News & Commentary

Photo of City of San Diego seal in the city council chambers. An American flag is in the left bottom corner.

ACLU-SDIC Public Comment – City of San Diego Risk Management Presents on Settlements & Judgments Against SDPD

The following prepared public comment, following a presentation by the City of San Diego’s Risk Management on settlements and judgments against the San Diego Police Department (SDPD), outlines the significant amount of city funds used for these SDPD settlements and how that money would be better spent investing in our communities. This public comment was delivered before the San Diego City Council Budget and Government Efficiency Committee by ACLU-SDIC Senior Policy Advocate Branden Sigua on June 17, 2026.

By Branden Sigua

Latest Press Release

Aug 18, 2026

ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties Launches Petition Calling on the City of San Diego and Mayor Todd Gloria to "Get the Flock Out”

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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

Samantha Itazawa (long dark hair, bangs, wearing black longsleeve shirt) delivers testimony into microphone standing before a seated crowd.

ACLU-SDIC Public Testimony – San Diego City Council Resolution in Support of Somali Community

The following public comment outlines the ACLU-SDIC's support for a resolution in support for our Somali community. This public comment was delivered before the San Diego City Council by ACLU-SDIC Staff Attorney Samantha Itazawa on June 15, 2026.

By Samantha Itazawa

Daniela holding rainbow fan that says "fan of equal rights"

ACLU-SDIC Public Testimony – Support for Pride Month Resolution at Central Union High School District Board Meeting

The following public comment outlines the ACLU-SDIC's support for a LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Resolution. This public comment was delivered before the Central Union High School District Board by ACLU-SDIC Senior Organizer Daniela Vega on June 9, 2026. The resolution passed with a 4-1 vote.

By Daniela Vega

Sign that says San Diego says Flock Off!

ACLU-SDIC Public Comment – City of San Diego Holds Hearing on Approval of FY27 Budget

The following public comment outlines the ACLU-SDIC's opposition to the city of San Diego's contracts with Flock Safety and support for services and resources related to youth, libraries, arts, housing, parks and other programs that help San Diegans thrive. This public comment was delivered before the San Diego City Council by ACLU-SDIC Senior Policy Advocate Branden Sigua on June 9, 2026.

By Branden Sigua

Aug 22, 2017

City’s Secretive Recruitment Process For New SDPD Chief Falls Short

SAN DIEGO – A coalition of community advocacy groups is calling on San Diego City leaders to have an open and transparent process to hire the next chief of police. The process announced by the city on Tuesday is deeply flawed because it includes an unidentified panel and just four meetings to gather public input.

Aug 21, 2017

Unjust Money Bail System Needs Reform

Aug 16, 2017

ACLU of California Statement: White Supremacist Violence is not Free Speech

Aug 02, 2017

ACLU Comment on Reports Justice Department Will Target Affirmative Action

Jul 28, 2017

ACLU Responds to President Trump’s Comments to Police

WASHINGTON, DC — President Trump addressed a group of law enforcement officers in Brentwood, New York, today and endorsed the use of force against people police suspect of criminal activity.

Jeffery Robinson, deputy legal director at the American Civil Liberties Union and di

Jul 28, 2017

ACLU Comment on Defeat of Senate Health Care Repeal

Jul 14, 2017

The ACLU remembers Barnes-Wallace v. City of San Diego and the fight against the Boy Scouts’ discrimination against LGBTQ families

Jul 13, 2017

300 ACLU Members Will March With Pride This Saturday

Jul 13, 2017

California Needs to Stand with All Survivors of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

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