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Stop Hate. Together.
United Against Hate
Not In Our Town.
We El Cerritans love our town, and we have a lot to love here. Sadly, on February 26, 2016, a hate crime was committed against a family in our city. The suspect tried to set the family’s vehicle on fire, and left a sign with a racial slur on their lawn. The Human Relations Commission (HRC) held a forum in March to hear how this act affected members of the community and to discuss next steps.
The community response was tremendous and unified. We will not tolerate this kind of hate toward any person - at any time. We are responding loud and clear with our campaign against hate.
The HRC has created signs that residents and businesses can display that say, “Stop Hate. Together. Not In Our Town.” This message was adopted from the Not In Our Town organization, which is a movement to “stop hate, address bullying, and build safe, inclusive communities for all.” If you would like a sign for your home or business, please come by City Hall to pick one up or you may print one from the link below.
Download the "United Against Hate" sign (pdf)
Download the "Stop Hate. Together. Not In Our Town" sign (pdf)
Not Alone: Becoming Allies
The El Cerrito Human Relations Commission held a free event on April 29, 2017, Not Alone: Becoming Allies, in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League at City Hall. During the event, participants joined facilitated discussions with community members to learn how to prevent bullying and how to support each other as upstanding allies. Jacqueline Regev, Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Education Director, provided information, resources, and practical strategies for how to help us all felt less vulnerable in difficult situations and to support our fellow neighbors. Thanks to Jacqueline and the ADL for their work in leading this great event. You can find more information on the ADL under the "Resources" link below.
november 2022 statement from mayor quinto
In response to a recent hate crime incident where an El Cerrito family discovered an antisemitic symbol on their property, Mayor Gabe Quinto made a community statement condemning this hate crime, as well as the national increase in intolerance, bigotry and criminal activity based on hate.
"The City of El Cerrito is committed to upholding our core value of 'Inclusiveness and Respect for Diversity' by resolving to be welcoming and compassionate to all people, to promote love and to stop hate, to stand up for human rights and to work diligently to ensure that every member of our community feels accepted and safe."
The Human Relations Commission continues to be involved in seeking areas to engage the community in promoting tolerance and stopping hate, fostering racial and social justice, and gathering input on this and other topics that encourage understanding and inclusiveness. Read the full statement.
december 2016 statement from mayor lyman
In response to the murder of local musician Will Sims in El Sobrante on November 12th, Mayor Greg Lyman made another statement condemning hate crimes and reiterating "inclusiveness and respect for diversity” as one of the City's core values.
El Cerrito does not tolerate prejudice, bigotry, racism, hatred, or violence, and we encourage anyone who has experienced an act of hate to report it to the El Cerrito Police Department immediately, where it will be fully investigated.
We also welcome community members to get involved with the Human Relations Commission and share ideas on ways to promote tolerance, understanding and inclusiveness, and to stop hate.
The HRC will update this page with resources, events, and updates on the campaign to stop hate in El Cerrito and promote tolerance and mutual respect between all persons. For more information, contact HRC Staff Liaison Alex Orologas at (510) 215-4302.
Thank you from the City of El Cerrito Human Relations Commission