Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 04/06/05

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant DA Greg Jacobs

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

The Governor and the Board of Supervisors Proclaim the Week of April 10-16
as National Crime Victims' Rights Week

Sonoma County District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Board of Supervisors presented his office with two separate proclamations designating April 10-April 16 as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Sonoma County. Both proclamations are displayed in the lobby of the District Attorney’s Office. Next week marks the 25th Silver Anniversary of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week which was started in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan.

At a tribute to crime victims rights in California, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, sponsored by the Office of the Governor, the California District Attorney Association, and the Institute for the Advancement of Criminal Justice, Governor Schwarzenegger recognized the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Center for over twenty five years of service to crime victims. "Crime victims deserve a strong network of family, community members and service providers that offer essential services, " said Governor Schwarzenegger. This week, Supervisor Mike Kerns singled out District Attorney Passalacqua and Director of the District Attorney Victim Assistance Center Tracy Lamb for "their leadership in heightening the sensitivity of crime victim issues ."

The theme of National Crime Victims Rights week is "Justice isn’t served until all victims are." "It is an opportunity to reflect on the tragic impact of crime on victims," said District Attorney Passalacqua . On Monday, April 11th, a luncheon will be held to honor the courage and strength of survivors of crime, and to recognize individuals and agencies that are dedicated to helping crime victims. The guest speaker will be Vincent Maggio--a story of strength and courage. On Wednesday, April 13th, at 6 p.m. a candlelight ceremony and a special bell ringing will take place at the courthouse located on Administration Drive in Santa Rosa.