By Jackie Huyck
May’s Anti-Human Trafficking Collaborative meeting was held in United Methodist Church of Vista’s newly refurbished community room on the upper level. Our guest speaker was Flavio Nominati, San Diego Assistant DA on the Human Trafficking Task Force. He works with our original guest speaker Carolyn Matzger, who had a unexpected conflict.
Kaye Van Nevel opened the meeting by having all attendees stand and introduce themselves. There were quite a few new people attending, so Kaye talked about the Soroptimist mission and our recent Live Your Dream Awards, which included a survivor of trafficking among our six awardees. (Her award was made possible by donations received during our “30 Miles in 30 Days” to fight human trafficking walkathon and the Awareness Walk.)
Our legislative guru, Penny Harrington, updated us on the status of legislation, specifically SB 14, which includes human trafficking within the definition of a serious felony for the Three Strikes Law. To pass out of Public Safety, Sen. Grove had to amend it to apply only to minors 18 and under. AB 1740, to post HT notices in pediatric care facilities has passed committee, which is a great first step.
Kaye introduced Flavio Nominati. Flavio is Assistant DA in the Human Trafficking Task Force. He told us about his path to law school and his background. Although he originally wanted to get into theater, he is glad he pivoted to law, because he enjoys helping victims of abuse and trafficking. He told us about the unintended consequences of the passage of Bill 375 which repeals California Penal Code Section 653.22, the law that criminalized loitering for the intent to engage in sex work. This new act took effect January 1, 2023…and the result has been a sharp increase in “street level trafficking” state-wide! He cited a particular street in downtown San Diego (Main St. and Roosevelt) that has seen “bumper to bumper” traffic of men seeking sex from women who are there, some as young as 14. Law Enforcement has temporary cameras to document the activity, but they are constrained from having the cameras there permanently.
On a positive note, their recent “Operation Better Pathways,” which focused on making contact with victims, was a “dramatic step in the right direction” and “sent a message to traffickers,” he said. He cited one victim who is now back in school, has a job and is close to being able to be reunited with her kids. He said if we suspect someone is being trafficked don’t intervene but call the Task Force Tip Line: 888-373-7888 or text 233-733 (BE FREE)
Next meeting will probably be in September, Kaye will notify Collaborative members.
