I am an example of what a safe place to study and learn and a healthy relationship with law enforcement can engender. My family started off in Baldwin Park, a suburb of L.A. with an underfunded school system and an increasing problem with violence. My parents worked hard to leave once we all saw a gun battle outside my bedroom. But while my family moved, my father began a career as an L.A. County Firefighter/Paramedic stationed in Baldwin Park.
I grew up in a somewhat diverse community with a solidly middle class school system. And, I had a good relationship with law enforcement, eventually going on ride-alongs and bringing friends, not with my city’s police department, but with the department that covers Baldwin Park. Eventually, I embarked on a journey to become an attorney, attending UC Riverside for my undergraduate work and Columbia Law School for my J.D. I have been in private practice for nearly 30 years, most in San Diego. I currently represent victims of Ponzi schemes and other similar large financial frauds.
My commitment to making this community and the world a better place extends well beyond the courtroom. I have been a member and director of Old Mission Rotary for over 15 years. I have also served on the board of the San Diego Education Fund, stewarding fundraising efforts and an endowment to provide scholarships for underserved students and especially those aiming to become teachers in the community.