Standing for Survivors: Pastor’s Fight for Justice
The stakes were high: Senate Bill 286 sought to exclude violent sex offenders from early release under the state’s elderly parole program. A 2020 law, Assembly Bill 3234, had quietly lowered the age threshold to 50, making even those convicted of brutal sexual abuse eligible for release after just 20 years.
Velazquez believed SB 286 was necessary to protect survivors from the retraumatization of facing their abusers at parole hearings—or worse, seeing them walk free far too soon. But he also suspected the bill wouldn’t survive the committee.
His doubt was well-founded. California’s Democrat-controlled Legislature has a long track record of killing bills that would strengthen penalties for sexual abuse and human trafficking. Still, Pastor Jose and members of Citywide Mosaic Christian Church in Temecula drove over 450 miles to Sacramento. They stood in solidarity with survivors like Mary and Bella—Mary, one of his congregants, had endured horrific abuse, only to be revictimized by the state’s early parole laws.
Mary was raped repeatedly by her uncle, a man the foster system had entrusted with her care. Bella, from Riverside, was kidnapped and assaulted. Both faced the unthinkable: the potential early release of their abusers.
California originally enacted elderly parole for inmates 60 and over in 2014, citing cost savings and prison overcrowding. But Velazquez argued that the amended threshold of 50 made a mockery of the term elderly.
"Tell me, where else is 50 considered elderly?" he asked. "Nowhere but in the California prison system. It's incredible."
As supporters and opponents voiced their opinions before the vote, something unexpected happened: the bill passed unanimously, 6–0.
"I hoped it would pass, but I could not believe it would be six to zero," said Velazquez. "Everybody was crying. Even some hardened lawyers and DAs came out of that room in tears."
The momentum plummeted three weeks later when SB 286 was sent to the committee's "suspense file." It awaits further review but will be heard on Friday, May 23. Meanwhile, the Assembly has introduced a companion measure—AB 47—which also passed its Public Safety Committee unanimously.
"It gives me hope," said Velazquez, "but I know the battle that’s ahead. The voters are changing, but Sacramento is struggling to catch up."
He credits last November’s passage of Proposition 36—which reversed prior laws softening theft penalties—as a turning point. Despite opposition from Governor Gavin Newsom and other top Democrats, voters backed Prop. 36 decisively. A recent CalMatters article noted the mounting pressure on Democratic lawmakers to toughen their stance on crime.
"Look, it's still Sacramento," Velazquez said. "They haven’t changed overnight. They’re doing it kicking and screaming. Maybe to win the next election—but not because they’ve had a change of heart."
For Pastor Jose, the fight over SB 286 is personal. It reflects his church’s commitment to a biblical worldview and justice for the vulnerable. He was similarly engaged in the grassroots push for Proposition 36, rallying behind a church member who championed the initiative.
“He wanted to fight, and I said, ‘That’s a righteous fight. We’ll stand with you. Tell us what you need,’” said Velazquez.
Despite playing a supporting role in SB 286, Velazquez insists the real credit goes to Mary and her team.
“We made a few calls and wrote a letter, but Mary did the footwork. She made the calls. I prayed and supported one of my sheep—that’s all.”
Yet his example has sparked a broader movement within his congregation. His willingness to step into the cultural battle has inspired others to do the same.
“The most important part is being the victim’s voice,” he said.
That passion was reignited during the pandemic, when California’s strict COVID-19 restrictions clashed with religious freedom. Velazquez stood beside Pastor Mike McClure of San Jose Calvary Church, who faced millions in fines for keeping his church open against state orders.
“I drove seven hours to be there,” he recalled. “And I was stunned. Here’s a pastor potentially facing jail, and hardly any pastors showed up. That was a wake-up call—seeing how far off target the church had become.”
Today, Pastor Jose Velazquez continues to stand—not just for Mary and Bella, but also for others like them.
He urges supporters to pray and attend the May 23 Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, expected to be held at 1021 O Street, Room 2200 in Sacramento, around 11:00 a.m.
We can stand together for survivors and fight for justice.