It’s been six months since wildfires devastated Pacific Palisades, Altadena and other parts of Southern California, and a prominent local figure has called out political leaders for what he sees as a lack of action.
Developer Rick Caruso took to social media on Monday to lambast local government officials for “endless red tape” causing what he calls a lack of progress in rebuilding after the fires. Caruso challenged Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for that position in 2022.
“Thousands of homes were destroyed, and yet fewer than 100 building permits have been issued after six months,” he wrote alongside a video promoting his nonprofit Steadfast LA. “Does anyone believe this is rapid rebuilding?”
Caruso does cite some progress — power lines will be rebuilt underground, for instance — though he also criticizes officials for a focus on “lofty rhetoric” instead of answers for fire victims and tangible action on the ground.
“We’re eager to work with our local officials, but we’ll work around them or through them if they continue to be ineffective and keep the public in the dark,” he said.
A request for comment from Bass’ office was not returned before publication.
