From: Deanna Straub
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] MEC/ Privacy Act/HIPAA and more.
Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 1:20:24 PM
Hello council members,
Deanna Straub CMT here.
I cannot show for the meeting or be available on zoom for the allotted public comment time lottery as I am working with clients until 6:30 pm.
I recently emailed all council members, the Mayor and the Zoning compliance officer my request for an amendment to MEC and an exemption for my business. I am CAMTC certified - providing Medical Massage. I cannot even access the registration forms online as I tried to do last week. I emailed Zoning, they emailed back to say the registration forms would be available on 5/19. That is the day the new ordinance goes into effect.
There are major issues with the ordinance which I hope you all take the time to read in my response. I have read the entire ordinance.
Respectfully,
Deanna Straub CMT
Clinical Massage Therapy
From: Kurtis Bennett
To: _CityCouncilListPublic; Stapp, Mark; Fleming, Victoria; Okrepkie, Jeff; Cregan, John; Ahmos Netanel; Beverly May; Mark Dixon; Osburn, Gabe; DeBaca, Daniela; Rick McElroy; Smalstig, Madison; Lisa Diaz-McQuaid; Kirk, Lou; Katie Mason; Andrew Lukas
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Great News, Massage Business Ordinance Update Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 10:26:04 AM
To all:
Good morning. I'm writing to share some great news. Last night at the City Council Meeting, item # 7.2, starting at 9:40 minutes, Santa Rosa received a meaningful award as the 2025 City of the Year from the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). The award was given in recognition of the successful partnership between the City of Santa Rosa and numerous stakeholders that resulted in the recent adoption of a new Massage Business Ordinance. The new ordinance will address the proliferation of illicit massage businesses involved in human trafficking for commercial sex operations, while continuing to ensure Certified Massage Therapists and training institutions adhere to the highest professional standards while providing an essential therapeutic service to our community.
The list of people and organizations that made this possible is long and includes:
Mayor Stapp, Councilmembers Okrepkie, Fleming, MacDonald, and the entire City Council, Santa Rosa Police Chief John Cregan, and the SRPD, Santa Rosa Director of Planning & Economic Development Director Gabe Osburn and his whole team of exceptional professionals, the California Massage Therpay Council (CAMTC) team including Mark Dixon, Ahmos Netanel, Beverly May, & Rick McElroy, Verity and Lisa Diaz-Mcquaid, Madison Smalstig from the Press Democrat for keeping the issue in the public consciousness, the many concerned citizens that remained engaged with the issue over the long-haul, and lastly, for those I forgot to recognize, I apologize and am grateful for all involved.
The effective collaboration of so many provides a case study in good governance and proves that the system works.
I'm grateful to live in Santa Rosa and to be amongst so many who care deeply about improving our community and protecting the vulnerable amongst us.
Sincerely,
Kurtis
From: Kate Babington
To: Kurtis Bennett
Cc: _CityCouncilListPublic; Stapp, Mark; Fleming, Victoria; Okrepkie, Jeff; Cregan, John; Ahmos Netanel; Beverly May; Mark Dixon; Osburn, Gabe; DeBaca, Daniela; Rick McElroy; Smalstig, Madison; Lisa Diaz-McQuaid; Kirk, Lou; Katie Mason; Andrew Lukas
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Great News, Massage Business Ordinance Update Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 10:34:51 AM
Kurtis, you are at the top of my list for people who deserve the honor of this recognition. You observed an issue and acted in such a consistent, thoughtful, deliberate, strategic, heartfelt, and driven way. You gathered information, listened and processed with others, engaged officials, nagged officials, engaged stakeholders, engaged police, engaged the press, kept the community informed, educated the relevant parties, attended meetings, pushed past barriers, and really brought this thing through from start to finish with the utmost professionalism. You are such a great example of how the system works when citizens tackle things with a process like yours. I'm honored to be your neighbor and inspired! Thank you for the incredible number of hours you put into this and for being you! Kate
On Wed, May 14, 2025 at 10:25 AM Kurtis Bennett <[email protected] > wrote:
To all:
Good morning. I'm writing to share some great news. Last night at the City Council Meeting, item # 7.2, starting at 9:40 minutes, Santa Rosa received a meaningful award as the 2025 City of the Year from the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). The award was given in recognition of the successful partnership between the City of Santa Rosa and numerous stakeholders that resulted in the recent adoption of a new Massage Business Ordinance. The new ordinance will address the proliferation of illicit massage businesses involved in human trafficking for commercial sex operations, while continuing to ensure Certified Massage Therapists and training institutions adhere to the highest professional standards while providing an essential therapeutic service to our community.
The list of people and organizations that made this possible is long and includes:
Mayor Stapp, Councilmembers Okrepkie, Fleming, MacDonald, and the entire City Council, Santa Rosa Police Chief John Cregan, and the SRPD, Santa Rosa Director of Planning & Economic Development Director Gabe Osburn and his whole team of exceptional professionals, the California Massage Therpay Council (CAMTC) team including Mark Dixon, Ahmos Netanel, Beverly May, & Rick McElroy, Verity and Lisa Diaz-Mcquaid, Madison Smalstig from the Press Democrat for keeping the issue in the public consciousness, the many concerned citizens that remained engaged with the issue over the long-haul, and lastly, for those I forgot to recognize, I apologize and am grateful for all involved.
The effective collaboration of so many provides a case study in good governance and proves that the system works.
I'm grateful to live in Santa Rosa and to be amongst so many who care deeply about improving our community and protecting the vulnerable amongst us.
Sincerely,
Kurtis
From: Bloomer, David
To: "Kurtis Bennett"; _CityCouncilListPublic; Stapp, Mark; Fleming, Victoria; Okrepkie, Jeff; Cregan, John; Ahmos Netanel; Beverly May; Mark Dixon; Osburn, Gabe; DeBaca, Daniela; Rick McElroy; Smalstig, Madison; Lisa Diaz- McQuaid; Kirk, Lou; Katie Mason; Andrew Lukas
Subject: [EXTERNAL] RE: Great News, Massage Business Ordinance Update Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 10:41:07 AM
Kurits,
On behalf of the educational end of the massage therapy field, your focus and dedication to helping to create a safer Santa Rosa, while also safeguarding legitimate massage therapists is deeply appreciated!!
We look forward to working with the City and keeping our students and graduates informed.
Thank you!
David Bloomer
National Holistic Institute
Santa Rosa Campus Manager
(707) 639-4066 ext 3600
From: Kurtis Bennett <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 10:26 AM
To: [email protected]; Stapp, Mark <[email protected]>; Fleming, Victoria <[email protected]>; Okrepkie, Jeff <[email protected]>; Cregan, John <[email protected]>; Ahmos Netanel <[email protected]>; Beverly May <[email protected]>; Mark Dixon <[email protected]>; Osburn, Gabe <[email protected]>; DeBaca, Daniela <[email protected]>; Rick McElroy <[email protected]>; Smalstig, Madison <[email protected]>; Lisa Diaz-McQuaid <[email protected]>; Kirk, Lou <[email protected]>; Katie Mason <[email protected]>; Andrew Lukas <[email protected]>
Subject: Great News, Massage Business Ordinance Update
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
To all:
Good morning. I'm writing to share some great news. Last night at the City Council Meeting, item # 7.2, starting at 9:40 minutes, Santa Rosa received a meaningful award as the 2025 City of the Year from the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). The award was given in recognition of the
successful partnership between the City of Santa Rosa and numerous stakeholders that resulted in the recent adoption of a new Massage Business Ordinance. The new ordinance will
address the proliferation of illicit massage businesses involved in human trafficking for commercial sex operations, while continuing to ensure Certified Massage Therapists and training institutions adhere to the highest professional standards while providing an essential therapeutic service to our community.
The list of people and organizations that made this possible is long and includes: Mayor Stapp, Councilmembers Okrepkie, Fleming, MacDonald, and the entire City Council, Santa Rosa Police Chief John Cregan, and the SRPD, Santa Rosa Director of Planning & Economic Development Director Gabe Osburn and his whole team of exceptional professionals, the California Massage Therpay Council (CAMTC) team including Mark
Dixon, Ahmos Netanel, Beverly May, & Rick McElroy, Verity and Lisa Diaz-Mcquaid, Madison Smalstig from the Press
Democrat for keeping the issue in the public consciousness, the many concerned citizens that remained engaged with the issue over the long-haul, and lastly, for those I forgot to recognize, I apologize and am grateful for all involved.
The effective collaboration of so many provides a case study in good governance and proves that the system works.
I'm grateful to live in Santa Rosa and to be amongst so many who care deeply about improving our community and
protecting the vulnerable amongst us.
Sincerely,
Kurtis
From: Laurie Fong
To: Kurtis Bennett
Cc: _CityCouncilListPublic; Stapp, Mark; Fleming, Victoria; Okrepkie, Jeff; Cregan, John; Ahmos Netanel; Beverly May; Mark Dixon; Osburn, Gabe; DeBaca, Daniela; Rick McElroy; Smalstig, Madison; Lisa Diaz-McQuaid; Kirk, Lou; Katie Mason; Andrew Lukas
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Great News, Massage Business Ordinance Update Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 10:50:52 AM
Truly appreciative of all who made this happen.
Proud of all of you, all of us.
Thank you.
Laurie
Laurie Fong
President
Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition of North Bay
[email protected]
Cell/Text: (707) 975-0832
Website: AAPICNorthBay.org
Facebook | Instagram
On May 14, 2025, at 10:25 AM, Kurtis Bennett <[email protected]> wrote:
To all:
Good morning. I'm writing to share some great news. Last night at the City Council Meeting, item # 7.2, starting at 9:40 minutes, Santa Rosa received a meaningful award as the 2025 City of the Year from the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). The award was given in recognition of the successful partnership between the City of Santa Rosa and numerous stakeholders that resulted in the recent adoption of a new Massage Business Ordinance. The new ordinance will address the proliferation of illicit massage businesses involved in human trafficking for commercial sex operations, while continuing to ensure Certified Massage Therapists and training institutions adhere to the highest professional standards while providing an essential therapeutic service to our community.
The list of people and organizations that made this possible is long and includes: Mayor Stapp, Councilmembers Okrepkie, Fleming, MacDonald, and the entire City Council, Santa Rosa Police Chief John Cregan, and the SRPD, Santa Rosa Director of Planning & Economic Development Director Gabe Osburn and his whole team of exceptional professionals, the California Massage Therpay Council (CAMTC) team including Mark Dixon, Ahmos Netanel, Beverly May, & Rick McElroy, Verity and Lisa Diaz-Mcquaid, Madison Smalstig from the Press Democrat for keeping the issue in the public consciousness, the many concerned citizens that remained engaged with the issue over the long- haul, and lastly, for those I forgot to recognize, I apologize and am grateful for all involved.
The effective collaboration of so many provides a case study in good governance and proves that the system works.
I'm grateful to live in Santa Rosa and to be amongst so many who care deeply about improving our community and protecting the vulnerable amongst us.
Sincerely,
Kurtis
From: Lisa Diaz-McQuaid
To: Kurtis Bennett
Cc: _CityCouncilListPublic; Stapp, Mark; Fleming, Victoria; Okrepkie, Jeff; Cregan, John; Ahmos Netanel; Beverly May; Mark Dixon; Osburn, Gabe; DeBaca, Daniela; Rick McElroy; Smalstig, Madison; Kirk, Lou; Katie Mason; Andrew Lukas; Rebecca Fein
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Great News, Massage Business Ordinance Update Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 11:11:12 AM
Thank you to everyone who played a role in the recent adoption of the new Massage Business Ordinance. As we all know, human trafficking is a complex issue that no single person or organization can address alone—this was truly a community effort, and it shows.
A special thank you to you, Kurtis, for your leadership in driving this initiative forward and for bringing us all together around such an important cause. Great job, everyone! On Wed, May 14, 2025 at 10:25 AM Kurtis Bennett <[email protected] > wrote:
To all:
Good morning. I'm writing to share some great news. Last night at the City Council Meeting, item # 7.2, starting at 9:40 minutes, Santa Rosa received a meaningful award as the 2025 City of the Year from the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). The award was given in recognition of the successful partnership between the City of Santa Rosa and numerous stakeholders that resulted in the recent adoption of a new Massage Business Ordinance. The new ordinance will address the proliferation of illicit massage businesses involved in human trafficking for commercial sex operations, while continuing to ensure Certified Massage Therapists and training institutions adhere to the highest professional standards while providing an essential therapeutic service to our community.
The list of people and organizations that made this possible is long and includes:
Mayor Stapp, Councilmembers Okrepkie, Fleming, MacDonald, and the entire City Council, Santa Rosa Police Chief John Cregan, and the SRPD, Santa Rosa Director of Planning & Economic Development Director Gabe Osburn and his whole team of exceptional professionals, the California Massage Therpay Council (CAMTC) team including Mark Dixon, Ahmos Netanel, Beverly May, & Rick McElroy, Verity and Lisa Diaz-Mcquaid, Madison Smalstig from the Press Democrat for keeping the issue in the public consciousness, the many concerned citizens that remained engaged with the issue over the long-haul, and lastly, for those I forgot to recognize, I apologize and am grateful for all involved.
The effective collaboration of so many provides a case study in good governance and proves that the system works.
I'm grateful to live in Santa Rosa and to be amongst so many who care deeply about improving our community and protecting the vulnerable amongst us.
Sincerely,
Kurtis
--
Lisa Diaz-McQuaid
She/Her/Hers
Lead Human Trafficking Caseworker
707-360-2070: Direct Line
707-545-7273: Crisis Line
http://www.ourverity.org
Verity assists survivors throughout Sonoma County, the ancestral land of the Pomo, Wappo, and Coast Miwok People. I acknowledge and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Indigenous People who have stewarded this land throughout the generations.
Confidentiality notice: HIPAA regulations require encrypted messaging systems for confidential communications. Please note that this is not an
encrypted email platform and that it is Verity's policy not to use email to exchange personal/confidential information.Although it is unlikely, there is a possibility that information you include in an email can be intercepted and read by other parties besides the person to whom it is addressed. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify us immediately by replying to this email.
From: Janice Blalock
To: Kurtis Bennett
Cc: _CityCouncilListPublic; Stapp, Mark; Fleming, Victoria; Okrepkie, Jeff; Cregan, John; Netanel Ahmos; Beverly May; Mark Dixon; Osburn, Gabe; DeBaca, Daniela; Rick McElroy; Madison Smalstig; Lisa Diaz-McQuaid; Kirk, Lou; Katie Mason; Andrew Lukas
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Great News, Massage Business Ordinance Update Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 11:22:06 AM
What great news! Thank you for sharing and for your tireless efforts, along with everyone else involved!
Janice Blalock
Sent from my iPhone
On May 14, 2025, at 10:25 AM, Kurtis Bennett <[email protected]> wrote:
To all:
Good morning. I'm writing to share some great news. Last night at the City Council Meeting, item # 7.2, starting at 9:40 minutes, Santa Rosa received a meaningful award as the 2025 City of the Year from the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). The award was given in recognition of the successful partnership between the City of Santa Rosa and numerous stakeholders that resulted in the recent adoption of a new Massage Business Ordinance. The new ordinance will address the proliferation of illicit massage businesses involved in human trafficking for commercial sex operations, while continuing to ensure Certified Massage Therapists and training institutions adhere to the highest professional standards while providing an essential therapeutic service to our community.
The list of people and organizations that made this possible is long and includes: Mayor Stapp, Councilmembers Okrepkie, Fleming, MacDonald, and the entire City Council, Santa Rosa Police Chief John Cregan, and the SRPD, Santa Rosa Director of Planning & Economic Development Director Gabe Osburn and his whole team of exceptional professionals, the California Massage Therpay Council (CAMTC) team including Mark Dixon, Ahmos Netanel, Beverly May, & Rick McElroy, Verity and Lisa Diaz-Mcquaid, Madison Smalstig from the Press Democrat for keeping the issue in the public consciousness, the many concerned citizens that remained engaged with the issue over the long- haul, and lastly, for those I forgot to recognize, I apologize and am grateful for all involved.
The effective collaboration of so many provides a case study in good governance and proves that the system works.
I'm grateful to live in Santa Rosa and to be amongst so many who care deeply about improving our community and protecting the vulnerable amongst us.
Sincerely,
Kurtis