Source: Selma Enterprise

http://www.selmaenterprise.com/articles/2005/12/07/news/news01.txt

On December 7, 2005 the Selma Enterprise reported, "So far, it’s just 10 acres on the west side of Highland Avenue, just north of Nebraska Avenue. Dirt has been moved and plumbing has been installed, but it will be another year before the land realizes its ultimate, holy use. That’s only one more year to add to the time it has taken the Sikh Center of the Pacific Coast to build a new temple. From acquiring the land to the start of construction in the last few weeks, it has taken nearly 10 years. For Gurdip Nijjar, Sikh Center general secretary, the wait is worth the end result — 21,000 square feet of facilities expected to host up to 1,000 Sikhs... The current temple at Highland Avenue and Golden State Boulevard was acquired by the Sikhs in 1986. Since that time, membership has grown to over 500 people, but many events bring double that number of out-of-town guests. The new building will feature a 45-foot dome, a common feature on Sikh temples. Facilities will also include a community kitchen, lobby and courtyard. Future development will bring classrooms, a community hall and a library... A ground breaking for the temple was held at the site back in March, but construction didn’t start until eight months later because of delays in acquiring the permits for building on the county land. Permits delayed construction for a few years."