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

June 9, 2026

Workers and Advocacy Groups Challenge DHS’s Illegal Warrantless Arrest Policy

DHS practice amounts to “arrest people and ask questions later.”

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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

Feb 05, 2015

Voting Rights Groups Move to Enforce 'Motor Voter' in California

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Feb 03, 2015

A Man Faces Life in Prison for ... Rapping

Feb 02, 2015

Yes, Robert, There Is Free Expression

&nbs

Jan 20, 2015

Your Rights with an AB 60 Driver’s License

Jan 16, 2015

Applying for a California Driver's License Under AB 60

How do I apply for a license?

Jan 16, 2015

Information about California's AB 60 Driver's Licenses

Jan 16, 2015

Cómo solicitar una licencia de conducir de California bajo AB 60

¿Cómo puedo aplicar para la licencia?
Documentos de identidad y residencia:

Debe comprobar su identidad y residencia en California ante el DMV a través de una combinación de documentos. Puede usar un pasaporte extranjero vigente y tarjeta consular para comprobar su identidad o un pasaporte extranjero expirado y certificado de naci

Jan 15, 2015

ACLU Expands Advocacy in Sacramento

&nbs

Jan 10, 2015

Intake Coordinator — Lopez-Venegas Settlement

ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties
ATTN: Bardis Vakili, Senior Staff Attorney
PO Box 87131
San Diego, CA 92138-7131
The ACLU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, and veterans.

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