A junk-filled six-acre hoarder property in Sun Valley might soon have a cleanup date. This week the Los Angeles City Attorney got a court order to begin cleanup efforts at the land off La Tuna Canyon Road.
Earlier this week, L.A. Building and Safety Commissioners unanimously rejected an appeal from the owner of the San Fernando Valley property that objected to a city inspection. The land is within Councilmember Monica Rodriguez’s district, and KNX News’ Craig Fiegener spoke with her about the hoarder saga, which dates back to 2019.
“Frustrating as it is to the residents and to myself and… the city, this is private property, and we are bound to go through this legal process in order to garner access,” she said. “We’ve been working with city departments, even state and county agencies to help mitigate that fight.”
When asked about an arrest on the La Tuna property confirmed by the Los Angeles Police Department, Rodriguez said she could not comment. Previously, KNX News’ Emily Valdez reported that the property is owned by an 80-year-old woman whose 50-year-old son lives among the junk on the land. The son was not the man arrested.
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Fiegener reported that the court order mentions the name of a person identified as one of the property owner’s two sons. According to the order, the man threatened city officials who have tried to go on the property.
“It’s unclear if the city will take action with notice or without, but it’s very clear that they can do so without any,” said Fiegener. He said the land is filled with trash, including more than 100 abandoned vehicles, items labeled as toxic, a boat and a partially burned building. Neighbors have been calling for the property to be cleaned up.
Next-door neighbor Elena Malone said she is now hopeful that something will be done.
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