News Conference about Schools Drug Prevention Program.

Schools Embracing Drug Prevention Programs

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan joined law enforcement leaders, school officials and the California National Guard today to announce the release of a new report outlining recommendations for drug prevention education and anti-overdose efforts in schools. Nearly two dozen schools across San Diego County are already adopting and implementing recommendations from the working group that produced the report which includes five drug abuse prevention and three drug overdose prevention programs.

School-based Interventions for Substance Use and Overdose Prevention lays a foundation for programs in a school setting that can deter or delay the onset of substance use, slow or stop the progression of use and development of substance use disorders and minimize the adverse impact of substance use on students, their families and community, and the economy.

“It’s critical that we educate our youth through compelling and effective curriculum, giving them the tools they need to stay healthy and make decisions that can literally save their lives,” said DA Stephan. “I want to thank the San Diego County Board of Supervisors for their commitment to this issue, the working group that was assembled for the careful consideration they gave to creating this report, and school officials for embracing the drug prevention programs that can make a real difference in the lives of families across San Diego County.”

In October 2022, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a proposal backed by the County Office of Education to support fentanyl education in county schools, as well as the distribution of naloxone to parents and students and training on its use. The DA assembled a working group of experts that included representatives from the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE), San Diego and Imperial Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), and California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force.

The goal of working group was to study and make recommendations regarding the most effective and proven modalities and programs for building long term resilience in students to live healthy lives free of the negative, and at times, fatal impact of drugs including fentanyl.

“While the HIDTA program is charged with removing deadly drugs from our streets in part by dismantling and disrupting drug trafficking and money laundering organizations, we know that if we are going to be effective in saving the lives of the most vulnerable among us, our youth, then our efforts must include effective, proven life skills and drug prevention curriculum within our schools,” said HIDTA Director David King. “The San Diego Imperial Valley HIDTA is proud to have contributed to the efforts of the working group to identify such curricula and it’s partnerships such as these that make San Diego County a model for the rest of the country.”

“The San Diego County Office of Education has long been a proponent of substance abuse prevention education that incorporates life skills, healthy behaviors, and overall wellness because it’s the right thing for kids,” said Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, County Superintendent of Schools. “We are fortunate to have strong partnerships with county leaders, law enforcement agencies, and community-based organizations that bring research-validated programs to support our region’s children in staying healthy and safe.”

Fatal overdoses involving fentanyl have surged in recent years in the United States and research shows that deaths among children have increased significantly, mirroring trends among adults. Fentanyl, which is 100 times stronger than morphine, is now present in nearly all illegal substances used by teens. Older adolescent fentanyl poisonings are primarily the result of counterfeit pills containing a lethal dose of fentanyl.

The report found that preventing youth substance use is multifaceted and requires a comprehensive community prevention strategy comprised of synthesized programs, practices, and policies grounded in the best available evidence for greatest impact within individuals, families, schools, and communities. When individuals initiate alcohol and drug use during adolescence, they are much more likely to develop a substance use disorder as a young adult and beyond. Evidence has shown that youth who begin drinking before age 15, for example, experience four to six times the rate of lifetime alcohol dependence than those who remain abstinent from alcohol use until age 21.

Decades of research has shown that much can be achieved through primary prevention interventions delivered during childhood and adolescence to reduce an individual’s later risk for drug use disorders. The report notes that prevention efforts must be initiated in early adolescence and should be targeted towards preventing the use of common substances that are legal for adults but remain illegal for adolescents such as alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana. These substances are often referred to as gateway drugs and may lead to the use of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, or opioids that may also contain fentanyl.

Based on the data and research reviewed by the working group, two specific goals were identified:

  • Prevent initiation or escalation of substance use in youth 18 and under through evidence-based substance use prevention curricula in schools.
  • Prevent overdoses in youth 18 and under using the best available evidence.

It was important for the working group to consider a variety of curriculum options due to the differences in school schedules, structures, and cultures. After careful review of the evidence listed in a variety of registry databases of available programs, and consultation with experts in curriculum analysis and prevention science, five effective drug abuse prevention programs were identified for elementary, middle, and high school populations: Positive Action, Project Towards No Drug Abuse, LifeSkills Training, DARE’s Keepin’ It Real, and Project Alert.

Students at Vista del Mar Middle School participate in one of the programs identified in the report: Rugged Outdoor Physical Experience System (R.O.P.E.S.) is a drug prevention program that focuses on communication and team building to help young people determine when to ask for help and how to receive it.

Students at Vista del Mar Middle School participate in one of the programs identified in the report: Rugged Outdoor Physical Experience System (R.O.P.E.S.) is a drug prevention program that focuses on communication and team building to help young people determine when to ask for help and how to receive it.

Many of the curricula outlined in the report are being taught in participating schools by members of the California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. The National Guard is also committed to assisting schools that opt to have prevention curricula taught by their own teachers by providing training, free of charge, on the implementation and teaching of the identified curricula.  SDCOE, with funding from the County of San Diego’s Opioid Settlement Funds, is also working with middle schools in the county to implement Project Alert, one of the research-validated programs highlighted in the report.

After careful review, the working group also identified three programs that show real promise in addressing the goal of overdose prevention:

  • Operation Prevention San Diego. This Drug Enforcement Administration program is a free educational program available to schools upon request or at Operationprevention.com.
  • “I Choose My Future” is a drug education program offered to schools by the San Diego County Office of Education.
  • The working group is also recommending that all schools serving grades 6 through 12 obtain an adequate supply of naloxone.

Schools and organizations that have embraced educational programs recommended by the report include Mar Vista High School, Mar Vista Academy, Sweetwater High School, Barbara Worth Jr. High School, Vista Del Mar Middle School, San Ysidro Middle School, La Mirada Elementary School, Olympian High School, Saburo Murakoa Elementary School, All Tribes Charter School, Southwest High School, Maie Ellis Elementary School, La Paloma Elementary School, Mission Meadows Elementary School, Oceanside High School, Valle Lindo Elementary School, San Pasqual Academy, Smythe Elementary School, The Rock Academy,  Ocean View Hills Elementary School, Vista Boys & Girls Club, and Imperial Beach Boys & Girls Club.

The release of the report comes as Red Ribbon Week is about to be observed next week. The DA pointed to the important awareness that Red Ribbon Week brings to drug prevention, which was started to honor murdered DEA Agent Enrique ‘Kiki” Camarena here in San Diego and grew into a national movement. In addition, officials acknowledged the efforts of the County Office of Education under the leadership of former School Superintendent Paul Gothold, as well as the work done in the drug abuse prevention space by retired DEA Agent Rocky Herron.

The full report, School-based Interventions for Substance Use and Overdose Prevention, can be found here.

Photo of a judge's gavel and handcuffs on top of books.

Man Sentenced for Causing Sailor’s Death in Coronado Carjacking Case

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that a 19-year-old man who caused a soldier’s death while stealing his car in Coronado, was sentenced Friday, October 11 to 15 years-to-life in state prison.

Ricardo Vazquez-Gongora, who was 18 at the time of the crime, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on May 3, 2024. The stipulated sentence was handed down today by San Diego Superior Court Judge Michael Popkins.

Vazquez-Gongora was arrested last year for stealing 32-year-old Edward Foster’s car on June 11, then crashing it onto a toll booth right before crossing the Coronado Bridge, as Foster clung to the car’s hood in an attempt to get the driver to stop, gravely injuring him. The defendant fled the scene as the sailor was lying unresponsive on the ground and was later located hiding in the bushes near the Coronado golf course. Foster died after being taken off life support a few days later. He was a father of four stationed at Naval Air Station North Island and was working as an Amazon driver delivering packages when his car was taken by Vazquez-Gongora.

“The victim in this case, who was a father working to support his family, tragically lost his life due to a set of circumstances set in motion by this defendant’s utter disregard for human life,” said DA Summer Stephan. “We hope the resolution of this case brings a measure of justice and closure to the victim’s family.”

Deputy District Attorneys Makenzie Harvey and Donald McCann prosecuted this case.

 

Meet Confidential Secretary Saul Vazquez

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, we are highlighting stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet Confidential Secretary Saul Vazquez.

Saul was born and raised in San Diego. He graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and minored in Spanish.

He has been working at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for more than 20 years. As a Confidential Secretary, he provides secretarial support to our Chief Deputy District Attorneys and to our District Attorney Executive Team.

During his spare time, Saul enjoys quiet time, fishing, and horseback riding.

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

“I came on board to the District Attorney’s Office as a ‘Temp’ working as a part of the DA Facility Team. I really didn’t know at the time when I started working with the office that I would make a long-term career out of it, 22 years later.  My mind set changed really quick though after being exposed to the great work our office does and the mission it stands for.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“Knowing that the tremendous work we do day in, and day out is necessary to give voice and seek justice to those most vulnerable victims of crimes and to make our communities a better and safer place to live.”

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?

“Hispanic Heritage Month is important to me because it allows for Hispanic communities to showcase their roots, share their rich cultural, traditions, and delicious foods to the diverse populations that make up our communities of which I am very proud of being part of.”

Group Program Manager Janet Ruiz

Meet Group Program Manager Janet Ruiz

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, we are highlighting stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet Group Program Manager Janet Ruiz.

Janet was born in South El Monte, CA (Los Angeles County). She studied English Literature for her undergraduate studies at University of California, Los Angeles and then obtained a Master of Science in Criminal Justice at California State University Long Beach.

As a Group Program Manager for the San Diego County District Attorney’s (SDCDA) Administrative Services Department, she oversees and works with a team of brilliant analysts within our newly formed Program Administration Unit. This team oversees the administrative functions, including performance and compliance, of over 100 contracts annually. The team works across initiatives to support and advocate for the needs of each Division and support the coordination, development, and implementation of services and receipt of goods. Routinely, the team works collaboratively with other county departments, such as County Counsel, Public Safety Group departments, Purchasing and Contracting, Auditor & Controller, and more. Nested under this team are the DA’s Family Justice Centers, the Juvenile Diversion Initiative, the California County Resentencing Pilot Program Contract, and the Community Grant Program. The team’s work is reciprocally connected to our Grants, Budget, and Fiscal units within the Administrative Services Department; the Program Administration Unit is only one piece of the pie.

A fun fact about Janet, is that she recently completed the Disney Halloween Half Marathon!

“I loathe running, but I enjoy a new challenge,” she said. “In fact, my two little ones also participated! My girls ran the Kid Races and earned their own medals while my husband cheered us on! As a mama of two little ones, I hope to have more time for other hobbies one day!”

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

“My dad was robbed at gunpoint when I was in my teens, and I recall the fear he lived in for years after that. He had frequent nightmares where he would often wake shouting. In my adolescence, it enraged me that someone could do this and never face any consequences. Unfortunately, and fortunately, this was a pivotal moment for me. My goal then, and through my twenties, was to become a Special Agent for the FBI, but after numerous injuries during training this failure propelled me in a new direction. While in Los Angeles, I began my career providing direct crisis services and advocacy for system-impacted families, and quickly became involved in program design and implementation, including monitoring and evaluation of programs. In 2017, I moved to San Diego to work in the human trafficking prevention space where I co-authored a human trafficking prevention curriculum for middle and high school age youth alongside SDCDA. It was through this work that I recognized the alignment of SDCDA’s values and my own and decided to pursue a career here with the DA in 2022.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“In working for the nonprofit sector for over a decade, I became very familiar with the administrative functions, and organizational needs and limited resources. Local government is entirely different, to say the least. I share this because of my love for learning and there is certainly nothing mundane about what I do. But to add to that I can confidently, and sincerely, say that I have always felt that both my work and perspective are valued here – and that continues to drive me. It may sound trivial, but loving the team you are a part of and feeling valued is of utmost importance to me; it is only then where you don’t lose sight of the bigger picture – and for me that’s to continue centering historically excluded and undervalued communities through my work.”

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?

“It is a time to sit in gratitude and appreciate the vibrant cultures that add so much depth and color to this world. It is a time to reflect on the many accomplishments and contributions of Latinos in this country. We’ve been foundational to its growth and prosperity and are often overlooked. Our role in the fight for Civil Rights – from labor (farm workers’ rights, mine workers’ rights) to education (Mendez v. Westminster, Plyler v. Doe) – is not well known. Currently where books that emphasize diversity are banned and Latinos are vilified for existing and, for some, for immigrating to this country, it is even more important to chronicle and elevate the stories of our people and ensure Latinos are integrated in literature and history beyond this month. As Ms. Mendez shared, ‘[…] we are all individuals; […] we are all human beings; […] we all have the same rights, the same freedom.’”

DA Summer Stephan Red Ribbon Award

DA Receives Red Ribbon Lifetime Achievement Award

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan was honored this week at the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Red Ribbon Awards Luncheon with the Frank Goldsmith Lifetime Achievement Award for her tireless work and dedication to keeping San Diego County safer and healthier through the prevention of crime, including education about harmful and often deadly, illicit substances.

“It is such an honor to receive this recognition, especially because it is awarded by an organization that honors the legacy of a hero, slain DEA Agent Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena whose legacy created the largest national drug awareness campaign to save lives—  Red Ribbon Week,” said DA Stephan. “This award is a testament to the relentless work of my DA Team, collaborating with our law enforcement and community partners on our shared goal of saving the lives of children and adults from illicit and deadly drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine.  I’m honored to be in the company of the other awardees that serve our community. “

Some of DA Stephan’s specific efforts that were recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award, include the following:

  • DA Stephan worked with the DEA to create the first of its kind, multi-agency, Overdose Response Team, known as Narcotics Task Force Team 10. This task force revolutionized how drug deaths were investigated and prosecuted in San Diego County and has served as a model for law enforcement and prosecution offices throughout the nation.
  • While remaining committed to holding drug traffickers accountable through aggressive, ethical, and fair prosecution, DA Stephan has always recognized not only the value but the necessity of prevention efforts when it comes to substance use.
  • DA Stephan spearheaded the creation of the San Diego Opioid Project, a data-driven, innovative, sustained public awareness campaign that generated more than 46 million impressions and 3.8 million social media engagements.
  • Under DA Stephan’s leadership, the role of Community Partnership Prosecutor was created to interact directly with the public to learn about their specific concerns and needs, and provide workable solutions and education, including substance use and overdose prevention.
  • Prosecutors in the DA’s Major Narcotics Division regularly speak to members of the community about the harms caused by illicit fentanyl and other harmful controlled substances.
  • DA Stephan has partnered with experts from a variety of fields, including education, medicine, law enforcement, treatment, and prevention. Together with these partners, she has and continues to organize community events, personally addressing audiences of students, parents, teachers, congregations, and other community groups and members about the risks and harm caused by illicit substances. The presentations occur both online and in-person with one goal in mind – saving lives.

Other awardees at the Red Ribbon Luncheon included William Perno from SAY San Diego who received the Excellence in Prevention Advocacy Award, the Juvenile Drug Smuggling Prevention Program received the Outstanding Prevention Program Award, the Camp Pendleton Substance Assessment Counseling Center, Drug Demand Reduction Program received the Deb Nixon Education Award, San Diego Superior Court Judge Enrique Camarena, Jr. received the Justice System Community Excellence Award; Detective Nathan Parga from San Diego Police Department received the Enrique “Kiki” Camarena Law Enforcement Award.

Red Ribbon Week is celebrated annually October 23 to 31 by the Drug Enforcement Administration and communities across the country to highlight the importance of a drug-free life. Inspired by the tragic death of local DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, this week of remembrance has helped spread awareness of drug misuse prevention and serves as an opportunity for parents, educators, and communities to reinforce the drug-free messages they share with their children throughout the year.

Prisoner handcuffed behind bars

Serial Rapist Who Terrorized Pacific Beach is Denied Parole

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that convicted rapist, Kenneth Bogard, 67, was denied parole. He was up for a parole hearing after serving only 30 years of a 96-year prison sentence, due to elderly parole, which is available to inmates over the age of 50, who have served at least 20 years of their sentence.

Bogard was convicted by a jury in 1995 of 37 felonies, including multiple counts of residential burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, sexual battery, forcible oral copulation, rape by foreign object, assault with intent to commit rape, and rape. He was sentenced to 96 years in prison. His first parole hearing was in 2019. At that time, the Parole Board denied his request and set his next hearing for five years later, which was today, October 10.

“The Elder Parole law that allows for early release of murderers and rapists is cruel to crime victims and is rigged to only benefit violent criminals,” DA Stephan said. “This newer law forces victims and their families to revisit the trauma they have already suffered and causes additional despair. It doesn’t matter what kind of vicious acts for which the inmate was convicted. The law gives an opportunity to felons who were sentenced to life in prison to be prematurely released into our community. Our Lifer Unit will never abandon victims and we will continue to stand by them in these early parole hearings, vowing to fight releases when warranted, as we are in this serial rape case.”

Effective January 2021, inmates who are both age 50 and have served at least 20 years in prison are now eligible for an elderly parole hearing in most cases. Inmates who are 60 and have served at least 25 years are also eligible for an elderly parole hearing, no matter the crime.

Between August 1992 and October 1993, Bogard brutally attacked seven women inside their homes in the Pacific Beach community. He stalked his victims prior to the attacks, sometimes watching them for weeks. He disguised his identity with a ski mask, carried a knife to force the victims into submission, and viciously forced them to perform sex acts. Bogard stalked the women to ensure they were home alone, then he creeped into their homes without detection before attacking. After the cruel sexual attacks, Bogard often tucked the victim into bed saying “Goodnight” or reminding the victim to lock her doors and windows.

Since Bogard was denied parole, the Board of Parole Hearings will not set a new parole hearing for at least three years.

Deputy District Attorney John Cross leads the DA’s Lifer Hearing Unit, which serves to ensure that dangerous prisoners with life sentences are not released carelessly or improvidently, and to ensure that crime victims and their families are given an opportunity to participate in the parole hearing process and have their voices heard.

Gavel & Open Law Book

Lamps Plus to Pay $4.1 Million to Settle Civil Suit

San Diego County County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that Lamps Plus, Inc., a California Corporation, Illumine Midco, Inc., and Illumine Finco, Inc., have entered into a stipulated judgment and will pay a total of $4.1 million dollars to settle a civil law enforcement complaint that alleges Lamps Plus engaged in false advertising and unfair competition. The Consumer Protection Units of the District Attorney Offices of San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los Angeles counties investigated and prosecuted this matter, and the case was filed in Riverside County Superior Court.

The civil complaint filed by prosecutors alleged that Lamps Plus unlawfully advertised price protection policies— including a price match and a 120% price match guarantee— without clear and conspicuous disclosures that such policies did not include Lamps Plus own-brand products and contained other exclusions.

Lamps Plus is also alleged to have used the “Compare at” and “Comparable Value” sales tags to indicate a bargain price, even where the product sold was an own-brand product with no competitor product in the market or where the comparable product was not of similar design and quality.  Likewise, the “Strike Through” advertised reference price on sales tags is alleged to have been used to indicate a bargain price even where the advertised former price was not an actual former price.

“Civil actions like this one protect the consumer and hold corporations accountable when they fail to follow the laws in place to ensure the public is getting accurate and fair pricing information on products they purchase,” said DA Stephan. “By joining forces with other District Attorney Offices in the state, our combined efforts are protecting Californians up and down the state.”

The Judgment requires Lamps Plus to pay $3,800,000 in civil penalties and $300,000 in costs to cover investigative costs and support future enforcement of consumer protection laws. Lamps Plus has not admitted any liability or wrongdoing but cooperated with the District Attorneys’ investigation.

The judgment includes an injunction that prohibits Lamps Plus from offering a 120% Price Protection Policy, and from advertising any Price Match Guarantee Policy in a manner that results in the Price Protection Guarantee Policy being false or misleading.

The judgment also prohibits advertising of any advertised reference price based on a formula, algorithm, or other method that results in the advertised reference price being false or misleading or results in the advertised reference price having the tendency or capacity to deceive or mislead.

In San Diego, the case was handled by Deputy District Attorney Colleen E. Huschke of the DA’s Consumer Protection Unit. The DA’s Economic Crimes Division is responsible for prosecuting a wide variety of wrongdoing, including elder financial abuse, computer intrusion, complex identity theft, investment scams, embezzlements, real estate, counterfeit goods, environmental crimes and the theft of public assistance funds.  The Division’s Consumer Protection Unit protects San Diego consumers and honest businesses by filing civil and criminal actions to prohibit unfair business practices within the marketplace.

Victims of domestic violence are remembered in candle-light vigil.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Event Honors Victims and Empowers Survivors

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan joined the San Diego Domestic Violence Council, community leaders and other social service agencies to mark the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month at a ceremony in Balboa Park today. The annual event is meant to empower survivors, award those who work with victims and remember those whose lives were taken in domestic violence incidents during the previous year. This year, the event theme was “Empowering Survivors, Supporting Our Community Together to End Abuse.”

In 2023, there were five domestic violence homicide victims of which the suspect was a current or former intimate partner, a 50% decrease from the year before. That is the lowest number of DV homicides recorded in San Diego County in the past three decades.

Attached here is a list of “Not to Be Forgotten” domestic violence homicide victims whom officials promise will not be forgotten. The San Diego Domestic Violence Council works with its community partners and law enforcement agencies, like the DA’s Office, to support victims in several ways.

“Domestic violence does not discriminate and does not know borders,” said District Attorney Summer Stephan. “Anyone who is living with any type of violence at home, especially intimate partner violence, needs to know they do not have to live this way. There are many resources and agencies available to help. This event is just one example of efforts that go beyond the month of October. Every day we are all fighting to prevent domestic violence, prosecute offenders and provide resources to empower victims so they can safely leave their abusers and lead a safe and dignified life.”

Last year, there were 16,666 domestic violence calls for assistance made to law enforcement across San Diego County. The DA’s Office filed charges in 1,892 domestic violence cases in 2023. Part of DA’s efforts to prevent domestic violence include coordinated trainings for hundreds of professionals across the county on recognizing the signs and symptoms of domestic violence, firearm safety, victim rights, stalking, and outreach and inclusion of diverse victim populations.

One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center, which is managed by the DA’s Office, provides resources and services all under one roof for anyone who has experienced abuse or violence. Since opening in 2022, more than 6,000 victims have been helped. This year, the DA’s One Safe Place began a historic partnership with the Attorney General of the State Baja California, Mexico, and the State of Baja California Justice Center for Women in Tijuana to cross-refer victims and provide vital services on both sides of the border to further regionalize help and ensure they can get to a safe and healing place no matter where they live or work.

During the Balboa Park event, which included a resource fair and a candlelight vigil ceremony honoring homicide victims, Amy Vance, who is a survivor of domestic violence shared her personal story.

“The journey to empowerment for survivors has been a goal in my personal and professional life for over a decade,” said Vance, who has spent the last 13 years advocating for other survivors. “For survivors of family violence and their families, it is critical to provide easily accessible, readily available shelter beds with supportive services including counseling, safety planning, workforce development, and a clear path back to a life without violence. Those services must include the input of individuals who have lived experience and understand the ripple effect of violence throughout the family, especially children. It is only through empowerment, healing, and time that the journey is successful.”

The San Diego Domestic Violence Council is a collaboration of organizations and community members who seek to reduce and prevent domestic violence. Partner agencies include the DA’s Office, San Diego County Health and Human Services, the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, the San Diego Sheriff’s Office, and other law enforcement and social services agencies.

“Domestic violence is a community issue, which requires community response,” said San Diego Domestic Violence Council President Dr. Vanessa Rodriguez. “As a psychologist providing clinical care specializing in domestic violence and first responder treatment, I know first-hand the trauma and vicarious trauma caused by domestic violence. Over the past two decades in this field, I have also witnessed remarkable resilience, growth, empowerment, and collaboration among families and communities, which is why I love this year’s theme. We made significant improvement this past year in saving lives, yet our work is far from over. I am confident that together we can build a more compassionate and just community where everyone feels safe and supported.”

If you or someone you know is being abused by a current or former partner, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) for confidential support and assistance planning for safety. More information and resources can be found on the DA’s website here.

The DV Council will host additional community events throughout October, which you can find here.

Murderer Resentenced to Life in Prison Without Parole

The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office said that a defendant who was convicted of four counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to death in 1999 has been re-sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Susan Eubanks, 60, was resentenced today by Superior Court Judge Joan Weber.

The re-sentencing comes after Eubanks’ attorney filed a petition in January of 2020 arguing that her trial attorneys committed ineffective assistance of counsel. An evidentiary hearing was scheduled to consider the claim by Judge Weber, who is the same judge that presided over the jury trial. If the claims were to be sustained by the court, it would result in a new trial. Eubanks has also filed a petition challenging her conviction and sentence in federal court and an appeal with the 4th District Court of Appeal.

After careful consideration by a team of experienced prosecutors and weighing the possible outcomes, the District Attorney’s Office moved forward in the interests of justice with prosecutor-initiated resentencing to ensure the defendant will never be released from prison. This decision will also conclude the petitions in Federal Court and in the Court of Appeal bringing much-needed finality to this case.

“As prosecutors, we are constantly making difficult decisions based on what is in the furtherance of justice and the protection of crime victims,” said San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan. “The moratorium on the death penalty in California and assuring that the victims’ family won’t be put through the anguish of a lengthy new trial, all factored into our decision to accept this agreement which is guaranteed to keep this murderer behind bars for the rest of her life.”

On October 26, 1997, Eubanks took the lives of her four innocent sons who ranged in age from 4 to 14-years-old. All were shot in the head. She then shot herself in the stomach. After just two hours of deliberations, a jury found her guilty on all four counts of first-degree murder. After two days, they also returned with a verdict of death. The judge denied the defense’s motion to modify the sentence and imposed the death sentence. Eubanks was then transferred to the Central California’s Women’s Facility, where she was sent to death row.

Currently, capital punishment is not allowed to be carried out in California, due to both a standing 2006 federal court order against the practice and a 2019 moratorium on executions ordered by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Photo of grocery basket on the floor of a food isle in a grocery store.

Albertsons and Vons to Pay $3.9 Million in Civil Case

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that Albertsons and Vons, entered into a stipulated judgment and will pay $3,962,500 to settle a civil law enforcement complaint that alleged the grocer engaged in false advertising and unfair competition. Albertsons Companies, Safeway Inc., and The Vons Companies operate 589 stores in California under the brand name banners of Albertsons, Safeway, Vons and others.

The action was filed in Marin County Superior Court by the prosecution team which was comprised of prosecutors from throughout the state including the District Attorneys of Alameda, Los Angeles, Marin, Riverside, San Diego, Sonoma and Ventura counties.

“Consumers should be able to trust that the advertised weight of a food product is accurate,” said DA Stephan. “Our Consumer Protection Unit works to hold grocers accountable for meeting their obligations under the law.”

The civil complaint filed by the prosecution team alleged that the grocers unlawfully charged customers prices higher than their lowest advertised or posted price. Beyond the scanner violations, Albertsons also had issues with inaccurate weights on the labels of their products.  Some items sold by weight such as produce, meats, baked goods and other items had less product in the package than was displayed on the package label. For those items, a grocer may only charge for the product’s actual weight, the packaging is not included in the overall weight.

The Judgment includes an injunction that prohibits the grocers from engaging in false or misleading advertising and prohibits fourteen different unfair practices from advertising short weight products to failing to disclose exclusions in its “Just for U” or “Club Card” programs.

The Judgment requires the grocer to implement a Price Accuracy Program which includes a Price Accuracy Guarantee provision that allows a consumer to be compensated up to $5.00 if they are overcharged. The program is an incentive to encourage consumers to report false advertising to the store directly as soon as it is discovered. The judgment also requires the grocers to pay $3,213,000.00 in civil penalties and $749,500 in costs and restitution to cover investigation costs and support future enforcement of consumer protection laws.

The San Diego County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures, is the agency that inspected the Albertsons and Vons stores throughout San Diego County and is instrumental in monitoring retailers to make sure that consumers are being charged the correct price. Consumers may report weight issues to Weights and Measures online by using the General Consumer Complaint Form or by calling 1-888-TRUE-SCAN (878-3722) (toll free) or e-mail wm.awm@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Deputy District Attorney Kathryn Turner was the prosecutor for the San Diego County District Attorney.