The questions: Why now? Who benefits?
For as long as I can remember, a massage parlor has quietly beckoned customers from the corner of Adams and Georgia here in the otherwise quaint village of University Heights. My wife and I have occasionally discussed its odd presence, with the presumption being the place peddles sex as much as massage.
That’s my observation pretty much anywhere in the United States when the place is non-descript like this business. Otherwise, a massage business puts out signage touting health benefits and describing types of services, which could include acupuncture. As you can see from the Featured Image, this place reveals nothing about the services inside, other than massage.
According to news reports, this one from NBC 7, San Diego City Attorney seeks to shut down Osaka Massage for being a front for allegedly soliciting sexual acts: “As far back as 2015, San Diego police identified prostitution activity” at the business. What? Eleven years ago? Why take legal action now? Who benefits if the business is shut down?
That the place is allegedly a front for prostitution isn’t surprising. What does perplex: Why wait so long to prosecute, when evidence was already collected? Starting a decade ago. I suspect there is more to this story. The location is prime real estate for redevelopment, such as erecting yet another apartment multiplex—in line with the city’s “build more” obsession. Closure could put the property on the auction block.
That’s pure speculation, and I make no insinuation. I throw that thinking out to emphasize the importance of asking the “Who benefit?” question, which beckons “Why now?” I suspect that the answers to both questions intertwine; they are related.
I used Nikon Zf and NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR lens for this one, today. Vitals: f/6.3, ISO 100, 1/320 sec, 105mm; 1:16 p.m. PDT.