Lomita Municipal Code Art. 1 Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter, the words, terms and phrases in this chapter shall have the meaning set forth below unless the context clearly requires a different meaning.

Chief of police means the designated head of the law enforcement entity providing police services to the City of Lomita, or his or her designee.

City manager means the city manager of the City of Lomita or his or her designee.

Complete application means all of the requested information required by this chapter has been submitted, including the completed investigation and verification of the "State Summary Criminal History" report.

Disqualifying conduct means the conduct of a person who:

(1) Within five (5) years immediately preceding the filing of the application in question or, in the case of revocation or suspension proceedings, within five (5) years of the date of notice of hearing, has been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of:

(a) Any misdemeanor or felony offense which relates directly to the operation of a escort service, whether as an escort service owner or operator or as an escort; or

(b) Any felony the commission of which occurred on the premises of an escort service; or

(2) Within five (5) years immediately preceding the date of the filing of the application in question or, in the case of revocation or suspension proceedings, within five (5) years of the date of notice of revocation or suspension hearings, whichever is applicable, has had any escort service or escort license or similar license or permit, which was issued by the state or any county or city revoked; or

(3) Within five (5) years immediately preceding the date of the filing of the application in question, or, in the case of revocation or suspension proceedings, within five (5) years of the date of notice of revocation or suspension hearings, whichever is applicable, has been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of:

(a) Any violation of Penal Code sections 266h, 266i, 290, 311.2 through 311.7, 314 through 318, subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), or (h), of section 647 and 647b; or,

(b) Conspiracy to attempt to commit any such offense; or

(c) Any offense in a jurisdiction outside the State of California which includes all of the elements of the offenses enumerated in this section 3(a); or,

(d) Any offense which requires registration as a sex offender pursuant to Penal Code section 290; or

(e) Any violation which involves the use of force and violence on the person of another; or

(4) Within five (5) years immediately preceding the date of the filing of the application in question, or, in the case of revocation or suspension proceedings, within five (5) years of the date of notice of revocation or suspension hearings, whichever is applicable, has been subject to a permanent injunction against the conducting or maintaining of a nuisance pursuant to Penal Code sections 11225 through 11235, or any similar provisions of law in a jurisdiction outside the State of California.

Escort means any person who, for hire, reward, or other pecuniary compensation, accompanies or consorts with another person to, from or about social affairs, entertainments, places of amusement, places of public assembly, or within any public or private resort, or within any private quarters, or any business or commercial establishment;

The definition of "escort" does not include any person who provides escort services for senior citizens when such services are provided as part of a bona fide social welfare and health program for such senior citizens. The definition of "escort" also does not include any kind of guaranteed return trip program authorized pursuant to state law. The definition of "escort" does not include any person who accompanies others as an incident to their trade or profession, such as nurses, bodyguards or tour guides.

Escort license means the license required to work as an escort.

Escort service means any business, agency or self-employed or independent escort who, for a fee, commission, hire, reward or profit, furnishes or offers to furnish escorts, introduction services or dating services. For purposes of this chapter, the definition of "escort service" does not include any business, agency or person who provides escort services for senior citizens when such services are provided as part of a bona fide social welfare and health program for such senior citizens. The definition of "escort services" also does not include any kind of guaranteed return trip program authorized pursuant to state law. In addition, this chapter shall not apply to any person who accompanies another within the confines of a personal relationship, or accompanies others as an incident to their trade or profession, such as attorneys, nurses, bodyguards, or tour guides, nor to any person, business, firm, or company lawfully conducting any employment agency.

Escort service license means the license to operate an escort service within the city.

Person means any individual, firm, association, partnership, limited liability partnership, corporation, limited liability company, joint venture, or combination of individuals.

Police department means the designated entity providing law enforcement services to the city.

(Ord. No. 567, § 2, 10-7-96; Ord. No. 589, § 2, 4-6-98; Ord. No. 624, § 1, 7-10-00; Ord. No. 699, § 1, 4-2-07)