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Citizens of Courage 2026 - Group Photo-2

DA Honors Four Local Heroes at 36th Annual ‘Citizens of Courage’ Awards

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan honored four brave individuals today during the DA’s 36th annual Citizens of Courage Awards, held as part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year, National Crime Victim’s Rights Week was observed April 19-25. As part of this annual event, the DA not only highlights the courageous individuals who survived or witnessed a crime, but also the important services that are offered through the largest provider of victim services in the county, the DA’s Victim Assistance program and One Safe Place: The San Diego County Family Justice Centers, which are a project of the DA’s Office.

“Every year, the Citizens of Courage Awards remind us that courage lives within each of us,” DA Stephan said. “The individuals we honor today demonstrate extraordinary strength and resilience in the face of crime, danger and adversity, inspiring us all to stand up for one another and for what is right. This event also shines a light on the many victims our office serves every day in the pursuit of justice and underscores the importance of protecting victims’ rights — core to our mission. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering dedication of our Victim Advocates, whose compassion and commitment make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”

The DA’s Victim Services Division strives to reduce the trauma, fear and pain experienced by victims, witnesses, and family members affected by crime. The Victim Assistance Program provides comprehensive services to all crime victims, while Victim Advocates are focused on providing assistance to victims of violent crimes. In 2025, they assisted 8,523 new crime victims. This assistance included 506 crisis interventions and 10,169 referrals to community resources.

Additionally, our office serves victims even before a police report is made, at One Safe Place: The San Diego County Family Justice Centers, which have two locations; One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center, which opened in San Marcos in July 2022 and One Safe Place: The South County Family Justice Center in National City, which opened in October 2025. Combined, the DA’s two family justice centers have served over 12,587 victims and survivors by providing comprehensive support services under one roof. These visits include services such as case management, restraining orders, trauma therapy, forensic exams, connections to shelter and more.

This year, the Citizens of Courage Awards ceremony was held at the Liberty Station Conference Center in front of more than 300 invited dignitaries, elected officials, community leaders and guests. Below are the 2026 Citizens of Courage recipients and links to videos telling their stories:

  • Marcus Long – When violence erupted, Marcus bravely stepped in to stop a brutal attack and through his quick thinking helped locate the suspect.
  • Alyssa – After surviving sexual assault by a trusted church leader and attempts to cover up by the church she trusted, Alyssa chose resilience over silence, rebuilding her life with courage and refusing to let the trauma define her.
  • Linda Marshall – Targeted in a contractor scam, Linda has remained steadfast and determined throughout the ongoing prosecution, demonstrating unwavering courage in her pursuit of justice.
  • Harmeena Omoto – When confronted with a serious school threat, Principal Omoto responded with calm authority and decisive leadership to protect her students and staff in her school and in court proceedings.

In a special moment, the DA marked seven years since Lori Gilbert-Kaye was viciously murdered while praying at the Chabad of Poway Synagogue by presenting her courageous daughter Hannah with a Citizens of Courage award in memory of her mother.

Photo of Victim Assistance Program Supervisor Annamarie Francisco.

Meet Victim Assistance Program Supervisor Annamarie Francisco

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

Meet Victim Assistance Program Supervisor Annamarie Francisco, who has been at the DA’s Office for the past eight years. She is currently assigned to the North County Branch Superior Court Division. She directly assists victims in the aftermath of a crime – this includes providing emergency-related services like assistance with relocation or funeral/burial expenses through CalVCB; assisting with safety planning and making referrals to One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center or other community agencies to help a victim leave a dangerous situation; providing crisis intervention and always approaching victims with trauma informed care; educating the victim about the criminal justice process, providing updates and accompanying the victim to court; informing the victim of their rights under Marsy’s Law; acting as a liaison between the victim and our office/law enforcement, among other duties. She currently supervises a team of advocates (with Ollie the Court Dog!) in North County, where they work misdemeanors and felonies of all crime types. She also interviews potential candidates for vacant Victim Advocate positions and she present trainings regarding our program to recruits at the San Diego Regional Academy and other community service agencies. Annamarie is also a part of the Crisis Response Team, which is called out to provide crisis intervention to victims of mass violence incidents or incidents that affect the greater community. She is also a member of the San Diego Anti-Hate Coalition and enjoys working with other government and community agencies to combat hate. Within the DA’s Office, she is a member of the Peer Support Team for the office- if you or anyone you know is a DA employee dealing with a critical incident or personal problem and would like to talk it out with a peer, the Peer Support Team is here for you and only a phone call or e-mail away. Read more about what inspired Annamarie to pursue career in law enforcement at the DA’s Office, below, or meet her in THIS VIDEO.

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

“Growing up, my parents instilled within me an appreciation for and purpose in service to country and to the public. My dad was in the chosen three out of 300 applicants to be recruited for the US Navy out of the Philippines – he proudly served for 26 years. My mom did a few years in the County before she went on to have a long career in the US Postal Service. My sister is a Captain in the US Army and many of my aunts, uncles and cousins have served or are currently serving in the armed forces. Victim advocacy is a career that I fell into and ended up falling in love with. Since the first homicide I ever worked, I’ve found purpose in consoling those in crisis, providing information to those who are lost, and acting as an emotional support and guide for victims as they navigate the criminal justice process. I’m proud to be a team member of an office that combats crime, pursues justice, and holds those who threaten our safety and well-being accountable for their actions.”

 

Why is AAPI Month important to you?

“Both of my parents left their home country of the Philippines to pursue the American Dream – the belief that hard work, determination, and grit would bring with it an assortment of opportunities and a better life. I visited my parents’ hometowns in the Philippines, and it gave me a new perspective and a deeper appreciation for all the sacrifices my parents made so that my two sisters and I could have the best of everything. I was also lucky to have grown up with both sets of grandparents, who lived through devastating events like the Bataan Death March during WWII and survived and thrived.  AAPI to me is honoring, remembering, preserving, celebrating, sharing, and all those other beautiful verbs where we come from, who we are, and where we’re going. It’s connecting with people like us, educating others not like us, sharing our tradition and cuisines, and celebrating what makes us unique.”

WATCH a video about Victim Assistance Program Supervisor Annamarie Francisco, here.

Read more AAPI stories from the DA’s Office, here.

The DA’s Office is the Largest Provider of Victim Services in San Diego County

Keeping up with this year’s theme for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week “How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors,” it is a little-known fact that the DA’s Office is the largest provider of victim services in San Diego County. There are currently 20 Victim Advocates in the San Diego County District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Program. In 2023, they assisted 9,942 new crime victims. This assistance included 814 crisis interventions and 11,865 resources and referrals. See what they do, in this video!