Professor Ordered Out of Home That Drew Protests

A college professor who has battled with neighbors for 10 years over the condition of her home has been ordered to vacate and charged with 92 misdemeanor counts of neglecting her property.

Elena Zagustin, 61, a Cal State Long Beach engineering professor, will be arraigned in Municipal Court in Westminster on Tuesday on charges she has violated housing codes, fire codes and municipal ordinances at her Huntington Harbour home.

While fines and jail time are possible consequences, city officials stressed they really want Zagustin to comply with city codes.

“Compliance is always our goal,” said Jennifer McGrath, a city attorney. “But in her case, if she is in compliance, she may not remain in compliance. We know from our experience with her that it’s a risk.”

Zagustin, who has faced civil and criminal action before over the condition of the property, could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

City officials have conducted three inspections of the home on Morse Circle since November 1997, finding scores of problems. About half of the criminal charges are for violations such as accumulation of rubbish and debris, unsanitary conditions, improper use of extension cords, inadequate plumbing, blocked room entrances and similar deficiencies.

The remaining counts are for days in which Zagustin failed to have hot and cold running water, the violation which resulted in the order to vacate the property issued on Tuesday, McGrath said.

Inspectors last visited the house on Friday, and gave Zagustin 72 hours to establish hot and cold running water at the house, McGrath said. When inspectors determined there was no water service by 5 p.m. Monday, they posted the order to vacate, McGrath said.

“If the water is turned on, that order could be lifted,” McGrath said.

However, she still would face the criminal charges in court on Tuesday.

“The neighbors have been enduring this problem for years, and I hope this helps to finally resolve it,” City Councilman Dave Sullivan said.

Neighbors have complained about and photographed human waste in buckets inside the house, rodent and insect infestation and strong odors. Neighbors have sued and won in the past but have failed to collect on monetary judgments.

Zagustin, a Russian immigrant, has made attempts to improve the property, city officials said.

McGrath said there have been no reports that Zagustin has been at the house since last Friday’s inspection.