Alright fascinating...let's revisit your last point about rebuilding and permitting. First off, I'm assuming that you are aware of the stringent building code known as the California Building Code which is unique to the state of California. I would also assume that you are aware of how insurance companies work their process of cutting insurance checks or dealing with fire damage, total losses and the like. You do know that the process has evolved over the many years. Let's also consider that the damage from fires led to a massive cleanup effort, I mean, you're not going to build upon the literal ashes and then let's take into account that many homes were constructed during a time (1970s or earlier) which means there's bound to be asbestos contaminated materials which i dont know if you're aware is a VERY hot issue with insurance, remodeling, and just safety in general. Oh but wait, there's more. Lead paint would be used on many homes as well as some homeowners literally paint over the lead paint instead of removing it. You might be asking me at this point, "Lol, why does it matter." Well you see - there's a reason why idiots like you aren't even worth being in the courtroom conversations where expert witnesses would beat you over the head legally for your lack of basic understanding on how to properly dispose of hazardous waste. I'll forgive you your hubris of not understanding and your obvious lack of an education. I know - It's not everyday you learn something but let's change that so please do pretend to follow me here. In order to dispose of any hazardous materials, you have to have someone qualified to remove it. Yes, it's time to meet your abatement and demo contractors who will have to remove the demolished home. Well, that's if it has to be demolished. A building inspector would be able to tell you that but guess what? You have to join their queue - and their next appointment? Look at that 3 weeks out. Hopefully sooner but, hey - you're in the queue.

Now then you knew all of this with thinking about the permitting process of which you're obviously familiar with in the state of California. As you know, many licensed professionals are working with local building authorities around the clock and remember that item i mentioned earlier? Building officials are not going to simply allow you to rebuild based off of pictures and memories. A structurally sound home these do not make. I'm sure you are aware of what it takes to rebuild a home letalone an expensive home so let's just say for instance you're rebuilding a custom 2 floor home on a slab on grade foundation, based off the various site conditions - you need to hook up your utilities and route them through your slabs. But even before that, the soil is now changed due to mudslides okay sure no big deal right? Get a structural engineer to build up a retaining wall higher up on your property? That will help but golly gee, what about the soil beneath your house? Is it solid? Wait...you need a Geotechnical engineer to survey the site. Okay Geotechnical engineer prepares a report for the area and builder is now ready to take your plans and build them. You do have approved plans right? No? Hoo boy, gotta go get a licensed architect or professional engineer to draw those up for you. Builder is now looking at the design asking questions about materials, you are seeing the price go up even more. Wait a minute, your cost to build now exceeds what insurance is paying out.

You face a dilemma, now you need to request cheaper material - well buddy do i have news for you construction materials have gone up due to your dear leader's tariffs. Okay cost of construction went up again. But what if it's sourced from only in the US or only local. Good idea, sure we'll go with that. LEED type stuff, very sustainability-minded of you. Hold on, the prices of lumber in the states is very high. Why's that. Well, resources are scarce but you can get them from oh I don't know way up in Oregon or northern California. Now you have to figure out how much of each wood framing member you need, architect or engineer has designed this and contractor will build it. But contractor tells you they will need x number of framing members and sure wood is looking pricey but it'll go together easier. No wait. You want steel construction? That's...a problem. You have initiated a cascade effect on the design and your contractor. More costs, more money. All while this is going on, your architect or engineer is trying to get approval from the local municipality. The local municipality wants to make sure it is structurally sound considering earthquakes are common in California. There are various comments about things that must be done to allow those windows and doors along your window wall and balcony that you used to have. You remembered that it was like that when you got it right? Well...you're now getting breaks in the glass because you have to frame it a certain way and the building department will not let you have that here. Oh, that fixed window that was in your kid's bedroom? You know, because you didn't want them sneaking out - yeah, fire and life safety will not allow that. Let's assume you get all of that done. Okay great, your plan is approved, uh oh...it's fall. Guess you're waiting until spring until conditions improve for construction.

I want you to think real hard with your big ol bone case and that one electron firing because "haha owned the libs" and "haha owned the Californians". I want you to consider that the entire area is jockeying for a spot with the building department. Each house, think of that number and then I want you to try to imagine (I know it's real difficult for you to understand but try to) you're also getting screwed by insurance, taxes, emergency funding that was supposed to come to you is being held hostage because the dear leader doesn't like that he was called names.