On Friday, we noted the disgraceful situation in Los Angeles, where after nearly a year, 90% of the homeowners whose houses burned down are still waiting for permit approval to rebuild. But not too far away, in San Diego, President Trump may be considering opening federal land for new housing development.

Trump is reportedly zeroing in on Camp Pendleton, the Marine base between Orange and San Diego counties in California. It has 17 miles of coastline and 175 square miles that represent the biggest undeveloped piece of the California coastline.

In August, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan toured the base and opened discussions about possibly leasing part of the land. He is said to believe that careful development can coexist with the Marine Corps’ use of the base and generate large revenues. He’s right.

Next, Trump should help lower housing costs by empowering Doug Burgum at Interior to free up federal urban lands near such urban areas as Albuquerque, Las Vegas, L.A., and Salt Lake City.