Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 04/12/06

Contact person(s):

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

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

SECOND ANNUAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRIDE LUNCHEON

Sonoma County District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced that the second annual District Attorney Pride Luncheon was held Friday March 31st, for members of his office. This luncheon was "an opportunity for our office to take pride in the quality of services we render to the public,"said District Attorney Passalacqua. Over 100 members of the D.A.’s office came together to recognize and congratulate a number of their colleagues for their extraordinary achievement, dedication to the office and to the community that they serve. Awards were presented to members of the office for their service to the community in 2005.

Prosecutor of the Year Awards:

• Chief Deputy District Attorney Diana Gomez for Felony Prosecutions: She was described as a "true trial attorney who is as tough as nails and has a positive attitude and zest for her work." She was successful in several trials involving crimes committed by gang members.
   
• Deputy District Attorney Robert Waner for Special Prosecutions: He was commended for his trial work on many cases, such as People v. Vanguilder, a complex and serious case in which the jury returned guilty verdicts on several counts of attempted murder. He was described as someone who maintains the "highest of standards and prosecutorial ethics."
   
• Deputy District Attorney Karina Kowler for Misdemeanor Prosecutions: She was recognized for her diligent work inside and outside of the courtroom. A dependable person who is always willing to assist her colleagues and who conducted three jury trials during the year.

Investigator of the Year Awards:
Kris Allen and Roz Eliaser received Investigator of the Year Awards for their commitment to serving the public. Ms. Allen performed extraordinarily on child abuse prosecutions during 2005. Ms. Eliaser was credited with having returned 15 abducted children to custodial parents during the past 18 months.

Greg Jacobs Public Service Awards:
These awards, named after the former Assistant District Attorney who retired last year after thirty-one years as a prosecutor, were presented to Karen Olson, Mary Ann Nelson, April Chapman, Andy Mazzanti and Donna Edwards, for their extraordinary efforts in the office and to the public at large.

Excellence in Support Service Awards:
Recipients these awards were presented to Lacey Green, Trina Smith and Darlene Vanderpool for their outstanding professional assistance to staff.

Outstanding Victim Support Awards:
Recipients of these awards were presented to Janeann Dawson and Michelle Carstensen for their compassion and commitment to assisting victims of crimes.

Special Recognition Award:
D.A. Investigator Bob Simerson received the District Attorney Special Recognition Award for his professional and overall outstanding assistance to prosecutors and victims of crime.

Gene L. Tunney Professional Integrity Award:
District Attorney Passalacqua presented this award, named after retired Sonoma County District Attorney Gene Tunney, who held office from 1974 to1995, to the Honorable Ken Gnoss who retired from the District Attorney’s office in October 2005 after Governor Schwarzenegger appointed him as the new Superior Court Judge. "I always considered integrity the hallmark of a successful prosecutor, "said retired District Attorney Tunney in a letter read at the event. Retired Assistant District Attorney Ken Gnoss received this award for consistently performing with the highest ethical standards.

Pride Luncheon Award Recipients 2006