In May, Santa Monica resident Debra W. Yang became the first Asian-American to become a U.S. Attorney. Yang, who before being nominated by the White House and the U.S. Senate to become Los Angeles’ U.S. Attorney, was a judge in Santa Monica Superior Court.
A native of Los Angeles, Yang considers herself a Santa Monica local because she was here before the Third Street Promenade became the hot spot of the city. Yang said she will focus her work as U.S. Attorney in combating terrorism and civil rights issues. Now that Los Angeles has a new police chief dedicated to curbing the city’s gang activity, Yang most likely will focus her efforts in prosecuting gang members as well.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 31, 2002. Read the original PDF.