California - Great USA News

California has taken a historic step by officially declaring Diwali a state holiday, joining Pennsylvania and Connecticut as the third U.S. state to recognize the Hindu festival of lights. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the legislation into law on Tuesday, acknowledging the cultural and spiritual importance of Diwali for millions across the state. The law will come into effect on January 1, 2026.

Story Highlights

California officially declares Diwali a state holiday.
Law effective from January 1, 2026.
Co-authored by Assembly members Ash Kalra and Darshana Patel.
Public schools and colleges may close on Diwali.
Nearly 1 million Indian Americans live in California.
Recognizes Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities.
Supported by major advocacy groups including Hindu American Foundation and Sikh Coalition.

The move marks a significant recognition of California’s large and diverse South Asian community, home to nearly one million Indian Americans according to a 2025 Pew Research Center survey. For many, the decision symbolizes inclusion, identity, and a shared cultural pride within one of America’s most diverse states.

Assembly member Ash Kalra, who co-authored the bill along with Darshana Patel from San Diego, said the recognition was “a significant moment for South Asian children.”

“To have South Asian children be able to celebrate and share it with others proudly is a significant moment,” Kalra remarked, emphasizing how the decision validates the contributions of Indian and South Asian families who have long called California home.

Under the new law, public schools and community colleges will be authorized to close on Diwali. State employees may also elect to take the day off, while students celebrating the festival will be granted excused absences. The bill aims to ensure that those observing Diwali can do so freely, without penalties or restrictions.

The law’s inclusive approach goes beyond recognizing Diwali as a Hindu celebration. It also acknowledges the festival’s spiritual significance among Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities. This interfaith inclusivity was a central focus for several advocacy groups that worked on the bill’s language.

Puneet Kaur Sandhu, a senior state policy manager for the Sikh Coalition, said her organization collaborated closely with Kalra’s office to ensure that all faiths associated with Diwali were represented.

“It’s so meaningful that all of us in the community can take this day to celebrate,” she said, adding that the recognition brings together different faith groups under one festival of light.

The Hindu American Foundation and the Coalition of Hindus in North America also played a key role in promoting the bill. Samir Kalra, managing director of the Hindu American Foundation, called it a “leap toward making Diwali truly accessible” for all Californians who observe it.

“The provisions that allow students to take the day off without repercussion and state employees to take paid leave are important steps toward inclusivity,” he noted, describing the law as both practical and symbolic.

For many Indian Americans in California, Diwali carries deep personal meaning—celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. The word Diwali itself comes from the Sanskrit term Deepavali, meaning “a row of lights.” The festival is traditionally observed with rows of lamps, family gatherings, fireworks, and feasts, symbolizing hope and unity.

In Silicon Valley’s San Jose and across Southern California, where the Indian American population is particularly strong, the announcement has been met with excitement. Rohit Shendrikar, board chair of the South Asian Network in Southern California, said the move brings generational meaning.

“I think about my parents’ immigrant experience when they moved here in the 1960s,” he reflected. “Now my children can celebrate Diwali with their friends, sharing their traditions proudly. It helps build a bond between Californians.”

For decades, Diwali has been celebrated informally in communities across California, often with local festivals, temple gatherings, and light displays. The new law, however, officially brings the celebration into the state’s calendar—reflecting the growing visibility of South Asian culture in public life.

Beyond cultural recognition, many see this move as part of California’s broader embrace of diversity. The state, long known for its progressive policies and multiculturalism, now joins others in recognizing how immigrant traditions contribute to the social fabric of America.

As the festival of lights prepares to shine brighter than ever in the Golden State, one message resonates through the community: this recognition of Diwali is not just about a holiday—it’s about belonging.

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Federal officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection opened fire on a vehicle in San Bernardino on Saturday morning after the driver allegedly struck two officers during an attempted traffic stop. The incident took place at approximately 8:40 a.m. as part of a targeted immigration enforcement operation, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers say driver struck two agents.
Officers opened fire on vehicle carrying three passengers; no one injured.
Family members dispute DHS account, citing excessive force.
Local police limited by California’s sanctuary law, the Values Act.
DHS criticizes California policies for protecting suspects from arrest.

DHS Version of Events

Authorities stated that the man at the wheel refused to exit his vehicle when approached by officers. DHS reported that the driver “drove his car at the officers,” hitting two of them in the process.

In response, agents opened fire on the vehicle. The shots did not hit anyone inside, despite the fact that three people were in the car at the time. The driver, however, managed to escape. DHS later confirmed two officers had sustained injuries, though the extent was not disclosed.

Family’s Account of the Shooting

Members of the family offered a sharply different account of what unfolded. Speaking to CBS News Los Angeles, relatives insisted the driver never attempted to strike the officers and instead was met with sudden aggression.

“They never explained why they were stopping us,” said Martin, a passenger seated in the back during the confrontation. “The officers had masks on, they shattered the driver’s window, and then they hit him in the head.”

According to Martin, it was only after the glass broke and his father-in-law was struck that gunfire began.

“I was thinking the bullets were gonna run through the back window and hit any of us,” Martin said. “We were terrified.”

Martin later shared photos and video with reporters. Images showed bullet holes across the vehicle’s exterior, while the footage appeared to capture an officer punching the driver after breaking the window.

Return Home and Police Response

After the clash, the family said they returned home. Martin’s father-in-law, an undocumented immigrant who has lived in the United States for more than two decades, called the San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD). He reported that masked men had broken his window and fired at him.

Officers who arrived at the home confirmed the vehicle had sustained damage but did not intervene further. The SBPD later explained that under California’s Values Act, state and local police are barred from assisting federal authorities in immigration enforcement operations.

Hours-Long Standoff

Later that morning, federal immigration officers appeared at the family’s home. According to the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, agents surrounded the residence around 11 a.m., remaining outside for hours. Advocates said the officers attempted to pressure the driver to come outside but did not provide a warrant or communicate clearly with the family.

By early afternoon, tensions grew as neighbors gathered. At 1:15 p.m., federal agents requested assistance from SBPD, citing safety concerns due to the crowd. Police returned to provide crowd control.

“In this case, federal agents requested assistance during a lawful arrest for assaulting a federal officer when a crowd created a potential officer safety concern,” police said in a statement. “This was not an immigration-related arrest, which would be prohibited under California law.”

Federal agents left shortly before 4 p.m. without making an arrest.

DHS vs. Sanctuary Law

The Department of Homeland Security later issued a statement criticizing California’s sanctuary policies, arguing that state law prevented officers from taking a suspect into custody. DHS said the driver had “wounded two officers” but was released because of “California’s pro-sanctuary policies in action that shield criminals instead of protecting communities.”

Advocates, however, maintain the man has no criminal record.

Family’s Concerns

Martin described his father-in-law as a long-time resident who has built a life in California.

“He’s been here for 23 years,” Martin said. “He owns a home, he runs a business, he’s always been hardworking.”

According to Martin, his father-in-law has attempted to secure legal residency “many, many times,” but has been repeatedly denied.

The family now fears further encounters with federal officers.

“They’re definitely gonna come back,” Martin said. “That’s what they do. Now we’re gonna be looking over our shoulder and fearing for our safety.”

The incident in San Bernardino has left sharply conflicting accounts between federal authorities and the family involved, underscoring the tension between immigration enforcement and California’s sanctuary laws. While DHS maintains its officers were attacked, relatives say they were met with sudden violence and no explanation. With no arrests made and federal agents vowing to continue their pursuit, the case remains unresolved—leaving a community on edge and a family bracing for what may come next.