RES-2025-031RESOLUTION NO. 2 0 2 5- 0 31
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which took effect on January 1, 2023, repealed California Penal Code Section 653.22, a law that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
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 22 day of April , 2025 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Meeks and Council Members Balius,
Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz and Maahs
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Aitken
ABSTAIN: None
CITY OF ANAHEIM
By:�--
MPNOR OF THE CIT OF ANAHEIM
O TEM
4CITCLERK OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM
FA
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. 2025-031 adopted at a regular meeting provided by law, of the Anaheim
City Council held on the 22"d day of April, 2025 by the following vote of the members thereof:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tern Meeks and Council Members Balius, Leon, Rubalcava,
Kurtz and Maahs
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mayor Aitken
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 231 day of April, 2025.
CITY dLERK OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM
(SEAL)