City Considering Banning Sex Offenders From Parks

With the county already having banned registered sex offenders from its parks, and several surrounding cities considering similar measures, Fountain Valley has begun the process of creating its own policy that would prohibit sex offenders in its parks.

City Manager Ray Kromer said the ordinance is in the process of being drafted by City Attorney Alan Burns, and that the city would look closely at how similar policies are received and implemented in other surrounding cities, especially Huntington Beach. He said the city could decide to submit an ordinance to the city council by the end of the summer.

In April, the Orange County Board of Supervisors passed the countywide ban, which applies to county parks like Mile Square Park, as well as the Orange County Zoo and some harbors and beaches. Under the county law, any sex offender entering a park without written permission faces a misdemeanor charge. The Sheriff's Department will be responsible for deciding on any exemptions.

On the local level, Fullerton passsed an ordinance earlier this year prohibiting sex offenders from being within 300 feet of parks, schools and daycare centers.