On November 21, the Fresno City Council will be voting on a ordinance to revised laws pertaining to massage parlors in an effort to eradicate human trafficking in illicit businesses.

The Central Valley Justice Coalition and other partners will be present at the meeting in support of the ordinance and we invite YOU to stand with us!

Where: Fresno City Hall, council chambers
When: Thursday, Nov 21st, 1:30pm

Questions? Email us at cvjusticecoalition@gmail.com or call 559-725-1865

Additional Info on  Ordinances:
Info Sheet: Massage Business Ordinance

Some important points concerning the ordinance:
• According to Fresno Police Department, since 2008, massage establishments in Fresno increased from 30 to well over 200 establishments
• Visible indicators of potential human trafficking have been found in Fresno.
See our report on human trafficking in massage parlors
• The proposed ordinance was developed from one created by Polaris Project, the national organization that heads the Human Trafficking Hotline.(See the Model Massage Parlor Ordinance document on the Polaris Project website here)

HOW DOES THE ORDINANCE PREVENT HUMAN TRAFFICKING?
• Requires visibility from the street to see into the massage
parlor, doors cannot be locked when open for business
• Operational hours are limited to 7am-9pm
• Extensive background information and certifications required for a city permit, including all employees to be registered with CAMTC (California Massage Therapy Council)
• No advertisements that suggest commercial sex
• Significant increase in fines and harsher penalties for
violations.

Also see: HELPING with MASSAGE PARLOR POLICY LOCALLY,