Jan 23 2009
Prostitution In The Sunset District
The sunset district in San Francisco, where I live, has been a family oriented area for years. That is until a few years back. Now, it rivals the tenderloin for naughty and saucy action.
Last October a so called “fitness center” opened up at 1202 Vicente Street which is around 23rd avenue right across street from the Dianne Feinstein school. It was clear at the time it opened that it was obviously a front for more dubious activities. The center did not have any fitness equipment but rather massage tables, beds and chairs in the various rooms. Police decoys were sent in and found that it was a front for prostitution. So, they were closed down. The people who rent the property put a “closed for remodeling” sign on the door.
In December last year, the “fitness” operation opened up again. Neighbors have been up in arms due to the late night cars and traffic in the area and the “seedy” types hanging around all day especially right across street from the school. Residents have entered the location asking where the fitness equipment was located only to find that no one there spoke English.
Recently decoys were again sent to the establishment to find that the women no longer offer sexual intercourse for money but rather, excuse my language here - “hand jobs.” According to police sources that does not constitute prostitution. They have tried to get the health department to close them down but the health department can only close an establishment if there are health violations which there do not seem to be any at the “fitness center.”
Captain Chignell of the Taraval police station says that “there is an epidemic in the sunset district with people renting storefronts and apartments and using them as brothels.”
So, the Tenderloin, move over - my neighborhood has become the new tainted little haunt in San Francisco.
