The predator who lives next door
After serving their debt to society, sexual offenders are being released back into Ventura County neighborhoods, but how can we be sure they won't repeat their criminal behavior? Have they been rehabilitated? Are you willing to stake your child's well-being on that?

Experts estimate that one in five girls and one in 10 boys have been sexually abused by their 13th year. Many predators go unpunished.

Castrating male pedophiles sounds extreme, but it might be effective. Castration, of course, is not an alternative in today's society, but how effective are the methods we currently use in dealing with these criminals? We send offenders to jail, put ankle bracelets on them and give them therapy after therapy. Still, they come back. When they do, community members must be aware.

One way to monitor the movement of pedophiles and other convicted sex criminals is to track them on the Megan's Law website at www.meganslaw.ca.gov. A quick check on the site shows approximately 50 offenders live in the city of Simi Valley. On the website you can see their photos, find out where they live and read about their crimes. They've been a threat in the past and now they could be living next door. It's important to track them, but not to harass them. The website will explain how the information may be used. And remember that under state law, some registered sex offenders are not subject to public disclosure and are not included on the website.

Many times we receive calls from readers asking us to announce when an offender has been released from jail and settled in the community. The Simi Valley Acorn takes the position that these people have served their time behind bars and do not deserve to be "outed" again in the newspaper if they've legally paid their debt to society and are seeking a second chance. This is not to mitigate their crimes. Some people believe that once a sex offender, always a sex offender.

You have a right to know if these predators live in your area. Be aware and remain vigilant. Most importantly, take steps to prevent sex abuse before it even occurs.