D.A. hosting human trafficking event

The Orange County district attorney’s office is taking a stand against human exploitation and trafficking at the first “Keep Calm and Beat H.E.A.T” rally and concert from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday.

The event will be held at Twila Reid Park in Anaheim, less than a mile from Beach Boulevard and Ball Road, a “high-prostitution area,” according to the district attorney’s website, citing reports from law enforcement officers.

Susan Kang Schroeder, chief of staff for Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas Jr., said the rally is part of his crackdown on such abuses.

She cited the high voter approval in November 2012 for Proposition 35 — the Californians Against Sexual Exploitation Act initiative, saying, “We saw that as a mandate from Orange County and the people of California to address this very issue.”

Schroeder said she is particularly excited to have Newport Beach-based celebrity chef Stan Frazier, co-founder of rock band Sugar Ray, on board. Frazier, who was appointed director of music for the rally, tapped Murphy Karges, a bassist and Costa Mesa resident to perform.

“Human exploitation and trafficking are very important causes that have been grabbing my attention for a long time now,” Frazier said. “I really wanted to lend a hand and bring more attention to this matter immediately.”

The rally will also feature comments by elected officials, information booths and food trucks.

Schroeder said a local task force is tackling human trafficking from every angle, including prosecution and education efforts. A point of pride for the district attorney’s office, she said, is its 100% conviction rate for perpetrators.

In Orange County, 467 prostitution cases were reported from Nov. 7 to Sept. 3, according to the office. Of those, 13 cases involved victims under 18 years old.

“We can’t just change the situation superficially or by arresting prostitutes,” Schroeder remarked. “We are trying to change the hearts and minds of Orange County and make people aware of the root of the problem — evil human beings who think it’s OK to use other human beings as pieces of trash for their financial gain.”

Karges and Frazier will be joined onstage by Lewis Richards, producer of Huntington Beach band Dirty Heads, Scott Foster of Discovery Channel’s “Bering Sea Gold,” and the band Parkaimoon.

On Monday, Karges said he plans to have a good time even while informing people about the “awful and horrible truths of human trafficking.”