Salinas, California — City officials in Salinas have launched a new pilot initiative aimed at curbing prostitution and human trafficking in East Salinas, where residents have long expressed concern over safety and community well-being.
The program, developed in response to rising incidents in neighborhoods near Kern, Kings, and Roosevelt streets, is structured around four primary actions:
- Improved lighting in high-activity zones
- Installation of surveillance cameras at strategic intersections
- Testing a no-parking zone on Kern Street to reduce buyer traffic
- Relocating food trucks that may inadvertently support illicit activity
Mayor Dennis Donohue emphasized the urgency of the effort, citing the visibility of illegal activity near residential areas and schools. “This is a serious issue affecting families and children. Salinas is not the place for this,” he stated.
The problem reportedly intensified after the decriminalization of loitering in California last year. In recent enforcement actions, police issued 39 citations and arrested four individuals for pimping and pandering.
Some local vendors, however, voiced concerns about being unfairly implicated. Taco truck owner Juan Medina Herrera argued that law-abiding businesses are penalized for others’ actions.
The citywide task force, composed of multiple departments, is also exploring support services for those involved in sex work, focusing on both prevention and intervention.
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