Run-Down Apartments’ Owners Deny Charges

The owners of a run-down apartment complex near Oxnard pleaded not guilty Wednesday to misdemeanor violations alleging squalid conditions at their property.

Samuel and Altagracia Martinez of Lennox, who own El Tapatio Lodge on Hueneme Road, are charged with failing to provide heating, smoke alarms, running water and properly working toilets, among other violations.

A jury trial is set for March 18 in Ventura County Superior Court, but court Commissioner Ruben DeLaTorre ordered them to pump overflowing septic tanks and reinstate trash service to tenants within 48 hours.

“Theoretically, if they don’t comply, they can be arrested and thrown in jail,” Deputy Dist. Atty. Eric Dobroth explained to the half a dozen tenants who attended the hearing.

For five years, county code enforcers have been logging complaints of leaky roofs, inadequate heat and broken sewage pipes. Late last year, tenants withheld their rent in protest. In December, all 41 tenants were served three-day eviction notices.

Through their attorney, Joel Tamraz, the couple said they were very serious about making improvements.

“The place has to be fixed,” Tamraz said. “We’ve been trying to do that, but the people are staying there, which kind of interferes with our efforts.”

The Martinezes acquired El Tapatio Lodge in poor condition, Tamraz said. “They didn’t willfully do these things,” he said.

Tamraz said he had no answer as to why his clients had not made improvements in the five years they have owned the property.