In the news

06/30/2006

Contra Costa Times

Governor names new victim advocate
Schwarzenegger vows support for victims' rights, monitoring of offenders
By Chris Metinko
STAFF WRITER

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger continued his tough-on-crime talk in Oakland this week with a promise to support new rights for crime victims and more determined monitoring of the state's worst sex offenders.

Speaking before crime victim advocates and local law enforcers Tuesday at the Alameda County Family Justice Center, Schwarzenegger also announced the appointment of Susan Fisher to the newly created position of crime victim advocate. She most recently was chairwoman of the state's Board of Parole Hearings.

"Being victimized is a life-altering experience," Schwarzenegger said. "Too often, we focus on locking up the criminal and putting more cops on the street. But there's one very important part of the equation that is too often neglected ... and those are the crime victims and their families."

Schwarzenegger continued to pound the crime-and-public-safety drum Wednesday during a Sacramento press conference with state public safety officials.

The governor's focus on crime shouldn't come as a surprise, said Sherry Jeffe, a University of Southern California political scholar.

"Every governor does this," Jeffe said. "I would be astounded if he didn't bring up the issue. It may not be one of the top issues in this governor's race, but it's not an issue any candidate can ignore."

Jeffe said while Schwarzenegger hasn't really established much of a reputation on crime, he nevertheless can tout his background against his November challenger Phil Angelides, who as state treasurer has little experience dealing with crime.

This week Schwarzenegger also announced his support for a crime victims' bill of rights proposed by Assemblywoman Nicole Parra, D-Hanford. The measure would allow victims to contact directly district attorneys prosecuting serious, violent crimes and to speak at parole hearings.

06/27/2006

Gov. Schwarzenegger Visits the Family Justice Center
to announce his Sponsorship of a Crime Victims
Bill of Rights andto Announces New Crime Victim Advocate