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Second Quarter Review
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Newsletter: July 2026
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In this issue:
Message from District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson
Welcome to the third edition of The DA’s Docket. We hope this newsletter provides a helpful look at the work of the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office and our ongoing efforts to promote public safety and justice.
This edition is orange in recognition of Gun Violence Prevention Month, which takes place in June. Orange is a symbol of remembrance, urgency, and action. It represents the victims and families affected by gun violence and the responsibility we all share to prevent future harm. For our office, that means advancing prevention strategies, supporting survivors, holding people accountable, and working with community partners to protect lives.
This issue highlights several important efforts, including our new Gun Violence Restraining Order resource hub, the launch of our Hate Crime Hotline, our observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, and our continued work to protect survivor services, address organized retail theft, and secure justice. Each of these efforts reflects the same commitment: to be present in the community, responsive to those most impacted by harm, and focused on building a safer and more just Alameda County.
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Hate crimes and hate incidents harm individuals, families, and entire communities. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has launched a new Hate Crime Hotline to help victims and witnesses connect with the office and receive follow-up support.
Community members may leave a brief message after experiencing or witnessing a hate crime or hate incident. Callers should include their name, phone number, key details about the incident, and, if available, the suspect’s name and incident location.
Messages are reviewed daily, calls will be returned as soon as possible, and assistance is available in multiple languages. Call (510) 208-4824 — because hate should never go unanswered.
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 District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson recognizes the devastating impact of gun violence on our communities. As part of a pilot program to help prevent firearm-related harm and mass shootings, the DA’s Office is launching a new website expanding access to information on Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs).
The site explains how GVROs work, who is eligible, and how to request one if someone you know may pose a risk. All required forms are also available for download.
This initiative allows the DA’s Office to take a more proactive role in assessing threats and preventing violence before it occurs. Supported by U.S. Department of Justice research showing GVROs can help reduce gun violence and mass shootings, the program is a key step in strengthening public safety and saving lives in Alameda County.
Visit the website for more information.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a time to honor survivors, uplift victim advocates, and reaffirm the importance of victims’ rights. This year’s theme, Listen, Act, Advocate, reminds us that victims and witnesses deserve to be heard, supported, and treated with dignity and compassion.
On April 21, DA Ursula Jones Dickson received a Proclamation from the Board of Supervisors, reinforcing this commitment.
Throughout the week, the DA’s Office stood with the community—hosting a resource fair at the Family Justice Center on April 23 to connect survivors and families with housing, employment, and counseling services, and convening a Faith Leaders Roundtable on April 24 to listen to concerns and strengthen community safety.
Victim Witness Advocates at the April 23 Resource Fair.
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office continues to address organized retail theft by focusing on the workers, business owners, and community members harmed by these crimes. In June, District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson joined local law enforcement partners for a retail tour to better understand safety concerns and the impact of theft on employees, customers, and businesses.
Separately, the District Attorney met with a local chamber of commerce to hear directly from business leaders about the economic and community impacts of retail theft. The Office also helped organize a countywide effort opposing AB 2108 and advocating to preserve accountability measures for repeat theft offenses. In 2025, the DA’s Organized Retail Theft Vertical Prosecution Unit helped recover more than $1 million in stolen merchandise, underscoring the Office’s commitment to supporting victims, protecting communities, and pursuing accountability.
DA Jones Dickson & team met with law enforcement officials to discuss the impact of organized retail theft, June 30th.
 DA Jones Dickson Presenting 2026-2027 Budget to the Board of Supervisors
At a time when survivor services face serious federal and state cuts, District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson presented a balanced budget to the Board of Supervisors that protects essential programs. The DA’s Office worked collaboratively to help address countywide budget shortfalls while maintaining critical supports, including the Trauma Recovery Center, Family Justice Center, and Victim Witness Assistance Division. The Office also successfully secured additional funding for expert witnesses to help expedite the handling of homicide and mental health cases. The budget meets growing legal mandates and public safety needs while reflecting fiscal responsibility and a clear commitment to survivors.
Learn more about the DA's budget.
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On June 30, Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced that a jury found Victor Frieson guilty of Second-Degree Murder, Torture, and Corporal Injury to a Spouse with Great Bodily Injury for the March 1, 2024, killing of 25-year-old Zoe Nika Reidy Watts in Oakland. Evidence showed that Zoe and Frieson were in an on-and-off dating relationship for less than one year and had two reported domestic violence incidents in San Francisco and Oakland. On March 1, 2024, Frieson assaulted Zoe inside his Oakland apartment, causing fatal injuries.
“Today’s verdict delivers justice for Zoe. While no verdict can restore her life, we hope it provides accountability and peace,” said Ursula Jones Dickson.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 17, 2026, at the René C. Davidson Courthouse.
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 Denim Day, April 29
 Faith Listening Session, April 24, Asian American, Pacific Islander Listening Session, May 1
 Combating Organized Retail Theft, April 8,
Uplifting the Voices of Small Businesses, May 28
 Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 21, Supporting Family Justice Centers, June 8
 Children's Memorial Day flag raising, April 24.
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Victims' Rights
In Alameda County, our justice system is dedicated not only to holding offenders accountable but also to restoring the dignity, security, and peace of those who have been harmed. Under the leadership of District Attorney Jones Dickson, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office works to ensure that victims of crime know their rights and that those rights are honored at every stage of the process.
Through the Victim Witness Assistance Division, trained advocates support and empower victims and witnesses by reducing the trauma of victimization, protecting their rights, and connecting them to essential services that promote healing, safety, and recovery. Advocates guide clients through each phase of the criminal justice process, serving as liaisons between victims, prosecutors, law enforcement, and community partners. All services are free of charge and available to every victim and witness, regardless of immigration status, income, language, or background.
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How to Pursue Restitution
Restitution is one of your rights as a victim of a crime. Restitution means that offenders must repay victims for financial losses caused by their crimes— including property damage, medical expenses, counseling costs, or lost wages. It is not a favor; it is a right.
Judges can order restitution as part of the sentencing of the defendant, and the District Attorney’s Office works to make sure those payments are pursued and enforced. Restitution helps victims rebuild their lives and restores a sense of justice beyond conviction.
The DA Restitution Unit obtains court-ordered restitution from offenders. Advocates can guide victims with restitution requests.
If you or someone you know needs help seeking restitution, contact the Victim Witness Assistance Division at (510) 272-6180. To find out more about the services provided, go to the Victim Witness Assistance Division webpage.
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Click on the image to visit our online newsroom for a closer look at how our work is being recognized and shared across the county.
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