Moreno Valley Mall

Provided an update and commentary on the Moreno Valley Mall.

Expressed concerns about the Moreno Valley Mall closure and repair status.

Expressed concern over mall closure impacts and past city expenditures.

Criticized city financial expenditures and handling of mall issues.

Thanked first responders after a fire incident.

Mentioned an AB trucking route meeting.

Retired firefighter with 50 years in fire protection stated that the city fire inspectors are doing an A-plus job, noted he has been on site for five days helping make rapid progress, and believes the mall owner is the solution.

Spoke on behalf of Vallejo Westernware, emphasizing how deeply the closure has affected their small family business and livelihood.

Community activist and resident highlighted the mall as a vital neighborhood hub providing services, food, and walking space for seniors, and asked the city to work out the issues without closing it down.

Praised the fire chief for taking decisive action, but criticized the city for failing to take legal action against the owner earlier given years of known violations.

Data-focused resident questioned millions in city expenditures and investments at the mall over recent years and raised concerns about accountability and financial bailouts.

Argued that the mall should be completely gutted and redeveloped, criticized long-standing development delays in the city, and suggested relocating affected retailers.

Lifelong resident called for a city assistance fund for affected workers and businesses, praised the fire department, and criticized the property owner's gross negligence.

Expressed deep concern for struggling small business owners who must figure out how to pay bills while the mall is closed, and criticized long-term lack of accountability.

Speaking for Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, stated that the gym invested heavily based on invalid lease disclosures regarding external fire issues and cannot operate its championship program.

Criticized city leadership and the mayor regarding past lawsuits and handling of mall issues, expressing sorrow for displaced workers.

Inquired whether shorter enforcement timelines and policy tools are being implemented to prevent prolonged non-compliance in the future.

Store owner in the mall with family to support stated he invested $300,000, has zero income right now, and urged the fire department and mall management to work in parallel so businesses can reopen.

Praised the mayor's social media updates and the council's special meeting, noting that improved communication helps residents understand the situation while tenants await reopening.

Questioned how new businesses and the museum could be approved and inspected if the mall supposedly had all these massive underlying electrical and fire panel issues.

Co-owner of Robert Garcia Boxing Academy noted they complied with all building standards when opening last year and urged the city to help them reopen immediately.

Sports shop owner asked why theaters like Harkins remained open while retail tenants were shut down, and requested a swift solution for businesses.

Stated that if fire officials reached the point of closing the mall, radical safety failures must be present, and called for a full public accounting of police and municipal contracts and billings.

Small business owner expressed heartbreak over the closure, stating that she and other tenants are suffering financially while working with the owner to fix minor remaining issues like doors and lighting.

Spoke on behalf of mall management, stating that crews are working around the clock to fix repairs and asking the city for an extension and cooperation to get employees back to work.

Attorney representing the mall and mayor of Costa Mesa praised the city attorney's responsiveness, argued that red-tagging the mall was procedurally and substantively flawed, and urged the fire department to collaborate on reopening.

Environmental justice advocate praised the fire department as heroes for uncovering severe hazards like flammable hand sanitizer without power or sprinklers, and criticized the out-of-town mall owner for years of neglect.

Representing Luna Sunday Cafe, urged the council to expedite reopening as soon as possible because the closure is severely hurting family-run small businesses.