Court-appointed receiver takes control of Riverside motel

A Riverside Superior Court judge has appointed a receiver to take control of Riverside Inn & Suites at 10705 Magnolia Avenue near Polk Street, the City of Riverside announced July 1.

The city argued in court filings that years of criminal activity, nuisance conditions and unresolved building-code violations created an ongoing danger to motel occupants, nearby residents and the public. City records described dozens of criminal acts and code violations, including incidents involving drug possession, sales and use, assaults, prostitution, overdoses, weapons violations, attempted murder, sexual assault and child endangerment.

The city also cited unresolved structural and safety problems, unpermitted construction, mold, cockroaches, plumbing defects and fire and electrical violations. Code-enforcement inspections during the preceding 18 months found few, if any, repairs, according to the city.

The receiver will manage the property and pay operating expenses including taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance and secured debt. The receiver is expected to hire licensed contractors to address structural and safety hazards. Councilmember Jim Perry said the appointment followed about two years of work on the property and was the first of several Magnolia Avenue motel enforcement efforts. A completion deadline for the improvements has not been provided.