Los Angeles City Council backs AB 2000 to create statewide Human Relations Commission; approves several measures

The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously May 17 to endorse Assembly Bill 2000, a proposal to create a statewide Human Relations Commission, following a public hearing that drew civil-rights leaders, victims’ family members and elected officials.

Assembly Speaker Emeritus Antonio Villaraigosa urged the council to back the bill, saying AB 2000 "is the embodiment of the collective wisdom of some of the people who are working in the trenches" to promote "hope, harmony, and tolerance." The council approved the resolution supporting the bill and transmitted it forthwith to the mayor for signature.

Why it matters: supporters said a statewide commission could coordinate local human-relations efforts, spread best practices and provide centralized resources after recent violent incidents, including the shootings at the North Valley Jewish Community Center and the slaying of Joseph Lehi. Family members and community organizations said the commission could offer education, training and a unified response to hate crimes.

During public comment, Ismael Lehi, brother of Joseph Lehi, described the toll of his brother’s killing and urged passage so "different communities [can] work together." Michael Hirschfeld, executive director of the Jewish Federation’s Community Relations Committee, and Najee Ali of Project Islamic Hope each voiced organizational support. Joe Hicks of the Los Angeles City Human Relations Commission characterized…