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Massage ordinance right step for Valley Last Updated: November 12, 2015 Approving an ordinance that regulates massage therapists in Valley Center is a good idea. The city council last week got its first look at a proposed ordinance and informally agreed to give the rules serious consideration at the Nov. 17 meeting. Several council members appeared to back the proposal. "I appreciate your efforts in looking out for the citizens of Valley Center," council member Al Hobson said to Police Chief Mark Hephner. The ordinance would require massage therapists to go through an annual licensing process to practice in Valley Center. The license would include a background check by the police department to determine whether the applicant was convicted of a felony or any crime involving "moral turpitude." The ordinance requires therapists to be professionally trained. The ordinance also prohibits therapists from performing sex acts. Hephner says the proposed ordinance was in the works before a recent criminal case involving a local therapist grabbed the headlines. Hephner says Wichita police encouraged him to consider such a move because restrictions on massage therapists there may force unscrupulous therapists to set up shop in nearby cities. Hephner says he wanted to be proactive. "It's kind of a prevention thing," he said. We agree with council member Jake Jackson's assessment. "Keep the barn door closed before the horse gets out," he said. — The Ark Valley News |
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