Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 09/20/06

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Assistant District Attorney Christine Cook

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

DISTRICT ATTORNEY HOSTS FIRST STATE WIDE GANG SUMMIT

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that his office will host the 2006 California Gang Summit the first week in October in Santa Rosa. The California District Attorney’s Association and the Sonoma County Law Enforcement Chiefs’ Association are co-hosting the event. This first state wide forum on criminal street gangs is being presented in partnership with the Institute for the Advancement of Criminal Justice, the District Attorneys for the counties of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Fresno, Sacramento, and San Francisco, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

District Attorney Passalacqua stated, "This is a unique opportunity to inform the public of the regional importance of working together to reduce and prevent gang activity in our communities." The Summit will emphasize the regional nature of gang activity in California and will focus on prevention efforts to discourage our children from associating with criminal street gangs. Various community based organizations offering intervention and prevention programs will staff informational tables.

On the afternoon of October 2, 2006, the Gang Summit will be open to the public at no charge beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek, 170 Railroad Street, Santa Rosa. There will be panel discussions from 1:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. on the subjects of Gang Trends and Community Based Support for You and Your Child.

At 5:30 p.m., there will be a Town Hall Meeting at the same location. Sonoma County Supervisor Valerie Brown will make the opening remarks. District Attorney Passalacqua will moderate a panel of speakers who will address the subject of California Gang Activity and What is Being Done to Address It. Speakers on the panel are: Senator Carole Migden, Sonoma County Sheriff Bill Cogbill, Santa Rosa Mayor Jane Bender, Reverend James E. Coffee of the Community Baptist Church in Santa Rosa, San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos, Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carl Wong.

On October 2 and 3, 2006, law enforcement officers and prosecutors from across the state will be receiving continuing education on subjects related to gang recognition and suppression efforts. Attorney General Bill Lockyer will address the peace officers and prosecutors as the keynote speaker at a luncheon.

To register: http://www.sonoma-county.org/da/index.htm or call (707) 565-8250.