Bass Recall Effort Taps “Major” Funding From Nicole Shanahan
Major Funding for Recall Effort
The recall effort to oust Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is heating up, with “major funding” coming from Nicole Shanahan, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s former running mate and ex-wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin.
Shanahan’s involvement with the Recall Karen Bass Committee was disclosed on the group’s website.
“Los Angeles has endured enough,” Shanahan wrote on X. “Once a city of hope, it’s now overrun with crime, chaos and suffering.”
About the Recall Committee
The recall committee said in a release sent to The Real Deal its proponents are two Democrats, two Republicans, and one independent and that all five were “personally affected by the mayor’s inactions.”
Political strategist and spokesperson for the group Gerald Sirotnak did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday on the names of those individuals.
Sticking Points
Simmering discontent over local leadership during and since the Palisades and Eaton fires appears to be the group’s lead sticking point. Although, it’s taken up several ongoing points of tension in the city around housing needs, safety, and an improved disaster response system.
“This effort is about ensuring Los Angeles has leadership that meets the moment,” the group said in its release, which claimed “thousands” in the city have said they would sign a recall petition.
Key Players
Los Angeles-area agent, Sahil Nandwani of brokerage JohnHart Real Estate, serves as the committee’s principal. Reached by phone Tuesday, Nandwani referred any questions on the recall to Sirotnak.
Nandwani is also managing partner at family office Calafia Group and works as an associate at import company Tectron International, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Bass’ political strategist Doug Herman called the recall an “extreme right-wing political stunt designed to divide Los Angeles” in a statement sent to TRD.
Uncertainty Ahead
Whether the effort gains traction is unclear.
One of the loudest Bass critics has been developer and former L.A. mayoral hopeful Rick Caruso. On Tuesday, Caruso called for an independent investigation on the circumstances leading up to the fires, declaring on X, “We need it now.”
The shopping center owner hasn’t said anything publicly on whether he supports the recall, and his office didn’t immediately respond to an inquiry on the matter on Wednesday.
Read more
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Conclusion
The recall effort to oust Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has received significant funding from Nicole Shanahan, with the group claiming thousands of supporters. However, the effort’s success remains uncertain, with concerns over local leadership and the impact of the Palisades and Eaton fires on the city’s residents.
FAQs
Q: Who is providing funding for the recall effort?
A: Nicole Shanahan, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s former running mate and ex-wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin.
Q: Who are the proponents of the recall committee?
A: Two Democrats, two Republicans, and one independent, who claim to be personally affected by the mayor’s inactions.
Q: What are the sticking points for the recall effort?
A: Simmering discontent over local leadership during and since the Palisades and Eaton fires, as well as ongoing issues with housing needs, safety, and disaster response.
Q: What is the current status of the recall effort?
A: The effort’s success remains uncertain, with concerns over local leadership and the impact of the Palisades and Eaton fires on the city’s residents.
