Task force tackles hate-based crime There is...

Task force tackles

hate-based crime

There is a partnership in place in which the reporting officer at

our police department refers information on a suspected hate crime to

the community policing officer. The information then goes to the

city’s Human Relations Task Force in addition to the Orange County

Human Relations Commission.

The Human Relations Task Force sends a letter to the victim to let

them know we are also available to respond to their questions. We aim

to provide education to the community for prevention of hate crimes

and incidents. We also have a student network through our education

committee at all seven high schools to help our community live

together and the students to understand the diverse student body.

When a hate crime occurs, this network ensures that victims learn

where resources are available if they choose to follow up. We do not

know when or where in our city someone will experience a hate crime

or incident, and the victims tend to want to put the experience

behind them. That is why there is no report in newspapers or other

media, but that does not mean that it did not happen. We will

continue to let them know we do not look the other way, although the

information may remain anonymous at the victim’s request.

If citizens have questions about our Human Relations Task Force,

they can attend our meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at

6:45 p.m. at City Hall or call (714) 374-5307 for more information.

Suggestions are welcome on how more can be done, especially if it

will educate our community stressing positive steps to fight hate.

KAREN JACKLE

Human Relations Task Force

Huntington Beach

Throw flag on play

for NFL franchise

Why we don’t want an NFL franchise in Southern California:

* Our District Attorney is already too busy to handle the

necessary prosecution of prima donna players;

* We don’t think a 10-by-15 asphalt parking space should earn

minimum wage;

* We think $7 for an 8-ounce watered-down cup of beer is

excessive;

* We oppose taxpayer subsidies, which are inevitable no matter who

tries to hide them;

* We don’t need still another source of gridlock and SigAlerts;

* We enjoy football telecasts on TV, many of which are usually

blacked out by NFL rule.

ED SEBELIUS

Huntington Beach