Council Closes Town’s Only Massage Parlor

The City Council has denied an appeal from the owner of the Claremont Therapeutic Shiatsu Massage Parlor to renew its city operating license, shutting down the city’s single massage parlor.

City officials on Wednesday denied the owner’s request based on municipal code violations at the business, which is in the 900 block of Foothill Boulevard, said Bridget Healy, assistant city manager.

During inspections and in undercover operations, police allege the business did not keep proper client records and the staff was partially clothed. Two women had been were arrested there for prostitution, police said, and subsequently pleaded no contest to committing a lewd act in a public place.

Council members Wednesday also denied an appeal to open a massage parlor on Indian Hill Boulevard, citing a lack of information on the permit application.