Oppose the placement of violent sexual predator in Santa Cruz Mountains
The Issue
Our community's safety is paramount, especially the safety of our children. Recently, it has been proposed to place Michael Cheek, a convicted violent sexual predator with established mental health issues, in the Santa Cruz Mountains. As a concerned parent and member of this community, I find this decision deeply troubling and unacceptable.
Michael Cheek, convicted of heinous crimes against innocent victims, should not be housed near our schools, public spaces, or bus routes where our children play and learn. The very thought of having him as a neighbor is terrifying and poses a potential risk that no family should have to worry about in our peaceful community.
The repeat offense rates for sexual offenders are alarmingly high, with studies indicating that up to 20% of released offenders commit another sex crime within five years. The State of California has identified Cheek's mental health issues as a strong contributing factor to the likelihood of him committing this crime again. Allowing someone with such a dangerous past, and who has been confined to a psychiatric hospital for decades, to live among us increases the chances of a tragic incident occurring in our very own backyards.
Our children deserve to grow up in an environment free from fear, where they can explore and learn without the shadow of danger looming over them.
Rather than situating Michael Cheek in a residential area, alternative solutions must be considered. These include secure rehabilitation centers where he can receive the necessary oversight and treatment. Other communities have successfully implemented such strategies with offenders, ensuring safety for both the public and the individuals themselves.
We urge the local authorities and relevant decision-makers to reconsider this placement and protect our community’s welfare. Let every child continue to feel safe and cherished in these beautiful mountains.
Please sign this petition to voice your opposition to the proposed placement of Michael Cheek in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Together, we can safeguard our children and maintain the serenity of our beloved community.
887
The Issue
Our community's safety is paramount, especially the safety of our children. Recently, it has been proposed to place Michael Cheek, a convicted violent sexual predator with established mental health issues, in the Santa Cruz Mountains. As a concerned parent and member of this community, I find this decision deeply troubling and unacceptable.
Michael Cheek, convicted of heinous crimes against innocent victims, should not be housed near our schools, public spaces, or bus routes where our children play and learn. The very thought of having him as a neighbor is terrifying and poses a potential risk that no family should have to worry about in our peaceful community.
The repeat offense rates for sexual offenders are alarmingly high, with studies indicating that up to 20% of released offenders commit another sex crime within five years. The State of California has identified Cheek's mental health issues as a strong contributing factor to the likelihood of him committing this crime again. Allowing someone with such a dangerous past, and who has been confined to a psychiatric hospital for decades, to live among us increases the chances of a tragic incident occurring in our very own backyards.
Our children deserve to grow up in an environment free from fear, where they can explore and learn without the shadow of danger looming over them.
Rather than situating Michael Cheek in a residential area, alternative solutions must be considered. These include secure rehabilitation centers where he can receive the necessary oversight and treatment. Other communities have successfully implemented such strategies with offenders, ensuring safety for both the public and the individuals themselves.
We urge the local authorities and relevant decision-makers to reconsider this placement and protect our community’s welfare. Let every child continue to feel safe and cherished in these beautiful mountains.
Please sign this petition to voice your opposition to the proposed placement of Michael Cheek in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Together, we can safeguard our children and maintain the serenity of our beloved community.
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Petition created on October 20, 2026