For years, Hollywood residents have complained about a gritty swath of Santa Monica Boulevard that is a late-night magnet for transgender and male prostitution. But as Tamahori gets on with his life, residents say their lives continue against the backdrop of blatant open-air solicitations. Longtime residents said there was a time, years ago, when LAPD officers pushed the prostitution problem west into the city of West Hollywood, only to have L. Although turf battles among law enforcement agencies are a thing of the past, prostitution has continued to flourish along this several-mile-long strip, where the regulars who ply their trade are recognized by face -- if not name -- in some neighborhoods.
Hollywood vice squad officers say they know most of the regulars along this stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard. Numbers vary, depending on circumstances. On some occasions police have seen as many as 18 prostitutes on one corner; other nights the streets seem empty, LAPD Sgt. Mark Garza said. Garza said prostitutes in the area include cross-dressing men as well as transsexuals undergoing hormonal or surgical procedures.
As at other prostitution hot spots, including east Hollywood and a section of Sunset Boulevard, the LAPD has used undercover officers and stings to try to scare off business. Santa Monica Boulevard is on the south end of Hollywood, blocks south of the trendy clubs, restaurants, movie theaters and retail centers that are revitalizing once-struggling Hollywood and Sunset boulevards. Santa Monica Boulevard is a mix of mini-malls, entertainment-related firms, restaurants and self-storage facilities.
Hollywood residents say that although the police presence is welcome, the hope for turning the area around lies in injecting vibrancy into the neighborhood through environmental improvements and economic development. The boulevard is already dotted with numerous live theaters, which residents say has helped the neighborhood by attracting visitors.
LaBonge said he wanted to discourage prostitution through better lighting, street tree-planting and traffic management. Officials say there have been preliminary discussions with police and business owners about installing surveillance cameras along Santa Monica Boulevard to reduce crime.
