New Massage Ordinance in the Works

The Petaluma Police Department is working on a new massage ordinance with the hopes of putting spas that offer sexual services in exchange for money out of business.

In March, , including many that are listed and rated online, and the lack of state and city oversight.

Currently, Petaluma does not inspect massage parlors to see if they hire certified therapists or are engaging in criminal behavior. If passed, the new ordinance would allow police to enter any massage spa during business hours to conduct an inspection and to ensure all therapists working there are certified.

It would also make it a misdemeanor to advertise erotic services online.

“Our ordinance is going to operate with a permitting program for the individual operator with a fingerprinting requirement to eliminate the therapists with prostitution convictions,” said Lt. Dave Sears, who has been working on the document with Lt. Tim Lyons.

Massage spas that offer sex can be found all over the country, in cities large and small. They often employ undocumented women who don’t speak English and may be victims of human trafficking. But many residents are surprised to learn that there is a growing number of these types of spas in Petaluma, with at least a dozen such businesses operating, based on Patch’s earlier investigation.

Many of the spas can easily be found on sites such as Rubmaps.com, MyRedBook and Craigslist.org, including pictures of women striking provocative poses.

As the city drafts its ordinance, it’s looking to San Rafael for guidance. The Marin city, roughly the same size as Petaluma, requires all therapists to be have a license from the California Massage Therapy Council, which can only be obtained by completing at least 500 hours of training and undergoing a background check.

Heidi Archer, who, along with husband, Jacques, owns on Kentucky Street, which specializes in therapeutic massage and acupressure, in earlier interviews has said that massage spas offering sexual services undermine legitimate businesses like hers.

“I have seen Craigslist ads for businesses here in Petaluma where the women are posing provocatively,” Archer said. “Why would you have a picture of a therapist all draped up? That’s just not appropriate. Or the listings that advertise Tantric massage: There is no such thing. If they want to make prostitution legal, that’s fine, but don’t hide behind massage therapy.”

What do you think about the proposed ordinance? Is it a step in the right direction?