Hundreds of residents urge San Diego supervisors to fund immigrant legal defense, reproductive health and youth services

During the oral public testimony period at the San Diego County budget hearing, dozens of residents and organizational leaders pressed the board to make specific budget additions or protections.

Advocates across multiple organizations repeatedly called for full funding of the county’s immigrant legal defense program (ILP). Eddie Meyer of the ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties told the board, “We urge the county to adopt a people-centered budget that protects residents’ basic needs… One of our top priorities is robust funding for the immigrant legal defense program.” Several other speakers — including attorneys who represent detained immigrants and community organizations — said ILP is a critical lifeline that helps ensure due process for detained people who do not have court-appointed counsel.

Leaders from Planned Parenthood also addressed the board. Jenny Black, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, warned that federal changes she described as HR1 have cut off Medi-Cal reimbursements to some providers and said, “Sexual and reproductive health care is not optional. It is essential.” Vernita Gutierrez of Planned Parenthood’s external affairs urged the board to stand with patients and consider local support to fill gaps created by federal reimbursement changes.

Community groups and youth advocates asked the board to fund a $250,000 feasibility study for a Department of Youth Development (DYD) to prioritize prevention and alternatives to incarceration for young people. Speakers from the Community Budget Alliance and youth organizations described rising juvenile justice concerns and requested funding for a feasibility study to evaluate creation of a new county department focused on prevention, re-entry, mentorship and restorative approaches.

Other recurring asks during public comment included:

- Eviction prevention and a $3 million pilot eviction diversion program as a cost-effective alternative to homelessness.
- Continued and expanded funding for tenant legal services and tenant legal aid programs after speakers cited evidence these programs help people avoid homelessness.
- Increased county action, staffing and funding to address pollution and public health threats in the Tijuana River Valley and support for a proposed pollution chief position.
- Concerns from behavioral-health stakeholders asking for clearer reporting on children’s behavioral health expenditures and a larger share of BHS funds directed to youth services.

No board votes were taken during the hearing; supervisors thanked speakers and staff, and reminded the public that the hearing was a chance to weigh in before the board considers changes ahead of adoption on June 25.