My Nonprofit Reviews

I'm a longtime investigative journalist in San Diego. In this role I've reported on a wide range of subjects, frequently uncovering misdeeds in both the private and public sectors. Of the hundreds of stories I produced, one had the most profound effect on my life. It eventually led me to produce many stories over the years spotlighting the slave trade, the trafficking of humans, and it all began with an interview with a 13-year-old Mexican girl. I still remember her big brown eyes and soft voice. Such a sweet girl and it was shocking to learn she had "serviced" workers who picked strawberries in the fields of San Diego's North County. Alongside the neat rows of strawberries was a stand of duckweed, tall enough to hide a person. Walking through the area you could see paths cut through the damp grounds going in all directions. Scattered along those paths and alcoves that had been cut out of the weeds were discarded clothes, condoms, beer cans and tequila bottles. It was here where the young girl would meet the men. It was so ugly, so wrong, it made me angry and depressed. I decided I had to do more than report on this problem. I joined with Marisa Ugarte and Anne Hoiberg to help give birth to the Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition. It hasn't always been easy, we have constantly struggled with funding. Initially the issue was because we were one of the few voices speaking out about this crime. Now, our funding still is a consistent worry because many other groups and individuals have joined the fight. Some are legitimate efforts, others not so much. There is only so much money to go around but we still must continue our work. Please consider the BSCC if you want to support our worthy mission.