Krikorian trial won't begin for almost a year

The chances of Krikorian's retail shops being completed soon is greater than the theater's chances at this point. (Staff photo)

By Doug Spoon, Editor

George Krikorian’s legal issues will remain for at least another year.

It appears that won’t keep him from completing the retail buildings facing Newport Road at Menifee Town Center sometime in the near future. The status of his adjacent theater project is still in doubt, however.

A Riverside Superior Court judge last week ordered a jury trial to take place beginning June 2, 2023. That means another year of waiting to see the outcome of a lawsuit contractors on the theater project filed against Krikorian in July 2020.

Although the lawsuit might make moving forward on the theater with different contractors a challenge, it doesn’t keep Krikorian from resuming construction with new funding sources. So far, however, the only indication of new funding concerns the retail spaces at the corner location.

“Krikorian has taken steps to move forward with the retail portion of the project adjacent to Newport Road,” said Phil Southard, public information officer for the City of Menifee. “He has submitted enhancements to the facades and City staff is currently reviewing the phasing plan for the retail portion.

“We would defer to Krikorian for specific questions regarding the project’s financing and timing.”

The City of Menifee has issued multiple public nuisance citations to Krikorian because of the unattractive state of the theater site. He also was ordered to cover up a large portion of graffiti on the wall facing Newport Road. But short of attempting to take over the site via an eminent domain ruling, there is very little city officials can do while waiting for Krikorian to make a move.