1 RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ANAHEIM IN SUPPORT OF ASSEMBLY BILL 63
“LOITERING WITH INTENT TO COMMIT
PROSTITUTION”
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 357 (SB 357) also known as the “Safer Streets for All Act”, which took effect on January 1, 2023, repealed California Penal Code Section 653.22, a law that criminalizes loitering with the intent to engage in sex work; and WHEREAS, the intent of SB 357 was to reduce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, has directly experienced the impacts of SB 357, specifically along Beach Boulevard, which covers 1.5 miles in Anaheim and is home to 45,000 residents living within one mile of the corridor and which includes, single-family, apartment, and mobile home residential uses, the 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 has emboldened and encouraged individuals to engage in prostitution openly, leading to heightened public safety concerns, and an increase in criminal activity such as human trafficking and drug-related offenses which has placed an undue strain on local law enforcement resources; and
WHEREAS, on November 13, 2024, the City of Anaheim adopted Resolution No. 2024- 115 requesting the State of California to mitigate the impacts of SB 357; and WHEREAS, Assembly Bill 63 (AB 63) also known as “Loitering with Intent to Commit Prostitution” would reinstate language to the California Penal Code prohibiting loitering in a public place with the intent to commit prostitution and make that crime a misdemeanor; and 2 WHEREAS, AB 63 would maintain protection by prohibiting law enforcement from making an arrest solely based on the person’s gender identity or sexual orientation; and WHEREAS, AB 63 would allow law enforcement to more effectively identify and assist victims of human trafficking while providing a mechanism for police officers to approach potential human trafficking victims to provide outreach and offer resources and services.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Anaheim supports Assembly Bill 63 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.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Anaheim will transmit copies of this resolution and a letter of support to its state legislators and the author for appropriate distribution.
THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION is approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Anaheim this ____ day of ______________, 2025 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