CALIFORNIA ANNOUNCES NEW EFFORTS TO FIGHT HATE & DISCRIMINATION

SACRAMENTO – As diverse communities across the nation continue to be targeted by increased acts of hate, including communities of color, religious groups, and LGBTQ+ communities, Governor Gavin Newsom today is announcing additional resources, funding, and guidance to empower and protect Californians. Following recent high-profile incidents, including the horrific murder of a shop owner in Southern California, the State’s new investments and resources seek to further fight hate by building on California’s robust efforts to empower diverse communities and address discrimination. Today’s new actions announced include:

“An attack on any of our communities is an attack on everything we stand for as Californians,” said Governor Newsom. “As hate-fueled rhetoric drives increasing acts of bigotry and violence, California is taking action to protect those who are targeted just for being who they are. We’re bolstering our support for victims and anti-hate programs and tackling ignorance and intolerance through education to prevent hate from taking hold in our communities.”

Today’s announcements come as hate crimes, and racial, religious, sexual orientation and gender bias events have increased in California. Just this past weekend, a Southern California shop owner was shot and killed because a rainbow pride flag hung outside her clothing store. And in the first month since Governor Newsom launched the “CA vs Hate” hotline, there have been 180 reports of hate acts across California.

These actions continue Governor Newsom’s commitment to combating hate crimes and follow a previous investment of $44.6 million for anti-hate programs through the Stop the Hate Program, the launch of the “CA vs Hate” hotline, the creation of the Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education, and numerous grants for nonprofits to strengthen security. From 2021-22 alone, organizations throughout California reached more than 2 million people through prevention and intervention services combined, and reported serving more than 14,000 people through individual direct services. And in 2021, Governor Newsom signed legislation establishing the Commission on the State of Hate, the first statewide commission to monitor and track hate crimes and recommend policy to the Governor, State Legislature, and State Agencies.

During a previous round of “Stop the Hate” investments, community organizations used funding to better inform their community members, provide crucial resources, and hold trainings to support people in the fight against hate. Here are stories from those recipients:

• “It was amazing to observe so many older Cambodian adults taking such a talkative part in our Stop the Hate workshops. We provided materials and a presentation in Khmer, which was essential for this target population, especially since older adults are frequently attacked. They loved the self-defense instruction so they could protect themselves. Doing these group workshops is much more effective than a brochure or remote session. The Stop the Hate grant made this possible.” — Mariko Kahn, Cambodia Town, which received $175,000.
• “With the Stop the Hate funding, Little Tokyo Service Center was able to provide safety workshops and de-escalation trainings that are helping to keep Little Tokyo seniors safe and allowing them to remain socially active in the community.” — Yasue Katsuragi, Little Tokyo Service Center, which received $225,000.