On Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 7:48 a.m., Monterey Park Police Department officers responded to 312 E. Newmark Avenue regarding a domestic disturbance complaint. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the alleged dispute occurred the previous night. While at the home, officers noted that the house appeared to be used as an unpermitted residential motel/boarding house and notified the Code Enforcement Division to respond and investigate.

Shortly thereafter, a City Code Enforcement Officer investigated and observed what appeared to be up to 28 beds in the house, garage and other temporary structures in the back yard. The City Code Enforcement Officer posted an administrative citation for multiple violations including unpermitted building construction, unpermitted boarding house activity and noncompliant garage and accessory structures.

On Monday, October 31, 2016, the City’s Building Official was called out to evaluate the condition of the property. The Building Official inspected the property and posted the property with a “Red Tag,” The Red Tag is a warning that the structure has been seriously damaged and is unsafe. It instructs the reader not to enter or occupy the structure. The additional comments on the Red Tag identify that the building is unsafe to occupy, the water is turned off, sewer pipe is leaking onto the public right-of-way, and there is unsafe electrical wiring on the interior and exterior. The Red Tag is to remain posted until authorized by the City of Monterey Park and subsequent to all unsafe conditions being addressed and corrected.

The investigation is ongoing and the City Attorney’s office is reviewing the case for potential legal action.