Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 03/13/06

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Larry Scoufos

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

DISTRICT ATTORNEY SPEAKS WITH YOUTH GROUP

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that he and members of his office attended the Redwood Empire Chinese Association’s Youth Group meeting on March 3, 2006. At the invitation of the association's president Nancy Wang, the District Attorney provided an overview of the prosecutor's office to the youth and parents in attendance. He also emphasized the important role of education in our society and the need for young people to be involved in positive activities such as sports, the arts, and volunteering.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Diana Gomez addressed the group and discussed how good choices can be made to avoid negative conduct by members of criminal street gangs.

Sally McCarthy, Director of the District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Center, was also in attendance and discussed issues involving victim’s rights with the group.

There was a question and answer session during the evening and a traditionally prepared Chinese dinner for all to enjoy. District Attorney Passalacqua stated, "It is extremely important that we work together to reduce crime in the community, including educating our youth."

Please see the attached photograph taken of District Attorney Passalacqua, President Nancy Wang and others in attendance that evening.