Comments
WESTSIDE - On a bright and sunny Saturday afternoon, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was in full-campaign mode as she addressed about 100 or so members of the West Los Angeles Democrats on a wide-ranging discussion that included homelessness, crime, the DWP, LAPD, the current budget and a host of other issues facing the country's second largest municipality.
Looking energetic in a smart-looking pink suit and matching blouse and shoes, the Mayor collected a series of questions and comments from the audience.
The event began with comments and analysis by David Dayen, a long-time club member, media personality and the Executive Editor at The American Prospect, a progressive policy magazine focusing on economics, labor, health care, and more. Dayen often appears on news segments and live shows to analyze political and legislative developments. Dayen gave his overview on the recently passed, "Big Beautiful Bill" signed into law on the Fourth of July by President Donald Trump.
The term “Big Beautiful Bill” refers to this sweeping piece of legislation introduced by the GOP and backed by the President. The bill which recently passed on thin party line votes in both houses of congress seeks to overhaul Medicaid along with other safety net programs. Critics argue it entails deep cuts and restructuring that could, as Dayen put it, "hurt countless people."
In a recent segment on The Valley Labor Report, Dayen emphasized that these Medicaid cuts under the “Big Beautiful Bill” would have serious consequences for vulnerable populations, including low-income families, seniors, and the disabled. He broke down how the policy would roll back key protections and shift substantial financial burdens onto states and individuals—potentially scaling back coverage or increasing costs.
David Dayen
Mayor Bass then took to the podium with a resounding applause from those in attendance, as she mentioned this was a the second of three "Town Halls" with various constituencies from around Los Angeles.
Bass began her remarks detailing how the federal government's handling of immigration raids around the city have in fact, unified Los Angeles and the "human toll of missing people" is a profound economic blow to the economy as these raids have actually decreased traffic, while creating a fear that rivals the initial impact of the COVID crisis some five years ago.
Bass was proud to announce that overall homelessness is down, and that those numbers have been verified by RAND as well as USC beyond the findings of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Agency or LAHSA. Bass also pointed out a reduction in violent crime, while managing the wildfire recovery in the Pacific Palisades proving this administration can walk and chew gum at the same time!
Describing the wildfires as the worst natural disaster in city history, Bass thanked the Army Corp of Engineers for their swift action as some 700 permits were being processed for reconstruction at this time.
Bass said she "feels good about our city," and that in many ways tragedy has brought LA together.
From a political perspective, she called upon those in attendance to help "take back the house," as the reaction to Trump's assault on undocumented workers and cuts to Medicare and Medicaid.
On the issue of nuclear energy and those facilities, she would report back with information from the Department of Water & Power or DWP.
One Venice resident was concerned about the proliferation of evictions of longtime tenants, referencing RSO and Ellis Act legislation. The Mayor responded that the loss of "covenant" housing which is expiring on rent stabilized units is another concern. She also offered that a special Mayor's Fund will be used to help those facing eviction and assist in tenant/landlord disputes. Bass also mentioned cash assistance for those in such dire circumstances.
Executive board member Mike Newhouse, a candidate to succeed Ben Allen in the California State Senate asked the Mayor about enforcing anti-camping legislation which she replied, "possibly in the future, but not now."
Cara Robin, Club President – Mayor Bass – Mike Newhouse
The Mayor pressed for additional interim housing and saw no reason to ticket those who cannot afford to make payment.
Getting back to ICE raids, LAPD was not initially notified on June 6th, and many members of the National Guard had little, if nothing to do. Bass remarked that many were reduced to "playing video games."
While ICE did seek local intervention, it was provided by LA County Sheriff Robert Luna. But at the end of the day, Bass appealed to the federal government that these raids "end period."
With a LA metropolitan population of some 3.9 million residents, 49% are of Latino heritage. Bass accused these raids as being arbitrary and insensitive, and disrupting the fabric of the community.
"They need to cease," offered Bass.
Getting back to homelessness, Bass observed that encampments were reduced, but RVs remained a challenge. She stated that when encampments are dispersed, there is a marked reduction in crime and that a great source of fires in Los Angeles are from these encampments.
According to Bass, past homeless policies never had a goal to end homelessness but just manage the crisis with a housing first policy.
Bass was concerned that mental illness has become a civil liberties issue and challenged the notion of individuals with mental illness remain on the streets without the services required for recovery.
While Bass believes in permanent housing, there must be wrap around services and that hotels are "far too expensive" as she wants to fast track 20,000 units that are still years away.
Regarding the current budget crisis, Bass indicated that the layoffs have been whittled down to about 500 and hopes that number could be reduced to "0" with cooperation from the city's numerous collective bargaining units.
The Mayor noted that while street homelessness has witnessed a "physical improvement," Skid Row remains the greatest challenge with thousands still on the streets downtown.
Regarding preparation for the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the Super Bowl in 2027 and the Summer Olympics in 2028, there will be no real infrastructure investment, rather relying on current facilities such as SOFI stadium and the Los Angeles Coliseum which is receiving some $100 million in upgrades.
The FIFA World Cup is expected draw a $594 million dollar impact while the 2027 Super Bowl is expecting to draw a $1 billion regional windfall. But the 2028 Summer Olympics is estimated to have an economic impact of $18 billion dollars or the equivalent of "seven Super Bowls per day for thirty days."
The Mayor then took part in some photos, glad-handing and good wishes as she departed for an event in the Valley.
Today we saw a rejuvenated Karen Bass running on her resume and record as the primary season will go into full swing this fall as the field becomes complete.
(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-two-year resident of Venice who will be covering the 2026 race for mayor from a Westside perspective. Have a take or a tip? Contact him via e-mail at [email protected])
