California officials say there's a lack of reliable data on sex trafficking. To fix that, they’re planning to study an area not far from the state Capitol: Stockton Boulevard in south Sacramento.
“Sacramento is definitely a focal point to learn what is going to be the best solutions to tackle human trafficking,” said Sacramento Vice Mayor Eric Guerra.
Guerra, who along with state Sen. Richard Pan, helped secure $1.5 million for Sacramento County to study the problem of sex solicitation and find solutions to curb it.
California is spending $4 million statewide to do more research on the problem.
“Hopefully, we'll be able to go after not only the human trafficking that you see on the street — so many young youth who are being victimized — but also going after some of the illicit businesses, such as the illegal massage parlors that are out there,” Guerra said.
Developing resources to help survivors of trafficking is also part of the plan, according to Guerra. He says these efforts come as regional leaders work to revitalize the Stockton Boulevard corridor.
Just last week, business investors were given a tour of the corridor to help spur revitalization along this stretch.
The city's partnership with UC Davis on the Aggie Square project at Stockton and Broadway is expected to bring additional jobs to the area.
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