Rick Caruso on LA’s Wildfires, Policy Failures, and the Path Forward

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This week on No Priors, Elad sits down with Rick Caruso, LA real estate developer and runner-up in the 2022 mayoral race. With experience serving under three LA mayors, as well as on the police commission and the board of water and power, Rick offers a unique perspective on the systemic failures that contributed to the devastation of the January 2025 wildfires in communities like the Palisades and Altadena. He discusses the steps he took to build more resilient infrastructure in his properties and how California can rebuild smarter to better prepare for future disasters. They also explore the state’s water management, rising crime, and how to leverage California’s vast natural resources and budget to create a better future for all residents.

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Show Notes

0:00 Introduction

0:56 Caruso’s history in business and public service

3:36 Failures in fire prevention and response

5:58 How Caruso’s properties survived

8:26 Water shortages and infrastructure failures

9:47 Arson, looting, and crime in LA

15:03 Rebuilding

20:50 Allocating California’s resources effectively

26:15 Caruso’s future plans