To:
Attorney General Rob Bonta
FBI Civil Rights Division
Sean Duryee, Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol 
Robert G. Luna, Sheriff of Los Angeles County 
Paul Miyamoto, Sheriff of San Francisco County  
Kelly A. Martinez, Sheriff of San Diego County
Dominic Choi, Chief of Police, Los Angeles Police Department
William "Bill" Scott, Chief of Police, San Francisco Police Department
Scott Wahl, Chief of Police, San Diego Police Department
George Gascon, District Attorney, Los Angeles County
Brooke Jenkins, District Attorney, San Francisco County
Summer Stephan, District Attorney, San Diego County  

Subject: Urgent Action Needed to Protect LGBTQ+ Businesses After Hate Crime Attacks

Esteemed Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leaders,

We are writing with grave urgency regarding the recent attacks on five LGBTQ+ nightclubs in San Diego, where an LGBTQ+ Chamber leader was struck in the eye by a pellet gun and had every reason to believe his life was in danger. 

This harrowing incident shook our community to its core and served as a harsh reminder of the threats LGBTQ+ individuals and businesses continue to face.

In light of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Department of Homeland Security's worldwide alert about potential violence targeting LGBTQI+ persons and events, we implore you to treat these incidents as the hate crimes they are and deploy a highly visible law enforcement presence in LGBTQ+ communities and businesses during the upcoming Pride season which begins this weekend.

Increased patrols, including foot and bicycle patrols, are needed, but patrols alone are insufficient; we need uniformed officers visibly stationed in these spaces to deter any further acts of hate and send an unmistakable message that such violence will not be tolerated.

Our businesses cannot survive if their patrons do not feel safe.

The future vitality of the LGBTQ+ business community in California hinges on your ability to provide robust, visible protection that addresses the unique vulnerabilities and trauma triggers within our community.

A lack of action risks shattering the livelihoods of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and diminishing the vibrancy of our neighborhoods.

We find it deeply concerning that these attacks have not received more widespread media attention or public condemnation.

Hate crimes against any community should be met with swift, unequivocal action and accountability.

As the California LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, representing LGBTQ+ business owners across the state, we urgently call upon you to take immediate steps to:

1. Thoroughly investigate these attacks as hate crimes, dedicating all necessary resources to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly.
2.  Implement a highly visible law enforcement presence, with uniformed officers stationed in LGBTQ+ business districts and gathering spaces, to deter further violence and restore a sense of safety.
3. Publicly condemn these hate crimes and work with media outlets to raise awareness and encourage reporting on incidents targeting the LGBTQ+ community.

The LGBTQ+ business community is an integral part of California's economic and cultural fabric.

We stand ready to collaborate with you to create a safer, more inclusive environment where our businesses can thrive without fear of discrimination or harm.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.

The well-being of our community depends on your swift and decisive action.

Sincerely,
Marquita Thomas
Founding President & CEO
California LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce