LA Launches Anti-Trafficking Initiative on Western Avenue

City and county officials aim to combat sex trafficking and support victims in the Larchmont neighborhood

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:07pm

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Los Angeles city and county officials have announced a new initiative to address sex trafficking along Western Avenue between Olympic and Santa Monica boulevards, following concerns raised by Larchmont neighbors about sex workers, buyers, and traffickers in the area. The plan will focus on holding sex traffickers and buyers accountable while providing support and services to help sex workers escape trafficking.

Why it matters

The Western Avenue initiative is a response to community concerns about the prevalence of sex trafficking in the Larchmont neighborhood, which is known for its community-oriented character. The city and county hope to disrupt the demand for commercial sex while also assisting victims and survivors.

The details

The initiative will involve increased enforcement against sex buyers, with the potential for them to face state prison time rather than just misdemeanor charges. Officials also plan to publicly shame sex buyers by creating a registry similar to Megan's Law. Additionally, the city is collaborating with the nonprofit Journey Out to provide support services and rehabilitation for sex workers who are victims of trafficking.

  • The Western Avenue initiative was announced on January 27, 2026.

The players

Hydee Feldstein Soto

LA City Attorney who said the initiative will focus on holding sex traffickers and buyers accountable while helping sex workers.

Nathan Hochman

LA County District Attorney who wants to create a registry to publicly shame and expose sex buyers.

Nayeli May

Executive Director of the nonprofit Journey Out, which will collaborate with the city to provide support services and rehabilitation for sex trafficking victims.

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What they’re saying

“We shift the criminalization from the trafficked victims to the johns, the buyers, the exploiters, the predators and the profiteers.”

— Hydee Feldstein Soto, LA City Attorney (nbclosangeles.com)

“If the demand did not exist, there would be no incentive for these pimps and predators to go ahead and take advantage of these young girls and make them effectively their slaves, because they would not be getting any money in exchange for that slavery.”

— Nathan Hochman, LA County District Attorney (nbclosangeles.com)

“Your name and your picture will now be broadcast to the entire world, exposing your sickness for going ahead and basically being part of an industry that is preying on young girls and young boys.”

— Nathan Hochman, LA County District Attorney (nbclosangeles.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the creation of the sex buyer registry.

The takeaway

This initiative represents a shift in approach, moving away from criminalizing sex workers and instead targeting the buyers and traffickers who fuel the demand for commercial sex. By collaborating with nonprofits and using innovative tactics like public shaming, officials hope to disrupt the sex trafficking industry and provide support to victims in the Larchmont community.