The subcommittee, formed by the city council to examine public safety issues throughout Chula Vista, took the lead on a key ordinance that was unanimously adopted into the City's Municipal Code: the residency restrictions for registered sex offenders which prohibits registered sex offenders from living within 500 feet of parks and schools -- kindergarten through eighth grades.
City Council formed the Public Safety Subcommittee January 10, 2006, and appointed two council members to direct the subcommittee's agenda. Since then, the subcommittee has reviewed 14 different public safety subjects and issues including: the Police Department's strategic plan; law enforcement technology; the City's 2005 crime update; an evaluation of the Operation Safe Neighborhoods program; school safety programs including the department's nationally recognized anti-bullying project; major intersection safety; alcohol sales and use in public parks; the social host ordinance, noise and loud party ordinance, business nuisance project, and graffiti abatement.
"Our agenda was ambitious, but the effort was rewarding," noted Castaneda, who urged the formation of the subcommittee. "It only makes sense to let the public assist us with public safety needs in their neighborhoods."
City staff representing a number of departments-- Police, City Attorney's Office, Planning and Building, Engineering, Recreation and Public Works -- made presentations to the Public Safety Subcommittee. In addition, members of the public and speakers from outside agencies appeared to comment on agenda items.
