Opinion: Look for a ‘Jerry Brown for Governor’ bumper sticker on Rick Caruso’s car

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I spent Boxing Day afternoon, Dec. 26, talking with Rick Caruso, the billionaire creator of the Grove and the Americana developments, L.A. philanthropist and a man whose name is still bruited about as a possible contender for mayor of L.A. -- a sort of Schwarzenegger Republican is how he regards himself, a pragmatist, not a party guy.

How pragmatic? He’s endorsing Jerry Brown for governor. It was Brown’s performance as Oakland mayor that got Caruso’s attention:

‘That’s what really got me focusing on the importance a mayor can make in a city. I think Jerry did a great job in Oakland. Great job. And that’s why I’m going to support him as governor. And I’m going to probably piss off a lot of my Republican friends, which is fine. But Jerry -- I’m eager to see him have a chance. He’s a great guy. He’s a fun guy. Very smart’

Read ‘Patt Morrison Asks,’ my Q and A with Rick Caruso, scheduled for this coming Saturday in the op-ed pages of the Los Angeles Times.

-- Patt Morrison