Sheriff's deputies knocked on doors and distributed fliers in a Bay Point neighborhood Wednesday afternoon to inform residents and business owners that a violent sexual predator will soon be their neighbor.

Charles Christman, 69, who was convicted for assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer and on several charges of sex crimes against children, is set to be released from a state mental hospital on or by March 12, Contra Costa County sheriff's spokesman Jimmy Lee said.

The former Contra Costa resident has been ordered by a state judge to move into a home at 1975 Willow Pass Road in Bay Point upon his release from Coalinga State Hospital.

Lee said the convict, whom the state has deemed a "sexually violent predator," will be wearing a GPS monitor that allows the sheriff's office to track his location at all times. He is also required to register with the sheriff's office every 90 days and is listed on the California Megan's Law database.

Christman's new home puts him a quarter-mile from Willow Cove Elementary School and in the middle of a residential neighborhood populated by families with young children.

Many residents and workers in the area said they were hearing about the convict's impending move-in for the first time today.

"I don't think it's cool that he's living here -- especially since there's a school right there," said Lissette Muela, an assistant manager at Tower Market, located across the street from the property where Christman is expected to live.

One man who lives near the school was in his front yard with his young daughter this afternoon when a sheriff's deputy arrived and handed him a flier informing him that the sex offender would be moving in nearby. The deputy also provided some phone numbers to call in the event of any issues with Christman.

For the father of two, who declined to give his name, the news is another reminder to keep his children close.

"I never let my kids out on the street, they're always with us," he said. "These days, you have to keep your eye on your kids all the time."

Christman was convicted for crimes committed in the 1960s, 70s and 80s and was imprisoned before being committed to the state mental hospital, Lee said.