Karina Ioffee – Multimedia Journalist

Illicit massage spas are exploiting weak city ordinances and no statewide oversight to run businesses that are fronts for prostitution, including in Petaluma.

On Rubmaps.com, a user-generated directory of massage spas with “happy endings,” clients can rate masseuses at four local businesses can rate masseuses on breast size, attractiveness and sexual services they are willing to perform.

On MyRedBook.com, a young Asian woman with bare shoulders strikes a provocative pose and promises customers at one Petaluma spa an “unrushed, full body massage with a soft touch.”

Most healthcare professionals, including chiropractors, acupuncturists, dentists, optometrists and occupational therapists have to be licensed, their certification overseen by theCalifornia Department of Consumer Affairs. But nothing similar is required for massage therapists, a loophole that poses a risk for both the workers and consumers, critics say.

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Aug. 27, 2011
Reuters

With the Republican campaign for the White House taking shape, hundreds of Tea Party activists kicked off a national bus tour on Saturday, aiming to rally their base and new recruits to the conservative political cause.

As supporters waved American flags and carried signs that read, “I’ll keep my money, guns and freedom, you keep the change,” organizers said the “Reclaiming America” bus tour was about restoring good governance. Read more

Reuters

NEW YORK  - Fed up with the tough job market, some young American Jews are choosing to wait out the recession in Israel, where the government heavily subsidizes their stay while they intern, learn Hebrew or volunteer.

According to Masa, a group that organizes programs to Israel and is partially funded by the Israeli government, participation is up 50 percent since the fall of 2008. Today, Masa has more than 1,500 Americans working in Israel.

Masa’s Aaron Goldberg said interest has been rising since the financial crisis, which gave them the idea for their “Israel: A Better Stimulus Plan” marketing campaign.

“Before the economic crisis, there wasn’t that impetus to look beyond the traditional career path,” said Goldberg, Masa’s director of recruitment. “Now there are less jobs and less internships, so this becomes a great way to add something to your portfolio.” Read the full story.