A volunteer “ambassador” for Malibu’s fire rebuilding efforts says he has resigned — and he’s calling on the mayor to step down too.
Abe Roy made the announcement last month, citing frustration over the slow pace of permitting and construction in the wake of January’s Palisades Fire. Around 720 structures burned in Malibu. Since then, only two permits to rebuild have been issued. Another 69 properties have gotten preliminary plan approvals.
“Two permits issued in nearly 10 months is an abomination by any standard,” Roy told the City Council.
A longtime resident and builder, Roy was appointed by the council on May 21 to help ensure a speedy process. The council had not intended to extend his contract. Malibu says the Rebuild Ambassador position was always a temporary one, with a three-month term that ended in August.
Roy has been critical of the city’s progress on rebuilding, and he recently pointed fingers at Mayor Marianne Riggins specifically.
“Given the urgent need to better manage fire rebuilds and improve Malibu’s scorecard — acknowledge and take action to resolve process issues and hire a City Manager — you may consider gracefully stepping down and handing the mantle of leadership at this crucial time to someone adept at managing through crisis,” Roy said a recent email.
Read more at the Los Angeles Times.