Deputy DA to Push For Lake Forest Sex Offender Ban

Supporters of a ordinance to ban registered sex offenders from county parks plan to ask the Lake Forest City Council to enact a similiar measure in city-owned parks at its Tuesday evening meeting.

Orange County Senior Deputy District Attorney Brian Fitzpatrick will speak at the meeting in support of a city ordinance that would forbid registered sex offenders from entering recreational areas where children regularly gather, according to a press release from the District Attorney's Office.

The county ordinance, which , banned registered sex offenders from recreational areas under county jurisdiction without permission from the sheriff’s department. Violations of the new law are punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a $500 fine. The new law, however, does not apply to city-owned parks.

At an October meeting of the Lake Forest City Council, at a future council meeting. However, the item has yet to appear on a council agenda for formal discussion.

Supporters say the law protects children from potential predators; opponents say the ban could face legal challenges as to its constitutionality.

Cities such as , , , Westminster and La Habra have followed the county's lead in discussing or enacting similar city ordinances; Irvine implemented a partial ban in June.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at , 25550 Commercentre Drive.