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Moreno Valley Today
By the People, for the People
Moreno Valley Mall Closed Over Fire Code Violations
City leaders address closure of local mall due to unresolved safety issues.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Moreno Valley city leaders held a special meeting to address the closure of the Moreano Valley Mall due to unresolved fire code violations, including broken exit doors, a non-functional alarm panel, and inoperable generators. The mall owner has a history of removing fire protection systems, performing unpermitted construction, and storing inappropriate materials, leading the city to red-tag the property. Workers and business owners pleaded with the city to allow the mall to reopen, but officials stated the violations were too severe to ignore.
Why it matters
The closure of the Moreano Valley Mall has left many local businesses and workers in limbo, highlighting the importance of maintaining proper fire safety standards in public facilities. The city's decision to shut down the mall raises questions about the mall owner's commitment to public safety and the potential impact on the local economy.
The details
According to Fire Chief Jesse Park, the mall owner has repeatedly failed to make necessary repairs to fire safety equipment violations, despite many in-person inspections and notices to do so, dating back to April 2024. The mall staff admitted that the exit doors were broken, the alarm panel didn't work, and the generators did not work. A city staff report also found that the mall owners had a pattern of removing fire protection systems, performing unpermitted construction, and storing inappropriate materials, such as flammable hand sanitizer.
- The city first notified the mall owner of the fire code violations in April 2024.
- The mall has since corrected four out of the nine most critical violations, but the city has outlined hundreds of other violations.
The players
Jesse Park
Fire Chief of Moreno Valley.
John Stevens
An attorney representing the Moreano Valley Mall.
Denyae Anthony
A worker at the Moreano Valley Mall.
What they’re saying
“The mall staff also freely admitted, this is very important, that the exit doors were broken, the alarm panel didn't work, and the generators did not work.”
— Jesse Park, Fire Chief (cbsnews.com)
“We want this mall open. Please. Please, by the weekend.”
— John Stevens, Attorney representing the mall (cbsnews.com)
“As far as the month to come, I would be worried.”
— Denyae Anthony, Mall worker (cbsnews.com)
What’s next
The mall has filed an appeal, and the city will determine whether to allow the mall to reopen after the owner addresses the remaining violations.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the importance of mall owners prioritizing public safety and maintaining proper fire code compliance. The closure of the Moreano Valley Mall serves as a cautionary tale for other mall operators, emphasizing the need for proactive maintenance and a commitment to addressing safety concerns in a timely manner.
