"The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has identified those five motels in Costa Mesa that are outside the half-mile radius where they can house sex offenders," Costa Mesa Police Sgt. Robert B. Phillips said Wednesday.
The motels are: the Costa Mesa Motor Inn, 2277 Harbor Blvd.; the Ana Mesa Inn, 3597 Harbor Blvd.; the Ali Baba Motel, 2226 Newport Blvd.; the Tern Inn, 2154 Newport Blvd., and the Sea Lark Motor Hotel, 2274 Newport Blvd.
As of July 23, there were no sex offenders living in the Ali Baba Motel and the Tern Inn, Phillips said.
Today, the number of registered sex offenders may be different from the July 23 numbers because of individuals relocating.
All paroled sex offenders are restricted from living near public or private schools, K-12. The distance restriction ranges from one-quarter mile to one-half mile, depending on the seriousness of the crime.
Convicted sex offenders must register with their local police department for life.
The less serious offenders can live within a quarter mile of schools and parks, he said.
As of July 23, there were no "sexually violent predators" in Costa Mesa, which refers to people convicted of a sexually violent offense against two or more victims, Phillips said. The person also must have been diagnosed with a mental disorder that makes the individual likely to pose a danger to the health and safety of others.
Phillips said he does not want to alarm the public, but residents should be aware of the registered sex offenders in their community.
Of 152 registered sex offenders living in Costa Mesa, 25 are on parole and are prohibited from living within half mile or a quarter of a mile of schools.
All 25 parole sex offenders have served time in prison.
Out of concern for the children that live in his North Costa Mesa neighborhood, Mike Brumbaugh, a father of two, attended the study session.
