Palisades Fire trial begins as LA rebuilds

The federal arson trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht for the Palisades Fire began Monday in Los Angeles. - Rinderknecht, 29, is accused of starting a fire on Jan.

1, 2025, that smoldered and flared up, killing 12 and destroying thousands of homes. - The defense claims the Los Angeles Fire Department failed to fully extinguish the initial blaze, but the judge barred such evidence.

- The Pacific Palisades community is slowly rebuilding, with only 17 of 450+ construction projects certified for occupancy. - The fire has become a key issue in Mayor Karen Bass's reelection campaign.

The trial is expected to last two weeks.