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Photo of the four representatives holding up the MOU document, sitting at a table in One Safe Place: The South County Family Justice Center.

DA Announces Expanded Binational Partnership to Strengthen Victim Services Across the Border

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced the renewal and expansion of a binational partnership today, strengthening collaboration between the Attorney General of the State of Baja California, the Baja California Justice Center for Women, and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office Family Justice Centers — One Safe Place North in San Marcos and One Safe Place South in National City. [WATCH ANNOUNCEMENT HERE]

Photo of the four representatives holding up the MOU document, sitting at a table in One Safe Place: The South County Family Justice Center.

DA Announces Expanded Binational Partnership to Strengthen Victim Services Across the Border.

The updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), built upon an existing historical cross-border partnership that began on August 30, 2024, is expanding services and coordination to now include both Family Justice Center locations. One Safe Place: The South County Family Justice Center in National City, which opened in October 2025, was incorporated into the agreement to further extend access to comprehensive victim services throughout the region.

“Abusers, traffickers or anyone who exploits and harms victims do not recognize borders,” DA Stephan said. “With thousands of people traveling between San Diego and Tijuana each day for work, school, and family, we know victimization can happen on either side of the border—and our response must be just as seamless. This renewed partnership strengthens our binational network of support, ensuring victims can access critical services, protection, and justice wherever they are. We are committed to making sure no one is left without help because of geography or language, and that every person who comes to One Safe Place is met with culturally responsive care focused on safety, healing, and justice.”

Since opening in July 2022, One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center in San Marcos and then in October 2025, One Safe Place: The South County Family Justice Center in National City, the DA’s two family justice centers have served over 13,000 victims and survivors by providing comprehensive support services under one roof. Both Family Justice Centers offer trauma-informed, wraparound services under one roof for victims of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse, hate crimes, and other forms of victimization, in collaboration with more than 100 community partners. This includes agencies like the Attorney General of the State of Baja California and the State of Baja California Justice Center for Women, created to prevent violence against women and girls by providing legal, psychological and social services.

The renewed and expanded partnership enhances cross-border coordination, allowing for seamless referrals between agencies and reducing barriers for victims who previously had to cross the border—often facing long wait times—to receive services. The collaboration ensures victims can receive support in the location where they live, work, or feel safe.

Baja California Attorney General Maria Elena Andrade Ramírez emphasized that the continued partnership strengthens binational efforts to provide comprehensive, compassionate care to victims while advancing justice across borders.

“This international cooperation reflects our shared commitment to joining forces across borders to protect those who need it most,” said Baja California Attorney General Maria Elena Andrade Ramírez. “Renewing and expanding this agreement will strengthen referral processes, specialized support, and multidisciplinary services, while also reducing the barriers that have historically limited access to legal, psychological, and social services. Through this binational support network, we aim to provide immediate, gender-responsive assistance while always prioritizing the safety, stability, and well-being of families affected by violent environments.”

Magdalena Bautista, Director of the Baja California Justice Center for Women (CEJUM), noted that expanding the agreement to include both Family Justice Centers marked an important step in increasing access to protection and services, reinforcing the shared commitment to ensuring no victim is left without support.

“This agreement reaffirms the strength of binational and interinstitutional collaboration as a means to expand protection, support, and effective access to justice for women and their families,” Director of the Baja California Justice Center for Women Magdalena Bautista said. “At CEJUM, we reaffirm our commitment to act with sensitivity, professionalism, and compassion in supporting those who need it most, and we are backed by Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda in consolidating a public policy focused on women and justice with a gender perspective. The true strength of this alliance lies in turning binational coordination into real protection and concrete results for women and their families.”

In a separate ceremony on March 26, 2026, the DA’s Office renewed a similar agreement with the Mexican Consulate, which continues to enhance outreach and prevention efforts, including participation in the monthly “Cafecito Con La Comunidad” events held at One Safe Place. These events connect the community with resources, information, and support services.

“Violence against women knows no borders,” said Ambassador Alicia G. Kerber-Palma, Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego. We celebrate this binational cooperative effort that strengthens coordination and support networks to provide greater protection and access to justice for women in our border region. From the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego, we reaffirm our commitment to continue supporting initiatives that promote the dignity, safety, and well-being of our communities.”

One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center is located at 1050 Los Vallecitos Blvd., San Marcos, CA 92069.  The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the first Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

One Safe Place: The South County Family Justice Center is located at 401 Mile of Cars Way, National City, CA 91950. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the second Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The State Baja California Justice Center for Women is located at Avenida Moctezuma #1, Colonia Residencial de Cortez, C.P. 22190 Tijuana, Baja California, with hours of operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

[WATCH a video about One Safe Place: The San Diego County Family Justice Centers, here.]

Photo of Ambassador Alicia Kerber Palma and District Attorney Summer Stephan holding MOU after the MOU signature cermeony.

DA, One Safe Place and the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego Sign Updated Agreement to Support Victims

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan and Ambassador Alicia Kerber Palma, Consul General of Mexico signed today a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that strengthens a vital partnership between the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office One Safe Place: The San Diego County Family Justice Centers, and the Mexican Consulate. The updated agreement reinforces a collaborative commitment to support victims of crime who live, work, or travel on both sides of the U.S.–Mexico border.

The MOU formalizes continued cooperation to connect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, child abuse, and other forms of victimization with critical services in the region. Through this partnership, the institutions will coordinate outreach, share resources, and provide cross-referrals to ensure victims can access culturally sensitive support services regardless of which side of the border they are on.

“Every day, thousands of people move between San Diego and Tijuana for work, school and family, likewise, crime and victimization do not stop at the border, and neither should our support for victims of domestic violence, human trafficking and elder abuse,” said District Attorney Summer Stephan. “Through this partnership between One Safe Place and the Mexican Consulate, we are strengthening a cross-border network of care so victims can access safety, services and justice wherever they are. Our goal is to ensure that no human being falls through the cracks because of geography or language. Our continued collaboration with the Mexican Consulate and innovative leader Consul General Alicia Kerber Palma strengthens trust within our binational community and ensures that victims who come to One Safe Place receive help in their language, in a culturally responsive way, and with a focus on safety, justice and healing.”

Since opening in July 2022, One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center in San Marcos and then in October 2025, One Safe Place: The South County Family Justice Center in National City, the DA’s two family justice centers have served over 12,000 victims and survivors by providing comprehensive support services under one roof. The centers offer assistance to individuals affected by domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, elder abuse, hate crimes, human trafficking, violent loss, and other forms of victimization. Services include legal assistance, counseling, advocacy, and connections to community resources, all designed to support survivors on their path toward safety and healing.

“Providing assistance and protection to the Mexican community is our highest priority, and the MOU that we have signed with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is a strong additional tool with which the Consulate strives to facilitate legal resources, advice, and a more effective access to justice for Mexican nationals and their families who are victims of domestic violence, abuse, trafficking and other crimes,” said Ambassador Alicia Kerber Palma, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego.

The Mexican Consulate in San Diego continues to play an important role as a partner at One Safe Place, participating in community outreach, prevention initiatives, and providing consular services for Mexican nationals. Consulate staff also collaborate on educational events such as “Cafecito Con La Comunidad,” a monthly gathering that connects the community with resources, information, and support services.

One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center is located at 1050 Los Vallecitos Blvd., San Marcos, CA 92069.  The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the first Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

One Safe Place: The South County Family Justice Center is located at 401 Mile of Cars Way, National City, CA 91950. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the second Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

DA Weekly News with DA Summer Stephan 10-23-25 | Grand Opening of One Safe Place South County

In this week’s DA News, District Attorney Summer Stephan shares highlights from the grand opening of One Safe Place: The South County Family Justice Center in National City — a new hub providing hope, healing, and no-cost support services for victims of abuse close to home.

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.

One Safe Place North Celebrates ‘Leap to Confidence’ Graduation

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center celebrated the graduation of 12 women from “Un Salto a la Confianza” (“Leap to Confidence”) which was the first time this program was offered in Spanish to provide more access to more individuals impacted by abuse and violence.. The graduation ceremony was held on Saturday April 26, at One Safe Place. The program was created by the non-profit organization Leap to Success, which is a partner at One Safe Place. Its mission is to empower women who are overcoming domestic violence, homelessness, and other major life challenges to reach their greatest potential by helping them re-build their self-confidence. It is a six-week program that consists of two-hour sessions each week. After the final session, the participants are invited to join empowerment circles for ongoing support.

“One of the pillars of justice in the mission of the DA’s Office, aside from the ethical prosecution of crime, is the prevention of crime and partnerships with the community – ‘Leap to Confidence’ is a great example of fulfilling this mission,” said District Attorney Summer Stephan. “I’m so proud of the 12 women that displayed courage and resilience by taking control over their lives within the supportive environment of One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center. Everyone deserves to live with safety and dignity and ‘Leap to Confidence’ helped them achieve that dream.”

Leap to Success began offering this no-cost empowerment program to women in 2008. Since that time, over 2,500 women have completed their programs, however, until now they have been solely in English. Through grant funding from the Office of Violence Against Women – Improving Criminal Justice, the curriculum was able to be translated and printed in Spanish, and allowed the program to take place on the weekends at One Safe Place.

The graduation on Saturday celebrated the first 12 women who completed the Spanish program, who each spoke about their experience.

“I loved learning stress-reduction practices, especially replacing the phrase ‘I have to’ with ‘I choose to’ – that’s my motivation,” said Rosi, a graduating participant. “I also liked learning that we determine how we want to look and feel.”

“‘Leap to Confidence’ was very meaningful for my present and future,” said Maithee, another graduating participant. “This time, I chose myself.”

The founder of Leap to Success, Dana Bristol Smith, was also at the event and spoke to the graduating participants of the Spanish program, encouraging them with some words of advice: “If you don’t take care of you, you can’t take care of your family. This is a gift you have given yourself that will benefit your families.”

The “Un Salto a la Confianza” program in Spanish is expected to continue at One Safe Place for the next two years and anyone who is interested in participating can get more information at gethope@onesafeplacenorth.org.

One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center is located at 1050 Los Vallecitos Blvd., San Marcos, CA 92069. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 p.m. to 12 p.m.

DA’s One Safe Place honored with SMILE Award

At their regular Tuesday meeting on March 11, the San Marcos City Council presented the San Marcos Inspiration, Leadership and Excellence (SMILE) award to One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center – an organization that provides services at no cost to survivors of abuse and trauma within the local community and North County region.

Mayor Rebecca Jones proudly presented the award to San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, San Diego County Chief Deputy District Attorney Tracy Prior, One Safe Place Executive Director Claudia Grasso, One Safe Place Assistant Executive Director Taraneh Sarebanha and other staff for providing hope, healing and justice to individuals seeking support at One Safe Place.

“As a staunch advocate for community safety, it is a pleasure to shed light on the phenomenal services One Safe Place provides for those in San Marcos and neighboring areas” shared Mayor Rebecca Jones. “From therapy to preparing a safety plan to workforce support, their collective services support our brave community to break through cycles of abuse and inspire self-resilience.” 

The work at One Safe Place transforms the lives of victims each day. One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center SMILE Award recipient for March 2025

“Our passionate staff at One Safe Place saves lives every day and gives hope to those who have lost it,” said District Attorney Summer Stephan. “We greatly value the City of San Marcos’ partnership and are honored by this award. We are continuously improving the services we offer to the community by consistently evaluating what works and what does not for those who come to One Safe Place to seek critical support.” 

Since opening its doors on July 5, 2022, One Safe Place has served more than 7,000 people – 50% of whom have returned for additional support. One Safe Place provides a variety of services under one roof to anyone who has experienced child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, hate crime, elder abuse, human trafficking, violent loss, family violence, or other abuse or victimization.

Through its 108 community partnerships, the organization offers supportive services, including:

  • Trauma treatment
  • Safe housing assistance
  • Crisis response
  • Child advocacy
  • Education
  • Legal assistance
  • Empowerment skills
  • Thriver skills/workforce readiness

“One Safe Place embodies the City’s spirit of service every time they lend a healing hand to our vulnerable community members,” said Mayor Jones. “It’s inspiring to see how One Safe Place compassionately empowers community members to rebuild their future, one day at a time.” 

The organization is currently expanding  to provide additional services that will be available soon. One Safe Place will open a second location in South County later this year to grow its services and support.

“For those experiencing any form of abuse, we want them to know that they are not alone, that they matter, and that they can get the wrap-around services they need to grow from victim to survivor to thriver,” Stephan said.  

For more information, visit onesafeplacenorth.org. If you or someone you know is in need of services, please call 760-290-3690 or email gethope@onesafeplacenorth.org.

 

About the San Marcos City Council’s Civic SMILE Award

There are often community members who rise to the top – clearly reflecting the San Marcos ‘Spirit of Service.’ That’s why San Marcos City Council members initiated the Civic SMILE Award recognition program in March 2021.

Five times each year, a community member is chosen by a specific City Council member to receive recognition and be presented with a San Marcos Inspiration, Leadership and Excellence (SMILE) Award during a City Council meeting.

For more information about the recognition program, visit San Marcos Civic SMILE Award.

Meet DA Investigator Tony La Dell

In honor of Black History Month, which is celebrated throughout the month of February, the DA’s Office is featuring stories of employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service.

Meet District Attorney Investigator Tony La Dell, who has been at the DA’s Office for five years. He is currently assigned to One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center, where he works with 120 partner agencies to support victims of crimes. His job includes safety planning for victims, firearms recovery and other investigations, maintaining the overall security of the office, and developing policies and procedures for One Safe Place. Read more about what inspired him to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

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

“I chose a career in public service because I wanted to have a direct, positive impact on the lives of others. I also knew, based on my skill set and having participated in sports all my life, I had the tools to potentially be the kind of police officer who would contribute positively to the community. By contributing positively to the community that improves people’s well-being, I felt like I would be doing something meaningful with my life. I also had some great mentors, starting with my late father, who served in the Korean conflict and was wounded in combat, and my childhood wrestling coaches who were both former police officers.

Prior to joining the DA’s office, I was a police officer with the San Diego Police Department and then the Department of Justice for a combined 35 years. I thought I was ready for retirement but realized I had more to offer in public service, landing the perfect position at One Safe Place to finish my law enforcement career helping victims of crimes!”

Why is Black History Month important to you?

“Black History Month means looking back at the impact Black pioneers and leaders have had on our community, organizations, and cities. It means celebrating and honoring the legacy these pioneers and leaders have laid for future generations to follow. It means supporting the advancement of the Black community amidst the racial injustices that continue to happen throughout the U.S. today. It means educating myself further and honoring the fact that we would not be where we are today without the innovative contributions these Black leaders and pioneers have made — and to remind myself daily that Black history cannot be contained to a single month but should be celebrated and remembered year-round.”

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.

One Safe Place Celebrates 2 year anniversary

One Safe Place Celebrates 2-Year Anniversary

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced that One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center in San Marcos, is celebrating its two-year anniversary and has released an Impact Report, which highlights the achievements and services offered at this state-of-the-art Family Justice Center. The report was released during a celebration at One Safe Place on Monday with more than 100 community partners, leaders and dignitaries in attendance. WATCH a video of the 2-year anniversary celebration below. Read more about the milestones accomplished by One Safe Place, here.

 

The First Two Years of One Safe Place.

DA’s One Safe Place Hits Milestone of Supporting More Than 6,000 People in North County

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced that One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center in San Marcos, is celebrating its two-year anniversary and has released an Impact Report, which highlights the achievements and services offered at this state-of-the-art Family Justice Center. The report was released during a celebration at One Safe Place on Monday with more than 100 community partners, leaders and dignitaries in attendance.

Watch a video of the two-year anniversary celebration, here. You can read the complete Two-Year “Impact Report” for One Safe Place, here.

“For two years, One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center became a place for hope, healing and justice for over 6,000 victims and survivors including more than 2,000 children,” said DA Stephan. “Our collaboration with an unprecedented 107 community and government partners, especially Palomar Health and its nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center, allows us to meet the safety and health needs of every person who walks through our doors from help with trauma services, restraining orders, sexual assault and domestic violence examinations to connections with housing and jobs that allow victims to live with dignity and safety.”

Since opening on July 5, 2022, One Safe Place has supported more than 6,000 people, provided legal services to over 1,600 people, and received more than 14,000 calls to its helpline. The center serves as a community hub, where more than 23,000 people have taken part in various public safety-related events, trainings and meetings. One Safe Place provides support services all under one roof to anyone who has experienced any type of crime or victimization. Currently, One Safe Place collaborates with some 107 community organizations and agencies from across the county.

The two-year history of services offered at One Safe Place include:

  • Adult forensic examinations following a sexual assault, performed by trained health care professionals who assess a victim’s health care needs, coordinate treatment for any injuries, offer support and crisis intervention, and collect and document any potential evidence. More than 280 adult forensic evidentiary exams have been conducted.
  • A nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center which has conducted more than 100 medical exams and 578 forensic interviews with children and teens since opening.
  • Crime victims have received over 10,000 services including safety planning, resource navigation, hands-on assistance with applications for services, and more.
  • Palomar Health Trauma Recovery Center therapists conducted 6,756 therapy sessions with children, teens, and adults.
  • 1,358 individuals helped through a restraining order clinic.
  • 440 crime victims were helped to obtain safe shelter and housing.
  • One Safe Place provided food, clothing, shoes, and over 30,000 packs of diapers in our first two years.

The two-year anniversary celebration included formal remarks from San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones, Carlsbad Police Chief Christie Calderwood, Palomar Health Executive for Strategic Planning Sheila Brown, and Mexican Consul General Alicia Kerber-Palma.

Three survivors who have received services at One Safe Place spoke at the ceremony, including Amy, who took part in a mentorship program called Pathways and a summer camp called Camp Hope, designed for children who have experienced trauma.

“Pathways events have helped me feel normal, when everything in my life at the moment was everything but normal,” Amy said. “One Safe Place has become my safe haven. I can confidently say I feel safe when I am here. Every single person here, with a simple hello, has made me feel valued.”

As part of the two-year anniversary celebration, a conference room was dedicated and named after Dr. Wilma Wooten, retired San Diego County Chief Public Health Officer and was named the “Dr. Wooten Health and Healing Collaboration Space.” Dr.Wooten was a champion for victims recognizing the importance of collaboration between public health and public safety professionals. The onsite Forensic Health Services Suite was also named the “Cathy McLennan Forensic Health Services Suite” named after the late Cathy McLennan, a nationally recognized forensic interviewer from Palomar Health who dedicated her career to the protection of children.

One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center is located at 1050 Los Vallecitos Blvd., San Marcos, CA 92069. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on the first Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.