CAR SEIZURES WOULD FIGHT PROSTITUTION.

Byline: - James Nash

Saying the city needs a new weapon against prostitution, a Los Angeles City Council panel on Monday unanimously endorsed a proposal to seize the cars of those who solicit streetwalkers.

Councilman Tom LaBonge championed the measure as a way to deal with a growing and stubborn problem of prostitution in his Hollywood-area district and along Sepulveda Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley.

The measure, endorsed by four members of the council's Public Safety Committee, awaits a vote by the full council.

Current city law allows police to impound a car for 48 hours before it is returned to its owner with a fee. The proposed policy would allow the city to take ownership of the vehicle.

With an arrest or determination of probable cause, a police officer could seize a car used by a john. The City Attorney's Office then would decide whether to have the car auctioned, with proceeds split among the lien holder, the City Attorney's Office and the Police Department.

A vehicle owner maintaining his innocence would have 10 days to file an appeal of the forfeiture. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge would rule on whether to return the vehicle.

Deputy City Attorney Asha Greenberg said that provision would satisfy concerns that an innocent person's car might be seized and sold before he goes on trial on a soliciting charge.

Oakland, Sacramento and Stockton have laws to seize cars used in prostitution. Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. Alan Hamilton said the tough laws in those cities have pushed some prostitution south to Los Angeles.

``We've shouldered the burden for Southern California prostitution long enough,'' said Hamilton, who has worked on the anti-prostitution legislation for the LAPD. ``Unquestionably, we're looking for deterrence. It's not a moneymaker.''

Hamilton said he expects that nearly all vehicle seizures under the new law would occur during sting operations, because otherwise it's difficult to prove that someone was soliciting a prostitute. The law only provides for the confiscation of cars used by johns, not prostitutes or pimps.

LAPD divisions conduct prostitution stings about once a month, with more possible in problem areas such as Hollywood and Van Nuys, Hamilton said.

City officials said that if the anti-prostitution effort succeeds, it could open the door to seizing cars used in other crimes. Councilwoman Wendy Greuel has proposed confiscating cars used repeatedly in street races. On Monday, Councilman Jack Weiss suggested changing the law so that the city could seize cars used in gang activities.