By Tanu Henry and Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media

Gloria Molina, the first Latina to serve become a member of the California Assembly and on the first to serve on the L.A. City Council and the L.A. County Board of Supervisors has died of terminal cancer. She was 74.

“It is with heavy hearts our family announces Gloria’s passing this evening,” said Molina’s daughter Valentina Martinez in a statement. “She passed away at her home in Mt. Washington, surrounded by family.

L.A. Mayor Karen Bass paid tribute to Molina.

“Gloria Molina was a force for unapologetic good and transformational change in Los Angeles,” wrote Bass in a statement. “As an organizer, a City Councilwoman, a County Supervisor and State Assemblywoman, Supervisor Molina advocated for those who did not have a voice in government through her pioneering environmental justice work, her role as a fiscal watchdog, and her advocacy for public health.

Bass said Molina “shaped Los Angeles in a lasting way while paving the way for future generations of leaders.”

“As the first woman mayor of Los Angeles, I know I stand on Supervisor Molina’s shoulders,” Bass acknowledged.

By Lou K Coleman

“The appointed time has grown very short” [1 Corinthians 7:29]. The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the good news.” Search out and examine your ways and turn back to the Lord.” [Lamentations 3:40] for the Spirit and the Bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” [Revelation 22:17].

Understand, no one, absolutely no one is excluded. All need repentance. And the need is urgent. Jesus said, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Jesus, the Son of God, is warning people of the judgment to come, and offering escape if we will repent. If we will not repent, Jesus has one word for us, “Woe, to you” [Matthew 11:21].

Listen to this sampling of the Bible’s descriptions of your lifespan: “a breath” [Job 7:7]; “a few handbreadths” [Psalm 39:5]; “grass” that lasts a day [Psalm 90:5–6]; “smoke” [Psalm 102:3]; “a passing shadow” [Psalm 144:4]; “a [vanishing] mist” [James 4:14]. You do not know whether your soul will be required of you tonight [Luke 12:20] or whether you will live to see it next year [James 4:13–14]. Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour we do not expect. [Matthew 24:44; Matthew 25:13].

Christ is reminding us that He is about to return and render judgment and recompense. [Acts 17:30-31]. “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool.” [Isaiah 1:18].

Jesus is here holding out His hand to any and all who will turn from their sin and trust in Him. Remember according to the Bible, the appointed time has drawn very short. We never know how long we have to live. That’s the reason the Bible says, “Prepare to meet your God” [Amos 4:12]. Be ready at all times. “Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” [Matthew 24:44]. Are you ready?

Redeem the time. The days are evil, life is very brief, the time is urgent. Don’t waste it. There is going to be a Judgment in which every word that you’ve ever spoken, every thought you’ve ever had, every moral choice you ever faced, everything you’ve ever done will be accountable at the Judgment. And if you have not repented and given your life to the Lord, Jesus will say to you, “Depart from Me, you cursed; I never knew you” [see Matthew 7:23; 25:41]. Why because you didn’t receive Jesus Christ into your heart as Lord and Savior when you had a chance.

Time is too short for indecision and vacillation. Time calls for immediate action. God is whispering to you, come to Christ. Now is the acceptable time. Now is the day of Salvation. Do not delay!

The Lord is giving you a window of opportunity to get right with Him, because soon the “Lawless One” [The Anti-Christ] will make himself known and the world will spin into a type of chaos that will not be compared to anything we have ever seen. Prepare, and get under the Almighty Wings. Move through the open window of opportunity that God has given you to REPENT.

You’ve Been Warned! Repent for the Kingdom of God is Near! If you do not, Woe unto you!

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom released the “May Revision” of his Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 budget proposal that he submitted in January.

Despite a $32 billion projected shortfall, the $306.5 billion spending plan protects key investments in priorities that matter most to Californians, Newsom said. Education, health care, housing and homelessness, public safety, and climate action are among key focus areas.

“In partnership with the Legislature, we have made deep investments in California and its future – transformative efforts that will benefit generations of Californians, and that this budget will continue to guide as we navigate near-term ups and downs in revenue,” Newsom said during a two-hour news conference held near the State Capitol on May 13.

“As we prepare for more risk and uncertainties ahead, it’s critical that we keep the state on a solid fiscal footing to protect Californians and our progress in remaking the future of our state,” he continued.

Newsom says he does not foresee a recession but recognizes increased risks to the budget since the first month of 2023.

The plan reflects $37.2 billion in total budgetary reserves, including $22.3 billion in the Budget Stabilization Account. Highlights include:

• Billions to continue implementing expansion of health care access and reduce costs measures for programs such as CalAIM to transform Medi-Cal, extending health care to low-income Californians of all ages regardless of immigration status.
• Maintains billions of dollars for aid to local governments, encampment resolution grants, and more to address homelessness.
• Adopted a legally binding goal that local governments must plan to build approximately 2.5 million new homes by 2030, and 1 million of these units must be affordable housing.
• Advancing a $48 billion multi-year commitment to implement its world-leading agenda to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, protect communities from harmful oil drilling, deliver 90% clean electricity by 2035, and more.
• Investing $1.6 billion for all students, regardless of income, to access two free school meals per day – up to 12 million meals per day statewide.

“With the May Revision, the Governor is again putting money where his mouth is — and where California needs to be — investing in bold and transformative proposals to advance equity and address pertinent disparities in Black communities and in the classroom,” said Assembymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City), chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).

Wilson applauded the “accountability measures” in the budget that “leverage the entire $80 billion in Local Control Funding Formula to focus on low-performing student groups and schools, and require districts to publicly identify and address where Black student performance is low, while providing additional services at high-need schools using the complementary $300 million Equity Multiplier are what the Black Caucus has been fighting for – for years.

During the press conference, Newsom also addressed repreparations payments, a potential budget issue that could come to the forefront soon. The California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans will submit its final report to the legislature on June 29 in Sacramento.

Among other proposals, the nine-member panel recommends a formal apology from the state of California that lessens the gravity of circumstances that historically caused hardships for the Black community.

In addition, the panel suggests that descendants of slavery living in California should be entitled to receive up to $1.2 million in compensation.

Last week, reports surfaced that Newsom said he would not “endorse” direct cash payments to Black Californians based on a statement he made last week about broadly advancing equity and inclusion. Newsom clarified his comment.

“My posture is that let me receive the final report, continue to work with legislative leaders and the task force and assess where to go from there,” Newsom told California Black Media. “We put out a statement that was amplified, no small part by Sen. (Steven) Bradford and Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer and others. We look forward to reviewing the details of the task force’s recommendations.”

After July 1, the panel’s two-year charge will end, and state lawmakers will have the opportunity to consider the proposals for legislation. The final report is expected to be about 1,000 pages,

The final meeting for the Task Force is June 29 in Sacramento.

Responding to the Governor’s budget proposal, California Republicans criticized Newsom’s and California Democrats’ “reckless policies.”

“Today’s massive $32 billion budget deficit should be a wakeup call to all Democrats that after years of increased spending, they should have better results to point to than an outrageous cost of living, surging crime, rampant homelessness, a fentanyl crisis, failing schools and inadequate water storage,” said California Republican Party Chairwoman Jessica Millan Patterson. “Now is the time for smarter policies and responsible spending that California Republicans have long advocated for.”

Despite the looming deficit, Sen. Steve Bradford (D-Inglewood), CLBC vice-chair, remains confident.

“As a person who was here in the Legislature during the state’s worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, I know we have the skills, the know-how, and the resolve to address this budgetary shortfall and keep California moving forward,” he said.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

On May 11, the Essie Justice Group (Essie), along with Bay Area leaders, community organizations, and advocates gathered at the Alameda County Superior Courthouse in Oakland to call attention to the damage inflicted on families and communities by the mass incarceration of Black women over generations. The event was part of the annual National Bail Out Campaign (NBO), #FreeBlackMamas.

The NBO #FreeBlackMamas campaign raises awareness about the human and financial costs of incarceration. The press conference focused on the voices and experiences of Black women, who have been disproportionately affected by mass incarceration. This is especially significant given that the number of women in prison has been growing at twice the rate of men in recent decades, with 80% of women in jail being mothers.

Essie is the nation’s leading advocacy organization for women with incarcerated loved ones taking on the injustices created by mass incarceration. They focus on organizing women who have loved ones in prison, including one in four women and one in two Black women in the US. Founded by Gina Clayton-Johnson in May 2014, Essie is a community of Black-led, Black-centered, multicultural organizers with a membership body of mothers, daughters, grandmothers, siblings, and partners of incarcerated people.

Since 2017, Essie has led Black Mama’s Bail Outs in California in the weeks leading up to Mother’s Day. To date, they have posted bond for 13 Black women totaling of $1.9 million. This year, in collaboration with the National Bail Out collective, two Black mothers and caregivers (one in Alameda County and one in Los Angeles County) will be released on bond so they can spend Mother’s Day with their children and families.

Betty McKay, a member of Essie and a formerly incarcerated woman, hosted the event. She set the tone of the gathering by introducing the speakers, sharing her personal story, and leading the audience in the Essie chant ‘We come for ours, and when we come, we win.’

“I hold these bailouts close to my heart because I know what it means to be caged,” said McKay. “We believe in a future where our loved ones are free. What I know to be true, is that we are here because we are still buying our folks freedom, just like slavery days. Mass incarceration is the new slavery. We will continue to buy freedom until we abolish mass incarceration.”

Gina Clayton-Johnson, Executive Director of Essie, spoke passionately about the organization’s mission and shared some of the innovative ways Essie is changing bailout culture. For women who have lower incomes, affording bail is impossible when the median bail amount in California is $50,000, five times the national average. Under her watch, 473 mothers and care givers have been freed nationwide.

“We don’t allow the bail industry to see not one penny of this money that we raise,” said Clayton-Johnson. “We don’t get the discounted rate; we don’t get to pay the 10% that the bail industry lets you pay and then go into debt with them. We raise all the money, give it to the court to buy the person’s freedom. Once that case is disposed of, we get that money back so we can continue to bail out more Black women.”

Clayton-Johnson highlighted the fact that when Back women are released from prison, they can provide support to others who have been victims of the prison industrial complex.

“There are tens of thousands of people who come home from jails and prisons every single week. Where do you think they go? When people come home from prison they are most likely coming home to the arms of a Black woman. What we are here to say is free Black mamas and to remind you that Black women are the blueprint for re-entry.”

Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) spoke about her commitment to the cause of freeing Black women.

“I am making sure our public defenders get funded. When we have a system that puts five dollars to the district attorney’s office and one dollar to the public defender’s office, that is broken,” she said. “Black mamas are going to jail because we’re criminalizing poverty. We need to ensure we are actually building pathways to work and rehousing when our mamas come back to us, when our brothers and sisters come back to us, they do not have any doubt they have a home to go to and can immediately provide for her family.”

Shaundrika Price, a beneficiary of an Essie bond and services, testified about how Essie has impacted her life. A mother of five children, Price was imprisoned, and her bail was set at $200,000. Unable to pay, Price remained in Lynwood Women’s Jail in Los Angeles for months as her trial continued to be pushed back.

“Every person I got to know at the women’s jail had mental health needs and trauma like I did,” said Price. “What people don’t understand is that many of us locked up in the system have not been convicted of a crime. Locking women and Black mamas up is not the answer.”

Brendon Woods, a public defender from Alameda County, was the last speaker. He gave a passionate speech about the injustices surrounding the bail industry.

“This criminal justice system is hellbent on caging Black mamas because they cannot afford to post their bail,” said Woods. “This has nothing to do with public safety. This is about wealth, a system built on money, power, privilege, and White supremacy.”

“California itself holds about 40,000 people a year in a cage and they haven’t been convicted of a crime,” Woods continued. “They are presumed innocent, and they are caged. What this means is that people cannot afford to buy their freedom, or they are coerced into a plea deal for their freedom. It should not be that way.”

For more information or to donate, visit the National Bailout Campaign.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra is currently seeking student ambassadors for its Debs and Red Ties program which prepares motivated high school students to become future leaders. Established in 1984 as a way to engage local youth in the arts, the program has since transformed into a certificated job skills training opportunity benefitting hundreds of high school students. As the Symphony is a non-profit, participation also counts toward students’ required volunteer hours.

Participants assist at SBSO performances and special events. They learn job skills including teamwork, punctuality, and customer service. They also learn about the historic orchestra and concert venues at which the Symphony performs which builds both pride of place and cultural literacy. They also learn about jobs in the arts, including those many support jobs not performed on stage which further expands their career horizons.

All Debs and Red Ties receive a certificate and letter of recommendation upon completion of their season, as well as concert tickets for their families to attend the Symphony performances at which they volunteer.

Interested high school students should contact the Symphony at (909) 381-5388.

ONTARIO, CA— Healthy Heritage is excited to announce the return of “Laughing for the Health of It”, a Comedy Show and Mental Health Resource Fair, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. This year’s event will take place on Sunday, May 21st, 2023, at 4:00 PM, at the Ontario Improv located in Ontario, CA. The show will feature the hilarious comedians Fritz Coleman, Richard Weiss, Sean Grant, and Donna Maine who is also the host.

“Laughing for the Health of It” is an event open to the public 18 years or older, and it promises to be a night full of laughter and camaraderie. In addition to an hour-long, hilariously clean comedy show, attendees will have the opportunity to network with the community, enjoy delicious food and drinks, talk to mental health professionals, and gather resources from over 20 participating vendors who are passionate about helping Healthy Heritage end the stigma of mental health in the community.

Donna Maine, the host of the show, is an LA-based comedian whose comedic sets revolve around relatable topics on middle-aged dating and the comical ironies of parenthood. Richard Weiss, a long-time recovered addict, has toured the country performing at major comedy venues along with doing “recovery comedy” at 12-step conventions nationwide. Sean Grant is a rising star in the comedy scene and was recognized as the Funniest College Kid in America by Jimmy Kimmel Live! Fritz Coleman, legendary and retired NBC weathercaster for 39 years, and hilarious comedian who has made numerous appearances on the “Tonight Show” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”

Tickets are available now for only $25, and they’re selling fast. You can purchase them online at https://bit.ly/HHImprovR23 or at the box office theater. Last year’s event sold out, so get your tickets early and “come crack up and don’t melt down”!

Healthy Heritage would like to thank their sponsors, including the California Department of Public Health, Marsell Wellness Center, Riverside University Health System of Behavioral Health, California Reducing Disparities Project, African American Family Wellness Advisory Group (AAFWAG), and the Broken Crayons Still Color Project for their support in making this event possible.

Healthy Heritage is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate mental health disparities within the African American Community through health education, policy change, and community outreach. If you need mental health referrals or for more information about Healthy Heritage, please contact (951) 293-4240, or visit them on the web at https://linktr.ee/healthyheritage.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Music Changing Lives, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing music, art, and tutoring programs in America’s public schools and community centers, is excited to announce its upcoming concert on series and night market, “Concert Under the Stars” on May 20 from 6-10 p.m. This free event is held monthly at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC).

“Concert Under the Stars” is a family-friendly event that features live art, performances, poetry readings and DJs. The event is open to all ages and will showcase the diverse and vibrant arts and culture scene of the Inland Empire.

“We are thrilled to be hosting ‘Concert Under the Stars’ and to bring music and art to our community,” said Music Changing Lives CEO and Founder Josiah Bruny. “Our mission is to provide access to enrichment programs that help young people in our community thrive, and we believe that music and art are essential components of a comprehensive education and lifestyle.”

In addition to live performances, “Concert Under the Stars” will feature a night market with vendor opportunities for informational, merchant and food booths. Those interested in participating in the night market must register in advance, and food vendors must have a health permit or food handler’s card.

“Concert Under the Stars” is an opportunity to support local businesses and nurture the vibrancy of the community. With its focus on bringing enrichment programs to minority and low-income youth, Music Changing Lives is committed to positively impacting the lives of young people and their families.

“Good Vibes Only” is the motto for “Concert Under the Stars.” The organizers hope attendees will join them in building a better, more inclusive future for the San Bernardino community.

For more information about “Concert Under the Stars” or Music Changing Lives, visit their website at musicchanginglives.org.

LOS ANGELES, CA— Dre’lentless Productions CEO and Filmmaker Andre K. Jefferson is offering audiences a first look at his latest dramatic short film, ‘Heartbeat,’ during Mental Health Awareness Month. Heartbeat will premiere on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Succulent Studios, 11120 Scott Avenue, South Gate, California hosted by Actor Marcus Paulk from the UPN sitcom Moesha.

The film stars Andre K. Jefferson as Pierre who is the writer, director, and producer of the film. The film actors also include Monica Davis as Benecia, Quentari Walker as Kadaar, Conisha Wade as Nurse Vera, Tristian Bobo as child Benecia, and Ahmir K. Jefferson as child Pierre. A live Q&A with the film’s producer and cast will immediately follow the film’s screening.

The film shines light on the complexity of mental health, the value of suicide prevention, and the power of second chances. Heartbeat is filled with messages of hope and survival while providing an inside look into the mind of a person’s mental health fight. “As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, I am proud to bring important dialogue around this subject that affects everyone. This event will serve as a community-driven and solution base intervention to remove the stigmas around mental health, provide awareness, and lower suicide rates, says Jefferson.”

In conjunction with the film premiere, this event will include a panel of mental health professionals who will answer questions about mental health and provide insight on the topic.

To celebrate the film premiere, This is My Brave, KBLA 1580 AM Talk Radio, Los Angeles County Take Action for Mental Health, and African Communities Public Health Coalition have partnered with Dre’lentless Productions CEO and Filmmaker Andre K. Jefferson to present this event.

Vendors onsite include Heirborne, The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, West Shores Realty, Our Community, Sucre’ Couture, KBLA 1580 AM Talk Radio, 102.3 FM KJLH Radio, and performances by This Is My Brave.

Heartbeat Memorial Wall: Upload a photo of your loved one who was lost to suicide at www.heartbeatfilmevent.com.

The event is free and open to the public with advanced registration. Registration is strongly encouraged. To register visit www.heartbeatfilmevent.com. Connect on Instagram at www.instagram.com/heartbeatthefilm.

REDLANDS, CA—- The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps’ “Fight for Good” features a Community Resource Fair at Meadowbrook Park, 250 N. Sierra Way on Wednesday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local community service organizations will be on hand offering a wide variety of services to provide support for San Bernardino families in need of help.

This is one of the local events celebrating National Salvation Army Week, running from May 15 to May 21. The Salvation Army Corps of San Bernardino will join the National Salvation Army in a week-long series of events to pray for the hungry, homeless, and hopeless and demonstrate the good works it does. This event takes place all over the nation.

“The Resource Fair brings together many of our partners who offer services like ours as well as services we are not able to provide and gives people who need help a convenient way to get the help they need,” said San Bernardino Corps chief executive Major Braga.

These are the community service organizations confirmed as of this writing; more are still pending. Naomi Goforth, Director of Programs, said, “We will have between 20 and 30 organizations on hand from throughout the community.”

1. Community Action Partnership
2. Cal State San Bernardino Project Rebound
3. Telecare CORE/FACT
4. San Bernardino County Workforce Development
5. SAC Health
6. SAC Dental
7. San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, COVID Vaccinations
8. San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, HIV/Hep C Screenings
9. SoCal United Way 211+
10. Option House
11. Inland Empire Health Plan
12. Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Mobile Medical Clinicians
13. Inland Behavioral and Health Services
14. Assemblymember James Ramos
15. Dignity Health, St Bernardine’s Medical Center
16. Goodwill SoCal Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program
17. Veterans Administration Loma Linda Homeless Outreach
18. San Bernardino County Child Support Services Office
19. Open Door/Family Assistance Program
20. Borrego Health
21. Inland County Legal Services

In 1954, the first National Salvation Army Week was declared by the United States Congress and proclaimed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower as a reminder for Americans to give freely. This year’s San Bernardino Corps event showcases the services it offers to the hungry, homeless and hopeless in the community, providing facility tours and live streaming of Salvation Army programs in action, with testimonials from people that have been helped.

The Resource Fair is a special added attraction that highlights the array of service providers that are available to provide help above and beyond what The Salvation Army itself can provide. The greater San Bernardino area is fortunate to have such a robust network.

By itself, the Salvation Army provides emergency services including daily meals, food baskets; lodging for homeless or displaced families; after-school programs for youth, summer camping programs, clothing, showers, and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation; and rehabilitation for homeless families when funds are available.

“For Salvation Army Week we are asking our friends to help our neighbors in need and commit to a $5 per month or more if you can giving program that adds up to a considerable level of tax-deductible support for Salvation Army programs that help the hungry, homeless and hopeless,” said Major Braga.

Donations can be made online at SBCSVA.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY, specifying that you want your donation applied to San Bernardino Corps in California.

For more information call (909) 792-6868.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

On May 4, 2023, a press conference was held to launch California vs Hate, a new website and telephone hotline created to address the sharp rise in hate crimes and hate incidents occurring in the state. The event was attended by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), Gov. Gavin Newsom, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, state legislators, advocates and people affected by hate crimes.

California vs Hate is a tool state residents can use to report crimes motivated by racial, ethnic or other identity biases. It is part of a broader $110 million investment in anti-hate initiatives.

Lorreen Pryor, President of the Black Youth Leadership Project (BYLP), spoke at the event.

“Anti-Black or African American-biased events rose from 456 in 2020 to 513 in 2021, an increase of 12.5%, continuing the trend of Black Californians being identified as the most targeted ethnic group,” Pryor stated.

According to Pryor, “BYLP is committed to working with the civil rights department, local and state officials, and community leaders to address longstanding anti-Black racism and the subsequent lack of response from law enforcement. We will continue to uplift Black youth, families, and community members as we navigate through daily acts of Black bias, discrimination and harassment.”

The Governor’s office stated that California vs Hate was established as a response to requests from state and local community and government leaders for resources to address the recent surge in reported hate crimes, which have reached their highest level since 2001. Between 2020 and 2021, hate crimes increased almost 33% statewide.

In California, any individual who has experienced or witnessed an act of hate can anonymously report it by phone or online, irrespective of their immigration status. Everyone is eligible for free care coordination and referrals to resources, including mental health care.

According to California law, a hate crime is a criminal act committed, in whole or in part, because of one or more of the following actual or perceived characteristics of the victim: disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation; or because of the person’s association with a person or group with one or more of those actual or perceived characteristics.

“Here in California, we are sending an unequivocal message that hate will not be tolerated,” said Gov. 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.”

In 2021, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) proposed establishing a state hotline to report hate crimes. He said the program would assist individuals and communities who are targets of hate including Asian Americans, Latinos, Black Americans, LGBTQ+ individuals, religious minorities, and other diverse communities in California.

“We all saw how incidents of hate targeting Asian Americans escalated during the pandemic across the country. As we worked to fight back, we quickly saw this pandemic of hat was not only targeting Asians, but so many different communities in California,” said Muratsuchi.

Reports can be made online in15 languages at any time at cavshate.org, or by calling (833) 866-4283 or 833-8-NO-HATE, Monday to Friday from 9a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, and talking to trained staff in over 200 languages.

Trained care coordinators will provide support following a report, identify options for next steps after a hate incident or hate crime, and connect callers with culturally competent resources. It should be noted that this is not an emergency response hotline and callers are advised to call 911 if they are in immediate danger or witness someone else in distress.

“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.”

This California Black Media report was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.