Tag Archive for: AAPI Month

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.”

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.”

Meet Supervising I.T. Engineer Arvin Viernes

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 Supervising I.T. Engineer Arvin Viernes. His ITD network and infrastructure team are the caretakers of the DA’s datacenter which provides connectivity between the I. T. devices used within the office and branch sites. They manage the central storage for all DA files and take care of the servers that allow staff access to the Wi-Fi, DA criminal applications, internet, and email among other resources.  Arvin has been with the DA’s office since 2006 and prior to joining the DA, worked as Sr. I.T. Systems Administrator for the Coast Community College District in Huntington Beach. Read more about what inspired Arvin 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?

“Although my career path was not in law enforcement, I.T. service in the DA’s office translates to service to my hometown. I’ve lived in San Diego since my early childhood after immigrating to the Unites States from the Philippines. Although I really enjoyed working in Huntington Beach, I always knew that San Diego was/is home and is where I wanted to raise a family. When the opportunity became available to serve my home community through the DA’s office, I was 100% on board and fortunate to be accepted into the DA family.”

Why is AAPI Month important to you?

“I think AAPI Heritage Month is a great opportunity for the United States to showcase what this country is all about. The ideas, ideals, and cultural contributions offered by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders help shape the face of San Diego along with the many other communities across the country. I believe that cultural celebrations like AAPI Month greatly help to highlighting the diversity of this nation, promote greater understanding, and encourage acceptance of all cultures as Americans.”

 

Meet Paralegal Supervisor Jennifer Samaniego

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 Supervisor Jennifer Samaniego. She supervises 11 paralegals in three divisions: two paralegals in the Major Narcotics Division, four paralegals in the Gang Prosecution Division, and five paralegals in the Special Operations Division.  In this role, she works with the chiefs and assistant chiefs of each division on all issues related to paralegal staff, including coordination of workloads and telework schedules. She evaluates the performance of her paralegal staff and works with them on any areas needing improvement or development. She also interviews paralegal applicants to fill vacancies in paralegal positions, paralegal intern positions, and student worker positions.  She says her favorite part of the job is interacting with staff and providing advice and guidance. Read more about what inspired Jennifer 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?

“While attending USD, I worked part-time in a law office for a criminal defense attorney. The justice process intrigued me, so I applied for a position in the DA’s Office. Once I experienced the teamwork and dedication to the mission of bringing justice to victims, I knew this is where I would spend my career.”

Why is AAPI Month important to you?

“AAPI month is important to me because it’s a time to recognize the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our community. In the current climate of hate crimes against AAPI, it’s a reminder that diversity is the strength of our country.”

Meet the Chief of the Insurance Fraud and Workplace Justice Division Victor Ou

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 the Chief of the Insurance Fraud and Workplace Justice Division Victor Ou, who has been a Deputy District Attorney for the San Diego County DA’s Office since 2002. As Chief of the Insurance and Workplace Justice Division, Victor supervises a group of over 50 Deputy DAs, DA Investigators, paralegals and support staff and work with several partnering agencies to fight insurance fraud, complex auto theft, wage theft, and labor trafficking.  The California Insurance Code and Vehicle Code require the collection of certain fees to be set aside to support the investigation and prosecution of these types of cases, and the Insurance Fraud and Workplace Justice Division manages the San Diego County DA’s Office’s allotment of such funds and directs those resources towards the effective prosecution of all forms of insurance fraud to protect workers, victims of auto theft and auto insurance fraud, and promote fair competition in the workplace. Read more about what inspired Victor 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?

“As with most people, my personal beliefs and values have been shaped by my upbringing and personal experiences. When I was very young, my parents immigrated to the US, and they opened a small restaurant. Their dedication to making an honest living taught me the virtues of hard work and integrity. They were robbed multiple times at gunpoint, and the restaurant was burglarized; however, they worked with local law enforcement, installed various burglar alarms and cameras, and they were resilient, continuing to work hard to support the family and teach their kids the importance of education and hard work. After law school, I initially joined the DA’s Office to get some trial experience, and as I handled cases and worked with crime victims, I immediately found that pursuit of justice and helping victims meshed with my own personal values. Prosecutors have a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable persons in society and to do so fairly and ethically, and I have cherished the opportunity to serve the community in this role for the past 22 years.”

Why is AAPI Month important to you?

“San Diego is a wonderfully diverse community, and in our cases, there are times when victims and witnesses better communicate and identify with people from similar backgrounds and cultures. This is why diversity is important in the legal community and it is certainly valued within the DA’s Office. AAPI Month holds a profound significance for me as a Taiwanese American who grew up in a small town in California that, in the late 70’s and 80’s, could not be described as ‘diverse’ in the slightest. Having to navigate this intersection of my heritage and upbringing has given me a unique perspective and has deepened my appreciation of the diverse cultural tapestry that AAPI month celebrates. It is a time to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of AAPI individuals who have helped shape the legal landscape and the broader society. This month is not just a personal celebration of heritage; it’s a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength that diversity brings to our communities and the justice system. It reinforces my commitment to equity and justice, honoring the legacy of those who paved the way and inspiring a more inclusive future for all.”

Meet Legal Support Manager Nathaniel Amarento

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 Nathaniel Amarento, who began working at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2005 as a Student Worker. He is currently the Legal Support Manager (LSM) working in the Superior Court Division, Administration, Special Operations and Trial Support Services. As an LSM, he works behind the scenes to ensure our units and divisions run smoothly, resolving issues, answering questions, and finding ways to work efficiently. He also helps with requests such as, needs for programs/access through the Information Technology Department and obtaining quotes to purchase items needed for our Deputy DA’s cases. Read more about what inspired Nathaniel to pursue career in law enforcement at the DA’s Office, below.

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

“Having a career in law enforcement and at the DA’s office is a great opportunity, which I think it could be considered as both direct and indirect ways to serve the community and touch so many lives. It’s good to know that I’m here to make a difference and be a part of improving our society.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“My favorite part of the job is not only knowing our office is seeking justice but also seeing everyone in the DA’s Office grow. I’ve seen people come in as a student workers or Office Assistants and move up. Some of them becoming Deputy DAs, paralegals, supervisors, and LSMs.  It feels good knowing I’ve contributed to the growth and development of staff within the District Attorney’s Office.”

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Month mean to you/why is it important to you?

“This is a great question to address. It brings me great pleasure that our community is taking a moment to recognize the Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. To me, it means remembering our own history and being proud of who we are. Hopefully, it gets people to explore and discover what Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures have to offer in terms of food, language, and history. We can share all of the positive contributions that our culture has given to the world.”

 

Meet Senior DA Investigator Felipe Chee

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 Senior DA Investigator Felipe Chee, who began working at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2016. He is currently a Senior DA Investigator assigned to the Computer and Technology Crimes High Tech Task Force (CATCH) Team in the Economic Crimes Division, where his primary duties are digital forensic examinations and high-tech investigations, as well as testifying in a variety of cases from a digital forensics’ perspective. Read more about what inspired Felipe to pursue career in law enforcement at the DA’s Office, below.

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

“When I was in college, I had an aptitude for tech, but I wanted a career that did not involve sitting in front of a computer. I joined the military reserves and a good number of personnel in my unit were in law enforcement. I really enjoyed the camaraderie and the common goal of trying to make the world a safer place. Fast forward many years, when I was assigned to CATCH as an outside agency personnel, I really liked the family atmosphere here at the DA’s Office and the goal of pursuing justice and protecting victims. I applied and was offered a DAI assignment to the same unit I enjoyed working at. Looking back, it was the many mentors in the law enforcement community that shaped me. It was the mentoring that led me to choose a career in law enforcement.”

What is your favorite part of the job?  

“I really like how I can apply my skills to provide more insight into the who, what, when, and how. The digital world encompasses everyone from defendants to victims and witnesses. I find digital evidence to be challenging and dynamic. I really enjoy explaining my findings from the digital domain.”

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Month mean to you/why is it important to you?

“AAPI Month to me recognizes and celebrates the diversity of everyone such as heritage, cultural and up bringing. I grew up in a unique background growing up as an Asian American living along the U.S and Mexican border. I also believe with diversity we all share similarities in many ways. For those that know me, I love to eat and to try different foods. AAPI Month for me is also centered around food because sharing a meal together brings everyone closer.”

Meet Criminal Legal Secretary Kaitlyn Kueter

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 Criminal Legal Secretary Kaitlyn Kueter, who began working at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2016 as a Student Worker. She eventually came onboard full time in 2018 when she started working with the DA’s Victim Services, where she discovered her passion for helping victims. Five years later, she is now a Criminal Legal Secretary at One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center working alongside others that have the same passion for helping victims and seeing them get back on their feet. Her current role at One Safe Place includes working closely with partnering agencies like Palomar Health, the FBI, HHSA and many more with any trainings, interviews, conferences, and events they want to host at the center. She assists others on her team with an extra hand whether it’s in reception, the child waiting room or any of the conference rooms. Read more about what inspired Kaitlyn to pursue career in law enforcement at the DA’s Office, below.

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

“Growing up, my parents taught me how to become a big advocate for helping others, so I learned pretty early on that I wanted to play a part in making a difference in a someone’s life, even if that meant working behind the scenes. In my current position at the DA’s office, I am glad that I can help others on our team succeed in changing someone’s life.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“My favorite part of this job is walking around One Safe Place and seeing a victim’s demeanor go from being helpless to becoming hopeful and happy. Knowing that I work with such an amazing team to get them to that point is extremely fulfilling!”

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Month mean to you/why is it important to you?

“To me, AAPI month is a chance to reflect on the sacrifices my grandparents made coming to America. If it wasn’t for their sacrifice, I would not be where I’m at today. AAPI month is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to show people what’s special with my culture, the contributions and the influences made through our traditions. It’s also a reminder to myself that I am just as much Chinese as I am Caucasian.”

 

Meet Deputy DA Melissa Ocampo

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 Melissa Ocampo, who began her career at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2010 as a certified legal intern in the Gang Unit and then became a graduate law clerk in 2011.  She officially became a Deputy District Attorney in November 2012. Melissa is currently a Deputy DA in the North County Branch where she prosecutes vertical hate crimes and general felonies. Read more about what inspired Melissa to pursue career in law enforcement at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?
“I am a proud San Diego native and have always wanted to dedicate myself to a career serving others in our community. When someone becomes a victim of crime it can be very traumatizing and violating of one’s sense of safety. For some, it can become the darkest hour of their lives. Crime also causes a rippling effect, not only affecting the individual victim but the community as a whole. I chose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office because it allows me to represent the People of a community I love and to be the light for victims in their hour of darkness. San Diego is also a very diverse county with a large Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) presence.  As a Filipina American, I strive to be someone the People can trust to be their voice, especially those of AAPI decent who might otherwise be unfamiliar or hesitant to be involved in the criminal prosecution process.”

What is your favorite part of the job? 
“As a Deputy District Attorney, I get to make a difference in the lives of others daily. From being a staunch advocate for crime victims, to being a fair and ethical prosecutor handling a defendant’s case, I get to do the right thing each and every day and to proudly answer up on behalf of the People.”

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Month mean to you/why is it important to you? 

“Historically, AAPI’s have been lumped together into a singular group – ‘Asians.’ However, AAPI’s are comprised of a diverse group of people across roughly 50 ethnic groups (with connections to Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and other Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries) with rich histories, cultures, and traditions. AAPI’s deserve to be celebrated, recognized, and promoted for their contributions to this country, then and now. Growing up as a Filipina American of immigrant parents, I have experienced firsthand and been witness to overt and implicit instances of discrimination and bias. AAPI month is important to me because it is a time for all of us to come together to honor AAPI contributions to society, celebrate our diversity, and teach about our histories and culture. In light of the recent rise in anti-AAPI hate crimes and incidents, there is now more than ever a collective need to uplift the AAPI community.”

Meet Supervising Investigator Chris Raagas

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

Meet District Attorney Supervising Investigator Chris Raagas, who began his career at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2013. Chris is currently the Supervising Investigator for the Superior Court Division, he is also part of the DA’s Bureau of Investigation’s training cadre and has several collateral duties as a defensive tactics instructor, range safety office and Special Services Team Coordinator. Read more about what inspired Chris to pursue career in law enforcement at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?
“I majored in Criminal Justice in college and always wanted to give back to the community and help those in need. After working in law enforcement for several years, coming over to the DA’s Office provided me the opportunity to continue working criminal investigations, but still be able to spend quality time with my family.”

What is your favorite part of the job? 
“Knowing that you had some part of making a case successful when the Deputy District Attorney is able to obtain a guilty verdict. Bringing justice to a victim and closure to a family who is grieving, is a very rewarding experience.”

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Month mean to you/why is it important to you? 
“It is important because it recognizes the challenges Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders overcame when migrating to this country. As a child of a Filipino immigrant, my father came to this country after enlisting in the Navy. His hard work and perseverance showed me that you should never limit yourself and to keep moving forward, no matter how challenging things get.”