Assemblywoman’s Purse Snatched

Assemblywoman Cathie Wright (R-Simi Valley) was returning to her condominium after a party for legislators late Wednesday when a man snatched her purse--which contained her identification cards, credit cards, keys and a silver dollar she was given 24 years ago by her late husband when they were dating.

Wright, 57, said that, as she approached the steps to her South Sacramento home about 11:30 p.m., she was startled by a young man who said hello. As she returned his greeting, she said, the man grabbed her purse and fled.

Sacramento Police Sgt. Bob Burns said Thursday that police are investigating the purse snatching.

Although Wright said she was not hurt by the thief, she remained shaken Thursday by the loss of her purse. “I can’t even identify myself. You feel so naked because you don’t have anything, not even lipstick,” she said.