‘CA vs Hate’ hotline launched to report, avert hate acts in California

By Claire Morales True and Jun Nucum

SACRAMENTO, California – In response to a rise in hate crimes and at the start of Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Governor Gavin Newsom, along with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), launched “CA vs Hate,” a new multilingual statewide hotline and website that provides a safe, anonymous reporting option for victims and witnesses of hate acts.

“CA vs Hate,” said to be a first in the country, is in direct response to the rise in reported hate crimes in California, which in recent years, reached their highest levels since 2001 – jumping almost 33% from 2020 to 2021, Newsom said in a statement sent to Philippine News Today. (See earlier and related stories inside.)

“Here in California, we are sending an unequivocal message that hate will not be tolerated,” said Governor Newsom. “We stand firm for a California for All and it is important that we hold perpetrators accountable for their actions and provide resources for those individuals victimized by hate crimes.”

” Now, Californians have another tool to ensure that not only justice is served, but that individuals have access to additional resources to help deal with the lingering wounds that remain after such a horrendous crime occurs,” Newsom said.

Governor Newsom said the project is an offshoot of Newsom and the legislature’s investment of $110 million into anti-hate programs.

“We stand firm for a California for All and it is important that we hold perpetrators accountable for their actions and provide resources for those individuals victimized by hate crimes. Now, Californians have another tool to ensure that not only justice is served, but that individuals have access to additional resources to help deal with the lingering wounds that remain after such a horrendous crime occurs,” stressed Newsom.

Also at the formal launch at the steps of the state capitol in Sacramento was First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom who underscored that “all should create a California where all our dreams are possible, where we all belong and Californians will feel safe and heard.”

“And that is possible when we all commit to see the humanity in one another and eradicating hate before it further proliferates. In California, our diversity is what makes the nation’s most populous state a beautiful and vibrant community,” said Siebel Newsom.

“It’s horrifying that hate crimes are on the rise, and so let it be made clear: we stand with our diverse communities, and we are committed to ensuring they feel safe and heard. There is no room here for bigotry and hate-fueled violence,” she said.

For his part, State Attorney General Rob Bonta said that he is proud of this effort to help California’s diverse communities report hate incidents and connect them to resources.

“Hate is not welcome in California. There is no place for hate in California and now more than ever we must stand united against hate and extremism,” Bonta stressed. “By utilizing every resource possible, we will raise awareness around the staggering rise in hate crimes and proactively prevent future extremism from occurring. Every Californian deserves to feel safe in their cities and communities and those responsible must be brought to justice.”

Representing the state legislature, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) started the conversation to create a state hotline to report hate crimes in 2021, pointing out this program will help individuals and communities targeted for hate including Asian Americans, Latinos, Black Americans, LGBTQ+ individuals, religious minorities, and other communities that make up California’s diversity and strength.

Officials said the hotline services are confidential and provided for free, regardless of immigration status. These services are offered in a culturally competent manner and will help people identify options and next steps after a hate incident or hate crime has occurred. Hate acts can be reported in 15 different languages through the online portal and in over 200 languages when calling the hotline.

“With the launch of the Ca vs Hate Resource Line and Network, we unequivocally state that there is no home or place for hate in California,” said Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Lourdes Castro Ramírez. “We are doubling down on our commitment to combat hate by embracing the strength of our diversity and empowering Californians with resources and support to prevent and end hate in all forms.”

“California is strong because of our diversity but hate-fueled violence remains a persistent and growing threat,” said CRD Director Kevin Kish. “With the launch of CA vs Hate, we’re taking action to help put a stop to hate and to provide support for victims, survivors, and their families. In the face of hate across the nation, we stand united in declaring: California is for everyone. I urge all Californians to know their rights and to take advantage of these important resources.”

The campaign through the hotlines with multilingual outreach to emphasize community engagement, aims to support efforts that encourage reporting and access to resources through targeted public service announcements.

It also seeks to overcome reporting challenges – whether due to fear of retaliation, lack of trust, or other issues – by offering people targeted for hate a community-centered approach that does not require engagement with the criminal legal system.

The CA vs Hate Resource Line and Network is a non-emergency, multilingual hate crime and incident reporting hotline and online portal. Reports can be made anonymously by calling (833) 866-4283, or 833-8-NO-HATE, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT or online at any time.

For individuals who want to report a hate crime to law enforcement immediately or who are in imminent danger, please call 911. For more information on CA vs Hate, visit CAvsHate.org.