Lice Removal Salon Bugs Martinez Businesses

MARTINEZ (CBS SF) - There's a battle brewing in downtown Martinez over plans to open a lice removal salon. Some locals say the business will drive their customers away, while others have no problem with it.

"Do you want to be sitting on my patio eating your dinner and watching people walk into a shop that removes lice?" questioned Ernie Guerrero, who owns La Tapatia Mexican Restaurant across the street.

He insists he's not questioning the concept of the business - just its location.

Much of the infrastructure is already in place at the Ladybug Lice Removal Salon, slated for opening on the 500 block of Main St. in downtown Martinez, though the business isn't exactly open for business - yet. The City Council has yet to weigh in on an appeal filed by some neighboring businesses.

"Everybody has a right to open their own business," reasoned Kenny Ga, who owns the real estate firm Altira Signature Properties immediately next door to the proposed lice removal shop.

A compromise has been proposed that would allow the shop to open, as long as its sign doesn't include the word "lice" or the image of a bug. The City Council is set to vote on the proposed compromise at next month's meeting.

KCBS' Mark Seelig Reports:

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