Dear SDLRLA members, supporters, sponsors, and friends. I am honored to be SDLRLA’s 30th President. When a small group of San Diego Latino lawyers founded our organization in 1979, they shared a vision of how by working together, supporting each other, and advocating on behalf of themselves and the Latino community, the San Diego La Raza Lawyers could serve as a force of empowerment, social advocacy, and community mobility. That vision has now been advanced in a multitude of ways over the course of more than three decades, through the tireless work of our past and present members. I know our work and its impact on the San Diego community will continue well into the future.
As you know, the influence of Latinos has now reached a critical juncture, which is reflected in our nation’s public discourse and the campaign strategies of those who aspire to political office nationwide. As Latino leaders in San Diego County, it is incumbent upon us to take an active role that reflects the importance of our growing population (approximately 30% of San Diego County) so that we can help advance public policy that takes into account the diversity of our region, which will in turn improve the quality of life for all San Diegans.
Consistent with our goals and values, SDLRLA has always strongly advocated positions on judicial, economic, legal, and social justice issues. Accordingly, as we are at the height of an election season with Election Day right around the corner, below is a summary of the local candidates and statewide ballot propositions that SDLRLA is endorsing. Please take a moment to review these endorsements, and then, whether you agree with them or not, represent our values by voting and getting out the vote of your family, friends, colleagues, and others who are influenced by your presence in their lives.
If you want to do even more, please participate in the Election Protection effort of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, California Cause, the ACLU, and the San Diego offices of DLA Piper. This effort is critical to ensure that eligible voters are guaranteed their right to cast a ballot on Election Day. To volunteer go to http://www.866ourvote.org/pages/election-protection-volunteers or contact Raúl Macías, Voting Rights Advocate, American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego & Imperial Counties, [email protected], 619.232.2121 ext. 285. There are two training sessions left (just one hour): Tuesday at 5 pm, and Friday at noon.
Please join me in working to continue to elevate each other and SDLRLA. If you have any questions about SDLRLA or want to learn more about how you can get involved, please contact me at [email protected] or 619-237-4914.