CLEARLAKE — Sheila Paik, 20, opened her new business in Clearlake and now alleges she feels fear and intimidation brought about by the actions of a woman who will soon be sworn into city council.
Paik, who established a hair salon with her mother, said complaints regarding her business were lodged at city hall by Jeri Spittler a week into operation. Spittler, councilwoman-elect, owns Girlfriend”s hair salon, which is located two doors east of Paik”s location.
Councilman Chuck Leonard visited the new business on Thursday. He said he was there because he heard at city hall that Spittler was making complaints. “I came down here to let this lady know that the city encourages small businesses and we don”t want to run her out of town,” Leonard said.
Paik said she had second thoughts about continuing her business in Clearlake after Spittler allegedly “came into her shop and harassed her,” she said.
“She came into our business and heatedly told us that only one of us could work here. Then she accused me of not paying my proper fees for operation, which was completely false. I had already gone to city hall and paid extra for my mother to be included in the license,” she said. “When she began to verbally abuse my mother, as the business owner I had to step in. I felt really intimidated and was unsure of what to do because she said something like she was a city council member and she could make things happen. I was confused because working with city staff I thought there were no problems in opening my new business.”
Spittler denied the conversation, calling the allegation “a complete lie.” She said she went to the shop after the property owner came to her shop and allegedly accused her of starting trouble.
Spittler said she was at the Shine salon for two minutes. “I only went there to take the ordinance,” she said. “I”ve never seen a salon with parking problems like that. Zero parking and there was an accident that same week.”
Property owner Elio Giusti said he did go to Spittler”s shop. “The gals mentioned that she had come over and was complaining about permits. So, I went over and asked her about the parking regulations. She denied making any complaints, to me,” he said. “I was very nice and polite. I was just trying to find out what the regulations were.”
Spittler said she did call city hall and said the ordinance was not followed. “I think the city should not have called and told her I called,” she said. “It”s unethical.”
Complaints relate to inadequate parking availability for operation as a beauty salon and licensing requirements. City code requires, in the case of salons, that there be four parking spaces available for each employee or one parking space for every 150 square feet of gross floor area, whichever is greater. Although Paik”s location has only three parking spaces, she was granted a business license for operation in the City of Clearlake. According to Carla Coale, account clerk for the city, all Paik”s licenses are in place for operation.
Paik said she was unaware of the parking requirements but has since arranged for additional parking in the nearby parking lot adjacent to the Salvation Army. Kathleen Smith, owner of the parking lot, confirmed such arrangements.
Paik said Spittler also questioned her state cosmetology licensing, which are clearly displayed in Paik”s place of business for both herself and her mother Melissa Paik. “Apparently, she also questioned our state licensing alleging we were not licensed, which we are,” Paik said. “It just seems to me this woman is trying to prevent us from doing business in Clearlake. I can”t help to think it has to do with competition.”
Paik continued, “I understand that there are rules we need to follow and we have addressed the parking situation. I just think that as a city-representative Jeri Spittler should not have threatened me with her position.”
Spittler denied questioning Paik”s state licensing and said that she is not worried about competition. “I”m not worried about competition with her,” she said. “We”re very established.”
Spittler said parking was her only issue. “She”s now secured parking; that”s all I was wanting. I”ve stepped up to help my city,” she said. “I am grateful for the businesses in Clearlake, still sustaining during difficult times. I wouldn”t do anything to hurt anybody.”
Melissa Paik said she wished her daughter”s first experience as a business owner would have been better. “I like this community and I have been looking forward to working with my daughter,” she said. “I just wish it would have been a more pleasurable experience for her.”
The business owner responded, “This economy is very poor and we are just trying to make it like everyone else. I”m 20 years old. This is my first business and I thought this city wanted to welcome youth entrepreneurs.”
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11. Record-Bee Managing Editor Mandy Feder contributed to this report.
