In an effort to prevent, address, and gain a deeper understanding of hate crimes and incidents, twenty community groups joined California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken, and Anaheim Police Chief Jorge Cisneros for a roundtable discussion in Anaheim on Monday.
This gathering marked the tenth in a series of roundtables held throughout the state by Attorney General Bonta, bringing together local officials, law enforcement, and community leaders.
“Hate has unfortunately been on the rise in California, affecting numerous communities on too many occasions,” expressed Bonta. “However, with hate comes resistance and solidarity. I am committed to collaborating with local leaders to find paths forward and ways to heal.”
Mayor Aitken, recognizing the proud diversity of Anaheim as a global city, emphasized the importance of embracing and protecting this diversity. She affirmed that neglecting hate leads to its proliferation, and that one of the best solutions is to increase understanding within the public. She also stated that the community must ensure that Anaheim remains a welcoming place for everyone.
Representing the diversity of Anaheim and Orange County, the roundtable included representatives from various groups such as the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, and the Orange County Congregation Community Organization. The discussions focused on the need for awareness, education, and culturally sensitive reporting of hate crimes and incidents.
Panelists also highlighted concerns about immigrants and young people being hesitant to report incidents, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where communities feel comfortable and safe to come forward. Chief Cisneros of the Anaheim Police Department emphasized the role of education and communication, stating, “Building a safe environment begins in homes and schools, and it requires everyone’s involvement.”
The roundtable took place at the Orange County Family Justice Center, a nonprofit organization in Anaheim that provides assistance to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence and other forms of abuse.
This gathering is part of a series initiated by Attorney General Bonta in response to the surge in hate crimes and incidents that occurred during the pandemic, particularly affecting Asian Americans. Previous roundtables have been held in cities such as San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, Riverside, Long Beach, Santa Ana, San Jose, and Stockton.
To report hate crimes in Anaheim, individuals can contact the Anaheim Police Department at (714) 765-1900 or call 911 in case of an emergency. This collaborative effort aims to create a safer and more inclusive community for all residents of Anaheim.
