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Photo of news conference where District Attorney, San Jose Mayor & Senator Blakespear Calling for State to Fund Prop. 36.

DA, San Jose Mayor, Senator Blakespear & Treatment Providers Join Forces Calling for State to Fund Prop. 36

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan joined with San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, leaders and participants in behavioral health treatment, and the small and large business community to update the public on San Diego’s successful implementation efforts of Proposition 36 and to call on the state to fully fund this transformative voter-passed initiative.

California voters made their will clear in passing Prop. 36, but the state has yet to provide sufficient funding for full implementation across all counties, leaving people struggling with severe addiction and mental illness, often driving homelessness to cycle repeatedly through the criminal justice system.

“San Diego County has shown through a year of persistent implementation that Proposition 36 works—saving lives and reducing crime by incentivizing treatment for addiction and mental health,” DA Stephan said. “Even without state funding, we moved forward, balancing compassion with accountability. The results are clear: 96.4% of eligible felony defendants chose a treatment track, while only 3.5% were sentenced to local or state prison. Overdose deaths among people experiencing homelessness dropped 25%, and property crimes decreased 12.7%, giving businesses much-needed relief. It is now the legal and ethical responsibility of the Legislature and Governor to fund this voter-approved law.”

During a news conference, DA Stephan provided an update on Prop. 36-related prosecutions, highlighting the mandated treatment aspect of the law that incentivizes lifesaving treatment for defendants suffering from addiction. The law requires treatment as an alternative to incarceration, addressing the root cause of many crimes.

“I’m deeply grateful to County Behavioral Health Services, the Court, the Sheriff’s Office, and County Probation, whose partnership is essential to making Proposition 36 work.”

DA Stephan also praised California State Senators Catherine S. Blakespear, Susan Rubio and Thomas J. Umberg, who have called for $400 million to be added to the state budget to help counties and local law enforcement agencies pay for licensed drug and alcohol treatment and other services required under Proposition 36. The DA thanked Mayor Mahan who was one of the first big city mayors to support the new law and to push for funding and implementation of this initiative.

Data released last month shows that as of February 28, 3,879 criminal cases have been charged in San Diego County with one of the two key portions of Prop 36: repeat theft offenders charged under Penal Code section 666.1 and repeat hard drug offenders charged under Health and Safety Code section 11395. About 68% of the cases fall under drug charges, with the remainder pertaining to retail theft.

In approximately 71.4% of cases, courts placed defendants on a Proposition 36–mandated treatment track, with another 25% assigned to treatment through probation conditions—bringing the total to 96.4% on a treatment path designed to address the root causes of repeat criminal behavior, primarily addiction, mental illness, or both.

In addition to Mayor Mahan, DA Stephan was joined at the news conference by James Callaghan, the CEO of TURN Behavioral Health Services, a dual track treatment program for individuals with severe mental illness and/or a chronic substance use disorder; Chirs Cate, the CEO of the Regional Chamber of Commerce, business owners and an individual who successfully completed treatment.

Mayor Mahan has been committed to supporting his city and the state to properly fund and implement Prop. 36 and to reduce homelessness.

“The nearly 70% of voters who passed Prop. 36 were clear: we need an era of mass treatment that combines accountability with real access to care and meets people where they are while refusing to abandon them to the streets,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. “San Diego has worked hard to answer to the will of the people — now, we need the rest of the state to follow suit. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s working in Southern California and talking about how it can scale to every corner of California.” 

In San Diego County, Mayor Todd Gloria and nearly all local mayors support the proposition.

Over the past decade, California’s homelessness crisis has worsened even as other parts of the country saw periods of decline, underscoring the need for more effective tools to address addiction and connect people to treatment.

“Californians made it abundantly clear that funding and implementing Proposition 36 should be a top state priority,” said Senator Catherine S. Blakespear. “Last year’s $100 million initial investment was a good first step but the State needs to fully fund the critical needs of those on the ground doing the diversion, supervision, and treatment work associated with this law.

Officials say licensed drug and alcohol treatment along with supportive services and evidence-based care help people reclaim their lives.

“This is not only a health issue — it’s a community issue,” Callaghan said, the CEO of TURN Behavioral Health Services. “Untreated behavioral health conditions contribute to overdoses, homelessness, repeated emergency response, and strain on law enforcement and hospitals. Integrated, evidence‑based treatment reduces emergency room visits, lowers recidivism, and helps people stabilize long enough to reconnect with housing, employment, and family supports. When people receive the right care at the right time, communities are safer and systems function more effectively.”

San Diego County has been implementing Prop. 36 faster than many California counties, establishing a specialized treatment system within four months of the law’s passage to address both addiction and mental health.

“Through leadership and collaboration, San Diego County is emphasizing a treatment-first approach for drug offenses with equal access to treatment for the rich and the poor, DA Stephan said. “San Diego has pushed forward and proven that Prop. 36 can work. We need leaders to stand up and demand Prop. 36 be funded.”

Key elements of San Diego’s implementation include:

  • Faster Implementation: San Diego established a specialized treatment plan for Prop 36 offenders within four months, leading the state.
  • High Treatment Enrollment: About 96% of eligible defendants in San Diego are engaging in the treatment track through deferred judgment or probation.
  • Focus on Drug Rehabilitation: The San Diego DA has been charging over 80% of Prop. 36 cases under the umbrella of drug-related offenses, prioritizing addiction treatment over immediate incarceration.
  • Leveraging Drug Courts: Expanding Drug Court to manage the influx of participants.
  • Proactive Planning: Recognizing potential capacity issues, we began mapping out treatment needs early to address addiction and recidivism effectively.

Prop. 36 has made a difference to local businesses and prosecuting habitual offenders is making stores and the community safe.

“I have noticed a complete 180-degree turn on two things surrounding our businesses: homeless activity is down and shoplifting and theft are down,” said Tony Konja, president of Keg N Bottle and Chairman and CEO of the Neighborhood Market Association. “It’s simply amazing how policy coupled with enforcement equals peace.”

Prop. 36, which passed with 68 percent of the vote in 2024, took effect in December of the same year. The DA’s Office has been committed to successfully implementing the transformational proposition in partnership with the Sheriff, the county’s police chiefs, the court and the community. The measure:

  • Provides stricter consequences for repeat theft offenders, those who are committing smash and grab retail crimes, and organized theft rings, to help stop the cycle of recidivism.
  • Requires convicted dealers of fentanyl and hard drugs to receive a warning that the next time they sell illegal drugs, and someone dies, they will be held responsible for a victim’s death. The law provides additional consequences for illegal drug dealers who cause great bodily injury or death, who carry firearms while dealing narcotics, or are involved in the distribution of unusually large quantities of narcotics.
  • Incentivizes lifesaving treatment for defendants suffering from addiction by creating the new Treatment Mandated Felony that offers treatment as an alternative to incarceration for those who illegally possess hard drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine, addressing the root cause of many crimes.

More information about the ongoing implementation of Prop. 36, including monthly updated data, can be found on the DA’s website here.

 

 

Photo of a consumer with a credit card and cell phone.

DA Doubles Down on Consumer Protection

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan today recognized National Consumer Protection Week (March 1 – March 7), and said her office is doubling down on its commitment to protecting consumers and is reminding residents that speaking up about scams, fraud, and unfair business practices helps protect the entire community.

“Consumer protection is about standing up for everyday people who were misled, overcharged, or taken advantage of,” said Summer Stephan. “When a company breaks the law, the harm is not abstract — it affects families who trusted what they were told and worked hard for their money. Our Consumer Protection Unit fights to hold companies who sideline the rules to unfairly enrich themselves accountable and to recover money for the people who were harmed. Our team of specialized prosecutors and investigators fights against big companies with armies of lawyers and win the battles for our everyday neighbors.”

“But these cases often begin with one person speaking up. A retiree who feels something isn’t right, a small business owner who notices a deceptive practice, or a neighbor who refuses to stay silent after being misled. During National Consumer Protection Week, I want everyone in San Diego County to know that your voice matters. When you report wrongdoing, you help us uncover patterns of misconduct, stop bad actors, and protect thousands of other consumers from being harmed.”

The District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit investigates unlawful business practices, and environmental abuses and pursues both civil and criminal cases against companies and individuals who defraud consumers. These actions can lead to restitution for victims, financial penalties for violators, and criminal charges when appropriate.

Recently, the DA’s Office secured a major consumer protection victory in a multi-county enforcement action involving Vivint Solar. The company agreed to a $4.3 million settlement, including a $3 million restitution fund for eligible consumers who lost money under certain solar power purchase agreements. This case demonstrates how enforcement actions can provide real financial relief for consumers harmed by deceptive practices.

The DA’s Consumer Protection Unit works to safeguard consumers and honest businesses by investigating and prosecuting unlawful business practices. The unit handles cases involving:

  • Scams targeting seniors, investigated through a first of its kind in the nation specialized Elder Justice Task Force
  • False or misleading advertising
  • Cyber scams, handled by the office’s specialized CATCH cybercrime team
  • Unfair pricing or billing practices, including those that occur after natural disasters
  • Deceptive contract terms or sales tactics including automatic renewal charges and scary debt collection tactics
  • Environmental violations, such as illegal disposal of toxic waste

Over the past year, the District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit has taken significant action against businesses that violated consumer protection laws, including:

  • More than $13.6 million in consumer protection judgments against multiple companies
  • Criminal fraud charges filed against a business owner who cheated customers
  • A $1 million settlement for overcharging consumers at the point of sale
  • A $3 million consumer restitution fund secured in the Vivint Solar case

These outcomes reflect meaningful consequences for businesses that break the law and real relief for consumers who have suffered financial harm.

Most consumer protection investigations begin with a complaint from a member of the public. When residents report suspicious business practices, it helps investigators identify patterns of misconduct that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the District Attorney’s Office cannot act as a private attorney for individual disputes, consumer complaints frequently form the basis for broader enforcement actions that protect thousands of people.

Residents who believe they have been misled or harmed by a company are encouraged to report it. To file a consumer complaint:

Submit a complaint online:

https://www.sdcda.org/preventing/consumer-protection/

Call: (619) 531-3507

Email: consumer@sdcda.org

Photo of Gavel and prison cell.

Point Loma Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Executing Sister and Nephew, and Shooting his Mother

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that a 61-year-old man who killed his sister and nephew and seriously injured his then 86-year-old mother in an August 2024 family dispute, has been sentenced to two terms of life without parole plus 82 years in prison.

William Bushey was convicted by a jury in January of two counts of first-degree murder, with a use of a firearm allegation and the special circumstances for multiple homicides. He was also convicted of premeditated attempted murder and elder abuse with a firearm. In August 2024, Bushey shot and killed his sister, Laurie Robinson, 61, and her son, Brett Robinson, 33, and seriously wounded his mother, June Bushey, who survived but sustained critical injuries during the attack.

“Family violence shatters lives,” DA Stephan said. “When tragedy strikes within the home, the effects are devastating and reverberate far beyond the immediate victims. Our hearts are with the loved ones left behind, and we remain committed to holding violent offenders accountable for their actions.”

The case underscored the profound harm caused when domestic conflicts escalate into violence.

During the trial, Deputy District Attorney Scott Pirrello presented evidence showing that the defendant found himself on the verge of being kicked out of the family home for his poor behavior and he blamed his sister and mother for it. This tension within the family ultimately erupted into the fatal shootings.

Bushey lived with his elderly mother without contributing to the household and interacted very little with family members for over a decade in the family’s Point Loma home. He became upset when his sister moved into the home.

Over the course of nine days, Bushey’s agitated and aggressive behavior became so concerning that police were called to the house twice for disturbances, although none of the reported acts rose to the level of criminal conduct. By the day of the shootings, the family was on the verge of beginning the eviction process for Bushey and had ordered a surveillance system to be installed in the home. The internet system that was based in Bushey’s bedroom was relocated to another area of the home, upsetting him even further.

Bushey confronted his family about the Wi-Fi being turned off and then went into his bedroom and retrieved a shotgun that he had purchased in 2012 but had kept secret. He loaded the shotgun to maximum capacity and armed himself with additional shells and went looking for his family. He fired six rounds from the shotgun as he pursued his mother and sister who fled toward the back patio.  Bushey’s actions resulted in the deaths of his sister and nephew and caused catastrophic injuries to his mother who lost most of her right hand and suffered a “through and through” wound to her left upper abdomen, missing her heart by mere centimeters.

“This defendant was savage and ruthless in the way he hunted down his own family,” DA Stephan said. “I hope today’s sentence brings a measure of justice to the family of the victims and the community at large. I’m proud of the dedication and excellence that Deputy District Attorney Scott Pirrello and the DA team brought to this complex case.”

Preventing and prosecuting domestic violence and elder abuse and supporting victims through the tumultuous criminal justice process is a cornerstone of the work done by the District Attorney’s Offices. Thousands of crime victims are served through the DA’s two Family Justice Centers in San Marcos and National City, where they can obtain comprehensive services for victims of domestic violence, elder abuse, sexual assault and other forms of family violence. The office coordinates training for professionals across the county to recognize domestic violence warning signs, partners with community organizations to expand culturally sensitive support services and participates in public awareness and outreach efforts such as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

For more information about available services, visit: https://ospsandiegocounty.gov/

DA Weekly News with DA Summer Stephan 01-16-26: Grand Jury Indicts 21 in Illegal Street Racing Case

In this week’s DA News, District Attorney Summer Stephan discusses a case where a Grand Jury has indicted 21 defendants in a major crackdown on dangerous street racing across San Diego County. Working alongside SDPD and CHP, law enforcement is holding reckless drivers accountable and taking action to reduce traffic deaths, injuries, and illegal high-speed racing on our roads. Details in the video.

Grand Jury Indicts 21 Defendants for Conspiring to Engage in Highly Dangerous Street Racing

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that 21 people have been indicted by a grand jury for conspiring to engage in exhibitions of speed as well as acts of illegal reckless driving and speed contests on public highways for thrill, competition, bragging rights and purposes of gaining social media fame. The charges come as law enforcement is coordinating efforts to deter and reduce illegal speed and street racing on roadways across the county.

Twenty of the twenty-one defendants were arrested or surrendered on January 6 and arraignments are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on January 12, 13 and 15.

“Racing down our freeways at extremely hazardous speeds with reckless disregard for other drivers and families sharing the roadways is a recipe for a catastrophe,” DA Stephan said. “This indictment is a warning to anyone even thinking of engaging in a speed contest that this illegal behavior will not be tolerated and you will be held accountable.”

The grand jury heard testimony and reviewed evidence over six days before returning the indictments. The street racing conduct occurred in March of 2025 on five separate occasions in various parts of San Diego County. Defendants communicated through social media to make plans to meet at locations where they showcased their high-performance vehicles, participated in donuts and burnouts, and conspired to engage in acts of speed exhibition on freeways.

Many of the vehicles were modified, sometimes illegally, to enhance their racing performance.  Throughout the incidents, members of the conspiracy participated in multiple races on freeways, reaching speeds over 100 miles per hour and, on some occasions, in excess of 150 to 160 miles per hour. The defendants raced through and around traffic without regard for the safety of other vehicles on the roadway. Racing took place on Interstates 8, 805 and 15 as well as SR-94, and on mountain roads winding through Pauma Valley. All members of the conspiracy participated in racing events, which were filmed by various participants and later posted on social media for the purpose of gaining attention.

Illegal speed contests are highly dangerous and have caused six fatalities and numerous injuries over the last four years, underscoring the growing danger these events pose to the public. Recent fatal crashes include:

  • The death of a 17-year-old in Chula Vista after a suspected racer lost control in July 2025.
  • The death of a Point Loma jogger, who was struck by vehicles believed to be racing in December 2024.
  • A fatal Otay Mesa crash in which a Mustang traveling at extreme speed hit and killed a spectator at an illegal drag race in October 2021.
  • The death of a teenager from a Linda Vista collision that left five others seriously injured in March 2021.
  • The death of a grandmother as a result of a Chula Vista crash where a street-racing driver ran a red light, killing the woman and injuring her grandchildren in June 2021.
  • One person was killed and two severely injured after an Oceanside crash in which the drivers were seen racing moments before impact in September 2021.

“Street racing, reckless driving and illegal takeovers put lives at risk, damage our streets, and disrupt our neighborhoods,” San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said. “This Grand Jury indictment reflects the hard work of our investigators and shows that when residents raise concerns, the City and County take action. We are grateful for our partnership with the District Attorney’s Office and our partner agencies to hold these drivers accountable, and we will continue our operations to deter these crimes from happening on our streets.”

Photo of vehicles seized.

Photo of vehicles seized.

During its investigation into the May 2025 incidents, law enforcement seized 16 vehicles, including:

  • Two Dodge Charger SRTs
  • One Dodge Charger R/T
  • One Chevrolet Camaro
  • One Ford Mustang
  • Three Dodge Challenger “Hellcats”
  • One Dodge Charger
  • One BMW 8 Series
  • One Chevrolet Corvette
  • One Honda Civic Type R
  • One Dodge Durango SRT
  • Two Jeep Grand Cherokee “Trackhawks”
  • One McLaren.

“Street racing is illegal, reckless, and deadly, and those who choose to participate or assist should expect to be identified, arrested, and criminally prosecuted,” CHP Chief Anthony Coronado said.  “The California Highway Patrol will aggressively investigate these crimes and hold drivers, organizers, and spectators accountable. Reckless use of a vehicle endangers lives and will not be tolerated.”

The arrests were a coordinated effort that included the cooperation of multiple law enforcement agencies throughout San Diego County, including the San Diego Police Department, California Highway Patrol, the Narcotics Task Force, the Regional Auto Theft Task Force, Chula Vista Police Department, La Mesa Police Department, San Diego Sheriff’s Office, Escondido Police Department, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. 

This six-month investigation began with San Diego Police Department’s Traffic Special Investigations Unit in conjunction with the California Highway Patrol in response to the string of fatalities in recent years. Collectively, these tragedies highlight the severe consequences of illegal street racing across the region and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat this reckless and often fatal behavior.

This case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Evan Andersen, Lauren Hugo, Jacob Carbajal, and Makenzie Harvey.

Operation Mic Drop Concludes with Convictions for Dozens of Gang Defendants

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that a complex, gang-related criminal prosecution resulting from a law enforcement operation conducted in southeast San Diego in 2022 has concluded with the conviction and sentencing of 22 defendants. The defendants were indicted by a grand jury on 221 charges resulting from Operation Mic Drop, a joint investigation conducted by the San Diego Police Department and the FBI targeting violent and drug-related criminal activity centered around Mike’s Market in the Mountain View area of San Diego. The final defendant was sentenced on October 31, closing the multi-defendant case.

In the two years prior to the Operation Mic Drop investigation, the area around Mike’s Market had experienced significant violent crime, including murders, attempted murders, assaults with firearms, robberies, and narcotics sales. There had been four homicides and 1,000 calls to the police, including 160 calls for violence that were occurring at the time. This hub of narcotics and gun activity created a flashpoint for violent crime that endangered the safety of neighborhood residents and impacted their quality of life.

In the three years following the conclusion of Operation Mic Drop, there were no homicides in the area, no robberies, a 75% decrease in calls for service per year, and a 50% decrease in arrests.

 “This prosecution demonstrates how law enforcement strategically identifies and effectively responds to public safety threats and holds organized gangs accountable for large-scale fraud, and illegal drug and gun trafficking,” said DA Stephan. “As a result, peace of mind has been restored in this neighborhood, and the community is significantly safer. It was heartbreaking to hear the voices of the great families in this San Diego neighborhood who were terrorized by crime and violence. Every child, adult and senior deserves to be safe and that’s our goal. I want to thank our law enforcement partners at the FBI and San Diego Police Department for their critical role in investigating these cases, as well as our prosecution team led by Deputy DA Miriam Hemming whose dedication saw this complex case through to the end.”

 

 “The proof is in the numbers on this case of just how effective law enforcement, working with our communities, can be in identifying a problem and bringing all of our resources together to address it,” San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said. “I want to commend the work of our investigators and the District Attorney’s Office for their tireless efforts to hold these criminals accountable. This is a win all around for violence reduction in our communities.”

Operation Mic Drop uncovered connections between the market and local gang members facilitating narcotics sales, as well as fraudulent use of food assistance benefits (EBT). A criminal street gang had taken over the location and was using it as a headquarters for narcotics sales, funded by over two million dollars in stolen taxpayer dollars perpetrated by store employees and gang members. Investigators uncovered a scheme where the store employees would illegally allow customers to use their EBT cards to receive cash, which would then be used by the customers to purchase narcotics from the gang members who both provided the drugs and vetted which customers would be allowed to engage in the EBT fraud.

The months-long investigation resulted in convictions on charges including narcotics sales, firearms-related offenses, EBT fraud, and gang enhancements. Defendants’ sentences ranged from 15 years in state prison to formal probation, as well as a court order for $2 million in restitution.

The DA’s Gangs Division prosecutes complex murder cases and other serious crimes perpetrated by violent gang members who terrorize neighborhoods. These cases are handled by one prosecutor from beginning to end – also called vertical prosecution. Cases in this division are expertly navigated by 26 prosecutors and 20 investigators to bring justice to families left in the wake of violence. In 2024, the Gangs Division conducted 23 murder jury trials, which is more than 40% of the total murders tried in the DA’s office. The division also prosecuted other cases including kidnapping for rape, assault with great bodily injury, robbery, carjacking and possession of illegal firearms, such as ghost guns, by gang members.

Elder Fraud Prevention: Spot the Red Flags Before It’s Too Late

Elders in our community are being targeted by scammers — from fake tech support to imposters pretending to be loved ones. If your money is involved and you’re told to keep it secret, it’s a scam. In just one year, seniors in San Diego County lost more than $130 million to scams. Watch this video to learn the warning signs and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming victims. Stop. Hang Up. Tell Someone. Report scams at IC3.gov. Click here to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams targeting the elderly: https://www.sdcda.org/preventing/Elder-Scam-Prevention-Campaign-Materials

 

LIVE STREAM: Senior Scam Stopper Summit in Vista

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan joins local law enforcement and government leaders for the Senior Scam Stopper Summit — sharing the latest updates on scams targeting older adults and how to prevent them. Hosted by Assemblywoman Laurie Davies and Vista Mayor John Franklin, the event brings together over 100 North County residents to learn how to spot red flags and protect loved ones. Last year alone, San Diego County seniors lost more than $130 million to scams. Learn how to stay alert, informed, and safe.

DA Opens One Safe Place South in National City

The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office proudly announced the opening of One Safe Place: The South County Family Justice Center in National City — a new, state-of-the-art facility that brings hope, healing, and justice to victims of crime in South San Diego County. District Attorney Summer Stephan was joined by community leaders, advocates, law enforcement, and healthcare partners to celebrate this major step forward in making comprehensive victim services accessible to all South County residents. Watch this video below to see how One Safe Place South is transforming lives through collaboration, compassion, and care.

Meet Senior Human Resources Officer Desiree Gonzalez

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 Senior Human Resources Officer Desiree Gonzalez.

Desiree has worked for the County for 24 years, of which 22 of those years have been at the DA’s office. She started off as a student worker and worked her way up to Senior Human Resources Officer for the Human Resource Management Unit. Her wide range of duties include position management, recruitment, transfers, human resources policies and procedures, Covid management, workplace accommodations, workers’ compensation, leave administration, benefits administration, employee relations, performance appraisals and appeals, discipline, and performance management.

When she’s not busy working, she spends her free time with her family and two little dogs, a Yorkiechon and a Pomapoo.  She also loves travelling because it gives her the opportunity to discover and appreciate different cultures. Read more about what inspired Desiree to pursue a career in public service, below.

Why did you choose a career in public service/what inspired you to pursue this career?

“My grandmother impressed upon me the importance of giving back to the community.  My mother had a career in public service as a public-school teacher for 32 years and my aunts and uncles also retired from careers in public service. They were excellent role models.  I could see how much happiness they derived from serving the public and that inspired me to follow that same path.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“My favorite part of the job is being able to interact and engage with employees at all levels and being able to positively impact people’s careers. I also love the variation of the work; no two days look the same.”

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

“It is a time for me to connect to my heritage and honor the accomplishments and contributions of Latinos to our community. I was raised to be proud of my heritage and celebrate our cultural holidays. It is important to recognize where you come from and encourage others to achieve their goals.”

Read more Hispanic Heritage Month stories from the DA’s Office, here.