Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 21, 2007

Contact person(s):

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

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

DA’S OFFICE PRESENTS CHAMPIONS OF COURAGE AWARDS AT
NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS LUNCHEON

In its largest turnout to date, over 250 people attended the Fourth Annual National Crime Victims’ Rights luncheon held on Wednesday, April 25th at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek Conference Center. The District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Center helped organize the luncheon, as well as two candlelight vigils, to honor this community’s crime victims and recognize those individuals who provide outstanding services to those impacted by crime.

District Attorney Passalacqua said, "Today’s program empowers victims by giving them a voice and a forum so that they can be heard. The week’s events also serve to raise public awareness and lessen the stigma crime victims feel." District Attorney Passalacqua joined with community leaders in the field of victims’ services and the Sonoma County Law Enforcement Chiefs Association to present the week’s events.

Supervisor Mike Kerns read the resolution from the Board of Supervisors proclaiming April 22 - 28, 2007 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Sonoma County. Similar resolutions were also presented on behalf of Senator Carole Migden, and Representatives Lynn Woolsey and Mike Thompson.

Carole Carrington and her husband Francis were honored for distinguished leadership and outstanding contributions to victims of crime. Carole and Juli Sund and Silvina Pelosso were the three women sightseers who were missing and later found murdered near Yosemite National Park in February of 1999. Carole Sund’s parents, the Carringtons co-founded the Carole Sund/Carrington Memorial Reward Foundation to assist families in need with establish rewards for missing family members.

Additionally, Champions of Courage Awards were presented to the following:

• Agency Award: The Living Room received an award for having the only daytime drop-in program in Sonoma County, specifically serving homeless at risk women and their children.
• Advocate Award: Yuka Kamiishi, YWCA Domestic Violence Counselor at the Sonoma Police Department was honored for outstanding advocacy and outreach on behalf of domestic violence victims.
• Volunteer Award: Santa Rosa Police Volunteer Victim Services Program, one of only three 24-hour on call volunteer advocate programs in the United States, was recognized for their tremendous efforts. The 37-member program, including seven assistance dog teams, response to crime scenes, offering comfort and assistance to victims.
• Courageous Survivors of Crime Awards: There were four victims of crime honored this year:
  • Dorothy Bagwell, who was 84 years old when she was violently car-jacked and suffered a hip fracture, but demonstrated bravery during the incident and court proceedings;
  • The Family of Graciela Rivas, who have been supporting her young son in recovering from the emotional pain of seeing his mother stabbed to death in their home;
  • Patricia O’Reilly, the widow of Daniel O’Reilly who was killed by a drunk driver while bicycling home. Patricia went to Folsom state prison to meet the man responsible, William Albertson, face to face and tell her story of grief and loss;
  • Ken Rossi, who is disabled and blind, and was struck by a car as he was crossing the street in his wheelchair. Though seriously injured, Ken remains upbeat and thankful to be alive.

On Wednesday evening, April 25th, approximately 75 community members gathered for a candlelight vigil in Old Railroad Square, Santa Rosa to remember crime victims. The next evening, Sheriff Bill Cogbill addressed the group who gathered at La Luz Center in Boyes Hot Springs for a similar vigil.