Watsonville, Santa Cruz Oppose Placement of Sexually Violent Predator in Local Hotels

The cities argue the hotel setting is inappropriate and presents serious public safety concerns.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a handcuff or other crime-related physical evidence object lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the public safety issues surrounding the proposed placement of a sexually violent predator.As communities grapple with housing sexually violent offenders, a stark visual metaphor reflects the complex public safety concerns at stake.Santa Cruz Today

The cities of Watsonville and Santa Cruz have expressed strong opposition to a proposal by the California Department of State Hospitals to release a twice-convicted rapist, Michael Cheek, from state custody and house him in local hotels. Cheek was previously deemed a 'sexually violent predator' and has a history of abducting, sexually assaulting, and raping victims in Santa Cruz and Lake Counties. Both cities argue the hotel setting is an inappropriate placement that raises serious public safety concerns, especially given the proximity to youth and family-serving spaces.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges communities face in balancing public safety and the rights of convicted sex offenders deemed 'sexually violent predators' who have completed their prison sentences. It also raises questions about the state's responsibility to find suitable housing placements that do not jeopardize public safety or the character of local neighborhoods.

The details

Michael Cheek was convicted of abducting and sexually assaulting a 21-year-old visitor to Seabright State Beach in 1980, receiving a 20-year prison sentence. After his release, he escaped custody, fled to Lake County, and raped a 15-year-old girl. Cheek was then deemed a 'sexually violent predator' under California law, allowing him to be involuntarily committed to a state hospital for rehabilitation. In 2019, a judge granted him a conditional release to start receiving supervised outpatient treatment. The latest proposal by the Department of State Hospitals is to have Cheek primarily reside in a hotel in Watsonville or an alternate hotel in Santa Cruz, which both cities have strongly opposed.

  • In 1980, Cheek was convicted of abducting and sexually assaulting a 21-year-old visitor to Seabright State Beach.
  • Cheek escaped custody in the early 1980s and raped a 15-year-old girl in Lake County.
  • Cheek served in prison from 1981 to 1997 and was then deemed a 'sexually violent predator' in 1998.
  • In 2019, a judge granted Cheek a conditional release to start receiving supervised outpatient treatment.
  • The latest proposal by the Department of State Hospitals to house Cheek in local hotels was made in 2026.

The players

Michael Cheek

A twice-convicted rapist who was previously deemed a 'sexually violent predator' and is now the subject of a proposal to house him in local hotels in Watsonville and Santa Cruz.

California Department of State Hospitals

The state agency responsible for the proposal to release Cheek from custody and house him in local hotels in Watsonville and Santa Cruz.

City of Watsonville

A city that has expressed strong opposition to the proposal to house Cheek in a local hotel, citing public safety concerns.

City of Santa Cruz

A city that has also opposed the proposal to house Cheek in a local hotel, arguing it would alter the character of the area and require a coastal development permit.

Santa Cruz Police Department, City Attorney's Office, and Santa Cruz County District Attorney's Office

Local law enforcement and legal entities that have supported the city of Santa Cruz's opposition to the proposal.

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What they’re saying

“The proposed site is located in a busy commercial corridor near youth and family-serving spaces, and hotel guests would be unaware that they could encounter an SVP (sexually violent predator) on the premises.”

— Watsonville Police Department

“Mr. Cheek's connection to Santa Cruz County is that he committed sexually violent crimes here. He has the same connection to Lake County.”

— City of Santa Cruz

What’s next

The court is accepting public comments on the matter by email or mail until April 27. The Department of State Hospitals must respond to the comments by May 11. A placement hearing for Cheek has been scheduled for May 22.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges communities face in balancing public safety and the rights of convicted sex offenders deemed 'sexually violent predators.' It raises questions about the state's responsibility to find suitable housing placements that do not jeopardize public safety or the character of local neighborhoods.