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Roundtable: The Rise Of Hate Crimes In America

Roundtable: The Rise Of Hate Crimes In America

On this installment of Roundtable, the fatal shooting at a Poway synagogue turns national attention toward hate crimes. Are U.S. guns responsible for an uptick of homicides in Mexico? Plus, short-term rentals are up for debate in the state assembly.

Poway synagogue shooting and hate crimes

San Diego became the latest location to come face-to-face with fatal violence at a place of worship on Saturday. Authorities say a 19-year-old gunman opened fire at the Chabad of Poway synagogue, killing one woman and injuring three others. The shooter was arraigned in court Tuesday, pleading not guilty to murder, attempted murder and arson.

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A recent FBI report shows hate crimes have increased across the nation for a third year in a row. According to District Attorney Summer Stephan, San Diego County has seen a 40% increase in hate crimes in the last year and a half.

RELATED: SDSU Students Hold Vigil In Honor Of Victim Of Poway Synagogue Shooting

U.S. gun smuggling into Mexico

Mexico’s homicide rate broke records in 2018 for the second year in a row. There were more than 30,000 murders across the country, a 33% increase from the year before. While Mexico has very strict gun legislation, gun violence is on the rise. The country says American-made guns, flowing south into Mexico illegally, are contributing to the problem.

RELATED: Mexico's American Gun Problem

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Debate over short-term rentals

The controversy surrounding short-term rentals in San Diego continues. A state bill, which would place a time limit on residential listings, advanced to the full assembly this week. If the proposed bill becomes law, “vacation rental platforms” would not be allowed to list a short-term rental for more than 30 days a year unless the permanent resident were present. This would make it a typical home-sharing situation.