Mayor Karen Bass and billionaire developer Rick Caruso, former rivals for the city's top office, appeared together at a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Palisades Recreation Center, signaling a potential thaw in their relationship.
The joint appearance occurred Tuesday at the site of the future recreation center, intended to replace a facility destroyed in the 2025 Palisades fire. Caruso, who ran against Bass in the 2022 mayoral election, offered praise for the mayor's leadership in forging a significant public-private partnership for the project.
“What was important about the mayor’s leadership is she rallied the troops together in the city. She set out to break new ground by forming this massive public private partnership that has never been done before,” Caruso stated, referring to Bass as a “great leader.” However, when questioned by reporters about a potential endorsement for Bass's re-election campaign, Caruso remained noncommittal, describing both Bass and her challenger, Council Member Traci Raman, as “tough choices” and adding, “I don’t think either option is great.”
Mayor Bass, when asked by The Times if she would welcome Caruso’s endorsement, deflected the question, stating the event was “not political.” An aide subsequently interrupted further comment from the mayor.
Caruso, a Palisades resident whose family lost homes in the fire, had previously been a vocal critic of Bass, particularly concerning her handling of the fire's aftermath. He had accused the mayor of “cover[ing] up a report meant to examine the most significant disaster in Los Angeles history.” Despite these past criticisms, Caruso's tone on Tuesday was notably more positive, celebrating the commencement of the recreation center's construction. The project is funded entirely by philanthropic donations, with Caruso's nonprofit, Steadfast LA, contributing to the over $40 million raised.
The recreation center project also involves JJ Redick, the Lakers coach, whose nonprofit LA Strong Sports is participating in the rebuilding and fundraising efforts. Redick likened the dynamic between Bass and Caruso to the imperfect, yet ultimately functional, connections often seen in sports teams.
While Caruso has expressed reservations about Bass's tenure, his public stance has softened as the election approaches. He mentioned plans to meet with challenger Traci Raman soon to discuss her candidacy. Caruso, who switched his party registration to Democrat in 2022, could potentially influence voter blocs, though his alignment might also present challenges with more progressive voters. He has recently voiced concerns online and in media appearances regarding the policies of the Democratic Socialists of America, a group that has endorsed Raman.
