STOCKTON—

Wilson Way in Stockton, it’s a street known for business – including the exchange of young women selling their bodies for cash.

During a community discussion to combat the issue, Mayor Anthony Silva laid out some ideas including putting the women in transitional housing.

“We also need to get them jobs and counseling so they can support themselves,” said Silva.

Stockton Police say, in the past 10 years, the faces of prostitution have gotten younger and the motives are more difficult to combat.

“A lot of them are getting an education. A lot of them are supporting families and it is lucrative to do the job that they are doing,” said Sgt. Scott Graviette.

Even though it is seen in plain view – girls coming and going from hotels like a fast food drive through – police say there is little they can do to stop it.

“One approach in the city is called a ‘community safety ordinance,’ which is handled in the city attorney’s office,” said Sgt. Graviette.

A letter is sent to the establishment basically saying they are being watched.

But, police say the business will clean things up for a few months before things go back to the way they were.

“We cannot arrest ourselves out of the prostitution problem. I wish we could because that is easy but it doesn’t work,” said Graviette.

A young man in the audience whose family owns hotels admitted many know what is happening, but sometimes will not stop it because it pays the bills.

Others in the audience suggested adding a stronger police presence and cracking down on businesses.