Salinas business group wants a prostitution-free zone
The Associated Press
Article Last Updated: 05/01/2007 07:22:20 AM PDT

SALINAS, Calif.- Merchants who want to revitalize the east side of town are asking the city to declare a prostitution-free zone.

The Salinas United Business Association proposed the concept in January. Prostitutes found in the zone would be ordered to stay away.

The City Council considers the measure this week.

Association President David Brown, a laundry facility owner in east Salinas, said zones established in Washington, D.C., and Portland, Ore., effectively addressed the problem.

Police and city legal staff oppose the idea, saying current state laws address prostitution issues and judges already issue "stay-away" orders when requested.

Councilman Tony Barrera said a city report shows establishment of a prostitution-free zone would simply displace offenders to other parts of the city.