Politics & Government

D.A. Urges Mission Viejo to Pass Sex Offender Park Ban

Tony Rackauckas will attend the Tuesday City Council meeting in support of a proposed ban on sex offenders in city parks.

When the Mission Viejo City Council reconvenes Tuesday night, it will have some company. District Attorney Tony Rackauckas announced Friday he will attend the meeting in support of a registered sex offender ban in city parks and public facilities.

The proposed ordinance makes visiting a city park a misdemeanor for registered sex offenders. The maximum penalty for violating the new law would be six months in jail and a $500 fine if the council approves city staff's draft of the law Tuesday.

proposed the idea Oct. 17, and the council unanimously approved asking city staff to draft an ordinance.

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The law as written would require a signed permission slip from the sheriff for any sex offender to enter a city park.

The ordinance applies to at least 70 city parks, open space areas and public facilities. It bans registered sex offenders from the and the Montanoso Recreation Center. It mirrors which applies to all county parks, harbors and beaches.

Find out what's happening in Mission Viejowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The city worked with the D.A.'s office to draft the ordinance.

Many Orange County cities, including Rancho Santa Margarita, La Palma, Costa Mesa, Lake Forest and Placentia, have discussed or enacted similar laws.


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