1 RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ANAHEIM REQUESTING THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
TAKE ACTION TO MITIGATE THE IMPACTS OF SENATE
BILL 357
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 357 (SB 357) also known as the “Safer Streets for All Act”, which took effect on January 1, 2023, repealed California Penal Code Section 653.22, a law that criminalizes loitering with the intent to engage in sex work; and WHEREAS, the intent of SB 357 was to reduce discrimination and harassment in public spaces and to protect vulnerable populations, while attempting to reframe issues related to sex work; and
WHEREAS, the repeal of Penal Code Section 653.22 has raised significant concerns for cities like Anaheim, where prostitution-related activity has had a measurable impact on the quality of life for residents, public safety, and local businesses; and WHEREAS, West Anaheim, like several communities throughout California, experienced the impacts of SB 357, specifically along Beach Boulevard, which covers 1.5 miles in Anaheim and comprises 45,000 residents within a mile, single-family, apartment, mobile home neighborhoods, West Anaheim Youth Center, retail centers, hospital and medical officers, and motels; and
WHEREAS, the area has experienced problems along the corridor, including prostitution, human trafficking, drugs, and blighted motels, and therefore the City of Anaheim began its Rebuild Beach effort to address those problems beginning in December 2021; and WHEREAS, increased concerns have grown over prostitution and solicitation, particularly in high-traffic areas like Beach Boulevard, as a result of the repeal of Penal Code Section 653.22, which previously served as a tool for law enforcement to address loitering and solicitation; and
WHEREAS, the absence of this tool may encourage individuals to engage in prostitution openly, leading to heightened public safety concerns, an increase in criminal activity such as human trafficking and drug-related offenses, and placing an undue strain on local law enforcement resources; and
WHEREAS, law enforcement must now rely on resource-intensive undercover operations to curb street prostitution, identify victims of human trafficking, and build a provable criminal case against traffickers; and
WHEREAS, residents and business owners in affected areas have reported a decline in 2 quality of life due to the negative impacts of increased visible prostitution, including increased traffic in residential neighborhoods, noise complaints, and an overall heightened fear of crime; and
WHEREAS, while SB 357 seeks to address critical issues related to the criminalization of sex work, the City of Anaheim recognizes the need for additional measures to mitigate the impacts of this law on communities, including enhanced law enforcement resources, and stronger protections for individuals engaged in prostitution to ensure their safety and access to health services;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Anaheim, as follows:
1. Take action to mitigate the impacts of SB 357, particularly as they relate to increased prostitution, public safety concerns, and the quality of life for residents and businesses in Anaheim.
2. Provide additional resources to local law enforcement agencies to assist in addressing the rise in prostitution and related criminal activities.
3. Work collaboratively with local jurisdictions to monitor and evaluate the impacts of SB 357 and to consider legislative amendments or new initiatives that address the broader concerns raised by this law.
4. Ensure that any decriminalization measures include appropriate safeguards, including access to health services, legal protections, and social support. 3 THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION is approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Anaheim this ____ day of ______________, 2024 by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
CITY OF ANAHEIM
By: _________________________________
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM