Safety Violations at Skid Row Hotel

We appreciate your article detailing the life-threatening conditions at the Rossmore Hotel and the fines paid by its owner, Ernest Doizaki (“Violations at Hotel Net $13,000 Fine,” July 25). However, the article quotes Doizaki’s attorney’s inaccurate account that the violations were a result of delays in the sale of the Rossmore to Skid Row Housing trust, and that the violations only began after negotiations with the trust had commenced.

First, the violations were cited by building inspectors between October and December, 1992, and the purchase agreement was not executed until February, 1993. There has been no delay in the sale, which will occur within the option period.

Finally, negotiations between a buyer and seller are no excuse for neglecting fire-life safety issues in an occupied apartment building. To blame serious building code violations on negotiations, escrows and closing dates is the typical defense of slumlords.

DAVID KRAMER and CANDY RUPP

Skid Row Housing Trust

Downtown