Santa Maria city officials cracking down on massage businesses - KEYT

[massage]

The planning commission in Santa Maria is looking at ways to revise the current massage ordinance. It would include taking a look at zoning laws.(Amanda Valdes / KCOY photo)

The planning commission in Santa Maria is looking at ways to revise the current massage ordinance. It would include taking a look at zoning laws.(Amanda Valdes / KCOY photo)


SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Santa Maria city officials are cracking down on massage businesses that are breaking the law.

They said some business are legitimate while others are only posing as massage businesses but, have other things happening inside. It’s a growing problem in Santa Maria.

"You see it almost on every block, there’s a new place opening up and most places aren’t legitimate,” said LaRay, owner of Healing Hands Massage by LaRay.

It’s not hard to find one, just drive a few blocks on Broadway and you see signs advertising massages. However, the question is are they legitimate?

"People are getting hurt and from what I understand a lot of potential sex trafficking going on,” said LaRay.

Santa Maria city officials are cracking down. They are trying to figure out the shops that pose as massage businesses but, instead are hubs for illegal activities.

"It’s a real step forward for the city, it’s been a long time coming,” said LaRay.

City officials said they’ve received a number of complaints from businesses and people in the community who are frustrated and concerned about this.

"We want to make sure our businesses are successful and we want to protect the public safety of our community,” said Jason Stilwell, Assistant City Manager for Santa Maria.

Stilwell says the planning commission is looking at ways to revise the current massage ordinance. It would include taking a look at zoning laws.

"The state law has evolved and allows cities to revise their ordinances to meet local concerns,” he said.

Stilwell said the revisions would mean that massage places could open up shop in other places of the city.

Right now they are limited to Broadway, Main Street and Betteravia Road. LaRay says the crackdown will cut down on things that shouldn’t be happening in these businesses.

"The process has started and it will result in a new set of criteria and codes to bring everyone where they should be,” LaRay added.

The planning commission will meet Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Santa Maria City Hall to discuss the zoning ordinance. It will then go in front of the Santa Maria City Council.


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