2022 Citizens of Courage Awards

Take a few minutes to feel inspired: Watch the full Citizens of Courage Awards, an inspiring virtual event honoring ordinary citizens who showed extraordinary courage in the face of crime! San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan honored four brave local heroes this week at the San Diego County District Attorney’s 31st Annual Citizens of Courage Awards, held every year during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Once again, this event was held virtually on Wednesday, April 27, 2022.

“Today, we’re highlighting the extraordinary courage of victims and good Samaritans, who were placed in dangerous and trying circumstances,” DA Stephan said. “We’re also shining a light on the thousands of crime victims our DA team has the honor of serving every year and the importance of supporting victims’ rights.”

This year’s Citizens of Courage recipients include:

  • Eddie Michel – Eddie is a facilities supervisor at San Diego City College who came to the aid of a woman being sexually assaulted on campus. He put himself in danger to stop the attack.
  • Bruce Mezan – Bruce was riding his motorcycle when he was hit by a drunk driver and lost part of his leg. He now speaks out in the community about the dangers of driving under the influence.
  • Rosa Martinez – During a mas shooting at a fast-food restaurant, Rosa called 911, ran inside to locate her daughter and offered help to victims who had been shot.
  • Oscar Stewart – During the shooting at a local synagogue, Oscar, who was unarmed, protected hi wife, stepdaughter and other congregants in the prayer room by chasing after the shooter and scaring him away.

Watch their inspiring stories in the video.

 

DA Proposes Plan to Address Homelessness and Crime

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan today released new data about the intersection of crime and the county’s homeless population and proposes a three-point plan to address it. Two years of District Attorney data shows that individuals who are experiencing homelessness become involved with the justice system as victims and perpetrators at dramatically higher rates than the rest of the population.

Deputy DA Agustin Pena

Tragedy Becomes Inspiration

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are sharing stories from DA employees about how they got to where they are today. Deputy District Attorney Agustin Peña’s life changed completely after a family tragedy, but even through adversity, he was determined to make a difference in his community.

Crisis Stabilization Unit Vista Video Thumbnail

Crisis Stabilization Unit Opens in Vista

District Attorney Summer Stephan joined County officials in the grand opening of a free-standing crisis stabilization unit in Vista on September 30. This new resource is for people experiencing a behavioral health crisis and it was a recommendation of the DA’s Office that was included in the Blueprint for Mental Health Reform. Watch more in the video.

Deputy DA Ana DeSantiago

Inspired by her Community

Being the voice to the voiceless is what inspired Deputy District Attorney Ana De Santiago to become a prosecutor and give back to the community. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are sharing inspirational stories from DA employees about how they got to where they are today. Learn more about DDA De Santiago’s story in this video.

Day of Action Against Fentanyl Overdose Deaths

Day of Action Against Fentanyl

This past weekend, the DA’s Office hosted a Day of Action to STOP fentanyl overdose deaths for the community to learn about the dangers of this opioid and how to save a life. Watch more in this video.

DUI Homicide Unit Receives MADD Award

The DA’s DUI Homicide Unit received Prosecutor of the Year Award from MADD. Learn more about DUI Homicide Unit in this video.

Photo of new Deputy DA's with DA Summer Stephan

23 New Prosecutors Join the DA’s Office

Meet our 23 newest Deputy District Attorneys!
They took their oath and were sworn by DA Summer Stephan as part of the class of 2021, on Friday.
The group of new prosecutors collectively speaks seven languages and they bring  diverse professional and personal experiences to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.​
WATCH MORE IN THIS VIDEO:

New Program to Keep Minors Out of the Criminal Justice System

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced an ambitious new Juvenile Diversion Initiative designed to keep juveniles out of the criminal justice system while addressing the underlying cause of harmful behavior. Watch more in the video. [TWEET THIS]

[VER VIDEO EN ESPAÑOL]

2021 Citizens of Courage Honored in Virtual Ceremony

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan honored seven brave local heroes this week at the San Diego County District Attorney’s 30th Annual Citizens of Courage Awards, held every year during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Because of the pandemic, the annual event was canceled in 2020 but was held virtually this year on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.

“By honoring these brave individuals, we are highlighting the extraordinary courage of victims and good Samaritans, who were placed in dangerous and trying circumstances,” DA Stephan said. “We’re also shining a light on the thousands of crime victims our DA team has the honor of serving every year and the importance of supporting victims’ rights.”

This year’s Citizens of Courage recipients include:

  • Kevin Eslinger – Confronted by an aggressive surfer, he was savagely attacked in the waters off Sunset Cliffs and Suffered serious injuries.
  • Sherveen and Warshan Ali – Abducted by their father and taken to Iraq, this brother and sister outsmarted their abductor and protected one another.
  • Isabel Rosales – Stabbed in the neck by her husband while her children were in the next room, she survived and now supports victims of domestic violence.
  • LaMar Johnson – Put himself in danger when he came to the aid of his neighbor who was being attached, preventing a sexual assault and supporting the victim.
  • Alicia Villegas – Delivered justice for her murdered brother by helping police gather important evidence and testifying against the defendant, a career criminal.
  • Emma H. – Overheard a student making a threat to carry out a school shooting and alerted authorities, leading to ridicule and threats of intimidation against her.

The District Attorney’s Office is committed to assisting crime victims through its Victim Assistance Division. In 2020, Victim Advocates assisted 14,444 victims of crime. For more information on the services and resources the DA’s Office offers to help prevent crime, click here.