Meet the Legislative Unit’s Administrative Analyst Elaine Bissett

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office. 

Meet Elaine Bissett, who is the Administrative Analyst for the DA’s Legislative Unit, and has been with our office for 12 years.  

What inspired you to pursue a career in law enforcement/ at the DA’s Office?  

“I’ve had an incredible journey with the District Attorney’s Office over the past 12 amazing years! My career started at the San Diego Superior Court, where I updated court dockets and discovered my passion for the prosecution side of the legal system when I started reading case stories. In 2012, when the court faced a budget crisis, I seized the opportunity to join the DA’s Office as a Legal Support Assistant I. 

My DA career began in the Economic Crimes Division and later took me to the Administration Division. Over the last 10 years, I’ve worked my way up from a Legal Support Assistant to an Administrative Analyst in the Legislation Unit. In my current role, I coordinate the District Attorney’s sponsored legislation, organize advocacy meetings, track important legislative amendments, and keep in touch with the legislative staff and the Governor’s Office. What I love most about my job is the opportunity to make a real difference in public safety laws and support victims by transforming their experiences into meaningful policies that align with our District Attorney’s vision. As my former director wisely remarked, ‘Your role is crucial for San Diego. We passionately strive to turn ineffective legislation into effective solutions because laws profoundly influence our daily lives.’ It’s incredibly rewarding to know that I am positively impacting our community!  

One of the highlights of my career was visiting the Capitol in Sacramento in 2016. Meeting the legislators’ staff and seeing assembly members, senators, and Governor Brown (then) in action was amazing. I even had the opportunity to witness the hearing for a significant bill, SB 813, which was partially inspired by the sexual assault allegations against the scandal-plagued comedian Bill Cosby. This bill eliminated the statute of limitations for rape and sexual assault in the state.” 

What does AAPI Month mean to you/why is it important?  

“AAPI Heritage Month is significant for me as it underscores the vital contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, especially Filipinos, to our nation’s fabric. This month is not just a celebration of our rich cultural identity; it’s a rallying point for advocating diverse representation in government and pursuing inclusive policies that address critical issues like immigration, healthcare access, and the rising tide of anti-Asian hate. It encourages active community engagement and cultural sharing, reminding us of our collective journey toward equality and justice. Ultimately, this month enables us to take action, empowering us to work together for a future where equality and justice flourish for everyone.”  

A fun fact about you or what do you enjoy doing in your free time?  

“As a proud Filipino who loves celebrating, I enjoy spending my free time with friends. Whether hitting the gym, running briskly, or playing pickleball, our adventures are filled with laughter and joy. My favorite activities are dining out and having delightful days with my family and dogs. Growing up in a beautiful tropical climate has made me appreciate the great outdoors even more, so I knew sunny San Diego would be my ideal home 16 years ago. The Hall of Justice has always been my dream workplace; I remember admiring it while I worked as cruise staff during my walks from the Port of San Diego to shop at Horton Plaza.” 

Meet Information Technology Principal Yabin Su

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet Information Technology Principal Yabin Su, who has been with our office for 14 years, and as an I.T. professional, she has been responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and supporting the DA’s intranet and public-facing website. Read more about what inspired Yabin to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

Why did you choose a career in public service/what inspired you to pursue this career?

“I was driven to choose a career in public service by my belief in contributing to the public good and the sense of self-fulfillment I get in serving others. Being a part of the DA’s office, applying my skills to support the office, the victims, and bringing justice to the people have all made this a fulfilling job.”

What does AAPI Month mean to you/why is it important?

“AAPI month is a time to celebrate and honor the rich culture, history, contributions, and achievements of AAPI communities in our country. As a member of the AAPI community, I see this month as an opportunity to raise awareness for the challenges we face, build connections among our communities, reflect on our roots, and reconnect with our traditions.”

A fun fact about you or what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

“In my free time, I enjoy exploring the beautiful beaches and countless trails that San Diego has to offer. One of my favorite things to do is to cook fusion Chinese food.”

Photo of a gavel with a knife and handcuffs.

Probationer who Stabbed Elderly Trolley Rider Sentenced to Prison for Attack

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that Israel Valdivia, 27, has been sentenced to prison for an early morning attack on a 71-year-old man that left the victim bleeding in the street with multiple stab wounds and a nearly severed ear.

Valdivia was sentenced to seven years to life in prison. He was found guilty by a jury of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon on February 19. Both crimes carry allegations of use of a dangerous and deadly weapon and inflicting great bodily injury on a person over 70.

“This was a vicious, unprovoked attack on a vulnerable older man who was simply exiting the trolley to go to work,” DA Stephan said. “Today’s sentence brings a measure of justice to the victim and to the community at large. We will not tolerate senseless assaults in our trolley system or anywhere. This case demonstrates that violent criminals will be held accountable under the law.”

Valdivia approached the victim after he exited the trolley on his way to work at about 5 a.m. and attacked him, repeatedly stabbing him with an 11 to 13-inch knife. As the victim, 71-year-old Jose Serra, lay bleeding on the ground, Valdivia kicked him and fled the scene. He was eventually captured in Texas later the same month and extradited back to San Diego to face criminal charges.

Deputy District Attorney Mei Owen prosecuted this case.

Last year, defendant Angelina Montes Stricklen was sentenced to 13 years in prison for stabbing a sleeping 21-year-old man on the Blue Line Trolley in La Jolla. And in 2023, Ryan Rukstelis, was sentenced to 15 years-to-life in prison for fatally pushing a 68-year-old man into a moving freight train in an unprovoked attack.

Meet Confidential Legal Secretary Marilu Glassman

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.  

Meet Confidential Legal Secretary Marilu Glassman, who has been with our office since 2021 and is currently the receptionist at the 13th floor at the Hall of Justice. Read more about what inspired Marilu to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in law enforcement/ at the DA’s Office? 

“Prior to joining the DA’s office, in 2007 I was working at the County’s Board of Supervisor’s Office as a Legislative Assistant to Supervisor Dianne Jacob of the Second District, until her term ended in 2021. I enjoyed my service work and was dedicated to continuing a public service career with the County. When I learned about the opportunity of joining the DA’s Office, I was thrilled to pursue the possibility, and I transferred to the DA’s office in 2021. Currently, as a Confidential Legal Secretary, I am a contributing team member of Human Resources staff and the Hall of Justice 13th floor’s Administration Receptionist. I love my role here!” 

Why is AAPI Month important to you? 

“My family roots, the culture, our faith and traditions. My parents are from Manila and went to school at the University of San Francisco. My siblings and I were born in San Francisco, and all reside in Southern California, we are close and see each other often. We are blessed to have a large family with first cousins all over the country and we always look forward to getting together and our reunions. I cherish the many stories and memories my parents, grandmother, aunts, and uncles have shared with us over the years with the same importance of family gatherings and their spending time together in Manila. I recall looking at some of their family pictures in Manila – they were always dressed so nice and had dance parties with a lot of food on the tables!” 

A fun fact about you or what do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

“I enjoy going to Padres games, spending time with family and travelling during my free time. I enjoy catching my niece play soccer and nephews’ basketball and baseball games when their school teams play in town. I especially look forward to our annual family summer vacation in Newport Beach and relaxing in the Duffy boats – we have several families and friends with us, and it is a blast! 

I also feel very lucky to stay in close touch with my ‘D2’ family (Supervisor Dianne Jacob’s District 2 staff). One of my favorite places to be in the County is at Dianne Jacob’s ranch – it is amazing, peaceful with a scenic view, and we have so much fun when we get together and spend time on her ranch. I do not get to do the drive up to the mountains often, so when we go, I truly enjoy the sightseeing. We are planning to go again soon, and it is always a special time for all of us!” 

Deputy DA An Dang and her mother.

Meet Deputy DA An Dang

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet Deputy District Attorney An Dang, who joined the DA’s Office in 2021. Prior to that, she spent two years at the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, and before that, she spent three years at the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. Since joining our team, she’s been a Deputy DA in the Family Protection Division.

Read more about what inspired An to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

Why did you choose a career in public service/what inspired you to pursue this career?

“My mother was a trailblazer among Asian Americans in public service in San Diego. She is my biggest supporter, my hero, and I wouldn’t be where I am without her. I knew I wanted to be in public service, not only to prosecute Family Protection crimes, but to also be that source of support for those who did not have someone like my mom.”

 

What does AAPI Month mean to you/why is it important?

“AAPI Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the AAPI community, not only by honoring our past generations who paved the way for us to be here, but also by empowering the current and future generations to thrive. This month is particularly important to me as a first generation Asian American, and the Co-President of the San Diego chapter of the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association (NAPIPA). I hope by celebrating the achievements and diverse and sometimes traumatic histories of AAPIs in the United States, we can foster a greater sense of understanding and inclusion, and all stand together to fight hate.”

An and other Deputy DAs are featured in a recent PSA about hate crimes against the AAPI community that NAPIPA created, you can watch it here.

A fun fact about you or what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

“I started surfing at 33 years old, and now I’m obsessed. It’s intimidating to start, but once you overcome the challenges, it is the most healing and happy sport.”

Meet Legal Support Manager Maria Garlejo

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet Legal Support Manager Maria Garlejo, who has been with the DA’s Office for 18 years.  She began her career in the office as an Intermediate Clerk in our North County Branch, then she transferred to the Hall of Justice in 2021 when she promoted to Legal Support Supervisor II in the Superior Court Division – Records Unit. As a supervisor she led a team of 8-10 support staff; Office Assistants, Legal Support Assistants, and Student Workers, and provided training for each desk in the unit. She made sure to motivate staff to always do their best in their assignments and encouraged professional growth. Just recently, Maria was promoted to Legal Support Manager.

“I am very excited to start this new chapter and opportunity in my career with the DA’s office,” she said.   

When she’s not busy working, you might see her spending a lot of time at Disneyland, because she loves “Disney and Mickey Mouse! I have an annual pass and go to Disneyland twice a month with my boys. Thankfully, they too love going and are not getting tired of it.”

Read more about what inspired Maria to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to pursue a career in public service?

“I started at a younger age and honestly at the time, I did not know much about the District Attorney’s office. This was the first department in the County of San Diego to offer me an interview. Other departments offered me positions but it was our office that captured my interest. As my time in the DA’s office grew, I have learned to understand so much about how the justice system is important to the public in pursuing justice and helping victims. I am proud of what the DA’s Office stands for and honored to be part of the DA family. “

Why is AAPI Month important to you?

“AAPI Month is important to me because it recognizes and honors the Asian community, for its culture, traditions and heritage. It also gives our young Asian generation a chance to learn more about AAPI heritage and history, to embrace where their ancestors are from and help understand what being Asian American and Pacific Islander is about.”

DA Succeeds in Reversing Parole Board Policy on Banning Crime Scene and Autopsy Photos

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan today announced that in a major victory for crime victims, public safety, and due process, the California Office of Administrative Law (OAL) has granted a petition filed by the San Diego DA’s Office, striking down a controversial policy by the California Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) that banned the submission of crime scene and autopsy photographs in parole hearings.

Based on a petition submitted by the District Attorney’s Office, the OAL determined that the Board’s policy—enacted without public input or proper regulatory procedure—constituted an illegal “underground regulation” under California’s Administrative Procedure Act. The ruling requires the Board to cease enforcement of the policy and to follow formal rulemaking procedures if it wishes to pursue any similar restrictions in the future.

“This is a huge win for justice, transparency, and for every crime victim and family who deserves to have their voices heard and the full truth of a crime considered in parole decisions,” said DA Stephan. “The Board’s attempt to erase the harsh realities of violent crimes from parole hearings was not only improper—it was a disservice to public safety and victims’ rights. We’re proud to have stood up for what’s right, and we thank the OAL for correcting the Board’s procedure.”

The now-invalidated policy prohibited prosecutors, victims, and other stakeholders from submitting photographs that the Board deemed “graphic,” including crime scene and autopsy photos. The DA’s Office argued that these images are vital for parole board commissioners to fully understand the nature and impact of crimes and to evaluate an inmate’s credibility and insight. The OAL’s decision reaffirms that all relevant, reliable evidence must be considered in parole proceedings.

In its petition, the DA included legal arguments, examples of hearings where such photos were instrumental, and public outcry from victims and their families who were denied the ability to submit these materials. The specific cases cited included:

  • Frederick Walkey:  Walkey murdered his girlfriend’s 2-year-old son by beating and biting him to death. During the parole hearing, he minimized his actions and deflected blame. The panel used autopsy photos and the report to determine he was being untruthful and lacked insight, leading to a parole denial.
  • Dwight Culton:  Culton claimed self-defense after brutally murdering a woman at an auto shop. The parole board referenced crime scene photos, police, and autopsy reports to find that Culton lacked insight and maintained a criminal mindset, which contributed to his parole denial.
  • Charles Tyberg:  Tyberg murdered a police officer with a .357 magnum. Commissioner Ruff examined autopsy photos to assess the extent of the injuries, helping evaluate Tyberg’s insight and truthfulness. The photos were used to justify a parole denial based on a lack of insight.

“Our office will continue to fight for the rights of victims and the integrity of the criminal justice process,” Stephan added. “This decision ensures that parole boards must base their decisions on the full record—not a sanitized version of events.”

The DA’s Lifer Hearing Unit handles about 600 cases each year. It represents the state and victims at parole hearings for inmates serving life sentences. It ensures dangerous offenders aren’t released prematurely and supports victims and families in participating in hearings. The unit also tracks cases, assists with legal challenges, and handles new types of parole.  Due to changes in the law, many of these inmates are up for parole sooner than expected, and the Unit’s case load is increasing. hearings due to changes in state law.

Deputy District Attorney John Cross leads the Lifer Unit and drafted the petition that led to the change that will now allow crime scene and autopsy photos to be submitted as part of parole hearings.

DA Hate Crimes Prosecutor Honored with Anti-Defamation League’s ‘Sherwood Prize for Combatting Hate’

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that Deputy District Attorney Abigail Dillon, who leads the DA’s Hate Crimes Unit, was awarded the Anti-Defamation League’s prestigious, statewide Sherwood Prize for Combatting Hate, at a ceremony in Los Angeles. The organization cited Dillon’s innovative, proactive and reactive work within the DA’s Office and in the larger community, as well as her unwavering dedication to fighting hatred and bigotry.

The Los Angeles Anti-Defamation League’s Sherwood Prize recognizes law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to protect Americans from extremism, terrorism and hate. Specifically, the prize gives recognition to law enforcement professionals who are so committed to their work that they make a significant difference in their communities and serve as role models for their departments. In announcing the award, the League said Dillon’s work underscores the important idea that each person can make a significant difference in combating prejudice and discrimination.

“Lead Hate Crimes prosecutor Abbie Dillon exemplifies this prestigious statewide award by her deep commitment to bringing to justice and holding those accountable who harm others based on their religion, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation or disability,” DA Stephan said. “She has played a pivotal role in nearly tripling the number of hate crime prosecutions across San Diego County and is also dedicated to the prevention of hate crimes through training and education. She is very deserving of this coveted award.”

In her role as head of the Hate Crimes Unit, Dillon has prosecuted about 80 hate crime-related cases. She has also trained various law enforcement agencies, detectives, dispatchers, professionals, and area organizations on how to identify and respond to potential hate crimes and how to appropriately interact with individuals who have been victimized because of their actual or perceived status. She speaks at community forums where law enforcement interacts with community members, and she has organized a statewide training for the California District Attorneys Association to provide resources to smaller offices that do not have the same resources.

Some of Deputy DA Dillon’s recent cases include the prosecution of a defendant responsible for attacking a homeless shelter and repeatedly using a racial slur, which resulted in a nine-year prison sentence. She also prosecuted a defendant for a transphobic attack and handled the case of vandals who shot a gel pellet gun at various establishments in Hillcrest, known for its strong LGBTQ community. She also prosecuted several cases involving threats, vandalism and attacks on synagogues, a rabbi and Jewish organizations.

“My office has prioritized the prosecution of hate crimes with a specialized team led by Abbie Dillon because hate crimes leave a ripple effect of fear and pain, not just for the targeted victim, but for all those who share in the victim’s targeted characteristic,” DA Stephan said.

Meet Paralegal Lyka Huffman

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet Paralegal Lyka Huffman, who has been working at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for 12 years. She started her career in our office as a volunteer, then was hired full-time as a Legal Support Assistant in South Bay in 2012 and became a Paralegal in Superior Court, where she worked for eight years. She is currently assigned to the Economic Crimes and Consumer Protection Division where she assists attorneys in criminal prosecution in cases related to identity theft, embezzlement, organized retail theft, securities fraud, consumer and environmental protection. As a Paralegal, she works alongside Deputy DAs, DA Investigators, and other staff members to ensure that all aspects of a case are prepared for preliminary exams and trials. She also guides victims to the proper resources to ensure that they receive all the answers and remedies they seek, including restitution.

When she’s not busy working, she enjoys spending time with her family and catching up with friends over a meal. In her free time, she also likes to read, learn new recipes, and watch K-Dramas. Read more about what inspired her to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to pursue a career in public service?

“I chose to become a public servant because I believe that our work is meaningful and I’m able to use my skills and knowledge for the public good. Having been born and raised in Metro Manila, I was raised to value hard work, service, and humility. Seeing my grandparents, parents, and other relatives serve the community made it an easy choice for me to follow the same path. As a Paralegal, I enjoy the excitement in victims when they learn of a conviction. I also enjoy letting victims know when our office collects restitution for them, especially when they didn’t expect to get relief after being defrauded. Beyond the fulfilling work, I picked a career with the County because it provides a good work-life balance. I can feel good about pursuing a career while remaining present for my family.”

Why is AAPI Month important to you?

“As a parent raising second generation Americans, I believe that teaching our kids about our history, heritage and culture is crucial to shaping their character. AAPI Heritage Month celebrates the perseverance, resilience, and contributions of AAPI communities in the United States. By celebrating our heritage, we can uphold our values while recognizing our American identity.”

Meet DA Investigator Jacqueline Hurtado

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet District Attorney Investigator Jacqueline Hurtado, who has been with the DA’s Office for almost five years, after a long career as a police officer. Her first assignment was at the Juvenile Branch for about two years, and she is currently assigned to the South Bay branch. When she is not busy working, any free time she has is spent with her husband and two children that keep them very busy!

Read more about what inspired her to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to pursue a career in public service?

“A career in public service wasn’t what I initially saw myself pursuing. When I applied to become a police officer, I never thought I had the chance. Fast forward 20 years later, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. This career has been deeply rewarding and turned out to be a path that fit better than I expected.

My father inspired me to pursue a career in law enforcement. He was also a law enforcement officer when we lived in Florida and retired from his agency. My father was my biggest supporter and was very proud when I decided to become a police officer.”

Why is AAPI Month important to you?

“As a second generation Filipino, AAPI Month is very important to me. My grandfather served in the military during WWII and was granted U.S. citizenship, so my mother also became a citizen.  My father and three older sisters were Philippine citizens. Like many Filipinos, my mother and father wanted to move to the U.S. for a better life. Essentially to “live the American dream”.  My mother went through the process of petitioning citizenship for my father and three sisters. After approximately seven years of my mother traveling back and forth, my father and sisters finally came to the U.S. becoming lawful permanent residents and were later naturalized. My father arrived first after a three-year waiting process. Then my sisters arrived four years later.  Apparently, my sisters did not know I existed until they arrived in the U.S., and I was 10 days old!!!

AAPI Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of our families and ancestors. It is also a reminder of the struggles, sacrifices, and successes that are overcome by many and help shape our presence. I will always be grateful for the sacrifices my parents made for me and my sisters to give us a better future. Their journey was the reason mine was possible.”