On May 23, 2008, I lost a friend of 23 years to a senseless crime. My friend, Vahid Hosseini, was only 47 years old when he died. Vahid was a son, a brother, a husband, a father of two beautiful daughters, a small business owner, and a beloved member of the community.
Vahid owned the Willow Market in San Jose, a few blocks from Bank of the West, on First Street. One day, Vahid went to the bank to withdraw money for his check cashing business. As he was leaving the bank, three men came up from behind, robbed him in broad daylight, shot him execution style, and left him to die in the parking lot. To my deep sadness, Vahid passed away from his gunshot wound on June 3, 2008.
I’m very proud to say that, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the San Jose Police Department, Crime Stoppers, and members of the community, police recently arrested five suspects involved in Vahid’s murder. The investigation of is still ongoing.
In an effort to honor the memories of my friend Vahid, Officer Jeffrey Fontana, victims of violent crime, their families, and the SJPD, I have organized a neighborhood safety vigil.
Please join us outside City Hall on Tuesday, June 9th, from 7 to 9 p.m. as we gather to support the silent majority of San Jose residents and our wonderful police department.
Speakers and honored guests will include:
- Dolores Carr, District Attorney of Santa Cara County
- Hon. Pete Constant, San Jose City Council
- Bobby Lopez, President, San Jose Police Officers’ Association
- Randy Sekany, President, International Association of Fire Fighters Local 230
- Jim Cogan, President, Crime Stoppers
- Sandy Fontana, mother of slain San Jose police officer Jeffrey Fontana
- Cassandra and LeeAnn Hosseini, Vahid's daughter and widow
Posts
Kathleen:
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing this. Too often we forget the crime has victims. It's good to remind city leaders that these days as they make decisions about budgets and staffing and other things that impact our city and our neighborhoods. Good luck with event and I'll try and be there.
Will the Mayor Reed be there or any of the Board of Supervisors? If not, they should be. This is important for Vahid and other victims so our top officials should be respectful.
ReplyDeleteKathleen thank you for supporting the victims of violent crimes in this way. They are to quickly forgotten. Each crime committed has a person that will forever be marked by that crime. I have been a cop for thirty years and seen too many victims that are scarred. The system is geared for the protection of the criminals with little regard for the victims. I will be there tomorrow for the victims that I have seen over the years and that I have never forgotten.
ReplyDeleteI believe the term "suspects" would then warrant "allegedly" before "involved".
ReplyDeleteI believe it's still being investigated, correct? If all 5 suspects are in fact guilty, we should maybe wait for someone more qualified than yourself to make that distinction.
Either way, it is terrible what happened, and I sincerely hope those responsible are held accountable.
Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteSince there are eye witnesses then suspects involved would be correct. What an unfeeling thing for you to post on a story like this.
To Kathleen and the Hosseini family, I'm deeply sorry for your loss. I will be attending the vigil tonight. God Bless.
My best wishes and prayers to the families of the ones who lost someone to senseless violence. Our family member was also murdered in San Jose so I understand and share your pain. I hope the alleged criminals do not get off like the murderer who killed my uncle.
ReplyDeleteThe worst part is the murderer still walks free today and only get off because he wore a badge. Really unfortunate what we as families are forced to endure. But we carry on as our love ones would like us to.
I want to thank the hundreds of members of the community who attended the vigil, and for sharing your stories of loss. Your courage and strength is empowering. Remember that you are not alone. Our deepest sympathies go out to you, your family, and friends.
ReplyDeleteTo the cab drivers of San Jose, thank you for educating us on the dangers of your job, and for sharing the story of the loss of your coworkers to violent crime. Please stay safe.
To the Fontana, and Hosseini families, thank you for having the courage to fight back, and for sharing your stories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
To our Police Officers, thank you for your service and dedication to the citizens of San Jose, and for sharing your stories of loss. We support and deeply appreciate you!
To:June 8, 2009 11:49 Anonymous.
ReplyDeleteCorrect to a point. Once they have been arrested and charged, they become "the accused". And once they have been arraigned, they become "the defendants".
Was Raj and his band of malcontents here to honor the victims of crime? I doubt it....
ReplyDeleteAnonymous asked, "Was Raj and his band of malcontents here to honor the victims of crime?" No they weren't. Did you think they would be? They're too busy defending the rights of criminals to care about the victims left behind.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kathleen for putting this rally/vigil together. It is about time that the silent majority was heard.
Thank you for putting this together. I hope you do it again next year.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss. Vahid was a good man, and his family is very brave.