Rick Caruso Launches Nonprofit to Fast-Track Wildfire Recovery in Los Angeles

Developer and former mayoral candidate Rick Caruso has launched Steadfast LA, a new nonprofit organization focused on accelerating the rebuilding and recovery of communities devastated by the recent Los Angeles wildfires. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between the public and private sectors to expedite relief efforts in areas such as Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Altadena.

Caruso has long been critical of the city’s wildfire preparedness, condemning budget cuts to the Los Angeles Fire Department and highlighting issues like depleted water reservoirs and inadequate firefighting infrastructure. He will serve as chairman of Steadfast LA, which will focus on five core areas: infrastructure, rebuilding, community support, communication, and resilience.

“We need to rebuild our communities. Government cannot do this alone and this is not a time for politics. We need access to the best ideas, resources, and people to build back better and stronger than before. We’re launching Steadfast LA today to make sure the rebuild has the full power of all of us and we’re getting the best possible solutions implemented faster,” Caruso wrote on X.

The foundation’s executive director will be Najla Kayyem, a commercial real estate marketing executive who previously worked for Caruso. The board includes high-profile figures such as Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos and his wife, former Ambassador Nicole Avant, as well as leaders in banking, insurance, and real estate.

Caruso has pledged to fund the foundation himself, with no compensation for the involved executives. Potential outside donors will be matched with schools, churches, and other community organizations in need.

Caruso, who lost three homes to the Palisades Fire, is personally invested in the mission, reinforcing his belief that the city’s response to disasters must be improved. Offices for Steadfast LA will initially be based at Caruso’s properties, including The Grove and potentially The Americana in Glendale.

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