Following the rise of COVID-19, hate crimes against Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and other populations increased dramatically. The California Department of Justice reported an increase in overall hate crime events of 32.6 percent in 2021. Hate crime events specifically involving anti-Asian bias increased by a shocking 177 percent during this time.
In response to the rise in anti-Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) hate, the API Equity budget was enacted and the statewide Stop the Hate program was created. Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties was selected by the California Department of Social Services in Partnership with the California Commission on Asian Americans Affairs to be the regional lead for the border region.
To create a California where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued, Stop the Hate is fostering healing, sparking meaningful dialogue, and empowering communities to reduce hate, repair harm, and build a greater sense of hope and belonging.