Tag Archive for: AAPI

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.”

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.”

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.