Latest news with #Swick
CNN
03-04-2025
- CNN
Neighbors condemn placing of ‘Pillowcase Rapist' in their remote community
To reach Diane Swick's rural California homestead, you have to drive 70 miles north of Los Angeles and traverse a rocky road best suited for an ATV. Few come here without a good reason. But a man dubbed the 'Pillowcase Rapist' had no trouble getting to Pearblossom — in fact, he got a court-mandated escort to the community nearly two weeks ago. Christopher Hubbart, 73, is now Swick's next-door neighbor. 'We are women and that's his prey,' Swick said. The 61-year-old had heart surgery last year and says she was depressed when she first heard Hubbart was coming. 'Now I'm mad,' she told CNN from her back porch, within eyeshot of Hubbart's rented home. 'I've never had to lock my doors for the 28 years I've lived here, and now that's been taken away from us.' Hubbart's release has reignited a debate over how the state should handle the most extreme sexual offenders in its custody, including those like Hubbart who attacked again after serving multiple sentences. Hubbart was charged with dozens of sexual assaults dating back to the 1970s and spent seven years in a state mental hospital after pleading guilty to one count of rape and three counts of sodomy. Court records show he was released in 1979 to an outpatient program in the San Francisco Bay area, and 'within a few months' sexually assaulted about 15 women after breaking into their homes. He would 'bind the victim's hands, cover her head, and commit forcible sex acts,' court records allege. In 1982, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison and released in 1990 after serving about half of his time. Once free, he raped again. 'Within a two-day period, Hubbart attempted to sexually assault one woman and actually assaulted another,' court records state. His parole was revoked, and he was returned to prison. Until last month, he was held in a state hospital awaiting placement into a home as part of California's 'Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) Conditional Release Program.' It's designed for predators in state hospitals 'to safely transition back to being a fully functional member of the community,' according to a fact sheet from the California Department of State Hospitals (DSH). 'I have no problem with someone who has gone to prison, done their time and paid their debt to society,' said Linda Adams, who lives across the street from Hubbart. 'But how can you pay a debt for (that many) rapes? It's not something that just goes away.' Rachel Purcell lives down the street from Hubbart's new home and says she now walks with bear spray. 'Any male Caucasian that I see coming up to me, I'm going to be wary,' she told CNN. 'And if he gets within 30 feet of me, he's getting sprayed.' It's not just residents who are irate. Politicians have voiced opposition since last September when the Antelope Valley was identified as Hubbart's next home by Liberty Healthcare, a state contractor that oversees SVP cases. 'A man who has admitted to raping over 40 women and suspected of raping dozens more is not fit for release or community reintegration at any level,' wrote Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger in a letter to the Superior Court. The district attorney's office also opposed the move. Hubbart did not respond to a letter sent from CNN prior to his release from the Coalinga State Hospital. Outside his new home, a representative from Liberty declined to submit CNN's request to speak with Hubbart. A Liberty spokesperson referred all questions to DSH. Hubbart is now neighbor to a mix of about two dozen suburban-style homes and dusty ranches, flanked by the San Gabriel mountains, where many enjoy the peace and pitch black of a country night. 'It's the whole reason I moved up here,' Purcell said. But that isolation now seems like a liability, she admits, as the nearest law enforcement station is at least 15 miles away. 'Half of us don't have reliable cell (service) at all,' Adams agreed. 'Our landline goes out frequently, and there's no urgency in repairing it. If (Hubbart) approached my property none of my neighbors would hear me if I needed assistance.' Neighbors here don't dispute that Hubbart's release happened through proper legal channels. The 1996 Sexually Violent Predator Act allows for treatment and rehabilitation for SVPs who have completed their prison sentence. In Hubbart's case, a Santa Clara County court first deemed him suitable for release from a state hospital in 2014. Placement into his current home has been approved and overseen by a Los Angeles County judge — even if some residents scoff at the process. 'The judge said he would make the decision based on whether he would put (Hubbart) across from his own family,' Adams said. 'So, he must hate his family.' The case played out in a mental health court in hearings livestreamed to the public. However, the case files remain sealed. In its fact sheet on the SVP program, DSH says a court can only approve conditional release when it has determined 'the individual would not be a danger to the health and safety of others in that it is not likely that the person will engage in sexually violent criminal behavior due to the person's diagnosed mental disorder if under supervision and treatment in the community.' It continued that treatment was given after someone seeking release had completed their criminal sentences. 'In making its determination, the court generally considers treatment records, assessments, and information provided by mental health professionals and forensic evaluators.' Others who live in this high desert section of the county say what stings even more is that this is the third sex criminal released to this region. The Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, accused the state of treating the Antelope Valley as a 'dumping ground' for sexually violent predators. DSH countered, telling CNN it must legally consider factors like proximity to schools and parks, which 'significantly limit(s)' suitable options to 'outside of dense, urban areas.' In an email, the department said: 'DSH does not place individuals designated as SVP into the community until a court has determined it is safe and appropriate to do so. It is also the court that ultimately approves the placement location.' That's not good enough for Mary Jeters, a local resident who operates the Facebook page 'No SVP's in the Antelope Valley.' 'My frustration has gone past the point where I'm going to scream about it,' Jeters said. She disputes the notion that rural areas equate to safer locations. 'These SVPs are not going to be restricted to being in their house all the time,' Jeters said. 'They bring them out to go to doctors' appointments, they go shopping. People don't know who they're standing next to in line, you don't know who's talking to your daughter.' I just don't trust that he can be trusted Mary Jeters, resident Citing patient privacy laws, DSH declined to speak specifically about Hubbart's case but confirmed there are several safeguards at the home of any released prisoner placed in the community. They include 24-hour GPS monitoring, covert surveillance, unannounced and scheduled home visits, and advanced approval — including routes of travel — for scheduled outings. 'The close supervision is there to guard against the individual committing any new crimes,' DSH said in a statement. Security cameras are also visible at Hubbart's home and residents say a private security guard has been posted at the home around the clock. 'They're just watching that we don't bother him,' said Purcell, a neighbor, adding her view was that 'the security is to protect him, not to keep him locked up.' Jeters said some residents have been the target of restraining orders by other former inmates in the area who felt harassed, but that the goal is to protest peacefully. She held a public gathering Sunday on vacant land next to Hubbart's new home. 'I just don't trust that he can be trusted,' Jeters said, noting this is Hubbart's second attempt at a successful release in the area. The first came in 2014, but two years later Hubbart was sent back to a state hospital for violating his release terms. DSH declined to confirm details of the violation, again citing privacy laws. In 2016, Hubbart's former parole officer praised his return to custody. 'Christopher Hubbart is a waste of a human heart,' John Bays, then retired, told the Los Angeles Times. 'He never should have gotten out.' Swick, the next-door neighbor, wonders why this time would be any different. She feels her community is being piled on and that in addition to safety issues, the neighborhood has been affected by depressed property values in the wake of 2020's Bobcat fire. 'We lost our barn, we lost a tractor, we lost a shed. And I would much rather go through a fire than what's going on here,' Swick said. 'This sense of not knowing what's going to happen. Nobody wishes a fire on anybody, and I feel this is worse.' Los Angeles County is not the only area dealing with backlash from the SVP conditional release program. Just over 160 miles to the south of the Antelope Valley, in Borrego Springs, residents were informed in February by the sheriff that another rapist, Alvin Ray Quarles, was being placed in their community. Quarles served time for multiple rapes in the San Diego area dating back to 1988. 'Now that there's two or three sexually violent predators in that small community of 3,000 people, with one grocery store … how do you protect that community?' asked Republican state Senator Brian Jones of San Diego. Jones believes sex criminals should only be released to structures such as prefab homes on state-owned and operated land. 'Outside the perimeter of a state institution… in a fire camp, any other area that the state is responsible for the safety and condition of that area,' Jones said. Very few make it through, it's hard to do Michael Aye, lawyer who has represented some sexual predators seeking release But in its statement to CNN, DSH said placing released inmates on state-run property would not fulfill its legal obligation under the SVP Act to 'safely reintegrate' individuals so they can achieve 'unconditional release.' Jones wants to change the law. He's proposing two state Senate bills that would ultimately force DSH to sign off on placement locations selected by its contractor, Liberty. 'It basically puts it back on the desk of the director of state hospitals and holds (them) accountable,' Jones said. The bills passed a Senate public safety committee Tuesday though a similar proposal from Jones failed last year. Among the opposition at a committee hearing last April was lawyer Michael Aye, who has represented sexual predators seeking release through the system. He worried a new law would stifle the program altogether. 'Our fear is that… giving the director (of state hospitals) the responsibility, that no one will be authorized release,' Aye told the state Senate standing committee on public safety. 'Very few make it through, it's hard to do.' Those that do make it through to community placement have first spent 'an average of 12 years or more' working toward successful completion in the hospital, DSH told CNN. State audit figures also show fewer crimes committed by people in the SVP release program. Of 56 participants in the last 21 years, two were convicted of criminal acts. The same audit found that of 125 sex criminals released unconditionally by the courts, 24 were convicted of subsequent crimes. Jones, the state Senate minority leader, says the state's current procedure ignores common sense. 'It's not fair for a community, a mom and a dad, a grandma and grandpa, to live next door to these monsters, and be responsible for keeping an eye on them,' he said. 'That's the state's job and the state should do its job.'
CNN
02-04-2025
- CNN
‘We are women and that's his prey:' Neighbors condemn placing of ‘Pillowcase Rapist' in their remote community
To reach Diane Swick's rural California homestead, you have to drive 70 miles north of Los Angeles and traverse a rocky road best suited for an ATV. Few come here without a good reason. But a man dubbed the 'Pillowcase Rapist' had no trouble getting to Pearblossom — in fact, he got a court-mandated escort to the community nearly two weeks ago. Christopher Hubbart, 73, is now Swick's next-door neighbor. 'We are women and that's his prey,' Swick said. The 61-year-old had heart surgery last year and says she was depressed when she first heard Hubbart was coming. 'Now I'm mad,' she told CNN from her back porch, within eyeshot of Hubbart's rented home. 'I've never had to lock my doors for the 28 years I've lived here, and now that's been taken away from us.' Hubbart's release has reignited a debate over how the state should handle the most extreme sexual offenders in its custody, including those like Hubbart who attacked again after serving multiple sentences. Hubbart was charged with dozens of sexual assaults dating back to the 1970s and spent seven years in a state mental hospital after pleading guilty to one count of rape and three counts of sodomy. Court records show he was released in 1979 to an outpatient program in the San Francisco Bay area, and 'within a few months' sexually assaulted about 15 women after breaking into their homes. He would 'bind the victim's hands, cover her head, and commit forcible sex acts,' court records allege. In 1982, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison and released in 1990 after serving about half of his time. Once free, he raped again. 'Within a two-day period, Hubbart attempted to sexually assault one woman and actually assaulted another,' court records state. His parole was revoked, and he was returned to prison. Until last month, he was held in a state hospital awaiting placement into a home as part of California's 'Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) Conditional Release Program.' It's designed for predators in state hospitals 'to safely transition back to being a fully functional member of the community,' according to a fact sheet from the California Department of State Hospitals (DSH). 'I have no problem with someone who has gone to prison, done their time and paid their debt to society,' said Linda Adams, who lives across the street from Hubbart. 'But how can you pay a debt for (that many) rapes? It's not something that just goes away.' Rachel Purcell lives down the street from Hubbart's new home and says she now walks with bear spray. 'Any male Caucasian that I see coming up to me, I'm going to be wary,' she told CNN. 'And if he gets within 30 feet of me, he's getting sprayed.' It's not just residents who are irate. Politicians have voiced opposition since last September when the Antelope Valley was identified as Hubbart's next home by Liberty Healthcare, a state contractor that oversees SVP cases. 'A man who has admitted to raping over 40 women and suspected of raping dozens more is not fit for release or community reintegration at any level,' wrote Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger in a letter to the Superior Court. The district attorney's office also opposed the move. Hubbart did not respond to a letter sent from CNN prior to his release from the Coalinga State Hospital. Outside his new home, a representative from Liberty declined to submit CNN's request to speak with Hubbart. A Liberty spokesperson referred all questions to DSH. Hubbart is now neighbor to a mix of about two dozen suburban-style homes and dusty ranches, flanked by the San Gabriel mountains, where many enjoy the peace and pitch black of a country night. 'It's the whole reason I moved up here,' Purcell said. But that isolation now seems like a liability, she admits, as the nearest law enforcement station is at least 15 miles away. 'Half of us don't have reliable cell (service) at all,' Adams agreed. 'Our landline goes out frequently, and there's no urgency in repairing it. If (Hubbart) approached my property none of my neighbors would hear me if I needed assistance.' Neighbors here don't dispute that Hubbart's release happened through proper legal channels. The 1996 Sexually Violent Predator Act allows for treatment and rehabilitation for SVPs who have completed their prison sentence. In Hubbart's case, a Santa Clara County court first deemed him suitable for release from a state hospital in 2014. Placement into his current home has been approved and overseen by a Los Angeles County judge — even if some residents scoff at the process. 'The judge said he would make the decision based on whether he would put (Hubbart) across from his own family,' Adams said. 'So, he must hate his family.' The case played out in a mental health court in hearings livestreamed to the public. However, the case files remain sealed. In its fact sheet on the SVP program, DSH says a court can only approve conditional release when it has determined 'the individual would not be a danger to the health and safety of others in that it is not likely that the person will engage in sexually violent criminal behavior due to the person's diagnosed mental disorder if under supervision and treatment in the community.' It continued that treatment was given after someone seeking release had completed their criminal sentences. 'In making its determination, the court generally considers treatment records, assessments, and information provided by mental health professionals and forensic evaluators.' Others who live in this high desert section of the county say what stings even more is that this is the third sex criminal released to this region. The Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, accused the state of treating the Antelope Valley as a 'dumping ground' for sexually violent predators. DSH countered, telling CNN it must legally consider factors like proximity to schools and parks, which 'significantly limit(s)' suitable options to 'outside of dense, urban areas.' In an email, the department said: 'DSH does not place individuals designated as SVP into the community until a court has determined it is safe and appropriate to do so. It is also the court that ultimately approves the placement location.' That's not good enough for Mary Jeters, a local resident who operates the Facebook page 'No SVP's in the Antelope Valley.' 'My frustration has gone past the point where I'm going to scream about it,' Jeters said. She disputes the notion that rural areas equate to safer locations. 'These SVPs are not going to be restricted to being in their house all the time,' Jeters said. 'They bring them out to go to doctors' appointments, they go shopping. People don't know who they're standing next to in line, you don't know who's talking to your daughter.' I just don't trust that he can be trusted Mary Jeters, resident Citing patient privacy laws, DSH declined to speak specifically about Hubbart's case but confirmed there are several safeguards at the home of any released prisoner placed in the community. They include 24-hour GPS monitoring, covert surveillance, unannounced and scheduled home visits, and advanced approval — including routes of travel — for scheduled outings. 'The close supervision is there to guard against the individual committing any new crimes,' DSH said in a statement. Security cameras are also visible at Hubbart's home and residents say a private security guard has been posted at the home around the clock. 'They're just watching that we don't bother him,' said Purcell, a neighbor, adding her view was that 'the security is to protect him, not to keep him locked up.' Jeters said some residents have been the target of restraining orders by other former inmates in the area who felt harassed, but that the goal is to protest peacefully. She held a public gathering Sunday on vacant land next to Hubbart's new home. 'I just don't trust that he can be trusted,' Jeters said, noting this is Hubbart's second attempt at a successful release in the area. The first came in 2014, but two years later Hubbart was sent back to a state hospital for violating his release terms. DSH declined to confirm details of the violation, again citing privacy laws. In 2016, Hubbart's former parole officer praised his return to custody. 'Christopher Hubbart is a waste of a human heart,' John Bays, then retired, told the Los Angeles Times. 'He never should have gotten out.' Swick, the next-door neighbor, wonders why this time would be any different. She feels her community is being piled on and that in addition to safety issues, the neighborhood has been affected by depressed property values in the wake of 2020's Bobcat fire. 'We lost our barn, we lost a tractor, we lost a shed. And I would much rather go through a fire than what's going on here,' Swick said. 'This sense of not knowing what's going to happen. Nobody wishes a fire on anybody, and I feel this is worse.' Los Angeles County is not the only area dealing with backlash from the SVP conditional release program. Just over 160 miles to the south of the Antelope Valley, in Borrego Springs, residents were informed in February by the sheriff that another rapist, Alvin Ray Quarles, was being placed in their community. Quarles served time for multiple rapes in the San Diego area dating back to 1988. 'Now that there's two or three sexually violent predators in that small community of 3,000 people, with one grocery store … how do you protect that community?' asked Republican state Senator Brian Jones of San Diego. Jones believes sex criminals should only be released to structures such as prefab homes on state-owned and operated land. 'Outside the perimeter of a state institution… in a fire camp, any other area that the state is responsible for the safety and condition of that area,' Jones said. Very few make it through, it's hard to do Michael Aye, lawyer who has represented some sexual predators seeking release But in its statement to CNN, DSH said placing released inmates on state-run property would not fulfill its legal obligation under the SVP Act to 'safely reintegrate' individuals so they can achieve 'unconditional release.' Jones wants to change the law. He's proposing two state Senate bills that would ultimately force DSH to sign off on placement locations selected by its contractor, Liberty. 'It basically puts it back on the desk of the director of state hospitals and holds (them) accountable,' Jones said. The bills passed a Senate public safety committee Tuesday though a similar proposal from Jones failed last year. Among the opposition at a committee hearing last April was lawyer Michael Aye, who has represented sexual predators seeking release through the system. He worried a new law would stifle the program altogether. 'Our fear is that… giving the director (of state hospitals) the responsibility, that no one will be authorized release,' Aye told the state Senate standing committee on public safety. 'Very few make it through, it's hard to do.' Those that do make it through to community placement have first spent 'an average of 12 years or more' working toward successful completion in the hospital, DSH told CNN. State audit figures also show fewer crimes committed by people in the SVP release program. Of 56 participants in the last 21 years, two were convicted of criminal acts. The same audit found that of 125 sex criminals released unconditionally by the courts, 24 were convicted of subsequent crimes. Jones, the state Senate minority leader, says the state's current procedure ignores common sense. 'It's not fair for a community, a mom and a dad, a grandma and grandpa, to live next door to these monsters, and be responsible for keeping an eye on them,' he said. 'That's the state's job and the state should do its job.'
CNN
02-04-2025
- CNN
‘We are women and that's his prey:' Neighbors condemn placing of ‘Pillowcase Rapist' in their remote community
To reach Diane Swick's rural California homestead, you have to drive 70 miles north of Los Angeles and traverse a rocky road best suited for an ATV. Few come here without a good reason. But a man dubbed the 'Pillowcase Rapist' had no trouble getting to Pearblossom — in fact, he got a court-mandated escort to the community nearly two weeks ago. Christopher Hubbart, 73, is now Swick's next-door neighbor. 'We are women and that's his prey,' Swick said. The 61-year-old had heart surgery last year and says she was depressed when she first heard Hubbart was coming. 'Now I'm mad,' she told CNN from her back porch, within eyeshot of Hubbart's rented home. 'I've never had to lock my doors for the 28 years I've lived here, and now that's been taken away from us.' Hubbart's release has reignited a debate over how the state should handle the most extreme sexual offenders in its custody, including those like Hubbart who attacked again after serving multiple sentences. Hubbart was charged with dozens of sexual assaults dating back to the 1970s and spent seven years in a state mental hospital after pleading guilty to one count of rape and three counts of sodomy. Court records show he was released in 1979 to an outpatient program in the San Francisco Bay area, and 'within a few months' sexually assaulted about 15 women after breaking into their homes. He would 'bind the victim's hands, cover her head, and commit forcible sex acts,' court records allege. In 1982, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison and released in 1990 after serving about half of his time. Once free, he raped again. 'Within a two-day period, Hubbart attempted to sexually assault one woman and actually assaulted another,' court records state. His parole was revoked, and he was returned to prison. Until last month, he was held in a state hospital awaiting placement into a home as part of California's 'Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) Conditional Release Program.' It's designed for predators in state hospitals 'to safely transition back to being a fully functional member of the community,' according to a fact sheet from the California Department of State Hospitals (DSH). 'I have no problem with someone who has gone to prison, done their time and paid their debt to society,' said Linda Adams, who lives across the street from Hubbart. 'But how can you pay a debt for (that many) rapes? It's not something that just goes away.' Rachel Purcell lives down the street from Hubbart's new home and says she now walks with bear spray. 'Any male Caucasian that I see coming up to me, I'm going to be wary,' she told CNN. 'And if he gets within 30 feet of me, he's getting sprayed.' It's not just residents who are irate. Politicians have voiced opposition since last September when the Antelope Valley was identified as Hubbart's next home by Liberty Healthcare, a state contractor that oversees SVP cases. 'A man who has admitted to raping over 40 women and suspected of raping dozens more is not fit for release or community reintegration at any level,' wrote Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger in a letter to the Superior Court. The district attorney's office also opposed the move. Hubbart did not respond to a letter sent from CNN prior to his release from the Coalinga State Hospital. Outside his new home, a representative from Liberty declined to submit CNN's request to speak with Hubbart. A Liberty spokesperson referred all questions to DSH. Hubbart is now neighbor to a mix of about two dozen suburban-style homes and dusty ranches, flanked by the San Gabriel mountains, where many enjoy the peace and pitch black of a country night. 'It's the whole reason I moved up here,' Purcell said. But that isolation now seems like a liability, she admits, as the nearest law enforcement station is at least 15 miles away. 'Half of us don't have reliable cell (service) at all,' Adams agreed. 'Our landline goes out frequently, and there's no urgency in repairing it. If (Hubbart) approached my property none of my neighbors would hear me if I needed assistance.' Neighbors here don't dispute that Hubbart's release happened through proper legal channels. The 1996 Sexually Violent Predator Act allows for treatment and rehabilitation for SVPs who have completed their prison sentence. In Hubbart's case, a Santa Clara County court first deemed him suitable for release from a state hospital in 2014. Placement into his current home has been approved and overseen by a Los Angeles County judge — even if some residents scoff at the process. 'The judge said he would make the decision based on whether he would put (Hubbart) across from his own family,' Adams said. 'So, he must hate his family.' The case played out in a mental health court in hearings livestreamed to the public. However, the case files remain sealed. In its fact sheet on the SVP program, DSH says a court can only approve conditional release when it has determined 'the individual would not be a danger to the health and safety of others in that it is not likely that the person will engage in sexually violent criminal behavior due to the person's diagnosed mental disorder if under supervision and treatment in the community.' It continued that treatment was given after someone seeking release had completed their criminal sentences. 'In making its determination, the court generally considers treatment records, assessments, and information provided by mental health professionals and forensic evaluators.' Others who live in this high desert section of the county say what stings even more is that this is the third sex criminal released to this region. The Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, accused the state of treating the Antelope Valley as a 'dumping ground' for sexually violent predators. DSH countered, telling CNN it must legally consider factors like proximity to schools and parks, which 'significantly limit(s)' suitable options to 'outside of dense, urban areas.' In an email, the department said: 'DSH does not place individuals designated as SVP into the community until a court has determined it is safe and appropriate to do so. It is also the court that ultimately approves the placement location.' That's not good enough for Mary Jeters, a local resident who operates the Facebook page 'No SVP's in the Antelope Valley.' 'My frustration has gone past the point where I'm going to scream about it,' Jeters said. She disputes the notion that rural areas equate to safer locations. 'These SVPs are not going to be restricted to being in their house all the time,' Jeters said. 'They bring them out to go to doctors' appointments, they go shopping. People don't know who they're standing next to in line, you don't know who's talking to your daughter.' I just don't trust that he can be trusted Mary Jeters, resident Citing patient privacy laws, DSH declined to speak specifically about Hubbart's case but confirmed there are several safeguards at the home of any released prisoner placed in the community. They include 24-hour GPS monitoring, covert surveillance, unannounced and scheduled home visits, and advanced approval — including routes of travel — for scheduled outings. 'The close supervision is there to guard against the individual committing any new crimes,' DSH said in a statement. Security cameras are also visible at Hubbart's home and residents say a private security guard has been posted at the home around the clock. 'They're just watching that we don't bother him,' said Purcell, a neighbor, adding her view was that 'the security is to protect him, not to keep him locked up.' Jeters said some residents have been the target of restraining orders by other former inmates in the area who felt harassed, but that the goal is to protest peacefully. She held a public gathering Sunday on vacant land next to Hubbart's new home. 'I just don't trust that he can be trusted,' Jeters said, noting this is Hubbart's second attempt at a successful release in the area. The first came in 2014, but two years later Hubbart was sent back to a state hospital for violating his release terms. DSH declined to confirm details of the violation, again citing privacy laws. In 2016, Hubbart's former parole officer praised his return to custody. 'Christopher Hubbart is a waste of a human heart,' John Bays, then retired, told the Los Angeles Times. 'He never should have gotten out.' Swick, the next-door neighbor, wonders why this time would be any different. She feels her community is being piled on and that in addition to safety issues, the neighborhood has been affected by depressed property values in the wake of 2020's Bobcat fire. 'We lost our barn, we lost a tractor, we lost a shed. And I would much rather go through a fire than what's going on here,' Swick said. 'This sense of not knowing what's going to happen. Nobody wishes a fire on anybody, and I feel this is worse.' Los Angeles County is not the only area dealing with backlash from the SVP conditional release program. Just over 160 miles to the south of the Antelope Valley, in Borrego Springs, residents were informed in February by the sheriff that another rapist, Alvin Ray Quarles, was being placed in their community. Quarles served time for multiple rapes in the San Diego area dating back to 1988. 'Now that there's two or three sexually violent predators in that small community of 3,000 people, with one grocery store … how do you protect that community?' asked Republican state Senator Brian Jones of San Diego. Jones believes sex criminals should only be released to structures such as prefab homes on state-owned and operated land. 'Outside the perimeter of a state institution… in a fire camp, any other area that the state is responsible for the safety and condition of that area,' Jones said. Very few make it through, it's hard to do Michael Aye, lawyer who has represented some sexual predators seeking release But in its statement to CNN, DSH said placing released inmates on state-run property would not fulfill its legal obligation under the SVP Act to 'safely reintegrate' individuals so they can achieve 'unconditional release.' Jones wants to change the law. He's proposing two state Senate bills that would ultimately force DSH to sign off on placement locations selected by its contractor, Liberty. 'It basically puts it back on the desk of the director of state hospitals and holds (them) accountable,' Jones said. The bills passed a Senate public safety committee Tuesday though a similar proposal from Jones failed last year. Among the opposition at a committee hearing last April was lawyer Michael Aye, who has represented sexual predators seeking release through the system. He worried a new law would stifle the program altogether. 'Our fear is that… giving the director (of state hospitals) the responsibility, that no one will be authorized release,' Aye told the state Senate standing committee on public safety. 'Very few make it through, it's hard to do.' Those that do make it through to community placement have first spent 'an average of 12 years or more' working toward successful completion in the hospital, DSH told CNN. State audit figures also show fewer crimes committed by people in the SVP release program. Of 56 participants in the last 21 years, two were convicted of criminal acts. The same audit found that of 125 sex criminals released unconditionally by the courts, 24 were convicted of subsequent crimes. Jones, the state Senate minority leader, says the state's current procedure ignores common sense. 'It's not fair for a community, a mom and a dad, a grandma and grandpa, to live next door to these monsters, and be responsible for keeping an eye on them,' he said. 'That's the state's job and the state should do its job.'
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The 6 Best Canned Foods to Reduce Your Risk of Stroke, According to Dietitians
Reviewed by Dietitian Karen Ansel, M.S., RDN"Key Takeaways" A stroke is when there is a lack of blood flow or sudden bleeding in the brain. Nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, omega-3 fats and potassium may be protective. You can get these nutrients from canned beans, fish, tomatoes, beets and arteries carry oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to our brain, ensuring it has everything it needs to function optimally. However, each year, 795,000 people in the United States experience a stroke, blocking these vital blood vessels. Strokes can occur in one of two ways. The first, known as an ischemic stroke, is when a blood clot prevents blood flow to the brain. The other, called a hemorrhagic stroke, happens when a blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding in the brain. Certain health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and atrial fibrillation can increase the chances of a stroke. However, there are steps you can take to reduce that risk. One of the most important is eating a heart-healthy diet, as cardiovascular health promotes blood flow to the brain. If that sounds complicated, you'll be happy to know there are dietitian-approved shortcuts that can help. And one of those shortcuts is leaning on certain canned foods. That said, the canned food aisle is a big place! So, we asked dietitians to share their favorite canned foods to protect against stroke. Here are their top choices to give your brain the protection it deserves. Canned beans are much more than a pantry staple. They are also a simple way to support your artery health and reduce your risk of stroke. 'Beans are an excellent source of fiber, particularly soluble fiber, which slows digestion and binds to cholesterol, pulling it out of the body,' says Lizzy Swick, M.S., RDN, a registered dietitian specializing in women's health and founder of Lizzy Swick Nutrition. This process lowers stroke risk by keeping arteries clear of plaque buildup and promoting healthier blood flow to the brain. Swick adds that canned beans are also rich in other nutrients that support cardiovascular health. This impressive nutrient profile may reduce several risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke, including high blood pressure, inflammation and increased blood clotting, says Swick. In addition to boasting protective antioxidants called polyphenols, beans are loaded with folate, which has been found to protect against stroke., If that weren't enough, they are also an excellent source of potassium, a key mineral for healthy blood pressure. Whether you enjoy black beans, kidney beans, white beans or chickpeas, you can reap these benefits by adding canned beans to our highly rated Sweet Potato-Black Bean Tacos or this savory Kale & White Bean Potpie. To keep sodium to a minimum, look for no-sodium-added or low-sodium canned beans. If that's not possible, rinsing canned beans before cooking can wash away about 40% of their sodium. Related: I'm a Dietitian & These Are the Reasons Why I Love Canned Beans Canned fish is loaded with nutrients that support heart health and protect your brain from stroke. From salmon and sardines to anchovies, herring and mackerel, these fish are all packed with beneficial long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. These important fats, found mainly in fatty fish, guard against stroke by lowering blood pressure and triglycerides and decreasing the likelihood of blood clots. 'Studies have shown that eating fish even twice per week can reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease,' says Skylar Griggs, M.S., RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian and CEO of Newbury Street Nutrition. Though it may be tempting to toss out the oil from your canned fish, don't! Griggs explains that the oil is also rich in brain-friendly omega-3 fatty acids. So, instead of discarding the oil, add it, along with the fish, to our 15-minute Salmon-Stuffed Avocados or a crunchy Greek Salad with Sardines. Related: 5 Reasons You Should Eat More Canned Fish, According to a Dietitian With their distinctively rich and briny flavor, canned artichokes are a great option to keep on hand to guard against stroke. 'Artichokes are a staple in the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, celebrated for being nutrient-dense and a great source of fiber and polyphenols,' says Swick. Plus, they have anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties, making them the perfect addition to a diet focused on reducing stroke risk, she says. That's not all. 'Artichokes are also an excellent source of potassium, which helps keep blood pressure down,' says Griggs. She recommends chopping them and adding them to sandwiches like our Spinach-&-Artichoke-Dip Grilled Cheese. They're also delicious in chicken dishes, like this Antipasto Baked Smothered Chicken. Often used as a base for sauces, soups and stews, canned tomatoes contain beneficial nutrients that help keep your brain and arteries in tip-top shape. In fact, research has found that tomato-rich diets may help lower triglycerides, oxidative stress and inflammation, all of which play a role in stroke prevention. In addition to their ample potassium, tomatoes are one of the top sources of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to superior cardiovascular health (it also happens to give tomatoes their vibrant red color). Because lycopene requires fat for absorption, pair your canned tomatoes with a little heart-healthy fat, like olive oil, for maximum benefit. Canned tomatoes have another nice benefit. Because you don't have to wait for them to ripen or come into season, they're always at the peak of flavor. So, stock up and put them to work in an Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole or our Chickpea Dumplings in Curried Tomato Sauce for delicious, satisfying weeknight dinners. Related: I'm a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite Budget-Friendly Recipes Using Canned Tomatoes When it comes to protecting brain arteries from blockages, dark leafy greens like spinach are a top choice. They're rich in magnesium, potassium and antioxidants, all of which help keep arteries clear, lower blood pressure and support healthy blood flow. In fact, research reveals that people who eat more spinach and other dark, leafy green vegetables have a lower risk of stroke. Spinach also supplies lutein, a yellow-pigmented antioxidant that contributes to stroke prevention. Like lycopene, lutein is fat-soluble, so make sure to pair it with a little healthy fat. As much as we love fresh spinach, we don't have to tell you that it doesn't last long in the crisper. Canned spinach, on the other hand, has a nice, long shelf life. Next time you head to the grocery store, grab a can to swap into this Creamy Garlic Skillet with Spinach or our Creamy Spinach-Artichoke Salmon for a flavorful, nutrient-rich meal. It's hard to beat the artery-supportive benefits of beets. These vibrant root vegetables are filled with natural nitrates, compounds the body converts into nitric oxide, which helps relax and widen blood vessel walls. This process helps reduce blood pressure and increases oxygen and nutrient transport to organs, including the brain. Nitrates are so powerful that research has found that people who consume nitrates regularly may be 17% less likely to experience an ischemic stroke. Compared to cooking and peeling fresh beets, canned beets are a huge time-saver. Sub them in for fresh beets in this tangy Beet Salad with Feta & Dill. Or, pop open a can and try them in our meat-free Pickled Beet, Arugula & Herbed Goat Cheese Sandwich. When it comes to stroke prevention, canned foods may not be the first foods that come to mind. But certain canned foods—like canned beans, fish, artichokes, tomatoes, spinach and beets—are filled with nutrients that may protect against stroke. According to dietitians, these canned gems provide antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, folate and fiber that can support normal blood flow and keep your brain operating smoothly. Because they're shelf-stable, they make getting the nutrients you need to support cardiovascular, blood vessel and brain health easy. For the biggest benefit, be sure to choose canned varieties with no salt or sugar added. Then, load up your shopping cart. Because a few small changes in your cupboard can make a big difference for your brain and cardiovascular health. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Vegas Golden Knights Sign Towering Prospect
Earlier this month, the Vegas Golden Knights announced the signing of Kitchener Rangers' forward Trent Swick to a three-year, entry-level contract for the 2025-26 season. ✍️ The Golden Knights have signed forward Trent Swick to a three-year, entry level contract!! 😃Swick was drafted in the sixth round (180th overall) by Vegas in 2024 and has 57 points (26G, 31A) in 55 games with Kitchener (OHL) this season 👏 — Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) March 1, 2025 Swick is in his fourth and final OHL season, excelling as an overage player for the Ontario Hockey League's second-best team, Kitchener. Bookmark The Hockey News OHL site to never miss news, interviews, and any updates around the league. The St. Catharines, Ontario native was drafted 47th overall in the third round of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. Swick was one of many players playing in Ontario who lost a year of development when the OHL shutdown the 2020-21 season due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Swick took his time getting acclimated to the league, playing in a depth role for the Rangers from 2021-2023. He scored 13 goals and 24 points in 80 games in his first two seasons before his breakout campaign last season. The towering 6-foot-6 winger potted home 25 goals and racked up 37 helpers for 62 points. His play stood out and the Golden Knights' scouting staff took full notice. Nashville Predators Sign Memorial Cup Winning Forward Yesterday, the Nashville Predators announced the signing of Kingston Frontenacs' forward Joey Willis to a three-year, entry-level contract. London Knights Sign Seventh-Round Pick Easton Cowan's Scores OT Winner And First OHL Hat Trick In Dramatic Win Against Oshawa Calgary Flames' Top Prospect Zayne Parekh Joins Bobby Orr In OHL History Vegas used their penultimate pick in the most recent NHL draft to select the Kitchener Rangers forward Swick, 180th overall in the sixth round. With the regular season winding down and the OHL playoffs just around the corner, Swick is second on the Rangers team in goals (26) and points (57) in 56 contests this year. Swick will play a pivotal role in Kitchener's pursuit of winning their first OHL Championship since 2008. He will transition to the professional level next season where the Golden Knights will be able to watch and track his development closer. Oilers First-Round Pick Nets First OHL Hat Trick In Dominant London Victory Last night, Edmonton Oilers prospect Sam O'Reilly recorded the first hat trick of his OHL career in a dominant 9-1 London win over the Owen Sound Attack.
