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Ramona Ripston speaks at the American Civil Liberties Union Bill of Rights dinner on December 11, 2006

Executive Director Ramona Ripston has been with the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California for 38 years, but today she announced plans to retire in 2011. But it’s not her fight against the death penalty or her battles with the LAPD that led to her retirement – it’s the economy. She laid off five staffers last year, telling the LA Times that firing staff for money reasons took a lot out of her. She also hopes her retirement will bring new talent, new ideas and new leaders to the ACLU. Ramona Ripston talks with Larry Mantle about her legacy, why she’s leaving now, and what she’ll do next.

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