A plan to curb prostitution in the San Fernando Valley was unanimously supported by the Los Angeles City Council on Feb. 28, and city officials hope the program could someday be expanded citywide.

Prostitution has been an issue along the Western Avenue corridor, and officials hope the new program will be an additional tool to help combat the problem. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The program was introduced last week by Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer and Councilwoman Nury Martinez, 6th District. Feuer, Martinez and Los Angeles Police Department deputy chief Jorge Villegas outlined the effort, which mainly focuses on the Sepulveda Boulevard corridor in Van Nuys and the Lankershim Boulevard corridor in Sun Valley.

Police patrols will be increased, and the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office will ramp up efforts to prosecute customers, commonly referred to as “Johns.” People caught soliciting prostitutes will be cited and required to attend an eight-hour “John school,” in which the dangers of soliciting prostitutes would be outlined. The police department will also impound vehicles driven by people caught soliciting prostitutes.

Senior lead officer Joseph Pelayo, with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Olympic Division, said the program could be a good tool for enforcement along the Western Avenue corridor, where prostitution activity is common.

Pelayo said cold weather has recently reduced the problem somewhat, but he added that it generally picks up as the spring and summer months approach and the weather gets warmer.

“It’s always a concern. When there is a problem, we’re out there,” Pelayo said. “[The new program] is a huge deterrent — coming home without your vehicle and having to explain that to your significant other. It could be very helpful.”

Frank Mateljan, a spokesman for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, said the program stipulates that prostitutes will be referred to the Mary Magdalene Project, a nonprofit organization based in Van Nuys that provides counseling and assistance. Tougher penalties will also be sought against pimps, he added.

Martinez funded the initial phase of the program in the Valley with $75,000 from her office’s discretionary account.

The money will fund two additional police patrols specifically targeting prostitution in her district.

Mateljan added that the city attorney’s office is optimistic the program will have a significant impact on the problem. The city council will have to determine how to fund the project if it is expanded citywide.

“As the program develops and more resources become available, we are open to expanding to other parts of the city,” Mateljan added.