Tag Archive for: AAPI

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.”

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.”

Family photo of Victim Assistance Program Supervisor Annamarie Francisco.

AAPI: Meet VAP Supervisor Annamarie Francisco

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. In this video, you will meet Victim Assistance Program Supervisor Annamarie Francisco, whose passion for helping victims comes from a long line of public service in her family.

Photo of Victim Assistance Program Supervisor Annamarie Francisco.

Meet Victim Assistance Program Supervisor Annamarie Francisco

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 Victim Assistance Program Supervisor Annamarie Francisco, who has been at the DA’s Office for the past eight years. She is currently assigned to the North County Branch Superior Court Division. She directly assists victims in the aftermath of a crime – this includes providing emergency-related services like assistance with relocation or funeral/burial expenses through CalVCB; assisting with safety planning and making referrals to One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center or other community agencies to help a victim leave a dangerous situation; providing crisis intervention and always approaching victims with trauma informed care; educating the victim about the criminal justice process, providing updates and accompanying the victim to court; informing the victim of their rights under Marsy’s Law; acting as a liaison between the victim and our office/law enforcement, among other duties. She currently supervises a team of advocates (with Ollie the Court Dog!) in North County, where they work misdemeanors and felonies of all crime types. She also interviews potential candidates for vacant Victim Advocate positions and she present trainings regarding our program to recruits at the San Diego Regional Academy and other community service agencies. Annamarie is also a part of the Crisis Response Team, which is called out to provide crisis intervention to victims of mass violence incidents or incidents that affect the greater community. She is also a member of the San Diego Anti-Hate Coalition and enjoys working with other government and community agencies to combat hate. Within the DA’s Office, she is a member of the Peer Support Team for the office- if you or anyone you know is a DA employee dealing with a critical incident or personal problem and would like to talk it out with a peer, the Peer Support Team is here for you and only a phone call or e-mail away. Read more about what inspired Annamarie to pursue career in law enforcement at the DA’s Office, below, or meet her in THIS VIDEO.

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

“Growing up, my parents instilled within me an appreciation for and purpose in service to country and to the public. My dad was in the chosen three out of 300 applicants to be recruited for the US Navy out of the Philippines – he proudly served for 26 years. My mom did a few years in the County before she went on to have a long career in the US Postal Service. My sister is a Captain in the US Army and many of my aunts, uncles and cousins have served or are currently serving in the armed forces. Victim advocacy is a career that I fell into and ended up falling in love with. Since the first homicide I ever worked, I’ve found purpose in consoling those in crisis, providing information to those who are lost, and acting as an emotional support and guide for victims as they navigate the criminal justice process. I’m proud to be a team member of an office that combats crime, pursues justice, and holds those who threaten our safety and well-being accountable for their actions.”

 

Why is AAPI Month important to you?

“Both of my parents left their home country of the Philippines to pursue the American Dream – the belief that hard work, determination, and grit would bring with it an assortment of opportunities and a better life. I visited my parents’ hometowns in the Philippines, and it gave me a new perspective and a deeper appreciation for all the sacrifices my parents made so that my two sisters and I could have the best of everything. I was also lucky to have grown up with both sets of grandparents, who lived through devastating events like the Bataan Death March during WWII and survived and thrived.  AAPI to me is honoring, remembering, preserving, celebrating, sharing, and all those other beautiful verbs where we come from, who we are, and where we’re going. It’s connecting with people like us, educating others not like us, sharing our tradition and cuisines, and celebrating what makes us unique.”

WATCH a video about Victim Assistance Program Supervisor Annamarie Francisco, here.

Read more AAPI stories from the DA’s Office, here.

Photo of Deputy DA Garret Wong in his office with AAPI Month written in text.

Meet Deputy DA Garret Wong

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 Garret Wong, who has been at the DA’s Office for the past 15 years and is currently assigned to the South Bay branch as team leader and supervises the Misdemeanor Trial Team in prosecuting all misdemeanor cases for the South Bay branch office. This involves reviewing and evaluating work of misdemeanor trial attorneys, including advising and counseling misdemeanor trial attorneys in matters of law and trial strategies. Read more about what inspired Garret to pursue career in law enforcement at the DA’s Office, below, or meet him in THIS VIDEO.

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

“Both my mother and father worked in public service for the entirety of their respective careers. My father was the first Asian American hired for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Arizona office. He was among the first Chinese-American agents assigned as part of a special task force for the FBI’s San Francisco office, where he retired after a 27 year career. My mother began her federal career with the U.S. Customs Service as the first Asian American staff attorney in Customs legal offices, working her way up to Senior Attorney before Customs transitioned to the Department of Homeland Security. She retired as the Assistant Chief Counsel in charge of the San Francisco office after working in federal service for 35 years. She was the first Asian American to hold that position and the first Chinese American attorney manager for CBP. I was raised understanding the importance of public service and serving my community. I believe this is what led me to pursuing a career as a prosecutor with the San Diego District Attorney’s Office.”

Why is AAPI Month important to you?

“Asian family values often emphasize humility and restraint above everything (this was certainly my childhood experience!). This often manifests in a reluctance to acknowledge and highlight Asian American achievements and contributions. AAPI month provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate those Asian Americans who have enriched America’s history who would otherwise have intentionally remained in the background. I am very proud of my family’s history of public service to our country, and I love being able to continue that legacy through my work as a prosecutor with our office!”

WATCH a video about Deputy DA Garret Wong, here.

Read more AAPI stories from the DA’s Office, here.

Photo of Deputy District Attorney Garret Wong giving a speech on stage during his law school graduation.

AAPI: Meet Deputy DA Garret Wong

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. In this video, you will meet Deputy District Attorney Garret Wong, whose parents instilled in him the value of public service.

Photo of Deputy District Attorney Allana Platt for AAPI Month.

Meet Deputy District Attorney Allana Platt

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 Allana Platt, who has been at the DA’s Office for the past three years and is currently assigned to the Preliminary Team in the South Bay Branch. As a prelim Deputy DA, her day to day typically involves preparing felony cases by reviewing discovery, speaking with victims, conducting preliminary hearings, and handling the felony arraignment calendar. Read more about what inspired Allana to pursue career in law enforcement at the DA’s Office, below.

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

“My desire to pursue a career at the DA’s Office really developed while I was in college at Gonzaga University. While there, I received an education infused with Jesuit values. Throughout my classes, there was a strong emphasis on social justice and serving the community around me. I decided to pair that mission with my interest in criminal law and wanted to become a prosecutor. Additionally, my grandparents were immigrants from China and operated a cash-run laundry in Encino, Los Angeles. My mom and her five siblings all worked the cash registers starting at a young age. I always heard stories of the business being robbed, and my grandfather never reported the crime to police due to fear and distrust of the criminal justice system. Another reason I decided to pursue a career in law enforcement is because it’s important to me that the DA’s office reflects the community we represent.”

Why is AAPI Month important to you?

“AAPI Month is special to me because I believe it’s important to recognize and celebrate the achievements of those in the AAPI community. Growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood and school, I always felt the need to assimilate. I failed to embrace my community and culture until I grew a lot older. I now understand how powerful and impactful I can be as an Asian-American prosecutor. But overall, AAPI month symbolizes the immense pride that I now take in my heritage, my culture, and my community.”

Read more AAPI stories from the DA’s Office, here.

Meet Legal Support Manager Gina Peralta

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 Gina Peralta, who works in multiple divisions, including Economic Crimes, Insurance Fraud and Workplace Justice and Victim Services. She provides support and assistance in the day-to-day operations to all Deputy DAs, DA Investigators, Paralegals and clerical staff. She provides guidance, training, and counseling (when needed) to all clerical staff and motivate them to do well in their various assignments. As an LSM, she takes care of various service and purchasing requests, processing, and submitting new hire LAN accounts, transfers of DA employees as well as outside agency to the IT Department, handling problem resolution and difficult personnel issues. Gina has been with the DA’s Office since 1999. Read more about what inspired Gina to pursue career in law enforcement at the DA’s Office, below.

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

“I believe that our office plays an integral part in keeping the community safe. I’m honored to be part of an organization that protects the innocent and helps the victims gets justice. I’m proud of what our office does and will always support the values and service we give to the San Diego community.”

Why is AAPI Month important to you?

“I’m thankful that our office celebrates AAPI month by recognizing the contribution of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the society. I wish that more people will take the time to learn about our culture and heritage through our traditions, beliefs, music, food, and different languages. I hope that it will encourage everyone to embrace all our differences and promote understanding and respect. Everyone deserves to be valued as a person.”

Read more AAPI stories from the DA’s Office, here.

Meet Legal Support Supervisor Solomon Bautista

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 Supervisor Solomon Bautista, who works in the Family Protection Division. He has been with the office for nine years. He started his career with the DA’s office in 2015 as a Departmental Clerk in the Superior Court Records division. He currently co-supervises a team of 10 support staff consisting of Legal Support Assistants, Criminal Legal Secretaries, and Student Workers. Some of his work duties include training and evaluating the work of support staff, creating, and implementing procedures, preparing reports, purchasing supplies, paying for miscellaneous expenses, creating service tickets and maintenance requests, and responding to CMS assistance inquiries. Read more about what inspired Solomon to pursue career in law enforcement at the DA’s Office, below.

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

“I chose a career with the DA’s office because I felt a connection with our mission to serve the public and pursue a fair and equal justice for all. In addition, I really enjoy working with my co-workers and the work environment. I have had the chance to work with and meet a lot of amazing people. As a Legal Support Supervisor, I have the opportunity to work with and train a lot of new employees who are just getting started with their careers. I love this part of my job because I get the chance to see the members of our team grow. The work I perform is more behind the scenes but seeing our attorneys, investigators, paralegals, victim advocates and staff’s passion for their work and commitment to victims of crime, also inspires me to do my job to the best of my ability.”

Why is AAPI Month important to you?

“As a Filipino American, AAPI month is important to me because it gives us an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and their cultures. Being born and raised in the United States, it was important to me to learn about Filipino culture and where my parents and grandparents were originally from. I also made an effort to learn the language since I have many relatives in the Philippines and wanted to be able to communicate with everyone when I visit them. For me, I find it interesting being multilingual or multicultural since I believe it changes the way you think and behave. The norms, values, beliefs, and expectations can differ from one culture to another but this is also why I think it is very important to know more about other cultures so we can learn, understand and be empathetic to one another and continue to grow.”

Read more AAPI stories from the DA’s Office, here.

Meet Deputy District Attorney Justine Santiago

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 Justine Santiago, who began her career as a Graduate Law Clerk in 2011 and was hired as a Deputy DA in November of 2012. She is currently the Family Protection Team Leader in the South Bay Branch, where she leads the team responsible for prosecuting all Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, and Elder Abuse cases in South Bay. Read more about what inspired Justine to pursue career in law enforcement at the DA’s Office, below.

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

“I have always known that I wanted to help others and pursue justice for victims who are unable to fight for themselves. I went to law school with this goal in mind and was extremely fortunate to find this office that shares in my ideals of ethical prosecution and protection of the community. I am extremely proud to be working at the San Diego DA’s Office, and I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as a voice for victims in our community.”

Why is AAPI Month important to you?

“AAPI Month provides me, a Second Generation American, with a unique opportunity to reflect on where I came from, and the sacrifices made by my parents that have allowed me to become successful. AAPI Month celebrates the diversity and culture that we contribute to society and positively highlights an oftentimes overlooked community.”

Read more AAPI stories from the DA’s Office, here.