Steve Soboroff, the wildfire recovery czar for Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, expressed his frustrations during a recent event at Harvard-Westlake School, revealing that he felt misled about his compensation for the role. Speaking to an audience of alumni, Soboroff shared that he had initially been promised a salary of $500,000 for a 90-day period but ended up working without pay amid public outcry regarding the proposed amount.
Soboroff, a prominent real estate developer and civic leader, was appointed to his position in mid-January. He initially indicated that his salary would be funded through philanthropic contributions, a claim echoed by Mayor Bass in subsequent comments. However, during his remarks at the alumni event, Soboroff stated that he found himself in a precarious situation: "no money" and "no contract." He recounted discovering that the promised funds were not available, leading him to face personal financial obligations.
In a candid moment, Soboroff disclosed the dilemma he faced, saying he had two choices: to resign and publicly disclose his grievances, or to continue working without pay, hoping for future compensation. He ultimately chose the latter, stating, “I’ll do it for free, and hope that it comes around later on.”
His comments sparked significant media attention, prompting him to clarify his remarks just days later. In an interview, Soboroff stated that he did not believe Mayor Bass had intentionally misled him, asserting that his comments were misinterpreted. He emphasized that his frustrations were not directed at the mayor but rather at the circumstances surrounding his role.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions within the Bass administration, particularly in the wake of the Palisades fire that severely impacted the region. The mayor has faced scrutiny over her emergency response and has dealt with criticism from various stakeholders, including members of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
Soboroff’s relationship with Bass has reportedly become strained, especially regarding the management of recovery efforts and his compensation. Following the backlash to his initial salary announcement, Bass confirmed that Soboroff would work without pay, stating, “He’s always there for L.A.”
At the Harvard-Westlake event, Soboroff also reflected on his long history of civic service, noting that he has often taken on roles without financial compensation. He expressed a desire to contribute positively to the recovery efforts for the communities affected by the wildfire, despite the challenges he currently faces.
The event, titled "A Night With Steve Soboroff: Recovery From the LA Fires," served as a platform for Soboroff to discuss the ongoing recovery efforts and the personal sacrifices he has made in his commitment to the city. As Los Angeles continues to grapple with the aftermath of the fires, the dynamics within the mayor’s office and the recovery strategy remain under close scrutiny.