15. Massage permit
Cupertino City Hall
'10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
Telephone: (408) 777-3182
Fax: (408) 777-3174
CODE ENFORCEMENr DIVISION
SUMMARY
AGENDA ITEM NO.
Is-'
MEETING DATE: June 5, 2007
SUBJECT AND ISSUE
Consider sustaining Code Enforcement's denial of Massage Therapist Permit Application
No. CE0701 001 O.
BACKGROUND
Chapter 9.06 of the Municipal Code defines and outlines the requirements for obtaining a permit
to work as a Massage Therapist in the City of Cupertino.
On November 3, 2006 applicant, Shan Shan Zhu and her interpreter, Wenwen Gu, submitted an
, application to begin the process to obtain a Massage Therapist permit. She showed me valid
identification and provided me with documents/transcripts ol1tlining 500 hours of massage
course work at the Acupuncture and Massage Institute of America in Los Angeles. This course
work was completed in October 2006. Exhibit A
On November 3, 2006 Shanshan Zhu paid her fees to the City of Cupertino and she was given
written instructions to call Dr. Roth to make an appointment for the practical exam. This
instruction packet includes Dr. Roth's address, phone number and other instructions to the
applicant. The packet also contains instructions on translation services available for the practical
exam. The applicant is responsible for making an appointment with Dr. Roth and paying a fee
directly to him.
On February 14,2007 I received a fax from Doctor Roth's office and he stated the
applicant did not pass the practical examination. It was recommended by Dr. Roth that
the applicant use a translator for the next exam.
On February 14,2007 I mailed notification to Zhu via US Mail that she had failed her
first attempt at passing the practical examination. Exhibit B
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On March 28, 2007 I received a fax from doctor Roth regarding the second test and she
failed the exam. Zhu had paid for and used a translator during the test.
On March 28, 2007 I mailed a letter of denial via US Mail to the applicant and enclosed
the appeal form. Exhibit C
On April 4, 2007 I received a call from Ms. Gu and she told me Mrs. Zhu wants to appeal
the denial. Ms. Gu stated doctor Roth's office told the applicant to memorize the test.
Ms. Gu stated the applicant memorized the test and when she returned to retake the test
she failed again.
On April 10, 2007 Zhu filed an official appeal. Exhibit D
On May 29, 2007 I received a letter and resume from Dr. Mitchell Roth. Exhibit E
On May 31, 2007 I received a letter from the official translator who provided the
translation assistance to the applicant Mrs. Zhu. Exhibit F
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff relies on the expertise of Dr. Mitchell Roth in administering the practical exam to our
applicants. Dr. Roth has administered our practical exam since 1995. Dr. Roth contracts with
other cities as the administrator of their practical exams. Staff recommends that we uphold the
decision of Dr. Roth that the applicant is not qualified to work as a Massage Therapist in the City
of Cupertino based on her performance during the practical exam.
Submitted by:
Approved for submission to the
City Council:
1bL.
David W. Knapp
City Manager
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EXhib; -I A
ACUPUNCTUREANDMASSAGE
INSTITUTE OF AMERICA
6513 WHlTfIER BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90022
TEL:(323)888-1122 FAX:(323)888-1618 SCHOOL CODE: 1935911
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
(MASSAGE THERAPIST)
STUDENT NAME: SHAN SHAN ZHU SEX: F
ADDRESS: 41478 TRENOUTH ST, FREMONT, CA 94538
DATE OF BlRTII: 04-17-1965 PHONE: (510) 676-&374
START DATE: 05-11-2005 DATE OF COMPLETION: 10-20-2006
SUWffiCT HOURS
I. ADVANCED MASSAGE D 500
A.FOOT REFLEXOLOGY 250
1. Anatomv. Pbvsiolol!V And Kinesioloev 125
2. Ethics and Business 10
3. Introduction to Foot ReflexolOi!V Mass8e:e Therapv 15
4. Foot Reflexolof!V Massae:e on Different Systems 100
· Student finished 100 bours foot reflexology internship
GRADE
'B
B
B
B
B
B.
B, AURICULAR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
5. PatbolOt!V
6. Location of Auricular Points
7. Function of Auricular Points
8. Auricular Diaf!llos~ of Common Diseases
9. Auricular Massae:e Treatment
(1) Acupressure (2) Massae:e
10. Treatment of Common Diseases
(1) Internal Diseases (2) Gvnecoloe:ical Diseases
{3) Pediatric Diseases (4) Orthopedic Diseases
(5) Otbers
250 B
40 B
25 B
35 B
50 B
50 B
50 B
Date of Graduation: 10-20-2006 Total Hours: 500
*finisbed clinical practice of foot reflexoloe:v massa2e 100 bours
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. Director: Yidine: Wanl!. C.A.. Ph.D.
Instructor: Yidinl! WaDI! Date: lo..2()..2006
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EXhi biT B
ITYOF
CUPEIUINO
City Hall
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, Ca 95014.3255
Telephone (408) 777-3182
Fax (408) 777-3174
CODE ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
February 14, 2007
Shanshan Zhu
41478 Trenouth St.
Fremont, CA 94538
Dear Mrs. Zhu:
I am writing to you regarding your recent written! practical massage test, which you took
at Dr. Roth's office in San Mateo. Below you will note a Fail "Grade".
Fail: Unfortunately, your first attempt at passing the written/practical exam on 2/14/07
did not yield you a passing score. Please don't be too disappointed. Dr. Roth's office
advised that as a general rule, most people will pass on their second attempt if they "brush
up" on basic anatomy and technique. You are also advised to use a translator for your
next test. You may take the test again after March 16,2007. The test must be
completed before April 15, 2007.
Please call this department if you have any questions. (408) 777-3182
Cc: Wenwen Gu'
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Printed on Recycled Paper
EXhibliC
CilyHall
10300 Torre A venue
Cupertino, CA 95014
Telephone: (408) 777-3182
Fax: (408) 777.3 I 74
CODE ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
March 28, 2007
Shanshan Zhu
41478 Trenouth St.
Fremont, CA 94538
Dear Mrs. Zhu:
This letter is being sent to you because your application for massage therapist has been
denied. The denial is based on the following. .
1) Failed the practical examination on your second attempt with Doctor Roth.
The city of Cupertino denied your application based on the requirements listed in chapter
9.06 of the Cupertino municipal code. You do have the right to appeal this decision.
The appeal request must be in writing and must be received by the city clerk's office
within five-business days in receipt of this letter. I have enclosed a copy of the appeal
form that must be filled out along with your appeal letter. The documents must be
delivered along with a $150.00 dollar appeal charge. The appeal charge will be
refunded if the appeal is granted by the City Council.
Please contact the city clerk's office at (408) 777-3223 to obtain more information on the
appeal process
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enc1o~ure
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Printed on Recycled Paper
f..)(hibir D
City of Cupertino
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 777-3223
(5) IE (G lEU \YIIE fR1
lJl) APR 1 0 mOl ~
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CUPEI\TINO
CUPERTIN"O CrTY CLERK
APPEAL
1. Application No.
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2.
Applicant(s) Name: "
3.
Appellant(s) Name:
Address
Phone Number
Email
4. Please check one:
E:" pp al a decision of Director of Community Development
peal a decision of Planning Commission
~ppeal of Code Enforcement Decision
5. Date of determination of Director or mailing of notice of City decision:
3/rJS/()()O 7
If'
Basis of appeal:
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Pl~ase CO~Plete form, include appeal fee of$I.50 .Okd return to the attention of the
City Clerk, 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, (408) 777-3223.
6.
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Signature(s)
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, Ha::t 29 07 06: 55p
Dr Of'f'ice
6503487025
p.2
E-Xh i bi-t E:
Mitchell Roth D.C., to.E.
INDUSTRIAL DISABILITY E,>(AM!NER
... I
181 2nd Avenve. Suite 500
San Mateo. CA 94401
(650) 348.7005
May 29. 2007
City of Cupertho
. Gary Kornahrens
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino. CA 95014
RE: Massage testing for Applicants
Dear Mr. Kornahrens:
A recent applicar.1 is contesting the massage testing procedure that is currently in
place for the city of Cupertino and I would like to respond.
I've have been in private practice for 24 years. an instructor at Life Chiropractic
College for 8 years, and have administered a massage testing program to 10
different police departments for the last 15 years. I can assure ~..ou that the
quality and consistency of the exam process IS fair and equi!abla as I have been
the only one administering this exam over the last 15 years. I r.ave personally
tested every applicant myself.
The question of testing non-English speaking applicants has beer addressed by
providing translation in the applicant's native language. I utilize a company cailed
I-Interpret in Palo Alto that provides professional bilingual interpreters in any
language requested. I have used interpreters for Russiar'l. Vietnamese, Spanish,
and Chinese (both Mandarin and Cantonese).
All of these languages do not have specific translation for the anatomical name of
the muscles or bones. There is no literal1rans!ation for Biceps. Triceps., Deltaic,
etc. These names are learned by all medical professionals in every countr/. by
ttleir correct Latin name, regardless of the language its taught in To nlf
knowledge all Certified and Credentialed Massage Schools use the same format
to teach anatomy as the medical profession.
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Vivien Choy
143 Middlefield Dr.
San Francisco, Ca 94132
EX!,; b/-t F
May 3 1, 2007
To W110m it may concern:
I, Vivien Choy, am a freelance interpreter. I have been doing translation since
1995. My job duty is to translate for Chinese speaking cliems in legal and medical
offices, insurance companies, and immigration courts. . .
My translation is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Sincerely,
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Vivien Choy
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. Ha::l 29 07 06:55p
Dr Of"f'ice
6503487025
p.3
The applicant in question has learned tl".e anatomy by location. rather than by
name. She has learned the muscles as the muscle on the frcnt of the forearm,
muscle on the back of leg. muscle on t.he shoulder, etc, She was unfamiliar wi~h
the muscle names, so she couldn't differentiate between tre Biceps, Triceps. or
Deltoid muscles, which all attach in the shoulder. In my professional opinion, this
applicant clearly did not demonstrate an acceptable level of massage knowledge
either in anatomy or physiology and therefore should not be granted a massage
permit The applicant communicated well with the interpreter ;.':)nd never indicated
any difficulty with understanding what was being asked of her. She simply did not
know the material.
All applicants, regardless of language, have been required to demonstrate th:s
knowledge :n the testing process. for the last 15 years. Should you chocise to
waive that requirement for this applicant, I believe you would be doing a great
disservice to all the prior applicants that have met this requirement through their
accredited schools alid training.
Lastly, please be aware that many other applicants that require Mandarin
translation pass the examination for other cities, which ind!ca~es to me that the
quality aT their education in their respective massage schools was good. 1 would
question the quality and certification of a graduate of any massage school that
teaches anatomy by general location, rather than by name.
I hope this resolves any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
vt/~I:~...'4 ~ . t:- ~
Mitchell Roth, D.C.
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.Ma~ 29 07 OS:56p
Dr Of'f"ice
6503487025
p.4
Mitchell Roth D.C., to.E.
fNDUSTFlIAL DISABILITY EXAMiNER
'IT
181 2nd Avenue, Suite 500
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 348-7005
CURRICULUM VITAE
EDUCA TION
Doctor of Chiropractic
Palmer College of Chiropractic, Sunnyvale. CA
October 1982
Associate of Arts
American River Junior College, Sacramento CA
1979
EXPERIENCE
Life Chiropractic College, San lorenzo, CA
Clinical Faculty 1991 to 2000.
Instruction, observation, and evaluation, of Senior
Clinical Interns conceming diagnosIs, treatment,
and case management.
City of San Mateo, Consultant
. Licensing evaluations 1991 to present
Established and administered a massage therapy
testing program for the San Mateo Police Department.
City of Mountain View, Consultant
Massage licensing evaluations 1993 to present
City r:if Los Altos, Consultant
Massage licensing evaluations 1994 to present
City of South San Francisco, Consultant
Massage lieer-sing evaluations 1994 to present
City of Milpitas, Consu:tant
Massage Iic.ensing evaluations 1994 to present.
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'Ma~ 29 07 06:5Bp
Curriculum Vitae
LICENSES
MEMBERSHIP
PERSONAL
Dr Of'f'ice
6503487025
p.5
2
City of Sunnyvale, Consultant
Massage 1iC'.ensing evaluations 1995 to 1999
City of Cupertino, Consultant
Massage licensing evaluations 199-5 to p.-esent.
. Daly City, Consultant
Massage licensing evaluations 1995 to 1999
Burlingame, Consultant
Massage licensing evaluations 1999 to present
Private Practice 1983 to present
I have maintained a full-tir"l"1e practice in San Ma1eo.
The office is located one block from Mills Hospital
in downtown San Mateo.
Doctor of Chiropractic 1983
California License # 15371
Rae iograph-Xray Supervisor/Operator
California License # 122036
Diplomate Certlficate
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Certificate # 20691
Managed Care Credential 1993
California Chiropractic Association
Industrial D:sability Examiner 1995
California Chiropractic Association
California Chiropractic Association
San Mateo County Chiropractic Society
Preferred Provider for various Managed
Care Organizations.
Age 53
Married
1 child
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. Ha~ 29 07 06:58p
Dr Of'f'ice
S503497C"J2~)
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3
Qualitlcations for Massage Testing:
Doctor of Chiropractic Degree with 4500 hours of anatomy, physiology and technique.
Licensed t.y the State of California to perform massage with:n my scope of practice.
Teacher and Clinical Faculity member for 8 years at Life West College, where I taught anatomy
and technique.
Established a rrassage te.'?ting program for San Mateo in 1993 ana contonue to administer it to
date. I additionally provide the same consulting services for 7 other Pollee Departments.
. In practice for 24 years and have used massage tr.erapy extensively w;lh patients.
Vil~e4.doc
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