It took four years, but Karen Bass finally shows flashes of common sense

After a rough four years as mayor, Karen Bass showed flashes of common sense on Friday in an exclusive interview with The California Post.It was a welcome acknowledgment by LA’s top elected official that she’ll need to do better — and address some issues differently — if she wins a second term.Bass told The Post that if reelected, she plans improvements in two key areas.  The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story First, she’ll push to expand the undermanned LA Police Department.

Second, she’ll work to revamp the city’s failing approach to homelessness.Good: Admitting the need for change — obvious though it may be — is the first step toward a safer, stronger, more livable LA. And the mayor’s right to focus on public safety and homelessness, even if she might have done so sooner. California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedInCalifornia Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, XCalifornia Post Opinion California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!California Post App: Download here!Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell told The Post in July that his department needs 12,500 officers to keep Angelenos safe.The city has about 8,550 — and a radical-left City Council that wants to cut further, or at best let the PD atrophy.“Staffing up the department after years of decline is one of my top priorities,” Bass said on Friday, adding that she fully supports McDonnell.That’s as it should be: Public safety is the most fundamental responsibility of any municipal government.Bass said she’d slice red tape to accelerate hiring, with a goal of reaching 9,500 officers before the 2028 LA Olympics.By contrast: Bass’ opponent, Nithya Raman, called McDonnell a fascist and ...