This came over the transom from Anaheim Councilwoman Kris Murray, promoting the “B.E.A.T. the HEAT” concert rally against human trafficking taking place the evening of Sept. 9 at Twila Reid Park, 3100 West Orange Avenue in Anaheim. The concert rally is being organized by OC District Attorney Tony Rackauckas.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This past November, the voters of California overwhelmingly supported Proposition 35 to ban human trafficking and escalate criminal penalties for those convicted of this crime. Proposition 35 passed with 81% approval making it the most successful ballot initiative in California’s history.
For years, Anaheim’s police department has been leading on this issue to combat prostitution and human trafficking as Anaheim is one of the Orange County cities on a circuit of trafficking affecting many communities in the western United States. Since the proposition’s passage, local law enforcement and county prosecutors have teamed up to go after those involved in this terrible exploitation of women and children – with the vast majority of children affected between the ages of 12-14. Since the passage of Prop. 35, Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckus has filed charges against 9 alleged human traffickers and 402 alleged prostitutes and sex purchasers.
This is excellent news for the greater Anaheim community as residents and community leaders in West Anaheim continue to partner with law enforcement to combat what is taking place on several of our major city streets. As more and more of these abusers are prosecuted and incarcerated, it goes to show the impact residents can have in assisting law enforcement by raising awareness of this very serious problem.
That is why I invite you to join the City of Anaheim in partnership with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, and community leaders on the evening of September 9, 2013 at Twila Reid Park for a BEAT the H.E.A.T. Rally against human trafficking. There will be live entertainment, food trucks, and informational booths. For more information, please see the flyer below and check out the facebook event page.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Best regards,
Kris Murray
Council Member
City of Anaheim
