Media Links **NO DISCUSSION**

[Angel Who Cares]

Gardner Could Face More Charges With New Info
New Information Could Help Find More Victims Of John Gardner
POSTED: 6:19 pm PDT April 19, 2010
UPDATED: 7:14 pm PDT April 19, 2010
<snipped>
"Now that they have suspect in custody -- a confessed killer -- now it's easier for them to track back where was he staying and was there anybody in that general area that also came up missing," said Kevin LaChappelle, a former investigator.

Last January, Gardner was pulled over and ticketed for expired license tags on his girlfriend's car in Lake Elsinore at a DUI checkpoint.

Three months earlier, someone tried to kidnap a woman at gunpoint. While a sketch was distributed, San Diego County Sheriff's deputies did not connect it to Gardner, a registered sex offender who was listed in the computer database.

Gardner was sentenced to live in prison without parole, but there's still good reason to close every case possible. Another family may still be searching for answers or a woman could be living in fear of the man who attacked her.

Some of the case files may be opened to the public after a hearing on Thursday, which could lead to more questions. The file will stay open if new information leads to additional charges. "Many people think [Gardner is] being locked up for a number of life sentences...but families need closure, if there are any other victims," said LaChappelle.

Video: Gardner Could Face More Charges With New Info
http://www.10news.com/video/23201934/index.html

Article:
http://www.10news.com/news/23201879/detail.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Families of crime victims share support
Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at 12:02 a.m
<snipped>
The vigil, sponsored by several law enforcement and victim advocate groups, drew about 250 people at the San Diego Police Officers&#8217; Association Hall in Kearny Mesa. The event is held during National Crime Victims&#8217; Rights Week.

&#8220;It just breaks my heart to see this many people have lost loved ones to violent crime,&#8221; said Debbie Steingraber, whose 26-year-old son Daniel Alexander was shot to death in Escondido last Fourth of July. &#8220;I&#8217;m hoping for some closure to this case. His killer is still out there.&#8221; Steingraber was among many who wore T-shirts honoring slain family members.

Tears flowed freely as speakers shared their heartbreak, and many dabbed at their eyes with tissues that were left on seats. Crisis intervention counselors stood at the ready in the back in case anyone needed special attention.

The parents of slain teenagers Amber Dubois, 14, and Chelsea King, 17, were not present, but District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis spoke for a moment of the toll the case has taken on everyone involved. Sex offender John Albert Gardner III pleaded guilty to both murders on Friday.

The faces of 51 victims flashed before the crowd in a somber slide show, and later families lit electronic candles for each of the deceased.

Emotion in the room peaked when 14-year-old Hamlett addressed the crowd. She was 11 when she witnessed her mother get stabbed to death by a former boyfriend. She hid in a bedroom, called 911 and later faced her mother&#8217;s killer in court.

&#8220;This is something no one can get over. All I have to do is learn to live with it, because I can never fully recover all of the pieces. There will always be a few missing,&#8221; Hamlett said amid tears. &#8220;Forgiveness might have been the hardest part, but I had to realize that it wasn&#8217;t for the person who killed my mom, but so that I could move on. If you could analyze my heart, you&#8217;d see scars, because those will never go away. They will just become a part of my normal.&#8221;

Article:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/apr/20/families-of-crime-victims-share-support/

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Calif. lawmakers advance bill targeting molesters
Posted: 04/20/2010 11:24:14 AM PDT
Updated: 04/20/2010 01:22:11 PM PDT
<snipped>
A bill that would allow life sentences for some convicted child molesters and lifetime electronic monitoring of others cleared its first legislative committee Tuesday after a grieving father evoked the memory of his slain daughter.
The legislation was proposed after the slaying of 17-year-old Chelsea King in a San Diego County park. A convicted child molester, John Albert Gardner, pleaded guilty last week to raping and killing King and 14-year-old Amber Dubois along with assaulting another woman.

"Our daughter, Chelsea, would want to be here today," Brent King told members of the Assembly Public Safety Committee. He recalled her interest in promoting positive change and said it is a tragic irony that her murder has inspired public safety legislation. "She's behind this movement to protect our children," King told committee members. "In her memory ... please vote in favor of Assembly Bill 1844."

Four committee members, two Democrats and two Republicans, approved the bill, sending it to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. One Democrat abstained, and two other Democrats were not present.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has given his support, applauding the effort to "create harsher penalties for those that prey on children."

The bill advanced despite objections from representatives of defense attorneys and the American Civil Liberties Union. They said the measure is too broad, too restrictive in banning offenders from parks, does not require treatment and rehabilitation, and would further crowd prisons.

Article:
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_14921137

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Schwarzenegger endorses Chelsea's Law
Named for Poway teen, the measure passes an Assembly committee
Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at noon
<snipped>
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today endorsed &#8220;Chelsea&#8217;s Law,&#8221; providing fresh momentum to the measure as it maneuvers through the Legislature. &#8220;It is our job to make sure that we have the right laws in place that will keep our children safe,&#8221; the governor said in a statement. Schwarzenegger vowed to work to get the measure to his desk so that he can &#8220;make Chelsea&#8217;s Law a reality and create harsher penalties for those that prey on children.&#8221;

The law would increase penalties for sexual predators, including adding a one-strike provision for the worst crimes that would put an attacker behind bars for life without parole. Assembly Bill 1844 also strengthens the penalties for other forcible sex crimes against children, depending on the age of the victim and whether serious physical harm was inflicted. Also, registered sex offenders could be charged with a misdemeanor and have their parole revoked if they are found in a park where children gather unless securing prior permission of authorities.

The measure now goes to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, which will analyze costs. Fletcher has said he will present that panel with a comprehensive financing plan. A meeting has not been set.

Gardner is expected to be sentenced June 1 to two life terms without the possibility of parole.

Full text of Chelsea's Law, AB 1844 (PDF)
http://media.signonsandiego.com/news/documents/2010/04/13/AB_1844_Language.pdf

Provisions
&#8226; Life in prison without parole for forcible sex crimes against children under 18 with aggravating circumstances such as physical harm, kidnapping, torture or use of a weapon.
&#8226; Registered sex offenders would be subject to misdemeanor charges and possible parole revocation if found without permission from authorities in a park where children regularly gather.
&#8226; Parole terms would be doubled to 10 years for a forcible sex crime, regardless of the age of the victim.
&#8226; Those convicted of a sex crime against a child under 14 would be on lifetime parole, requiring constant supervision and electronic tracking.

Article:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/apr/20/schwarzenegger-endorses-chelseas-law/

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Kings Want Case Details Kept Secret
Updated 10:43 PM PDT, Tue, Apr 20, 2010
<snipped>
The parents of 17-year-old Chelsea King who was raped and killed by a sex offender have hired an attorney to help keep certain case documents secret.

NBC San Diego and other media outlets have asked the San Diego County Superior Court to lift a gag order barring authorities from discussing the evidence and release records related to search warrants.

Chelsea's parents say they want the records sealed to preserve her dignity. They've hired attorney Pat Swan to argue for suppression of certain documents under victims' rights statutes.

"This action has become necessary in response to efforts by some media outlets to obtain the release of all records related to Chelsea&#8217;s death, which runs counter to the King family's wishes to honor their daughter's memory, and to allow the community to heal," said family spokesperson Sara Muller Fraunces.

Video: Kings Want Case Details Kept Secret
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/station/as-seen-on/Kings_Want_Case_Details_Kept_Secret_San_Diego.html

Video: Details Revealed During Gardner's Plea
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local-beat/Details_Revealed_During_Gardner_s_Plea_San_Diego.html

Article:
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local-beat/Kings-Want-Case-Details-Kept-Secret-91640634.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

King family wants case details kept secret
Posted: Apr 20, 2010 6:57 PM EDT
Updated: Apr 21, 2010 10:32 AM EDT
<snipped>
The parents of 17-year-old Chelsea King who was raped and killed by a sex offender say they have hired an attorney to help keep certain case documents secret.

Family spokeswoman Sara Muller said Tuesday the action was in response to efforts by the media to obtain records.

The Associated Press and other media have asked the San Diego County Superior Court to lift a gag order barring authorities from discussing the evidence and release records related to search warrants. Chelsea's parents say they want the records sealed to preserve her dignity.

Video: Chelsea's parents want autopsy details kept private 0:28
http://www.760kfmb.com/global/video...mat=flv&clipId1=4719458&at1=News&h1=Chelsea's parents want autopsy details kept private&flvUri=&partnerclipid=

Article:
http://www.760kfmb.com/Global/story.asp?S=12345038

 

[Angel Who Cares]

King Family Hires Attorney To Keep Case Details Secret
POSTED: 4:24 pm PDT April 20, 2010
UPDATED: 4:41 pm PDT April 20, 2010
<snipped>
The parents of a 17-year-old Poway teen who was raped and killed by a sex offender said they have hired an attorney to help keep certain case documents secret.

Sara Muller, a spokeswoman for the family of murdered high school student Chelsea King, said Tuesday the action was in response to efforts by the media to obtain records.

The Kings hired Pat Swan, a former federal criminal prosecutor. Swan met with Judge David Danielsen and several other attorneys in private Tuesday to ask for an emergency order that would keep the details surrounding the Poway teen's death a secret.

The following statement was released Tuesday on behalf of the King family:
"Attorney Swan will advocate for suppression of certain documents under victims' rights statutes. This action has become necessary in response to efforts by some media outlets to obtain the release of all records related to Chelsea's death, which runs counter to the King family's wishes to honor their daughter's memory, and to allow the community to heal."

Video: Kings' Lawyer Asks For Case To Remain Sealed
http://www.10news.com/video/23215594/index.html

Article:
http://www.10news.com/news/23213090/detail.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Chelsea's Law proposal moves through public safety commitee
Apr 21, 2010 at 9:18 AM PDT
<snipped>
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Tuesday endorsed a proposed state law named after slain Poway teenager Chelsea King that would strengthen penalties for sex offenders and those convicted of sex crimes against children.
"Chelsea's Law," calls for mandatory life sentences for forcible violent sex crimes against children, tightens sex offense parole guidelines and requires the life-long tracking of certain sex offenders.

Assembly Bill 1844 was passed by the Assembly Public Safety Committee this morning. It was authored by Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, R-San Diego.

Video: Chelsea's Law proposal moves through public safety commitee 1:59
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Tuesday endorsed a proposed state law named after slain Poway teenager Chelsea King that would strengthen penalties for sex offenders and those convicted of sex crimes against children.
http://www.kusi.com/news/local/91667074.html?video=YHI&t=a

Article:
http://www.kusi.com/news/local/91667074.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Bill to toughen sex-crime penalties moves ahead
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
<snipped>
A bill aimed at protecting children from sexually violent predators cleared its first legislative hurdle Tuesday, winning approval by an Assembly committee with bipartisan support.

Chelsea's Law, named for the San Diego County teenager who was raped and slain two months ago by a registered sex offender, also got a boost when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced his support Tuesday.

The measure, AB1844, would put some people who sexually assault children behind bars for life and increase the penalties for others. It also would increase the time a convicted child molester remains on parole, allowing officials to monitor some violent sex offenders for life. And it would bar registered sex offenders from visiting parks where children gather.

Article:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/04/20/BARG1D1LD5.DTL

 

[Angel Who Cares]

&#8216;Containment&#8217; shown to work on offenders
But proven program not in Chelsea&#8217;s Law
Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at 2:43 a.m
<snipped>
A state board reviewing ways to better manage sex offenders when they get out of jail calls the &#8220;containment model&#8221; the most important thing California can do to reduce recidivism.

The program augments traditional supervision &#8212; house searches, job-site visits, surveillance &#8212; with lie-detector tests and targeted behavior-modification treatment.

But there&#8217;s no mention of it in Chelsea&#8217;s Law, the offender crackdown named for slain Poway teenager Chelsea King that cleared its first legislative hurdle Tuesday in Sacramento.
*Much more at link!

Article:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/apr/21/containment-shown-work-offenders/

 

[Angel Who Cares]

King family seeking expanded gag order
April 21, 2010 at 12:41 a.m
<snipped>
Lawyers representing the family of slain Poway teenager Chelsea King have asked a judge to expand a gag order barring authorities from making public comments or disseminating documents and photographs related to the murder investigation.

San Diego Superior Court Judge David Danielsen met with the lawyers in chambers Tuesday, but did not sign the proposed order. Instead, all parties in the case involving John Albert Gardner III, who pleaded guilty Friday to killing Chelsea and 14-year-old Amber Dubois of Escondido, were asked to return to court Thursday to discuss the matter further.

On Tuesday, attorneys Edward Patrick Swan Jr. and Michael Fell, who represent the King family, submitted the proposed expansion of an existing gag order, to restrict anyone from the District Attorney&#8217;s Office, Public Defender&#8217;s Office, Medical Examiner&#8217;s Office or law enforcement agencies associated with the case from making any public statements.

The order would ban the release of any photographs, reports, documents, information or opinion regarding Chelsea King. It cites Marsy&#8217;s Law, also known as the victim&#8217;s bill of rights, which was passed by voters in 2008.

Article:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/apr/21/king-family-seeking-expanded-gag-order/

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Finding Words to Say to a 'Monster': Kings
Chelsea King's parents will share their rage with their daughter&#8217;s killer on June 1
Updated 3:28 PM PDT, Thu, Apr 22, 2010
<snipped>
Chelsea King&#8217;s parents have three main focuses ahead of them -- raising their 13-year-old son, Chelsea&#8217;s Law and finding the right words to say to the &#8220;monster&#8221; who killed their daughter. &#8220;I go over in my head, thousands of times. What do you say? What do you say to something like this? He&#8217;ll know exactly how I feel and I think I&#8217;ll be speaking on behalf of many, many people,&#8221; Chelsea&#8217; s mother Kelly King said.

John Albert Gardner III will be sentenced for the murders of 17-year-old Chelsea King and 14-year-old Amber Dubois on June 1 -- giving the victim&#8217;s families the opportunity to talk to him directly. &#8220;Every night when I lay down to go to sleep, my mind is writing what I&#8217;m going to say,&#8221; Brent King said. &#8220;I&#8217;ll share that June 1. I will be controlled and I will be dignified, but my words will be harsh.&#8221;

In their first interview since the day he pleaded guilty, the Kings called Gardner a coward who feels no remorse. &#8220;He&#8217;s not sorry,&#8221; Kelly said. &#8220;I think for one to be able to feel remorse, you have to be human. I don&#8217;t consider this monster to be human.&#8221; They say they knew in their hearts that Gardner was guilty and that there was no satisfaction in hearing his plea. &#8220;It was just another painful day in a life that we&#8217;re now going to carry full of pain. Just another day,&#8221; Brent said. His wife agreed. &#8220;Every day is so unbelievably difficult and as strong as we are, nothing prepares you for another punch in the gut,&#8221; Kelly said.

Video: Finding Words to Say to a 'Monster': Kings
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/station/as-seen-on/Finding_Words_to_Say_to_a_Monster_Kings_San_Diego.html

Article:
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local-beat/Finding-Words-to-Say-to-a-Monster-Kings--91764014.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Brent and Kelly King talk about Chelsea's Law
Posted: Apr 21, 2010 8:35 PM EDT
Updated: Apr 22, 2010 11:16 AM EDT
<snipped>
Chelsea's mother Kelly told News 8 that things are not getting any easier for her and her family. Every day is filled with grief over the death of her daughter, which makes fighting for Chelsea's Law even more important.

Chelsea's Law passed through the Assembly's public safety committee Tuesday with Brent King front and center, and those who know how this system works say that's exactly where Chelsea's parents must remain every step of the way.

It's the first time we've heard from Kelly King since John Gardner pleaded guilty last Friday to killing her daughter. He is clearly a topic she no longer wishes to discuss. "I don't have the time or the energy to go back. I'm going forward," she said.

Forward is the direction Chelsea's Law continues to head, moving next to the Assembly's appropriations committee, where the question is sure to be: how will we pay for this? "It's always fair to say what does this cost, but at the same time you have to say what's the money appropriately being used for?" Brent King said.

While the Kings would like to forget about Gardner, they do have to face him one more time at his sentencing in June. Both Brent and Kelly King plan to speak.

Video: Brent and Kelly King talk about Chelsea's Law 2:45
http://www.cbs8.com/global/category...default&clipId=4722758&flvUri=&partnerclipid=

Article:
http://www.cbs8.com/Global/story.asp?S=12352899

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Kings Defend Request To Keep Case Records Sealed
POSTED: 6:14 pm PDT April 21, 2010
UPDATED: 6:35 pm PDT April 21, 2010
<snipped>
Brent and Kelly King will never stop grieving for their daughter, Chelsea. The Kings continue to go on, trying to make the best life they can for their son and each other. "We're here, walking, talking, breathing &#8230; Chelsea gives us a reason to keep going, and so does Tyler. At night we look at each other and say, 'Good deal, another day,'" said

They didn't want to talk about John Gardner, the man who admitted to killing Chelsea and Escondido teen Amber Dubois. They also did not want information revealed about their daughter's death -- something that's the focus of a court hearing Thursday.

Kelly King told 10News' Steve Fiorina, "Why are those details of our daughter's last moments necessary? If you want to know, truly want to know, look in my eyes &#8230; They'll tell you everything. You don't need more than that."

"There's not a minute goes by Kelly and I don't replay those moments. We're not aware of what happened, other than the end. We don't want to become aware, don't want our son to become aware. We don't want the community to become aware. It serves no purpose. It takes away my daughter's dignity and it brings us more pain," said Brent King.

Video: Kings Defend Request To Keep Case Records Sealed
http://www.10news.com/video/23227358/index.html

Article:
http://www.10news.com/news/23226906/detail.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Lifetime GPS under Chelsea's Law mainly targets lewd acts
Posted: Apr 22, 2010 12:55 AM EDT
Updated: Apr 22, 2010 1:41 AM EDT
<snipped>
A News 8 investigation discovered -- when it comes to the costs of lifetime parole and GPS monitoring requirements in the bill &#8211; most of the money would be spent on sex offenders with lewd act convictions. It will take at least a month before a full cost analysis will be completed on the entirety of Chelsea's Law, a bill named after murdered Poway teenager Chelsea King.

In addition to the lifetime parole and GPS provisions, Chelsea's Law would also mandate one-strike, life without parole sentences for the most violent sex offenders, and prohibit sex offenders from visiting parks where children gather.

The lifetime GPS and parole requirements apply to offenders with less serious sex crime convictions. "Chelsea's Law &#8211; AB 1844 &#8211; provides for lifetime parole for sex offenses against children under the age of 14," the bill's sponsor Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher said in Sacramento this week. Chelsea's Law passed the Assembly's public safety committee Tuesday.

The exact costs of lifetime GPS for sex offenders are difficult to estimate because Chelsea's Law would not be retroactive. Added costs only kick in years later, after inmates serve their prison terms and complete at least three years of parole, which is already funded under current law.

However, using last year's numbers, if Chelsea's Law had been in full force, 1,977 sex offenders would have qualified for lifetime GPS and parole at an estimated cost of $14.4 million, according to the CDCR data.

The costs would continue to grow in subsequent years. Using the same numbers, the second year would include 3,954 sex offenders on lifetime GPS at a cost of $28.9 million; the third year would include 5,931 offenders at a cost of $43.3 million; and so on. The costs go up year after year in similar fashion until the paroled sex offenders finally get older and start do die off. The estimated figures include the costs of parole agents.

For now, Assemblyman Fletcher says the specific lifetime GPS and parole requirements are not set in stone and continue to be a work in progress. "This is an area we're looking at. So, it's open for further refinement as we go forward," Fletcher said.

News 8's estimates do not include added prison costs, which will accumulate as more and more offenders are sentenced to life terms under the "one strike" provisions of Chelsea's Law. A total cost estimate is expected from the state Assembly appropriations committee by the end of May.
*Much more at link!

Video: Lifetime GPS under Chelsea's Law mainly targets lewd acts 2:47
http://www.760kfmb.com/global/video...&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=4724941&at1=Promotion 12&h1=Lifetime GPS under Chelsea's Law mainly targets lewd acts&flvUri=&partnerclipid=

PDF: Chelsea's Law - AB1844 Bill - April 13, 2010
http://ftpcontent.worldnow.com/kfmb/misc/ab1844.pdf

PDF: Chelsea's Law - News Release - April 12, 2010
http://ftpcontent.worldnow.com/kfmb/misc/chelseas_law.pdf

Article:
http://www.760kfmb.com/Global/story.asp?S=12353719

 

[Nancy2441]

http://media.signonsandiego.com/news/documents/2010/04/26/affidavit-part1.pdf

http://media.signonsandiego.com/news/documents/2010/04/26/affidavit-part2.pdf

http://media.signonsandiego.com/news/documents/2010/04/26/LakeERBmyspace.pdf

http://media.signonsandiego.com/news/documents/2010/04/26/search-warrant-returns.pdf

http://media.signonsandiego.com/news/documents/2010/04/26/sdge.pdf

 

[Angel Who Cares]

REGION: Kings turn focus from John Gardner to legislation
Parents of slain teen discuss their plans
April 21, 2010 9:51 pm
<snipped>
The criminal case for their daughter's killer may be nearly over, but for Chelsea King's mom and dad, the ordeal is unending. "It's no easier than it was from day one," her mother, Kelly King, said Wednesday. "You think you are OK, and then out of the blue, you are brought to your knees again." "It's waves of pain separated by moments of joy of her memory," her father, Brent King, added.

On Wednesday, the grieving couple sat down for their first interviews since registered sex offender John Albert Gardner III pleaded guilty on Friday to raping and killing Chelsea, 17, two months ago, and Escondido resident Amber Dubois, 14, in February 2009.

On Saturday night, the foundation will host a public gathering at Lake Poway to rally support for Chelsea's Law. The event, called "Go the Distance," will also feature live music, including a song specifically written about Chelsea. And because the teenager was a runner, the King family is encouraging all attendees to wear running shoes. (No actual running is planned for the event, however.)

"We're being led by what we know in our heart is the right thing to do, and we&#8217;re being led by Chelsea," Kelly King said. "What&#8217;s next is to see this law through to completion. We're working very hard to get the Chelsea's Light Foundation up and running full speed. And that&#8217;s a big job. "We have a multitude of things that can and should be done. We'll listen to Chelsea as to how those priorities will fall into place."

"Go the Distance"
What: Chelsea's Light Foundation is hosting a public gathering to rally support for Chelsea's Law
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Lake Poway, 14644 Lake Poway Road
To learn more: www.facebook.com/chelseaslight
*Much more at link!

Article:
http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/sdcounty/article_d08fba54-fe19-5469-a673-7df2085b7ab2.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Probe urged of state mental health agency
Fletcher calls screening of sex offenders failure
April 22, 2010 at 12:27 a.m.
<snipped>
Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher called for a formal probe of the state Department of Mental Health on Wednesday, contending that its screening procedures fail to protect the public from violent sex offenders.

The San Diego Republican wants to learn more about how state mental health experts determine which predators are too dangerous to release on parole and whether time and budget constraints force specialists to evaluate cases based on old records rather than in fresh, face-to-face interviews.

Fletcher has filed a formal request for the state auditor to conduct the review. A special legislative panel, which has authority to order the investigation, is expected to review his request May 5.

&#8220;We have serious concerns that Department of Mental Health is not fully executing its duty to protect the public from sex offenders,&#8221; Fletcher said in his letter to the legislative committee.

The letter was also signed by Assemblyman Jim Nielsen, R-Woodland, a former member of the state board that rules on parole requests.

&#8220;We welcome an audit and the opportunity to explain to lawmakers and the people of California that the Department of Mental Health is not only doing its duty according to the law, but we exceed the statutory requirements for the appropriate clinical screening and evaluation of sex offenders,&#8221; said Nancy Kincaid, a spokeswoman for the agency.


Online: Read Fletcher&#8217;s letter under the reform section at:
http://uniontrib.com/gardner

Article:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/apr/22/probe-urged-of-state-mental-health-agency/

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Search warrants in Chelsea King case remain sealed
April 22, 2010 at 9:40 a.m., updated April 22, 2010 at 12:33 p.
<snipped>
Four search warrants filed in connection with the slaying of Poway teenager Chelsea King will remain sealed, at least for now, a judge ruled Thursday morning.

Judge Peter Deddeh will decide Monday whether redacted versions of the warrants can be released. The redactions have been proposed by the District Attorney&#8217;s Office. The nature of the information to be redacted was not revealed.

Deddeh denied requests from The San Diego Union-Tribune and other media organizations during a hearing in El Cajon Superior Court on whether the documents should be unsealed. The warrants have been under court seal since they were filed March 9.

The seal is separate from a gag order in the case, which will be discussed during a hearing in downtown San Diego Thursday afternoon. Brent and Kelly King, Chelsea&#8217;s parents, have hired attorneys in hopes of expanding the gag order, prohibiting the release of any photographs, reports, documents, information or opinion regarding Chelsea.

Download: Request of media for an immediate hearing and public access (doc)
http://media.signonsandiego.com/news/documents/2010/04/22/2010warrantrequest.DOC

Article:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/apr/22/search-warrants-in-chelsea-king-case-wont-be/

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Remember Cara, Chelsea, Amber
April 22, 2010 at 12:02 a.m.
<snipped>
In 25 years, when many of us are gone &#8212; and others have grown up &#8212; how should North County remember Chelsea and Amber? Consider the only victim I can remember who rivals Chelsea and Amber for the effect her murder had on the region&#8217;s collective psyche. Fourteen years ago, nearly 10 years after CHP Officer Craig Peyer stopped her on Interstate 15, lured her to a dark frontage road, strangled her and threw her body off the old Highway 395 bridge, Cara Knott was awarded her own bridge, a symbol of the past&#8217;s link to the future.

Forget Cara, whose Portuguese name means &#8220;precious&#8221;? How could we? In a given year, millions of motorists on I-15 speed across the Cara Knott Memorial Bridge on the border of Sabre Springs and Scripps Ranch. Down below, far from the madding commute, in the eastern reach of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, is the San Diego Crime Victims Oak Garden (originally dedicated in 1996 as the Cara Knott Memorial Oak Garden) where the world slows to a reflective sigh.

It took a decade to name the bridge after Cara, to dedicate the park to the aspiring elementary schoolteacher&#8217;s memory. Why did it take so long? Well, several reasons. Two tense trials, for one. The first ended in a deadlocked jury. It took Paul Pfingst, a brash, young deputy district attorney, to win a 25-year-to-life conviction.

Muddying matters was the Knott family&#8217;s explosive civil suit against the CHP. A jury awarded the Knott family $7.5 million, which the CHP appealed. (Shortly after the garden was dedicated, the Knotts agreed to a $2.7 million settlement.) Meanwhile, Sam Knott, Cara&#8217;s father, was on a lifelong crusade to promote laws protecting innocents from rogue officers like Peyer. As a 1996 San Diego Union-Tribune story put it, &#8220;Before there was a Fred Goldman or a Marc Klaas, there was Sam Knott.&#8221; What&#8217;s more, legislation had to be passed in Sacramento to name the I-15 bridge after Cara. San Diego Councilwoman Barbara Warden and San Diego police officers worked for more than two years to iron out a land swap for the oak garden.
*More at link!

Article:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/apr/22/remember-cara-chelsea-amber/