Pavilions Motel Permanently Closed After Decades of Criminal Activity

The 20-unit budget motel in Santa Monica's Sunset Park neighborhood has been a notorious hub for drug sales, prostitution, and other issues.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Pavilions Motel in Santa Monica, California has been permanently shut down after more than two decades of persistent criminal activity and public nuisance issues. The 20-unit budget motel, owned by Saeed Farzam and Goharshad Farzam since 1990, has long been described by authorities as a hub for drug sales, prostitution, violence, and other quality-of-life problems. After years of legal battles, the city and the motel owners have reached a settlement agreement that will keep the property permanently closed with no future reopening or operation allowed.

Why it matters

The Pavilions Motel's closure represents a major victory for Santa Monica officials and local residents who have long complained about the property's negative impact on the surrounding Sunset Park neighborhood, which is located near an elementary school and a public park. The settlement agreement aims to combat the persistent crime and blight associated with the motel and provide relief to the community.

The details

In May 2024, the Santa Monica City Attorney's Office filed a nuisance abatement lawsuit against the Farzams, the motel's owners, alleging numerous violations including open drug sales, prostitution, violence, and building code issues. Evidence from search warrants executed in 2024 uncovered large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as drug paraphernalia and a handgun. The city sought to revoke the motel's business license, impose civil penalties, and force a one-year closure. After a lengthy legal battle, the city and the owners reached a settlement in February 2026 that permanently shuts down the Pavilions Motel, prohibits the owners from operating another motel in Santa Monica for 10 years, and imposes a $100,000 penalty for any future violations.

  • In May 2024, the Santa Monica City Attorney's Office filed a nuisance abatement lawsuit against the Pavilions Motel.
  • In March 2025, a City Hearing Examiner upheld the revocation of the motel's business license and ordered a one-year shutdown.
  • On February 24, 2026, the Santa Monica City Council unanimously voted 7-0 to approve a settlement agreement that permanently closes the Pavilions Motel.

The players

Saeed Farzam

The owner of the Pavilions Motel since September 1990.

Goharshad Farzam

The co-owner of the Pavilions Motel since September 1990.

Heidi von Tongeln

The interim City Attorney of Santa Monica who hailed the settlement as a significant step in combating crime and blight.

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What they’re saying

“This outcome ends years of litigation and provides substantial relief to Sunset Park residents and nearby businesses, who have long reported the motel as a persistent challenge to safety and neighborhood quality of life.”

— Heidi von Tongeln, Interim City Attorney of Santa Monica

The takeaway

The permanent closure of the Pavilions Motel in Santa Monica's Sunset Park neighborhood represents a significant victory in the city's efforts to combat persistent criminal activity and blight in targeted commercial properties. The settlement agreement, which prohibits the owners from operating another motel in Santa Monica for a decade, aims to provide long-awaited relief to the surrounding community and improve the overall quality of life in the area.