Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 04/09/08

Contact person(s):

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

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PROCLAIMS APRIL 13 - APRIL 19, 2008 NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution yesterday proclaiming  April 13 - April 19, 2008  National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.  Sheriff Bill Cogbill, Director of Health Services Rita Scardacci, Director of Human Services Jo Weber and DA Passalacqua joined together in requesting this resolution. These county partners will join next week, with other law enforcement and community partners, including the YWCA, United Against Sexual Assault, and the California Parenting Institute, to honor crime victims and raise awareness about the challenges they face.

District Attorney Passalacqua said, “This week is a time to reflect on what each of us can do to ensure that crime victims achieve justice.  Any one of us can become a crime victim at any time without notice, and we rely on each other to get through that ordeal.”

In 2004, the District Attorney’s Office was one of sixty jurisdictions nationwide to receive a Department of Justice grant to put on events to raise public awareness on victims’ rights and victims’ services during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.  This year marks the 28th annual observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and the 5th annual celebration held here in Sonoma County.  This week is the focus of special activities organized by the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office, community leaders, law enforcement and victim service professionals.  This year’s theme “Justice for Victims. Justice for All.” reminds us all that justice for crime victims benefits the entire community.

On Wednesday, April 16, 2008, the National Crime Victims’ Rights Awards Luncheon will be held at the Mary Agatha Furth Center in Windsor from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Marc and Violet Klaas, founders of KlaasKids, will be honored at the luncheon.  Fourteen years ago, Polly Klaas was kidnapped and murdered by Richard Allen Davis. This horrific crime touched so many people’s lives and raised awareness regarding crimes perpetrated against children nationwide.  Marc and Violet Klaas established the KlassKids Foundation in 1994 to create a legacy in Polly’s name to protect children for future generations.  In 2001, Marc Klaas co-founded BeyondMissing, an internet based system providing law enforcement agencies with a secure medium to create and distribute missing child flyers. Mr. Klaas also sits on the advisory boards of the Center for the Community Interest, Fight Crime Invest in Kids, and the National Children's Advocacy Center.

In addition to honoring the Klaas’ compassion and generosity, awards will be presented at the luncheon to victims, service providers and agencies who have made a difference in our community this past year.  Supervisor Valerie Brown will present the Board of Supervisors’ Resolution at the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week luncheon.

In addition to the luncheon, there are currently three candlelight vigils planned:

• City of Sonoma Vigil: Monday, April 14 at 6:00 pm. on the Plaza.
• Santa Rosa Vigil: Tuesday, April 15 at 6:00 pm at Depot Park in Old Railroad Square.
• Petaluma Vigil: Thursday, April 17 at 6:00 pm. at Walnut Park.

The vigils provide an opportunity for families, friends, volunteers, service providers, and the entire community to recognize and honor crime victims.  The names of loved ones victimized by crime will be read at these solemn and uplifting ceremonies. Call the Victim Assistance Center at 565-8250 for additional details or with the name of a loved one you would like to have read at the ceremonies.

Please join the District Attorney’s Office and our distinguished partners in observing this important week by participating in one or more of these special events.  All are welcome.

Please see the attached flyers for more information on the luncheon and the vigils:

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2008 Vigils
National Crime Victims' Rights Week 2008 Luncheon

These documents are saved in Adobe Acrobat format and you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the reports. Visit our page to download Acrobat Reader.