The Los Angeles County Health Department has shut down Lorena D’s Mexican Restaurant after receiving 13 violations including the presence of “vermins.”

During a routine inspection on Jan. 28, L.A. County health officials found Lorena D’s in violation of 13 Health and Safety codes resulting in a ‘C’ health score.

Notice of closure posted in the window

In a sign posted in the restaurant’s window, L.A. County health officials cited health and safety code sections 114259.0 and 114259.1 as the main reasons for closure. Both codes designate that a food facility shall at all times be constructed, equipped, maintained, and operated as to prevent the entrance and harborage and be free of animals, birds, and vermin, including, but not limited to, rodents and insects.

The restaurant, a staple in the community for over 40 years, also received violations for not meeting the standards of plumbing, toilet facilities, nonfood-contact surfaces, clean utensils, utensil storage, permit suspension, adequate ventilation, warewashing facilities, floor/walls/ceilings properly built, demonstration of knowledge, vermin-proofing.

The restaurant had been in operation for over 40 years, first known as Betito’s Mexican Restaurant before the original owners transferred ownership to a long-time server who renamed the restaurant Lorena D’s.

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.