other chapters across the state. By doing this we will greatly increase our voice and influence.

The existing council will support and co-ordinate the efforts of the statewide chapters, providing media and politically influential support when necessary.

We want to encourage all Sikhs and all Sikh community to get involved in these important missions we have taken on.

The sooner the Sikh identity is known and understood in America the sooner the quality of life will improve for the members of our community, for our children and for our future generations.

If you are interested in starting a chapter of the CSC in your area please e-mail: nirinjan@khalsa.com

Two important media projects

Members of the CSC traveled to San Jose last week to view a screening of two very important media projects.

The first is a interactive media based cultural competency curriculum designed for grades 6-12 that can be implemented in the California school system to educate students about Sikhs and the Sikh community.

The second is a professionally produce documentary on Sikhs after 9/11 named "A Dream In Doubt".

The CSC wholeheartedly supports both of these projects and encourages your support also.

For more info on how you can help these important efforts please e-mail: nirinjan@khalsa.com

Get Involved! Your
Community needs you!

The California Sikh council encourages each and every Sikh to get involved in creating awareness and a positive image of the Sikh community!

Thank you for your interest,
Visit us at www.calsikhs.org