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Public Comments ATTACHMENT 4 Massage Urgency Ordinance From: Upuia Ahkiong Sent:Tuesday,July 17,2018 4:25 PM To: Pleasanton City Clerk Subject:OPPOSE the ban on new massage businesses downtown Hello Gerry and Council, I just left you a voice message after learning today that the Council is going to decide on enforcing a temporary ban on new massage businesses downtown. Please share this during the Council. My apologies for any typos as I just learned about this ban and in between clients: Dear Members of the Council and Community of Pleasanton, My name is Upuia Ahkiong, resident of Pleasanton, certified massage therapist and owner of Kua Body in downtown on Peters Avenue. I learned today that you plan to vote on banning new massage establishments in the downtown and prohibit massage venues from expanding. I have been practicing massage therapy professionally for 16 years both as a small business owner and spent 10 years helping to grown the world-wide Google Massage Program. As a small business owner, I wholeheartedly 100%oppose this ban and any suggestion of prohibiting small massage therapy businesses from practicing, expanding and growing their businesses in the downtown area. My colleagues and I have maintained a strong professional/ethical reputation in the City of Pleasanton for years and want to continue fostering this type of opportunity for our future and fellow therapists. By singling out an industry because of one incident is bordering on prejudice and is unjust. I have been active in helping to support the vitality of the downtown, a member of the PDA, and a frequent patron of the many downtown businesses.The ban does not support small businesses instead it's anti-small business and community. Massage Therapy is a legitimate profession and should be respected like any other health/medical industry. I would have liked to be there in person to meet you all and share my thoughts and suggestions about a decision you are about to make. I'm currently working with clients and not able to make it. I ask you do not ban any new/current massage therapist or establishment from operating or expanding their business. I would like the opportunity to share more about this topic if there is another meeting. Sincerely, Upuia Ahkiong THE CITY OF pL£ASANTON.