News & Events

Under the Perfect Sun and Beyond the Theme Park Celebration Release

On June 4th, the UC San Diego Labor Center co-hosted a large and enthusiastic crowd at UC San Diego’s Park & Market to celebrate the 20th anniversary reprint of Under the Perfect Sun, as well as the release of the newly published book Beyond the Theme Park. Over a hundred community members, students, labor activists, organizers, and local residents came together to reflect on San Diego’s history of activism and discuss ongoing struggles for social and economic justice. 

The evening featured readings from authors Kelly Mayhew and Jim Miller, followed by a panel discussion with San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council President Brigette Browning and Center on Policy Initiatives Executive Director Kyra Greene, with moderation from UC San Diego Labor Center Executive Director Satomi Rash-Zeigler. Speakers explored the lessons of San Diego’s labor and community organizing history and considered how those experiences can inform present-day efforts to build worker power, strengthen community coalitions, and address pressing challenges facing the region. Between remarks, the crowd enjoyed delicious tacos from chef Brenda, as well as free copies of both books.

The strong turnout demonstrated the continued interest in understanding the region’s often-overlooked but ongoing struggles and solidarity. Support the continued preservation of San Diego’s labor and activist history by purchasing Under the Perfect Sun and Beyond the Theme Park through the link below: 

link to the free pdf download of Beyond the Theme Park here 

https://thebookcatapult.com/book/9781644215449 

Satomi Rash-Zeigler Receives Civil Rights and Justice Award from City of San Diego

Congratulations to Satomi Rash-Zeigler, executive director of the UC San Diego Labor Center, housed in Urban Studies and Planning, on receiving a Bayard Rustin Award from Mayor Todd Gloria and the City of San Diego Human Relations Commission. Read about the ceremony in the article on INSIDE San Diego "Civil Rights and Justice Advocates Celebrated at Annual Bayard Rustin Awards".

The annual award recognizes individuals who have “positively impacted their communities through their advocacy and dedication to civil rights and justice.” Rash-Zeigler, who has more than 20 years of experience working in the labor movement, said in a City News story: “It was a privilege to celebrate alongside fellow advocates and leaders in our community, all dedicated to the values that Bayard Rustin championed.”

Satomi Rash-Zeigler's appointment to the Labor Center was announced on UC SAN DIEGO TODAY "UC San Diego Labor Center Appoints Its First Executive Director."

Southern Border Region AI Conference held on December 16-17, 2024, at Park & Market

As our border region navigates the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, it is imperative that we prioritize the voices and perspectives of workers. The UCSD San Diego Labor Center invited labor activists, technologists, policymakers, and tech activists to the "Good Tech for Good Jobs: Strategies for Building Worker Power in the Age of AI." Conference.  

UCSD Labor Center hosted prominent Filipino human rights lawyer on Friday November 3, 2023.

On Friday, November 3rd, 2023, the Labor Center, San Diego chapter of the Asian American Pacific Labor Alliance, and other community partners hosting prominent Filipino human rights lawyer Jose Manuel "Chel" Diokno. Attendees had the opportunity to hear Chel speak about efforts to preserve the Bantayog Ng Mga Bayani (Monument of Heroes Museum), as well as witness a traditional Filipino cultural performance. 

UC San Diego Labor Center Launch - April 12, 2023

Labor Center researchers, students, union leaders and community members from across San Diego and the Imperial Valley gathered on Friday April 12, 2023, for the UC San Diego Labor Center Launch.

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