Anti-Racist Campaign Launched After Cross-Burning

In a show of unity, religious and civic leaders banded together with the predominantly white neighbors of a black Westminster family Monday to launch an anti-racism campaign, stirred by an early morning cross-burning on the family’s lawn last week.

About 30 people gathered at the Westminster police station, including several Jewish leaders whose local synagogues have recently been vandalized with anti-Semitic graffiti. After the hourlong meeting, the group decided that they will organize efforts to paint over racist graffiti and plan an anti-racism education program for young people in the area.

Ted and Lillie Heisser and their children awoke about 4:35 a.m. last Thursday to find a 3-foot-by-3-foot cross burning on their front lawn. The Heissers, who have lived in the home for 10 years without previous incident, are one of three black families in the quiet suburban neighborhood known as Indian Village.

Their 19-year-old daughter, Kristie, noticed the burning cross when she was awakened by what she thought was the neighbor’s dog scratching the fence.

‘Skinheads’ Suspected

Westminster police have said they suspect the cross-burning was the work of youth gangs known as “skinheads,” some of whom shave their heads and favor neo-Nazi garb. In recent weeks a rash of white supremacist graffiti has been sprayed on walls in the Heissers’ neighborhood. Also, residents say they have recently seen groups of “skinheads” marching through their streets, yelling “white power” and other racist slogans.

Other families living in the Heissers’ neighborhood, including some blacks, Latinos and Asians, have reported receiving threatening telephone calls and taunts from white youths driving past their houses. Police said the “skinheads” apparently suspected them of talking to police.

Westminster Police Chief James Cook said Monday that police still do not have enough evidence to bring anyone in for questioning. But he said that they have some leads in the case and that he is hopeful that arrests will be made within the next couple of weeks.

Lt. Mike Ratliff told the group that gathered at the Police Department that the cross-burning is not believed be part of an organized campaign. He added that those responsible likely were unaware of Ted Heisser’s involvement with the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People.

‘Never Get Over It’

“No one here really understands what it’s like to wake up and see (a cross burning). . . ,” Heisser said, breaking into tears as he talked to the group. “You never get over it.”

The Heissers said they were gratified by an outpouring of community support for them in the last several days.

Lillie Heisser said she has received many telephone calls from people all over Southern California who have expressed their revulsion over such racist acts. “A man from San Bernardino called and said, ‘Ma’am, I’m white and I know you could care less about that. But don’t move from there.’ ”