Politics & Government

Loma Linda Officially Places Limits on Where Sex Offenders May Live

An ordinance now requires sex offenders to live 2,000 feet or more from schools and parks.

Loma Linda on Tuesday joined the list of cities to adopt an ordinance that set specific restrictions on registered sex offenders in the city.

Within 30 days, any sex offender who moves into the city cannot live within 2,640 feet of a school or within 2,000 feet of a park or day care center, officials said.

Currently, there are 25 registered sex offenders in the city. None of them are out of compliance, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s officials, who provide police services to the city. And none of them are subject to the new ordinance.

Find out what's happening in Redlands-Loma Lindawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Only offenders who move to the city after the ordinance takes effect will be subject to it, officials said.

The council had addressed the issue during two prior meetings, but held off making a decision until staff could expand the definition of park.

Find out what's happening in Redlands-Loma Lindawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Included in the definition of park is hillside conservation area and Edison easement,” said Richard Holdaway, Loma Linda’s city attorney.

Sheriff’s officials say they keep close tabs on registered sex offenders, said Jim Black program coordinator for Offender Watch.

He also said that not all those convicted of sex offenses are registered. There are three levels, or tiers, of sex offenders. Tier one are typically the peeping toms types.

“They have to register with the police, but they are not included on the website,” Black said. He estimated there may be about 30 in the area of Loma Linda.

“I wouldn’t say they're not dangerous, but none is a heinous offender,” Black said. “But studies have shown that many offenders start as peeping toms.”

Tier two are registered, but not necessarily featured on the websites such as Megan's Law, Black said. They are also primarily non-violent offenders.

Tier three is made up of the most serious offenders, officials said.

And because there is always a chance for a sex offender to reoffend, the council decided to officially adopt the ordinance, which is taken from the State’s Sexual Predators and Punishment and Control Act.

The council voted unanimously for the ordinance during its regular City Council meeting.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Redlands-Loma Linda