Organizers of an initiative to weed out hate in the Los Angeles region began a week-long effort Monday to harmonize people of different backgrounds.

The LA vs. Hate coalition was created in August by the county Commission of Human Relations, at the request of Supervisor Hilda Solis, to address the “troubling trend of increases in hate crimes and acts in the county.”

Los Angeles officials are also involved in the effort.

“I think it’s really important to know that we’ve learned that love is love, but hate is hate, and so regardless of which group they’re coming against … we all need to stand up against hate because hate anywhere is hate everywhere,” said Capri Maddox, executive director of the city’s Department of Civil and Human Rights. “And we are not going to tolerate hate in Los Angeles, and therefore I’m pleased to stand against hate. With this united partnership, and I really look forward to the work that we’re going to do this week.”

Numerous events are planned throughout the week, including art installations, workshops and screenings. More information can be found at www.lavshate.org/united-against-hate-week.

LA vs Hate representatives described the initiative as a campaign to provide resources for residents to report hate acts through the county’s 211 hotline, provide assistance to victims, develop prevention strategies and reach out to local artists to create anti-hate messages.

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