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CRLAF is a privately funded rural justice center focused serving farmworkers and low-wage laborers, regardless of immigration status. California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation FARM WORKER RIGHTS. HUMAN RIGHTS. Please consider CRLAF for your Year End Giving This holiday season , please stand with us to ensure that the workers who feed our nation are respected and protected. Your support makes it possible for our lawyers, policy and community advocates, and community leaders to do the critical work to represent farmworkers to face harmful and quickly changing immigration policies, challenge unlawful workplace abuses, and confront sexual harassment and discrimination. CRLAF's work is more urgent and essential than ever. Yet, we are facing an alarming decline in funding for our free and high quality legal services, legislative and policy advocacy, community education, and leadership development in underserved and underrepresented rural communities. Every case we take, every law we help pass and strengthen, and every family we support is made possible through your collective generosity. Whether you give, share this message, or encourage others to get involved, you are part of this movement. We are in this together. Juntos, podemos. Donate today and help us continue fighting for justice in the fields, in the legislature, and in our communities. Donate TODAY Red Cards Download Cards Here Supportive Resources Haga clic para recursos sobre "Conozca sus derechos" Farmworker + Immigrant Rights We are the sons and daughters of farmworkers. We believe justice and dignity are inalienable human rights, and fight for greater access for migrant farmworker and immigrant communities across the state. Read More > Press Release on Incoming Administration While many of the serious problems clients faced in the previous Trump administration may reoccur; CRLAF stands firmly with rural residents, partner organizations, legal aid providers, and other advocates to fight for family unity, justice and equity. Read More > Governor signs CRLAF’s AB 636 CRLAF celebrates the passing of its sponsored AB 636 (Kalra) and landmark legislation, creating a comprehensive legal rights disclosure notice for H-2A farmworkers in California, expanding critical information and awareness. Read More > See More News

JUNTA DIRECTIVA California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation (CRLAF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public interest law firm established in 1981, based in Sacramento, with satellite offices throughout the state . CRLAF represents farm workers and other low-wage workers in rural California, and is also a State Bar-funded legal services support center providing training, advocacy and technical assistance to California’s federal legal services programs. Our litigation and policy priority areas include labor, housing, civil rights, sustainable rural communities, health and immigrants’ rights. CRLAF has successfully sponsored or co-sponsored legislation in each of these areas, including the Farm Labor Contractor Act, the Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), the Employee Housing Act, Field Pesticide Posting requirements and dozens of other statutes. Equal Opportunity Employer: California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, color, religion, gender identity and/or expression, physical or mental disability, nationality, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We believe everyone has something important to contribute. Respecting individual differences is an integral part of our culture and we endeavor to make our differences work for us to achieve our mission. DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE Development Associate will play a key role in supporting the organization’s fundraising efforts, with a primary focus on grant applications, reporting, communications, and public engagement activities. This position is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, thrives in a collaborative environment, and is excited to strengthen resources for social justice work. Position: Director of Development Location: Sacramento Capitol Office (CA) - Hybrid/Remote options Compensation : $75,000-90,000, dependent on experience Benefits: Employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for employees (with half-paid coverage for dependents) Flexible spending accounts benefits Employer-sponsored retirement plan with an annual CRLAF contribution Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday package Hours : 37.5 hours/Week Reports to: Director of Development Start Date: Immediate Duties + Responsibilities: Grant Writing & Tracking Research prospective funding opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government agencies. Draft, edit, and submit grant proposals and renewal requests. Track deadlines, reporting requirements, and deliverables to ensure compliance. Work with the Executive Director, Deputy Director, Director of Operations, and Project Directors to prepare for audits, site visits, and ensure compliance with CRLAF policies, grant requirements, regulations, and ethical standards. Fund Development Support Support donor communications including acknowledgment letters, newsletters, and impact reports. Support the planning and execution of high-impact fundraising and stewardship events, both in-person and virtual. Maintain the integrity and accuracy of donor data and reporting systems, including oversight of a CRM or donor database. Ensure timely, meaningful donor communications, acknowledgments, and stewardship, both in-person and through digital platforms. Compliance Support Provide leadership and support of CRLAF’s compliance with all grant and California State Bar requirements, including the coordination of any audits. Support the preparation and submission of reports, documentation, and audit materials. Maintain organized records and tracking systems for compliance and grant deliverables. Coordinate with program and finance staff to gather data and ensure timely reporting and grant deliverables. Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required 1-2+ years of progressive fundraising experience, including demonstrated success with grants and individual giving. Exceptional writing and storytelling skills for both donor and public-facing content. Attention to detail and strong proofreading skills Experience with CRMs or donor databases Ability to demonstrate compassion, collaboration, trust, respect, accountability, and equity in the performance of job duties. Commitment to advancing equity, justice, and the mission of CRLAF. Preferred Qualifications: Experience in legal services, immigration, or social justice nonprofit sectors. Fluency in Spanish or another language commonly spoken in CRLAF’s client communities. Familiarity with the philanthropic community How to Apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to Jobs@crlaf.org with the subject line: Development Associate - [Your Name]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a position is filled. FULL-TIME SUMMER LEGAL FELLOWS FOR IMMIGRATION AND WORKERS’ RIGHTS Position: Full-Time Summer Legal Fellows to assist with immigration and/or labor and employment cases Period: Approximately from May 1, 2026 to September 16, 2026 Location: Sacramento, California About Position: CRLAF seeks law students with a strong commitment to public interest and social justice to serve as California Bar Foundation Legal Aid Leader Fellows. Under the supervision of experienced attorneys, Fellows will gain practical experience working directly with clients, completing legal research, preparing briefs to support client’s claims in litigation, and preparing documents for review by USCIS and/or the immigration court. Fellows will receive training and may assist with community presentations on Know Your Rights and responding to questions on immigration and labor rights. Fellows can pick between working with the Litigation Unit and Immigration Unit. Requirements and Qualifications: The Summer Fellowship is full-time, 37.5 hours per week for 10 weeks. CRLAF offers a flexible summer work schedule to accommodate any personal needs or travel plans. Rising 2L or 3L Interest in immigration and/or labor and workers’ rights in California Demonstrated commitment to social justice and the empowerment of immigrant communities Experience working with low-income, immigrant, migrant, farmworker, non-English speaking families, and ability to engage people from all backgrounds with both patience and sensitivity when listening to clients’ stories Fluency in Spanish or locally spoken indigenous language, preferred but not required Ability to work independently, as demonstrated by a positive track record of independent decision-making Valid California Driver License, preferred but not required Willingness to remain in close communications with the California Bar Foundation about your work Stipend: The successful candidate will receive a stipend of $10,000, funded by the California Bar Foundation. Application Information: If interested, please email your cover letter, resume, and list of 3 professional references to jobs@crlaf.org . Please address the cover letter to “Hiring Committee” and write your preference for either “Immigration Summer Legal Fellow” or “Litigation Summer Legal Fellow” in the email subject line. Applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled. LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR/SENIOR LEGISLATIVE ADVOCATE Position: Legislative Director / Senior Legislative Advocate (full-time, FLSA exempt positions) Location: Sacramento, California Experience: 3-5 Five+ years directly relevant legislative or litigation experience Job Categories: Senior Management; Project Director; Legislative Advocacy Start Date: Immediate Duties + Responsibilities: Reporting to the Executive Director and Deputy Director, the Legislative Director’s duties include day to day supervision of several lobbyists and advocates, as well as serving as CRLAF’s chief Labor/Judiciary lobbyist. The Legislative Director also conducts our “California Advocacy for Farm Workers” project, which advocates for undocumented farmworkers and the rights of farmworkers employed in the H-2A visa contract labor program (‘Bracero 2.0’). The Senior Advocate’s duties include all of the above responsibilities except for a supervisory role over the legislative unit. Minimum Qualifications: Significant prior experience at the senior staff level in the Legislature or as a registered lobbyist, with a history and track record of developing and successfully shepherding legislation through the legislative process. However, significant plaintiff-side litigation experience representing low-wage workers under California or federal labor, housing, civil rights or immigrants’ rights laws, with a willingness to be trained in the California legislative process, is also qualifying experience for the senior legislative advocacy role (with a track to eventual assumption of the Legislative Director position). Law degree, civil rights, community organizing, labor union, farm worker, non-profit organization, or plaintiff-side law firm experience are also desirable, as is Spanish language proficiency. Hours, Compensation, + Benefits: Salary Range: $95,000.00 - $145,000.00 Salary/year; dependent on experience Employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for employees (with half-paid coverage for dependents) Flexible spending account benefits Employer-sponsored retirement plan with an annual CRLAF contribution Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday package CRLAF has a 37.5 hour, 5-day work week Application Information: Please send a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and a list of at least three references to Amagda Pérez at aperez@crlaf.org . (Applicants may also wish to provide video or audio links to some of their recent substantive testimony or appearances before the Legislature, administrative agencies or the courts.) For questions, please call (916) 446-7904, ext. 101. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Position is open until filled.

JUNTA DIRECTIVA Virginia Villegas, Esq., Chair The Villegas Law Firm, APC Christine Brigagliano, Esq., Vice-Chair Van Der Hout, Brigagliano & Nightingale, LLP Manuel Magaña Farm Worker (Retired) Richard M. Pearl, Esq. Law Offices of Richard M. Pearl Jessica Stender, Esq. Equal Rights Advocates Ricardo Torres, Treasurer Partner at The Capital Group Companies (retired) José Olivera Meta Silvia Garcia, Esq. In Memoriam (1968-2012) CRLA Foundation’s dedicated staff provides essential and crucial services to farmworkers and their families, who have been especially hard hit during the COVID-29 pandemic. Farmworkers risk their lives everyday to put food on our tables by working in hazardous conditions, including pesticide exposure, heat stress, lack of shade, and often lacking clean drinking water. Further, despite being such essential workers, farmworkers are paid low wages, lack health insurance, and even lack access to preventive care. -Virginia Villegas, Board Chair Working with farmworker communities is important, because for me, these people are my abuelos, padres, tios, tias, primos and primas. They are familia and you always take care of familia. -Ruben Chavez, Former Board Member

NUESTRO EQUIPO Amagda Pérez, Esq. | Director ejecutivo Mark Schacht │ Director Adjunto, Director Legislativo _____________________________________ Quetzali Arroyo-Pérez│ Asistente del Proyecto de Ciudadanía e Inmigración Brian Augusta, Esq.│ Director del Proyecto de Vivienda Rural Jeannie A. Barrett | Abogado Principal, Proyecto de Vivienda Rural Jessie Boas, Esq. │Fellow del Proyecto de Defensa de Remoción Vanessa Campos │Asistente del Proyecto de Ciudadanía e Inmigración Martha Chavez │ Asistente de programa, Representante acreditada parcial del Departamento de Justicia Masireh Darboe | Asistente de CWOP (COVID-19 Workplace Outreach Project), Proyecto de Comunidades Rurales Sostenibles Angel F. Del Valle │ Asistente del Proyecto de Ciudadanía e Inmigración Angel De La O | Coordinador del DNAF, Proyecto de Ciudadanía e Inmigración Bianca Dueñas, Esq.│ Directora del Proyecto de Empoderamiento de Inmigrantes de San Joaquín Aaron Esparza | Fellow de Vivienda, Unidad de Derechos Laborales y Civiles Carolina Estrada | Asistente de Unidad de Derechos Laborales y Civiles Katie Fleming, Esq.│ Directora del Proyecto de Defensa de Remoción Sandra Garcia │ Asistente de programa, Representante acreditada parcial del Departamento de Justicia Rosemary Gomez, Esq. │Fellow del Proyecto de Defensa de Remoción Nilsen Gómez │ Coordinadora del programa FUEL Griselda González│ Paralegal del programa FUEL Daniel Gutiérrez Contador Juan Gutierrez │Asistente de Communications Cecilia Guevara Zamora, Esq.│ Abogada del personal, Unidad de Derechos Laborales y Civiles Claudia Guzman Bogusz│ Asistente de programa Anne Katten│ Directora, Proyecto de Seguridad de Pesticidas y Trabajadores Ezra Kautz, Esq.│ Abogado del personal, Unidad de Derechos Laborales y Civiles Chelsea Lalancette, Esq. │ Abogada del personal, Unidad de Derechos Laborales y Civiles Yolanda Magaña | Asistente, Proyecto de Defensa de Remoción Jessica Martinez, Esq. │ Abogada del personal, Ciudadanía e Inmigración Verónica Meléndez, Esq.│ Directora de Litigios , Unidad de Derechos Laborales y Civiles Juanita P. Ontiveros│ Directora de Promoción Comunitaria, Proyectos Especiales y Recursos Humanos,Representante acreditado por el DOJ parcial Monica Ortega | Fellow del Proyecto Ciudadanía e Inmigración Noe Paramo│ Director del Proyecto de Comunidades Rurales Sostenibles, Defensor Legislativo, Representante Acreditado Parcial del Departamento de Justicia Joana Peraza Lizarraga, Esq. │Fellow y Abogada del personal, Ciudadanía e Inmigración Sergio D. Pérez│ Representante acreditado del Departamento de Justicia Eduardo Ramirez-Castro│ Director Asociado del Proyecto de Comunidades Rurales Sostenibles, Representante acreditado por el DOJ Clarisa Reyes-Becerra, Esq. | Directora, del Proyecto de Equidad en salud para inmigrantes Cynthia Rice, Esq.│ Coordinadora de litigios Alfredo Rivas Gómez│ Coordinador del programa FUEL Mayra Rosales | Asistente, Ciudadanía e Inmigración Rebekah Sophia│ Asociada de Desarrollos Josth Stenner-Lara | Coordinador del programs, Proyecto de Comunidades Rurales Sostenibles Marcus Tang, Esq.│ Director del Proyecto de Ciudadanía e Inmigración Javier Tirado│ Representante parcial acreditado por el Departamento de Justicia Armando Valdez│ Coordinador de Alcance Comunitario, Proyecto de Comunidades Rurales Sostenibles Nicole Zanardi, Esq.│ Abogada del personal, Proyecto de Defensa de Remoción

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Richard M. Pearl, Esq., Chair Law Offices of Richard M Pearl "I first got involved with farm workers when I started working with CRLA INC, in the in 1975. In the early 1980s when legal aid was under attack on a national level, we knew lobbying in particular. would be under attack; that's when CRLAF was born. Today, thanks to a cadre of visionary supporters, CRLAF remains privately funded legal aid program, doing incredibly important work that federally funded legal aid organizations are prohibited from doing." Rosa Armendariz Diablo Valley College Joseph Jaramillo, Esq. Housing & Economic Rights Advocates "I think that it’s difficult to pass strong protective legislation given the power and influence of big agribusinesses.That is why it is so important to have an organization like CRLA Foundation advocating for needed changes." Manuel Magana Retired Farm Worker "I started working with César Chavez in the 1970s. By the 1980s legal aid was under fire and we had to find another way to continue the important work. I am proud to have been on the forefront of creating CRLA Foundation. We have worked really hard for the rights of the farm workers for many years and still there are many things that need to change. One of the achievements in this fight is that farm workers now have access to a bathroom wherever they are working." Rosario Vásquez Community Representative Virginia Villegas, Esq. Villegas Carrera LLP "Over the years, I've seen first-hand the legislative work they engage in and the positive effects it has for low-wage workers throughout the state. CRLAF not only provides legal representation, but advocates on behalf of marginalized communities. If it were not for CRLAF these communities would not be getting the critical services they need." Please reload

CRLAF is a privately funded rural justice center focused serving farmworkers and low-wage laborers, regardless of immigration status. Fundación de Asistencia Legal Rural de California ABOGADOS POR LA JUSTICIA Critical Information for Immigrant and Mixed Status Families QUIENES SOMOS Arraigado en el movimiento de trabajadores agrícolas de la década de 1960 Fundación de Asistencia Legal Rural de California es un centro de justicia rural con fondos privados enfocado en servir a los trabajadores agrícolas y trabajadores rurales de bajos salarios, independientemente de su estado migratorio. Creemos justicia y dignidad no comience ni termine en un cruce fronterizo, pero son derechos humanos inalienables. Leer más... CÓMO TRABAJAMOS INFLUENCIA El poder político es esencial para encontrar soluciones a largo plazo a los problemas que enfrentan los trabajadores agrícolas y otros trabajadores de bajos salarios. CRLAF es una voz confiable y respetada que representa a las comunidades rurales de bajos ingresos. Leer más... Contact AUTORIZAR Por más de 35 años, CRLAF ha construido una reputación como un recurso confiable para los trabajadores agrícolas y las familias rurales. Empoderar a nuestras comunidades para abogar es fundamental para desarrollar soluciones a largo plazo. Leer más... ABOGADOR Proteger los derechos de los trabajadores de bajos salarios que representan a grandes grupos es la clave para lograr mejoras en toda la industria. Al representar a los trabajadores de bajos salarios en un litigio de acción de clase, CRLAF ha logrado reformas radicales en materia de salarios y horas, acoso sexual y seguridad de los trabajadores. Leer más... NOTICIAS + ALERTAS Aún no hay ninguna entrada publicada en este idioma Una vez que se publiquen entradas, las verás aquí.

Critical information and resources to help immigrant communities navigate this challenging time. ACERCA DE CRLAF California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation (CRLAF) and the Sacramento Family Unity, Education, and Legal (FUEL) Network for Immigrants are committed to supporting and serving immigrants throughout the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and have compiled critical information and resources to help immigrant communities navigate this challenging time. We will continue updating this document throughout the pandemic as much of this information is rapidly changing on a daily basis. Eng/Esp-Información en Medi-Cal para inmigrantes (2024) Coronavirus Resources (2020) Recursos de Coronavirus (2020) Julio 2020 COVID-19 Recursos é Informacion Más > Hemos recopilado información importante y recursos para ayudar a las comunidades migrantes a navegar este tiempo difícil. Continuaremos actualizando este documento durante de la pandemia, puesto que mucha de esta información cambia constantemente. (actualizado a partir del 20 de julio de 2020) April 2020 Salubridad Laboral Video En Español > Esta infografía tiene información sobre sus derechos como trabajador de California, sus derechos al salario mínimo, sobretiempo, descansos, no han cambiado. PDF Download > Labor + Civil Rights July 2020 COVID-19 Resources and Information Read More > Critical information and resources to help immigrant communities navigate this challenging time. We will continue updating this document throughout the pandemic as much of this information is rapidly changing on a daily basis. (updated July 20, 2020) April 2020 SDI en California Video en Español > Esta infografía tiene información sobre que es el Seguro de Discapacidad disponible para los trabajadores de California, sin importar su estatus legal. PDF Download > Labor + Civil Rights April 2020 Derechos de los Trabajadores Video En Español > Esta infografía tiene información sobre sus derechos como trabajador de California, sus derechos al salario mínimo, sobretiempo, descansos, no han cambiado. PDF Download > Labor + Civil Rights April 2020 Dispensario de Comida Video En Español > Esta infografía le explica cómo encontrar dispensarios de comida (food banks) por internet cercas de usted. PDF Download > Labor + Civil Rights

Your 2018 Impact Report: See the Impact of your donation. CRLAF 2022 Impact Report Dear Friends and Supporters, The past two years have been filled with unprecedented challenges raised by a global pandemic that has turned every aspect of our normal lives upside down and wildfires that continue to push low-wage workers into greater economic insecurity. At the same time, CRLAF has stepped up to do what is needed to protect the rights of rural Californians. Amagda Pérez, Executive Director CRLAF advocates have worked around the clock developing timely and culturally responsive information on COVID resources and fighting for worker and tenant protections, safe living conditions for H2-A workers, adequate lighting for night-time work, wildfire protections, heat illness prevention, health for all, and access to legal and other lifeline services for rural communities. We have provided legal assistance to aggrieved workers, families seeking education equity, and immigrants seeking to regularize their immigration status. We also secured release of individuals from ICE detention, defended migrants in removal proceedings, and assisted hundreds to apply for benefits that protect family unity. As we continue to respond to statewide emergencies and ensure that the most vulnerable in our communities have the protections and support that they need, we thank you for your support and shared commitment to ensuring that farm workers, other low-wage workers and their families have access to high-quality legal representation and access to equal justice. Our work has brought hope and improved the working and living conditions of countless rural families. Thank you for standing with us in our fight for justice, equity, dignity, and respect for our clients. We are proud to carry forward Justice Cruz Reynoso's legacy of service and ensure that every person has access to justice, regardless of their socioeconomic and immigration status. Respectfully, Amagda Pérez Executive Director 2022 IMPACT REPORT California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation LABOR + EMPLOYMENT PROJECT CRLAF engages in policy advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels. In 2022, we tracked more than 60 state and federal bills, and sponsored and supported legislation seeking to expand labor law protections for H-2A farm workers and other rural low-wage workers, and opposed bills which eroded or eliminated those protections. We provided written or oral communication to committees; signed on to support/ opposition letters; and held conversations with key political staff. We also monitored all new H-2A applications for large numbers of guest workers in key counties, and advocated for H-2A and US farm workers with the US Department of Labor (DOL) and California Employment Development Department (EDD). Specifically, CRLAF su pported SJR 11, AB 2183, AB 2300, SB 951, and] HR 1603. H-2A Monitoring and Advocacy: CRLAF sponsored AB 857, the "California Legal Rights Disclosure Act for H-2A Farm Workers,” that would mandate employers’ single required written notice with information on roughly two dozen California laws/regulatory protections be in Spanish. We are working with the Labor Commissioner on another draft of AB 857, to ensure farm workers are provided clear, concrete, and straightforward information on their rights prior to their start of employment. The original text would have also codified for the first time in California law H-2A workers’ right to be paid for time spent in employers' vehicles while traveling between employers' housing and field worksites. CRLAF and other advocates have pending actions to recover these stolen wages; the estimated unpaid travel time for the 25,000+ H-2A workforce in 2021 was between $50-60 million dollars. In 2022, CRLAF helped review and analyze more than 200 California H-2A job orders seeking approval for over 20,000 workers, and found that a very high percentage contain false or misleading information about housing, transportation pay, and other key H-2A job terms that violate California law. We regularly collaborate with DOL, EDD, California's Housing and Community Development agency, and other regulatory bodies to protect and prioritize the housing and labor rights of farm workers across the state. PAGA Defense: CRLAF and CRLA were the original sponsors of the Private Attorney General Act (PAGA), a unique statute providing a mechanism for enforcement of basic labor law protections. We continue to collaborate with the legislature, labor unions, and trial lawyers to defend PAGA. RURAL HOUSING PROJECT CRLAF educates rural, low-income tenants and home-owners on their rights, brings impact litigation cases, and engages in housing advocacy at the state and national levels to maintain access to affordable housing and keep our most vulnerable residents housed. In 2022, CRLAF and the California Coalition for Rural Housing successfully expanded state funding for farm worker housing through the Joe Serna Farm Worker Housing Grant Program. We also co-sponsored and supported AB 1654, Funding for Farm Worker Housing, which increases farm worker housing funds by automatically setting-aside a percentage whenever the state augments the main tax credit; and AB 2339 Emergency Shelters, which closes loopholes in cities and counties’ meeting low-income households’ housing needs, including the unsheltered, and the identification of real sites for shelters. In October 2022, CRLAF and Western Center on Law and Poverty held a biennial Housing Summit, connecting legal services advocates and local groups to discuss issues impacting our shared communities, develop solutions, and define priorities for the upcoming two-year legislative session. PESTICIDE + WORKER SAFETY CRLAF works with various partners to improve enforcement of existing pesticide and work health and safety protections and advocate for greater health protective policies to reduce exposure to pesticides and work hazards including heat, wildfire smoke, and other climate conditions threatening rural health. Legislative + Regulatory Updates: Over the past year, CRLAF supported AB 1787, which enhances lab test reporting requirements to better protect agricultural pesticide applicators; SB 1044, which prohibits retaliation against employees (with exceptions for certain job types) for refusing to work inside an evacuation zone and requires employees’ access to communication devices for emergency use; and AB 211, which increases fines for pesticide safety violations. CRLAF joined other labor advocates in successfully opposing Monarch Tractor's petition to revise Cal-OSHA regulations to allow autonomous tractor use, including on farm roads and in fields where workers are on the ground harvesting. The petition was denied because driverless vehicle technology does not yet have a proven record of reliability. Though Cal-OSHA’s COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard will expire at the end of 2022, CRLAF helped assure the proposal of a non-emergency, two-year regulation preserving key protections in indoor worksites and employer-provided housing to take its place. CRLAF also worked to help develop a Cal-OSHA date palm work platform safety standard, and will participate in an advisory committee over the coming year to help draft a workplace violence prevention standard and finalize an Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Standard. Preventing agricultural work inside wildfire evacuation zones also remains a CRLAF priority. In September, 2022, Sonoma County adopted an Agriculture Pass program allowing some entry into evacuation zones for animal care and irrigation, but not harvest work. Sacramento County is now developing their own program with our input. Protection from pesticide exposure: CRLAF is a plaintiff in an Earthjustice challenge regarding the use of the extremely toxic herbicide paraquat. We actively participate in the Californians for Pesticide Reform Coalition to compel the Department of Pesticide Regulation and County Agricultural Commissioners to improve pesticide regulation enforcement and language access. CRLAF has also advocated for years to tighten restrictions on use of the carcinogenic soil fumigant 1,3 dichloropropene. SUSTAINABLE RURAL COMMUNITIES PROJECT (SRCP) SRCP works with partners and communities to develop and implement policies addressing systemic issues of poverty, poor health faced by disadvantaged migrant farm worker and immigrants. Legislation: SRCP supported three dozen bills during the final legislative session of 2022, and sponsored SB 558, Farm Worker Climate Resilience and Adaptation Program, which would have established a farm worker task force and granting program to farm worker-serving organizations. CRLAF helped win $1.5 million to update 20-year old data through a Farm Worker Health Study. CRLAF collaborated with author UC Merced on the advisory steering committee to ensure the study’s completion in June, 2022. CRLAF prioritized the Health4All campaign, which successfully expanded Medi-Cal coverage to eligible undocumented immigrants ages 26-49. We continue to celebrate this historic win granting California’s immigrant community access to care and health coverage. This expansion will go into effect on January 1, 2024, and is in addition to the May 1, 2022 expansion for undocumented residents over 50 years of age. We look forward to continuing to provide eligibility-related education to increase immigrant enrollment. Health + Immigration Work: To prepare residents for advocacy engagements, CRLAF hosted quarterly trainings and policy briefings, as well as sent regular alert updates on shelter-in-place ordinances, housing protections, nutrition programs, DACA public charge, and state vs. federal, and other privately funded COVID-19 economic relief programs. When possible, we provided direct application assistance, since many forms must be completed online and in English. Environmental Work: Since 2015, SRCP has administered the Interim Emergency Bottled Water Project for Fresno County’s unincorporated communities of Cantua Creek and El Porvenir, providing safe drinking water to 166 rural households (over 700 residents). We work with the Water Resources Control Board to ensure uninterrupted water delivery until the County completes a permanent water system. SRCP Leadership Roles: CRLAF organizes trainings and townhalls to educate partners and stakeholders on all proposed and or realized changes in policies, the critical role of affordable and expanded healthcare access, and the health and economic injuries resulting from inequitable vaccine access and discriminatory COVID 19 relief initiatives. We participate in various education campaigns on these topics as well as provide interviews for local newspapers, and on Spanish radio and television. Over the past year, SRCP led a coalition of 12 local organizations to prioritize farm workers as essential workers, which resulted in the vaccination of thousands of individuals. CRLAF has recently served as fiscal agent for two statewide regranting programs addressing equitable access to COVID-19 care and workplace safety, and chronic drought issues faced by farm worker communities. We continue to convene the COVID-19 Farm Worker and Rural Immigrant Community Advocacy Coalition, composed of 12 farm worker and immigrant-serving organizations, and the Central Valley Legal Defense Fund (CVLDF), a group of attorneys, and local community and faith leaders dedicated to raising and providing funding for residents placed in immigration removal proceedings. CRLAF also leads and will once again draft the annual policy platform for the San Joaquin Valley Health Fund’s IHHEEL (Immigration, Health, Housing, Education, Environmental Justice and Land Use and Planning) Health and Immigration Policy Subcommittees, involving over 30 immigrant and refugee-serving Central Valley organizations. LABOR + CIVIL RIGHTS LITIGATION UNIT The Labor and Civil Rights Litigation Unit provides legal representation to farm workers and low-income workers in rural California ineligible for (Legal Services Corporation) LSC-program services, and who may be best represented in a class action. In 2022, the Unit handled a variety of issues and cases, including defeating a Sheriff’s motion to dismiss on a forceful eviction; filing appellate briefs with the Ninth Circuit on the issue of client employer; defending tenants in unlawful detainer cases; assisting tenants assert their rights to habitable housing; co authoring two amicus briefs and participating on a third amicus brief; litigating cases in federal and bankruptcy courts; and collaborating with partners to co-host housing clinics and address education issues affecting migrant farm worker families. Outreach Efforts: In our third round of the statewide COVID Worker Outreach Program (CWOP), CRLAF has conducted field observations, door-to-door outreach, and participated in community events to protect access to rural health and other supportive safety-net services. Advocates traveled thousands of miles to provide information on workplace protections under COVID-19, sick leave, access to testing and vaccines, housing and other related labor rights, and distributed personal protection equipment to prevent COVID-19 contagion, and wildfire smoke and pesticide related illness. We partnered with local agencies, health providers, and religious organizations to organize and host vaccination clinics. Through this project, CRLAF reached more than 20,000 Sacramento and San Joaquin Valley residents. We are currently providing financial assistance information to prevent foreclosures to low-income residents in the Sacramento Valley behind on their mortgage. In the past year, CRLAF attorneys offered training for families and local organizations on housing and employment, and co-hosted three housing and tenants’ rights clinics. Amicus Brief + Support: CRLAF co-authored an amicus brief with CRLA, Inc. on a PAGA case before the U.S. Supreme Court in Viking River Cruises v. Mariana, and partnered with CRLA, Inc. to write an amicus brief to the Agricultural Labor Relations Board in Cinagro Farms, Inc., involving a group of farm workers misclassified as independent contractors. CRLAF also participated in the drafting of an amicus brief with CRLA, Inc. on a PAGA case before the California Supreme Court in Adolph v. Uber Technologies. Current Cases: CRLAF has been grateful for the opportunity to expand our housing work by recently bringing on a Housing Law Attorney and Legal Fellow, and training new attorneys. We continue prioritizing class actions that QLSPs are unable to take, and serving workers and tenants who do not qualify for QLSP services. These cases involve farm workers experiencing labor violations such as unpaid overtime or full hours worked, failure to provide meals, rest periods, and legal documents including leases, paystubs, and letters of employment. Cases also include tenants experiencing inhumane housing conditions in apartments, migrant labor camps, or mobile home parks, unlawful detainers, and improper evictions. Most cases are overshadowed by threats to our clients’ immigration status as a way of forcing compliance. Last winter, CRLAF joined the Sacramento Environmental Justice Coalition. As the only legal aid in this coalition, we provide information on tenant rights and how to assert them, with particular focus on the eviction process and the right to remain in one's home. We are excited about additional opportunities this partnership will bring, including identifying impact housing and employment cases. CRLAF is currently investigating two housing cases involving housing provided to migrant farm worker families, and a landlord who failed to provide habitable housing and threatened their tenant with deportation, based on their perception of the tenant’s immigration status. Finally, CRLAF is investigating serious education inequities faced by migrant students and English learners, looking into possible redress with a few partners, and considering litigation. The Unit aims to file 2-3 class actions or impact litigation cases in 2023. CITIZENSHIP + IMMlGRATION PROJECT CRLAF’s team of DOJ accredited representatives, attorneys, paralegals, and advocates worked tirelessly over the past year to provide education and outreach, consultations, applications for affirmative immigration relief, and technical assistance for service providers. We continued to support community college students and educators by offering legal services, presentations, and trainings, and have recently taken a regional administrator role, working with community-based organizations to provide DACA and Naturalization application filing fee assistance to community members throughout the Central Valley. Removal Defense Project: The need for removal defense services has grown exponentially, due to pro se hearings being scheduled for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic. In addition to full-scope representation, many of our services over the past year were focused on developing and providing pro se assistance, such as covering dockets through the Attorney of the Day program, staffing detained consultation sessions, and providing limited-scope assistance. The new Immigrant Health Equity Project manages CRLAF’s Public Charge hotline, providing individualized legal counsel on health access, as well as legal and education services on immigrant access to healthcare and public benefits, with a focus on pandemic relief programs, Public Charge policies, and Medi-Cal expansions. Sacramento Family, Unity, Education, + Legal (FUEL) Network for Immigrants: The City Council of Sacramento established the Sacramento Family Unity, Education, and Legal (FUEL) Network for Immigrants in 2017, for which CRLAF continues to serve as fiscal lead. The FUEL Network is a robust collaborative of over 80 Sacramento community-based organizations, legal services providers, volunteer attorney groups, labor unions, faith-based groups, and educational institutions providing critical informational and legal services to immigrant communities. COMMUNITY ADVOCACY + SPECIAL PROJECTS CRLAF reinforced its commitment to protecting the health and well-being of low-income, essential workers and their families, as one of the few organizations conducting outreach and field monitoring throughout the pandemic. Our regular community presence encouraged workers’ confidence to reveal various civil rights violations, which were brought to our Immigration and Litigation Units to assess eligibility for benefits and representation. Over the past year, CRLAF uncovered a number of education inequities exacerbated under pandemic conditions, which impact the education of immigrant and/or English Learners, especially the children of migrant farm workers. CRLAF has seen districts discontinue transportation for rural areas; while California law does not guarantee the right to school transportation, it has greatly affected farm worker parents who start work before sunrise, and are unable to take their children to school on time. This has resulted in students being transported to and from school in overcrowded and unsafe vehicles and/or missing school. Migrant farm worker families living in labor camps must also leave every winter due to mandatory camp closures. These migrant students face being dis-enrolled from their schools as they are unable to return before the start of the spring semester; final exam dates that are scheduled a day before their move out date from the camps; and not obtaining all of the appropriate credits when they leave the state. CRLAF has also recently encountered major habitability problems, including entire apartment complexes, mobile homes parks, and labor camps with infestations of cockroaches, mice, mold, broken windows, torn screens, unsafe plumbing, and dirt floors. Residents have expressed concern about racist landlords and housing managers. We continue to hold Know Your Rights presentations and distribute informational flyers to labor camps, work crews, housing projects, churches, and local events to educate and work with our communities toward greater legal justice. This past year brought both exciting opportunities and challenges for the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation. We launched several ambitious statewide projects, while pivoting to address emerging needs in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires, other natural disasters, and policies that do not prioritize, nor consider our rural, underserved communities. In 2023, we will build upon the accomplishments of our past 41 years to continue protecting California’s farm workers, rural low-wage workers, and migrant families’ rights and access to legal justice. Please join us in assisting rural Californians access equal justice. Support like yours expands civic participation and helps to create a more just future for all Californians, regardless of their immigration and socioeconomic status. THANK YOU DONORS + SUPPORTERS CRLAF is ever grateful to our grantors, as well as individual supporters, without whom our work would not be possible. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to all of those who gave throughout 2022. All gifts are directly invested into the communities we serve, expanding rural, migrant and mixed-status families' access to services and justice through legal action, advocacy, and education.

For English, click here . Asistencia de Ayuda por Desastre para Inmigrantes (DRAI) El programa de Asistencia para Alivio de Desastres para Inmigrantes (DRAI, por sus siglas en inglés) es un pago de alivio de desastres financiada por el estado por una sola vez para inmigrantes adultos indocumentados afectados por el COVID-19 que no son elegibles para recibir fondos de los pagos de estímulo federal de la Ley CARES o de los beneficios de desempleo pandémico. Un adulto indocumentado que califique puede recibir $500 en asistencia directa, con un máximo de $1,000 en asistencia por hogar. Actualización A partir del 30 de junio de 2020, hemos comprometido todos los fondos de ayuda y ya no podemos aceptar nuevas solicitudes para el programa de COVID-19 Asistencia para Alivio de Desastres para Inmigrantes (DRAI). Continuaremos trabajando en aprobar las solicitudes y distribuir tarjetas de pago hasta que se hayan desembolsado todos los fondos en las próximas semanas. Si ya le hemos iniciado una solicitud, puede llamarnos sin cargo al 877-557-0521 para dejar un correo de voz con cualquier pregunta que pueda tener sobre su solicitud o tarjeta de pago. Tenga en cuenta que no se puede iniciar una nueva solicitud para fondos de ayuda llamando a este número. Si necesitamos hablar con usted sobre su caso, CRLAF solo le llamará del 916-619-8355 . Tenga cuidado con las estafas o cualquier persona que llame desde un número diferente que afirme ser CRLAF. Programa DRAI - Preguntas Frecuentes ¿Quién está distribuyendo los pagos DRAI y como puedo aplicar? Los pagos DRAI serán distribuidos por varias organizaciones comunitarias en todo el estado. La Fundación de Asistencia Legal Rural de California (CRLAF) está distribuyendo pagos DRAI para las personas que viven en los siguientes ocho condados: Yuba, Sutter, Yolo, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tuolumne y Mariposa . ¿La información y documentación que proporcione a CRLAF es confidencial? Si. Toda la información y documentación proporcionada se mantendrá confidencial y segura. La información que proporcione a CRLAF solo se utilizará para confirmar su elegibilidad y brindarle asistencia. Proporcionaremos información demográfica general (por ejemplo, edad, sexo, idioma preferido, etc.) al estado de California sobre los solicitantes, pero ninguna información personal (por ejemplo, nombre, dirección, etc.) será proporcionada o accesible por ningún gobierno agencia. ¿Qué documentación debo proveer en mi solicitud para demostrar mi elegibilidad al programa DRAI? Los solicitantes deben proporcionar información y documentación para verificar su identidad, domicilio o dirección postal, y para demostrar que han sido afectados por el COVID-19. ¿En qué idiomas ofrece CRLAF sus servicios de inscripción DRAI? CRLAF tiene trabajadores DRAI que hablan inglés, español, mixteco, ruso, trique, punjabi, cantonés y mandarín. Pronto tendremos trabajadores que hablen otros idiomas y actualizaremos esta información en cuanto cambie. Nuestros trabajadores DRAI utilizarán servicios de interpretación profesionales y confidenciales para asistir a los solicitantes que no hablan cómodamente ninguno de los idiomas hablados por nuestros trabajadores DRAI. ¿Qué pueden esperar los solicitantes una vez que estén hablando por teléfono con un trabajador de DRAI? Durante nuestra(s) llamada(s) con un solicitante, el trabajador del solicitante le hará preguntas sobre su elegibilidad y otra información demográfica o información de contacto. Luego, el trabajador DRAI ayudará al solicitante a preparar y presentar la documentación necesaria para verificar su identidad y demostrar su elegibilidad. Una vez que la solicitud esté completa y se haya proporcionado toda la documentación necesaria, CRLAF revisará la documentación para confirmar su elegibilidad. Si se aprueba la solicitud, le enviaremos al solicitante una tarjeta de pago desactivada y el solicitante recibirá más instrucciones para activar la tarjeta. ¿Cuánto dinero puedo recibir de DRAI? Los inmigrantes adultos indocumentados elegibles pueden recibir un pago único de alivio de desastre COVID-19 con un valor de $500. Un máximo de dos adultos indocumentados por hogar pueden recibir un pago de ayuda por desastre de $500.00 por un total de $1,000.00 en asistencia financiera por hogar. Un hogar se define como individuos que viven, compran y preparan comidas juntos. Los solicitantes recibirán asistencia y aprobación de los pagos DRAI en orden de llegada. ¿Qué puedo hacer para ayudar a alguien que conozco a solicitar asistencia DRAI con CRLAF? Si está ayudando a alguien que puede ser elegible para DRAI, puede ayudarlo a recopilar la documentación correcta para establecer que cumple con los criterios de elegibilidad del programa. También puede ayudar mostrándoles cómo fotografiar claramente su documentación y enviar sus fotografías por mensaje de texto al número de teléfono que compartiremos con ellos. Un solicitante de DRAI deberá proporcionar información y documentación que verifique que (1) son adultos indocumentados (18 años de edad o más); (2) no son elegibles para asistencia federal relacionada con COVID-19, como los pagos de estímulo fiscal de la Ley CARES o los beneficios de desempleo pandémico; y (3) han experimentado dificultades como resultado de COVID-19. El solicitante también necesitará documentación que verifique su domicilio o dirección postal. Además, puede ayudar a un solicitante antes de su llamada con nosotros explicando los procedimientos de solicitud que CRLAF debe seguir, como se describe en esta página de preguntas frecuentes. Si usted está disponible cuando hablamos con el solicitante para comenzar su solicitud, puede unirse a nuestra conversación con ellos si tiene su permiso para hacerlo. Desafortunadamente, no podemos hablar exclusivamente con usted en lugar del solicitante porque CRLAF debe hablar directamente con cada solicitante sobre su solicitud. ¿Hay algo más que pueda hacer para ayudar a alguien que conozco a solicitar DRAI con CRLAF? Se requiere que CRLAF se asegure de que todos los solicitantes de DRAI reciban asistencia de solicitud directamente de nuestros trabajadores. Desafortunadamente, esto significa que enfrentamos limitaciones en nuestra capacidad de asociarnos con otras organizaciones comunitarias confiables para administrar este proyecto. Si tiene una sugerencia sobre las formas en que su organización comunitaria puede asociarse con CRLAF para hacer que este programa sea más accesible para la comunidad a la que sirve, contáctenos directamente para que podamos discutir más. Apreciamos su compromiso con esta población y con todo lo que pueda hacer para facilitar el proceso de solicitud a los solicitantes individuales.

NOTICIAS RURALES + ALERTAS Tickets MEET OUR PARTNERS

CENTRO DE APOYO A LA AYUDA LEGAL Brindar asistencia técnica a One California Contractors and Subcontractors y a IOLTA QLSPs Soporte técnico gratuito para One California Contratistas y Subcontratistas CRLAF ofrece capacitaciones en persona, seminarios web y asesorías de práctica sobre varios temas de leyes de inmigración, incluyendo Naturalización, DACA y libertad condicional anticipada, visas familiares, VAWA, Visa U, SIJS y asilo. Además, CRLAF brinda consultas específicas de casos y asistencia técnica en cualquiera de estas áreas. Se recomienda a los contratistas y subcontratistas de California que buscan consultas específicas de casos o asistencia técnica que envíen un correo electrónico a CRLAF a ltta@crlaf.org . Como un Centro de Apoyo financiado por IOLTA de California, CRLAF proporciona asistencia técnica gratuita a QLSP financiados por IOLTA. Nuestro enfoque principal está en los problemas rurales pobres con experiencia sustancial en las áreas de derechos civiles y humanos, inmigración basada en la familia, VAWA, visas U, visas T, naturalización, educación, trabajo y empleo, salud de trabajadores agrícolas, vivienda rural, pesticidas y seguridad de los trabajadores La Fundación CRLA brinda una amplia gama de servicios a programas de servicios legales y sus clientes, que incluyen: Consulta sobre casos individuales, incluidos análisis legales, desarrollo de estrategias y otra asistencia técnica relacionada y apoyo de defensa Representación de clientes de servicios legales referidos por proyectos calificados de servicios legales, asesoramiento conjunto de casos de violación de salarios y horas y acceso al idioma, y asistencia en litigios Capacitación a defensores calificados del servicio legal sobre temas relacionados con los derechos civiles de los inmigrantes y las poblaciones rurales pobres de California. Se imparten seminarios de capacitación sobre trabajo y empleo, inmigración y naturalización, educación y derechos de los padres y temas de salud de los trabajadores agrícolas en reuniones de grupos de trabajo, foros informativos comunitarios y conferencias del personal. Publicaciones: Folletos Conozca sus derechos en inglés y español sobre inmigración y los derechos constitucionales de los inmigrantes, AB 540 y acceso a la universidad para jóvenes inmigrantes, pesticidas, derechos de los trabajadores, un manual de mejores prácticas sobre cómo lidiar con el acoso en el lugar de trabajo y la elegibilidad de los inmigrantes a precios asequibles ¡La Ley de Cuidados se beneficia con nuevos diagramas de flujo! CRLAF también tiene un boletín informativo sobre viviendas y varios informes sobre pesticidas, mano de obra y empleo. Por favor llame para más información.

¡Luchando por Justicia! DATE + LOCATION Friday, September 29, 2023 | 5:30 - 8:30 PM California Muse um 1020 O St. Sacramento CA, 95814 REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED Please contact Rebekah Sophia (rsophia@crlaf.org ) or Amagda Pérez to be added to the guest list. E VENT DETAILS Please join us in celebrating California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation at this fall’s Luchando Por Justicia! Luchando por Justicia brings together and pays tribute to individuals and organizations committed to hel ping rural Californians gain access to healthcare, safer and healthier neighborhoods and workplaces, educational opportunities, quality immigration and naturalization services, workers’ rights, and other essential legal services. This year, we have the honor and privilege of recognizing education equity and racial justice attorney, Deborah Escobedo, and Vice Mayor for the City Sacramento, Councilmember Eric Guerra! Farm to table dinner presented by Chef Ramiro Alarcón of Cielito Lindo, with hosted bar , music by Rondalla Group, Sacramento Voces Románticas, and dance performance by Kalpulli Maquilli Tonatiuh. Individual tickets, ad forms for our program, and event sponsorship may be purchased at the "Register Here" link above. We thank you once again for your continued interest and dedication to our cause in supporting farmworkers and migrant families across the state of California. You're invited to California Rural Legal Foundation's Luchando por Justicia event!