The Region - News from March 11, 1986

A convicted slumlord, described by a fire inspector in a probation report as having “little or no regard for human dignity,” was sentenced to three months in County Jail and fined $8,721. James Harrington, 59, of Hollywood, was also placed on three years’ probation, during which he will be banned from owning or managing any residential housing in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Municipal Judge David Horwitz allowed Harrington to remain free until April 1 to get his personal affairs in order. Harrington pleaded guilty last January to six violations of various health, safety and fire codes, all misdemeanors. The charges stemmed from conditions at the 82-unit El Cortez Hotel, west of downtown, labeled “one of the worst slum buildings in the city” by City Atty. James K. Hahn. Hahn said conditions included rat and cockroach infestation, broken windows, exposed electrical wires, hazardous stairways, open sewers and no running water.