City Bans Sex Offenders From Parks

A law that bans sex offenders from city parks and recreational facilities won approval Monday from the Mission Viejo City Council.

In a 4-0 decision, with Mayor Frank Ury absent, officials gave final approval to the measure, which makes it a misdemeanor for registered sex offenders to visit Mission Viejo open spaces, athletic fields and parks without permission from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

 “What it [the new law] effectively does is create a protective barrier for the adults and children in the community,” the city attorney said.

Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas attended that meeting to show his support for the measure.

The maximum penalty for violating the new law would be six months in jail and a $500 fine.

Originally, the item was scheduled to be approved on the consent calendar without discussion.

However, Councilwoman Cathy Schlicht, who proposed the idea in October, said she wanted to talk about the issue a second time because she “felt it did not get the proper hearing that it deserves.”

Schlicht, who thanked her fellow councilmembers for their “unanimous support,” said the law would keep “predators away from our parks and away from our children.”

The ordinance takes effect in 30 days.

Other business

• City Councilmember Trish Kelley said she wanted residents to be aware of the Capistrano Unified School District’s plan to change the boundaries of its school board trustee areas. CUSD’s two draft maps would divide the district's territory in the city into two or three trustee areas. Click here for more information.

• The City Council will hold an emergency meeting at 5 p.m. Jan. 25 to discuss the dissolution of city’s redevelopment agency. In late December, the state Supreme Court upheld a ruling that eliminates redevelopment agencies across the state.

• The Mission Viejo Relay for Life begins Jan. 19. Click here for more information.