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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - November 17, 2021 C-21AGENDA ITEM C-21 CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION TM AGENDA TITLE: Consider Request of Council Member Hothi to Pass a Resolution Declaring the Month of November Sikh Awareness Month MEETING DATE: November 17, 2021 PREPARED BY: City Manager RECOMMENDED ACTION: Consider request of Council Member Hothi to pass a resolution declaring November Sikh Awareness Month. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: California and our nation are at once blessed and enriched by the unparalleled diversity of our residents. Among those residents are Sikhs who are members of the fifth largest religion in the world and today, there are more than 25 million Sikhs worldwide and over 500,000 Sikhs in the United States. Sikhs have been living in the United States for more than 120 years, and during the early 20th century, thousands of Sikh Americans worked on farms, in lumber mills and mines, and on the Oregon, Pacific & Eastern Railroad. Sikhs, who originated from Punjab (South Asia), first entered California in 1899 through the Angel Island Immigration Station in San Francisco, California and by 1910, these pioneers turned to farming in the Sacramento, San Joaquin, and Imperial Valleys. On October 14, 1912, the first gurdwara (Sikh house of worship) in the United States, the Stockton Sikh Temple, was founded by Jawala Singh and Wasakha Singh. The following year, the congregation formed the Pacific Coast Khalsa Diwan Society. There are now close to 300 known gurdwaras in the United States, 82 of which are in California. Sikh Americans pursue diverse professions, and make rich contributions to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of the United States, including as small business owners, attorneys, first -responders, members of the military and make significant contributions to our great nation in agriculture, trucking, finance, technology and more. Sikh farmers contribute abundantly towards production of peaches, raisins, grapes, almonds, pistachios, okra, and other specialized crops of fruits, vegetables, and nuts in the United States. Sikh Americans have served and continue to serve as elected officials in many California cities. Sikh Americans throughout California celebrate the coronation of Sikh scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, and other historical events at the gurdwaras and through parades in cities across California and the United States. Tragically, Sikhs have been targeted since they came to the United States over a century ago. In the early 1900s in Bellingham, WA, lumberjacks attacked hundreds of Sikh mill workers in their homes, beating them, stealing their valuables, and forcing them out of the city, known as the "Bellingham Riots". Due to ignorance and hate, Sikhs experienced an uptake in discrimination, harassment, and violence after 9/11. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the murder of Balbir Singh Sodhi - America's first deadly hate crime after 9/11. On September 15, 2001, Mr. Sodhi was planting flowers at his Mesa, Arizona gas station when he was shot and killed. Sikhs continue to experience violence, including the senseless murders of Surinder Singh and Gurmej Singh Atwal in Elk Grove, California, on March 4, 2011 On August 5, 2012, a gunman with neo-Nazi ties killed seven Sikhs at a gurdwara in Oak Creek, APPROVED: Steve SchwabaUer Stephen Schwabauer, City Manager Consider Request of Council Member Hothi to Pass a Resolution Declaring the Month of November Sikh Awareness Month November 17, 2021 Page 2 of 2 Wisconsin, and this massacre remains one of the deadliest acts of violence in an American house of worship in our nation's history. The most recently available FBI data shows that in 2020 hate incidents against the Sikh community increased by 37 percent and research conducted by the Sikh community shows that Sikh students, particularly those who carry the identity, experience bullying at rates twice the national average. Sadly, Sikhs were once again among the top five most targeted faith groups in the United States. Sikhs have been the subject of hate crimes because of their articles of faith, including a turban and beard, which represent the Sikh religious commitment to justice, equality, and dignity for all. The Sikh American community continues to peacefully overcome attacks on its identity and practices, whether in the form of bullying, employment discrimination, or hate crimes. This hate has been met with unwavering courage, strength, compassion, resilience and chardi kala (eternal optimism). We honor the life of Taptejdeep Singh, who was a victim of the May 26, 2021 mass shooting at the San Jose VTA. Taptejdeep spent his final moments trying to keep others safe and attempted to secure the building. Even in these moments of chaos, Taptejdeep was living by the values of Sikhi: living in service and protection of others. Sikh Americans distinguished themselves by fostering respect among all people through faith and service. In California, this service includes numerous seva (community service) projects throughout the COVID-19 pandemic like langar (free community kitchen), delivering groceries and prescriptions to seniors, assisting in local meal distribution efforts, and cards for healthcare workers. For these reasons, Council Member Hothi requests that the Council resolve to acknowledge 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; and further resolve that the City of Lodi condemns all hate crimes and bias incidents against Sikh Americans and encourages all Sikhs to practice their faith freely and fearlessly. FISCAL IMPACT: Not applicable. FUNDING AVAILABLE: Not applicable. Steve Schwabauer City Manager Signature: 5 c c . 'Nov 12, 207105:17 PST) Email: sschwabauer@lodi.gov C1121 RESOLUTION NO. 2021- A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY COUNCIL DECLARING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER SIKH AWARENESS MONTH -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- WHEREAS, California and our nation are at once blessed and enriched by the unparalleled diversity of our residents. Among those residents are Sikhs who are members of the fifth largest religion in the world and today, there are more than 25 million Sikhs worldwide and over 500,000 Sikhs in the United States; and WHEREAS, Sikhs have been living in the United States for more than 120 years, and during the early 20th century, thousands of Sikh Americans worked on farms, in lumber mills and mines, and on the Oregon, Pacific and Eastern Railroad. Sikhs, who originated from Punjab (South Asia), first entered California in 1899 through the Angel Island Immigration Station in San Francisco, California and by 1910, these pioneers turned to farming in the Sacramento, San Joaquin, and Imperial Valleys. On October 14, 1912, the first gurdwara (Sikh house of worship) in the United States, the Stockton Sikh Temple, was founded by Jawala Singh and Wasakha Singh. The following year, the congregation formed the Pacific Coast Khalsa Diwan Society; and WHEREAS, there are now close to 300 known gurdwaras in the United States, 82 of which are in California. Sikh Americans pursue diverse professions, and make rich contributions to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of the United States, including as small business owners, attorneys, first -responders, members of the military and make significant contributions to our great nation in agriculture, trucking, finance, technology and more. Sikh farmers contribute abundantly towards production of peaches, raisins, grapes, almonds, pistachios, okra, and other specialized crops of fruits, vegetables, and nuts in the United States. Sikh Americans have served and continue to serve as elected officials in many California cities. Sikh Americans throughout California celebrate the coronation of Sikh scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, and other historical events at the gurdwaras and through parades in cities across California and the United States; and WHEREAS, tragically, Sikhs have been targeted since they came to the United States over a century ago. In the early 1900s in Bellingham, Washington, in an incident that would become known as the "Bellingham Riots," lumberjacks attacked hundreds of Sikh mill workers in their homes, beating them, stealing their valuables, and forcing them out of the city. Due to ignorance and hate, Sikhs experienced an uptake in discrimination, harassment, and violence after 9/11. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the murder of Balbir Singh Sodhi - America's first deadly hate crime after 9/11. On September 15, 2001, Mr. Sodhi was planting flowers at his Mesa, Arizona gas station when he was shot and killed. Sikhs continue to experience violence, including the senseless murders of Surinder Singh and Gurmej Singh Atwal in Elk Grove, California, on March 4, 2011. On August 5, 2012, a gunman with neo-Nazi ties killed seven Sikhs at a gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, and this massacre remains one of the deadliest acts of violence in an American house of worship in our nation's history. The most recently available FBI data shows that in 2020 hate incidents against the Sikh community increased by 37 percent and research conducted by the Sikh community shows that Sikh students, particularly those who carry the identity, experience bullying at rates twice the national average. Sadly, Sikhs were once again among the top five most targeted faith groups in the United States; and WHEREAS, Sikhs have been the subject of hate crimes because of their articles of faith, including a turban and beard, which represent the Sikh religious commitment to justice, equality, and dignity for all. The Sikh American community continues to peacefully overcome attacks on its identity and practices, whether in the form of bullying, employment discrimination, or hate crimes. This hate has been met with unwavering courage, strength, compassion, resilience and chardi kala (eternal optimism); and WHEREAS, we honor the life of Taptejdeep Singh, who was a victim of the May 26, 2021 mass shooting at the San Jose VTA. Taptejdeep spent his final moments trying to keep others safe and attempted to secure the building. Even in these moments of chaos, Taptejdeep was living by the values of Sikhi: living in service and protection of others; and WHEREAS, Sikh Americans distinguished themselves by fostering respect among all people through faith and service. In California, this service includes numerous seva (community service) projects throughout the COVID-19 pandemic like langar (free community kitchen), delivering groceries and prescriptions to seniors, assisting in local meal distribution efforts, and cards for healthcare workers. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lodi City Council does hereby acknowledge Council Member Hothi's request that the City Council resolve to acknowledge 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; and further resolve that the City of Lodi condemns all hate crimes and bias incidents against Sikh Americans and encourages all Sikhs to practice their faith freely and fearlessly; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Lodi City Council that Lodi supports this Resolution declaring the Month of November as Sikh Awareness Month. Dated: November 17, 2021 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I hereby certify that Resolution No. 2021- was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Lodi in a regular meeting held November 17, 2021, by the following vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS — ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS — JENNIFER CUSMIR City Clerk 2021- RESOLUTION NO. 2021-312 A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY COUNCIL DECLARING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER SIKH AWARENESS MONTH WHEREAS, California and our nation are at once blessed and enriched by the unparalleled diversity of our residents. Among those residents are Sikhs who are members of the fifth largest religion in the world and today, there are more than 25 million Sikhs worldwide and over 500,000 Sikhs in the United States; and WHEREAS, Sikhs have been living in the United States for more than 120 years, and during the early 20th century, thousands of Sikh Americans worked on farms, in lumber mills and mines, and on the Oregon, Pacific and Eastern Railroad. Sikhs, who originated from Punjab (South Asia), first entered California in 1899 through the Angel Island Immigration Station in San Francisco, California and by 1910, these pioneers turned to farming in the Sacramento, San Joaquin, and Imperial Valleys. On October 14, 1912, the first gurdwara (Sikh house of worship) in the United States, the Stockton Sikh Temple, was founded by Jawala Singh and Wasakha Singh. The following year, the congregation formed the Pacific Coast Khalsa Diwan Society; and WHEREAS, there are now close to 300 known gurdwaras in the United States, 82 of which are in California. Sikh Americans pursue diverse professions, and make rich contributions to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of the United States, including as small business owners, attorneys, first -responders, members of the military and make significant contributions to our great nation in agriculture, trucking, finance, technology and more. Sikh farmers contribute abundantly towards production of peaches, raisins, grapes, almonds, pistachios, okra, and other specialized crops of fruits, vegetables, and nuts in the United States. Sikh Americans have served and continue to serve as elected officials in many California cities. Sikh Americans throughout California celebrate the coronation of Sikh scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, and other historical events at the gurdwaras and through parades in cities across California and the United States; and WHEREAS, tragically, Sikhs have been targeted since they came to the United States over a century ago. In the early 1900s in Bellingham, Washington, in an incident that would become known as the "Bellingham Riots," lumberjacks attacked hundreds of Sikh mill workers in their homes, beating them, stealing their valuables, and forcing them out of the city. Due to ignorance and hate, Sikhs experienced an uptake in discrimination, harassment, and violence after 9/11. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the murder of Balbir Singh Sodhi - America's first deadly hate crime after 9/11. On September 15, 2001, Mr. Sodhi was planting flowers at his Mesa, Arizona gas station when he was shot and killed. Sikhs continue to experience violence, including the senseless murders of Surinder Singh and Gurmej Singh Atwal in Elk Grove, California, on March 4, 2011. On August 5, 2012, a gunman with neo-Nazi ties killed seven Sikhs at a gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, and this massacre remains one of the deadliest acts of violence in an American house of worship in our nation's history. The most recently available FBI data shows that in 2020 hate incidents against the Sikh community increased by 37 percent and research conducted by the Sikh community shows that Sikh students, particularly those who carry the identity, experience bullying at rates twice the national average. Sadly, Sikhs were once again among the top five most targeted faith groups in the United States; and WHEREAS, Sikhs have been the subject of hate crimes because of their articles of faith, including a turban and beard, which represent the Sikh religious commitment to justice, equality, and dignity for all. The Sikh American community continues to peacefully overcome attacks on its identity and practices, whether in the form of bullying, employment discrimination, or hate crimes. This hate has been met with unwavering courage, strength, compassion, resilience and chardi kala (eternal optimism); and WHEREAS, we honor the life of Taptejdeep Singh, who was a victim of the May 26, 2021 mass shooting at the San Jose VTA. Taptejdeep spent his final moments trying to keep others safe and attempted to secure the building. Even in these moments of chaos, Taptejdeep was living by the values of Sikhi: living in service and protection of others; and WHEREAS, Sikh Americans distinguished themselves by fostering respect among all people through faith and service. In California, this service includes numerous seva (community service) projects throughout the COVID-19 pandemic like langar (free community kitchen), delivering groceries and prescriptions to seniors, assisting in local meal distribution efforts, and cards for healthcare workers. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lodi City Council does hereby acknowledge Council Member Hothi's request that the City Council resolve to acknowledge 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; and further resolve that the City of Lodi condemns all hate crimes and bias incidents against Sikh Americans and encourages all Sikhs to practice their faith freely and fearlessly; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Lodi City Council that Lodi supports this Resolution declaring the Month of November as Sikh Awareness Month. Dated: November 17, 2021 I hereby certify that Resolution No. 2021-312 was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Lodi in a regular meeting held November 17, 2021, by the following vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Chandler, Khan, Kuehne, and Mayor Nakanishi NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Hothi ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None f lx�40 J�NNIF CUSMIR City Clerk 2021-312