San Fernando event kicks off annual United Against Hate Week and introduces a new way for residents to report hate, bias, and discrimination
LOS ANGELES, CA – Yesterday, LA vs Hate, a community-centered anti-hate program led by LA County, launched United Against Hate Week and introduced Text-to-Report, a new texting option for residents to report hate, bias, and discrimination. At the event, County officials, community leaders, activists, and hate victims stood together to urge community action and encouraged residents to seek support if they witness or experience hate.
Launched in 2019 in response to rising hate crimes, LA vs Hate is a Los Angeles County initiative that provides free, confidential, multilingual support and services to residents impacted by hate. With this launch, residents can now text “HATE” in 15 languages to 52-211 to file a report. Reports are confidential and can be made anonymously, and anyone who reports can choose to connect with a trained, trauma-informed care coordinator for support and referrals. Reports can also be made online at LAvsHate.org or by calling 211.
“In Los Angeles County, residents deserve to feel safe, and the LA vs Hate Text-to-Report launch is a new, safer way for Angelenos to report hate, bias, and discrimination,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor, Hilda L. Solis. “Now more than ever, we have a responsibility to stand strong against hate and support one another while strengthening inclusion, unity, and hope for a better future.”
“LA vs Hate’s new Text-to-Report option makes it easier for residents to join us in ensuring hate and discrimination have no place in Los Angeles County. I encourage residents to use this resource to speak out against hate and access the tools and support they need,” said Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell. “As we recognize United Against Hate Week, let’s reaffirm our commitment to creating change at home, in our own neighborhoods, through words and actions that help create a more inclusive, compassionate, and equitable LA County for all.”
“Hate has no place in Los Angeles County, and everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported in their community,” said Third District Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “We know hate and discrimination are causing real harm, and we must make it easier for people to speak up and find help. With LA vs Hate’s new text-to-report service, support is just a text away. We all have a role to play in standing against hate and building a County where every person belongs.”
“Nobody should have to deal with hate alone. This new text-to-report service makes it easier for people to speak up, report what happened, and get the support they need,” said Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn. “We all have a role to play in standing up to hate, and that starts with making sure people know they’re not alone.”
“Every resident deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, school, and place of worship. Text-to-Report removes a barrier by letting people come forward in their own language, on their own terms, and get connected to support,” said Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “When people speak up, we all get a clearer picture of what our communities are facing and how to respond.”
Now in its ninth year in LA County, United Against Hate Week runs from October 18-24. The annual campaign is a statewide call to civic action against hate, discrimination, and bias: the County’s latest Hate Crime Report recorded 1,355 hate crimes in 2024 — the second-highest total in the report’s 44-year history — including the most or second-most hate crimes reported targeting Blacks, Latino/as, LGBT community members, Jews, Muslims, and women, and a record 147 hate crimes at schools.
The event was held at San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center, a key member of LA vs Hate’s Rapid Response Network, in front of a mural commissioned by LA vs Hate. “Sunset Luminaries,” a mural created by artist Carlos Rogel, vibrantly depicts themes of peace, empathy, and inclusion, echoing the Center’s work to help young individuals and their communities experiencing hate, bias, and harassment. Community members affected by hate attended, along with LA vs Hate partners CHIRLA, the LA LGBT Center, ADL, TransLatina Coalition, Western Justice Center, and 211LA. Maribel Marin, Executive Director of 211LA, and Get Lit Poet Vanessa Tahay were also present.
“Hate and discrimination can have a profound impact on individuals, families and our community,” said Tim Ryder, President and CEO of San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center. “We are proud to partner with LA vs Hate to host this launch at our Center, where our mural serves as a daily reminder of the power of empathy, inclusion, and connection. It’s essential that people know they are not alone and support is available when they experience or witness hate.”
Desiree Brown spoke about the support she and her elementary school son received after he was targeted with anti-Black racial taunting at Valencia Valley Elementary School. Ms. Brown was referred by NAACP Santa Clarita to LAvsHate/211, which provided her and her son guidance through a LAvsHate/211 Care Coordinator.
“United Against Hate Week is about coming together to counter the high levels of hate in our neighborhoods and to celebrate our alliances,” said Robin Toma, Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations. “So I’m especially proud to have partnered with 211 LA to create a new way to make it easier to report hate to LA vs Hate or 211, get help, and to fight for unity and human rights.”
The launch of Text-to-Report and UAHW 2026 includes a broad public campaign to raise awareness of this new vital reporting resource directly to residents across the region. Throughout the week, a “LA vs Hate” taco truck will travel across the County to neighborhoods impacted by hate to share information about the new Text-to-Report service and how they can take action to stand against hate in their communities, while offering free tacos. A partnership with Metro, prominent bus shelter displays, vibrant wheat paste posters, and digital ads will highlight local community artwork alongside winning entries from a regional photo showcase celebrating neighborhood pride and cultural heritage. Public murals that empower local residents and artists are central to LA vs Hate’s mission, using creative expression to strengthen inclusion, build solidarity, spark cross-cultural dialogue, and bridge communities around the hopes, struggles, and history they share.
United Against Hate Week will feature events across LA County, including a film screening of “Minnesota Neighbors” at The Center for Democracy at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM’s Center) sponsored by AAPI Equity Alliance and JANM’s Center on Wednesday, October 21. On Friday, October 23, at Long Beach’s Bixby Park, LA County will honor Terri Villa-McDowell, the LA vs Hate program manager who was essential in building the initiative starting in 2019 and passed away in October 2025. For a complete calendar of UAHW 2026 events, visit lavshate.org/uahw.
For more information and to report acts of hate and discrimination, visit LAvsHate.org, call 2-1-1, or text 52-211.
 | About the LA County Commission on Human Relations The Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations is dedicated to securing human rights to strengthen healthy relations throughout our richly diverse, multicultural county, encompassing all five Supervisorial Districts. The Commission works to develop programs that proactively address racism, homophobia, religious prejudice, linguistic bias, anti-immigrant sentiment, and other divisive attitudes that can lead to intercultural tension, hate crimes, and related violence. |
 | About the Executive Office of the Board of Supervisors The LA County Commission on Human Relations is housed within the Executive Office of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. The Executive Office provides a multi-functional support role for the Board of Supervisors in administering and managing technology, staffing, procurement, and facilities resources, as well as the publication of information for the Board, various County departments, and the public. The Executive Office also administers and oversees over 30 County commissions and offices, and its mission is to provide excellent customer service and support the Board in achieving its objectives. |
