Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has named former Police Commissioner Steve Soboroff her “chief rescue officer” as the city looks to rebuild in the wake of the devastating Palisades Fire.
The announcement, which came Friday, means Soboroff — a real estate developer and longtime civic leader who advised the late former mayor Richard Riordan — will work directly with the mayor and associated city departments to build a comprehensive strategy to “rebuild and accelerate a safe return.” “of residents, workers, businesses, schools, non-profit organizations, libraries and parks” in areas devastated by the fires, according to the mayor's office, according to a report by Los Angeles Times.
“I'm naming Steve Soboroff — a longtime builder and leader here in Los Angeles — as Chief Recovery Officer for the first phase of our recovery,” Bass said in a statement to X. “Our absolute first priority is to help Angelenos return to their communities as we rebuild what was lost.”
The move comes a day after California lawmakers introduced new legislative efforts to speed up the recovery process in Los Angeles County, where thousands remain permanently or temporarily displaced from their homes.
In his various roles, Soboroff, who raised his family in the Pacific Palisades community, has helped develop Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center), as well as the Playa Vista neighborhood on the West Side, a multi-billion-dollar residential, office and retail community. . In 2001, he ran unsuccessfully for mayor, losing to Democrat James Hahn.
“Steve Soboroff’s name is associated with hope,” Bass said when announcing the appointment, according to CBS News. It will recommend a comprehensive strategy for the city to rebuild and accelerate. Acceleration is a very important word here. We want to accelerate the return of residents, businesses, schools, non-profits and parks. He knows our communities. He knows how to activate City Hall. “He was at City Hall.”
According to county media updates on the Palisades Fire, which broke out 11 days ago, 628 structures have been damaged and 3,857 structures have been destroyed, not including those believed to be destroyed and awaiting confirmation. In addition to the Eaton Fire, which is not under Bass jurisdiction in Altadena and Pasadena, there have been 27 confirmed deaths. The Palisades Fire has burned more than 23,000 acres and flattened Santa Monica Mountain communities, including Malibu, with containment at 43%.
