Suzanne Potter, producer/reporter, California News Service, a bureau of Public News Service.
State data show that hate-crime reports almost doubled between 2019 and 2023 – so the Civil Rights Division is promoting its new CA vs Hate hotline. Since its launch in May 2023, the hotline has received more than 1,000 reports of hate incidents, but almost none have been from rural counties such as Del Norte, Sutter, and Mariposa.
Hate crime reporting lags in rural areas
Kevin Kish, director of the California Civil Rights Department, said the state is partnering with community groups to increase trust.
“We know that when people are afraid when they feel isolated, it is unlikely for them to turn to government, at least not without a trusted intermediary who helps them do that,” he explained.
Kish added that people who fail to report hate incidents may worry they won’t be taken seriously, they may have a language barrier, or fear contacting the authorities. The hotline number is 8-3-3-8-no hate. It is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., or you can report on the website CA vs hate.org.
Gaonou Vang, communications and narrative manager with the grassroots organization Hmong Innovating Politics, said the Trump administration’s focus on mass deportation worries many in the Hmong community.
“This continues to really deeply affect our communities, further perpetrating stigmatization, stereotypes, and extreme xenophobia that we have faced since the beginning of the pandemic and beyond,” Vang said.
The hotline connects people to legal services, counseling, mental health resources, financial assistance, and community-based organizations. It will only refer people to law enforcement upon request, and callers are not asked for immigration status.
Los Angeles County’s hard line on hate crimes
Meanwhile, hate crimes are vigorously prosecuted in Los Angeles County.
In 2023 alone, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted 79% of hate crime cases referred by law enforcement. That is one of the highest rates in the state and represents nearly a quarter of all hate crime prosecutions in California.
Also, the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations leads the countywide anti-hate program called “LA vs. Hate.” The program offers many crucial services, including education to show bystanders how to interrupt hate when they see it; free legal and other healing assistance confidentially via tele-help partners at 2-1-1 in LA; and free art, memes, and gifs to spread anti-hate messages on social media.
Robin Toma, executive director of the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations, said in a statement: “Of course, we can only address hate if people take the time to report it – to the police, or confidentially, and in multiple languages, to www.LAvsHate.org or by calling 211. Together, we can eradicate hate in LA County.”
