City Far From Solving Motel Problem

A debate has begun among Anaheim elected officials about what to do with the numerous low-end motels in West Anaheim.

The question of whether to reinstate an operating permit for the Rainbow Inn motel on Beach Boulevard sparked a lively debate two weeks ago on the subject. And tonight, with a public hearing on revocation of the Seville Inn’s permit, the council will probably debate the issue again.

A corridor to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, blocks of Beach Boulevard in Anaheim are crowded with motels. The high density has led to cheap rates and a need to fill rooms. Though called motels, both the Rainbow and Seville Inns have a high percentage of guests who often rent rooms on a semi-permanent basis. Police say the transient occupants often create trouble.

“If you want to find crooks on Beach Boulevard, there are a couple of key motels,” Anaheim Police Sgt. Russ Sutter said. In addition, because of a 28-day maximum stay, children are forced to change schools once their families have moved.

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Billy Sprague’s family is an example of one that has opted to live temporarily in a West Anaheim motel. Unbearable conditions forced the Spragues to recently leave their apartment in Garden Grove. Lacking funds for a deposit, the family of five opted to rent a room in the Rainbow Inn motel.

Two weeks ago, the City Council voted over the objections of Mayor Tom Daly to reinstate the Rainbow Inn’s operating permit. In the past year, City Code Enforcement agents had cited the motel for many violations, and police made 48 arrests there, many on drug charges. Daly argued that the Rainbow Inn should be shut down. “I think the owner has not operated in good faith,” Daly said.

The rest of the council disagreed, saying that the motel’s owner had invested $30,000 into correcting most violations. “To close it down would send the wrong message to motel owners. I think we want to encourage motel owners to upgrade their properties,” Councilman Tom Tait said.

The Seville Inn also has been cited for code violations. Sgt. Sutter said that only a constant police presence on the grounds has kept the crime rate down.

On both sides of the Rainbow Inn vote, council members and the mayor agreed that the city needs a plan to revitalize West Anaheim. Daly advocates focusing attention on West Anaheim’s revitalization. Councilwoman Shirley McCracken suggests that Beach Boulevard’s high density needs to be reduced. And Councilwoman Lucille Kring wants something done for the motel schoolchildren.

However, though Deputy City Manager Tom Wood said that the city’s staff is devising a plan, a concrete one could take awhile.

Judy Silber can be reached at (714) 966-5988.