Investigators still don't know who spray-painted swastikas and racial epithets four months ago at a Sikh worship center, San Joaquin County sheriff's deputies said last week.

Nirmal Samra awoke Oct. 10 to find the graffiti on a produce stand and big-rig trailer on the 8.6-acre property that includes the Sikh worship center. The vandalism included remarks such as "killers" and "white power" along with racial epithets directed at Muslims of Middle Eastern origin....

Sikhs are not Muslim but sometimes are mistaken for Muslims because Sikh men wear turbans.

Hate crimes targeting American Sikhs spiked after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, according to a report released in July by state Attorney General Bill Lockyer. The crimes prompted Sikhs to participate in more community events in hopes of educating the public. [Link]