Thousand Oaks Junk Pile : Club Cleans Yard in Bid to Keep Man Out of Jail

An elusive Thousand Oaks resident whose suburban junk pile is the subject of a Municipal Court case has won the sympathy of his church’s men’s club, which has already begun clearing his yard in an effort to keep him out of jail.

“We’re committed to help him and to clean up his problem with the city,” said Edward Krol, president-elect of the Men’s Club at St. Paschal’s Baylon Catholic Church on East Janss Road in Thousand Oaks.

“It’s really an effort to show he has support now. We don’t want any more legal action taking place. We just want to clean up the situation,” Krol said.

The object of the group’s charity, Adolph Leben, is scheduled to appear in Municipal Court on Aug. 9 for failing to comply with an earlier court order to clean up his yard by July 1. The case was postponed Wednesday after Leben asked for time to retain an attorney.

Deputy City Atty. Nancy Schreiner said a jail sentence is possible for Leben, who was placed on probation in April after he pleaded guilty to charges of creating a public nuisance and a fire hazard at his property in the 1800 block of Havenwood Drive.

Leben has twice fled when a reporter attempted to interview him.

Neighbors Puzzled

Neighbors say they have been puzzled by the growing junk collection at his home, which over the last decade has been gradually hidden by piles of wood and metal, rusted cars and household appliances. But they said that while they have quietly complained to local authorities, they have not pushed the issue because of Leben’s gentle, helpful nature.

His demeanor has also impressed St. Paschal’s parishioners, who include Councilman Frank Schillo. Schillo is a Men’s Club member, as is Leben.

“He’s really just kind of a nice guy,” said Schillo, echoing Leben’s neighbors. “I just think he’s not capable of doing it himself.”

Krol said 15 men spent most of July 22 clearing Leben’s front yard and filling a large trash bin with refuse. He said the club, which has about 50 regular members, plans to return Aug. 5--with two donated trash bins and promises from a refuse removal company of free hauling and dumping service.