Work in Progress: Mayor Karen Bass

Podcast: Work in Progress with Sophia Bush
Host: Sophia Bush
Guest: Mayor Karen Bass, 43rd Mayor of Los Angeles
Release Date: June 12, 2025

Introduction

In the June 12, 2025 episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush, host Sophia Bush engages in a profound and timely conversation with Mayor Karen Bass, the 43rd mayor of Los Angeles. The episode delves into the myriad challenges facing Los Angeles amidst national political turbulence, focusing on public health, immigration policies, and community resilience.

Mayor Karen Bass's Background

Sophia opens the discussion by highlighting Mayor Bass's extensive background in public health and community organizing. With degrees spanning emergency medicine, philosophy, and extensive experience in the US House of Representatives and California State Assembly, Bass embodies a multifaceted approach to governance and community service.

Sophia Bush [03:10]:
"Mayor Bass has carried her passion for public health through her entire career, her many degrees, and she has been a community organizer for nearly as long."

Current Challenges Facing Los Angeles

The conversation shifts to the pressing issues currently impacting Los Angeles, particularly the aggressive immigration enforcement actions emanating from the White House. Sophia expresses concern over the administration's policies that threaten to undermine public health services, deregulate environmental protections, and destabilize low-income families.

Sophia Bush [06:33]:
"One in 9 Americans lives in California and 1 in 35 Americans lives in Los Angeles County. There are 40 states in this country with less population than we have in LA County."

Impact of Federal Policies on LA

Mayor Bass addresses the recent ICE raids in Los Angeles, emphasizing their disproportionate impact on immigrant communities. She underscores the emotional and economic toll these actions have on families and the broader community.

Mayor Karen Bass [17:56]:
"We have no idea how long this is going to go on. Is it going to be every day? How many are they going to do a day? Where is it going to be?"
Sophia Bush [20:05]:
"They’re deporting U.S. citizens. They’re deporting our kids. This is not acceptable."

Dealing with Misinformation

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on combating misinformation and disinformation surrounding the ICE raids and their consequences. Mayor Bass highlights the role of social media in exacerbating fear and misunderstanding among the public.

Mayor Karen Bass [10:52]:
"Everything was fine. There was nothing happening on Thursday, that warranted Friday, and then that led into Saturday, Sunday, and Monday."

Sophia Bush [12:35]:
"If we don't know our history, we're doomed to repeat it."

Community Impact and Responses

Mayor Bass elaborates on the economic ramifications of the raids, noting the vital roles immigrants play in sectors like construction, hospitality, and manufacturing. She underscores the fear and uncertainty inflicted on the community, which disrupts daily life and economic stability.

Sophia Bush [41:37]:
"It’s not so much the numbers, because we don't even know the numbers. But when you do things like this, then people don’t want to go to work. They’re afraid to go to work."

Strategies for Empowering Residents

The interview concludes with actionable strategies to empower residents amid these challenges. Mayor Bass emphasizes the importance of community awareness, education about legal rights, and fostering solidarity to navigate and resist oppressive policies.

Mayor Karen Bass [45:00]:
"The most important thing is for people to be well informed about their rights… knowing the specific questions to answer is what people need to make sure that they're well educated about."

Sophia Bush [44:58]:
"For those of us who want to know how to defend our neighbors… do you want us to know right now?"

Conclusion

Sophia and Mayor Bass wrap up the conversation on a note of resilience and hope, acknowledging the strength of the Los Angeles community in the face of adversity. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles and the collective effort required to foster a safe, inclusive, and thriving city.

Mayor Karen Bass [46:11]:
"Always thank you so much for what you do for our city, Mayor."

Sophia Bush [46:13]:
"Bye bye."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Sophia Bush [03:10]:
  "Mayor Bass has carried her passion for public health through her entire career, her many degrees, and she has been a community organizer for nearly as long."

• Sophia Bush [06:33]:
  "One in 9 Americans lives in California and 1 in 35 Americans lives in Los Angeles County. There are 40 states in this country with less population than we have in LA County."

• Mayor Karen Bass [10:52]:
  "Everything was fine. There was nothing happening on Thursday, that warranted Friday, and then that led into Saturday, Sunday, and Monday."

• Sophia Bush [12:35]:
  "If we don't know our history, we're doomed to repeat it."

• Sophia Bush [20:05]:
  "They’re deporting U.S. citizens. They’re deporting our kids. This is not acceptable."

• Sophia Bush [41:37]:
  "It’s not so much the numbers, because we don't even know the numbers. But when you do things like this, then people don’t want to go to work. They’re afraid to go to work."

• Mayor Karen Bass [45:00]:
  "The most important thing is for people to be well informed about their rights… knowing the specific questions to answer is what people need to make sure that they're well educated about."

This episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush offers an insightful exploration of the complexities facing Los Angeles under current federal policies, highlighting Mayor Karen Bass's leadership and the resilience of the community. Through candid dialogue and actionable insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between local governance and national politics.