RES-2024-115RESOLUTION NO. 2 0 2 4 -1 15
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which took effect on January 1, 2023, repealed California Penal Code Section 653.22, a law that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
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.
K
THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION is approved and adopted by the City Council of the
City of Anaheim this 13 day of November , 2024 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Aitken and Council Members Kurtz, Diaz,
Leon, Rubalcava, Faessel and Meeks
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CITY OF
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CITY L RK OF THE 41TY OF ANAHEIM
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CLERK'S CERTIFICATE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss.
CITY OF ANAHEIM )
I, THERESA BASS, City Clerk of the City of Anaheim, do hereby certify that the foregoing is the
original Resolution No. 2024-115 adopted at a regular meeting provided by law, of the Anaheim
City Council held on the 131h day of November, 2024 by the following vote of the members thereof:
AYES: Mayor Aitken and Council Members Kurtz, Diaz, Leon, Rubalcava,
Faessel and Meeks
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 18th day of November, 2024.
16LVRK OF THE CITYIOF ANAHEIM
(SEAL)