In Los Angeles, a passionate activist named Juan Naula has taken it upon himself to clean the city’s streets, collecting an astounding 100,000 pounds of trash in just over 10 months. Naula’s mission began after he moved from Virginia, initially aiming to launch a tech startup. However, he was compelled to address the neglected state of local parks, particularly MacArthur Park.
Juan Naula’s Cleanup Campaign
Naula started his initiative, “Clean L.A. With Me,” to combat the growing problem of litter in the city. His efforts focus on removing hazardous materials like needles and human waste, which pose a significant risk to public safety. Despite his hard work, he expresses frustration with the city’s slow response to his cleanup requests.
Challenges Faced in Waste Collection
Naula reports that it can take weeks for the city to pick up collected trash after he submits a request through the 311 service. He recounted an instance where it took three weeks for his bags to be collected, leading to concerns that homeless individuals might rummage through them, exacerbating the situation.
Support and Community Involvement
Despite these challenges, Naula has garnered significant attention on social media, amassing 60,000 followers on Instagram. His dedication has inspired hundreds of volunteers to join his cause, amplifying the impact of his clean-up efforts.
City’s Response and Future Goals
A representative from Mayor Karen Bass’s office acknowledged Naula’s contributions, emphasizing the city’s commitment to addressing his maintenance requests efficiently. The spokesperson expressed gratitude for community members like Naula, who demonstrate dedication to improving their neighborhoods.
Looking forward, Naula plans to pursue a new challenge by aiming for a Guinness World Record for collecting 300 bags of trash in a month. His ongoing commitment to cleaning Los Angeles reflects a growing movement of environmental responsibility and community engagement.
