Local Article Published CC Times 2/17

Lafayette massage parlors questioned

By Jennifer Modenessi
Contra Costa Timesmercurynews.com

Posted:   02/17/2012 12:00:00 AM PST

February 18, 2012 5:52 AM GMT Updated:   02/17/2012 09:52:52 PM PST

LAFAYETTE -- A spike in the number of massage parlors in Lafayette, and suspicions of illegal activity at a handful of those businesses, have residents fuming, police adding patrols and City Hall rethinking how to regulate "personal services."

Homeowners upset about the proliferation of shops they believe are offering more than massages aired their grievances to the Lafayette City Council at a meeting Monday.

Parlors between Carol Lane and Brown Avenue and those on Mt. Diablo Boulevard advertise services with flashing neon signs, residents said. But it's the sexually explicit reviews of activity at those shops on adult-oriented websites that seem to confirm their worst suspicions.

Employees have also been observed sleeping overnight at these shops. One reportedly propositioned a minor for sex.

"Our kids are getting solicited," said Thomas Raeth, who spoke at Monday's meeting.

In a separate interview, Raeth said he would like his city to inspect the businesses and ensure no illegal activity is taking place. It also may be time to set rules, such as those in place in Orinda, whose municipal code regulates massage parlors, he said. Other cities, including Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill and Oakley also regulate parlors.

Lafayette does not have official guidelines for massage shops, nor does Moraga.

Neighbor Michelle Douglass, who lives near Melody Massage and Classical Music Massage on Mt. Diablo Boulevard, said she's seen only male customers frequent the businesses by her home. Curious neighbors -- women -- have rung the doorbell of Melody Massage and been turned away.

"Obviously, it's a community issue, but we're trying to bring the attention onto our neighborhood because we have families," she said. "We have 25 kids under the age of 18. We've had masseurs talking to high school students walking home from school."

The parlor traffic is also causing headaches for tailor Carlos Gomez. His business, Moises Gomez & Associates, sits in front of Melody Massage and next to Classical Music Massage.

He told the council members his business has dipped, and urged them to address the issue.

But Melody Massage owner Kenneth Helppie said his shop is "trying to do an honest business."

The Fremont resident said in an interview that he and his wife, a certified massage therapist, purchased the business Feb. 7 from the previous owner. They plan to change the name to Melody Health Center.

Helppie said they have yet to build a website that explains their services, but the shop's three certified therapists offer shiatsu, athletic massage and "all the different techniques," he said.

Employees must sign subcontractor agreements written in English and Mandarin Chinese stating they will only provide professional therapy and acupressure and no unlawful activity.

City leaders said they are aware of an uptick in massage shops and are listening to complaints.

"We've always had spas where people go for facials and massages with day spa atmospheres," said Lafayette police Chief Mike Hubbard. "The stereotypical massage parlor is fairly new."

Hubbard said that, for now, police are working with information gleaned from the Internet that suggests some shops are engaged in illegal activities.

Since the report of the minor being solicited by a parlor employee, police have stepped up patrols in that neighborhood, the chief added.

They are also working with the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office, with whom the city contracts for vice and narcotics investigations. And Hubbard and the planning department will consider city zoning ordinances and other ways of regulating such businesses.

City Manager Steven Falk said Lafayette is developing a strategy to address the problem. He said personal services are allowed without a permit in all of the city's retail zones. The system, Falk said, has worked for the 45 years since the city incorporated.

But the controversy surrounding the massage parlors may inspire leaders to switch gears.

"It may be time for us to take a fresh look at how we approach personal services," he said.