Court ruling supports City of Santa Ana’s efforts to curb illicit drug activity at motels and restore safety on East 1st Street

Judge grants preliminary injunction in the City's drug den abatement lawsuit.

SANTA ANA, Calif. - The City of Santa Ana secured an important court victory today, Nov. 3, that cracks down on nuisance motels along East 1^st Street to protect public safety and drive illegal drugs out of the community.

Orange County Superior Court Judge Oberholzer granted the City's request for a preliminary injunction in its drug den abatement action filed against the property and business owners/operators of the Royal Roman Motel, Royal Grand Motel, and El Tapatio Restaurant, located on East 1^st Street.

"This ruling represents a major step forward in our ongoing efforts to protect our neighborhoods and restore safety and dignity to East 1st Street," Mayor Valerie Amezcua said. "We are sending a clear message that drug-related activity will not be tolerated in our city. I want to thank our City Attorney's Office, Santa Ana Police Department, Code Enforcement officers and all the residents who continue to stand with us in building a safer community."

The City Council voted in April to authorize the City Attorney to file the drug den abatement action against the property and business owners/operators.

"For the past four years, we've worked closely with our residents, local businesses, and City staff to tackle the ongoing issues tied to these properties. Today's ruling is a big step forward in making East First Street safer and restoring a sense of pride and safety," said Councilmember Jessie Lopez, who represents the area in Ward 3. "I'm grateful to our City Attorney's Office, Police Department, and Code Enforcement for standing shoulder-to-shoulder, alongside Santa Ana residents, on this effort. But we all know the status quo here has to change - and this is just the start. We'll keep pushing together until the East First Street corridor truly reflects the safety and respect that our community deserves."

The Court's order in Case No. 30-2025-01484014 prohibits the defendants from unlawfully selling, serving, storing, keeping, manufacturing, or giving away any controlled substances at the properties. Additionally, the Court has imposed strict conditions to ensure compliance and protect the surrounding community:

• 24-hour security must be maintained on all properties;
• "Do Not Rent" lists will be implemented, prohibiting known drug users or individuals engaged in illegal drug activity from renting rooms;
• "No Visitor" policies will be enforced, preventing unregistered guests from entering motel rooms;
• Daily activity logs must be maintained to document on-site activities; and
• Parking permits are required for all registered vehicles.

Chief of Police Robert Rodriguez and Santa Ana Police Department officers attended the court hearing in person, underscoring the importance of this legal action to public safety and the quality of life in the community.

While the City is encouraged by this outcome, enforcement efforts will continue. The City Attorney's Office will work closely with the Police Department to monitor compliance and to seek a contempt order should violations occur.

The City Attorney's Office is looking to file additional legal actions involving other nuisance properties along 1^st Street, including seeking a contempt order against Sunland Motel for violating a previous court injunction.