Advocacy in action: August 2025 update
Welcome to the monthly roundup of how the Business For Good Advocacy Committee is making a difference in our community.
Campaign: San Diego City Minimum Wage
The main campaign our Advocacy Committee is using our voice to support this year
Issue
San Diego City minimum wage for hotel, event center, and janitorial service workers
What it means
The city is proposing a minimum wage for these categories in order to provide a living wage to these workers. Currently, the minimum wage is $17.25; this bill would raise that to $25.
Why we support this
This bill would positively impact hotel, event center, and janitorial service workers in the City of San Diego so that industries like tourism and entertainment benefit the people who work in them—not just people visiting.
3 reasons business owners should support this
- Employee Retention: Offering a livable wage can reduce turnover, saving businesses on recruitment and training costs
- Increased Productivity: Employees earning a livable wage are more likely to be engaged and productive
- Community Impact: Higher wages contribute to economic growth, as workers have more spending power, benefiting local businesses
Check out our July update to get more details!
Issue: Immigrants’ Rights
Policies, measures, and more our Advocacy Committee is raising awareness about
Issue
Supporting immigrants, refugees, and new Americans
What it means
The current administration is implementing policies that target and negatively affect immigrants, refugees, new Americans, and undocumented people.
Why we support this
We believe America thrives when our communities are diverse. As purpose-driven business owners, we understand that staying silent isn’t an option when our community’s values are under attack. Check out this blog article for more info on the BFG perspective.
The vibrancy we have in San Diego is impossible without immigrants. – Mikey Knab, BFG co-founder and Advocacy Committee co-chair
Our action steps
- BFG members provided e-comments at the July 22 County Meeting in support of the proposed “Protecting small businesses and workers: Know your rights when ICE arrives” program
- BFG Advocacy Co-chair and Owner of Unita Solutions, Erica Castillo, made a public comment in person in support of the program and urged the county to:
- Broaden the proposal to include all federal immigration enforcement agencies — not just ICE
- Work closely with business orgs, immigrant rights groups, community partners, and worker advocates in shaping the training
- Ensure the materials are multilingual, accessible, and trauma-informed
Results to date
- Following public comment and discussion, the program was approved by the County Board of Supervisors on July 22
- We are now collaborating with the County and local advocates to provide input as the training is developed
What you can do
- Check out the Protect & Progress toolkit
- 🖨️ Download print-ready materials for your storefront or print them out and give them to businesses in your neighborhood
- 📱 Grab pre-sized images for your social media and website
- 👕 Support the cause with Protect & Progress apparel from BFG member Fervor & Zeal (50% of profits support coalition organizations)
- BFG members can follow the #Advocacy Slack channel to get the latest news and calls to action
- Reach out to Erica Castillo directly with questions or information
Immigrants’ Rights Resources
- Employer guides: For employers to get prepared to assert their constitutional rights and ensure safe working environments for their workers and customers in the case of an ICE raid:
- Guide for Employers from the National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
- Employer Guide from the National Employment Law Project (NELP) and NILC.
- ReadyNow! – a free and secure mobile app from Human Rights First’s Innovation Lab
- One-click emergency alerts via SMS to pre-selected contacts
- Personalized emergency plans for childcare, medical needs, legal support, and more
- Option to share key information with National Immigration Legal Response Alliance (NILRA) if faced with arrest, a national network of pro bono immigration attorneys
- Currently available in six languages: English, Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, Haitian Kreyol, and French
Partnering with purpose
Other organizations making a positive difference for immigrant rights in San Diego
- ACLU San Diego + Imperial Counties
- San Diego Immigrants’ Rights Consortium
- CHIRLA (The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights)
- California Immigrant Policy Center
Take action
Here are ways you can get involved with advocacy efforts this month
Events and meetings for BFG Members
Monthly Advocacy Committee Meetings
We meet virtually on the first Thursday of every month.
Advocacy Committee Meeting Calendar
Next meeting: September 4, 2025 | 5:00-6:30 PM | Register to attend (open to members only)
#Advocacy Slack Channel
Members can follow our channel to get the latest news about what we’re up to!
Public Know Your Rights Trainings
(In-Person) Small Business – Know Your Rights Workshop
August 14, 2025 | 9 AM | Register here
(Virtual) Know Your Rights Workshop
August 18 | 6 – 7:30 PM | Register here
Want to learn more? Reach out to Advocacy Committee Co-Chair, Erica Castillo.
