DATE: AUGUST 10, 1999
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
SUBJECT: THE MATTHEW CECCHI PUBLIC SAFETY LAW: CONSTRUCTION OF "FAMILY RESTROOMS" AT COUNTY PARKS
SUMMARY:
In 1998, nine-year-old Matthew Cecchi was murdered inside a restroom at a public park in Oceanside while his aunt waited outside. In response, lawmakers in Los Angeles County are considering redesigning public restrooms at 80 parks and along 27 miles of coastline for safety reasons. San Diego County should consider taking the same proactive approach to safety.
RECOMMENDATION
CHAIRWOMAN SLATER:
Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to evaluate the feasibility and costs of constructing "family restrooms" to increase public safety, in particular for our children:
- in county parks planned for construction or rehabilitation.
- in public facilities and buildings under the control of the County of San Diego planned for construction or rehabilitation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None with this action.
BACKGROUND:
In 1998, nine-year-old Matthew Cecchi was murdered by a transient inside a restroom at a public park in Oceanside while his aunt waited right outside. Parents have been concerned with the safety of their children in public restrooms ever since this happened. In response, lawmakers in Los Angeles County are considering redesigning public restrooms at 80 parks and along 27 miles of coastline for safety reasons.
Currently, William Heise and Guajome County parks have family restrooms. Amusement parks, department stores, and sports venues, provide family restrooms which have their own locking doors. This ensures safety for children who may need assistance from a parent of the opposite sex. Law enforcement officials emphasize that family restrooms allow for closer supervision and protection of children and can help prevent children from being harmed, accosted or abducted.
I would like the Chief Administrative Officer to explore providing "family restrooms" in public County parks scheduled for rehabilitation or construction. These will provide parents with a much safer alternative for their children as opposed to standard public restrooms.
It is my intention that in the future, "family restrooms" be included in County plans for all future public facilities and buildings under the control of the County of San Diego planned for construction or rehabilitation.
Respectfully submitted,
PAM SLATER
CHAIRWOMAN
DISTRICT 3
PS/pb
