Overview
- Beutner formally entered the race Monday with a four‑minute video and posts on X, arguing Los Angeles is “adrift” and pledging action on homelessness, public safety and housing costs.
- He faults Mayor Karen Bass for what he calls a failure of leadership during January’s Palisades fire, citing broken hydrants, a disabled reservoir and staffing decisions as evidence that the buck stops with the mayor.
- His critique draws on last week’s LAFD after‑action report that found poor communication, inexperienced leadership, resource shortfalls and recall problems, as well as recent federal charges tied to the blaze.
- Bass’s campaign pushed back, pointing to reported progress that includes two consecutive yearly declines in homelessness, citywide drops in violent crime and homicides at their lowest levels in 60 years.
- A former deputy mayor, LAUSD superintendent and LA Times publisher, Beutner says he voted for Bass in 2022; his entry makes him the first high‑profile challenger and increases attention on whether Rick Caruso will run.