California Archives - Page 20 of 90

Should CA Release 76K Inmates Early? Patch Readers Weigh In

June 1, 2021June 3, 2021 R H

[patch.com – 6/1/21] CALIFORNIA — The Golden State could give 76,000 inmates — including violent and repeat felons — an opportunity to exit prison early if they exhibited “good conduct.” The state hoped to further trim its prison population in what was once the nation’s largest state correctional system. That decision has drawn ire from 44 district attorneys across the state. They filed a civil lawsuit last week against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to stop the correction system from awarding “good conduct” credits to the 76,000 state…

Unanimous Opposition Repeated During Today’s CDCR Hearing

May 28, 2021May 28, 2021 R H

[ACSOL] For a second time, speakers unanimously stated their opposition today to regulations issued by the CA Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) that categorically exclude registrants and those sentenced to life without parole from re-sentencing opportunities. Today’s hearing followed an initial hearing on May 7 during which technical difficulties that lasted for more than 20 minutes resulted in the inability of many people to speak about the regulations. “ACSOL thanks the dozens of people who spoke in opposition to CDCR’s regulations,” stated ACSOL Executive Director Janice Bellucci. “CDCR is…

CDCR Schedules Second Hearing on May 28 at 10am Regarding Re-sentencing Regulations

May 26, 2021May 30, 2021 webmaster

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has scheduled on May 28, 2021 a second hearing regarding its re-sentencing regulations which categorically deny anyone convicted of a sex offense from re-sentencing opportunities. The hearing will begin at 10 a.m. and be held by telephone only. In order to participate in the May 28 hearing, call 1-877-411-9748 and enter participant code 7405289. “This second hearing is being held because many people who wished to address the re-sentencing regulations did not have an opportunity to speak during the first hearing held earlier…

CA: Another convicted sex offender running for student body president at RCC

May 23, 2021 R H

[pe.com – 5/23/21] For the second time in the past eight years, a convicted sex offender is running unopposed for student body president at Riverside City College, and once again it is generating quite a stir among some students. Since enrolling at RCC in January 2019, Albert Steven Jaramillo, 45, of Moreno Valley has been a model student and taken an active role in student government and leadership. Less than three years since his release from prison, he is seeking office in a special election this week, May 25 through…

CA: Judge continues hearing on relocating sexually violent predator to Twentynine Palms

May 23, 2021 R H

[z1077fm.com – 5/22/21] A hearing was held in Orange County Friday afternoon about whether Lawtis _____, a sexually violent predator, should be located to Twentynine Palms, a city where he has no ties at all. Managing editor Tami Roleff has the details from the hearing… The hearing in an Orange County courtroom began with the judge stating that she had not yet analyzed multiple documents that had been submitted to her—some that had been submitted as late as Friday (May 21)—and that she anticipated having a ruling next week Read…

CA: 2nd sex predator denied placement in East County home

May 20, 2021May 20, 2021 R H

[fox5sandiego.com – 5/20/21] EL CAJON, Calif. — After weeks of protest from community members and local leaders, a judge has ruled that a second man deemed a “sexually violent predator” by the state will not be placed in an East County home. Douglas Badger, 78, will not be allowed to live under supervision in the Mount Helix neighborhood near El Cajon, the San Diego Superior Court announced Thursday. Sexually violent predators — sometimes referred to as “SVPs” — are people convicted of sexually violent offenses and diagnosed with a mental…

Action Alert for CA: Sign the petition “California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation: Prison reform: Voice for the voiceless”

May 18, 2021June 13, 2021 R H

Crystal B. started this petition to CALIFORNIA Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation: The prison system affects thousands of inmates and their loved ones including myself. There are inmates who are excluded from participating in family visits and some groups, groups that are essential to one’s rehabilitation. Before I tell you what group of men I’m talking about let me say this, never judge before you know someone’s story. Everyone deserves a second chance. The group of men I’m speaking of is those with sexual offences. Not only do they fear…

CA: Coalition of district attorneys files legal challenge to new state prison good conduct credits

May 16, 2021 R H

[lakeconews.com – 5/14/21] A group of district attorneys from across California are joining forces to challenge new emergency state regulations that could expand good conduct credits to the majority of state prison inmates. Forty-one elected district attorneys — including Lake County District Attorney Susan Krones — filed a petition with California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Secretary Kathleen Alliso to request the repeal of temporary emergency regulations awarding additional good conduct credits to more than 76,000 state prison inmates, or nearly 80 percent of the state’s prison population. The district…

CA: Sex offender targeted in deadly Wheatland shooting, police say

May 13, 2021 R H

[abc10.com – 5/12/21] New details are emerging surrounding a bomb scare that caused an evacuation in Wheatland. The otherwise quiet community of Wheatland was shaken Wednesday evening after a bomb scare was tied to a homicide. “All of a sudden [I] hear those initial four shots and I go on the couch in the living room with the house wide open,” said Robert Kesterson. “I said, ‘those were gunshots.’” The disturbing events unfolded on G Street next to Kesterson’s home. Wheatland Police say they found 55-year-old Ralph Mendez shot inside…

CA: California laws go easier on rapists who attack their spouses

May 13, 2021May 16, 2021 R H

[UPDATE: California Legislature Stalls Efforts to End Spousal Rape Distinction – newuniversity.org – 5/15/21] [sfchronicle.com – 5/12/21] Stanford law professor Michele Dauber thought pushing for changes to the state’s spousal rape laws would be a no-brainer. After all, this is 2021. In so-called progressive California. Why would anybody support old-fashioned laws distinguishing spousal rape from rape, making the latter subject to far more serious consequences? The legislature would surely rubber-stamp it and quickly move on. Nope. It can’t even get a hearing. “I’m shocked. Absolutely shocked,” said Dauber, best known…

CA: Unanimous Opposition Expressed to Re-sentencing Regulations

May 7, 2021 R H

[ACSOL] During a telephonic hearing marked by significant technical difficulties, more than 20 members of the public expressed their opposition to regulations proposed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) that would exclude groups of people, including those required to register as well as those sentenced to Life Without Parole, from re-sentencing opportunities. A total of 43 members of the public participated in today’s hearing. “If the current version of these regulations is made final, we will challenge the regulations in court,” stated ACSOL Executive Director Janice Bellucci. …

CA: Supervisors approve better public notification of people listed on the registry

May 6, 2021July 8, 2021 R H

[10news.com – 5/5/21] The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved methods intended to increase public notification about people listed on the registry and placement of people labeled as “sexually violent predators”. One way, according to Supervisor Joel Anderson’s office, would be advance notification of the district attorney, supervisors and other community leaders before people convicted of a sex offense are placed in or move into a neighborhood. Based on a recommendation by Supervisor Jim Desmond, the board also approved better notification for Native American tribes, if people…

CA: Registrant Gains Access to Section 8 Housing

May 5, 2021May 6, 2021 R H

A registrant in California has gained access to Section 8 housing. This is a significant change because in the past all California registrants were denied access to Section 8 housing because they were required by state law to register for life. “This is a significant milestone,” stated ACSOL Executive Director Janice Bellucci. “With the help of ACSOL, a registrant was able to persuade the federal government that he is no longer a lifetime registrant.” The registrant, who wishes to remain anonymous, applied to live with his fiance in Section 8…

CA: SJ County loses $220 million because of old criminal records, legislation proposes relief in SB 731

May 1, 2021May 6, 2021 R H

[recordnet.com – 4/30/21] A criminal reform bill is making its way through the California State Senate that could automatically seal criminal records after a person has completed 2 full years out of the criminal justice system. This new bill – SB731 – proposes criminal record relief, where records are sealed after a person has served their time, completed their probation and parole time, and spent 2 years without no new convictions, offenses or charges pending. … Formerly incarcerated people are more likely to experience homelessness – and homeless individuals could have a history of incarceration that’s keeping them on…

CA: East County is ‘dumping grounds’ for sexually violent predators, official says

April 29, 2021 R H

[fox5sandiego.com – 4/28/21] SAN DIEGO – The fight to keep violent sexual predators out of a home on Mt. Helix intensified Wednesday as Supervisor Joel Anderson joined the effort in asking for change. “Sadly, East County has become the dumping grounds for all our sexually violent predators,” Anderson said, claiming roughly 67% of the overall predators have been placed there. “I will not allow my neighbors to be tortured by these violent criminals who are being rewarded for their disgusting behavior,” said Sarah Thompson, a woman who lives in the…

CA Senate Bill 615 Temporarily Suspended

April 27, 2021 R H

[ACSOL] Senate Bill 615, which would have limited the discretion of judges and harmed members of the LGBTQ community, has been temporarily suspended. The suspension is due to the author’s removal of the bill from consideration today by the Senate Public Safety Committee. “Because Senate Bill 615 has been withdrawn from consideration by committee, the bill is suspended for the remainder of this calendar year,” stated ACSOL Executive Director Janice Bellucci. “It is possible, however, that the bill could be advanced next year before the current legislative session ends.” The…

CA: Coalinga State Hospital employee accused of sexually abusing child, deputies say

April 22, 2021 R H

[yourcentralvalley.com – 4/19/21] COALINGA, California. (KSEE/KGPE) – A Coalinga State Hospital employee accused of sexually abusing a child was arrested last week in Fresno County, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed Monday that Baltazar _______, Jr. was arrested by the Sanger Police Department on Wednesday, April 14 for lewd acts with a minor. Read the full article

CA: Aryan Brotherhood defendant says guards at Sacramento prison conspired to kill inmates

April 20, 2021 R H

[sacbee.com – 4/20/21] Lawyers for an Aryan Brotherhood inmate held at California State Prison, Sacramento, have stepped up their efforts to have their client moved to a new facility, filing new allegations that guards there have been involved in killing inmates and planted evidence against others. … Other evidence shows that officers provided the inmates committing the homicide false information that Aguilar was a child sex offender, knowing that the information would cause him to be targeted for murder. After the killing, officers are believed to have falsely reported that…