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CC - ACTION ITEM: Consideration of (1) the Designation of November 12, 2023 - November 18, 2023, as “Culver City United Against Hate Week”; (2) Designating the “Culver City United Against Hate Week” as a City-Sponsored Campaign; (3) Authorizing the City Manager to Administratively Approve Agreements, Permits and Licenses Needed as Deemed Appropriate for this Campaign to Promote Hate Crime Reporting Awareness and the Message of Unity Against Hate and Hate Crimes within the Culver City Community; and (4) FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT: Approving a Related Budget Amendment Appropriating $10,500 from the General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance to Cover City Costs.
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Meeting Date: October 23, 2023
Contact Person/Dept.: Michelle Hamilton, Human Resources Department
Phone Number: 310-253-5647
Fiscal Impact: Yes [x] No [] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [x] Date:
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (10/17/23)
Department Approval: Dana Anderson, Human Resources Director (10/17/2023)
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RECOMMENDATION
That City Council consider (1) thedesignation e of November 12, 2023 - November 18, 2023, as “Culver City United Against Hate Week.”; (2) designating the “Culver City United Against Hate Week” as a City-Sponsored campaign; (3) authorizing the City Manager to administratively approve agreements, permits and licenses as deemed appropriate for this campaign to promote hate crime reporting awareness and the message of unity against hate and hate crimes within the Culver City Community; and (4) approving a related budget amendment appropriating $10,500 from the General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance to cover City costs (requires a four-fifths vote).
BACKGROUND
“United Against Hate” was created by civic leaders in direct response to the sharp rise in expressions of hate in nationwide communities in 2017. Since 2017, state and local leaders, community members, and many others have come together to stand United Against Hate by empowering local residents to understand what a Hate Crime is and provide the appropriate resources to local communities and alter the course of this growing intolerance by sending a clear message that hate of any kind be rejected. The belief, according the “United Against Hate” organization, is that building a safer and more equitable world starts by working together.
When cities and their residents work together against hate, with the restoration of respect and civil discourse, cities and residents can embrace the strength of diversity and build inclusive and equitable communities for all.
Culver City continued its journey in anti-hate awareness on September 26, 2023, by inviting the Los Angeles County Commission of Human Relations’ Marshall Wong to speak to the Culver City community on the latest statistics reported in the 2021 Los Angeles County Hate Crimes Report statistics. Mr. Wong reported that in Culver City in 2021 there was one reported hate crime and two reported hate crimes in 2020. While Culver City’s numbers are low, statistics reflect that a significant number of hate crimes go unreported due to embarrassment, fear of retaliation, feelings that the victim will be blamed for causing such an incident, in addition to individuals not being aware of how to report a hate crime.
The nationwide 211 campaign was started to provide a means for members of the public to report hate crimes and hate incidents. By filing a report as a victim, witness, or advocate for a victim of hate crimes and hate incidents, communities are helping to identify areas in need of intervention and prevention resources. Dialing 211 gives community members and members of the public a safe and confidential way to report any hate crimes they experience or have witnessed. With its first year of reportable data, the 211 system has helped us learn how and where hate is occurring and is giving communities across the country the ability to respond with appropriate resources and support, which can include protecting civil rights, healing from trauma, and taking action to prevent hate from happening to others.
Victims should not suffer in silence. It is critical to report a hate incident to local police and via the 211 number. Hate crimes are crimes motivated by bias against race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability, and can include acts of verbal or physical aggression, refusal of service, bullying, or intimidation that is motivated by hostile prejudice.
DISCUSSION
In recognition of the severity and alarming rate of increased hate crimes across Los Angeles County, Culver City could build further recognition of the L.A. County Hate Crimes Report presentation by educating the community on the importance and necessity of reporting hate crimes and the use of the 211 system as a safe and confidential means of reporting hate crimes during the “United Against Hate” Week, beginning November 12, 2023, through November 18, 2023. If so directed, staff could also bring attention to current efforts and future endeavors to address hate of all kinds within Culver City and beyond. The following are potential outreach efforts:
1. The adoption of a Proclamation naming November 12 - November 18 as “Culver City United Against Hate” week as part of the “United Against Hate Week” initiative.
2. Secure street banners that promote Culver City United Against Hate Week
3. Secure signpost banners and promotional materials promoting the use of 211 to report hate crimes.
4. Development of a social media campaign in conjunction with “LA vs Hate” representatives to assist in disseminating the “Culver City United Against Hate” and the reporting of Hate Crimes through 211 awareness and messaging.
City Sponsored Campaign:
To become City-sponsored, events need to be specifically designated as a City-sponsored event by the City Council. As part of such City sponsorship, the City could post banners in the public right-of-way promoting the sponsored event. To be categorized as a “sponsored” event by the City, an event must meet the criteria set forth in Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) Section 17.330.040.B.7.b.ii., confirming that the City is (a) participating in an official capacity in the planning, preparation or promotion of the event or activity; and (b) contributing 25% of the total estimated costs of the civic event or activity or at least $1,000, whichever is less. This contribution may take the form of funds, labor, staff time, materials, a waiver of fees, or any combination thereof. The CCMC requires both (a) and (b) conditions be satisfied. Additionally, in order for an event to be considered city-sponsored, the City Council must determine, by specific action, that the above criteria have been met.
If approved by the City Council, the City would be contributing the fees for the street banners and related communications, which would qualify the 2023 “Culver City United Against Hate” Week as a City campaign for City sponsorship.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
If approved, the “Culver City United Against Hate” and 211 awareness campaign would have associated fees of approximately $10,500.00 for over-the-street banner production and installation, light post signage production and installation, postcards/postcard bulk mail drop, and promotional materials. Funds for this campaign were not included in the Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. If City Council approves moving forward with the campaign, a budget amendment appropriating $10,500 from the General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance to Account No. 10122100.517000 (Human Resources - City Commission Expenses) would be necessary (requires a four-fifths vote).
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Approve the designation of November 12, 2023 - November 18, 2023, as “Culver City United Against Hate Week;
2. (If desired), designate the “Culver City United Against Hate Week” as a City-Sponsored campaign;
3. (If desired) Authorize the City Manager to administratively approve agreements, permits and licenses needed as deemed appropriate for this campaign, in order to promote hate crime reporting awarenessand the message of unity against hate and hate crimes within the Culver City community;
4. (If desired) Approval of a budget amendment appropriating $10,500 from the General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance to Account #10122100.517000 (requires a four-fifths vote).