Senate Leader Atkins Issues Statement on Safety Concerns Regarding Sexually Violent Predator Release

October 5, 2021

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement today regarding community concerns about a sexually violent predator’s proposed placement in the Rancho Bernardo community:

“I share the concerns of the community regarding the proposed placement of a sexually violent predator and I agree that given his history, it was wrong. In fact, I had planned to send a letter to the courts opposing the placement. While that’s no longer needed in this particular instance given that the property owners decided to terminate the agreement placing him in the community, the issue absolutely warrants continued scrutiny. I have long advocated for rehabilitative programs, but I continue to have questions and concerns about the parole process and placement of someone who has committed these types of violent crimes. Community safety remains a top priority for me, and I’m taking a hard look at what the state’s role is in this and what can be done moving forward.”

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Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins