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52Nov 3 election

5.40.010 - Definitions.

Part of the Code of Ordinances of Commerce, CA.

Local law · Updated May 13, 2025 · 2,277 sections

The text

(a)

"Agent" means every person who acts as an agent for any other person, assists or procures customers for another person for the purpose of engaging in anything which is defined herein as "fortunetelling," or who receives any fee, reward or donation for such procuring.

(b)

"For pay" means for a fee, reward, donation, loan or receipt of anything of value.

(c)

(1)

"Fortunetelling" means every person who engages in, practices or professes to practice, or acts as an agent for, the business or art of astrology, phrenology, life reading, mesmerism, fortunetelling, cartomancy, clairvoyance, clair-audience, crystal gazing, spirit photography, spirit writing, spirit voices, spirit psychometry, seership, prophecy, augury, palmistry, materialization, etherealization, numerology, physiognomy, necromancy, clairsentience, dreams, apportism, ectoplasm, levitation, mediumship, seance, soothsaying, psychic healing, divination by magic, radiesthesia, or any other similar art or business, or craft.

(2)

Fortunetelling shall further mean (in the alternative): Every person who, by means of occult or psychic powers, faculties or forces, spirits, cards, talismans, charms, potions, magnetism or magnetized articles or substances, animal sacrifice or by using parts of animals or human beings, effigies, or any craft or art described in this chapter, or similar art or craft which may be known by another name or title in any other language, which purports to or does tell fortunes, life readings, find or restore lost or stolen property, locate oilwells, gold or silver, or other ore or metal, restore lost love or affection, unite loved ones, wives, husbands, children, lost relatives or friends, procure lovers, wives or husbands, diagnose disease or injury, cast spells, cause sickness or injury, advise of the past, present or future, or by such means give counseling or advice whatsoever, and who demands, solicits or receives directly or indirectly a fee or reward or who accepts any donation therefor.

(Ord. 378 §1(part), 1985).