Professor Brian Levin — Professor Brian Levin introduces himself as Chair of the California Commission on the State of Hate and explains that the Commission’s work is evidence-based and community-informed in studying hate activity.
Josh Lowenthal — Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal is introduced and then uses his time to ask about the root causes of rising hate, focusing not just on its impacts but on the underlying conditions driving it. He asks what factors are causing the increase, what should alarm the Legislature, and what lawmakers can do to change those conditions and prevent hate.
Josh Lowenthal — Josh Lowenthal is mentioned as a coauthor, alongside the speaker, on two training bills.
Josh Lowenthal — Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal was deferred to for comments or questions and was acknowledged by name in the same exchange, with the speaker expressing appreciation to the chair.
Dr. Robin Williams — Referenced as a late Cornell professor whose work described a 'printed circuit of stereotypes' that can legitimize aggression toward targeted groups.
Mike Gipson — Speaker says even Democrats were caught up in the wave of aggression.
Brian Jones — Referenced as having shown years ago that young people were getting radicalized more quickly than in the past.
Carl DeMaio — Carl DeMaio discussed the select committee’s introduction of three bills based on the commission’s recommendations, noting that two remain alive and that he and Assemblymember Lohenthal coauthored two training bills. He said he was surprised by the level of opposition, described the argument that hate speech training infringes First Amendment rights and is intended to censor people, and asked for reactions to those claims. He compared the proposed training to existing sexual harassment and ethics training, raised the idea that public statements can correlate with hate crimes, and asked whether such training is acceptable so long as it does not punish viewpoint.
Mia Bonta — Referenced as having focused since 2021 on cross-sector collaborations and hate crime roundtables across 13 communities.
Mia Bonta — Mia Bonta’s bill is discussed as a measure intended to protect CAIR/advocates, with the second mention adding that it sparked a social media firestorm while still focusing on the same legislation and purpose.
Dr. John from Butler — Introduces himself as first vice president, appearing for the NAACP California State Hawaii Conference.
Iima Gonzalez — Introduces herself as representing LULAC and as co-founder of the San Diego County Solidarity Network.
LULAC representative — The LULAC representative describes how misinformation and hateful rhetoric are increasing fear in Latino communities, including anxiety around the proposed Gilroy Detention Center. They explain that many victims of hate or discrimination do not report incidents because they fear retaliation, doubt they will be believed, or do not know where to seek help. The witness calls for solidarity, noting that hate does not stay confined to one community, and emphasizes that LULAC’s mission is rooted in civil rights rather than partisan politics. They close by highlighting unity across diverse communities and reaffirming LULAC’s commitment to building a California where everyone feels welcomed, protected, and able to participate fully in civic life.
David Bocarsly — David Bocarsly, CEO of Jewish California, introduces the organization and then describes how relationships have become fragmented since October 7, 2023 amid a resurgence of anti-Semitic violence. He cites attacks in Washington, D.C., Boulder, and Sydney, and notes that violence against one community, including the attack on a mosque in San Diego, affects all communities. He closes with a personal reflection as a yarmulke-wearing Jew and new father, expressing fear and concern about the misuse of anti-Semitism in politics.
Regina Garza — Regina Garza, Special Assistant Attorney General at the California Department of Justice, presents testimony on the 2025 hate crimes report. She explains that the DOJ publishes the report annually to compile hate crime data reported by local law enforcement and help stakeholders understand statewide trends. She concludes by reaffirming the department’s commitment to working with partners to protect Californians.
AB715 — AB 715 is described as the legislature’s K-12 anti-Semitism prevention bill, co-authored by diversity caucus chairs and passed with strong bipartisan support. The speaker then urges the audience to finish what AB 715 started by fully implementing it, including appointing coordinators.
AB715 — Referenced as part of last year's legislation tied to creating an anti-Muslim discrimination prevention deputy coordinator.
AB2664 — AB 2664 is introduced as the Safe Worship Zone Act, sponsored by Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Black, and Armenian communities, and then referenced again as the bill establishing safe worship zones.
SB1387 — Cited as a bill that would help California recognize Jewish ethnicity and diversity in law and data.
Monica Madrid — State Policy Advocate with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA); begins testimony on fear in immigrant communities.
SB1105 — SB 1105 was urged for passage as a bill aimed at rebuilding trust with immigrant communities by strengthening accountability around racial and identity profiling and increasing oversight of collaboration between state and local law enforcement and federal agencies.
SB995 — SB 995, the Misuma-Con Justice Act, was urged for passage and described as a measure that would establish meaningful health and safety inspections, improve transparency, and create accountability in civil immigration detention.
Donnie Sue Boy / Doni Tsuboy (questionable spelling) — Introduced herself as CEO of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Southern California.
Luz Rivas — Chair Jackson is addressed as the committee chair and thanked for the opportunity to testify before the committee.
Luz Rivas — Likely the intended legislator being addressed as 'Dr. Jackson' is not in the member list; 'Assembly Member Lelandhal' is unclear and not confidently matched. No reliable member ID assigned for those references.
Doni Tsuboy (questionable spelling) — Introduced herself as CEO of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Southern California.
Osama Mukaddam — Introduces himself as Legislative and Government Affairs Director for CAIR California and thanks the committee for the hearing.
CAIR California CEO — Speaker says a public death threat was made against the organization's CEO by a former FBI official on X.
SB48 — Referenced as part of last year's legislation tied to creating an anti-Muslim discrimination prevention deputy coordinator.
Josh Wright — Legislative Director of Equality California; began testimony on LGBTQ+ civil rights threats and legislation.
Usama (CAIR representative) — Usama, the CAIR representative, is referenced approvingly for making a profound statement about solidarity before events happen.
Nick Shirley — Referenced as part of the social media firestorm surrounding the bill.
Latifah — The speaker identifies Latifah, their staff member, and thanks her for doing an excellent job helping put the hearing together.
Collie for Callie.com — The public commenter identifies themselves as Collie for Callie.com, says they were a write-in candidate for California governor, and later closes by repeating their name/affiliation and inviting others to check them out.