Research & Publications

New Year, New Us. We’re back with another installment of #WeCanWednesday, where we highlight volunteers, staff, and community members who contribute to a more just and equitable region for all.

It’s a beautiful afternoon, the gracious skies glaze across our ACLU tent in central Balboa Park, and yet, I see homelessness as the biggest problem in society as we speak. Veterans, the mentally ill, children, refugees and countless others struggle because the rent is too expensive.

People often say that “life begins after a cup of coffee” and because of coffee, I was part of Pride Without Borders (or #OrgulloSinFronteras), a binational LGBT conference; one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had.

As stories of state violence against Black men and boys occupy many of the calls for police reform, countless stories of Black women and girls subjected to excessive force and police misconduct remain untold. We must say their names.

Criminalizing poor and homeless people for engaging in basic life-sustaining activities like eating, sleeping, resting and seeking shelter is unjust and cruel. It entrenches people in homelessness. When it’s done under the auspice of a vague and biased ordinance, it adds insult to injury.

When one thinks of philanthropy one thinks of five figure gifts to the museum or symphony by ten figure individuals. But philanthropy takes many forms.

In the past few decades, the number of incarcerated women has grown dramatically, from 8,000 in 1970 to nearly 100,000 today. There is growing recognition that mass incarceration is a feminist issue that intersects with multiple systems of oppression.

One of the most critical needs for people reintegrating into the community after incarceration is access to health care, but a systemic failure to provide it has left some in San Diego without means to afford the services they need.

Happy Women’s History Month! We’re continuing our #WeCanWednesday with one of our newest additions to the sdACLU squad! We’re proud to announce hiring of Imperial Valley native Crystal Quezada to its staff.