Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 10/12/06

Contact person(s):

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

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

CALIFORNIA GANG SUMMIT SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDED

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that the statewide Gang Summit co-hosted by his office, the California District Attorneys Association and the Sonoma County Law Enforcement Chiefs’ Association was successfully concluded last week. The two day conference was attended by over one hundred fifty law enforcement officials from throughout the state and approximately one hundred fifty community leaders and members of the public.

District Attorney Passalacqua stated, "This was a great opportunity to share information and discuss ways of dealing with gang problems we’re experiencing throughout California. We’re hopeful that everyone came away with ideas to help guide our children away from criminal street gangs." He also acknowledged and thanked 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 for the partnership they provided at the seminar.

Some of the highlights of the Summit included a keynote address by Attorney General Bill Lockyer, a question and answer session with a former gang member, and a Town Hall meeting in which Lateef Williams, "Witness of the Year" and a victim of gang violence in Los Angeles, encouraged the audience to stand up to gangs and to get involved in their communities to help end gang violence. Lateef’s comments were consistent with the Summit’s overall message that the whole community, including parents, community and faith-based groups, teachers and positive mentors, must get involved to assist law enforcement in combating gangs through intervention and prevention.

The photographs below were taken during the conference by photographer Owen Shirwo.