Source: Los Angeles Times

On July 28, 2000, the Los Angeles Times reported that "More than a quarter of all hate crimes in the state last year occurred in Los Angeles, nearly three times as many as in the next-highest city, according to a report released Thursday by the state attorney general's office. The state's 1,962 hate crimes, occurring at a rate of more than five a day last year, represent an increase of 12% over the previous year. The total is the second highest since California began keeping track in 1994, the report stated."

"Last year's figures may not reflect an actual increase, Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer said at a Thursday morning news conference. He said the spike may simply indicate an increased willingness by individuals and police agencies to report instances of hate."

"Whatever the truth, it's too many," Lockyer said. "The total of 5.4 a day in California is too many." California state law defines a hate crime as any attempted criminal act "motivated by hatred based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability."