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Portrait of Rebecca Gomez, Legal Support Manager, smiling in front of a blue background, with a caption reading “Rebecca Gomez” and “Legal Support Manager” and a badge stating “Hispanic Heritage Month.”

Meet Legal Support Manager Rebecca Gomez

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is highlighting employees whose experiences, backgrounds and dedication to public service help strengthen our office and the communities we serve.

For Legal Support Manager Rebecca Gomez, a career with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is rooted in a commitment to helping others and a family history that is deeply connected to an important chapter in San Diego and civil rights history.

Born and raised in San Diego, Rebecca began her career with the County working in Child Support after previously working in healthcare for Sharp and Kaiser. She joined the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2002 and has spent more than two decades helping support the work of the office.

Today, she serves as the Legal Support Manager at the South Bay Branch, where she oversees the daily operations of the Legal Support Staff.

For Rebecca, her role is about more than overseeing operations. One of the most rewarding parts of her work is helping employees develop their careers and seeing people she once interviewed and hired go on to become professionals within the office.

“I am proud and fulfilled knowing that I played a small part in their career journey and success,” she said.

Her connection to Hispanic Heritage Month is deeply personal. Her great-grandfather, Juan Gonzalez, was involved in the Lemon Grove Incident of 1931, a landmark San Diego County case in which Mexican American children had been separated from other students and sent to a separate school. The case resulted in a court ruling that prohibited the segregation of the Mexican American children.

Her grandmother and her siblings were among the children affected. Growing up, Rebecca heard stories from her grandmother about what happened and about her great-grandfather’s role in the legal fight.

That family history has given Hispanic Heritage Month a special meaning for Rebecca—one that goes beyond celebrating her heritage.

“It reminds me of the courage, strength and determination of the generations before me,” she said.

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

“I was transferred to the DA’s office from Child Support during a County Wide layoff. When I was given the opportunity to go back to Child Support I declined. I felt working at the DA’s office was much more fulfilling. The work we do impacts the entire community and it makes me feel good that I can be a small part of helping to keep our community safe.”

What is your favorite part of your job?

“My favorite part of my job is the leadership role I play in helping to develop and guide support staff towards promotions or other careers within our office. When I see student workers who I interviewed and hired go on to become professionals in our office, it makes me feel proud and fulfilled knowing that I played a small part in their career journey and success.”

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

“I love sports and being outdoors. In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, hiking, camping, and Padres games.”

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

“Hispanic Heritage Month is meaningful to me because it reminds me of where I come from and the people in my family who helped make a difference for future generations. My great-grandfather, Juan Gonzalez, was part of the Lemon Grove Incident in 1931, when Mexican American children were being separated from the other children and sent to a separate classroom. The case is recognized as the first successful school desegregation court decision in U.S. history. My grandmother and her siblings were among the children affected. Growing up, my grandmother would tell me stories about what happened and about the role my great-grandfather played in fighting the segregation of the children. My great-grandfather served as guardian ad litem for Roberto Alvarez, one of the children at the center of the case, and the court ultimately ruled that the Mexican American children could not be segregated from the other students. Knowing that this history is part of my own family makes Hispanic Heritage Month mean much more to me than simply celebrating my heritage. It reminds me of the courage, strength, and determination of the generations before me. I am proud of my great-grandfather and of my grandmother and her siblings, who was part of a moment in history that helped create a better future for Mexican American children. It also reminds me that the opportunities we have today were not always available to everyone. People in my family stood up for what was right, and their actions made a difference. That history is something I am proud to carry with me, and it is why Hispanic Heritage Month is so important to me.

I am thankful for the opportunity the DA’s office has given me and I enjoy the people I work with.”

 

Headshot of Felix Salazar in a black jacket and white shirt, smiling against a light background; a lower-third label reads “Felix Salazar, Senior DA Investigator” and “Hispanic Heritage Month.”

Meet Senior DA Investigator Felix Salazar

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is highlighting employees whose experiences, backgrounds and dedication to public service help strengthen our office and the communities we serve.

For Senior District Attorney Investigator Felix Salazar, a career dedicated to serving others began in the Imperial Valley and continued through service in the United States Marine Corps and more than two decades in law enforcement.

Born and raised in Brawley, California, Investigator Salazar joined the Marine Corps in 1998, serving until 2002. He began his law enforcement career that same year, working for the Brawley Police Department and later the Carlsbad Police Department in a variety of assignments.

In 2018, he joined the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. Today, he serves as a Senior District Attorney Investigator assigned to the East County Branch, where he conducts and assists with investigations involving cases prosecuted by the office.

His work includes locating and interviewing victims and witnesses, gathering and reviewing evidence, serving subpoenas, conducting follow-up investigations and working closely with Deputy District Attorneys and law enforcement partners to prepare cases for court.

For Senior Investigator Salazar, the work is ultimately about service.

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

“I have always been drawn to public service and to work that has a direct impact on people’s lives. My time in the Marine Corps reinforced the importance of teamwork, accountability, discipline and service to others. Law enforcement allowed me to continue that commitment while helping people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Joining the District Attorney’s Office allowed me to apply my experience to complex investigations and work closely with prosecutors and law enforcement partners. I value being part of a team that works to seek justice for victims, support their families and move cases forward.”

What is your favorite part of your job?

“My favorite part of the job is the people I work with and the sense of purpose that comes with the work. I enjoy being part of a team that works through challenging investigations and knowing that our efforts can make a meaningful difference for victims, their families and our community. I also appreciate working alongside dedicated team members who take pride in what they do and are committed to serving the public.”

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

“Family is very important to me, and I enjoy spending time with my wife and children. We especially enjoy traveling together, exploring new places and making memories as a family. In my spare time, I also enjoy watching boxing and other combat sports.”

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

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for me to reflect on where I come from and the sacrifices my family made to create opportunities for the next generation. As a first-generation American with family from Mexico, my heritage has shaped my values, especially the importance of family, hard work and serving others. I am proud of my background and hope my career shows that you can stay connected to where you come from while still creating new opportunities for yourself and others.

After more than two decades in law enforcement, I am still grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow and serve alongside great people. I am proud to be part of the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and to contribute to a team committed to helping our community.”

 

Meet Deputy District Attorney Norma Flores

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 Deputy District Attorney Norma Flores.

Norma began her career with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2015 as a receptionist in the East County Division. During her time as a support staff, she performed a variety of duties in the Misdemeanor Unit and eventually transitioned to the Felony unit, where she served as lead. In December of 2020, she made the difficult decision to leave a job that she truly loved to pursue her dream of becoming a prosecutor. During law school she returned to the office as an intern and a Graduate Law Clerk where she worked in several units including, Narcotics, Gangs, Family Protection, and Sex Crimes. In December of 2024, she achieved her goal and proudly rejoined the office as a Deputy District Attorney and is currently assigned to the East County Division.

When she’s not busy working as a prosecutor, Norma spends her free time with her two children. Read more about what inspired her 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 career path was shaped by an early personal experience with the justice system as a juvenile. At that time, the San Diego County District Attorney’s office took my life circumstances into consideration and gave me an opportunity to change my life. This experience also sparked an interest in the law.

During my time as a Legal Support Assistant with the office, I was assigned to the arraignment and readiness department where I assisted prosecutors in court. Daily, I witnessed Deputy District Attorneys in the courtroom work diligently to protect victims, the community, and to ensure justice. This deeply inspired me and quickly realized that I wanted to devote my life to public service. I am grateful to now be doing so for the same office that never gave up on me.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“What I love most about being a prosecutor is the ability to protect the community I grew up in, while also advocating for victims who need a voice.”

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

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate our accomplishments and using them to inspire the next generation to achieve their dreams.”

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

Hispanic Heritage: Meet Care Coordinator Lisbet Perez

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are highlighting the stories of DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. In this video you will meet One Safe Place Care Coordinator Lisbet Perez, whose personal journey lead her to dedicate her career to helping others who have gone through the same experiences as her.

You can read more Hispanic Heritage Month stories from the DA’s Office, here.

Hispanic Heritage: Meet Deputy DA Javier Vargas

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are highlighting the stories of DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. In this video you will meet Deputy District Attorney Javier Vargas, who has a long family history of public service.

You can read more Hispanic Heritage Month stories from the DA’s Office, here.

 

Paralegal Veronica Flores.

Meet Paralegal Veronica Flores

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 Paralegal Veronica Flores.

Veronica was born and raised in San Diego. She graduated from SDSU in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Social Work.

“I was 39 when I went back to school. It’s never too late!! Si Se Puede!”

As a Paralegal II for the Insurance Fraud Division, Veronica assists in writing the six different Insurance Fraud Grants that fund that division and help gather, analyze, organize, and accurately report all the data for the multiple statistical reports required for our programs. She also organizes the division’s mass media, outreach programs, and community events they participate in throughout the entirety of San Diego County. Additionally, she is assigned many special projects and duties, such as the maintenance of the division’s arrest warrant database and various restitution projects.

During her spare time, Veronica likes to travel and explore new places. She loves spending time with her family, her three grandchildren, going to concerts, and going to Raider games in Vegas!

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

“I did not originally plan to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, and it was pure luck that I started working here. I first applied for a position with the Health and Human Services Agency and luckily the DA’s Office called to interview me for a secretarial position. I was hired and assigned to the Gangs Unit. That is where I started learning more about the DA’s Office and how we pursue justice for our victims. Former Deputy DA Sophia Roach pushed me to become a paralegal, she even wrote a recommendation letter for me that went a long way toward helping me get into the USD paralegal program. After working in the Gangs Unit, I was transferred to the Insurance Fraud Division and gained experience with paralegal duties. Once I got my certification, I applied for and got a paralegal position in the Family Protection Division where I did more case management. Eventually, I returned to the Insurance Fraud Division to assist with the grant program, but I still work on some Family Protection cases, one of which is going to trial this month.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“I am a very high (I) – Influence behavior style (people involvement), so I enjoy helping others and being social. Luckily, I know how to multi-task so I’m able to get my work done! I love that there is still the opportunity to learn new things every day so that I continuously improve at my job.”

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

“Lately, there is so much negativity in the news media about immigrants, so events like Hispanic Heritage Month are important because they shine a spotlight on the contributions and achievements made by Latinxs across the United States and beyond. Holidays like Mexican Independence Day on September 16th, ‘El Grito,’ which is celebrated the day before, are huge holidays that allow us to share our culture and history with others. These kinds of things help foster inclusivity and acceptance in the community.”

Meet Paralegal Sandy Barajas

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 Paralegal Sandy Barajas.

Sandy was born in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, but came to the United States when she was only six months old. She grew up in San Diego County, in the community of Barrio Logan, where her family has lived for over 50 years.

She attended Southwestern College and graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies, then went directly to National University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. She then pursued a Pre-Law degree in Paralegal Studies at the University of San Diego.

Currently, Sandy is assigned as a Paralegal I for the East County Division, where she works on Misdemeanor DUI cases. She also serves in the County’s Peer Support Team because she has always been passionate about giving back to her community.

When she is not busy working, she loves to make her spare time useful. She currently has a business which consumes half of her time, but she also likes to stay active in her community.

“I volunteer my time and expertise to help others,” she said. “I feel I have a duty to give back and help younger women to reach their potential. Once I had women who gave to me, who mentored me, so it’s only fair that I continue to keep the ball rolling. I enjoy non-profit volunteer work.”

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

“There were several factors that inspired me to pursue a career at the District Attorney’s office. Firstly, I have always had a strong passion for justice and protecting the rights of individuals. Here at the DA’s Office, we believe in protecting victims, building safe neighborhoods and partnering with the community. I have worked with diverse communities for the past 20 years.”

What is your favorite part of the job?  

“I love to work with diverse populations and give back to my community. I believe it’s important to pay it forward and help others.”

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

“Hispanic Heritage Month holds a special significance for me as it is a time to celebrate and honor the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic individuals to our society. It is also a time that I get to indulge in the beautiful traditions, history and accomplishments of the Hispanic community and to educate others about the diversity within this group. I am very passionate about my roots and that is why I decided to create a business that entails the art, culture and traditions of my Hispanic culture. As a Latina, Hispanic Heritage Month allows me to connect with my roots, showcase the beauty and resilience of my culture, and feel a sense of pride in my heritage.”