Antonovich Asks County to Report on Slum Inquiry

Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich on Tuesday asked county health and public works officials to report back on their investigation of problems with run-down Antelope Valley properties owned by convicted slumlord Milton Avol.

Describing the situation as a “public health emergency,” Antonovich asked that a report on the county’s findings be brought to the board next week.

Antonovich said his request was prompted by a story Monday in The Times, which reported that the county had cited Avol for unsanitary living conditions in at least 32 of 72 houses he owns in an unincorporated pocket surrounded by Palmdale. Some of those quoted in the story criticized the county for not vigorously pursuing slumlord cases.

Health inspectors surveying some of Avol’s properties last Thursday found evidence of sewage problems, roach and rodent infestation and broken windows. The inspectors said Avol could face criminal charges if conditions are not improved.

Avol, a 68-year-old Beverly Hills neurosurgeon, was the first convicted slumlord in Los Angeles--and perhaps the first in the nation--to be sentenced to live in one of his dilapidated buildings.

In 1985, Avol was sentenced to 30 days in jail and 30 days house arrest in one of his buildings for slumlord violations. A year later, he was sentenced to nine months in jail for violating probation by failing to correct problems at three of his buildings in Los Angeles.