Citizen Group Forming to Respond to Hate Crimes

Responding to a spree of hate crimes such as a cross-burning on the lawn of a black family in Westminster, the Orange County Human Relations Commission voted Thursday night to organize a residents’ support group tentatively called Network of Neighbors.

The group will be established in Westminster to “respond in a positive manner to any incident of racial or religious violence,” commission Chairman Daniel H. Ninburg said after the 8-0 vote to form the network.

Commission members said the network could expand to encompass other Orange County communities or spawn other chapters if the need or interest materializes.

“This could be valuable throughout the county,” said Rusty Kennedy, executive director of the Human Relations Commission.

Though Kennedy and other commissioners said they are still trying to estimate the number of such hate crimes, numerous incidents have been reported in Westminster.

The July 28 cross-burning on the lawn of a black family’s home drew public attention to the problem. Residents have also reported receiving hateful and threatening phone calls about their race or religion, and swastikas and other derogatory graffiti can be seen in some neighborhoods. “Skinheads”--youths who shave their heads and favor neo-Nazi regalia--have marched down neighborhood streets shouting “white power” and other slogans.

Kennedy said more than 50 Westminster residents either wrote letters or called the commission to express interest in a neighborhood support group to combat what they believe is an increase in racial and religious hate crimes.

Commission members said Thursday night that they were also encouraged to organize the network by the success of the Harmony Festival, a daylong neighborhood affair organized by the commission 2 months ago to help unite the frightened Indian Village Park neighborhood where the cross-burning on the lawn of the Heisser family took place.

The festival brought ethnically diverse residents together with food, game booths and live music, and more than 2,000 visited the affair.

Gary Skillman, 24, was accused of burning the cross at the home. Skillman was convicted Jan. 4 of conspiracy, using fire to intimidate and violation of the civil rights of others. He faces up to 21 years in prison and a $600,000 fine.

Commission members and staff will meet with residents who have expressed interest in the support group. Commissioners said they envision the network as a loose-knit group that meets informally and as the need arises.