July 2025 Newsletter
2025 CVU Scholarship Winner:
Sophia Zanoni
Crime Victims United is proud to announce Sophia Zanoni as the recipient of our 2025 Annual Scholarship, awarded to a student who exemplifies resilience, leadership, and a passion for justice.
After the brutal 2022 murder of her aunt, Rachel Jade Smith, Sophia faced deep personal tragedy. Her aunt’s death—an act of domestic violence—shook her close-knit Filipino family. In response, Sophia became a source of strength for her adopted sister (Rachel’s daughter) and their grandmother, using writing and reflection to process the trauma.
Now, Sophia is ready to speak out—raising awareness about violent crime and turning her pain into purpose. An exceptional student, Sophia recently completed the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, maintaining a 3.75 GPA while excelling in advanced coursework across literature, math, history, biology, and world religions. She also balanced a demanding academic load with athletics, part-time work, karate training, and volunteer service at a horse rehabilitation facility.
Her teacher, Kara Diederichs, shared: “Sophia is an outstanding individual in every aspect. Her humor and personality brighten my days, and her work ethic is remarkable. She’s intelligent, compassionate, and always willing to go the extra mile to help others.”
Sophia plans to become a nurse—the first in her family to graduate college—so she can serve people in crisis and bring healing to those in vulnerable situations.
Her courage, drive, and heart for others embody the mission of Crime Victims United. We are honored to support her journey and proud to name her our 2025 scholarship winner. Sophia will be formally presented with her scholarship check at the Annual Auburn Rib Cookoff.
Where Smoke Meets Purpose
Get ready, Auburn—the grills are heating up! The 8th Annual Auburn Rib Cookoff returns to Auburn Recreation Park on Saturday, August 23rd, and it’s shaping up to be the tastiest event of the year.
Twelve competitive cook teams will battle it out for BBQ bragging rights, serving up their best ribs while guests sample, vote, and savor every bite. The park will be packed with live music, cold drinks, family activities, and a full lineup of vendor booths offering something for everyone.
More than just a good time, this event fuels a powerful cause. Proceeds support Crime Victims United’s mission to advocate for victims, promote public safety, and provide scholarships to survivors and their families.
Come hungry, leave inspired—this is BBQ with a purpose.
Take Action: Help Secure Funding for Prop 36
Although California voters passed Proposition 36 with overwhelming support, Governor Gavin Newsom has refused to include dedicated funding for the law in the state budget. Citing a large budget deficit, he has left local governments to shoulder the financial burden, making it difficult for counties to expand probation, treatment, and court services essential to the law’s success. Without this funding, the promise of Prop 36—to hold repeat offenders accountable while providing meaningful treatment alternatives—cannot be fully realized, putting victims and communities at risk.
Crime Victims United urges you to raise your voice and demand that Governor Newsom and state legislators prioritize funding for Prop 36. By contacting your representatives, you can help ensure that vital resources are allocated to support victim safety, effective offender rehabilitation, and stronger public safety measures. Your advocacy is crucial to holding our leaders accountable and making sure the law works as California voters intended. Please take a moment today to reach out and insist that Prop 36 receives the funding it deserves.