Los Angeles Mayor Says Fire Recovery Chief Will Work for Free After Backlash Over Salary

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced on Feb. 8 that her appointed chief recovery officer will work for free to help rebuild the community affected by the deadly Palisades Fire, after public outcry mounted from elected officials and residents over plans to pay him $500,000.
Bass has announced a flurry of appointments and contracts as the city recovers from the fire, including the appointment of former Pacific Palisades community leader Steve Soboroff as the recovery czar on Jan. 17. Soboroff, 76, raised his family in the Pacific Palisades area, where 7,000 homes were destroyed in the Palisades Fire that started Jan. 7.
“Steve is always there for L.A.,” Bass said in a statement Saturday. “I spoke to him today and asked him to modify his agreement and work for free. He said yes. We agree that we don’t need anything distracting from the recovery work we’re doing.”…