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Participate in Public Comment on Proposed Sexually Violent Predator Placement in LA County

  • Writer: avdailynews.com
    avdailynews.com
  • 16 hours ago
  • 3 min read

Palmdale, Calif. — Community members across the Antelope Valley are being encouraged to participate in a public meeting this week after the California Department of State Hospitals (DSH) scheduled a Housing Committee meeting to consider the placement of another individual designated as a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) somewhere within Los Angeles County.


The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. and will be held in Sacramento with an option for the public to attend virtually. According to the published agenda, the Housing Committee will review a proposed placement during a closed session following an opportunity for public comment.


The meeting comes just weeks after Lawtis Rhoden, an SVP previously housed in Lancaster under the Conditional Release Program (CONREP), was unconditionally released on June 15, 2026. According to information shared with community members, Rhoden is no longer under CONREP supervision and is only required to comply with California’s sex offender registration requirements. He reportedly informed the court that he intended to relocate to Florida, although community members say they have not yet received confirmation that the move has occurred.


Residents have expressed concern that the Lancaster residence previously occupied by Rhoden, could once again be used to house another conditionally released SVP.


Closed Session Raises Community Concerns

One of the primary concerns voiced by local residents is the limited amount of information available to the public.

While the Housing Committee allows a public comment period before deliberations begin, discussions regarding potential placements occur in closed session. As a result, the public generally is not informed about the identity of the proposed individual or the specific location under consideration until later stages of the legal process.


According to the Department of State Hospitals, the Housing Committee includes representatives from multiple agencies, including the Department of State Hospitals, the Public Defender’s Office, Los Angeles County Counsel, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.


Public Participation Encouraged

Residents wishing to share their views may do so in several ways:


Wednesday, July 8th , 2026

START TIME: 9:00 a.m.

County of Potential Placement: Los Angeles

Us/Communications.html

_

Call in number: (669) 444-9171

Call In Conference ID: 885 9158 7993

How to Join by Video: To join by video, you may use a computer or cell phone to

access the following videoconference link: https://dsh-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/88591587993

How to Join by Phone: To join by phone, call (669) 444-9171 and enter the

following conference ID when prompted: 885 9158 7993



  • Submit written comments before, on, or after the meeting using the official Department of State Hospitals public comment form.

  • Join the meeting by telephone using the information provided in the official agenda.

Officials note that public comments become part of the record considered by the committee, although the committee is not required to follow recommendations made during public comment.

For those interested in participating:

  • Meeting Agenda:  Department of State Hospitals Housing Committee Agenda (July 8, 2026)⁠

  • Public Comment Form:  Department of State Hospitals Public Comment Form⁠

  • Virtual Meeting:  DSH Zoom Meeting⁠

The issue has generated significant discussion throughout the Antelope Valley, where some residents argue that the region has hosted a disproportionate number of conditionally released SVPs over the years. Others emphasize that any placement decisions must balance community safety with court-ordered legal requirements governing the supervised release of individuals who have completed their commitments.


The July 8 meeting represents the next step in the state’s review process for a proposed placement within Los Angeles County.


Information provided by Community Advocate : Mary Hutchinson Jeters

 
 
 

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