(DCNF)—Five months after fires ravaged Los Angeles, Democratic leaders’ promise of “lightning speed” rebuilding has yielded only sluggish progress with few permits issued.
The January blaze destroyed over 16,000 structures across Los Angeles County and the cities of Los Angeles, Pasadena and Malibu. Democrat Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Gov. Gavin Newsom promised swift recovery, but bureaucratic delays are hindering the process, with only 3.7% of permit applications submitted to Los Angeles County being approved to date.
“It’s just a culture of bureaucracy,” Steven Greenhut, the director of the Pacific Research Institute’s Free Cities Center, told the Daily Caller News Foundation. “Doing anything in this state is just so difficult that you can’t just wave the magic wand and have that whole process go away.”
Los Angeles County, which oversees rebuilding in unincorporated areas like the neighborhood of Altadena and some areas that burned in the Palisades Fire, has issued only 31 permits of the 837 applications received as of June 17, according to the county’s permitting dashboard. The dashboard currently tracks residential permits for single-family homes, multi-family residences, and accessory dwelling units and may exclude other permits such as those for commercial buildings or garages, a county public information officer told the Daily Caller News Foundation.
The pace is better in the city of Los Angeles, where 114 permits out of 518 applications have been issued, according to a city official. However, this figure includes various related permits, such as site clearance, and does not solely represent rebuilding permits.
In Pasadena, only one rebuilding permit has been issued, with 12 still awaiting approval, a city official told the DCNF. In Malibu, none of the three submitted building check plans have been approved yet, according to the city’s dashboard.
State and local efforts have been made to streamline the permit approval process, though many residents have still voiced frustration over the speed of progress.
Newsom has signed several executive orders to expedite recovery, such as one waiving the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and California Coastal Act (CCA) permitting requirements, which are often blamed for project delays, for many buildings impacted by the fires. Bass signed an executive order directing applicable city departments to complete initial permitting reviews for reconstruction within 30 days.
“I’m all for this, but we need to do more,” Greenhut said. “After the wildfires, it would be really helpful if the state were to reform CEQA entirely rather than on a piecemeal basis.”
The fires’ destruction further strained California’s already costly housing market, where the median home price topped $900,000 in 2024. About 56% of the state’s shrinking population has considered leaving due to the exorbitant cost of living, a 2024 Emerson College poll found.
Following the fires, Los Angeles residents sharply criticized Newsom and Bass for poor leadership and inadequate emergency preparedness. Many locals said that the disaster exposed deeper failures in managing public safety, fueling growing distrust of California’s Democratic leaders.
The exact cause of the fires is still under investigation, but several lawsuits are attributing the blame to utility companies. One such lawsuit, filed by Los Angeles County, alleges that the Southern California Edison electric utility company is responsible for the fire in Eaton.
Others have called on the state’s Democratic leaders to take accountability for the inadequate management of forested areas and water policies, which they argue exacerbated the situation.
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Three Reasons a Coffee Gift Set From This Christian Company Is Perfect for Christmas
When you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, useful, and rooted in faith, you don’t want to settle for anything generic. This season is filled with noise — mass-produced products, last-minute picks, and trends that fade as quickly as they appear. But one gift stands apart because it blends genuine quality with a message that matters: a coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee.
This small Christian-owned company has become a favorite among believers who want to support faith-driven businesses while giving friends and family something they’ll actually enjoy. Here are three reasons a Promised Grounds Coffee gift set may be the most thoughtful and impactful present you give this year.
1. It’s Truly Delicious Coffee
Too many “gift-worthy” coffees look beautiful in the package but disappoint when the cup is poured. Promised Grounds takes the opposite approach — exceptional taste first, thoughtful presentation second.
Their beans are sourced with care, roasted in small batches, and crafted to bring out a rich, smooth flavor profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and true coffee lovers. Whether someone enjoys bold, dark roasts or lighter, more delicate blends, every sip reflects quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest specialty brands.
Simply put: this coffee is good. Really good. Some say it’s absolutely fantastic. If you want a gift that won’t be re-gifted, ignored, or shoved in a cabinet, this is it.
2. It Spreads the Word While Serving a Real Purpose
There are many Christian gifts that are meaningful… but not exactly practical. There are also useful gifts that have nothing to do with faith. Promised Grounds Coffee bridges both worlds beautifully.
Each gift set delivers an encouraging, faith-centered message through its packaging and presentation — a simple but powerful reminder of God’s goodness during the Christmas season. The cups are especially popular and serve as a daily reminder of the blessings from our Lord. At the same time, the product itself is something people will actually use and appreciate every single day.
It’s a gift that uplifts the spirit and fills the mug. A gift that points loved ones toward Scripture while still being part of the normal rhythm of life. And in a culture that increasingly pushes faith to the margins, giving a gift that quietly but confidently honors Christ can make a deeper impact than you might expect.
3. It’s Affordable, Valuable, and Elegantly Presented
Many people want to give something meaningful without breaking their Christmas budget. Promised Grounds Coffee strikes that perfect balance — the sets look and feel premium, but the price remains accessible.
The packaging is classy, clean, and gift-ready, making it ideal for:
- Family members of all ages
- Co-workers or employees
- Church friends or small-group leaders
- Hosts, neighbors, and last-minute gift needs
It’s the kind of gift that feels more expensive than it is — and more thoughtful than most of what you’ll find on store shelves.
The Perfect Blend of Faith, Flavor, and Christmas Cheer
A coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee checks every box: a gift that tastes amazing, conveys your faith, supports a Christian business, and brings daily enjoyment to the person who receives it. In a season when so many gifts are forgotten, this one stands out for all the right reasons.
If you want a Christmas present that reflects your values and delivers genuine joy, Promised Grounds Coffee is the perfect place to start.