Actress and singer Mandy Moore has publicly criticized Los Angeles County for bureaucratic obstacles impeding residents’ efforts to rebuild homes destroyed in the January 2025 wildfires. Moore, whose Altadena home was partially damaged, expressed her frustration through social media posts, highlighting the challenges faced by fire victims in navigating the county’s permitting process.
In a recent Instagram story, Moore stated, “Thanks, LA County for making it as frustrating and impossible to rebuild after the fires as possible.” She described the permitting process as “maddening and heartless,” citing the “endless hoops and meaningless protocol” imposed on those attempting to reconstruct their homes.
Moore emphasized the slow pace of rebuilding, noting that only six permits had been issued in Altadena despite the destruction of approximately 10,000 structures. She shared that, despite having insurance, plans, and a contractor, her family was instructed to resubmit all documentation and start the process anew without clear justification.
The actress’s comments shed light on broader concerns regarding the efficiency of Los Angeles County’s response to the wildfire disaster. Despite executive orders from city and state officials aimed at expediting recovery efforts, residents report significant delays and administrative hurdles. Calls have been made for a unified oversight authority with emergency powers to streamline the rebuilding process.
Moore’s experience underscores the challenges faced by many Californians in the aftermath of natural disasters, highlighting the need for more effective and compassionate governance in times of crisis.
