Illegitimate massage parlors focus of proposed South Lake Tahoe enforcement

The definition of a massage parlor according to Wikipedia is: A place where massage services are provided. Some massage parlors are fronts for prostitution and the term "massage parlor" has also become a euphemism for a brothel, to the annoyance of professional masseurs.

With the sudden influx of Asian massage parlors in South Lake Tahoe, Police Chief Brian Uhler decided it was time the City Council heard about the situation first hand and look at updates to the City Code that would regulate the industry, help legitimate massage therapists, eliminate fronts for human trafficking and clean up the town's image.

"This is a real problem with real ramifications," said SLT Councilmember Tom Davis.

Many cities in California and now addressing the same situation now that the passage of AB 1147 allows jurisdictions much more control. A side affect of other cities reducing their illegitimate massage parlors is causing the influx in South Lake Tahoe. The owners and their employees are now heading to towns where they can do business without laws or regulations to keep them out.

South Lake Tahoe Police Detective Jeff Roberson made the presentation to Council during their April 5 meeting. He's spent hours networking with other agencies and communities, as well as research of internet massage sites, trying to give Council the best information for making their decision.

The goal of the presentation was for the City to create a robust code that will do a few things, including:

- Provide legitimacy to the South Lake Tahoe massage industry and reduce the belief that massage businesses are synonymous with brothels and prostitution.

- Create a safe environment for therapists and their clients - change the perception that a sex act with be performed or offered. The don't want clients to be upset with unmet expectations.

Roberson suggested the City regulate the business by creating an enforcement strategy, making violations enforceable while allowing legitimate massage therapists to proceed with their businesses without having to compete with unlicensed and untrained staff in the illegal parlors.

He opened a lot of eyes in Council Chambers as many were not aware of the current situation. Roberson said he wants to improve the community by eliminating the "brothels" and for people to understand that boys, girls, and women are being trafficked in South Lake Tahoe for sex and labor, and these victims are being moved in and our of the city for both.

South Lake Tahoe and Reno are part of a circuit for those working in the illegitimate parlors, one that includes Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento. They are moved from one town to the next as part of "the traveling prostitution circuit," according to Roberson.

Many who spoke to Council after the presentation asked for regulation of an industry that is cheapening the licensed therapists, and creating an ugly look to the community that is already seeing an increase in vape and smoke shops.

"Put some teeth into the ordinance," said Mickey Madden, a long-time local and owner of a massage therapy business. She told Council that her business used to be checked by the County Health Department who would even ask for proof of professional linen service.

There are several reasons around the state to control an industry where regulations were erased with the 2008 SB 731. Statewide concerns include increased sex, labor and human trafficking; the quality of life of communities faced with several unsightly and suspicious storefront massage parlors; public health concerns; and increased organized crime now becoming involved in trafficking of humans.

The Council asked that Uhler and his staff come back to them with recommendations for the new code. A worksheet was passed to the licensed therapists in the room so they could assist in the soon to come code change.

"I am really pleased that information is getting out there," said Cindy Archer of South Lake Tahoe's PATH (Partners Against Trafficking of Humans). "We are very concerned with increases in Asian parlors. We applaud the City, not only with focus on awareness, but to reduce instances (of trafficking)."