Residency restrictions for most registrants residing in Los Angeles County have been removed, according to a Superior Court decision. The decision, in the form of a blanket stay of enforcement, was issued by Judge Peter Espinoza on March 18.
The stay of enforcement applies to all registrants currently on parole who are unable to find compliant housing. The decision allows the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) an opportunity to request from the court, on a case-by-case basis, an exemption “upon a showing of cause why a parolee is not entitled to a stay of enforcement’.
The decision also notes that CDCR may continue to apply residency restrictions to registrants who “have a history of sex offenses against children and who have recently been determined to be a ‘high risk offender’ from living within a half-mile of a school. The decision remains in effect until the state supreme court completes its review of the case, In Re Taylor.
“This court decision is significant in that it stops the virtual banishment of registrants from living in many parts of Los Angeles county,” stated Janice Bellucci, President of CA RSOL. “Threats by the City Council of Los Angeles to build pocket parks will no longer have the desired effect.”
There are more than 11,000 registered sex offenders in Los Angeles County, according to the California Department of Justice website. It has been reported that there are more than 100,000 registered sex offenders in the state of California.
Woooohoooo!
But we just finished building our pocket park!
– Harbor Gateway
These people just saw this attempt to restrict where registered former sex offenders live just influenced the courts decision by trying to build parks to force RSO’s out. These people HAVE to understand you can’t step on on the constitutional rights of ANYONE.
I applaud Judge Peter Espinosa for stepping in and doing the right thing to prevent many people from being tossed out into the streets. His term on the CASOMB has given him a better perspective of the struggles that registrants face when they’re released from prison and are trying to reintegrate into society. Both he and assemblyman Tom Ammiano have my utmost respect for taking the research they gleaned while serving on the CASOMB and making a conscientious effort to make some crucial changes. And Always Thank You to the crew at CARSOL; It’s good for my soul to see positive things happening.
What is the status of residency restrictions in Orange County now?
This is certainly a step in the right direction. Thank you Janice and CARSOL for the work that you do. You are much appreciated!
When is it.Ventura countys turn? We are la Countys neighbor. How do you start this process?