LA Neighbors Fume as 'Trash House' Owner Naps Amidst Filth
City officials face criticism for failing to resolve a long-standing hoarding situation in the affluent Fairfax District.
Neighbors in Los Angeles' affluent Fairfax District are expressing frustration over a notorious "trash house" where the elderly owner has been observed sleeping outdoors amidst piles of garbage.
The property, located in the 600 block of N. Martel, has become a persistent eyesore, emitting a foul odor and attracting rodents and insects, according to residents. Despite its location surrounded by multi-million dollar homes, the situation has festered for years, leading to complaints about the city's inaction.
Images captured in August showed the owner, 72-year-old Raymond Gaon, napping among the accumulated waste. One neighbor, who declined to give his last name, stated, "Neighbors are angry. The city needs to do its job. Why hasn't this been cleared up already?"
Mayor Karen Bass's office acknowledged the recurring problem, calling it "extremely disappointing that the owner of this private property has once again allowed the conditions to disintegrate and neighbors are forced to live near this mess." The office stated that previous cleanup attempts have been made on multiple occasions.
Sanitation crews have previously removed significant amounts of trash from the property, including over seven tons in 2024 along with 1,000 pounds of household hazardous waste. A similar large-scale cleanup occurred in 2025, but the garbage has since returned.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is reportedly set to inspect the property for sanitation violations, potential rodent infestations, and mounting garbage. A criminal investigation into the matter is also underway.
Gaon's friend, Tonya Jaynes, 61, has been seen attempting to clear some of the garbage. Jaynes described Gaon as a military veteran suffering from PTSD and suggested the piles are not garbage but rather "recycling" that Gaon uses to "make money." She also claimed the waste is not a bio-hazard and that the situation fosters "tons of butterflies and hummingbirds," calling Gaon an "artist."
However, city officials remain concerned. Mayor Bass's office has urged the L.A. County Department of Mental Health to pursue a court-appointed conservator to manage the property and prevent future deterioration. The office has also stated that if legal action is not taken swiftly, "we will pursue all actions necessary to ensure this doesn't happen again."
LA City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky's office has previously labeled the recurring conditions as "completely unacceptable" and criticized the city's slow response to the ongoing issue.