DISTRICT ATTORNEY ROD PACHECO JOINS
2008 NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK OBSERVANCES
"A VICTIM'S VOICE WILL BE HEARD"

RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA, April 14, 2008: Thousands are expected to join District Attorney Rod Pacheco, Sheriff Stan Sniff, Police Chief Russ Leach along with crime victims and survivors, community leaders, law enforcement, and special guests including Kim Goldman, Mark Klaas, Erin Runnion, Michael Reynolds, Linda Soubirous, Christine Ward, former NFL linebacker Chris Claiborne and Susan Fisher from Governor Schwarzenegger's office for a week long series of events to mark the beginning of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 13-19. These events will coincide with other activities held across the state and nation to honor crime victims, their families, and those who protect and serve them.

"This is a time when we pay tribute to crime victims and to recognize the devastating impact of crime on individuals, communities, and our nation. It is also a time to honor the brave men and women who protect and serve them. A victim's voice will be heard this week throughout Riverside County," said District Attorney Rod Pacheco.

The Riverside County District Attorney's Office will commemorate National Crime Victims' Rights Week with special events from April 14-18 including a Victims' Rights March, Candlelight Vigils, and a Guardians of Justice Luncheon.

The week kicks off with three candlelight vigils on Monday at the Temecula Community Center in Temecula, on Tuesday at Palm Desert Civic Park in Palm Desert and on Wednesday at the Historic Courthouse in Riverside. The candlelight vigils begin at 7:00 p.m.

On Thursday, thousands are expected to join together for a Victims Rights' March from the Riverside County Administrative Center to the Historic Courthouse. District Attorney Rod Pacheco, Sheriff Stan Sniff, and Police Chief Russ Leach will address the crowd along with special guests Kim Goldman, Mark Klaas, Erin Runnion, Michael Reynolds, Linda Soubirous, Christine Ward, former NFL linebacker Chris Claiborne, and Susan Fisher from Governor Schwarzenegger's office. The march begins at 11:30 a.m.

The week closes with a Guardians of Justice Luncheon on Friday at noon at the Riverside Convention Center. The event will pay tribute to crime victims and survivors and honor service providers, law enforcement professionals, and community leaders for their united efforts in strengthening justice.

In addition to the Victims' Rights Week events, District Attorney Pacheco has implemented new programs so that crime victims continue to have a voice in the criminal justice system. The Victims' Rights Project was launched in August, 2007 to ease the burden to crime victims by helping them to understand and obtain their rights.

For additional information about National Crime Victims' Rights Week, please contact the Riverside County District Attorney's Office at (951) 955-5400 or visit www.rivcoda.org.