At its Annual Tardeada Gala on November 7, 2009 California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (CRLA) recognized San Diegans for their commitment to securing equal rights for all people.

 This year’s honorees were: Sonia Ruan, Principal, Kimball Elementary School, National City and Louis C. Murillo, Ph.D., director of the Compact for Success, who assists children of color to break the barriers to higher education. Ms. Ruan, through her work and leadership has helped bring up state API scores from among the worst in the state to nearly state minimums. Mr. Murillo has spent his career in higher education administration, currently working with the guaranteed admissions collaboration between San Diego State University and Sweetwater High School.

 For 43 years, CRLA has provided free legal services to California’s rural poor and agricultural workers, including those in San Diego through their office in Oceanside. Agriculture is San Diego’s 4th largest industry, with more than $1.35 Billion in annual revenues. San Diego County agricultural revenues are ranked #8 in size in California.  CRLA also serves those in hospitality, landscaping and transportation and other industries on most legal matters. Benefits from the Tardeada Gala Event will support continued legal representation to this group, and go towards increasing outreach services to victims of the recent fire disasters. For more details, please contact (805)218-0823 or email mparchman@crla.org