Chula Vista has a new requirement for massage parlors that aims to crack down on establishments conducting illicit activities. A second vote is still required to officially add the rule to the books. If approved, police will offer a six-month grace period to allow massage technicians to obtain a certificate. The state Massage Therapy Council sets professional standards, approves massage school programs, offers a voluntary certification process for massage professionals and can suspend or revoke certificates based on unlawful activities, such as prostitution.
Certification is valid for two years and allows professionals to work anywhere in the state. It is also the only credential California recognizes for those in the field.
To obtain a certificate, an applicant must be 18 years of age or older, pass background checks and complete at least hours of study from schools approved by the organization. Police Capt. There are more than 20 permitted massage establishments in Chula Vista, according to the police department.
Through quarterly inspections, Foxx said the department has enforced prostitution and drug laws and has encountered evidence of human trafficking, such as people living at the parlors and workers fleeing a business when police identified themselves.
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