NEWS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
MEDIA ADVISORY

January 25, 2001

OAKLAND PROTECTS CHILDREN FROM SEX OFFENDERS
Citywide Partnership Extends Reach of Megan’s Law into Community

Oakland, CA – Honoring his commitment to enhance the safety and quality of life in Oakland, City Attorney John Russo initiated an alliance with Oakland Police Chief Richard Word and Schools Superintendent Dennis Chaconas to renew the City’s efforts to protect children using Megan’s Law from molesters and abductors.

In a news conference at Franklin Year-round School on Tuesday, Russo, Word and Chaconas will unveil a new approach to educate parents and guardians about how they can protect their children against sex offenders and arm parents with tools and resources they need to keep their children safe.

WHAT:
News Conference

DATE:
Tuesday, January 30, 2001

TIME:
11:00 a.m.

LOCATION:
Franklin Year-round School
915 Foothill Boulevard, Oakland, California

WHO:
John Russo, City Attorney
Chief Richard Word, Oakland Police Department
Dennis Chaconas, Superintendent, Oakland Unified School District
Jeanette MacDonald, Principal, Franklin Year-round School

Megan’s Law was named after seven year old Megan Kanka, who was murdered by a registered sex offender who lived across the street from her. Megan’s parents were determined that other children should be better protected from such predators, and through their initial efforts, Megan’s Law was adopted across America. Megan’s Law allows law enforcement agencies to release information about the identification and general location by zip code of registered sex offenders so parents and caretakers can shield their children.