More media attention and more official response to the Lafayette
AMP business:
'
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_20630372/lafayette-takes-another-look-at-proposed-massage-law
Lafayette takes another look at proposed massage law
By Jennifer Modenessi
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 05/16/2012 06:47:43 AM PDT
Updated: 05/16/2012 06:48:11 AM PDT
LAFAYETTE -- A proposed law designed to discourage unlawful sexual activity masquerading as massage is getting another close look.
Lafayette city leaders on Monday will discuss retooled rules they hope will curb the suspected vice that has infuriated neighbors and drawn television crews to council meetings and to the doors of a few businesses.
It's not the first time some Lafayette establishments have been in the spotlight. But Heather Schlachter, a somatic therapist who is also a trained massage therapist, says more attention is being paid to the issue because of an influx of massage parlors in this city and elsewhere.
"What's hard is that they're trying to restrict prostitution," Schlachter said about the city's new rules, which regulate everything from signage to hours these business must be closed. "They're trying to place these laws that have to do with prostitution, and not people like us. It's a very tough place to be."
Therapists and practitioners have been in that tough place since February, when several residents approached the council with complaints about possible illegal activity at massage parlors in their neighborhoods.
One read explicit reviews of local shops taken from several websites,
and a tailor complained that shady goings-on at a nearby parlor were putting a dent in his business. The city responded by drafting a tough new law that regulates all massage establishments.
And while that law may inspire some
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using massage as a front for illegal activity to pack up and leave, Schlachter says it's the longtime professionals who will have to deal with all of the new regulations including that those who wish to do business in Lafayette be certified through the California Massage Therapy Council, a regulatory body created by the Legislature in 2009.
That process is rigorous. But according to Beverly May, director of the California Massage Therapy Council, it is the path any therapist or practitioner must take to become state-certified.
But the strictest guidelines are for sole practitioners and business owners or operators who will need to register annually with the city's Police Department. Those who are not state-certified will need to go undergo extensive background checks and pay a fee.
Although that is the rule most likely to discourage illegal behavior, it will probably also cause the most grief. Still, it's better than what other cities have required in the past -- including mandatory testing for sexually transmitted diseases.
"It's humiliating. It's infuriating," said May, who is also a Redwood City-based massage therapist.
Before Redwood City adopted its current ordinance, therapists and practitioners had to go to the police for Live Scan fingerprints and background checks, as well as take medical tests. May said that's why she worked so hard for state legislation.
Fingerprinting and background checks are now done at the state level and Lafayette is not requiring background checks or police registration of any CAMTCcertified massage therapist or practitioner.
Still, some aren't fully convinced stringent rules will solve the real problem.
"Prostitution is not going to stop just because Lafayette is doing something," Schlachter said. "It will show up in other ways."
If you go
What: Lafayette City Council
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Where: Lafayette Library and Learning Center, Community Hall, 3491
Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Details:
www.ci.lafayette.ca.us
he was ooo mad.he did look much younger 