A man who has dedicated himself to cleaning up the streets of Los Angeles is voicing his frustration over delays in garbage collection. Juan Naula, who previously quit his job and relocated from Virginia to pursue a tech startup, has instead turned his efforts toward a grassroots cleanup initiative. Over the past 10 months, he claims to have collected roughly 100,000 pounds of litter, including hazardous materials like needles and human waste.
Naula’s campaign, “Clean L.A. With Me,” has gained significant traction, amassing 60,000 followers on Instagram and attracting hundreds of volunteers eager to join his cause. Despite his dedication, he faces persistent challenges with the city’s response to the trash he collects. He reported that, in some cases, it took up to three weeks for city crews to pick up the bags after he reported them through the city’s 311 service, leading to further issues as homeless individuals rummaged through the bags.
“Why do I have to chase them, when I already put it in the bags?” Naula expressed in frustration, emphasizing that such a lengthy wait is unacceptable. He stated, “Nobody deserves to live like this. Just do your job,” calling for more efficient waste management from city officials.
A spokesperson for Mayor Karen Bass acknowledged Naula’s efforts, highlighting the importance of community involvement in maintaining clean neighborhoods. The spokesperson noted that the city would be reviewing 311 requests to ensure adequate response to cleaning needs, commending Naula for his initiative and passion for improving the city.
Naula’s mission was sparked by a visit to MacArthur Park, where he felt compelled to take action upon witnessing the litter and unsanitary conditions. “I want to see a clean park and clean city,” he stated, underlining his commitment to making a positive change in the community.
Looking ahead, Naula aims to set a new Guinness World Record by challenging himself to collect 300 bags of garbage in a single month, further demonstrating his resolve and determination to keep Los Angeles clean.
