There is nothing wrong with this mall. Perhaps the locals who say so much negativity are spoiled because of the much more high class fancy malls on the strip.
But if you come from somewhere else, it will seem like any other mall around your area.
If you are from the Bay Area, you will feel right at home. Think old school Eastridge, or East Bay malls. It's what we're use to and hell probably the mall all the real shoppers go to for a hard to find item.
Surrounding seems fine. Never felt any kind of threat. But again it's all subjective.
If you grew up in a predominant white neighborhood with little to no minorities, in the suburbs with home owners association, and don't understand the meaning of "movin' on up", because you were already up there to begin with.... yea you'll hate this mall.
I gave it 3/5 stars because compared to the other malls, yes thats the stars it deserves, but it doesn't mean its one to avoid.