Bass reneges Los Angeles wildfire czar’s $500K paycheck after criticism

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass found herself in hot water after reports surfaced that her wildfire recovery czar, Steve Soboroff, would be compensated a whopping $500,000 for just 90 days of work. The news, first reported by the Los Angeles Times, sparked outrage among residents and officials alike.

Soboroff, a real estate developer and longtime civic official, was initially slated to receive the hefty sum for his role as the city’s “chief recovery officer.” The compensation was to be funded by charity organizations, but Bass quickly backtracked on the decision after facing backlash.

In a statement to the Times, Bass announced that Soboroff had agreed to manage the city’s rebuilding efforts free of charge. She also revealed that another individual, Randy Johnson, who was set to receive $250,000 for assisting Soboroff, would now also be working pro bono.

City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, a member of the recovery committee, expressed her frustration at the situation, calling the amount of money being paid to Soboroff and Johnson “obscene.” The lack of transparency regarding the funding sources raised further concerns among critics.

President Donald Trump’s envoy for special missions, Ric Grenell, also weighed in on the controversy, condemning the exorbitant compensation. Grenell, who has been involved in federal recovery efforts, highlighted the importance of ensuring that funds are used responsibly.

Residents directly impacted by the wildfires echoed these sentiments, with some calling Soboroff’s compensation a “money grab” and criticizing the city’s leadership. The decision to pay such a large sum to an individual overseeing recovery efforts was seen as insensitive and inappropriate.

Despite the backlash, Soboroff defended his $500,000 compensation, citing his expertise and the significant responsibilities he had taken on. He emphasized the importance of his role in facilitating communication with federal agencies and coordinating recovery efforts.

As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the city of Los Angeles will navigate the recovery process and address the concerns raised by residents and officials. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and complexities involved in post-disaster reconstruction efforts.