CITY OF MONTEBELLO
CALL AND NOTICE OF A SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2025 AT 5:00 PM
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1600 WEST BEVERLY BOULEVARD
MONTEBELLO, CALIFORNIA
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting for the City of Montebello City Council is hereby called to be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall, Council Chambers, located at 1600 West Beverly Boulevard, Montebello, CA 90640. The meeting will be live-streamed and can be watched on the City’s website and YouTube Channel via the following link: https://www.montebelloca.gov, and may also be viewed on the Spectrum Public Access Channel 3 for all Spectrum cable subscribers.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) any person with a disability who requires special accommodations in order to participate in a meeting should contact the Administration Office at (323) 887-1437 Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Please call 48 hours prior to the meeting to ensure that reasonable arrangements can be made to provide accessibility to this meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II 1203). If you require translation services, please contact the City Clerk’s office 48 hours before this meeting. Si necesita servicios de traducción, comuníquese con la Oficina del Secretario Municipal 72 horas antes de esta reunión. 如果您需要翻 译服务，请在会议前 72 小时联系市书记员办公室
RULES OF DECORUM:
Pursuant to Section 54957.95 of the Government Code, the presiding member of the legislative body conducting a meeting, or their designee, is authorized to remove, or cause the removal of, an individual for disrupting the meeting. Any such removal will be preceded by a warning to the disruptive individual by the presiding member of the legislative body or their designee that the individual’s behavior is disrupting the meeting and that the individual’s failure to promptly cease their disruptive behavior may result in their removal.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
In-Person: For those interested in participating during the Public Comment period(s) or public testimony period for Public Hearings of the City Council meetings, you may only address the City Council in person the day of the meeting. The public may only address the City Council during this Special Meeting on items which have been described in the notice of this meeting, in accordance with Government Code Section 54954.3(a). Speakers will be required to fill out a speaker card provided at the door and submit it to City Clerk staff prior to each Public Comment announcement period; Public Hearing items do not require a speaker card. Please be aware that the maximum time allotted for members of the public to speak shall not exceed three (3) minutes per person; staff will number and call each speaker card in the order received.
AGENDA MATERIALS: The agenda/agenda packet are available for public inspection at City’s website at: Agendas, Minutes, and Videos.
IN CONSIDERATION OF OTHERS, PLEASE TURN OFF, OR MUTE, ALL CELL PHONES AND PAGERS.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION.
November 12, 2025: Call and Notice of a Special Meeting Page 2 of 2
OPENING CEREMONIES
CALL TO ORDER - 5:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS ONLY (30 MINUTES)
At this time, the general public may only address the City Council during this Special Meeting on items which have been described in the notice of this Special meeting in accordance with Government Code Section 54954.3(a). Please be aware that the maximum time allotted for members of the public to speak on shall not exceed three (3) minutes per person. State Law prohibits the City Council from taking action or entertaining extended discussion on a topic not listed on the agenda.
Please show courtesy to others and direct all of your comments to the Mayor.
CLOSED SESSION - NONE
REGULAR SESSION – IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CLOSED SESSION
REGULAR BUSINESS - NONE
PUBLIC HEARING
1. CONSIDER APPEAL OF DECISION TO REVOKE BUSINESS LICENSE NO. 10714653 ISSUED TO JUNGLE GIFT AND SNACKS CULTURE TRADING INC. (FORMERLY JUNGLE SMOKE SHOP)
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider the Appeal by Jungle Gift and Snacks Culture Trading Inc. (formerly Jungle Smoke Shop) regarding the revocation of their business license based on the facts and evidence presented by both City staff and the appellant; and
2. Review the history of complaints, nuisance activity, and compliance efforts related to Jungle Smoke Shop’s operations; and
3. Determine whether to uphold, modify, or overturn the decision to revoke the business license; and
4. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
ADJOURNMENT
The City of Montebello will adjourn to the next Regular Meeting on December 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., which can be live- streamed at https://www.montebelloca.gov (Click on Live Stream).
Date and Posted: November 8, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
I, Kimberly Guillen, Director of City Clerk Services for the City of Montebello, hereby certify that the foregoing Notice of the Special Meeting was posted at City Hall and the City’s website and delivered to each member of the City of Montebello City Council no less than 24-hours before the start of the Special Meeting.
Kimberly Guillen, Director of City Clerk Services
ITEM # 1
CITY OF MONTEBELLO
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Raul Alvarez, City Manager
BY: Joseph Palombi, Director of Planning & Community Development
SUBJECT: CONSIDER APPEAL OF DECISION TO REVOKE BUSINESS LICENSE NO. 10714653 ISSUED TO JUNGLE GIFT AND SNACKS CULTURE
TRADING INC. (FORMERLY JUNGLE SMOKE SHOP)
DATE: November 12, 2025
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider the Appeal by Jungle Gift and Snacks Culture Trading Inc. (formerly Jungle Smoke Shop) regarding the revocation of their business license based on the facts and evidence presented by both City staff and the appellant; and
2. Review the history of complaints, nuisance activity, and compliance efforts related to Jungle Smoke Shop’s operations; and
3. Determine whether to uphold, modify, or overturn the decision to revoke the business license; and
4. Take such additional, related, action that may be desirable.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact related to the recommended actions.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
Jungle Gift and Snacks Culture Trading Inc., formerly known as Jungle Smoke Shop, located at 2331 W. Whittier Blvd. (the “Subject Site”), has been the subject of multiple complaints and coordinated enforcement by Code Enforcement, Planning, Fire, and the City Attorney over an extended period. Complaints and inspections focused on unpermitted sale of marijuana, lack of a tobacco retailer business license, operation as a significant tobacco retailer without a conditional use permit, unpermitted signage and
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT - MEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 2025
advertising, and ongoing public-safety and nuisance concerns.
Under the City’s zoning rules for significant tobacco retailers, this business requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Staff issued notices, provided direction to submit required materials, and extended deadlines in an effort to obtain compliance. However, no CUP was obtained, and the violations persisted. Following continued non-compliance and police activity at the site, and after coordination with property management, the City issued a Notice and Order of Business License Revocation on June 30, 2025. The following is intended to provide a chronological summary of key events and actions initiated by the Code Enforcement Division to address ongoing violations at the Subject Site:
Timeline of Events and Complaints:
• December 4, 2024: Initial complaint and inspection documented unpermitted “Jungle Smoke Shop” signage, and an illuminated green cross displayed on the window of the business, extensive tobacco displays, and nitrous oxide; interior photo documentation was refused, and staff directed removal and compliance steps.
• December 10, 2024: A joint follow-up by Code Enforcement with Fire observed the “Jungle Smoke Shop” sign was replaced by “Jungle” (not approved), the green cross was taken down, and window advertising was still referencing “Jungle Smoke Shop,” and “Eavinwhip” canisters behind the counter; the store declined interior photos and access. A worker stated that the business owner had scheduled a meeting with the City. Neither the Planning Department nor the Fire Department had any scheduled meetings.
• December 11, 2024: Jungle Gift and Snacks submitted a new business license application, including floor plans for the sale of tobacco-related products, as required under section 5.80.030(A) of the Montebello Municipal Code (“MMC”). • December 12, 2024: The Planning Department advised the business owner that their tobacco sale operation falls within the Significant Tobacco Retailer rules. A Conditional Use Permit “CUP” is required for tobacco retailers that devote 10% or more of floor or display area (measured in the aggregate square footage) or derives 75% or more of gross sales receipts from the sale or exchange of tobacco products and/or paraphernalia. City staff issued a Notice of Violation (“NOV”) directing submission of a floor plan and an itemized product list; the business owner, Mike, was notified by phone and email.
• January 9, 2025: The NOV deadline for compliance was extended to January 13, 2025. A second joint site visit with Fire was conducted, and the business manager, Ivan Ramos, stated he would submit the required materials. City staff emailed the NOV to the owner the same day. Staff again observed violations previously documented during the December 10, 2024, inspection.
• January 22, 2025: Planning received a floor plan and issued corrections requesting quantified floor/display areas and product clarifications; Code Enforcement noted it would follow up with Planning.
• January 29, 2025: Planning followed up with the business owner by email, advising that Code Enforcement could take additional action absent the required corrections.
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT - MEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 2025
• January 30, 2025: The owner followed up with Planning and indicated plans were submitted via email.
• February 18, 2025: Montebello Police Department Detective Flores reported a kidnapping inside the business over the prior weekend;
• February 20, 2025: Detective Flores’ contact information was documented for case coordination.
• May 22, 2025: MPD Sgt. Danny Contreras informed they have received various calls for service and two shootings involving patrons from Jungle Smoke Shop in February and May 2025, nitrous oxide sales, and nuisance activity, and requested Code Enforcement assistance.
• May 23, 2025: Sgt. Danny Contreras forwarded reports (Case Nos. 25-2628 and 25-1088). Detective Flores also forwarded an additional report (Case No. 25- 982)—all transmitted to the City Attorney.
• June 4, 2025: The landlord’s attorney (Kingston Management Group) indicated a 3-day notice to cease illegal activity would be served, followed by a non-curable notice and eviction if non-compliance continued.
• June 5, 2025: City staff (City Attorney, Planning Manager/Planner, Code Enforcement) met to clarify business status under CUP/licensing requirements and the tobacco grant program.
• June 30, 2025: The City issued the Notice and Order of Revocation of Business License No. 10714653 via certified mail.
• May 9, 2023 – September 11, 2025: MPD recorded 29 calls for service at 2331 W. Whittier Blvd., including multiple 415-series disturbances and other incident responses. The highest call volume occurred in 2024, with continued activity into 2025.
• October 1, 2025: Joint inspection with City staff and business representatives.
Photographs were taken of the interior and storage areas were measured. The Fire Department reviewed nitrous oxide inventory and issued an Order to Comply.
ENVIRONMENTAL:
N/A
ANALYSIS:
Jungle Gift and Snacks Culture Trading, Inc.’s current business license authorizes retail sales, other than tobacco retail sales. A tobacco retailer business license application for the sale of tobacco products was submitted on December 11, 2024, and has not been approved.
The record establishes that Jungle Gift and Snacks Culture Trading Inc., formerly known as Jungle Smoke Shop, is operating without an approved Tobacco Retailer License, and falls within the scope of a Significant Tobacco Retailer. A conditional use permit is required for all significant tobacco retailers, and Jungle Gift and Snacks has failed to apply for one. Without the required CUP, they cannot operate within the City.
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT - MEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 2025
Although the owner submitted a floor plan intended to demonstrate compliance with the City's requirement that tobacco-related floor and display area, in the aggregate, remain below ten (10%), staff compared the submittal against on-site photographs and inspection notes and—using the owner’s plan as the base—recalculated the tobacco/paraphernalia area at approximately sixty-four percent (64%) of the premises.
This exceeds the threshold permitted without a CUP; no CUP has been issued for this location.
Pursuant to MMC section 17.63.040, “no significant tobacco retailer shall be located within one thousand (1,000) feet of any residential zone, sensitive land use, or other significant tobacco retailer.” The business operation fails to comply with this standard as the Subject Site is approximately sixty-seven (67) feet from the nearest residential zone and approximately seven hundred and sixty-five (765) feet from Montebello High School, placing it within the prohibited buffer.
Additional conditions reinforce the basis for revocation. Pursuant to MMC section
5.80.040(A), the sale of tobacco products shall occur only at the approved licensed fixed location. Delivery of tobacco products by any other means, such by persons on foot or vehicle is prohibited. Evidence obtained from Jungle Smoke Shop’s website demonstrates that they are offering and/or engaging in delivery of tobacco products by vehicle and/or on foot, which is in violation of the code.
Staff also observed unpermitted and misleading advertising including a cannabis-style green cross and “smoke shop” signage, the sale of nitrous oxide canisters (commonly misused by youth), and spray paint stocked notwithstanding ongoing tagging activity in the immediate area—factors that heighten youth-exposure and nuisance concerns at this location. During the same inspection, staff documented open display of prohibited weapons—brass knuckles (Penal Code §21810) and butterfly knives (Penal Code §21510)—and noted small empty “dime bags” behind the counter in an employee-only area; while not unlawful by themselves, they are relevant contextual indicators when viewed with the cannabis imagery and other observations.
Public-safety impacts at the site are significant and ongoing. The business is associated with a kidnapping, two shootings involving patrons and a sustained history of police responses (29 calls for service between May 9, 2023, and September 11, 2025). In at least one investigation, the business refused to provide surveillance footage to law enforcement. Despite notices, extended deadlines, and coordinated guidance from Code Enforcement, Planning, Fire, and the City Attorney, the business failed to achieve sustained compliance.
Given the zoning non-compliance (floor-area threshold and separation), unpermitted advertising, sale/display of prohibited items, documented public-safety incidents, and lack of corrective progress, staff concludes that revocation of Business License No. 10714653 is warranted to protect public health, safety, and welfare and to uphold the Montebello Municipal Code.
SUMMARY:
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT - MEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 2025
It is recommended that the City Council uphold staff’s determination to revoke Business License No. 10714653 issued to Jungle Gift and Snacks Culture Trading Inc., based on the entirety of the record.
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Attachment A – Notice of Order of Revocation of Business License No. 10714653
2. Attachment B – Code Enforcement Case Notices
3. Attachment C – Code Enforcement Inspection Photographs
4. Attachment D – Order to Comply
CITY OF MONTEBELLO
Code Enforcement Division1600 West Beverly BlvdMontebello, CA 90640(323) [email protected]
NOTICE OF VIOLATION
12/04/2024
JZK LA COSTA LLCJUNGLE SMOKE SHOP13161 TELFAIR AVESYLMAR, CA 91342
Case #: CE24-3814
Location of Request: 2325 W Whittier BLVD, MONTEBELLO, CA 90640-3006Property ID:
Dear JZK LA COSTA LLC,
The City of Montebello is dedicated to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our community membersby encouraging compliance with the Montebello Municipal Code; to enhance the appearance ofneighborhoods and business districts to prevent blight, protect property values, and enhance economicconditions. This notice is to advise you that the property referenced above location was inspected on andwas found to be in violation of the Montebello Municipal Code (M.M.C.).
Violation(s) of the Montebello Municipal Code include:
Codes Description Corrective Action
M.M.C.17.70 The requirement to obtain a conditional use permit shall include, but notbe limited to, private concerns occupying or using city-owned propertyin any zone, when the occupancy or use would otherwise require aconditional use permit. See Appendix A, Index of Permitted Uses, forspecific uses allowed with a conditional use permit.
Please contact the City's PlanningDepartment for a Conditional UsePermit. If a Conditional Use Permitis not obtained the business maybe subject to closure. Pleasecontact planning for information inobtaining a CUP for a smoke shopin that zoning.
M.M.C.17.62.100 Signs must meet all regulations for the appropriate zone. Please contact the PlanningDepartment for regulationrequirements and corrections.Green cross posted in the front ofthe store must be removed andsign above store entrance "JungleSmoke Shop" must be change orremoved.
M.M.C.09.30.040.A No medical marijuana dispensary shall operate, locate or be permittedwithin the City of Montebello Cease all marijuana usesimmediately. This is not apermitted use within City limits.
___________________________
Joseph Cota
323-887-1485
M.M.C.05.04.070(B)(2)(C)
B. Grounds for Suspension or Revocation. The license collector shall may suspend or revoke any license and/or permit issued pursuant to this chapter, if the license collector makes any of the following findings and/or determinations:
2. The licensee/permittee or his/her agent, employee, partner, director, controlling stockholder, or manager has knowingly made any false, misleading or fraudulent statement of material facts in the application for a license or permit or in any report or record required to be filed by law;
C. Grounds for Summary Suspension or Revocation.
The license collector shall summarily suspend or revoke any license and/or permit issued pursuant to this chapter, if the license collector determines that any ground for suspension or revocation pursuant to Section 5.04.310.B exists to the extent or degree that it creates an imminent peril to the public health, welfare, morals, or safety.
The license may be suspended orrevoked due to the businessactivities at the location.
It is the goal to obtain voluntary compliance and to work with you to accomplish this goal. Cooperation inresolving this matter is appreciated. If these violations are not corrected, you may be subject toadministrative fines, criminal charges, or both. If an administrative citation is issued fines may begin toaccrue: $100.00, $200.00 and $500.00, respectively, for each day pursuant to Chapter 1.14 of theMontebello Municipal Code. If the violation(s) are found to be corrected, no further action will be taken.
A Code Enforcement Officer will visit your property to ensure the item(s) described above have beencorrected. Please be advised a re-inspection fee in the amount of $92.00 may be applied for non-compliance if corrections are not completed by 7:00 a.m. on 12/11/2024. Unless indicated on this notice,you are not required to be present during a re-inspection of the property. Should you have any questionsplease feel free to contact me during normal business hours at (323) 887-1490. Office hours are Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
CITY OF MONTEBELLO
Code Enforcement Division1600 West Beverly BlvdMontebello, CA 90640(323) [email protected]
NOTICE OF VIOLATION
12/04/2024
MAHMOUD SALAMHJUNGLE SMOKE SHOPMontebello, CA 90640Mobile: 909-993-7606
Case #: CE24-3814
Location of Request: 2325 W Whittier BLVD, MONTEBELLO, CA 90640-3006Property ID:
Dear MAHMOUD SALAMH,
The City of Montebello is dedicated to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our community membersby encouraging compliance with the Montebello Municipal Code; to enhance the appearance ofneighborhoods and business districts to prevent blight, protect property values, and enhance economicconditions. This notice is to advise you that the property referenced above location was inspected on andwas found to be in violation of the Montebello Municipal Code (M.M.C.).
Violation(s) of the Montebello Municipal Code include:
Codes Description Corrective Action
M.M.C.17.70 The requirement to obtain a conditional use permit shall include, butnot be limited to, private concerns occupying or using city-ownedproperty in any zone, when the occupancy or use would otherwiserequire a conditional use permit. See Appendix A, Index of PermittedUses, for specific uses allowed with a conditional use permit.
Please contact the City'sPlanning Department for aConditional Use Permit. If aConditional Use Permit is notobtained the business may besubject to closure. Please contactplanning for information inobtaining a CUP for a smokeshop in that zoning.
M.M.C.17.62.100 Signs must meet all regulations for the appropriate zone.
Please contact the PlanningDepartment for regulationrequirements and corrections.Green cross posted in the front ofthe store must be removed andsign above store entrance"Jungle Smoke Shop" must bechange or removed.
M.M.C.09.30.040.A No medical marijuana dispensary shall operate, locate or bepermitted within the City of Montebello Cease all marijuana usesimmediately. This is not apermitted use within City limits.
M.M.C.
5.04.310(B)(2)(C)
B. Grounds for Suspension or Revocation. The license collector shall may suspend or revoke any license and/or permit issued pursuant to this chapter, if the license collector makes any of the following findings and/or determinations:
2. The licensee/permittee or his/her agent, employee, partner,director, controlling stockholder, or manager has knowingly made anyfalse, misleading or fraudulent statement of material facts in theapplication for a license or permit or in any report or record required to be filed by law;
C. Grounds for Summary Suspension or Revocation.The license collector shall summarily suspend or revoke any license and/or permit issued pursuant to this chapter, if the license collector determines that any ground for suspension or The license may be suspended orrevoked due to the businessactivities at the location.
___________________________
Joseph Cota
323-887-1485
revocation pursuant to Section 5.04.310.B exists to the extent or degree that it creates an imminent peril to the public health, welfare, morals, or safety.
It is the goal to obtain voluntary compliance and to work with you to accomplish this goal. Cooperation inresolving this matter is appreciated. If these violations are not corrected, you may be subject toadministrative fines, criminal charges, or both. If an administrative citation is issued fines may begin toaccrue: $100.00, $200.00 and $500.00, respectively, for each day pursuant to Chapter 1.14 of theMontebello Municipal Code. If the violation(s) are found to be corrected, no further action will be taken.
A Code Enforcement Officer will visit your property to ensure the item(s) described above have beencorrected. Please be advised a re-inspection fee in the amount of $92.00 may be applied for non-compliance if corrections are not completed by 7:00 a.m. on 12/11/2024. Unless indicated on this notice,you are not required to be present during a re-inspection of the property. Should you have any questionsplease feel free to contact me during normal business hours at (323) 887-1490. Office hours are Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
CITY OF MONTEBELLO
Code Enforcement Division1600 West Beverly BlvdMontebello, CA 90640(323) [email protected]
NOTICE OF VIOLATION
12/12/2024
JZK LA COSTA LLCJUNGLE SMOKE SHOP13161 TELFAIR AVESYLMAR, CA 91342
Case #: CE24-3814
Location of Request: 2325 W Whittier BLVD, MONTEBELLO, CA 90640-3006Property ID:
Dear JZK LA COSTA LLC,
The City of Montebello is dedicated to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our community membersby encouraging compliance with the Montebello Municipal Code; to enhance the appearance ofneighborhoods and business districts to prevent blight, protect property values, and enhance economicconditions. This notice is to advise you that the property referenced above location was inspected on andwas found to be in violation of the Montebello Municipal Code (M.M.C.).
Violation(s) of the Montebello Municipal Code include:
Codes Description Corrective Action
M.M.C.17.70 The requirement to obtain a conditional use permit shall include,but not be limited to, private concerns occupying or using city-owned property in any zone, when the occupancy or use wouldotherwise require a conditional use permit. See Appendix A, Indexof Permitted Uses, for specific uses allowed with a conditional usepermit.
Due to operational standards aConditional Use Permit will not beissued. Business must submit a floorplan displaying the floor layout,showcases, products and itemize allitems. Tobacco sale's must not exceed10% of the total store retail. Pleasesubmit plans to our planningdepartment. If you have any questionyou can contact Planning at (323) 887-1478 Email:[email protected] M.M.C.17.62.100 Signs must meet all regulations for the appropriate zone. Please contact the PlanningDepartment for regulation requirementsand corrections.
M.M.C.09.30.040.A No medical marijuana dispensary shall operate, locate or bepermitted within the City of Montebello Cease all marijuana uses immediately.This is not a permitted use within Citylimits.
M.M.C.05.04.070 No person shall engage in, or conduct, any business in the citywithout first paying the business license tax. Please submit business license for yourestablishment.
It is the goal to obtain voluntary compliance and to work with you to accomplish this goal. Cooperation inresolving this matter is appreciated. If these violations are not corrected, you may be subject toadministrative fines, criminal charges, or both. If an administrative citation is issued fines may begin toaccrue: $100.00, $200.00 and $500.00, respectively, for each day pursuant to Chapter 1.14 of theMontebello Municipal Code. If the violation(s) are found to be corrected, no further action will be taken.
A Code Enforcement Officer will visit your property to ensure the item(s) described above have beencorrected. Please be advised a re-inspection fee in the amount of $92.00 may be applied for non-compliance if corrections are not completed by 7:00 a.m. on 01/13/2025. Unless indicated on this notice,
___________________________
Joseph Cota
323-887-1485
you are not required to be present during a re-inspection of the property. Should you have any questionsplease feel free to contact me during normal business hours at (323) 887-1490. Office hours are Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
CITY OF MONTEBELLO
Code Enforcement Division1600 West Beverly BlvdMontebello, CA 90640(323) [email protected]
NOTICE OF VIOLATION
12/12/2024
MAHMOUD SALAMHJUNGLE SMOKE SHOPMontebello, CA 90640Mobile: 909-993-7606
Case #: CE24-3814
Location of Request: 2325 W Whittier BLVD, MONTEBELLO, CA 90640-3006Property ID:
Dear MAHMOUD SALAMH,
The City of Montebello is dedicated to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our community membersby encouraging compliance with the Montebello Municipal Code; to enhance the appearance ofneighborhoods and business districts to prevent blight, protect property values, and enhance economicconditions. This notice is to advise you that the property referenced above location was inspected on andwas found to be in violation of the Montebello Municipal Code (M.M.C.).
Violation(s) of the Montebello Municipal Code include:
Codes Description Corrective Action
M.M.C.17.70 The requirement to obtain a conditional use permit shall include,but not be limited to, private concerns occupying or using city-owned property in any zone, when the occupancy or use wouldotherwise require a conditional use permit. See Appendix A, Indexof Permitted Uses, for specific uses allowed with a conditional usepermit.
Please contact the City's PlanningDepartment for a Conditional UsePermit. Business must submit a floorplan displaying the floor layout,showcases, products and itemize allitems. Tobacco sale's must not exceed10% of the total store retail. Pleasesubmit plans to our planningdepartment. If you have any questionyou can contact Planning at (323) 887-1478 Email:[email protected] M.M.C.17.62.100 Signs must meet all regulations for the appropriate zone. Please contact the PlanningDepartment for regulation requirementsand corrections.
M.M.C.09.30.040.A No medical marijuana dispensary shall operate, locate or bepermitted within the City of Montebello Cease all marijuana uses immediately.This is not a permitted use within Citylimits.
M.M.C.05.04.070 No person shall engage in, or conduct, any business in the citywithout first paying the business license tax. Please submit business license for yourestablishment.
It is the goal to obtain voluntary compliance and to work with you to accomplish this goal. Cooperation inresolving this matter is appreciated. If these violations are not corrected, you may be subject toadministrative fines, criminal charges, or both. If an administrative citation is issued fines may begin toaccrue: $100.00, $200.00 and $500.00, respectively, for each day pursuant to Chapter 1.14 of theMontebello Municipal Code. If the violation(s) are found to be corrected, no further action will be taken.
A Code Enforcement Officer will visit your property to ensure the item(s) described above have beencorrected. Please be advised a re-inspection fee in the amount of $92.00 may be applied for non-
___________________________
Joseph Cota
323-887-1485
compliance if corrections are not completed by 7:00 a.m. on 01/13/2025. Unless indicated on this notice,you are not required to be present during a re-inspection of the property. Should you have any questionsplease feel free to contact me during normal business hours at (323) 887-1490. Office hours are Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
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Montebello Fire Department
1600 W. Beverly Blvd
Montebello, CA 90640
(323) 887-4507
October 01 2025
Property Information:
Jungle Smoke
2331 W Whittier Blvd.
Montebello, CA 90640
Attn: Mike Salamh
Jungle Smoke
2331 W Whittier Blvd.
Montebello,CA 90640
Re: Initial Annual Inspection on October 01 2025
ORDER TO COMPLY: As a result of an inspection of these premises, violations of the 2022 California Fire Code and/or current Montebello Municipal Code have been identified for correction.
It is the responsibility of the business owner, manager or designated representative to correct all noted violations. Failure to correct Imminent Life Safety violations that are deemed Dangerous to Life Safety may result in a Fire Watch being imposed at the owners’ expense and/or closing of the business until violation corrections are made. If you received this notice by mail, we do not have up to date records in our system. In order to streamline and update our records, please contact our Community Risk Reduction Division office to provide an email address for your business/complex with the fire inspector listed at the bottom of the report.
The Montebello Fire Department has partnered with Fire Recovery USA for the invoicing of billable inspections. If this was your initial inspection or 2nd/subsequent non compliant re-inspection, you will be receiving an invoice in the next few days for this fire inspection. The fee is $112.00. If the time needed to complete the inspection exceeds one hour, $112.00 will be charged for every hour of inspection time, thereafter, prorated every 15 minutes. If you believe that you received an invoice in error, please contact Fire Recovery (888) 640-7222 EXT #1. Violation(s) not corrected before the re-inspection date listed in this report will result in additional re-inspection fees as established by the City of Montebello. For a breakdown of inspection fees, visit our website and view our fee schedule.
If you have any questions regarding annual inspections, please visit the CRRD website Inspection Tab.
If you have corrections to your contact information, or if you occupy multiple units within the same building, please email the fire inspector listed at the bottom of the report so we may make the necessary notations in our records.
Inspector: Property Representative:
Mike Salamh
Gary Robinson
[email protected]
1725 / 2738134 / 871522
Jungle Smoke October 01 2025Inspection on:
Annual Inspection
General Information Page(s)
General photo record of property
1725 / 2738134 / 871522
Jungle Smoke October 01 2025Inspection on:
0 / 1Annual Inspection Violations repaired / total:
Violation Page(s)
Adherence to maximum allowable quantity - See notes for material type 5003.1.1
The maximum allowable quantity per control area shall be as specified in Tables 5003.1.1(1) through 5003.1.1(4).
For retail and wholesale storage and display in Group M occupancies and Group S storage, see Section 5003.11.
Inspector Notes: Maximum Allowable Quantity (MAQ) for this address is 84, 033.6 grams of N2O, currently on-site is 580,120 grams. Must reduce to MAQ of 84, 033.6 grams Will be rechecked on or after
10/31/2025
Violation Not
Repaired
Violation found on
10/01/2025
1725 / 2738134 / 871522
1725 / 2738134 / 871522