Related Articles
-Editorial
Law Day 2024 was celebrated at the Imperial County Superior Court with great enthusiasm and the opportunity to make connections. This annual event, which takes place at the beginning of May, brought together law enforcement agencies, non-profit organizations, and residents to celebrate the rule of law and foster trust in the legal system.
“As a court, we work directly or indirectly with the agencies here present. We are trying to make this event better every year so that people can enjoy it,” said Rodolfo Quintero, Chief Financial Officer for Superior Court.
From understanding civil and criminal procedures to accessing vital services, court staff offered extended hours to assist people with their concerns. Attendees also had the opportunity to have a tour of the court and meet the judges in person.
Lupe Quintero has worked with California Rural Legal Assistance for nearly 50 years and is now CRLA’s Director of Community Workers. Quintero said that one of the most important things about this event is to let people know about their rights.
“People don’t know their rights in the area we are providing information today such as housing issues, education, and labor,” Quintero said. “That’s why it is important to participate in Law Day because you have to inform people about the regulations and the law so that workers protect themselves.”
Guillermo Fernandez Villalobos, administrative services manager for the Imperial County Department of Child Support said that this was an opportunity to provide legal information to the residents.
“We provide services to help families and children so they can receive education, housing, food, and clothing,” Fernandez said.
The Imperial County District Attorney’s Victim Witness Program was present at the event. The program has trained and experienced victim advocates to work with victims, witnesses, and their families throughout and beyond the criminal justice process.
Marquez expressed deep pride in the program, emphasizing its vital role in assisting individuals navigating the aftermath of crime, often during their most challenging moments. Through compassionate guidance, the program helps victims understand and access available services tailored to their needs.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness San Diego and Imperial Counties, an affiliate of the grassroots nonprofit national NAMI organization and NAMI California, was established in 1978 to serve as a community advocate for mental illness. Their threefold mission includes providing support to individuals and families affected by mental illness, educating the public to combat stigma and ignorance surrounding mental health, and advocating for enhanced mental health research and services nationwide.
“We want to create awareness that there is support for mental health and trying to reduce the stigma. That’s why we love talking to the community and also to other organizations because, at the end of the day, we are one big family,” said Luz Pinto from NAMI.
