LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Los Angeles City Councilman David Ryu today announced the creation of a fund to help protect religious institutions, cultural centers and LGBTQ spaces in his Hollywood-area district.
The fund, which will supply up to $3,000 in grants to local organizations, is intended to help fund security improvements and training at spaces that serve vulnerable and diverse communities.
``I have watched with growing concern as hate crimes targeting our LGBTQ community, our immigrant communities and our many houses of worship rise across our country and across Los Angeles,'' Ryu said. ``We are not immune to a rising tide of hate, and it demands that we step up and protect every Angeleno, no matter what they look like, how they pray or who they love.''
Council District Four discretionary funds will be used; therefore only organizations located within the district can apply.
``This may be a small step, but it could make the difference in a local institution being able to afford new security cameras or train new staff members. I encourage all faith and cultural institutions of Council District Four to apply,'' Ryu said.
Earlier this year, the City Council approved a report from the Los Angeles Police Department that detailed instructions to improve the tracking, reporting and proactive response to hate crimes in Los Angeles.
The report noted a total of 254 hate crimes were reported in Los Angeles in 2017, a 10.9% increase over the 229 crimes motivated by hate that were reported in 2016. Preliminary data shows a 5% increase in 2018 over 2017, Ryu's office said.
Eligible institutions can apply for the grant by sending an email to cd4.fundinglacity.org.