Christian Ramirez sits with KPBS' Tarryn Mento to discuss introduced legislation that would provide legal services for immigrants and refugees facing deportation. 

(Start video at 1:05)

SAN DIEGO -- Alliance San Diego’s Executive Director Andrea Guerrero and Associate Director Christopher Rice-Wilson were recognized for their social justice work in San Diego during the 13th Annual Voices for Justice breakfast.

The event took place on December 7 at the San Diego Convention Center, and was hosted by the Interfaith Center for Worker Justice. This annual breakfast uplifts the voices of workers and honors individuals who endeavor to improve the lives of all San Diegans.

Guerrero and Wilson were recognized for their commitment to social justice, and for working tirelessly for a San Diego where all people can achieve their full potential in an environment of harmony, safety, equality, and justice.

Wilson called on social justice activists, faith leaders, labor workers and elected officials to work together towards building a better community and not just building infrastructure and generating business.

“New streets will not provide an escape route for those living under police brutality and racial profiling. We have to do better,” he said.

Other community leaders were also recognized for their work. They included David Garcias, President of the Service Employees International Union Local 221; Johnny Simpson of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 569; Frank Urtasun, Regional Vice President of Sempra Services; Summer Stephan, Chief Deputy District Attorney; and Reverend A. Wayne Riggs, Acting Executive Director of the Interface Center for Worker Justice of San Diego County.

In San Diego, they’re all around us.

Refugees who’ve become legal residents. Immigrants who were brought here illegally as children. People who’ve served time in prison and are out on parole. Regular old high school students.

They all share something that unites them: They can’t vote.

We spoke to several San Diegans who cannot legally vote in Tuesday’s election about how they grapple with paying taxes and investing in their community without having a say in how their city and country are run.

Read the full story here.

Crew will give free rides to underrepresented voters on election day

'Party Bus' To Help Mobilize Voters Across San Diego Crew will give free rides to underrepresented voters on election day       SAN DIEGO, CA -- Alliance San Diego is wrapping up this election season with a bang with Get Out the Vote activities featuring a decked-out "party bus" ready to take voters to the polls to "Crash the Party" and vote on Tuesday, November 8. Crash the Party is a non-partisan voter outreach campaign of Alliance San Diego focused on getting underrepresented, infrequent voters to the polls on election day. It seeks to motivate voters who feel their vote doesn't matter or feel they have been left out by society. Between Monday and Tuesday, there will be more than 100 canvassers and volunteers at Alliance San Diego's headquarters preparing to make calls and walk precincts to urge voters to participate in the election. "We are reaching out to San Diegans who may feel that their voices don't matter or that their vote doesn't count, and inviting them to join us in crashing the party together and voting on Tuesday, November 8," said Christopher Wilson, Alliance San Diego Associate Director."There's a lot at stake in this election, especially around local measures that can greatly impact our communities, so everybody should be coming out and making their presence be felt at the polls." MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES "Party Bus" Ride Along What: Media is invited to ride along with party crashers on Tuesday, November 8. To RSVP a spot on the party bus (space limited), email ChaKiara Tucker at [email protected]. When: Tuesday, Nov. 8 from 9 to noon ONLY Where: Alliance San Diego office, 4443 30th St. San Diego, CA 92116 GOTV Activities What: Visuals of canvassers and staff preparing materials for canvassing and distribution, making calls and walking in San Diego districts, speaking with residents about voting. When: Monday Nov. 7 and Tuesday, Nov. 8 from Noon to 9:00 p.m. Where: Alliance San Diego office, 4443 30th St. San Diego, CA 92116 Crash the Election Watch Party What: Join us for a festive election night watch party as we see the results come in. Office will be decorated with a Crash the Party theme. When: Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. Where: Alliance San Diego office, 4443 30th St. San Diego, CA 92116 Speakers available for interviews: Andrea Guerrero - Alliance San Diego Executive Director - Bilingual Christopher Wilson - Alliance San Diego Associate Director Various party crashers and canvassers