Time for Leadership in Government

GUEST OPINION

SCE crews in Altadena (Photo – ColoradoBlvd.net/W.K.)

So far, 9,000 structures, including homes and businesses, in Altadena/Pasadena have been destroyed by the Eaton Fire, leaving our community reeling. While the loss is immeasurable, it is in times like these that we must look beyond recovery and toward bold, transformative solutions.

By Scott Haas 

The road ahead is not just about rebuilding what was lost; it is about reimagining what is possible.

Government Roles: Vision, Coordination, and Leadership

Rebuilding thousands of homes quickly and efficiently is a monumental task—one that demands vision, coordination, and leadership. This is not a moment for piecemeal efforts or bureaucratic delays. As a businessman I believe market-driven solutions work well in most cases, but in times of crisis, only government has the scale and resources to ensure an equitable, efficient recovery.

– Clean up the devastation

We need to demand that our federal leaders secure funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) – Debris Removal Mission in partnership with FEMA to clean up the devastation and bill it back to the insurance companies. Only the government has the capacity to coordinate such an ambitious effort.

– Pre-approved house plans

This approach would address challenges by providing pre-designed, pre-approved plans that builders can use immediately, bypassing lengthy approval processes. Additionally, by negotiating bulk purchases of materials, we can prevent shortages and ensure that rebuilding efforts remain on schedule. It is a moment for our government to step forward with a big and bold plan: the creation of pre-approved house plans and material packages that allow builders to start work on day one.

– Imagine a system…

Imagine a system where affected families can choose from a range of pre-designed, pre-approved home plans. These plans would meet all local building codes, prioritize fire-resistant materials, and include sustainable, energy-efficient designs. By streamlining the permitting process and ensuring material availability, we could accelerate construction timelines, reduce costs, and get families back into their homes faster. This approach would not only ease the burden on those who have lost everything but also save insurance companies millions of dollars in extended housing and rebuilding expenses.

Schools: Children Are Our Most Important Investment

But rebuilding homes is only part of the equation. The fire also destroyed three public schools and several private schools, displacing countless students and educators. Our children—our most precious resource—have been deeply affected by this disaster. As we rebuild, we must prioritize them by investing in schools that inspire and protect. This is not just about constructing buildings; it is about creating environments where our kids can learn, grow, and thrive. Schools should be equipped with the best technology, fire-resistant materials, and designs that promote safety and innovation.

Schools are the heart of our community, and their recovery must be at the forefront of any rebuilding effort.

Building In More Resilience for the Future

This is not just about homes and schools; it is about resilience. Pre-approved designs could incorporate the latest in fire-resistant technology, such as ember-resistant vents, non-combustible siding, and heat-resistant windows. These homes would not just replace what was lost but create a safer, more sustainable community for the future. Schools and community centers could be rebuilt with similar forward-thinking designs, ensuring that our children return to not just functional spaces but inspiring ones.

– Southern California Edison

We need to demand that Southern California Edison (SCE) think long-term and commit to undergrounding all power lines in fire-prone areas to prevent future disasters. John Harabedian and Supervisor Kathryn Barger need to sit down with insurance companies, utility companies, and all relevant stakeholders to establish a clear plan for funding, timelines, and accountability.

– Move beyond buzzwords

California Assembly lawmakers recently introduced legislation for fire relief. It is a step in the right direction. However, we must move beyond buzzwords like ‘cutting through red tape’ and establish concrete goals to hold the government accountable. For instance, setting a target to rebuild 25% of the destroyed structures within the next six months would provide a measurable benchmark for progress. This level of accountability ensures that efforts are not just swift but also effective, delivering tangible results to those affected by the disaster.  We need a public scoreboard to track the number of homes rebuilt, with clear, measurable goals to ensure accountability—so the public can see the progress and question delays when targets aren’t met.

The Public Needs to Get Involved

The public must play an active role in shaping the policies that guide our recovery. This starts with getting involved in politics at the local level, focusing not on party affiliations but on policies that benefit our community. We need to ask our leaders tough questions: Where do their kids go to school? What do they truly value? Are they committed to rebuilding schools and neighborhoods in a way that prioritizes the well-being of all children? These are the conversations that can drive meaningful change and ensure that our recovery efforts align with the needs and values of the community.

– Recovery must be equitable

This is California’s time to show the rest of the country how good government works.

Recovery should not be dependent on personal connections or luck—it must be equitable. This is why government intervention is essential, not only in coordinating rebuilding efforts but also in ensuring fair distribution of resources. Just as we need a strategic plan for pre-approved home designs and undergrounding power lines, we must create a structured financial aid system that reaches all affected individuals, not just those with the most visibility. Only through thoughtful policies can we guarantee that rebuilding efforts are swift, efficient, and just.

Rebuilding after a disaster of this scale calls for innovation, courage, and collaboration. It calls for our leaders to embrace bold ideas that match the magnitude of the challenge. Let us seize this moment to not only rebuild but to build back better, faster, and stronger. Our community deserves nothing less.

Scott Haas lives in Sierra Madre with his family. His son attends Pasadena Unified’s Center for Independent Studies (CIS Academy).