CRIME VICTIMS GET THERAPY D.A.'S PROGRAM RECEIVES ADDITONAL GRANTS, WILL EXPAND SERVICES.

Byline: Sabrina Decker Staff Writer

Only now can Sam Zarra of Ojai matter-of-factly describe the circumstances surrounding his son's 1999 murder.

The police came to his apartment on Sept. 24, 1999, investigating a complaint of a loud party, Zarra says. His 18-year-old son, William, told officers that the party was across the street. A few minutes later, angry partygoers, including a dozen gang members, converged on the Zarras' apartment complex. William armed himself with a bat and went outside to defend his neighbors.

The group attacked several neighbors, and William Zarra was fatally stabbed and bludgeoned with his bat and a shovel. Three of the attackers ultimately were convicted of second-degree murder in the teen's death.

During the investigation and subsequent trial, the father says, he got emotional support through the Ventura County district attorney's Crime Victims Assistance Program.

``They helped me secure some emotional help, so I wouldn't become another victim,'' he said.

``I am able to function and be in the now,'' Zarra said. ``I've had my dreams, and I've had my nightmares, but all this counseling has really helped out.''

Now Zarra has been invited to sit on a new board to speak to community groups about their experiences with the program.

``It's helpful to have a victim's perspective,'' said Catherine Duggan, director of the program.

The board is one of several new efforts to help crime victims and spread information about where they can get services.

Three new state grants, totaling more than $275,000, were recently awarded to the district attorney's program, and a continuing grant was increased by $30,000.

With $54,000 in grant funds, Valerie Cirino-Paez was hired as an advocate for crime victims with disabilities and as a trainer for police officers and others in the criminal justice system on how to work with handicapped victims.

``This is really going to open up the opportunities to expand services and do outreach,'' said Cirino-Paez, who has received extensive training in working with the disabled.

Two advocates also will be hired to work with minorities.

For treatment of abused children, centers in Simi Valley and Ventura will be financed with $136,000 in grant funds, Duggan said.

Grants also will pay for telephone service for victims of stalking so they can call a special number for help.

``I think these advocates have done such a tremendous job putting this together,'' Deputy District Attorney Leila Henke-Dobroth said at a recent reception for the newly named Ellie Liston Crime Victims' Assistance Program.

Duggan is the first to head the program on a long-term basis after a series of interim directors.

Through the program, prosecutors also can bring in nonstaff specialists from other agencies and nonprofit organizations to help victims, especially in cases of child abuse, domestic violence and rape. Superior Court Judge Charles Campbell said the program was among the first of its kind offered by a district attorney.

``I remember when they (victim advocates) weren't here, and police officers had to do this themselves,'' said Simi Valley police Lt. Rex Jones.