More than 100 parents, school leaders and police officers met at a school in Chula Vista Friday to discuss their concerns regarding more than a dozen sex offenders who live in the area – some right next to a school.
A community meeting was held at Feaster Elementary School on Flower Street. The Chula Vista Police Department and school officials presented information to parents about the 13 sex offenders in the area.
Officials said having that many sex offenders in the vicinity is not unique to the school, but they wanted to have a discussion with parents to make sure they’re aware of the situation and ensure parents are taking the necessary steps to keep their children safe going to and from school and while playing outside with friends.
Many of the sex offenders in the area live within walking distance of the campus, including one sex offender who lives right next door to the school.
Parents at the meeting, including Yolanda Holt, walked away with a lot of tips on how to discuss the matter with their children.
“It’s up to the parents. It really is up to the parents,” said Holt, who is now working with fellow parents and law enforcement to start a neighborhood watch program near the school.
“We need to take the situation into our own hands and let these people know that they’re not going to mess with our children,” Holt added.
Parents were particularly concerned about the sex offender who lives on the other side of the fence of a school playground where kids play every day.
“He’s in a trailer park right next to the playground and he has full view and access to all these kids out there – and that’s what really upsets me,” said Valerie Downey, a Feaster Charter School grandparent. “He’s too close. He’s way too close to the school.”
Downey asked the school to block off the fence so the playground would be out of sight from the sex offender’s home.
Downey, along with others at the meeting, urged parents to write to their senators to support the changing of a law so sex offenders have to live a certain distance away from schools.
“I don’t know where they need to put them, but it’s not right next door to a school. That’s just what’s so frustrating to me,” she added.
A this handout was given parents by officials, which included tips on how to talk with children about safety.
The tips included, in part:
- Inform children that it is wrong for adults to engage children in sexual activity
- Listen to your children. Pay attention if they tell you that they do not want to be with someone or go somewhere. This may be an indication of more than a personality conflict or lack of interest in the activity or event.
- Make an effort to know the people with whom your child is spending time.
- Knowledge is power. This is especially true for protecting children from sexual assault. Teach your children about their bodies, give them the correct language to use when describing their private parts. Emphasize that those parts are private.
