Records LA – City Hall Newsletter
Good morning! It’s Noah Goldberg here, joined by David Zanizer, bringing you updates on city and county government.
Los Angeles City Council Member Monica Rodriguez confirmed she’s not running—at least, not yet. But her recent activity on Instagram has sparked curiosity.
She shared a reel showcasing her footlocker and soliciting recommendations for running shoes. “I’m more of a ground pedestrian,” Rodriguez said during her interview with the Times on Tuesday. “We needed new shoes. I’ve got supportive shoes for whatever’s next, and something’s coming soon.”
Rodriguez has acquired the Cloud 6 running shoes featured in her video. Meanwhile, there are whispers about her possibly contemplating a campaign—maybe not a marathon, but certainly a political run.
She’s reportedly considering options for the upcoming 2026 elections, including a challenge against Mayor Karen Bass. Other possibilities include running against Controller Kenneth Mejia or even pursuing reelection for her own council seat.
“She’s clearly exploring her choices,” noted Sam Ibli, attorney and chairman of the Thrive LA board. He commented on her post with applause emojis, indicating support.
While Rodriguez hasn’t confirmed her 2026 plans, she mentioned that more social media updates are on the way, hinting at a potential run for “something.”
Rodriguez has been a vocal critic of Bass, particularly regarding the mayor’s involvement in the Safe Neighborhoods initiative. She has pointed out the lack of transparency and has urged the council to address homelessness issues head-on, despite initially voting for the mayoral emergency declaration.
Rodriguez emphasized that she and fellow council members have had to push for details on Safe Neighborhoods, including where cleanup operations were conducted and what became of the displaced homeless residents.
Her criticism also extends to the mayor’s decision to fire Fire Chief Christine Crowley following January’s wildfires, alleging that Bass deflected blame onto Crowley to avoid accountability for her own absence during the crisis.
Rodriguez first took office in District 7 in 2017 and was re-elected in 2022. If she opts to run for mayor, she’d be the first major contender against Bass.
There’s speculation about Rick Caruso, billionaire owner of the Glove Shopping Mall, potentially entering the race again after losing previously to Bass, although he may also be eyeing a governor’s run. Both he and Rodriguez are said to be more conservative compared to Bass.
Rodriguez has yet to launch her reelection campaign, and the timeline for her decision remains uncertain.
“I’ve heard the rumors about her potential mayoral run,” commented Michael Ebenkamp, a former president of the North Hills District Council. “The question is whether she will pursue her council seat or something bigger.”
Political consultant Rick Taylor expressed interest in Rodriguez’s potential candidacy but remains skeptical about her willingness to commit. “She’s interesting. But I doubt she’ll go for it,” he said.
Taylor noted the significant financial commitment required for a serious mayoral campaign, estimating that Rodriguez would need to raise between $8 to $10 million to be competitive. “Monica isn’t Rick Caruso; she doesn’t have his financial leverage,” he remarked, suggesting she’ll likely remain a council member in District 7.
The State of Play
– Best Decision: The Supreme Court recently ruled that immigration agents can stop and detain individuals based solely on suspicions related to their appearance or language, overturning a previous order from a LA judge.
– Unfinished Business: Late-night developments saw Mayor Bass collaborate with Bob Hertzberg, a former state assembly speaker, to push a rewritten version of the mansion tax aimed at increasing housing production. Ultimately, Bass decided to stall the proposal for further revisions.
– Wage Debate: Business groups failed to gather enough signatures to challenge minimum wage increases for hotel and airport workers, as city officials indicated they fell short in efforts to overturn a recent ordinance.
– Housing Bill Progress: A contentious housing bill that expands building allowances near public transport has moved closer to law, recently passing the California Legislature.
– Chief Update: Mayor Bass appointed Mitch Cummin as her new Chief of Staff, marking a third transition within three years, as he replaces Carolyn Webb de Macias.
– Renovation Costs: Renovations to the Los Angeles Convention Center now carry a $2.7 billion price tag, increasing by nearly $500 million since last reported.
– Emergency Status: Santa Monica has declared a financial emergency, largely triggered by legal costs exceeding $200 million linked to sexual abuse allegations involving former police personnel.
– Amnesty Constraints: A US district judge extended restrictions preventing federal agents and LAPD from targeting reporters and non-violent protesters with non-lethal ammunition.
– New Appointment: Mayor Bass appointed Patrice Latimore as the new city clerk, previously managing various operational functions since 2018.
– Program Merger: Two civic leadership programs have merged to form a single California Coro program, boasting notable alumni, including former senators.
Quick Hits
- Local Cleanup: The mayor’s recent efforts targeted Council District 9, clearing encampments near the Brotherhood Crusades and Elementary School to improve local safety.
- Upcoming Reports: A report on Latimore’s appointment is set to be reviewed by the Government Steering Committee next Tuesday.
Let’s Stay In Touch
That wraps up this week’s updates! Feel free to reach out with any questions or comments at laontherecord@latimes.com. If someone forwarded this to you, consider signing up to receive it in your inbox every Saturday morning.
