Five paroled sex offenders staying at a Huntington Beach hotel have agreed to move out following an outcry from nearby homeowners who criticized authorities and hotel operators for housing them there.
Three of the parolees had relocated by Friday evening, a spokesman for Extended Stay America said. “The remaining two will be relocated once the crowd disperses and it’s safe for them to leave the property,” said Tony Knight of Sitrick and Co., a crisis management firm working with the hotel chain.
Residents said they became aware of the sex offenders’ presence a week ago when Huntington Beach police distributed fliers listing the parolees’ names and photos at the hotel’s lobby at 5050 Skylab Road.
The resulting publicity included a live broadcast by talk show hosts John and Ken on KFI-AM (640) from outside the hotel Friday.
In a statement, Knight said relocation of the five parolees was delayed by a requirement that any move had to be approved by state parole officials. Aside from the time-consuming legal process of eviction, the hotel had no legal authority to oust the parolees, Knight said.
–Bob Pool