DATE: April 27, 2010
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Support for AB 1844: Chelsea’s Law (Fletcher)

SUMMARY:
The heinous acts of violence that predators commit against children should be met with the strictest possible punishment after a single conviction. The recent tragic deaths of Chelsea King and Amber DuBois once again demonstrate the sheer evil that sex offenders are capable of inflicting on innocent children.

This Board of Supervisors has a record of making public safety, especially the safety of our children a top priority. We worked hard to establish the sex offender pin map in 2002, as well as offering support for both Megan’s Law and Jessica’s Law. Such resources have helped keep our communities safe by keeping track of sex offenders. But still more needs to be done at the State level to punish and monitor those convicted of sex-related offenses against children.

Chelsea’s Law (AB 1844 – Fletcher) provides a new one-strike, life-without-parole penalty for sexual predators who commit the most heinous violent sex crimes against a child. AB 1844 also mandates lifetime parole with active GPS monitoring for those convicted of felony sex crimes involving physical contact with children and increases prison sentences for certain other forcible sex crimes against children. This legislation would also create misdemeanor charges for felony sex offenders who are found loitering in parks and other places where children gather.

This action will prepare a letter, to be signed by the Chairwoman of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, stating San Diego County’s vigorous support for California State Assembly Bill 1844.

RECOMMENDATION:
Chairwoman Pam Slater-Price and Supervisor Jacob:

Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to draft a letter for signature by the Chairwoman to members of the San Diego delegation in Sacramento and the Governor of California in support of AB 1844 (Chelsea’s Law - Fletcher).

FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action

BACKGROUND:
The heinous acts of violence that predators commit against children should be met with the strictest possible punishment after a single conviction. The recent tragic deaths of Chelsea King and Amber DuBois once again demonstrate the sheer evil that sex offenders are capable of inflicting on innocent children.

This Board of Supervisors has a record of making public safety, especially the safety of our children a top priority. We worked hard to establish the sex offender pin map in 2002, as well as offering support for both Megan’s Law and Jessica’s Law. Such resources have helped keep our communities safe by keeping track of sex offenders. But still more needs to be done at the State level to punish and monitor those convicted of sex-related offenses against children.

It is important to note that past efforts by the County of San Diego to implement tougher laws against sex offenders has been met with opposition at the State level. For example, an effort in 2003 to make the possession of child pornography a felony was defeated in the State Public Safety Committee prior to reaching the floor of the legislature for a vote. Similar resistance was experienced at the State when in 2002 the County Board of Supervisors Board voted to seek legislation that would allow California residents to access via the Internet information about all classifications of registered sex offenders.

However, given the tragic recent incidents in San Diego County, we are hopeful that representatives in Sacramento will now support efforts to protect our children. Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher’s AB 1844 will provide for stricter penalties to those who assault and destroy the lives of our most cherished asset, our children.

Chelsea’s Law (AB 1844 – Fletcher) provides a new one-strike, life-without-parole penalty for sexual predators who commit the most heinous violent sex crimes against a child. AB 1844 also mandates lifetime parole with active GPS monitoring for those convicted of felony sex crimes involving physical contact with children and increases prison sentences for certain other forcible sex crimes against children. This legislation would also create misdemeanor charges for felony sex offenders who are found loitering in parks and other places where children gather.

This action will prepare a letter, to be signed by the Chairwoman of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, stating San Diego County’s vigorous support for California State Assembly Bill 1844.

We urge your support!

Respectfully submitted,

 

Pam Slater-Price
Chairwoman, District 3

Dianne Jacob
Supervisor, District 2