SACRAMENTO – On Friday the Senate approved a resolution introduced by Assemblymember Henry T. Perea (D-Fresno) designating November 2012 as California's Sikh Americans Awareness and Appreciation Month.

In May the Assembly honored several members of the Sikh Council of Central California, including elected officials and business owners, for their significant contributions to our community.

"Our Sikh neighbors represent an integral part of our economy in California and the Central Valley," Assemblymember Perea said. "I appreciate their contributions and am happy to honor them with Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month in November."

"I commend Assemblymember Perea and the state legislature for caring enough about the Sikh community to help educate the public about who we are and what we believe," said San Joaquin Mayor Ruby Dhaliwal.

The resolution reads in part:

"...the Legislature recognizes and acknowledges the significant contributions made by Californians of Sikh heritage to our state, and by adoption of this resolution, seeks to afford all Californians the opportunity to better understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history and shared principles of Sikh Americans."

An estimated 250,000 Americans of Sikh origin live in California, comprising nearly 40 percent of the nation's estimated Sikh population.

Contact: Alisha Gallon 661-364-3655