COALITION URGES TASK FORCE TO FIGHT HATE GROUPS.

Byline: Terri Hardy Sacramento Bureau

Reacting to the hate-driven shooting rampage in the San Fernando Valley, a coalition of politicians, activists, religious leaders and entertainers urged Gov. Gray Davis on Friday to create a task force to combat hate groups and violent paramilitary organizations.

While battling street gangs has gotten attention, white supremacists haven't received enough scrutiny, said Sen. Tom Hayden, D-Los Angeles.

``We must ask ourselves why we have failed to recognize and confront the pattern of violence that has arisen from white male Christian hate groups and militias in America,'' Hayden said. ``We don't seem to acknowledge there's a mass movement of Aryan natives in this country.

Davis received a letter from the coalition requesting the task force Friday and is ``reviewing the possibility,'' said Davis spokeswoman Hilary McLean.

``The governor is appalled, shocked and saddened by the hate crimes we've seen unfortunately too often thus far in his administration and earlier this century,'' McLean said.

The letter calls on Davis to combat paramilitary extremists ``by every means, ranging from law enforcement to public education to addressing the underlying causes of this organized hatred and bigotry.''

Coalition members include Cecil ``Chip'' Murray of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles, actor and environmentalist Ed Begley, Los Angeles County Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke and labor leader Miguel Contreras.

David A. Lehrer, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, was not among those who signed the letter but said he supports the call for action, saying it is ``ripe for examination.''

``It will help focus public attention on this issue,'' Lehrer said. ``The task force needs to explore hate groups in California, focus the spotlight on their activities and recommend additional laws, if necessary.''

While attention to hate groups has been episodic throughout the country, Lehrer said white supremacist groups are growing more organized and gathering increasing numbers of recruits.