Important · Los Gatos & Santa Cruz County

Say no to this placement.

A judge decides Friday, Oct. 30. Send your letter ASAP, no later than Oct. 29.

Last updated Sept. 24, 2026

The state has proposed a house on Terrace Grove Road in Los Gatos (Santa Cruz County) for the supervised release of Michael Cheek, a court-designated sexually violent predator. The Sheriff also opposes placement at this site, citing unreliable cell and GPS coverage, narrow roads that close, dense forest that would make a search hard, and schools, a Girl Scout camp, a church, and a park nearby.

His release was ordered in 2019. What the court is deciding now is where he lives, so letters are most effective when they explain why this site doesn't work.

1. Send your letter 2. Share 3. Attend the hearing
Not legal advice. This page was put together by concerned neighbors, not lawyers, and is not affiliated with the District Attorney, the Sheriff, or the Court. You are solely responsible for what you write, post, send, and do. Only say what you know to be true. Never threaten, harass, or contact Mr. Cheek, the property owner, or their families, and never go to the property.
1

Send your own letter

Write a few respectful sentences in your own words. Personal letters carry more weight than copied ones. Sign with your name and address, and send it ASAP, no later than Oct. 29. Comments must be received before Oct. 30 (Sheriff's release, Sept. 23, 2026).

Not sure what to say? Answer these in your own words:
  1. Who you are and where you live.
  2. Why this site doesn't work.
  3. Something you have seen yourself, like your cell service, the roads, or families nearby.
  4. Your request: please do not approve this placement.

Email

SVP@scdao.us

Open a new email in:

Gmail Outlook.com / Hotmail Outlook (work/school) Yahoo Mail Your device's mail app

Gmail lets you pick which Google account to send from. The address and subject are filled in; you write the letter.

Or mail

SVP Unit, c/o Santa Cruz District Attorney's Office, 701 Ocean Street, Room 200, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Send only to one of these, not to the judge or courthouse directly. Mailing? Send it right away so it arrives before Oct. 30.

Download a printable letter page (PDF)
2

Share on social media

Share only these materials, and only on your own accounts. Don't add the property's address, photos of the property, or anyone's personal information. Tap a picture to download it.

Download the full pack (ZIP)Captions to copy (Word)

Instagram: post all 3 together, in order

Picture 1 of 3: Say no to this placement. A judge decides Oct. 30.Download 1 of 3
Picture 2 of 3: The Sheriff says this site is not safe.Download 2 of 3
Picture 3 of 3: Send your letter ASAP.Download 3 of 3

Facebook, Nextdoor, X, and Stories

Story image: Say no to this placement.Download story
Wide post image for Facebook, Nextdoor, and X.Download wide post (Facebook, Nextdoor, X)

Facebook crops pictures when several are posted together, so use this single wide picture there.

Or just share this page. Copy the link and paste it anywhere.
3

Attend the hearing

Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, 1:30 p.m.
Santa Cruz County Superior Court, Dept. 6, 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, before the Hon. Nancy de la Peña.

Arrive 30 minutes early. In past hearings the public could attend but not speak, but a full room still gets noticed. Follow all courtroom rules and staff instructions. No signs, chanting, or demonstrations inside the courthouse. Confirm the date the week before with the DA's office: (831) 454-2400.

Court hearing, Oct. 30 Google Calendar Outlook.com Outlook (work/school) Apple / other (.ics)
Reminder to send your letter (Oct. 15) Google Calendar Outlook.com Outlook (work/school) Apple / other (.ics)

The Sheriff's statement

Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office media release, Sept. 23, 2026. It includes where to send comments and the deadline.

Download the release (PDF)View full size
Santa Cruz County Sheriff's media release, September 23, 2026, page 1.
Copied