Metallic grinding sounds mark the start of the day, as contractors report to work in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, California. One year after the fires, construction has begun on just about 500 of the more than 16,000 structures lost, with only a few homes fully rebuilt.
Karen Martinez is one of the lucky ones. Navigating the complex web of permits, insurance payouts and rising construction costs, she started rebuilding her home in Malibu in October.
Asked if it was an easy decision for her to break ground and rebuild, Martinez replied,
One year after California wildfires, progress is slow in rebuilding
