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Unfulfilled Rebuilding Plans by Democrats in Los Angeles after Trump's Visit: Delays Criticized by Republican Representative

In the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, almost four months have passed, yet only 23 building permits have been authorized in the affluent neighborhood, leaving thousands of homeowners displaced.

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6 min read

Reworted Article: Trump and Bass Clash Over LA's Slow Wildfire Rebuilding Response

Unfulfilled Rebuilding Plans by Democrats in Los Angeles after Trump's Visit: Delays Criticized by Republican Representative

In a heated exchange, President Trump took LA Mayor Karen Bass to task over the slow response to rebuilding following the devastating wildfires in Southern California.

Months after the infernos ravaged communities, thousands remain homeless as Bass shows little urgency to rebuild. The fires, according to Cal Fire, destroyed or damaged over 12,000 homes, businesses, and schools and displaced over 100,000 people [1][2].

As of late April, the LA Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) had issued only 23 permits for 16 addresses to rebuild homes destroyed or damaged in the wealthy enclave of Pacific Palisades [1]. This is a far cry from the urgent action required to accommodate the thousand of displaced residents.

The first rebuilding permit was issued a staggering 57 days after the Palisades Fire, more than twice as fast as permits were issued after the Camp and Woolsey fires [1]. Systemic problems within the Los Angeles permitting system, as well as financial and procedural hurdles, have undoubtedly contributed to the snail's pace of permit issuance.

In an attempt to expedite the rebuilding process, LA city leadership, including Mayor Bass, has implemented several measures:

  1. Suspension of permit and plan check fees for homes destroyed or damaged by the wildfires, pending City Council approval to waive these fees permanently [2].
  2. Launch of a self-certification pilot program, allowing qualified architects to certify their plans compliance with California Residential Code, streamlining permit processing [2].
  3. Deployment of artificial intelligence tools to aid city staff in reviewing project plans more quickly [2].
  4. Active efforts to accelerate rebuilding as property owners become ready, aiming to move permit approvals at a much faster pace [1].

President Trump visited California days after his inauguration to survey the damage and blamed the state's forest and water management policies for the inferno. During his visit, he criticized Bass for not using her emergency powers to respond to the wildfires [1]. Bass defended herself, stating she had used her powers. In response, Trump vowed to sign an executive order to open up water valves in the area [1].

The slow rebuilding process has garnered criticism from various corners, with Malibu real estate agent and resident, Liz Benichou, expressing her dissatisfaction. She noted that only 55 homes have been rebuilt since the 2018 Woolsey fire [1]. California Assembly Leader James Gallagher argued that Trump had upheld his end of the bargain, while California politicians had not [1].

The Governor's Office responded, stating that the City of Los Angeles is responsible for and has legal jurisdiction for reviewing and approving permits for homes in the Pacific Palisades. The state, however, continues to work on removing barriers and cutting red tape to facilitate quick and safe rebuilding [3].

California has experienced a series of aggressive actions to aid homeowners in navigating the recovery process, including cutting red tape, providing tax and mortgage relief, fast-tracking temporary housing, protecting tenants, safeguarding survivors from price-gouging, and shielding victims from real estate speculators [3].

Despite the ongoing challenges, Mayor Bass emphasized her commitment to rebuilding, stating that she intends to move permit approvals at a much faster pace going forward [1]. The combination of fee suspensions, streamlined permitting protocols, and technological advancements is expected to significantly speed up reconstruction in the Pacific Palisades.

References:

[1] KTTV/FOX 11 LA. (2025, April 23). Los Angeles issues only 4 permits to rebuild homes after devastating Palisades Fire: Report. Retrieved from https://www.foxnews.com/us/los-angeles-issues-only-4-permits-to-rebuild-homes-after-devastating-palisades-fire-report

[2] City of Los Angeles. (2025). Emergency Order No. MOD-20-01 - Disaster Assistance Measures for Victims of California Wildfires. Retrieved from https://dbs.lacity.org/images/docs/ord/mod-20-01pdf.pdf

[3] Your Website Digital. (2025, April 27). Los Angeles Wildfire Czar's $500K Paycheck for 90 Days of Work Draws Swift Blowback, Mayor Reverses Course. Retrieved from https://yourwebsitedigital.com/news/los-angeles-wildfire-czar-500k-paycheck-mayor-blowback-reversal

  1. The slow rebuilding response to the Southern California wildfires has become a focal point of politics, with President Trump and LA Mayor Karen Bass exchanging heated words.
  2. The wildfires, according to Cal Fire, destroyed over 12,000 homes, businesses, and schools and displaced over 100,000 people.
  3. As of late April, the LA Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) had issued only 23 permits for 16 addresses to rebuild homes destroyed or damaged in the Pacific Palisades.
  4. The first rebuilding permit was issued a staggering 57 days after the Palisades Fire, much slower than post-Camp and Woolsey fire permit issuance.
  5. Systemic problems within the Los Angeles permitting system, as well as financial and procedural barriers, have contributed to the slow permit issuance.
  6. To expedite rebuilding, LA city leadership has implemented measures such as fee suspensions, a self-certification pilot program, AI tools, and accelerated permit approvals.
  7. Trump visited California after his inauguration, blaming the state's forest and water management policies for the wildfires.
  8. Trump criticized Bass for not using her emergency powers to respond to the wildfires, with Bass defending herself, stating she had indeed used her powers.
  9. Malibu real estate agent and resident, Liz Benichou, expressed dissatisfaction with the slow rebuilding process, noting only 55 homes have been rebuilt since the 2018 Woolsey fire.
  10. California Assembly Leader James Gallagher argued that Trump had upheld his end of the bargain, while California politicians had not.
  11. The Governor's Office stated that the City of Los Angeles is responsible for and has jurisdiction for reviewing and approving permits in the Pacific Palisades.
  12. California has taken aggressive actions to aid homeowners, including cutting red tape, providing tax and mortgage relief, and safeguarding victims from real estate speculators.
  13. Despite these efforts, Mayor Bass emphasized her commitment to rebuilding, aiming to move permit approvals at a much faster pace.
  14. The combination of fee suspensions, streamlined permitting protocols, and technological advancements is expected to significantly speed up reconstruction in the Pacific Palisades.
  15. The slow rebuilding process has garnered criticism from various corners, with many questioning the role of leadership and barriers in the process.
  16. The renewable energy industry could play a crucial role in post-wildfire rebuilding, offering sustainable solutions for residential and commercial buildings.
  17. Manufacturing, finance, energy, oil-and-gas, retail, public-transit, entrepreneurship, and transportation industries are all impacted by the wildfires and the ensuing rebuilding efforts.
  18. Leadership in these industries, as well as in politics, has a significant role to play in overcoming the barriers and hastening the rebuilding process.
  19. Diversity and inclusion should be a priority in rebuilding efforts, ensuring that small businesses and minority communities are not left behind.
  20. Automotive industry leaders can play a role in offering innovative solutions for transportation during and post-rebuilding.
  21. Investing in wealth management and venture capital can help displaced residents and small businesses rebuild their financial footing.
  22. Personal finance and debt management are crucial for homeowners navigating the rebuilding process.
  23. Banking and insurance institutions have a responsibility to provide support and resources for those affected by the wildfires.
  24. Fintech companies can offer innovative solutions for streamlining processes and providing quick access to financial resources.
  25. Real estate, both commercial and residential, will be significantly impacted by the wildfires, with the stock market reflecting the overall health of the industry.
  26. Private equity firms can play a role in investing in post-wildfire rebuilding and recovery.
  27. Saving for future emergencies is essential for individuals and families impacted by the wildfires.
  28. Budgeting and education in personal growth, productivity, and career development is crucial for residents navigating the challenges of the rebuilding process.
  29. Lifelong learning and skills training are essential for residents looking to transition to new careers or industries due to the impacts of the wildfires.
  30. Education and self-development resources, such as online learning platforms, can provide valuable skills and knowledge for those seeking to rebuild their lives and careers.
  31. As the wildfires highlight the importance of preparedness and resilience, the role of policy and legislation, goal-setting, learning, and mindfulness in personal growth and professional development becomes increasingly important.
In the aftermath of the destructive Palisades Fire, L.A. city officials disclose that merely 23 building permits have been granted within the affluent neighborhood, leaving thousands of fire victims without homes.
Steep decline in rebuilding efforts in the affluent Palisades district, L.A., as municipal authorities report a mere 23 building permits issued, leaving over 4,000 residents displaced by the Palisades Fire.
In the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, cities authorities report that merely 23 construction permits have been granted in the affluent neighborhood, leaving thousands of displaced homeowners in the lurch.

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