Mayor Bass, Chief Recovery Officer Steve Soboroff discuss recovery efforts near Palisades Fire zone

Mayor Karen Bass and newly named Chief Recovery Officer Steve Soboroff met Monday near the Palisades Fire zone to discuss recovery efforts, promising to "maximize resources and minimize time" to get residents back in their community.

"We're working on a system to minimize recovery," Soboroff said.   

The two city leaders joined residents and media for a walk-and-talk through the ravaged neighborhoods in the Pacific Palisades. All affected residents were allowed to briefly return to their homes for the first time since the fire started three weeks ago. 

Bass warned that there were still a lot of toxins in the air and people could not stay too long for health reasons. Soboroff said the rebuilding process will start with the Environmental Protection Agency's $100 million hazardous material removal which has enlisted the help of more than 500 personnel. 

Soboroff called this Phase 1 of the city's recovery efforts. He couldn't provide a specific timeline for this phase but suggested it could take one week to three months. 

He also mentioned a soon-to-be-launched app that will clarify the process, including answers regarding resident's properties. 

"We're not rebuilding to have this happen again," Soboroff said during the walk-and-talk.

Bass added that once hazardous materials have been removed, homeowners will have two options for Phase 2: removal of the rest of the debris. 

"Once the toxins have been removed, then the owner has a choice," Bass said. "They can do it at no cost with the Army Corps of Engineers or they can do it themselves."

Bass also said there will be a disaster rebuilding center opening soon, where residents can one-stop-shop with 12 city departments to expedite permitting and more.

The 23,448-acre Palisades Fire exploded in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood on Jan.7. By nightfall, the blaze had left several communities unrecognizable. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for thousands of residents.

Crews battling the flames were up against strong Santa Ana winds that carried embers and ignited hot spots. The damaging wind gusts prevented water-dropping aircraft from flying until weather conditions improved.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed 12 deaths related to the Palisades Fire. Firefighting efforts have significantly improved and the fire is mostly contained, according to Cal Fire.

Soboroff said he had a 10-point plan that he would initiate on his first day of duty.

"This is about the victims...it's about restoring community because without community, people are lost," Soboroff said.

Bass named Soboroff, a former police commissioner and advisor to the late former Mayor Richard Riordan, leader of the city's rebuilding efforts in the widespread aftermath of the wildfire.

"Steve Soboroff's name is attached to hope," Bass said when announcing his role. "He will recommend a comprehensive city strategy for rebuilding and for expediting. Expediting is a very important word here. We want to expedite the return of residents, businesses, schools, nonprofits and parks."