Responding to a rise in hate crimes directed toward persons of Arab descent and Muslims before and during the Gulf War, the Los Angeles County (California) Commission on Human Relations held a hearing. The commission heard presentations by representatives of the Arab and Muslim communities, law enforcement, schools, and social science, and concerned citizens. The following findings are presented: (1) an increase in death threats; (2) threats on mosques; (3) increased media coverage of hate crimes; (4) a reluctance by Arabs and Muslims to report hate crimes; (5) negative stereotypes in the media; and (6) little coverage of the Middle East in school curricula. In recent years the commission has taken the following actions to reduce anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bigotry: (1) covened this hearing; (2) published a booklet; (3) involved Arabs and Muslims in other hearings; (4) held a meeting about the meaning of Islam; (5) included Arabs and Muslims on key committees; (6) provided opportunities for Arab and Muslim community representatives to address the commission; and (7) responded to hate crimes. Brief summaries of the testimony of 10 witnesses are included. (JB)