Homes in Laurel Canyon, deemed "illegal," set for demolition following a lengthy struggle, as per Los Angeles' announcement.
In a long-standing dispute, five dilapidated homes in the Laurel Canyon community, situated along N. Woodstock Road near Mulholland Drive, will be demolished by August 2026. The properties in question were purchased by Shahram and Ester Ghalili in 2020.
The homes were part of a planned 21-home development for which permits were issued in 1998 and 1999. However, construction stalled, and the homes remained incomplete, becoming a source of concern for the community.
City Attorney Mike Feuer took action against the owners to end this issue. In 2021, he brought 35 criminal charges against the couple, alleging failure to comply with lawful orders issued by the Department of Building and Safety. Terry Castleman, the previous owner, had pleaded guilty to similar charges in August 2007.
The city ordered the demolition of the homes in question in 2003, but the owners have attempted to restart the project without tearing down the existing structures. This continued until 2020 when the Ghalilis purchased the properties.
Recently, the owner pleaded guilty to failure to comply with lawful orders issued by the Department of Building and Safety, according to Feldstein Soto's office. If the homes are not demolished by the deadline, the owners may face probation, community service, and a $25,000 fine.
It's worth noting that in a separate case, an L.A. judge blocked a homeowner's petition to demolish Marilyn Monroe's Brentwood home, saving it from destruction. This demonstrates the city's commitment to preserving historical properties.
The community has dealt with these dangerous, dilapidated homes for more than two decades. The city's decision to enforce the demolition orders brings a sense of relief and hope for a safer and more aesthetically pleasing Laurel Canyon community.
For those seeking more information, local authorities or building departments in Los Angeles can provide further details. Additionally, local newspapers or news archives may have reported on these events, making them valuable resources for research.
