Story perspectives

Mayor Bass Cites Rinderknecht Arson Trial, Judge Blocks Defense Evidence

6/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The federal arson trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht is a focal point in Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s campaign.
Rinderknecht, 29, pleaded not guilty to the 2025 Palisades Fire.
Defense attorney Steve Haney argues Rinderknecht is scapegoated for fire department’s failure to extinguish the blaze.
Judge Anne Hwang barred the defense from presenting fire-department negligence evidence.
17 of 450 projects have certification, while a hair salon and a cafe have reopened.

History

Historical Context

A Malibu wildfire in the 1990s continued a pattern that began with the 1993 Old Topanga blaze, which destroyed 739 homes and pushed the city to adopt the nation’s strictest fire codes. Governor Pete Wilson’s emergency response to those storms later shaped statewide mitigation funding and preparedness initiatives for future.

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Story summary

The federal arson trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht is a focal point in Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s campaign.
Rinderknecht, 29, pleaded not guilty to the 2025 Palisades Fire.
Defense attorney Steve Haney argues Rinderknecht is scapegoated for fire department’s failure to extinguish the blaze.
Judge Anne Hwang barred the defense from presenting fire-department negligence evidence.
17 of 450 projects have certification, while a hair salon and a cafe have reopened.

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