California officials are trying for the third time since 2021 to place sexually violent predators

For the third time in recent years, officials are considering placing Merle Wakefield, a sexually violent predator, in a San Diego County community, this time in Poway.

Wakefield’s placement has been a challenge, with one proposed location in Mount Helix drawing swift and vocal criticism from nearby residents in 2021 and another being canceled later that year so Wakefield could receive more treatment.

This week, he was offered a new home at 15720 Sycamore Canyon Road, just north of the Goodan Ranch Reservation. A strong opposition is already forming.

If approved, Wakefield, 67, would become the eighth sexually violent predator to be housed in a community in San Diego County.

A hearing to discuss the suggested placement has been scheduled for 9 a.m. Aug. 9 in Department 1704 with San Diego Superior Court Judge Yvonne Campos. Public comments will be accepted until July 22 by email at [email protected], by phone at (858) 583-7238 or by mail to SVP Release/SAFE Task Force at 9425 Chesapeake Drive, San Diego, CA, 92123 .

Depending on the court’s decision, comments may also be accepted during the August hearing.

Community members and elected officials did not wait to object.

Poway Mayor Steve Vaus said placing Wakefield would be a “ticking time bomb” because the proposed home is close to several horse facilities where women and girls often train.

“Poway will stand together to say: Not here, Not now, Never!” he said of the location.

Resident Amanda Corona, who lives down the street from the proposed site, said in an email that an elementary school, popular trailheads and parks are all within a mile or two of Wakefield’s suggested address. She said the placement would pose risks “to the safety of our community, especially our children and families who frequent these areas.”

The proposal also drew criticism from both County Supervisor Joel Anderson and Republican Rep. Darrell Issa, whose districts include Poway.

“California state government continues to force these predators into residential areas alongside parents, children and the elderly,” Issa said. “There is a much better solution than the current broken system that tries to force communities to accept the relocation of dozens of these violent predators.”

In November, Issa introduced the Stop Sexually Violent Predators Act.

The bill amends an existing law — the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act — and, if passed, would effectively ban the placement of sexually violent predators, barring states from spending federal taxpayer dollars on people with that designation outside of a system correctional or secure. medical unit.

Most, if not all, sexually violent predators receive federally funded medical care, and by limiting where states can administer that care, the law makes community placements far less likely, if not impossible.

According to the district attorney’s office, Wakefield was convicted in 1981 of lewd acts with a minor under 14. In 1990, Wakefield was convicted of rape by force, violence or fear. He went to jail in both cases.