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NewsKPBS Public MediaSeptember 2, 2026San Diego

San Diego police enforce AB 379, targeting individuals loitering with intent to purchase sex

California law AB 379, sponsored by the city of San Diego and Mayor Todd Gloria, makes it illegal to loiter in an area for the purpose of purchasing sex. Since the law took effect in January, police have issued 95 citations or arrests, primarily in the Barrio Logan and National City neighborhoods.

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Why It Matters

The law changes how police address street-level sex work by allowing arrests for with intent to purchase, which advocates and police data suggest disproportionately impacts Latino and Black men and creates safety risks for sex workers.

Key Facts

  • AB 379 makes it illegal to loiter in an area for the purpose of purchasing sex.
  • The law went into effect in January.
  • Police issued 95 citations or arrests under this law through July.
  • Only 12 of the 95 individuals cited or arrested through July were white men.
  • The majority of enforcement is occurring in the Barrio Logan and National City neighborhoods.
  • Police data indicates a disproportionate number of citations are issued to Latino and Black men.
  • The San Diego Police Department reports that this law is a more efficient use of resources than general solicitation laws.
  • The ACLU of Southern California previously analyzed that 79% of arrests under the repealed 'walking while trans' law were of Black people.
  • The first California loitering law was enacted in 1850.

Who's Mentioned

organizationSan Diego Police Department“The agency responsible for enforcing the law.”personJamie Arangure“Local sex worker and advocate with Proyecto Trans Latinas.”other12“Number of white men cited through July.”other95“Total citations and arrests through July.”other379“Bill number.”personMinouche Kandel“Senior Staff Attorney at the ACLU of Southern California.”personTodd Gloria“Mayor of San Diego and sponsor of the law.”locationBarrio Logan“Primary neighborhood where citations are occurring.”personDaniel Hall“Lieutenant with the San Diego Police Department overseeing enforcement.”