DA Summer Stephan

DA Issues Statement; Deploys Victim Services/Crisis Response Team to Assist Victims of Islamic Center Shooting:

“Words cannot adequately express the heartbreak and trauma caused by today’s shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, where innocent lives were lost. A place of worship and learning should always be a place of peace, safety, and community, never violence. Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this devastating attack. The District Attorney’s Office has deployed its special prosecution and investigation team to support the San Diego Police Department and law enforcement partners in getting all the answers needed to keep our community safe from further harm. The District Attorney’s Office Victim Services/Crisis Response Team is actively working with victims, families and community to provide services needed at this critical juncture. Victims, parents, students and employees of the Islamic Center and school along with impacted community members of this incident can call 619-531-4041 for help. Please contact police or the FBI to report anything suspicious.”
- DA Summer Stephan

You can also email [email protected]

On Friday, San Diego County District Attorney DA Summer Stephan joined Supervisor Joel Anderson, San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Kelly Martinez, and San Diego Assessor - Recorder - County Clerk Jordan Z. Marks for a major press conference on proposed San Diego County Charter reforms.

On May 19, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors will consider ITEM 25, on the agenda, "Adopting a Revised Resolution of the Board of Supervisors Proposing Amendments to the Charter of the County of San Diego entitled ‘A Transparent, Accountable, Modern County Government,’ and Amending the Ordinance ‘Modernizing The San Diego County Charter to Strengthen Transparency, Accountability and Independent Oversight’." This is a revised charter reform proposal that preserves important accountability measures while removing misleading and problematic provisions contained in the original proposal (ITEM 24).

The revised measure supports meaningful reform while ensuring voters clearly understand what they are being asked to approve. It protects transparency, strengthens independent oversight, and prevents political interference in county operations.

Key differences between the proposals and why you should consider supporting ITEM 25:

1. Protects transparency and voter trust
The revised proposal removes misleading language regarding term limits and ensures voters receive clear and accurate information about proposed changes.

2. Prevents self-serving term expansions
ITEM 25 preserves the current two-term limit for sitting supervisors and ensures any future changes apply prospectively rather than benefiting current officeholders.

3. Safeguards independent county operations
The revised measure removes provisions that would allow political influence over county staff, contracting, and purchasing decisions.

4. Strengthens truly independent oversight
ITEM 25 maintains accountability reforms while establishing independent auditing protections free from political pressure.

5. Removes unlawful and confusing provisions
The revised proposal eliminates language concerning constitutional offices that are by law outside the authority of the county so not to create legal confusion and mislead voters.

Good government reforms should be honest, transparent, and designed to serve the public interest, not create confusion or expand political power.

Community voices matter, and public testimony will help shape this process. We respectfully encourage you to make your own decision whether you want to join DA Stephan in supporting ITEM 25 at the May 19 Board of Supervisors meeting.

There are several ways to participate:

Submit a written comment: https://sdcounty.granicusideas.com/meetings/2282-board-of-supervisors/agenda_items?

Register to provide testimony by phone or in person: https://publiccomment.sandiegocounty.gov/

More information about participating in Board meetings: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/bos/comment-at-board-meetings.html?

San Diego residents deserve reforms built on clarity, accountability, and public trust.

WATCH the full livestream as County leaders discuss the proposal and the importance of accountability, transparency, and good governance for San Diego County residents: https://youtube.com/live/p6Ff1j3ale4?feature=share

Today, San Diego County District Attorney DA Summer Stephan joined leaders from Baja California, CEJUM, and the Mexican Consulate in San Diego to renew and expand a historic binational partnership dedicated to supporting victims and survivors on both sides of the border.

The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding strengthens collaboration between One Safe Place: San Diego County Family Justice Centers in San Marcos and National City, the Baja California Attorney General’s Office, and the Baja California Justice Center for Women to ensure victims have greater access to safety, services, protection, and justice—regardless of language or geography.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to standing with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, child abuse, and other crimes through trauma-informed, culturally responsive care.

READ MORE and WATCH highlights from today’s press conference and ceremonial MOU signing: https://danewscenter.com/?p=10176

EN ESPAÑOL: https://danewscenter.com/?p=10181

“This crew violently targeted lucrative luxury merchandise transported by FedEx. Their crime spree is over, and these defendants will begin facing justice and accountability for their bad acts. These items are stolen with the express purpose of eventually being sold to unsuspecting consumers. We are grateful to the San Diego Police Department and the FBI for their partnership in this investigation and helping identify the defendants.”

Join the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and the Alzheimer’s Association for a senior health and wellness awareness event.
As financial crimes continue to rise, we will discuss how to reduce the risks of becoming a victim, especially for those who are the most vulnerable.
DATE: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
TIME: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
LOCATION: Southeastern Live Well Center
5101 Market St., San Diego, CA 92114
See the flyer for more details and share with anyone who would benefit from this!

Join the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and the Alzheimer’s Association for a senior health and wellness awareness event.
As financial crimes continue to rise, we will discuss how to reduce the risks of becoming a victim, especially for those who are the most vulnerable.

DATE: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
TIME: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
LOCATION: Southeastern Live Well Center
5101 Market St., San Diego, CA 92114

See the flyer for more details and share with anyone who would benefit from this!

It was an honor to speak this Saturday at the BRAVE Conference at the Salvation Army Joan Kroc Center, where nearly 200 young girls came together to learn, grow, and support one another. This powerful event is dedicated to empowering at-risk teens with the knowledge and confidence they need to help prevent human trafficking.

I shared with these incredible young women that they each have value, strength, and a voice—and that trusting their instincts and speaking up can make all the difference. When we invest in education and empowerment, we create a safer future for everyone.

I’m grateful to be part of efforts like BRAVE that uplift and protect the next generation. 💜