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-Editorial
In rural areas of California, ethnic minorities face racism as a daily reality, ranging from hate speech and workplace discrimination to housing inequities and schoolyard bullying. Many feel isolated and distrustful of local government, making it difficult to report such incidents.
Recognizing the urgent need to address these issues, California launched its first statewide anti-hate hotline and resource network, CA vs. Hate, in May 2023. This initiative, developed by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), aims to provide a direct response to rising hate crimes, which nearly doubled between 2019 and 2023. Almost two years since its inception, the program is making strides, but challenges remain for ethnic minorities in rural regions.
At a recent briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services, state officials, activists, and community leaders shared insights on hate incidents in these areas and discussed how CA vs. Hate is making an impact.
Kevin Kish, Director of the CRD, emphasized the hotline’s broader purpose beyond reporting. “This is not just a hotline to tell the government what happened,” he said. “It’s a tool to connect people with resources, whether it’s legal services, counseling, or financial assistance.” With support available in over 200 languages, callers can also remain anonymous.
Since its launch, the hotline has received over 1,000 reports, with two-thirds of callers seeking follow-up services. Kish underscored the importance of building a “California for all” where hate and violence have no place.
Kim Stoll of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians reflected on her tribe’s efforts to combat misinformation and reclaim cultural heritage. She noted that education is critical in challenging misconceptions about Native history in rural areas like El Dorado County. “At first, there wasn’t much interest in hearing the truth, but over time, I’ve seen more openness,” she shared.
Stoll praised the hotline and other state initiatives for addressing hate but urged for stronger communication in underserved areas. “It’s about building bridges between communities,” she concluded.
In the Imperial Valley, where the population is 90% Latino, similar challenges persist. Marlene Thomas, Executive Director of the Imperial Valley Social Justice Committee, highlighted the community’s struggles with economic hardships and normalized hate incidents. “Fear and lack of awareness are significant barriers to reporting hate crimes,” she said.
Thomas emphasized the need for greater education and outreach, particularly in schools and public institutions. Her committee, composed entirely of volunteers, collaborates with organizations like the ACLU to conduct civil rights workshops and raise awareness.
Gaonou Vang of Hmong Innovating Politics (HIP) shed light on the unique challenges facing California’s 107,000-strong Hmong population. From deportation concerns to anti-Asian hate, the community faces systemic barriers. “Our work is about belonging, believing, and becoming,” Vang said, describing HIP’s youth-centered approach to foster civic engagement and collective identity.
While praising the hotline as a resource, Vang stressed the need for long-term investment. “Trust takes time to build,” she said, calling for sustained efforts to support marginalized communities.
CA vs Hate 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 or online. Hate acts can
be reported in 15 different languages through the online portal and in over 200 languages when calling the hotline. 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, please visit CAvsHate.org. Information on additional services from the Civil Rights Department is available here. Multilingual posters, flyers, and graphics are also available on the CA vs Hate website.