Sex workers in Los Angeles' red light district are openly soliciting clients in broad daylight, emboldened by new laws that make it difficult for law enforcement to crack down on prostitution.
The Safer Streets for All Act, passed by Governor Gavin Newsom in January, decriminalized loitering with the intent to work as a prostitute, leading to a surge in activity in the area. Figueroa Boulevard, a 40-block stretch in South LA, has become a hub for hundreds of prostitutes, some as young as their teens, engaging in sex work throughout the day.
Previously, this type of activity was confined to the nighttime, away from the prying eyes of most citizens. However, with the new laws in place, prostitution has become a 24/7 occurrence, with families driving by and witnessing explicit scenes on the streets. Concerns have been raised about the impact this has on children who are exposed to such activities. One source stated, "It's ridiculous, all in the open broad daylight. God only knows the impact it has on those kids who have to see this."
According to sources within the Los Angeles Police Department, prostitutes in the area are offering sexual services for as little as $40, with some selling their bodies for $160 or less at a time. However, there are also claims from sex workers that they can earn up to $1,000 a night and have regular clients who fly them to exotic locations.
Under the new loitering rules, law enforcement officers are no longer allowed to approach the women to offer assistance, unless they appear to be underage. In such cases, the women are taken to the police station and referred to the Department of Children and Family Services. However, it has been observed that even when the girls are sent to shelters or programs, they often return to the streets within a few days.
Nonprofits working to combat sex trafficking, such as Journey Out, are finding it increasingly challenging to connect with sex workers on the streets. The executive director of Journey Out, Nayeli May, explained that many young women do not realize they are being trafficked due to the psychological and physical control exerted by pimps. These women are often recruited from other states at a young age, making it less likely for their families to intervene.
May stated, "When law enforcement used to interact with them... they would link them with an organization such as ours. We would be able to get them some help, but that's not happening anymore. They can't even talk to the girls anymore."
The situation in the area has become dire, with a total of 51 reported rapes so far this year. Commander Jon Pinto of the LAPD acknowledged that approximately 95% of the women involved in sex work have pimps who are closely tied to street gangs. Pinto emphasized that the focus of law enforcement is on addressing human trafficking rather than consensual exchanges between adults. He stated, "What we are doing is addressing the human trafficking at the Figueroa corridor. There is a fear factor or coercion, and in the end, that pimp takes all of the money and she doesn't get any money back."
In response to the escalating problem, the city of Los Angeles, along with the LAPD, the LA City Attorney's Office, local nonprofits, the Department of Children and Family Services, and the US Attorney's Office, launched a new program called the "Figueroa Initiative" in September. The aim of this initiative is to provide assistance to victims of human trafficking.
A visit to Figueroa Boulevard, known as "The Track," revealed the alarming reality of the situation. Women wearing revealing clothing, such as barely-there G-strings, were seen waving to passing motorists. The presence of "Johns" in cars caused traffic to back up into residential areas, as they engaged in conversations with the women. Despite the presence of police cars, the women did not flee, and the Johns even parked their cars in the neighborhood. The scene was further intensified by a man who was naked from the waist down, hassling two prostitutes. The situation became increasingly threatening, prompting The Post's reporter and photographer to leave for their safety.
The issue of sex workers invading neighborhoods is not limited to Los Angeles. In National City, near San Diego, Mayor Ron Morrison expressed his disgust at the scantily clad individuals who have taken over the city's neighborhoods. He highlighted the fact that law enforcement cannot approach them as they are not technically doing anything wrong, even if they are engaging in conversations with individuals while wearing minimal clothing. Prostitution near schools and throughout the day and night has become a common occurrence in National City as well.
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