Supervisor Carmen Chu: New Massage Parlor Controls

The SF Board of Supervisors passed a legislative package aimed at closing the loopholes for massage establishments at its June 23 meeting.

After discovering that problematic establishments have been able to continue to operate even after repeated violations, my office convened several meetings with the SF Planning Department, SF Police Department's Vice Crimes squad, SF Department of Public Health, SF District Attorney's Office, anti-trafficking groups and members of the Joint Task Force to find a solution.

The results of our meetings included an important administrative change that resulted in increased collaboration between the Department of Public Health and law enforcement, as well as two ordinances that were passed by the Board of Supervisors.

The first ordinance I sponsored amends the Planning Code to require establishments seeking to add massage as an "accessory," or secondary, use go through the same public process at the SF Planning Commission as establishments where massage is the primary business. The ordinance creates an opportunity for the City to establish the conditions under which the business can operate; such as having a transparent and open facade, pedestrian-oriented lighting, or removing barriers to entry.

The second ordinance amends the Health Code to restrict the hours of operation and increases the penalties for violations, making it easier to suspend and revoke licenses for violations. Violations include using the establishment as a living quarters, employing underage individuals or individuals practicing without a license.

I would like to thank the community for its support on this issue, and hope that ensuring a public process for these establishments, in combination with the increased criminal penalties, will create more accountability and transparency.

Taraval streetscape improvements underway
On June 27, I joined members of the community and the Department of Public Works in a neighborhood beautification effort at the median garden located on Taraval and the Great Highway. Together, we planted about 50 native and sustainable plants, and we look forward to continuing this effort this summer.

Median gardens are a great way to enhance our community, and I hope to see you out there at our next event.

Ortega Branch Library
The Ortega Branch Library is slated for a rebuild as part of the Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP). The new 9,000-square-foot branch will feature a large reading area and distinct spaces for teens and children.

The library will also host the largest community program room of any branch libraries.

To mark the beginning of the construction phase, I participated in a ground-breaking ceremony on June 26. During construction, temporary library services will be offered at a portion of the branch at 3223 Ortega St. Children's programming will be scheduled nearby in the community.

For more information regarding temporary services, call (415) 557-4353 or visit www.sfpl.org.

Supervisor Carmen Chu represents District 4.