Massage Parlor Owner Charged

The owner of a Sherman Oaks massage parlor has been charged with violating a city zoning ordinance for operating her business in a residential area, the city attorney’s office said Tuesday.

Joan P. Santagata of Agoura was charged Monday for operating the Flamingo Massage & Sauna at 4622 Van Nuys Blvd., within 500 feet of a residential area, Deputy City Atty. Henry Burr said. Santagata is scheduled to be arraigned in Los Angeles Municipal Court on July 30, he said.

The maximum penalty for such a crime is six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, Burr said. Santagata had operated the massage parlor legally, but a city zoning administrator denied her request to extend her operating permit, Burr said. Santagata is accused of violating the city zoning ordinance by continuing to operate her business without a permit.