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.
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.
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 Confidential Secretary Saul Vazquez.
Saul was born and raised in San Diego. He graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and minored in Spanish.
He has been working at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for more than 20 years. As a Confidential Secretary, he provides secretarial support to our Chief Deputy District Attorneys and to our District Attorney Executive Team.
During his spare time, Saul enjoys quiet time, fishing, and horseback riding.
What inspired you to pursue a career at the DA’s Office/in law enforcement?
“I came on board to the District Attorney’s Office as a ‘Temp’ working as a part of the DA Facility Team. I really didn’t know at the time when I started working with the office that I would make a long-term career out of it, 22 years later. My mind set changed really quick though after being exposed to the great work our office does and the mission it stands for.”
What is your favorite part of the job?
“Knowing that the tremendous work we do day in, and day out is necessary to give voice and seek justice to those most vulnerable victims of crimes and to make our communities a better and safer place to live.”
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?
“Hispanic Heritage Month is important to me because it allows for Hispanic communities to showcase their roots, share their rich cultural, traditions, and delicious foods to the diverse populations that make up our communities of which I am very proud of being part of.”
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 Group Program Manager Janet Ruiz.
Janet was born in South El Monte, CA (Los Angeles County). She studied English Literature for her undergraduate studies at University of California, Los Angeles and then obtained a Master of Science in Criminal Justice at California State University Long Beach.
As a Group Program Manager for the San Diego County District Attorney’s (SDCDA) Administrative Services Department, she oversees and works with a team of brilliant analysts within our newly formed Program Administration Unit. This team oversees the administrative functions, including performance and compliance, of over 100 contracts annually. The team works across initiatives to support and advocate for the needs of each Division and support the coordination, development, and implementation of services and receipt of goods. Routinely, the team works collaboratively with other county departments, such as County Counsel, Public Safety Group departments, Purchasing and Contracting, Auditor & Controller, and more. Nested under this team are the DA’s Family Justice Centers, the Juvenile Diversion Initiative, the California County Resentencing Pilot Program Contract, and the Community Grant Program. The team’s work is reciprocally connected to our Grants, Budget, and Fiscal units within the Administrative Services Department; the Program Administration Unit is only one piece of the pie.
A fun fact about Janet, is that she recently completed the Disney Halloween Half Marathon!
“I loathe running, but I enjoy a new challenge,” she said. “In fact, my two little ones also participated! My girls ran the Kid Races and earned their own medals while my husband cheered us on! As a mama of two little ones, I hope to have more time for other hobbies one day!”
What inspired you to pursue a career at the DA’s Office/in law enforcement?
“My dad was robbed at gunpoint when I was in my teens, and I recall the fear he lived in for years after that. He had frequent nightmares where he would often wake shouting. In my adolescence, it enraged me that someone could do this and never face any consequences. Unfortunately, and fortunately, this was a pivotal moment for me. My goal then, and through my twenties, was to become a Special Agent for the FBI, but after numerous injuries during training this failure propelled me in a new direction. While in Los Angeles, I began my career providing direct crisis services and advocacy for system-impacted families, and quickly became involved in program design and implementation, including monitoring and evaluation of programs. In 2017, I moved to San Diego to work in the human trafficking prevention space where I co-authored a human trafficking prevention curriculum for middle and high school age youth alongside SDCDA. It was through this work that I recognized the alignment of SDCDA’s values and my own and decided to pursue a career here with the DA in 2022.”
What is your favorite part of the job?
“In working for the nonprofit sector for over a decade, I became very familiar with the administrative functions, and organizational needs and limited resources. Local government is entirely different, to say the least. I share this because of my love for learning and there is certainly nothing mundane about what I do. But to add to that I can confidently, and sincerely, say that I have always felt that both my work and perspective are valued here – and that continues to drive me. It may sound trivial, but loving the team you are a part of and feeling valued is of utmost importance to me; it is only then where you don’t lose sight of the bigger picture – and for me that’s to continue centering historically excluded and undervalued communities through my work.”
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?
“It is a time to sit in gratitude and appreciate the vibrant cultures that add so much depth and color to this world. It is a time to reflect on the many accomplishments and contributions of Latinos in this country. We’ve been foundational to its growth and prosperity and are often overlooked. Our role in the fight for Civil Rights – from labor (farm workers’ rights, mine workers’ rights) to education (Mendez v. Westminster, Plyler v. Doe) – is not well known. Currently where books that emphasize diversity are banned and Latinos are vilified for existing and, for some, for immigrating to this country, it is even more important to chronicle and elevate the stories of our people and ensure Latinos are integrated in literature and history beyond this month. As Ms. Mendez shared, ‘[…] we are all individuals; […] we are all human beings; […] we all have the same rights, the same freedom.’”
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 DA Investigator Marcus Macias.
Marcus was born and raised in National City. He graduated from Southwestern College Police Academy in December 1998. Since September 2019, he has worked with the Gang Prosecution Unit and is currently assigned to Juvenile gangs. He also works with the San Diego Police Department on a gang prevention program.
During his spare time, he enjoys hanging out with his wife and daughters.
What inspired you to pursue a career at the DA’s Office/in law enforcement?
“Like most young high school students, I was lost, looking for my calling. I saw a classmate in a National City Police Explorer uniform, and it intrigued me. The thought of helping people, policing, and protecting people I genuinely cared about was a true calling. I joined NCPD Explorer program in June of 1996 and eventually became a cop there.”
What is your favorite part of the job?
“My favorite part of the job is the preventative efforts our office takes. Talking with young people, helping them navigate life and redirect their energy to making positive choices is my favorite part of the job.”
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?
“As a mixed-race Latino, I embrace the heritage I was given (no one gets to pick their heritage). Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to highlight the many similarities Latinos have with all walks of life, such as culture, food, and family. It’s a time to reflect on the contributions of so many but also focus on the bright future of everyone.”
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.”
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 District Attorney Investigator Xanthe Rosario.
Xanthe was born in San Diego, California, but spent the first years of her life in Mexico. Her mother brought her back to the US when she was six years old.
She is currently a DA Investigator assigned to the Child Abduction Unit in the Family Protection Division, where her role is to investigate parental child abduction. She investigates cases where a child is unlawfully taken or kept by a parent or guardian in violation of custody agreements or court orders. These cases often involve situations where one parent takes the child across state lines, conceals their location, or refuses to return the child after a visitation period. The Child Abduction Unit works to locate missing children and the parent who abducted them; ensure the enforcement of custody orders issued by family courts, coordinate with law enforcement agencies, child protective services, and sometimes federal authorities (like the FBI) when abductions involve crossing state or international borders; recover the child safely and return them to the legal guardian or custodial parent; and prevent future abductions by prosecuting violations of custody agreements or court orders. The unit also investigates “Hagues” cases. In the context of parental child abduction, The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is a multilateral treaty designed to address international child abduction cases. The Hague Convention on Child Abduction aims to promptly return children who have been abducted by a parent or guardian across international borders, ensuring custody disputes are settled in the child’s country of habitual residence.
During her spare time, Xanthe enjoys spending time with her teens, guiding them through life, hiking, and cooking for family and friends while having gatherings at her house because “food always brings people together.” She also belongs to a volunteer group that allows her to travel to other countries and volunteer by working with kids in unfortunate neighborhoods, like the child she is pictured with while volunteering in Costa Rica.
What inspired you to pursue a career at the DA’s Office/in law enforcement?
“I was inspired by the honor and respect I have for law enforcement. At a young age, I pursued a law enforcement career because I felt compassion and wanted to protect vulnerable and innocent people. I’ve admired the dedication and commitment of officers who put their lives on the line specifically for that purpose. The career inspired me to be a better human, a better mother, and a better servant. I began my career in law enforcement as a correctional officer at the San Diego County Probation Department. Then, I was hired by the Los Angeles Police Department, where I worked as an undercover in high schools, internal affairs, and a narcotics unit. In 2004, I was hired by the Chula Vista Police Department. At CVPD, I was a School Resource Officer and a detective in the Family Protection Unit and Crimes of Violence Unit. After 19 years at CVPD, I was hired by the DA’s Office. A strong sense of justice drove me to pursue a career at the DA’s Office. I knew my passion and my ability to connect with people would pay off. Working in the DA’s Office allows me to hold offenders accountable while seeking fair and balanced outcomes. The ability to advocate for kids and innocent people truly motivates me daily.”
What is your favorite part of the job?
“My favorite part of the job is being deeply motivated by the responsibility of ensuring fairness. I am fulfilled by coming to work and helping my partners and co-workers. Knowing that I enjoy what I do and being thankful for my everyday growth.”
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?
“Being Hispanic, speaking Spanish fluently, and working for multiple agencies where a high percentage of the people we serve are Hispanic and vulnerable has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. Hispanic Heritage Month is the time to recognize and celebrate Hispanic and Latino Americans’ contributions, history, culture, and achievements. It highlights people’s diverse backgrounds, traditions, and rich cultural heritage. For this reason, I will continue to use my language and my Hispanic background as a strength.”
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.”
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 Claudia Grasso, Executive Director of the DA’s One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center.
Claudia Grasso was born and raised in East Los Angeles in a one-bedroom apartment where she lived with her parents and three siblings until she went off to college.
Claudia attended UCLA for her undergraduate studies, then Harvard for graduate school and later, the University of San Diego School of Law.
She is currently assigned as the Executive Director of One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center, where she oversees the DA’s Family Justice Center in San Marcos that provides wrap around services to victims of abuse.
When she is not busy helping victims or working on all the important services offered by One Safe Place, she loves watching her son play football and baseball, spending time with family and friends, listening to 80s music, reading, watching movies and traveling to visit her daughter who recently graduated from college.
What inspired you to pursue a career at the DA’s Office/in law enforcement?
“I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a lawyer. Where I grew up, I was exposed early on to victimization of our family and neighbors and had positive experiences with law enforcement. When I learned that there was a branch of law that works with law enforcement, helps victims and fights to bring them justice, I was drawn to prosecution work.”
What is your favorite part of the job?
“I have served our San Diego’s District Attorney’s Office for over 21 years, first as a volunteer attorney and then as a Deputy District Attorney. I loved my assignments in Family Protection and getting to try cases where I worked hard to bring justice for women and children. Now, I am thoroughly rewarded by seeing every day the lives we are saving at One Safe Place by providing alternatives to living with abuse that are safe and hope filled.”
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?
“According to the last census, 35% of San Diego County residents identify as Hispanic/Latino. As a member of this community and proud Latina, I have a passion for outreach, prevention and training geared to our Latinos. So many live in fear of deportation, are misinformed, lack culturally sensitive services in Spanish and are outright marginalized. It is important to not only bring to light the wonderful accomplishments of Latinos during this month but also pay it forward with assistance to those who need it all year round.”
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 Laura Palacios.
Laura was born in South Lake Tahoe, California and grew up in Reno, Nevada, where she lived up until moving to San Diego for law school. Throughout high school and college she worked part-time and full-time jobs at restaurants. She became an intern at the DA’s Office during the summer of 2018, then she joined the Graduate Law Clerk program at the DA’s Office in 2019 and was officially hired as a Deputy District Attorney in January 2020. Laura is currently a Deputy District Attorney III in the Family Protection Division of the North County branch. As part of her current position, she is on the felony trial team and she vertically handles cases that are assigned to her, which range from domestic violence against family members or significant others, physical and sexual child abuse, and elder abuse.
In her spare time, she likes to try new restaurants around San Diego and be with her family. She likes being active and is currently training for her third marathon in December. She runs on the weekends and enjoys tennis, volleyball, cooking, doing crafts, and being a dog mom. She also serves on the board of the Deputy District Attorney’s Association where she oversees planning the events that are held by the association every year including Hail and Farewell, the New Deputy Happy Hour, and the Holiday Party.
What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?
“Being a prosecutor is one of the most fulfilling and purposeful jobs a person can choose. It is a job that is not easy, and can beat you down mentally and physically, but that is so rewarding because of the victims you help. I always wanted to be in a career that allowed me to use my voice to stand up for people who couldn’t or wouldn’t stand up for themselves. I wanted to be able to tell myself every day that I was doing the right thing and seeking justice for our most vulnerable population in family protection: children, the elderly, and those suffering in their own homes at the hands of their family members.”
What is your favorite part of the job?
“My favorite part of the job is the people I work with who make the hard subject matter manageable. The knowledge and mentorship I gain from my colleagues is invaluable and I am so grateful to be surrounded by people who are so good at their craft, and to be able to learn from them.”
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?
“Hispanic Heritage Month to me is a celebration of our culture and a recognition that people from different backgrounds and cultures exist amongst each other. It’s important to me because I feel that being relatable and approachable is extremely important to our community and our victims. It is special being able to serve our Latino community and speak Spanish to victims and witnesses when they are going through the criminal justice system and experiencing trauma and uncomfortable situations. I feel great joy when someone asks me if I speak Spanish and I see a wave of relief come across their face. I feel like they can be comfortable and feel more heard and seen when we can show them we are their equal.”