VOTE411 Voter Guide

I am dedicated to serving the public and will work to make sure our courts work for our community.

As a trial lawyer for 32 years and a public servant with the California Office of the Attorney General for the last 19 years, I have always been an advocate for equal justice and equal access to justice. I believe strongly in supporting the rule of law, and I am committed to ensuring that our courts fulfill their important role in our democracy.

As a judge, I will approach all cases with an open mind, carefully consider the law and facts in every case, and consider the impact of my decisions on our community. I will treat all people who come before the court with dignity and respect.

I have the legal experience and knowledge needed to be a good judge, and the common sense and compassion needed to be a great judge.

At the California Department of Justice, I work in the Civil Division as a Supervising Deputy Attorney General. Before joining the DOJ, I was a partner at a national law firm. I have tried cases in state and federal court and handled complex areas of law throughout my career. I have tried jury trials and bench trials in civil, criminal, juvenile dependency, and administrative law cases.

My commitment to the law and our community goes beyond my day job, and I have volunteered countless hours to organizations that uplift others – including serving as President of California Women Lawyers, as Co-President of the Tom Homann LGBTQ+ Law Association, and as a founding member of the San Diego Unity Bar. I also have served on the boards of Lawyers Club of San Diego, the San Diego County Bar Association, and other nonprofit organizations.

I have been honored with the 2025 Outstanding Service by a Public Attorney Award from the San Diego County Bar Association, the 2021 Public Lawyer of the Year award from the California Lawyers Association, and the 2014 Community Service Award from Lawyers Club of San Diego.

Our judicial system is a pillar of our democracy, and San Diego is fortunate to have judges who are committed to providing fair and equal treatment for all. But the judicial system can be difficult and confusing for the average person to navigate, especially when dealing with whatever stressful situation has led to the need to go to court.

I want to make sure that every person who appears in court gets to have their voice heard and is treated fairly and with dignity. Our courts should continue to expand the resources available to help litigants, especially those who are not represented by attorneys, understand court procedures and have their cases heard.

Our courts also should build upon the collaborative court programs – such as Drug Court, Veterans Treatment Court, and Homeless Court – that provide criminal defendants with options and alternative solutions, with the aim of reducing recidivism, increasing positive behaviors, improving the quality of life for individuals and their families, and maintaining public safety.

Rehabilitation efforts also are necessary for public safety. The reality is that most offenders serve their sentences and return to the community; they are not locked away for life except for the worst crimes. Because of this, it makes sense to offer incarcerated offenders – where possible – programs focused on education, life skills, job-training, and drug treatment to try to reduce the rate of recidivism when they are released.

For several years, I have participated in the “Success Inside and Out” program at the Las Colinas women’s detention facility along with District Attorney Summer Stephan and many of our local judges. This annual program features panels on topics like continuing education, organizing finances, reunifying with children, and breaking past bad habits.

I have volunteered for and support these programs because I care about our community and want to help ensure that our justice system is just that – a system of justice.

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