All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg Rick Caruso on California’s Collapse: Broken Leadership, LA Wildfire Failures & the Fix
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Sep 30, 2025 
Rick Caruso, a prominent real estate developer known for iconic projects like The Grove, discusses the dire state of California with input on leadership failures during the recent LA wildfires. He shares his proactive approach to protecting his community, including organizing private firefighting. Caruso critiques the slow rebuilding process hindered by red tape, emphasizes the need for accountability in politics, and outlines his vision for addressing homelessness and public safety while considering a run for governor or mayor.
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Private Predeployment Saved The Palisades
- Rick Caruso stayed in town and pre-deployed private firefighters, water trucks, and retardant to protect Palisades Village before the winds hit.
- His team saved the village, lent equipment to LAFD, and filled gaps when hydrants failed.
Red Tape Slowed Rebuilding
- Rebuilding in fire zones is being delayed mainly by bureaucratic red tape and understaffed city plan checkers working from home.
- Rapid on-site plan review and deploying staff to affected communities would speed recovery significantly.
Stagnation Breeds Decision Paralysis
- Caruso attributes municipal failures to incompetence, stagnation, and lack of urgency causing decision paralysis.
- He argues frozen leaders produce poor outcomes because they avoid making necessary choices.