Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass reversed her decision to compensate wildfire recovery chief Steve Soboroff $500,000 for 90 days of work following public criticism. The Los Angeles Times initially reported the substantial compensation, which was to be sourced from charitable organizations. Soboroff, a real estate developer and long-time civic official, was appointed to the role on January 17th. However, by Saturday evening, Mayor Bass announced that Soboroff agreed to manage the city's rebuilding efforts without compensation.
Bass stated the change was to avoid distractions from the recovery work. Randy Johnson, a real estate executive who was slated to receive $250,000 for assisting Soboroff, will also now work pro bono. The Mayor's office has not disclosed the charities involved or how the funds were initially raised. City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez expressed outrage at the initial compensation, calling the $750,000 total "obscene." Ric Grenell, former President Trump's envoy for special missions, criticized the arrangement on social media, highlighting the contrast with unpaid volunteers.
Residents affected by the Palisades Fire also voiced their disapproval. Larry Vein, whose home suffered smoke damage, stated that recovery efforts should not be driven by financial gain. Steve Danton, displaced from his home, characterized the initial compensation as a "money grab" and pointed to a "crisis of leadership." Soboroff initially defended the $500,000 figure, citing his expertise and the significant responsibilities involved, which required him to forgo other work. He emphasized that the payment was not intended to come from city funds or wildfire survivors. Soboroff described his extensive involvement in recovery efforts, including advising residents, making recommendations on permitting processes, and urging the mayor to hire an outside project manager for infrastructure replacement.
He asserted his active role in implementing recovery strategies to help residents return to their homes and jobs.
