Aleks Figuroa has an admirable goal: To bring an ancient art form to the East Village Arts District. Once viewed as low-brow and unsavory, tattoo art has become part of the zeitgeist, part of popular culture, and has developed a decidedly upscale clientele.
Like many Cities, Long Beach has rather strict laws that restrict tattoo businesses to a very narrow geographical corridor. With other restrictions, the result is that these businesses can only exist in depressed and crime-ridden areas. Upscale clients will not visit these areas and, instead, take their business out of the City.
Aleks has provided us with some information about his proposal, and his background. Please take a moment to review it, and post your thoughts about the idea of allowing tattoo art studios into the East Village Arts District.
Aleks writes:
History
The hard image of tattoo art patrons in Long Beach has changed over the last dozen years from being associated with sailors, bikers, gangs, The Pike, and strip bars. The mainstream has embraced tattoo art to unprecedented heights; however, tattoo art business within the East Village Arts District is prohibited by way of zoning/ordinance restrictions.
Currently tattoo art business in Long Beach is restricted to California Highway (CHW) Zones, which is most of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and a small strip of Anaheim Street.
In the 5th largest city in the state, Long Beach has only two (2) tattoo studios. The 25-year old tattoo studio, Dermagraphics Tattoo Studio, is on one end of the rough PCH near Long Beach City College and the newest tattoo studio (September 2006), Ink Assassins. opened up on PCH closer to the 710 freeway. In my opinion, both locations are in undesirable parts of town that don’t lend itself to safety or walking traffic for neither patrons nor art lovers.
Another city restriction is to keep tattoo studios 1000 feet apart from one another. This allows the only opportunity to open in the middle of the two studios where a teenager was killed at the end of August 2006 forcing the newly opened business of Cliff’s Airbrushing (Spring 2006) to close and relocate out of Long Beach.
Vision
The proposal is to allow the art of tattoo in the East Village Arts District by way of a zoning/ ordinance change.
Opening a tattoo art gallery/studio would enhance the East Village Arts District with a positive image, promoting tattoo as art. My goals are to provide custom tattoo art and piercing service from a personal and holistic approach, accessible to a broad audience which includes the causal relationship between consultation, cultural relevance, and mental, physical and spiritual energy.
By default, the first tattoo art gallery to open in the East Village Arts District would receive international recognition from tattoo industry magazines, music/ trend magazines and local press that, in turn, would highlight the City of Long Beach as a mammoth supporter of the arts and it’s East Village Arts District. This would lead more art lovers to explore the East Village Arts District and consequently bring additional commerce to the community.
In consideration of conservatives, to limit the quantity of tattoo studios in the East Village Arts District area would be reasonable. This would allow healthy competition yet keep the quality and integrity high for the art of tattoo.
To conclude, allowing tattoo art galleries/studios into the East Village Arts District would keep our locals and visitors to seek art, including tattoo art, locally in our city of Long Beach versus leaving it.
ALEKS FIGUEROA
BIOGRAPHY
Aleks Figueroa’s work expresses and explores the rhythm and soul of the marginalized. He fills a void for the unrepresented by creating vehicles to tell their stories.
Figueroa provokes cultural pride and influences identities of youth and communities of color. He successfully promotes and markets projects from a grassroots approach through his political and cultural work with non-profit organizations, community groups, and art collectives.
Figueroa’s tattoo art and research revived a dying art form from the Philippines. For nine years, he has transformed values throughout the Filipino diaspora with his proactive approach through cultural tattoo advocacy.
As an independent contractor between 2001 and 2003, he worked in world-renowned tattoo studios such as Black Wave Tattoo, the pioneer of neo-tribal tattoo art, and Gotham, the first and oldest company specializing in sterilization techniques and piercing.
He pioneered independent projects as a producer, performer, writer, video editor and graphic designer. His work includes:
• Maestro: The Story of General Doctor Hilario C. Moncado (2005) (In production) (Documentary) … Producer, Editor
• Spatula City (2004) (Trailer) … Creator, Producer, Editor
• The Victor Estrella Show (2004) (TV Pilot) … Lead Editor
• Rising Giant (2003) (Trailer) … Creator, Producer, Writer, Editor
• Q-Bert (2004) (Documentary) … Lead Editor
• Figueroa Street Productions (2004) (Production Company) … Founder
• FilipinoTattoos.com (1998-) (Website) … Tattoo Artist, Advocate,
Documentarian, Graphic Designer
• Domination (2002) (Music Video) … Producer, Director, Editor
• Oust Estrada (2000) (Music Video Documentary) … Producer, Editor
• Balisong Tattoo Company (1998-) (Tattoo Art Company) … Tattoo Artist, Advocate
• Infliptration: a youngblood r.evolution (1998) (CD) … Producer, Artist
• Betalounge (1997) … Performer
• Flip Life (1996) … Producer
• Flan (1995) … Writer, Performer
• Represent (1994) … Producer
Aleks Figueroa challenges the status quo to think outside their context. He will expand his tattoo and production companies and develop projects that utilize video and film to reach and affect change in the mainstream.
Gee, I’m surprised this hasn’t generated a wealth of response! However, since this is my second attempt to find the appropriate words, could it be a matter of similarly mixed feelings?
On one hand, there’s no denying the current popularity of tats, nor that it has fans across many ethnic and social groups. Where they used to be mostly rather “in your face” statements, now many are genuine art. Likewise, many tattoo artists have shown a high level of both creative and technical talent.
On the other hand, despite the intricacy and admitted beauty of some designs, i just don’t like tattoos. To me there is nothing that can turn a beautiful woman, in my eyes, ugly faster than the sight of a cigarette or a tattoo. If those designs were on CD covers or custom cars, I’d love them. On skin, I have the opposite reaction.
So: yin – don’t want to legitimize them any more than they already are; yang – I don’t want people to go to seedy areas to get what they will get despite my opinion.
Would tattoo “parlors” negatively impact the area? At this time, and with their current broad social appeal, I doubt it. If the fad (if so it turns out to be) fades and only, shall we say, less socially accepted individuals want tats, I’m afraid it could.
So, what should our fair city do? Well, first, we need many, many more responses and discourse than just mine. Please, consider your opinion and then post it. If there is no clear concensus either pro or con, maybe a license could be granted for a limited time, approving a lease for that duration. Maybe there are far better suggestions out there.
Let’s hear them!
Ride safe,
Fid
This article is very interesting. However, these word do not sound like the words of an art lover or someone who is interested in promoting the Tattoo Culture. These words appear to come from a poser who is more interested in personnal gain than promoting an artform that has existed in every culture since the beginning of time. It would be a long stretch of the imagination to believe that the Japanese greats were doing their tattoos in some upscale yuppie community. Tattoing has it’s roots in real people living in real places not some some fantasy land where people are more concerned with what other people think of their work, than what their work actually means to them. Tattoo as in any artform, is a form of expression. A form of expression that is different for every artist. Tattoo, as with every form of art should transcend all boundaries, racial, cultural or geographical. I do not see how the geographical location of a shop should dictate the quality of work that it produces. Some of the finest work I have ever seen has come out of garages in downtown Los Angeles. It is my opinion that Aleks is trashing the existing shops in Long Beach to gain support for his plan to open a shop in the arts district. He is throwing red herrings into his rants in an attempt to make people beleive that tattoo shops cause crime, however crime exists tattoo shop or not. Having shops only in high dollar areas will do nothing more than drive the price of tattoos up, to meet the higher rents and overheads of these areas. Higher prices on tattoos would limit the social class of people who could afford them. These people(who make up the bulk of tattoo enthusiasts) would be forced to go outside of the city to get work, hereby causing revenue to be drawn out of Long Beach. Aside from that, Aleks’ plan would cause yuppies and the trendies to make up the bulk of customers to these shops and would make tattoo nothing more than a capitalistic machine, tearing down the very foundation and roots of the artform that he claims to want to promote and preserve. I think that Mr Figueroa would be better suited sticking to producing, editing and directing. He appears to actually have some level of knowledge in these areas.
Jason,
Thank you for your comments. When I re-read Aleks’ comments I did not feel that he was “trashing” the existing tattoo businesses. He was, I believe, stating that the area in which these businesses are forced to exist has been, is, and will remain undesirable for many up-scale clients. There are many people, myself included, who love the Anaheim and PCH corridors but, for many others, the idea of visiting those areas is beyond their comfort level and, because of this, would be moved to take their business outside of the city. Also, I do not think it fundamentally wrong to charge more for an up-scale client base. I’ve eaten at restaurants on Anaheim that have fantastic Asian and Hispanic food, and paid very little. I’ve also eaten at restaurants in Belmont Shore, and paid more. There is no fundamental flaw in this.
The only flaw I see is arbitrarily limiting where businesses can exist, especially when there is a demand for them in many areas. That’s really the issue that Aleks is addressing, I think, and it is a valid one. There will always be the need for some restrictions, but I also think that the City should be open to reexamining them from time to time, especially when there has been such a dramatic shift, culturally.
Although you may disagree, I believe that great art can be made anywhere. It can happen in someone’s bedroom, in a garage… or in an up-scale neighborhood. What I’ve been told by local fine artists is that if they try to sell their work in Long Beach, they get paid about one third what they’d earn from a gallery in Los Angeles. Why? Because the market is better there. What does this mean, practically? It means that emerging artists benefit from a smaller marketplace here in Long Beach and, when they hit it big, they move their work to LA and make room here for the next emerging artist. This is as it should be, and this is the model that Aleks is suggesting here, I believe.
Thank you for your comments, and I hope you reply on the thread to this.
Peace,
Sander Roscoe Wolff
Executive Director
LongBeachCulture.org
Tattooing is an art, plain and simple. Everyone has their own opinion of what type of art really is art and tattoo art is no different. Most common art is recognized on canvas, whereas Aleks uses individuals to display original drawings. He has the vision to open a “tattoo art gallery”, not a parlor or shop, but gallery, which means that the work that will be generated are for collectors of art and those looking to learn or reconnect with their Filipino roots. Mr. Figuroa has educated himself with not only his own Filipino art history but those of other culltures that have a history of body art. Opening up a gallery in the East Village Art District would only embrace the cultural relevance and true beauty of his tattoo art. I consider myself a collector and living canvas of a beautiful piece. It was a healing mechanism for me and also brought me closer to my native roots. The meaning of my tattoo symbolizes faith, love, life and family which is all done in the Filipino Alibata writing. I feel truely blessed to have a piece of art that will always remind me of the beauty of my culture. I believe it’s a long awaited time that we have a tattoo gallery where those who can appreciate the art and culture can go to seek original work. It would be ground breaking to have Long Beach as the originator to the first tattoo gallery. Tattoos would not be just associated with bikers or sailors or whatever, but to all people. Tattoos are not a trend, especially if there are hundreds of years of history behind this body art througout different cultures around the world.
I hope that this reaches those who have not voiced an opinion and creates an excellent string of positivity for Mr. Figuroa’s vision.
- Emily
I appreciate the comments by Fid Hauser, Jason and Sander. I don’t know Emily. Ok, I paid Emily to write that. Jk. But quickly I must take no credit as “the originator to the first tattoo gallery.” The potential would be for EVAD to have a tattoo studio/gallery and the city of Long Beach would have all it’s recognition for allowing it in it’s art district.
I like Fid Hauser’s suggeston that maybe a license could be granted for a limited time, approving a lease for a granted duration. I also agree that more suggestions can be made.
I’ll post something sometime soon. I’d like to consider my comments before another red herring slaps someone upside the head.
All bias aside and at the risk of sounding cliche – art is as art does, it is a matter of opinion, a subjective view of an object (if you will), open to interpretation. What better way for an artist like Aleks to display his work than a gallery? Now, the business of tattoo art is where this predicament lays not necessarily the art form itself. Like it has been previously stated, great art can come from anywhere – a garage, a basement and yes, even a yuppie upscale neighborhood – why then should its creation be limited to only certain parts of town? With so many stereotypes and prejudices still associated with the tattoo culture, a venue such as a tattoo gallery/studio in an area like the East Village Arts District would help promote the valid impact it has on society.
Although I am not familiar with city politics, I can appreciate the idea of granting a license (provisional or not) subject to all the rules and regulations that other businesses in the area are held accountable by. Why shouldn’t a city as beautifully diverse as Long Beach be one of the first to permit the opening of a tattoo gallery in the arts district? Good luck to you Mr. Figueroa – to change the minds of many, you begin with just one.
In my opinion…this is an online proposal to the public basically. What is your goal? To propose a tattoo “shop” or “gallery”? What I dont understand is, the point behind the main subject. And that is what? Exactly. I quote; “In my opinion, both locations are in undesirable parts of town that don’t lend itself to safety or walking traffic for neither patrons nor art lovers.” Now, is this the main subject and the point to your post, oops!… I mean proposal. I’ve lost the whole meaning to why you or whomever wrote this. If you want a damn place to tattoo, just say so. But leave those who’ve done it the right way and the ethical way, out of it. I myself am an art lover and am a customer to getting tattoos. Your reasoning of mentioning anything relating to “art” is hypocrytical in a way. Your backround is very impressive though not relating to your proposal or who’s ever it is. My point isn’t to bash on you, or to say you’re wrong, it is to lend some advice. My advice is to gain respect in your enviorment and pay respect to those who’ve paved a way, if…you haven’t done this already. To end my opinion, when you got the executive director of this site backing you on a proposal, not the city of course, but to a group of online gathers, just hoping to see this post, and now all sudden comments are appearing… it all must be good. Your post is getting recognized, but I find it funny how the first post here was in September…now all sudden the ‘people’ speak…Good luck to whomever is wanting a tattoo “gallery” ..oh and by the way ~~Alex? “” (new Long Beach tattoo studio number! 10/06)”" You own a studio in Long Beach?? Where can I get a tattoo from you.. though there’s only those 2 shops that you cared to mention in a not ‘desirable’ area. You working at one of them or what?…I would love to meet you and see your work…Good day.
Please read Gordo’s thread below.
This “thread” thing is confusing. Sorry for the multiple posts.
Yes, the one statement ruffles feathers and I admit it’s a half-assed statement. Personally, I love PCH. It’s the hood. It’s my home. I know the areas well and it’s not a safe place to walk. PCH is a commercial highway. I walk it/bike it/drive it and it’s sketchy. There are also no art galleries anywhere close. The neighborhood is what it is and although it’s dark and to many ho-stroll, it is not desirable for many people to walk that are not from this neighborhood. This is not far from the truth. It’s not bashing the area, the community or the people there- it is what it is. I apologize for making people uncomfortable by either provoking fear or touching a sore spot. If it persists, I know a good doctor in that same area.
The point of my proposal is that I want to open a tattoo studio/gallery in the EVAD. It would open up the city to recognize tattooing as an art form allowing it into the EVAD. Tattoos don’t cause crime, the crime is that tattooing was pushed back to “clean up” an area when it originally began down at the Pike, Pine Street and it’s surrounding areas. Now that it’s cleaned up, can I have my tattoo art in the art district of Long Beach? By default, others will prosper by my/our efforts/support. I can only hope so.
My plan to open a studio in EVAD is strategic and considerate. I am conscious of the other two existing businesses and I don’t want to take away anything from them or compete with their livelihood. I have my own clientele and I would welcome new business. Would I make money? I hope so. Do I need to continue to give it away for free? I don’t need to work out of garages anymore to keep it real. My pit bull wants his room back. I want to feed my family.
Which brings me to pricing? Would Bush or Schwartznegger raise the tattoo prices by a studio opening in the EVAD? Ridiculous right? But who cares about pricing when I’m trying to fight for a right. For Jason, I will charge you $10,000. For Gordo, half price- if you’re local. Speaking of which, give me a call. I’m still keeping it Brooklyn “real” (translation: working from the kitchen in the garage on the floor underground in an alley next to…JUST KIDDING!
) It’s a joke. No drive-bys please.
My biography very much relates to my proposal. It supports 9 short years of being a tattoo artist. I am an artist. My background in terms of projects is minimal to the hundreds/countless number of tattoos that I’ve been blessed to do but for obvious reasons I cannot put every person that I’ve tattooed in a biography. After consideration, a few art gallery installations (all tattoo related-ok, maybe a couple) were not included. Carlo, I thank you for shining that light.
To end, Carlo, I thank you for your advice and clarity. Jason, your attempt to red herring my character is impossible. I can’t be brought down. I’ve been down and I’m (still) fighting to get to higher ground. Those who know me know that I am a stand-up man with integrity and nothing but good intentions for everyone. I still don’t know what a red herring is. I guess I’ll Google it.
I just wanted to bring some light as to what a red herring is. A red herring is something that professional forensical speech and debate teams use as a diversion. If they are arguing one point, they throw in a “red herring” which is another point that has nothing to do with the first, to distract from their original intention. I don’t know if you’ve actually been into either of the shops on PCH, I know I have. I live just around the corner from ink assassins and it is somewhat of a gallery. They display their artwork both ink and paint and have an area where local artists can display their original work. I have lived in the area for a long time. I am a middle to high class individual and have never had a problem in this neighborhood at any hour.
Jason,
I’m glad you feel safe in your neightborhood at any hour, really. However, the fact remains that personal safety and comfort levels are completely relative. Just because you’ve been lucky enough to not experience problems in your neighborhood does not mean that everyone automatically feels safe there.
You want to accuse anyone of red herrings? I’d look in the mirror. Your original post contains quite a few diversions, being a bit emotionally charged and reflects a certain misunderstanding of the original article. No worries, we all make mistakes. I’m genuinely interested to see where Figueroa’s passion got translated into “poser”. Also, your labeling of the ideas as “rants” caused me to reread everything. I looked long and hard for a rant (by definition, a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion or pompous or pretentious talk or writing) and didn’t find one. I’ll keep looking, of course. Also, you defend the neighborhoods that other tattoo shops in question are located and trash EVAD by saying it is full of capitalistic yuppies and trendies. Who’s distracting who?
You also say that he is attempting to “make people beleive that tattoo shops cause crime.” Now logically, why would he do that?!? The thought completely defeats his purpose. If you look at the article, what was stated was that tattooing was previously associated with undesirables, or crime in Long Beach, leading to the heavy restrictions placed on the industry today. These restrictions led to tattoo shops, parlors, and/or galleries which could only be located in areas where crime is usually an issue. Of course, the crime rate and the occurence of a tattoo parlor have no relation.
However, the point is why does Long Beach continue to carry restrictions based on outdated ideas? It is clear that tattoos are not just for gangs or sailors anymore and I know you agree that tattoo shops do not equal crime. You also mention that tattooing as an art should transcend geography. For once, I agree with you and it is for your point exactly that Aleks is creating this dialogue – so that the location and image of tattooing is not restricted. I predict that the work coming out of Aleks’ alleyway underground garage kitchen will remain at a quality that can only get better over time and not location, so I don’t think quality is an issue.
So what is your opposition really? Do you believe Long Beach should keep the established restrictions in place, and why?
Hey there, Jason!
I hope you don’t feel like we’re ganging up on you. I understand what you’re saying. You feel good in your neighborhood, and you like the tattoo busiesses in your neighborhood. I don’t think anyone disagrees with what you’re saying. The only question is: Does the City have any compelling, fact-based reason to limit tattoo businesses to the Anaheim/PCH corridor?
I’ve not looked up the municipal code, but I bet that it doesn’t address why the restrictions are in place. I also know that other Cities have revised existing restrictions. If this is, as I believe, the case then why can’t we?
Lastly, if, as we all agree, tattoing is a unique art form, why should it not be represented within the City’s Arts District?
I don’t think I’m presenting you with any herrings, reguardless of color. I eagerly await your reply.
Respectfully,
srw
Shouldn’t you be asking city hall that question Mr Wolff? Rather than a resident of our city. To be honest, I’ver looked over your site Mr. Wolff, since you are the executive director. I noticed that this subject is very important to you, not just to Mr. Figeroua. Which whom this proposal is about…Or is it not? Isn’t the subject about Mr. Figeroua (wanting) to open a tattoo “studio/gallery”, in the EVAD? Or someone…anyone really to open in the arts district? And to the other cities with codes that were revised apparently.. I thought Long Beach has it’s own . So to compare any other city would have no point in my eyes. Are you trying to say the city of Long Beach “might” or “should consider” you or whomever? That is a broad statement that should have alot of backing behind it, I think. I agree with you on some points Mr. Wolff..but I really am lost and annoyed by your points of interest. Why isnt Aleks appart of this so called disscussion in which “random” people now show intrest? And what is outdated exactly? I know nothing of codes, regulations and zones, but I do know that the two shops are open, one recently just opening. So those codes, regulations, and zones must not be that outdated if someone just did what your proposing and trying to do. The city of Long Beach is very big, and has all the same rules that apply. Right or wrong, goodluck with changing minds and municipal codes. :O)
Just to clarify my role in this, I have no personal interest in tatooing, or in Aleks’ proposal specifically. I am an advocate for arts and culture in Long Beach and, for a while, served on the Board of the East Village Arts District, inc. I met Aleks at an EVAD meeting where he told me about the vision he had of bringing a tattoo business to the EVAD. I support this vision because I believe that tatooing is a unique art form, and holds a unique and evolving place in our culture.
Currently, as Aleks explained in his original post, the City limits tattoo business to two small bits of Anaheim and PCH. Within those two small bits, further restrictions apply. These are the only two places in the entire City where tattoo busiesses can open. I believe that this restriction is because at one time, perhaps when the City was still a Navy town, tattoing was not seen as a traditional art form, but a distasteful and dangerous past-time.
The reason why we started this dialog was to help raise awareness of Aleks’ vision to open a studio in the EVAD, and to find out what people think about the idea. So far, the only comments have been in defense of the existing businesses, and the neighborhood where they exist. So far, nobody has offered any compelling reason why a new business should not operate in the EVAD. This is, in my estimation, the central issue.
I agree that the questions must be addressed to our municipal leaders however it isn’t hard to understand that, with community support of Aleks’ vision, they will more open to explore the idea than if he walks in alone.
So, where do you stand? Do you believe that the City should restrict tattoo businesses to the two small bits of PCH and Anaheim and, if so, why? Would you support a revision that would allow tattoo businesses to open in other parts of the City and, if not, why? These are questions that must be answered within the community before we go to the City, so that we can have a clear idea of what it is we want.
I thank you, sincerely, for participating in this dialog and hope you’ll continue.
Peace.
srw
I did a search on the word “tattoo” in the Municipal Code for the City of Long Beach and found the following. Interestingly, aside from the very restrictive and narrow CHW district, there seems to be a provision for conditional use in CT districts as well. The definition for this is at the very end of this post.
Conditional Uses:
21.52.273 Tattoo or fortunetelling services.
The following conditions shall apply to tattoo and fortunetelling services:
A. No new fortunetelling or tattoo parlor uses shall be located within one thousand feet (1,000’) of any existing adult entertainment, arcade, fortunetelling, tattoo parlor or tavern use; and
B. Fortunetelling and tattoo parlors shall operate only between the hours of seven (7:00) a.m. and ten (10:00) p.m.
(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).
Business License Tax Definitions:
3.80.146 Classifications of businesses.
4. Personal and business services, including, but not limited to, advertising agency, alarm installation/sales, animal kennel, barbershop, beauty shop, bathhouse/health parlor/spa, beach equipment rental, business trade school, cleaner, cleaning plant, collection agency, commission broker, dance instructor, day nursery/school, dog grooming, employment agency, fortuneteller, hotels, income tax, large volume transfer stations, linen supply, livery stable/riding academy, loan business, locksmith, manicurist, massage parlor, massager, miscellaneous rental, motels, nurses registry, offal collection, photographer solicitor/transient, photographer/studio, physical fitness, printing, private investigator, private patrol system, private waste collection, processing station, public relations, real estate broker, repossessing agency, tattoo artist, undertaker and wedding chapel.
Definitions:
21.15.2990 Tattoo parlor.
“Tattoo parlor” means a commercial land use where the marking or coloring of the skin is performed by pricking in coloring matter or by producing scars, and which is conducted in exchange for financial or other valuable consideration. It does not include tattooing when applied by a licensed dermatologist on premises licensed as a dermatological office.
(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).
21.32.020 Districts established.
[Ed Note: In “Table 32-1
Uses In All Other Commercial Zoning Districts,” it states that tattoo businesses can only exist as a conditional use in CHW designated areas, which are:]
1. The Regional Highway District (CHW) is a commercial use district for mixed scale commercial uses located along major arterial streets and regional traffic corridors. Residential use is not permitted.
[Ed Note: In this same section, but in “Table 32-1A
Uses In All Other Commercial Zoning Districts,” it states that tattoo businesses may exist via a conditional use permit in CT & CH areas as defined:]
21.32.020 Districts established.
2. The CH-Highway Commercial District preserves and enhances areas for automobile-oriented commercial uses. The District recognizes the need for many commercial uses to have large frontages and high visibility along major highways. This District implements Land Use District No. 8A of the General Plan.
3. The CT-Tourist and Entertainment Commercial District creates, preserves and enhances areas for the development of a major tourist and entertainment industry for the City. The District recognizes that such areas have special requirements for intense and unique uses, transportation linkages, and aesthetically pleasing environments.
Not to sound like a broken record, I would like to encourage participants of this proposal to submit reasons why a tattoo studio/gallery should or should not be allowed to open in the East Village Arts District.
Your support for this small crusade to change the zoning/ordinance laws to allow tattoo art into the EVAD is a push in favor of Arts and Culture for our city of Long Beach.
This post began in September. My homework and leg work started around April/May. I went to my first EVAD meeting in July. I petitioned the EVAD streets for signatures that included a couple hundred names from business owners and residents of the EVAD which I turned into the EVAD and the district council member office in August. We can create a bigger dialogue around where people stand to really put this proposal in motion with support. I hope to see some of you at the next meeting.
If there are people who may want to meet or ask questions, please come through the next general EVAD meeting held every 3rd Thursday from 7-8:30 (approximately) at the Neighborhood Resource Center, 425 Atlantic, and let’s discuss how we can or can not achieve success through communal effort.
Sincerely,
Aleks
Hahaha. This is very amusing to read. After the 10th post of “comments”. (in the matter of days). Wow, what a controversy now. Please. Just by me giving my opinion, and to the Jason guy for his, you feel the need to crush it with a butt load of crap. Ha. Like I said before, just do what your good at. You run this site Mr. Wolff, and Aleks, the producer now tattooer apparently, can write about how great EVAD is and it’s surroundings of “crime” and that outside of EVAD “don’t lend itself to safety or walking traffic for neither patrons nor art lovers.” Mr. Artist and Mr. Proposal man, good day to both of you, see you on the 3rd Thursday one day. Not a peep more outta me. Thank you. :O)
Wow. Very interesting thread… Now, I’m not a proponent of tattoos but I like how Alexs is trying to pursue his artistic passion. He seems like a nice kid, and if I were the king of Long Beach, then I would allow him to open up shop.
Best,
Not the King of Long Beach
hey,
I’m all for the opening of tattoo shops/galleries in the East Village. Tattoing is a great medium for artists to get their designs shown. There are all types of artists and patrons out there, so there should be shops available not just on PCH and Anaheim, but also in the East Village, where art is commonly found; to better fill the tattooing needs of everyone.
I’ve been drawing for the past ten years and now I’m interested in getting into tattooing, but I don’t know exactly where to start. I plan to go to the next EVAD meeting to show my support for your cause and with the hope of finding a way to get into the tattoing bussines. If you have any suggestions I’d be glad to hear them.
Sincerely,
a fellow artist
Just a bit of information for whoever would like to know. I have had a tattoo studio/gallery here in Long Beach since the late 1970’s. I was the first tattoo studio north of Ocean Bl. It was between Pine and Pacific Av on Ocean. Then the next shop was on Anaheim and was owned by Dave Orlouski. Then I opened my shop on Pacific Coast Hwy. A few years later another shop opened on North Atlantic Av around Market St. And then there was the tattoo shop on Artisa that lasted a few years. My point is tattooing has not always been restricted to “commercial Hwy.” And when I was scouting for a location there was no restriction.
Just by the way, what is the difference between a “tattoo art gallery” and a “tattoo shop/studio”? I can tell you the difference the second one is within the law and is licensed and passed by the health dept. I don’t think the city is going to allow any other tattoo shops in the proposed area that is being discussed. But if it does, I’ll sure open up one there my self, along with a lot of others that have been trying and wanting to do the same for a lot longer then the genital man who is proposing this change in the Long Beach zoning!
I tried to post before on this topic. Strange it never was added. Maybe this time.
Steve
This is the rest of the above post.
11.36.470 Exemptions.
A. A physician licensed by the state of California under the Business and Professions Code, Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000 of Division 2) who utilizes body art activities as part of patient treatment is exempt from the registration and permitting requirements of this chapter.
B. A person who exclusively engages in the piercing of the leading edge or earlobe of the ear shall be exempt from the permitting and registration requirements of this chapter, provided he or she does the following:
1. Performs the procedure through the use of an approved ear perforating mechanical device to force the single-use stud or single-use needle through the tissue of the ear; and
2. Utilizes a sterile, disposable, single-use stud or single-use solid needle. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.480 Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter or the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
Part 2 OPERATIONS
Article 1 EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN AND REPORTING
11.36.490 Exposure control plan.
The owner of every body art establishment shall provide a written exposure control plan, approved by the department, which shall be applicable to all those who perform body art activities within said establishment, describing how the requirements of this chapter will be implemented. The exposure control plan shall meet requirements established in departmental regulations. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.500 Reporting requirements–Complications.
All infections, complications or diseases resulting from the body art activity which become known to the owner or body art technician shall be reported to the department by the informed person within 24 hours of acquiring such knowledge. Should department offices be closed at such times as to make notification within 24 hours impossible, the informed person shall mail written notification to the department within 24 hours of acquiring such knowledge and follow this by providing the department with oral notification within five working days of acquiring the knowledge. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.510 Equipment and instruments.
All equipment and instruments utilized in conducting body art activity shall be used and maintained in accordance with departmental regulations. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.520 Record maintenance.
A. The owner of the body art establishment shall maintain records as required by departmental regulations.
B. Upon cessation of business, the owner of the body art establishment shall forward to the department copies of all records maintained pursuant to this chapter or other departmental policies. Said copies must be provided to the department within 30 calendar days of closure. The revocation of a public health facility permit issued to an owner of a body art establishment shall be deemed a cessation of business for purposes of this subsection upon exhaustion or waiver of the rights to appeal such revocation. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
Article 2 CLIENTS
11.36.530 Application for body art procedure–Consent form.
A. All persons desiring a body art activity shall complete an application for body art activity and a consent form, which shall be provided by the establishment or body art technician independent operator and which must meet the requirements established in departmental regulations. It is the responsibility of the body art technician or body art technician independent operator to ensure the prospective client completes the form and initials it in such manner as to fully demonstrate that he or she has been informed of the risks and side effects directly and indirectly associated with the body art activities requested and gives his or her informed consent to have the contemplated activity performed.
B. The body art technician shall advise the client orally of all information contained on the application and consent form prior to the client completing and initialing the consent form and prior to commencing any body art activity. The body art technician shall explain all aftercare instructions. The client shall indicate receipt of oral and written aftercare instructions by initialing the consent form in the appropriate box or area. Upon completion of the body art activity, the body art technician shall repeat the after care instructions and precautions to the client, and the client shall initial and date at the appropriate place on the consent form to indicate this has occurred.
C. The establishment shall retain the original of the completed application for body art activity and consent form, and a copy shall be provided to the client. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.540 Restricted clients.
Nipple and genital piercing shall not be performed on any person under 18 years of age. Tattoos and permanent cosmetics shall not be applied to any person under 18 years of age, except when authorized by a physician and performed with the consent and in the presence of the person’s parent or guardian. Persons under 18 years of age may receive body piercing to body parts other than nipples or genitalia provided the body piercing is performed with the consent and in the presence of the person’s parent or guardian. For any procedure restricted under this section to persons age 18 years of age or older or requiring the presence and consent of the person’s parent or guardian, both the minor and his or her parent or guardian shall provide a valid picture identification, provide proof of parentage or legal guardianship and complete a consent form which conforms with the requirements established in departmental regulations.
Tattooing, permanent cosmetics, or body piercing shall not be performed on skin surfaces which have sunburn, rash, pimples, infection, open lesions, mole, or manifest any evidence of unhealthful conditions, without a physician’s written statement authorizing the body art activity under such condition.
Body art activity shall not be performed on any person who, in the opinion of the body art technician, has impaired judgement due to use of drugs or alcohol or for any other reason. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
Article 3 PROCEDURE
11.36.550 Technician condition.
A. No body art technician whose judgment is impaired for any reason shall perform any body art activity while in such condition.
B. No body art technician affected with a rash, infection, boils, infected wounds, open sores, abrasions, keloids, weeping dermatological lesions, or acute respiratory infection shall conduct any body art activity or work in any area of a body art establishment in any capacity in which there is a likelihood that such person could contaminate instruments, equipment, or surfaces or come in contact with another person. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.560 Procedures and preparation.
Body art activities shall be conducted in accordance with the sanitation and preparation procedures set forth in departmental regulations. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.570 Hepatitis B vaccination status–Declination.
A body art technician shall make available upon request his or her hepatitis B vaccination information as required by departmental regulations. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
Article 4 RESTRICTIONS
11.36.580 Prohibited procedures and activities.
It is a violation of this chapter for any person to perform or conduct any activities or procedures upon any person that endanger the health or safety of that person, regardless of the consent of the recipient.
An invasive procedure or activity, whether or not such procedure or activity constitutes the practice of medicine under the applicable law, endangers the recipient’s health and safety unless performed by a person possessing medical expertise. Such prohibited procedures and activities include but are not limited to activities or procedures requiring an injection, cutting of skin or subcutaneous tissue or bone, implantation, branding, deep tissue penetration, threading, stapling, suturing, stitching or pocketing of skin or tissue, or any procedure to reduce the size of or close an orifice, or remove or reduce the size of any skin, cartilage, tissue, organ, or appendage or placement of chemicals or substances onto the skin for purposes of scarring or keloid formation or insertion of chemicals or other solutions into or under the skin surface.
Any such procedure or activity shall be conducted only by a licensed medical doctor or by a person specifically authorized by law to conduct the procedure or activity and only when otherwise permitted by law. Such procedure or activity shall only be conducted at a facility approved for the conduct of such procedure or activity by the appropriate authority under the applicable laws. Further, no such procedure or activity shall be conducted by a body art technician unless he or she is specifically authorized by law to perform such procedure or activity.
It is a violation of this chapter for any person to use in the conduct of body art activity or dispense any drug, chemical, agent or device that requires a licensed medical practitioner’s authorization or prescription for use, application or to dispense, without such medical practitioner’s authorization or prescription. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
Part 3 MOBILE BODY ART ESTABLISHMENTS
11.36.590 General requirement.
In addition to complying with all of the other requirements of this chapter, mobile body art establishments and body art technicians conducting body art activity from a mobile body art establishment shall also comply with all of the provisions of this Part 3. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.600 Vehicle plan check requirements.
A. A person applying for a public health facility permit to use a vehicle as a mobile body art establishment shall submit detailed plans and specifications of the vehicle to the department for approval. The vehicle shall be made available to the department for inspection, at a time and place prescribed by the department, prior to issuance of a public health facility permit. The applicant shall pay all required fees to the department at the time of application.
B. Department approval of a vehicle shall be valid for one year, unless modifications are made to the vehicle after the date of approval, in which case the owner must reapply in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.610 Restricted use.
The mobile body art establishment shall be used only for the purpose of performing body art activities at a body art temporary event. No habitation or cooking is permitted inside the vehicle. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.620 Equipment.
A mobile body art establishment shall be equipped in accordance with and otherwise meet all requirements of departmental regulations. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.630 Body art temporary event requirements.
At least 30 days in advance of the event, any person requesting to use a vehicle at a body art temporary event for the purpose of conducting body art activity shall submit detailed plans and specifications of the event, as required by departmental regulations, to the department for approval. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.640 Sponsor requirements.
At least 30 days in advance of the event, a body art temporary event sponsor that is providing space at an event for a mobile body art establishment shall submit detailed plans and specifications of the event, as required by departmental regulations, to the department. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.650 Permit requirements.
A. A public health facility permit shall only be issued to the owner of a mobile body art establishment that meets department standards and otherwise conforms to the provisions of this chapter, and such permit shall only be issued to authorize body art activities in conjunction with a body art temporary event. The permit period may not exceed 30 consecutive days or the duration of the event, whichever is the shorter period of time. Multiple public health facility permits shall not be issued to an owner to operate a mobile body art establishment for any period of time totaling more than 30 consecutive days in any 90 day period. A separate public health facility permit shall be required for each body art temporary event. The public health facility permit shall not be transferable from one mobile body art establishment to any other body art establishment.
B. An unpermitted body art technician desiring a public health operator permit to conduct body art activities at a temporary body art event shall obtain a permit under the provisions of this chapter at least 30 days in advance of the temporary body art event. No body art activity may be conducted at any mobile body art establishment by any person who has not obtained a public health operator permit pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. Such public health operator permit is valid only for conducting body art activity in mobile body art establishments approved by the department and only for such dates and times that the department has approved such an establishment for a permit.
C. A body art technician holding a valid public health operator permit issued by the department who intends to conduct body art activity at a temporary body art event must notify the department in writing at least 15 days in advance of the temporary body art event that he or she intends to conduct body art activity at such event, provide the name of the owner of the mobile body art establishment in which the body art activity will be conducted and specify the body art activity he or she intends to conduct.
D. The owner of a mobile body art establishment shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with all other applicable regulations and requirements, including, but not limited to, zoning, permit and business license requirements.
E. All establishment and operator permits and other information required by this chapter to be posted shall be posted in clear view of the clients. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.660 Operating requirements.
Body art technicians conducting any body art activity in a mobile body art establishment shall do so in conformance with the provisions of this chapter. All such body art activity shall be conducted in a mobile body art establishment that has onboard a public health facility permit issued by the department valid for that vehicle, time and place. No such body art activity may be performed outside of the enclosure of the mobile body art establishment. Mobile body art establishments shall provide full protection from contamination, filth, and debris to all instruments, equipment, devices, surfaces, clients and body art technicians. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.670 Record maintenance.
The operator must maintain all records and documents in accordance with the provisions established in departmental regulations. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
Part 4 TEMPORARY BODY ART ESTABLISHMENTS
11.36.680 General requirement.
In addition to complying with all of the other requirements of this chapter, temporary body art establishments and body art technicians conducting body art activity from a temporary body art establishment shall also comply with all of the provisions of this Part 4. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.690 Event requirements.
At least 30 days in advance of the event, any person requesting approval to conduct body art activity in conjunction with a body art temporary event shall submit detailed plans and specifications of the event, as required by departmental regulations, to the department for approval. The person requesting such approval must meet all requirements established in departmental regulations for a body art temporary event. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.700 Sponsor requirements.
A body art temporary event sponsor that is providing space at an event for a temporary body art establishment shall submit detailed plans and specifications of the event in accordance with departmental regulations to the department at least 30 days prior to commencement of the event. The sponsor must also meet all other requirements established in departmental regulations for temporary body art events. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.710 Permit requirements.
A. A public health facility permit shall only be issued to the owner of a temporary body art establishment that meets department standards and otherwise conforms to the provisions of this chapter. Such permit shall only be issued to authorize body art activities in conjunction with a body art temporary event. The permit period may not exceed 30 consecutive days or the duration of the event, which ever is the shorter period of time. Multiple public health facility permits shall not be issued to an individual to operate a temporary body art establishment for any period of time totaling more than 30 consecutive days in any 90 day period. A separate public health facility permit shall be obtained for each body art temporary event. The public health facility permit shall not be transferable from one temporary body art establishment to any other body art establishment.
B. An unpermitted body art technician desiring a public health operator permit to conduct body art activities in a temporary body art establishment shall obtain a permit under the provisions of this chapter at least 30 days in advance of the temporary body art event. No body art activity may be conducted at any temporary body art establishment by any person who has not obtained a public health operator permit pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. Such public health operator permit is valid only for conducting body art activity in temporary body art establishments approved by the department and only for such dates and times that the department has approved such an establishment for licensure.
C. A body art technician holding a valid public health operator permit issued by the department who intends to conduct body art activity at a temporary body art event must notify the department in writing at least 15 days in advance of the temporary body art event that he or she intends to conduct body art activity at such event, provide the name of the owner of the temporary body art establishment in which the body art activity will be conducted and specify the body art activity he or she intends to conduct.
D. The owner of a temporary body art establishment shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with all other applicable regulations and requirements, including, but not limited to, zoning, permit and business license requirements.
E. All establishment and operator permits and other information required by this chapter to be posted shall be posted in clear view of the patrons. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.720 Operating requirements.
Body art technicians conducting any body art activity in a temporary body art establishment shall do so in conformance with the provisions of this chapter. All such body art activity shall be conducted in a temporary body art establishment that has a public health facility permit issued by the department valid for that establishment, time and place. No such body art activity may be performed outside of the temporary body art establishment. Temporary body art establishments shall provide full protection from contamination, filth, and debris to all instruments, equipment, devices, surfaces, clients and body art technicians. Body art activities shall not be conducted in an outdoor environment. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.730 Record maintenance.
The operator must maintain all records and documents in accordance with all applicable provisions in this chapter. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
Part 5 EXPOSURE CONTROL TRAINING
11.36.740 Blood borne pathogen training course–Requirements.
Any course taken by a person to fulfill the requirements set forth in this chapter relating to exposure control or blood borne pathogen training for registration with the department as a body art technician shall be approved by the department and meet the minimum requirements established in departmental regulations. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.750 Blood borne pathogen training course–Examination.
Any person desiring to register with the department as a body art technician shall complete a blood borne pathogen training course approved by the department and demonstrate knowledge of the required subjects through submission of documentation of attendance and completion of the course, and provide proof that he or she achieved a passing grade of 70 percent or more on the final examination. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.760 Blood borne pathogen training course–Provider.
A. Any person desiring department approval for purposes of this chapter of a training course curriculum for exposure control training or blood borne pathogen training shall make application to the department as follows: the applicant shall provide to the department a copy of a the course outline, a sample lesson plan, a statement of the examination method, a sample examination and any other documentation necessary for the department to evaluate the course to ensure the course complies with all applicable provisions of this chapter. Applicants shall be notified by the department within 30 days of application of the department’s decision on the approval or rejection of the course.
B. The course instructor must possess a high level of expertise in all areas covered by the training program and be otherwise qualified to conduct the training. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
Part 6 CIVIL FINES
11.36.770 Civil fines.
In addition to any other penalty provided for under this chapter, consistent with the process set forth herein for notice and administrative review, the department may impose a fine on persons violating any provision of this chapter or any law, regulation or standard incorporated into this chapter. The department may impose a fine upon such violators in an amount not to exceed $500.00 per violation, as appropriate. The imposition of such fines shall, in no way, limit the authority or ability to impose other requirements of this chapter or seek other remedies against alleged violators. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.780 Amount.
In establishing the amount of the fine for each violation, the department will consider the following:
A. The gravity and magnitude of the violation;
B. The violator’s previous record of complying or of failing to comply with the provision of this chapter;
C. The violator’s history in taking all feasible steps or in following all procedures necessary or appropriate to correct the violation; and,
D. Any other considerations the department deems appropriate. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
11.36.790 Effect on permits.
A. All fines imposed pursuant to this chapter must be satisfied in the manner prescribed by the department before a permit issued under this chapter to the violator may be reinstated or reissued.
B. Failure to satisfy a fine imposed pursuant to this chapter in the manner prescribed by the department may result in suspension or revocation of the public health operator permit or public health facility permit issued to the violator. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
Part 7 REPEAL PROVISION
11.36.800 Repeal.
The provisions of this chapter shall remain in effect until the enactment of state laws or the promulgation of state regulations that control the conduct of body art activity, as defined herein. Upon the effective date of such enactment or promulgation, to the extent any provision of this chapter conflicts or is preempted by said enactment or promulgation, said conflicting or preempted provision is repealed in its entirety. (Ord. 99-0039 § 14 (part), 1999.)
Steve
Advanced Dermagraphics Tattoo Studio
http://www.advanceddermagraphics.com
Hello. I was wondering if you ever got anywhere with this request. I work for the District Weekly, and we might be interested on doing an article about the tattoo shop zoning restrictions in Long Beach. If you’d be interested in talking to me, send me an email.