My motivation in writing this article series at this time is to put a spotlight on the vital issue of violence in the workplace. I had been planning to write this series in the future but now it takes precedence over other subjects. This week, a story unfolded in Santa Cruz, California that is very close, both in geographical proximity to my business, as well as on a personal level.

On Wednesday evening, June 14, 2006, an applicant attorney, Jay Bloombecker, was shot and killed by a disgruntled injured worker. This incident occurred right in our community, where Mr. Bloombecker and his family reside. The situation has far-reaching impacts on both a professional and personal level.