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[url]http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20060818-9999-7m18massage.html[/url]
Massage parlor's closure sparks suit against city
By Tanya Mannes
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
August 18, 2006
CHULA VISTA – The owner of the Oasis Spa massage parlor has sued the city after a prostitution bust shut down his business. The lawsuit was filed less than a month after another massage-parlor owner filed a claim against the city for lost business after a prostitution sting.
On Feb. 13, the city revoked the holistic health practitioner's license of Marcos Crews, owner of the Oasis Spa, 681 Broadway, after one of his employees, Pongchamia Trapapan, was arrested on suspicion of prostitution.
Crews is appealing the city's decision, and the city agreed to hold an appeal hearing. However, city officials have refused to provide Crews a copy of the police report, according to court documents.
Crews filed a lawsuit last week in San Diego Superior Court, asking a judge to order the city to release more evidence. His attorney, Michael Crowley, criticized city officials for withholding information during the appeal process.
“The most fundamental part of defending a business is to know what allegations you are defending against,” Crowley said Tuesday in a telephone interview. “I have represented people in a number of similar hearings with other agencies, and I've never been denied the discovery to this degree.”
Police spokesman Bernard Gonzales declined to comment on the case, citing the ongoing litigation. Court documents state that police consider the report confidential because the case “remains open,” but the documents provide no details of what that means.
The Oasis sting took place Jan. 25. Chula Vista police Officer Bartt Benjamin posed as a customer and paid $50 for a half-hour massage.
Court documents state that while performing the massage, Trapapan, 32, touched the undercover officer inappropriately and then agreed to perform a sexual act for an additional $50. Benjamin alerted police officers who were waiting outside, and the woman was arrested on suspicion of prostitution.
Trapapan was released on her own recognizance, police said. San Diego Superior Court records indicate that she hadn't been formally charged as of yesterday.
Chula Vista's municipal code states that the city can suspend or revoke a license or permit for businesses that operate “in an unlawful manner” as determined by the city, even if no one has been convicted of a crime.
Crowley said Crews never condoned prostitution and isn't responsible for Trapapan's actions. He believes the police report will help prove his case.
“Our argument is that, regardless of what happened, my client is not liable unless they can show he allowed it,” Crowley said.
The Oasis lawsuit was filed about three weeks after the owner of another massage parlor, the Chula Vista Spa, filed a $60,000 claim with the city for lost income after being shut down for six months. The owner, Ginger Cowardin, is fighting the Jan. 24 closure of her business over alleged prostitution activity.
Police had carried out a sting at the business in June 2005, also with Benjamin posing as a customer. One worker, Mi Sun Yi, 48, was arrested and charged with prostitution. The District Attorney's Office later dropped the charge, saying it couldn't be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.
Cowardin's attorney, Michael Meaney, sued the city in San Diego Superior Court in March in an attempt to reopen the business. He argued that Cowardin wasn't provided with adequate evidence, including the police report, for her appeal. Meaney also stated that Cowardin wasn't aware of any prostitution activity at the massage parlor.
A judge ruled in favor of Cowardin, stating that the city didn't provide enough evidence to support its denial of Cowardin's appeal. The judge gave the city the option of holding another hearing.
Two days after the judge's May 9 ruling, Cowardin tried to reopen her business but again was shut down by the city. She was issued a misdemeanor citation for operating without a license, according to court records.
She filed her claim for lost income July 24.
Cowardin was linked to prostitution a decade ago when she operated another Chula Vista business, Yin Yang Acupressure on Third Avenue. Police shut down that business in 1996 after finding evidence of prostitution, including a bag full of condoms in a closet. No one was charged with a crime.
City Attorney Deborah Cave, who is handling the massage-parlor cases on behalf of the city, couldn't be reached for comment.
Police Chief Rick Emerson said he couldn't comment on the prostitution stings, but that police routinely check on businesses such as massage parlors.
“This isn't some kind of new crackdown,” he said Tuesday in a telephone interview. “We have people who monitor police-regulated businesses all the time. If there's illegal activity, we take the appropriate civil action.”
Tanya Mannes: (619) 498-6639; [email]tanya.mannes@uniontrib.co[/email]
Seen lots of ads for incall in SD. Never seen any reviews. Nobody been to any of them? Someplace else to scope them out? I was just looking for an incall private for about 100 that does the stress relief and sensual massage thing. Damn this board is kinda empty!!!!
[QUOTE=Cash Value]Seen lots of ads for incall in SD. Never seen any reviews. Nobody been to any of them? Someplace else to scope them out? I was just looking for an incall private for about 100 that does the stress relief and sensual massage thing. Damn this board is kinda empty!!!![/QUOTE]
I used to have pretty good luck with some ads in the Reader. There was one on Adams Ave a while back that was amazing! But alas, they went out of business. Unfortunately I travel a lot and do not have much time to experiment. But when I do I will certainly share...
I did go to an incall place in Irvine, $160 all inclusive. No upselling. Good times, good times...
Wasn't that the one on Broadway just to the south of E. St. with like a tattoo & body piercing place beside it? Thought about trying it before on several occasions, but my real purpose (TJ) kept me away.
$50 + $50? I'm used to AMPs here on the east coast charging $60-70 for the house, and $60-100 for the special services.
Made a trip to Osaka awile back and the thread never made it in here. Beings it is thin or reports I figured I would try to enter it again. The place is in a bar district and a nice neighborhood wich threw me off compared to most AMPS across the country I have been to. It was one of the cleaniest place I have ever seen. The price was normal entry fee for the 1 hour masage plus a ts.
After the decent table shower I was told to get in the hot tub and my provider an early 20's korean girl with a great body and personality.
The masage was about as good as it gets with lotion.
Here is where the story gets decent. I went with my friend which had a late 30's fiest korean girl. On my flip she said "your friend already done"
I was kindof confused so I said okay more masage here, and pointed to the important part. She did what we all enjoy so much and cleaned me up and I gave her a 20 tip.
My friend said all he got was a extremley hard masage and nothing on the flip. His provider said her hands were sore. He is not experienced like me so chances are he didn't give her the right hint.
Overall I would defiantely go back to the place based on the friendly service, hot worker and clean place.
For the price you pay you don't get enough back in return.
I'm hoping someone here can clarify: Ginza Spa is where Crystal Spa used to be in Pacific Beach, and Crystal Spa is now in Mira Mesa. Do they have two locations now, or are they separate entities? Any word on either of these places?
Tried Oriental Accupressure in PB last week. Older lady, don't remember name, w/ strong hands. Opted for massage only.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Avoid. this place at all costs. Everything is extra: touching boobs, girl taking of cloths and so on.
Any suggestions for a newbie to SD relative to Amps and extras.
[QUOTE=Jack6699]Any suggestions for a newbie to SD relative to Amps and extras.[/QUOTE]
Yup....drive south on 5/805 and park on the US side or take the trolley south as far is it goes and cross the border into TJ. Tell the Yellow cab driver $5 to Adelitas...you won't be sorry.
[QUOTE=Monger X]Yup....drive south on 5/805 and park on the US side or take the trolley south as far is it goes and cross the border into TJ. Tell the Yellow cab driver $5 to Adelitas...you won't be sorry.[/QUOTE]One, don't take the Yellow Cab. They're crooks and cheats. Take a Taxi Libre instead. Half the price and a better attitude.
Two, it's Adelita Bar, not Adelitas. Why the hell do so many people call it Adelitas?
Has anyone tried the MPs on ECB such as Body Stretch, or the one near the Unocal? Purple says to avoid Genie but does anyone else have some info?
So is Oasis still ok? I live like couple blocks from it and $.5 sounds really good right about now.
Whassup, fellow Mongers? Just moved from the East Coast and as the AMP lover I am thought I'd get a taste of the local scene.
Began with a visit to A.A. off of Rancho Santa Fe. Very professional look and all, a lot more business-like than what I am used to.
Was greeted and eventually also serviced by "Amy", early 30s and about a 6. Average massage followed, first dry and then oil was brought out. My provider seemed either tired or just at a distance otherwise. Rather uninspired finale in the spirit of Howard Johnson.
All in all, I got the feeling that perhaps on a repeat visit the atmosphere would lighten up a bit which would have enhanced the not-so-bad experience remarkably.
Fee .65, plus .4 tip - I think I will go back for seconds, since I have a good feeling about the place.
Will be back with hopefully more soon!
Conn.