Los Angeles County and city officials unveiled a community mural called “Sunset Luminaries” in the San Fernando Valley, marking the second day of United Against Hate Week, a statewide initiative to take action against hate, discrimination and bias.
Now in its eighth year, United Against Hate Week, Oct. 19-25, is being commemorated with events and activities to urge anyone experiencing hate or discrimination to get confidential support by reporting to LAHate.org or calling 211.
United Against Hate Week grew out of a 2017 Bay Area poster campaign responding to white supremacist rallies in Berkeley and San Francisco. It was later 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 unitedagainsthateweek.org.
County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and City Councilwoman Imelda Padilla joined representatives of LA vs Hate, the county’s anti-hate program, to showcase the new mural located at the San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center in Van Nuys. The health organization is part of the anti-hate program’s Rapid Response Network.
“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,” Horvath said in a statement.
Artist Carlos Rogel created the mural, which officials said reflects themes of peace, empathy and inclusion.
The mural continues efforts as part of the LA vs Hate’s Signs of Solidarity initiative, which aims to address increases in hate by distributing community signage such as yard signs, posters and murals to deter would-be haters and foster a shared neighborhood identity.
“Sunset Luminaries” is the 10th mural in Los Angeles produced under the campaign.
The event also comes in response to challenges residents face as a result of aggressive and widespread federal immigration enforcement.
“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,” Horvath added.
The San Fernando Valley is among several communities in the region that has been targeted by U.S Immigration and Custom Enforcement due to its Latino population, according to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Los Angeles.
“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,” Robin Toma, executive director of L.A. County Commission on Human Relations, said in a statement.
“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,” Toma added.
According to the Los Angeles 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.