COSTA MESA : Mayor Says City Is Ready to Shut Inn

The Tahiti Inn, which police say is a haven of drug trafficking and other crime, soon will receive notice from city officials to solve the problem or face closure.

Mayor Joe Erickson said the council is prepared to shut down the inn, as it did the Coastal Inn and Bel Congo motel, both of which had similar problems.

Police Lt. Alan F. Kent said the hotel “is not being managed properly.” He said police recently arrested people staying in one of the rooms for having a drug laboratory.

He said that, so far this year, police have responded to 59 calls there, including assaults, prostitution and drug dealing.

John Lee, an owner of the Victoria Street inn, said he has made list of people who have caused trouble in the past and will not rent to them again.

“We do not knowingly rent to undesirables, but it is impossible to know who will cause trouble,” Lee said. “If we notice suspicious activity, then we refund the [guests’] money and ask them to leave.”

Police said the 19-room hotel has failed a number of inspections for code violations.

“This motel tends to attract many undesirables and still does today,” Kent said.

Erickson said if crime does not cease or drastically decrease, the city will revoke its operating permit.