LA vs Hate, the county’s anti-hate program, launched United Against Hate Week (UAHW) in partnership with Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, the San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center (SFVCMHC) and partners, activists, community leaders, and residents, who came together to call for action against the rise in hate.

The event featured the unveiling of “Sunset Luminaries,” a new mural at the SFVCMHC, a key member of LA vs Hate’s Rapid Response Network. Created by Carlos Rogel, the mural reflects themes of peace, empathy and inclusion – values central to the center’s work, providing both mental health services and support to anyone experiencing bullying, bias-related harassment or hate violence.

The new mural is part of LA vs Hate’s newest Signs of Solidarity campaign, a grassroots initiative aimed at addressing alarming increases in hate by distributing community signage – including yard signs, posters, and murals – to deter would-be haters and foster a shared neighborhood identity rooted in inclusion and respect for diversity. 

“Sunset Luminaries” is LA vs Hate’s 10th mural in LA, reflecting the program’s focus on arts and culture to engage communities, foster safe spaces, amplify messages against hate and offer assistance to anyone experiencing any form of hate or discrimination.

In response to challenges Angelenos have faced in recent months, including widespread Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) raids and politically divisive rhetoric, speakers emphasized solidarity with the immigrant and vulnerable communities that have been targeted.

“United Against Hate Week is more than a campaign – it’s a call to action. At a time when fear and division threaten our most vulnerable communities, this mural and the solidarity it represents serve as declarations that hate has no home in Los Angeles County,” said Horvath. 

“We stand with our immigrant neighbors, with LGBTQ+ communities, with people of all faiths and backgrounds – because our diversity is our strength. I’m proud to partner with LA vs Hate and the San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center to uplift healing, unity and the shared humanity that binds us all.”

“United Against Hate Week gives our multitude of partners – and anyone who wants to make a difference – the chance to ramp up our efforts to collectively overwhelm hate, no matter if it’s coming from a neighbor or a federal agent, with unity and action,” said Robin Toma, executive director, LA County Commission on Human Relations. 

“This mural reflects the resilience and diversity of the San Fernando Valley and stands as a visible symbol of hope and solidarity, especially for communities facing heightened fear and targeted discrimination. It reminds us of the ongoing work we must do to prevent hate and support those most affected.”

According to the LA County Commission on Human Relations’ 2023 Hate Crime Report, reported hate crimes increased 45% from 930 in 2022 to 1,350 in 2023 – the highest number recorded since tracking began in 1980.

UAHW, taking place between Oct. 19–25, is a statewide call to civic action against hate, discrimination and bias. Each year, community leaders, activists, and residents come together to take action against the hate that threatens our communities.

Now in its eighth year in LA County, UAHW grew out of a 2017 Bay Area poster campaign responding to white supremacist rallies in Berkeley and San Francisco and was established as an annual event by Not in Our Town, a national anti-hate organization. 

Each year, communities across the country participate in hosting webinars, screenings, art projects, community dialogues and other events designed to engage residents and strengthen efforts to combat hate. For a list of UAHW events, visit the 2025 UAHW calendar.

For more information and to report acts of hate and discrimination, visit LAvsHate.org or call 2-1-1.

To see and learn more about the other LA vs Hate murals, go to https://www.lavshate.org/murals. 

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