Residents demand safety campaign against prostitution crisis in North Long Beach

The Long Beach City Council meeting on April 22, 2025, focused on urgent public safety concerns, particularly regarding human trafficking and its impact on local children. Residents voiced their distress over the visible presence of prostitution and related activities in their neighborhoods, which they believe endanger the safety and well-being of students walking to and from school.

Community members, including parents and local leaders, expressed their fears about children witnessing inappropriate behaviors and being exposed to potential trafficking. One resident highlighted a recent violent incident involving pimps near a school carpool line, calling for a comprehensive safety campaign that includes law enforcement, prevention, and community support services.

Monica Keller, president of the Star King Neighborhood Association, emphasized the fear residents feel in reporting these activities, noting that the issue extends beyond Long Beach Boulevard into other neighborhoods. She urged the city to collaborate with families and community leaders to ensure safe passage for children.

David Salazar, executive director of the Long Beach Community Design Center, discussed ongoing projects aimed at improving pedestrian pathways and creating green spaces for children. He acknowledged that while these initiatives are steps in the right direction, they are part of a larger solution needed to address the long-standing issues of disinvestment and neglect in the area.

Other residents echoed these sentiments, with calls for legislative action to protect vulnerable populations, including the elderly and youth. They urged the council to consider broader strategies to combat the root causes of trafficking and to provide resources for those affected.

The meeting underscored a collective demand for immediate action to enhance community safety and protect children from the dangers posed by human trafficking and related activities. The council's response to these concerns will be crucial in shaping future safety initiatives in Long Beach.