In the summer of 2023, several communities across San Diego, particularly within District 7, experienced a disturbing wave of hate-fueled acts.

Flyers carrying violent, anti-Semitic, anti-Black, and anti-LGBTQ messages were dropped on private properties, violating the safety and comfort of families in their own homes. Though these hateful messages may appear as words on paper, their intent—and often their effect—is to incite fear, violence, and harassment against our neighbors.

Unfortunately, the acts of hate that we saw in District 7 are part of a broader trend in the San Diego region.

Despite an overall decrease of crime in San Diego County, a San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) report found that hate crimes increased by 39% from 2022 to 2023 (CJ Bulletin).

In response to this disturbing trend, I pledged to produce legislation that would combat acts of hate and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

I partnered with Assemblymember Chris Ward (pictured above) to bring AB 3024, the Stop Hate Littering Act, to the State Legislature for consideration. Thanks to Assemblymember Ward’s strong legislative work, the law was recently signed by Governor Newsom and took immediate effect. Dropping hateful flyers on private property with the intent to terrorize now carries a $25,000 fine.

Our work to diminish the influence of hate in our community does not end there, however.

Our community’s courage to report hate crimes and stand united against hate in all forms is a necessary component in deterring hate crimes. During United Against Hate Week (Sept. 21-27), I held a press conference with Councilmember Whitburn (D3) and community leaders to reaffirm San Diego’s true core values—love respect, unity, and inclusion—and urge the public to report hate when it happens. Our shared vision of a safe, inclusive, and thriving city for everyone requires that we take action to stand up for ourselves and stand up for our neighbors.

You can seek support and report hate crimes through many avenues.

An excellent resource is California vs. Hate, a free hotline support service which you can report to anonymously online at cavshate.org or by phone at 833-8-NO-HATE. Additionally, our police and other local agencies, including District Attorney Summer Stephan, stand ready to assist and prosecute hate crimes. Of course, please call 911 if you are experiencing an emergency.

As always, my office is here to help you with any constituent issue. To get in touch, please contact us at sandiego.gov/citycouncil/cd7/contact-form or give us a phone call at (619) 236-6677.

To stay up to date on our communications, sign up for our emails here: sandiego.gov/citycouncil/cd7/subscribe.

Photo credit: https://a78.asmdc.org.