I am Sharon Ransom and I am seeking a seat as a Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge. First and foremost, I am a community leader, volunteer, and a loyal public servant. I served 17 years as a dispatcher for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. I have served the past 18 years as a Deputy District Attorney with Los Angeles County. I am uniquely suited for this Judge seat because of my life experience as a person born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, as well as my professional experience as a prosecutor and attorney for the People of the State of California. I am ready to Lead!

I am a true Angeleno who understands the wide-ranging needs and desires of the people of Los Angeles County. That understanding, for me, began early. As I was entering junior high school, the City of Los Angeles implemented a new program to bus kids from the inner city to the San Fernando Valley to integrate students. I attended El Camino High School in Woodland Hills, CA. It was here I began to really understand the power of people when they bond together and unite. And even though the people I interacted with may look different than me or come from different cultures, when our hearts and minds were connected on one accord, the possibilities were endless. We are stronger together!

In 1987 I held my first career position as a dispatcher for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. I served for more than 17 years in this challenging job. As a dispatcher, I had to make quick decisions, which were literally life or death consequences. Not only did I become aware of the damage crime and violence brings to the community, but I also became aware of the value of family resources and government programs available to the community. Throughout my 36-year career as a public servant, I have come to place a high value on “Community Policing”. Law Enforcement officers working hand in hand with the community in an honest and open relationship promotes understanding, transparency, and accountability.

While working as a Sheriff’s Dispatcher, I decided to continue my education at El Camino College, where I earned an Associate Degree in Administration of Justice. I continued my education journey at California State University, Los Angeles where I obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. While matriculating at California State University, I received a diagnosis of breast cancer. I was devasted and broken hearted. I fought back and persevered despite my diagnosis.

Two years after completing treatment, I received the unthinkable news that the cancer had metastasized to my lung. I underwent intensive treatment at City of Hope Cancer Center. While fighting for my life, I made a pledge to fulfill all my life’s goals – which included attending law school. As soon as I was cleared by my oncologist, I attended law school at the University of West Los Angeles, School of Law as an evening student, part time. I also served as Vice President of the Black Law Students Association and I volunteered at the Harriet Buhai Center, assisting low-income applicants for legal services.

In 2005, I was hired by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office as a Deputy District Attorney (DDA). I have proudly served as a Deputy District Attorney for the past 18 years. I have conducted 45 jury trials numerous court trials, and have been assigned to various key departments, including the Victim Impact Program, the Elder Abuse Unit, and the Major Narcotics Unit. I am currently assigned to the Mental Health/Psychiatric Unit.

As a DDA, I have volunteered in Project Lead, a program designed to teach fifth graders about
the criminal justice system and the importance of making good life decisions. I have also
volunteered in the Teen Court Program, a diversion and prevention effort to reduce recidivism among first time juvenile offenders, and the Center for Assault Treatment Services (CATS) training victim advocates. In 2014, I was honored to receive an award during national Victims’ Rights Week recognizing my tireless efforts on behalf of the victims of crime.

I have truly come to recognize how precious life is and I value every moment. I am who I am
because of my family, friends, and my community, which I love. My life experience has given me a unique perspective and a depth of empathy and fairness that will make me an outstanding addition to the Superior Court.