Politics & Government
Butterfly Release to Mark Victims' Rights Ceremony
From 6 to 7 p.m. in Veterans Memorial Park, Napa County officials observe National Crime Victims' Rights Week and Sexual Assault Awareness Week, with additional emphasis on bullying and hate crimes. By Bay City News Service.
Napa County officials commemorate National Crime Victims' Rights Week this evening with speeches, music and the release of 300 painted lady butterflies at Veterans Memorial Park downtown.
Kathy Gee, whose son Anthony Gee, 16, of Fairfield, was fatally shot at a party in American Canyon on Jan. 27, 2007, and Napa County District Attorney Gary Lieberstein will speak at the 6 p.m. ceremony.
Jamie Johnson, director of the Napa County District Attorney's Office's Victims' Services Division, said Napa Emergency Women's Services is co-hosting the event, which also coincides with Sexual Assault Awareness Week.
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This year's commemoration also recognizes children who are victims of bullying, and hate crimes against gays and lesbians.
"The theme changes every year. This year we're trying to reach every victim, especially the forgotten ones," Johnson said.
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"Crime affects everyone -- parents, children, extended family and the community," Johnson said.
Gee will speak about overcoming her grief and the process of evolving from victim to survivor, Johnson said.
The release of the butterflies -- 200 from a box with netting on the sides and 100 from individual envelopes -- will occur around 7 p.m., Johnson said.
The dormant butterflies were shipped overnight Friday from a Florida company in small boxes encased in Styrofoam and chilled with ice until today, Johnson said.
By Bay City News Service.
