Newly Sworn-in Councilwoman Vows to Fight Valley Prostitution

Newly elected Councilwoman Nury Martinez says one of her top priorities will be to fight prostitution in the Van Nuys, North Hollywood and Sun Valley portions of the sixth district, the Daily News reports.

“We are trying to get a coordinated effort with the LAPD and all the community groups that have been out there or just starting up,” she said.

Martinez said she is also working with state legislators to enact tougher penalties for pimping an ongoing problem in the area for years, according to the Daily News.

LAPD vice officers occasionally conduct sting operations where police, disguised as prostitutes, attempt to arrest solicitors or fellow prostitutes.

Lt. Dennis Ballas, the LAPD’s Valley Bureau vice coordinator, told the publication another big problem is that pimps are recruiting younger girls, some as young as 12-14.

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Do you think prostitution should be a top priority on a legislative agenda or do you think there are other more important issues that should be tackled first?