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{{Short description|American businessman, developer, politician, and philanthropist (born 1959)}}
{{merge to|Caruso Affiliated|discuss=Talk:Rick J. Caruso|date=September 2011}}
{{Pp-30-500|small=yes}}
'''Rick Joseph Caruso,''' is founder and chief executive officer of [[Caruso Affiliated]], one of the largest privately-held real estate companies in the United States,<ref name="SBonline">{{cite web|url=http://www.sbnonline.com/2012/07/rick-j-caruso-founder-and-ceo-caruso-affiliated/|title=Rick J. Caruso, founder and CEO, Caruso Affiliated|publisher=Smart Business|date=1 July 2012}}</ref> with a portfolio of the retail and mixed-use properties that attract tens of millions of guests each year.<ref name="moodie">{{cite web|url=http://www.moodiereport.com/print.php?c_id=&doc_id=31072|title=Shilla/ARI bid for LAX duty free gets Rick Caruso endorsement|author=Martin Moodie|publisher=The Moodie Report|accessdate=11 May 2013}}</ref> He has been an active [[Los Angeles]] civic leader, serving as President of the Police Commission and Commissioner of the [[Los Angeles Department of Water and Power]]. In 2012, Caruso was listed as one of Los Angeles’ wealthiest residents by the [[Los Angeles Business Journal]], with a net worth of $2.2 billion.<ref name="marginal">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbjonline.com/a2labj/lists/2012-Wealthiest-1-25.pdf|title=Marginal Returns|author=Alfred Lee|publisher=[[Los Angeles Business Journal]]|date=21 May 2012}}</ref>
{{for|the founder and chairman of Integra LifeSciences|Richard Caruso}}
{{use mdy dates|date=March 2019}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Rick Caruso
| image = Rick Caruso, 2015.jpg
| caption = Caruso in 2015
| birth_name = Rick Joseph Caruso
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1959|1|7}}
| birth_place = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], U.S.
| occupation = Real estate developer
| party = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] (2022–present)<ref>{{Cite news |title=Rick Caruso Changes Registration to Democrat as He Weighs a Run for L.A. Mayor |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |last=Oreskes |first=Benjamin |date=January 24, 2022 |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-01-24/prospective-la-mayoral-candidate-rick-caruso-registers-as-democract |accessdate=January 24, 2022}}</ref>
| otherparty = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] (before 2011; 2016–2019)<br>[[Independent politician|Independent]] (2011–2016; 2019–2022)<ref>{{Cite web|title=News Analysis: Rick Caruso was a Republican 3 years ago. Will voters care? |last=Wick |first=Julia |date=June 2, 2022 |work=The Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-06-02/rick-caruso-2022-mayoral-election-republican-transformation |access-date=June 2, 2022}}</ref>
| spouse = Tina Caruso
| children = 4, including [[Gigi Caruso|Gigi]] and [[Justin Caruso|Justin]]
| mother = Gloria Caruso
| father = [[Henry Caruso]]
| education = [[University of Southern California]] ([[Bachelor of Science|BS]])<br>[[Pepperdine University]] ([[Juris Doctor|JD]])
| website = {{URL|https://www.carusocan.com/}}
}}
'''Rick Joseph Caruso''' (born January 7, 1959)<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jan-11-me-caruso11-story.html|title=Developer gets recognition for aid to children|last=Uribarri|first=Adrian G.|date=2007-01-11|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035|access-date=2016-10-06}}</ref> is an American billionaire businessman.<ref name="latimesbillionaire">{{cite news |last=Clendenin |first=Jay L. |date=September 20, 2015 |title=Billionaire developer Rick Caruso, who owns -- among other things -- the Encino Marketplace, the Americana at Brand in Glendale, the Grove and Burton Place Retail Center in Los Angeles, may be one of the candidates in L.A.'s next mayoral election.|url=https://www.latimes.com/la-oew-photo-rick-caruso-photo.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307212009/http://www.latimes.com/la-oew-photo-rick-caruso-photo.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 7, 2016|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=September 20, 2015}}</ref> The founder and former chief executive officer of [[Caruso Affiliated|Caruso]], an American [[real-estate]] company,<ref name="SBonline">{{cite web|url=http://www.sbnonline.com/2012/07/rick-j-caruso-founder-and-ceo-caruso-affiliated/|title=Rick J. Caruso, founder and CEO, Caruso Affiliated|publisher=Smart Business|date=July 1, 2012}}</ref><ref name="moodie">{{cite web|url=http://www.moodiereport.com/print.php?c_id=&doc_id=31072|title=Shilla/ARI bid for LAX duty free gets Rick Caruso endorsement|author=Martin Moodie|publisher=The Moodie Report|access-date=May 11, 2013}}</ref> he is also the chair of the board of trustees at the [[University of Southern California]]. Caruso was previously the president of the [[Los Angeles Police Commission]], a member of the [[Los Angeles Department of Water and Power|Board of Water and Power Commissioners]], and was the runner-up to [[Karen Bass]] in the [[2022 Los Angeles mayoral election]].


==Early Life and Education==
== Early life and education ==
Caruso was born in Los Angeles. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the [[University of Southern California]] in 1980, and graduated from [[Pepperdine University]] in 1983 as a Margaret Martin Block Scholar with a Juris Doctor degree.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://priceschool.usc.edu/alumni/guardian/2007-honorees/caruso/|title=Rick J. Caruso|publisher=USC Price|accessdate=11 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pepperdine.edu/pr/releases/2009/april/rick-caruso-pa-dinner.htm|title=Distinguished Alumnus Rick J. Caruso Addresses Audience at 33rd Annual Associates Dinner|publisher=[[Pepperdine University]]|accessdate=11 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://law.pepperdine.edu/financial-assistance/scholarships-grants/|title=Admissions|publisher=[[Pepperdine University]]|accessdate=11 May 2013}}</ref> In 1995, he was recognized as the Alumnus of the Year by Pepperdine School of Law.<ref name="mooreUSC">{{cite web|url=http://www.usc.edu/uscnews/stories/13534.html|title=Inside the world's biggest airline merger|author=Annette Moore|publisher=USC News|date=March 8, 2007}}</ref>
Caruso, an [[Italian American]], was born in [[Los Angeles]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/oct/13/rick-caruso-italian-white-republican-la-mayor-debate | title='I'm Italian': Los Angeles mayoral contender says he's not white | website=[[TheGuardian.com]] | date=October 13, 2022 }}</ref> His father, [[Henry Caruso]], was the founder of [[Dollar Rent A Car|Dollar Rent-A-Car]] and owner of many car dealerships in the Los Angeles area. His mother Gloria was a billboard model in her youth.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.pressreader.com/usa/los-angeles-times/20171203/283012580066156|title=Gloria and Hank Caruso Had A Romance That Began Like A Scene From A Hollywood Movie |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=3 December 2017 |access-date=2019-03-14}}</ref> Caruso received a Bachelor of Science degree from the [[University of Southern California]] in 1980 (where he was a member of the [[Sigma Alpha Epsilon]] fraternity and the [[Trojan Knights]]); and a [[Juris Doctor|J.D.]] from the [[Pepperdine University School of Law]] in 1983 as a Margaret Martin Brock Scholar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://priceschool.usc.edu/alumni/guardian/2007-honorees/caruso|title=Rick J. Caruso|publisher=USC Price|access-date=May 11, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pepperdine.edu/pr/releases/2009/april/rick-caruso-pa-dinner.htm|title=Distinguished Alumnus Rick J. Caruso Addresses Audience at 33rd Annual Associates Dinner|publisher=[[Pepperdine University]]|access-date=May 11, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://law.pepperdine.edu/financial-assistance/scholarships-grants/|title=Admissions|publisher=[[Pepperdine University]]|access-date=11 May 2013}}</ref>


==Career==
He worked briefly as a real-estate lawyer representing [[Real estate development|developers]] but was soon attracted to the business itself: He "quit practicing law and spent the next 15 years developing industrial buildings in California and elsewhere."<ref>[http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.lapl.org/docview/421342867/1319262E058460E0389/1?accountid=6749 Morris Newman, "Commercial Real Estate: Developer Turns Shopping Malls Into Center of Attention," ''Los Angeles Times,'' November 10, 1998, page C-1] (Library card required.)</ref> He is married to Tina Caruso; the couple has four children.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jan/11/local/me-caruso11 |title=Adrian G. Uribarri, "Developer Gets Recognition for Aid to Children," '&#39;Los Angeles Times,'&#39; January 11, 2007 |publisher=Articles.latimes.com |date=2007-01-11 |accessdate=2011-09-03|quote=For the 2006 holidays, the Carusos visited Para Los Ninos with their four children, who helped hand out food, gift cards and 2-foot-tall teddy bears.}}</ref>
===Real estate development===
Caruso was a real-estate lawyer in the corporate finance department at [[Finley, Kumble, Wagner, Underberg, Manley, Myerson & Casey|Finley Kumble]].<ref name=labusinessjournal>{{cite news|last=Meinert|first=Maya|title=Early Developer|url=http://labusinessjournal.com/accounts/login/?next=/news/2009/mar/16/early-developer|work=LA Business Journal|access-date=May 12, 2013}}</ref> In 1987, he founded Caruso, a company that develops, owns and manages properties. He initially purchased parking lots that his father agreed to lease for Dollar Rent-A-Car which he sold when the property rose in value.<ref name="LAT 2022-06-04">{{Cite news |last1=Vincent |first1=Roger |last2=Hiltzik |first2=Michael |date=2022-06-04 |title=The business of Rick Caruso: How a mayoral candidate amassed his fortune |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2022-06-04/how-rick-caruso-made-his-fortune |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> In 1990, he quit law to develop his retail and residential properties full-time.<ref name="mooreUSC"/><ref name="MorrisN">{{cite news|title=Commercial Real Estate: Developer Turns Shopping Malls Into Center of Attention|author=Morris Newman|date=November 10, 1998|work= [[Los Angeles Times]]|id = {{ProQuest|421342867}}}}</ref>


His projects include [[The Grove at Farmers Market]] in Los Angeles, the [[Americana at Brand]] in Glendale, [[the Commons at Calabasas]], the Promenade at Westlake, The Lakes at Thousands Oaks (leased from the [[Thousand Oaks, California|City of Thousand Oaks]]),<ref>{{Cite news|last=Harris|first=Mike|date=December 1, 2021|title=Divided Thousand Oaks City Council approves planned six-story apartment complex|url=https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/communities/conejo-valley/2021/12/01/thousand-oaks-city-council-approves-planned-apartment-complex/8793608002/|access-date=2022-02-17|newspaper=Ventura County Star|language=en-US}}</ref> Waterside Marina del Rey, Palisades Village in Pacific Palisades and the Rosewood Miramar Beach in Santa Barbara.<ref name=SBonline/><ref name=labusinessjournal/><ref name="LAT 2019-03-03">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rosewood-miramar-hotel-20190303-story.html |title= Grove builder Rick Caruso reimagines Miramar resort with splashes of seaside splendor |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |first=Roger|last=Vincent|date=March 3, 2019|access-date=March 3, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-caruso-palisades-village-20180922-story.html|title=Developer Rick Caruso goes small with new Pacific Palisades shopping district|date=September 22, 2018|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=October 10, 2019}}</ref>
==Career==
Caruso began his professional career as a real estate lawyer working at Finley Kumble<ref name=labusinessjournal>{{cite web|last=Meinert|first=Maya|title=Early Developer|url=http://labusinessjournal.com/accounts/login/?next=/news/2009/mar/16/early-developer/|publisher=LA Business Journal|accessdate=12 May 2013}}</ref> as a member of its corporate finance department. In 1990 he "quit practicing law" and decided to devote his energies to developing retail and residential properties full-time.<ref name=mooreUSC /> <ref>{{cite news|last=Newman|first=Morris|title=Commercial Real Estate: Developer Turns Shopping Malls Into Center of Attention|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=November 10, 1998}}</ref>


In 2015, Caruso funded a voter initiative to bypass local planning laws and the [[California Environmental Quality Act]] in order to build an outdoor mall in [[Carlsbad, California]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Showley |first=Roger |date=August 30, 2015 |title=Caruso project: A model for speedy development? |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/sdut-initiative-caruso-carlsbad-planning-2015aug30-htmlstory.html |access-date=March 18, 2019 |website=[[San Diego Union Tribune]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref> That initiative passed but a subsequent referendum overturned it and required a public vote – Measure A. The measure failed and the mall construction was blocked.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Diehl |first=Phil |date=August 11, 2016 |title=New documents show more Caruso spending |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/sdut-documents-show-caruso-spent-12m-2016aug11-story.html |access-date=March 18, 2019 |website=[[San Diego Union Tribune]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref> All together, Caruso spent $12&nbsp;million in less than a year on getting the project approved.<ref name=":2" /> This spending included television ads, mailers, and consulting services.<ref name=":2" />
In 1987, Caruso founded Caruso Affiliated, a real estate development firm which develops, owns and manages properties such as [[The Grove at Farmers Market]] in Los Angeles, the [[Americana at Brand]] in Glendale, [[The Commons at Calabasas]], The Promenade at Westlake, and the Marina Waterside.<ref name=labusinessjournal /><ref name=SBonline />


In 2016, the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' reported that Caruso, his affiliates and family, had given more than $476,000 to L.A. city officials over the past five years; during this time [[Los Angeles City Hall]] approved numerous building projects.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zahniser |first=David |date=December 28, 2016 |title=Political donations flow as Rick Caruso seeks approval for a 20-story tower near the Beverly Center |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-caruso-developer-donations-20161115-story.html |access-date=March 18, 2019 |website=[[L.A. Times]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Caruso has lectured on real estate issues at the Kennedy School of Public Administration at [[Harvard University]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Caruso! Not the singing one. The talking one. Rick Caruso talks more LA.|url=http://opinion.latimes.com/opinionla/2010/01/caruso-not-the-singing-one-the-talking-one-rick-caruso-talks-more-la.html|publisher=LA Times|accessdate=12 May 2013}}</ref> the University of Southern California School of Policy, Planning, and Development<ref>{{cite web|title=USC 125th Commencement: Speakers at Satellite Ceremonies|url=http://www.usc.edu/uscnews/newsroom/news_release.php?id=408|publisher=University of Southern California|accessdate=12 May 2013}}</ref>and the [[Milken Institute]] Global Conference.<ref name=Milken>{{cite web|title=Global Conference 2013 - Rick Caruso|url=https://www.milkeninstitute.org/events/gcprogram.taf?function=bio&EventID=gc13&SPID=10827|publisher=[[Milken Institute]]|accessdate=12 May 2013}}</ref>


Caruso's company was accused of suppressing free speech over the rejection of an advertisement for a documentary about the [[Armenian Genocide]] at the Americana at Brand in 2015 and in 2017. Americana later reversed its advert decision.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-08-09 |title=Americana's rejection of ad for documentary about genocide causes controversy |language=en-US |work=Glendale News-Press |url=https://www.latimes.com/socal/glendale-news-press/news/tn-gnp-me-anca-americana-20170808-story.html |access-date=2021-02-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-03-14 |title=Protesters assemble at Americana after mall's handling of apparel referencing Armenian Genocide |language=en-US |work=Glendale News-Press |url=https://www.latimes.com/socal/glendale-news-press/news/tn-gnp-protesters-assemble-at-americana-after-malls-handling-of-apparel-referencing-armenian-genocide-20150313-story.html |access-date=2020-06-23}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Glendale City Council Public Hearing on Americana Genocide Denial |url=https://www.facebook.com/ANCAGlendale/videos/glendale-city-council-public-hearing-on-americana-genocide-denial/10155628162177090/ |access-date=2020-06-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-08-17 |title=Americana reverses rejection of genocide documentary ad in the wake of controversy |language=en-US |work=Glendale News-Press |url=https://www.latimes.com/socal/glendale-news-press/news/tn-gnp-me-americana-armenian-genocide-20170817-story.html |access-date=2020-06-23}}</ref>
Caruso participates annually as a guest panelist for the International Council of Shopping Centers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newstjohns.org/saint_johns_foundation_leadership.aspx |title=Saint John's Health Center |publisher=Newstjohns.org |accessdate=12 May 2013}}</ref>


==Public service==
=== Public service ===
In 1985, at the age of 26, Caruso was named by Mayor [[Tom Bradley (American politician)|Tom Bradley]] to serve as a commissioner for the [[Los Angeles Department of Water and Power]],<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.caesars.com/thelinq/pdf/Linq-Bios.pdf|title=The Linq: Retail Advisors |publisher=[[Caesars Palace]]|access-date=May 6, 2013|df= mdy-all }}</ref> becoming the youngest commissioner in the history of the city.<ref name="MetNews">{{cite web |url= http://www.metnews.com/articles/comm0822.htm|title=Attorney Rick Caruso Unanimously Elected to Head Police Commission |publisher=Metnews.com|date=2001-08-22|access-date=2011-09-03 |df= mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="Factor">{{cite news|url= http://labusinessjournal.com/news/2012/may/11/caruso-named-ernst-young-llp-master-entrepreneur-y|title=The Caruso Factor |first=Matthew |last=Fleischer|date=December 31, 2008|work= [[Los Angeles Business Journal]] |df= mdy-all }}</ref>


Caruso was appointed by Mayor [[James Hahn]] to the Police Commission and was elected its president.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metnews.com/articles/comm0822.htm |title=Attorney Rick Caruso Unanimously Elected to Head Police Commission |publisher=Metnews.com |date=2001-08-22 |accessdate=2011-09-03}}</ref> He led the selection process that resulted in the hiring of [[William Bratton]] as police chief.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2002/oct/03/local/me-chief3 |title=Hahn Picks Bratton to Lead Police Force - Los Angeles Times |publisher=Articles.latimes.com |date=2002-10-03 |accessdate=2011-09-03}}</ref>
In August 2001, Caruso was appointed by Mayor [[James K. Hahn]] to the [[Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners]]<ref name="Hahn">{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-oct-03-me-chief3-story.html |title=Hahn Picks Bratton to Lead Police Force |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=2002-10-03 |access-date=2011-09-03 |df= mdy-all }}</ref> and was elected its president.<ref name="MetNews"/> In this role, he led the selection process that resulted in the hiring of former [[New York City Police Commissioner]] [[William Bratton]] as the [[Los Angeles Chief of Police]].<ref name="Hahn"/>


In 2008, Caruso was elected to serve as a member of the [[Los Angeles Coliseum Commission]],<ref name="Factor"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lacoliseumlive.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59&Itemid=71|title=Coliseum Commission|publisher=Lacoliseumlive.com|date=1945-09-25|access-date=2011-09-03 |df= mdy-all }}</ref> which oversees the operations of the [[Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum]] and nearby [[Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena]]. During his tenure on the commission, Caruso advocated for its reform, including the resignation of its general manager,<ref>{{cite news|url= http://blogs.laweekly.com/informer/2011/02/caruso_coliseum_resign_raves.php|title=Raves: Rick Caruso Calls for Resignation of Coliseum G.M. Patrick Lynch|first=Dennis |last=Romero|date=February 9, 2011|work=[[LA Weekly]] |df= mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110209007108/en/Caruso-Calls-Resignation-Coliseum-Executive-Director|title=Caruso Calls for Resignation of Coliseum Executive Director|date=February 9, 2011|work=[[Business Wire]] |df= mdy-all }}</ref> and the replacement of the commission itself with a new governing body.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.latimes.com/local/la-xpm-2011-sep-29-la-me-coliseum-caruso-20110929-story.html|title=Developer Rick Caruso resigns from Coliseum Commission|author=Paul Pringle and Andrew Blankstein|date=September 29, 2011|work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |df= mdy-all }}</ref> He advocated a ban on [[rave parties]] at the two venues.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.laweekly.com/informer/2011/02/rave_ban_caruso_coliseum.php|title=Raves: Coliseum Commissioner Rick Caruso Says Rave Ban Back on the Table, Electric Daisy Carnival Still up in the Air|first=Dennis|last=Romero|date=February 10, 2011|work=[[LA Weekly]]|df=mdy-all|access-date=June 8, 2013|archive-date=September 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130913063652/http://blogs.laweekly.com/informer/2011/02/rave_ban_caruso_coliseum.php|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= http://blogs.laweekly.com/informer/2011/01/la_coliseum_commissioner_rick.php|title=L.A. Coliseum Commissioner Rick Caruso Likely To Ask For Ban On Raves|first=Dennis |last=Romero|date=January 5, 2011|work=[[LA Weekly]] |df= mdy-all }}</ref>
Earlier, he was named by Mayor [[Tom Bradley]] as a commissioner for the [[Los Angeles Department of Water and Power]]. At 25, he was the youngest commissioner in the history of that agency.<ref>[http://www.laweekly.com/2009-01-01/news/the-caruso-factor-october-15-2008/ Matthew Fleischer, "The Caruso Factor," ''LA Weekly,'' December 31, 2008]</ref>
=== 2022 Los Angeles mayoral race===
{{See also|2022 Los Angeles mayoral election}}
Caruso floated the idea of running for mayor of Los Angeles for the [[2009 Los Angeles mayoral election|2009]] and [[2013 Los Angeles mayoral election|2013]] elections,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Billionaire Rick Caruso announces run for L.A. mayor |url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2022/02/12/Rick-Caruso-campaign-LA-mayor/4641644704981/ |access-date=2022-06-08 |website=UPI |language=en}}</ref> though he ultimately did not run.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 22, 2010 |title=Developer Rick Caruso says he might run for L.A. mayor |url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/09/developer-rick-caruso-said-he-would-consider-running-for-la-mayor-once-villaraigosa-leaves-office-.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Linthicum |first1=Kate |last2=Zahniser |first2=David |date=2012-10-12 |title=Developer Caruso again decides to bow out of L.A. mayoral race |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/la-xpm-2012-oct-12-la-me-1012-caruso-20121012-story.html |access-date=2022-02-12 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>


In 2019, he expressed interest in running in the [[2022 Los Angeles mayoral election|2022]] election. He announced his candidacy on February 11, 2022, the day before the filing deadline.<ref>{{cite news|url = https://www.politico.com/news/2022/02/11/caruso-enters-los-angeles-mayors-race-00008420|title = Billionaire developer Caruso enters Los Angeles mayor's race|work = [[Politico]]|date = February 11, 2022|accessdate = February 12, 2022|last = Nieves|first = Alexander}}</ref> Caruso spent more than $41 million on his primary campaign, including $39 million of his own money on digital, radio, and television advertising.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rainey|first=James|title=With unprecedented spending, Caruso is everywhere. Can the billionaire become overexposed? |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-06-06/rick-caruso-record-spending-la-mayor |access-date=2022-06-08 |website=Los Angeles Times |date=June 6, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> Caruso finished second in the June election to [[Karen Bass]], and faced her in a runoff election on November 8, which Bass won.<ref>{{Cite news |title=L.A. mayoral primary turnout rises as Bass widens lead over Caruso|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-06-21/los-angeles-mayoral-primary-turnout-rises-bass-leads-caruso|access-date=2022-07-16 |newspaper=LA Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-mayor-karen-bass-02f20ef45e3cbbfc94e2eb073e1e860d|title = LA elects US Rep Karen Bass mayor, first Black woman in post|work = [[Associated Press]]|last = Blood|first = Michael R.|date = November 16, 2022|accessdate = November 16, 2022}}</ref>
Caruso is a current member of the Los Angeles Coliseum Commission,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lacoliseumlive.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59&Itemid=71 |title=Coliseum Commission |publisher=Lacoliseumlive.com |date=1945-09-25 |accessdate=2011-09-03}}</ref> which oversees the operations of the [[Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum]] and nearby Sports Arena. He was a leading critic of the Coliseum hosting a [[rave party]], stating, "The only thing that these rave events are good for is making money...But I put the safety of our kids above making money."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/25/local/la-me-electric-daisy-20110225 |title=Electric Daisy Carnival &#124; Giant rave will not return to L.A. Memorial Coliseum this summer, officials say - Los Angeles Times |publisher=Articles.latimes.com |date=2011-02-25 |accessdate=2011-09-03}}</ref> Caruso later called for the resignation of Coliseum Commission General Manager Pat Lynch over the hosting of the events.<ref>{{cite web|last=Romero |first=Dennis |url=http://blogs.laweekly.com/informer/2011/02/caruso_coliseum_resign_raves.php |title=Raves: Rick Caruso Calls for Resignation of Coliseum G.M. Patrick Lynch - Los Angeles News - The Informer |publisher=Blogs.laweekly.com |date=2011-02-09 |accessdate=2011-09-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/news/local/coliseum-commission-general-manager-resigns-20110215 |title=Coliseum Commission General Manager Patrick Lynch Resigns &#124; FOX 11 News |publisher=Myfoxla.com |date=2010-06-21 |accessdate=2011-09-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=February 15, 2011&nbsp;|&nbsp; 2:09 pm |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/02/coliseum-manager-resigns-amid-rave-controversy.html |title=Coliseum manager resigns amid rave controversy - latimes.com |publisher=Latimesblogs.latimes.com |date=2011-02-15 |accessdate=2011-09-03}}</ref>


== Philanthropy==
==Community activities==
=== Caruso Family Foundation ===
Caruso is involved in Para Los Ninos, which provides education and child development services to neighborhoods in [[Southern California]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.paralosninos.org/ |title=Para Los Niños |publisher=Paralosninos.org |date= |accessdate=2011-09-03}}</ref> The organization renamed one of its child development centers the Tina and Rick Caruso Child Development Center<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jan/11/local/me-caruso11 |title=Rick Caruso Wife &#124; Developer gets recognition for aid to children - Los Angeles Times |publisher=Articles.latimes.com |date=2007-01-11 |accessdate=2011-09-03}}</ref> "in their honor to acknowledge the[ir] generosity."<ref>[http://www.paralosninos.org/pp/userfiles/File/Press%20Releases/Para%20Los%20Ninos%20Dedicates%20the%20Tina%20and%20Rick%20Caruso%20Child%20Development%20Center.pdf] Press release, Para Los Ninos, January 10, 2007</ref> The Caruso Catholic Center on the USC campus was developed and named after Caruso following his contribution of $6 million.<ref>{{cite web|author=Tuesday, December 16, 2008, by Dakota |url=http://la.curbed.com/archives/2008/12/ground_blessing_takes_place_for_new_usc_caruso_catholic_center.php |title=Ground Blessing Takes Place for New USC Caruso Catholic Center : Curbed LA |publisher=La.curbed.com |date=2008-12-16 |accessdate=2011-09-03}}</ref>
Caruso founded the Caruso Family Foundation, which focuses on organizations that improve the lives of children in need of healthcare and education.<ref name=EYMEOY2012R>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUS266098+10-May-2012+BW20120510|title=Rick Caruso to Receive the 2012 Ernst & Young LLP Master Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award for Greater Los Angeles|date= May 11, 2012|work=[[Reuters]]|df=mdy-all}}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name=EYMEOY2012LABJ/>


In addition to USC and Pepperdine, Caruso has made significant donations to Los Angeles academic institutions including [[Loyola High School (Los Angeles)|Loyola High School]] and [[Brentwood School (Los Angeles)|Brentwood School]], which 3 of his children attended.<ref>{{cite web |title=Caruso Family Foundation |url=https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/954317077/202023219349105797/full |website=ProPublica.org |date=May 9, 2013 |publisher=ProPublica}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pepperdine School of Law Announces Historic $50 Million Commitment by Alumnus Rick J. Caruso |url=https://www.pepperdine.edu/newsroom/2019/10/pepperdine-school-law-announces-historic-50-million-commitment-alumnus-rick-j/ |website=Pepperdine.edu |publisher=Pepperdine University}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=LaFuente |first1=Cat |title=The Untold Truth Of Gigi Caruso |url=https://www.thelist.com/148492/the-untold-truth-of-gigi-caruso/ |website=TheList.com |date=March 22, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=BWS Magazine, Spring 2016 |url=https://issuu.com/bwsmagazine/docs/bws-spring2016-finallowresproof-02/52 |website=Issuu.com|date=July 7, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=BWS Magazine, Spring 2017 |url=https://issuu.com/bwsmagazine/docs/bws-2017-06 |website=Issuu.com|date=October 2, 2017 }}</ref>
He is also a trustee of the University of Southern California School of Policy, Planning and Development<ref>{{cite web|last=Moore |first=Annette |url=http://www.usc.edu/uscnews/stories/13534.html |title=Rick J. Caruso Elected to USC Board |publisher=Usc.edu |date=2011-02-09 |accessdate=2011-09-03}}</ref> and is on the Pepperdine School of Law Board of Visitors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://law.pepperdine.edu/about/board/ |title=Board of Visitors &#124; School of Law &#124; Pepperdine University |publisher=Law.pepperdine.edu |date= |accessdate=2011-09-03}}</ref> He is on the board of the National Institute of Transplantation<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.transplantation.com/About/BoardofDirectors/tabid/84/Default.aspx |title=Board of Directors |publisher=Transplantation.com |date= |accessdate=2011-09-03}}</ref> and is a trustee of Saint John’s Hospital.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newstjohns.org/saint_johns_foundation_leadership.aspx |title=Saint John's Health Center |publisher=Newstjohns.org |date= |accessdate=2011-09-03}}</ref>


=== Law schools ===
Caruso participates annually as a guest panelist for the [[International Council of Shopping Centers]] and is a trustee of that organization.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icsc.org/srch/about/trustees.php |title=International Council of Shopping Centers |publisher=ICSC |date= |accessdate=2011-09-03}}</ref>
Caruso and his wife, Tina, established the Caruso Loan Forgiveness Fund which covers the law school loan payments for ten years for low-income and other underserved students.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-10-23/billionaire-rick-caruso-gives-50-million-to-pepperdine-law-school-to-expand-access-for-underserved-students|title=Billionaire Rick Caruso gives $50 million to Pepperdine law school to expand access for underserved students|last=Watanabe|first=Teresa|date=2019-10-23|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-23|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


In October 2019, he donated $50 million to Pepperdine School of Law, which was renamed in his honor. The gift is directed to historically underrepresented students as well as to students pursuing public interest law.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pepperdine.edu/newsroom/2019/10/pepperdine-school-law-announces-historic-50-million-commitment-alumnus-rick-j/|title=Pepperdine School of Law Announces Historic $50 Million Commitment by Alumnus Rick J. Caruso {{!}} Pepperdine University|website=www.pepperdine.edu|access-date=2020-02-23}}</ref>
==Awards==
=== University of Southern California ===
Caruso's daughter, [[Gigi Caruso|Gianna "Gigi" Caruso]], was born with [[hearing loss]] and was treated at USC's [[Keck School of Medicine]]. In 2015, Caruso and his wife Tina donated a further $25&nbsp;million to USC, to endow and name the USC Tina and Rick Caruso Department of [[Otolaryngology]] – Head and Neck Surgery.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.usc.edu/82320/25-million-gift-from-tina-and-rick-caruso-to-endow-head-and-neck-department/|title=$25 million gift from Tina and Rick Caruso to endow head and neck department |work=USC News |date=June 5, 2015 |publisher=[[University of Southern California]] |access-date=22 March 2018}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lori-laughlins-daughter-vacationed-rick-carusos-yacht-1194688|title=Lori Loughlin's Daughter Vacationed on Billionaire USC Official's Yacht|last=Schmidt|first=Ingrid|date=13 March 2019|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=14 March 2019|quote=Born with hearing loss, Gigi Caruso was treated by doctors at USC’s Keck School of Medicine. In 2015, Rick and Tina Caruso donated $25 million to the school to endow and name it the USC Tina and Rick Caruso Department of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery, known for research and treatment of ear, nose and throat diseases.|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


The Caruso Catholic Center and Our Savior Parish Church on the USC campus was endowed by and named after Caruso following his contribution of $9&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://la.curbed.com/archives/2008/12/ground_blessing_takes_place_for_new_usc_caruso_catholic_center.php |title=Ground Blessing Takes Place for New USC Caruso Catholic Center |first=Dakota |last=Smith |date=December 16, 2008|work=[[Curbed LA]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/la-xpm-2012-dec-09-la-me-usc-church-20121209-story.html|title=Lavish new church, meeting center to serve USC Catholics|first=Larry |last=Gordon|date=December 9, 2012|work= [[Los Angeles Times]]|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Caruso was named by the [[Los Angeles Business Journal]] as the "Developer of the Year"{{citation needed|date=September 2011}} and as [[Conejo Valley]]'s "Man of the Year" by the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1997/sep/15/local/me-32683 |title=Dyan Sage &#124; Conejo Valley Chamber Presents Annual Awards - Los Angeles Times |publisher=Articles.latimes. com |date=1997-09-15 |accessdate=2011-09-03}}</ref> He was honored by the [[Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation]] with its annual EDDY Award "for his unwavering commitment to L.A. County through his philanthropic contributions, civic engagement, and economic leadership." <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.enewsbuilder.net/bizbeat/e_article001260246.cfm?x=b11,0,w |title=The Walt Disney Company To Be Honored AT 13th LAEDC’s Annual Eddy Awards® |publisher=Enewsbuilder.net |date= |accessdate=2011-09-03}}</ref>


In 2018, Caruso was elected chairman of USC's board of trustees. On February 15, 2022, he announced that he would be resigning from the position.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-02-15|title=2/15- A Message from USC Board of Trustees Chair Rick J. Caruso|url=https://we-are.usc.edu/2022/02/15/2-15-a-message-from-usc-board-of-trustees-chair-rick-j-caruso/|access-date=2022-02-18|website=2022|language=en-US}}</ref>
== References ==

As the chairman of USC's board of trustees, Caruso was criticized for his handling of the [[George Tyndall]] USC sexual abuse scandal, in which a USC gynecologist spent 30 years molesting hundreds of patients, despite complaints dating back to 1991.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Ryan |first1=Harriet |last2=Hamilton |first2=Matt |date=April 1, 2019 |title=How much of USC's sweeping sexual abuse investigation will stay secret? |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-usc-sexual-abuse-investigation-secret-20190401-story.html |access-date=February 17, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Chi |first1=Lucy |last2=Nafziger |first2=Audrey |last3=Rowland |first3=Allison |date=October 18, 2021 |title=USC and prosecutors owe the public a full account of sex abuse inquiries |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2021-10-18/usc-and-prosecutors-owe-the-public-a-full-account-of-sex-abuse-inquiries |access-date=February 17, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-08-19 |title=USC Promised Transparency, So Why Is It Acting 'Like The Kremlin'? |url=https://laist.com/news/usc-transparency |access-date=2022-02-18 |website=LAist |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Hamilton |first1=Matt |last2=Ryan |first2=Harriet |date=December 19, 2018 |title=Must Reads: How George Tyndall went from USC gynecologist to the center of LAPD's largest-ever sex abuse investigation |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-george-tyndall-profile-usc-sexual-assault-allegations-20181219-story.html |access-date=February 17, 2022}}</ref> In May 2018, Caruso promised an independent investigation and an accompanying public report, but no report on the investigation has been made public.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-06 |title=Former USC campus gynecologist's accusers call for investigation of top university officials |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-10-06/usc-tyndall-gynecologist-sex-abuse-investigation |access-date=2022-02-18 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Hamilton |first1=Matt |last2=Harriet |first2=Ryan |date=March 25, 2021 |title=USC to pay $1.1 billion to settle decades of sex abuse claims against gynecologist |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-03-25/usc-payout-gynecologist-sex-abuse-claims-to-top-1-billion |access-date=February 17, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>

== Recognition ==
In 1995, Caruso was named Alumnus of the Year by Pepperdine School of Law.<ref name="mooreUSC">{{cite news|url=http://www.usc.edu/uscnews/stories/13534.html|title=Inside the world's biggest airline merger|first=Annette|last=Moore|work=USC News|publisher=[[University of Southern California]]|date=March 8, 2007|df=mdy-all|access-date=August 11, 2011|archive-date=August 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826190533/http://www.usc.edu/uscnews/stories/13534.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was named by the ''[[Los Angeles Business Journal]]'' as "Developer of the Year" and its 2012 [[Ernst & Young]] LLP Master Entrepreneur of the Year.<ref name=Bloomberg>{{cite news|url= http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=1507627&privcapId=4027275&previousCapId=19947&previousTitle=CVC%20Capital%20Partners%20Limited|title=Executive Profile Rick J. Caruso|access-date=May 19, 2012|work=[[Bloomberg Businessweek]]|df=mdy-all}}{{dead link|date=April 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name=EYMEOY2012LABJ>{{cite news|url= http://labusinessjournal.com/news/2012/may/11/caruso-named-ernst-young-llp-master-entrepreneur-y/|title=Caruso Named Ernst & Young LLP Master Entrepreneur of the Year|first=Deborah |last=Crowe|date=May 11, 2012|work=[[Los Angeles Business Journal]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=EYMEOY2012R/>

He has lectured on real estate issues at the Kennedy School of Public Administration at [[Harvard University]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Caruso! Not the singing one. The talking one. Rick Caruso talks more LA. |url=http://opinion.latimes.com/opinionla/2010/01/caruso-not-the-singing-one-the-talking-one-rick-caruso-talks-more-la.html|newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=May 12, 2013}}</ref> the [[USC Price School of Public Policy]]<ref>{{cite press release|title=USC 125th Commencement: Speakers at Satellite Ceremonies|url=http://www.usc.edu/uscnews/newsroom/news_release.php?id=408|publisher=University of Southern California|access-date=May 12, 2013}}</ref> and the [[Milken Institute]] Global Conference.<ref name="Milken">{{cite web|title=Global Conference 2013 – Rick Caruso|url=https://www.milkeninstitute.org/events/gcprogram.taf?function=bio&EventID=gc13&SPID=10827|publisher=[[Milken Institute]]|access-date=May 12, 2013}}</ref> He has been a guest panelist for the [[International Council of Shopping Centers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newstjohns.org/saint_johns_foundation_leadership.aspx|title=Saint John's Health Center|publisher=Newstjohns.org|access-date=May 12, 2013}}</ref>
== Personal life ==
Caruso and his wife, Tina, have four children: Alex, Gregory, [[Justin Caruso|Justin]], and [[Gigi Caruso|Gianna]].<ref name=":0"/> They live in the affluent [[Brentwood, Los Angeles|Brentwood]] section of Los Angeles.<ref name=forbes>{{cite web|title=Forbes profile: Rick Caruso |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/rick-caruso |website=Forbes |access-date=May 17, 2020}}</ref> All four children have attended the [[University of Southern California]], which their father attended and to which he has donated millions of dollars.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |url= https://www.forbes.com/sites/willyakowicz/2019/03/15/billionaires-multimillion-dollar-gifts-and-college-admissions-this-is-how-it-works/ |title= College Admissions: How Billionaires (Legally) Pump Millions Of Dollars Into Their Children's Schools|last=Yakowicz|first=Will|date=March 15, 2019|website=[[Forbes Magazine]]|access-date=March 18, 2019|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Caruso is a devout [[Catholic Church|Catholic]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rick Caruso's USC Mission Has Family Roots |url=https://caruso.com/newsroom/in-the-news/2019/rick-carusos-usc-mission-family-roots/ |access-date=2022-05-14 |website=Caruso |date=April 2019 |language=en}}</ref>

==References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


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[[Category:20th-century American lawyers]]
[[Category:21st-century American businesspeople]]
[[Category:21st-century Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:American billionaires]]
[[Category:American chief executives]]
[[Category:American people of Italian descent]]
[[Category:American real estate and property developers]]
[[Category:American Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from Los Angeles]]
[[Category:California Democrats]]
[[Category:California lawyers]]
[[Category:Candidates in the 2022 United States elections]]
[[Category:Caruso family]]
[[Category:Pepperdine University School of Law alumni]]
[[Category:Pepperdine University School of Law alumni]]
[[Category:Philanthropists from California]]
[[Category:University of Southern California alumni]]
[[Category:University of Southern California people]]

Latest revision as of 19:20, 28 October 2024

For the founder and chairman of Integra LifeSciences, see Richard Caruso.

Rick Caruso
Caruso in 2015
Born
Rick Joseph Caruso

(1959-01-07) January 7, 1959 (age 65)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
EducationUniversity of Southern California (BS)
Pepperdine University (JD)
OccupationReal estate developer
Political partyDemocratic (2022–present)[1]
Other political
affiliations		Republican (before 2011; 2016–2019)
Independent (2011–2016; 2019–2022)[2]
SpouseTina Caruso
Children4, including Gigi and Justin
Parents
Websitewww.carusocan.com

Rick Joseph Caruso (born January 7, 1959)[3] is an American billionaire businessman.[4] The founder and former chief executive officer of Caruso, an American real-estate company,[5][6] he is also the chair of the board of trustees at the University of Southern California. Caruso was previously the president of the Los Angeles Police Commission, a member of the Board of Water and Power Commissioners, and was the runner-up to Karen Bass in the 2022 Los Angeles mayoral election.

Early life and education

Caruso, an Italian American, was born in Los Angeles.[7] His father, Henry Caruso, was the founder of Dollar Rent-A-Car and owner of many car dealerships in the Los Angeles area. His mother Gloria was a billboard model in her youth.[8] Caruso received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern California in 1980 (where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and the Trojan Knights); and a J.D. from the Pepperdine University School of Law in 1983 as a Margaret Martin Brock Scholar.[9][10][11]

Career

Real estate development

Caruso was a real-estate lawyer in the corporate finance department at Finley Kumble.[12] In 1987, he founded Caruso, a company that develops, owns and manages properties. He initially purchased parking lots that his father agreed to lease for Dollar Rent-A-Car which he sold when the property rose in value.[13] In 1990, he quit law to develop his retail and residential properties full-time.[14][15]

His projects include The Grove at Farmers Market in Los Angeles, the Americana at Brand in Glendale, the Commons at Calabasas, the Promenade at Westlake, The Lakes at Thousands Oaks (leased from the City of Thousand Oaks),[16] Waterside Marina del Rey, Palisades Village in Pacific Palisades and the Rosewood Miramar Beach in Santa Barbara.[5][12][17][18]

In 2015, Caruso funded a voter initiative to bypass local planning laws and the California Environmental Quality Act in order to build an outdoor mall in Carlsbad, California.[19] That initiative passed but a subsequent referendum overturned it and required a public vote – Measure A. The measure failed and the mall construction was blocked.[20] All together, Caruso spent $12 million in less than a year on getting the project approved.[20] This spending included television ads, mailers, and consulting services.[20]

In 2016, the Los Angeles Times reported that Caruso, his affiliates and family, had given more than $476,000 to L.A. city officials over the past five years; during this time Los Angeles City Hall approved numerous building projects.[21]

Caruso's company was accused of suppressing free speech over the rejection of an advertisement for a documentary about the Armenian Genocide at the Americana at Brand in 2015 and in 2017. Americana later reversed its advert decision.[22][23][24][25]

Public service

In 1985, at the age of 26, Caruso was named by Mayor Tom Bradley to serve as a commissioner for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power,[26] becoming the youngest commissioner in the history of the city.[27][28]

In August 2001, Caruso was appointed by Mayor James K. Hahn to the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners[29] and was elected its president.[27] In this role, he led the selection process that resulted in the hiring of former New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton as the Los Angeles Chief of Police.[29]

In 2008, Caruso was elected to serve as a member of the Los Angeles Coliseum Commission,[28][30] which oversees the operations of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and nearby Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. During his tenure on the commission, Caruso advocated for its reform, including the resignation of its general manager,[31][32] and the replacement of the commission itself with a new governing body.[33] He advocated a ban on rave parties at the two venues.[34][35]

2022 Los Angeles mayoral race

See also: 2022 Los Angeles mayoral election

Caruso floated the idea of running for mayor of Los Angeles for the 2009 and 2013 elections,[36] though he ultimately did not run.[37][38]

In 2019, he expressed interest in running in the 2022 election. He announced his candidacy on February 11, 2022, the day before the filing deadline.[39] Caruso spent more than $41 million on his primary campaign, including $39 million of his own money on digital, radio, and television advertising.[40] Caruso finished second in the June election to Karen Bass, and faced her in a runoff election on November 8, which Bass won.[41][42]

Philanthropy

Caruso Family Foundation

Caruso founded the Caruso Family Foundation, which focuses on organizations that improve the lives of children in need of healthcare and education.[43][44]

In addition to USC and Pepperdine, Caruso has made significant donations to Los Angeles academic institutions including Loyola High School and Brentwood School, which 3 of his children attended.[45][46][47][48][49]

Law schools

Caruso and his wife, Tina, established the Caruso Loan Forgiveness Fund which covers the law school loan payments for ten years for low-income and other underserved students.[50]

In October 2019, he donated $50 million to Pepperdine School of Law, which was renamed in his honor. The gift is directed to historically underrepresented students as well as to students pursuing public interest law.[51]

University of Southern California

Caruso's daughter, Gianna "Gigi" Caruso, was born with hearing loss and was treated at USC's Keck School of Medicine. In 2015, Caruso and his wife Tina donated a further $25 million to USC, to endow and name the USC Tina and Rick Caruso Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.[52][53]

The Caruso Catholic Center and Our Savior Parish Church on the USC campus was endowed by and named after Caruso following his contribution of $9 million.[54][55]

In 2018, Caruso was elected chairman of USC's board of trustees. On February 15, 2022, he announced that he would be resigning from the position.[56]

As the chairman of USC's board of trustees, Caruso was criticized for his handling of the George Tyndall USC sexual abuse scandal, in which a USC gynecologist spent 30 years molesting hundreds of patients, despite complaints dating back to 1991.[57][58][59][60] In May 2018, Caruso promised an independent investigation and an accompanying public report, but no report on the investigation has been made public.[61][62]

Recognition

In 1995, Caruso was named Alumnus of the Year by Pepperdine School of Law.[14] He was named by the Los Angeles Business Journal as "Developer of the Year" and its 2012 Ernst & Young LLP Master Entrepreneur of the Year.[63][44][43]

He has lectured on real estate issues at the Kennedy School of Public Administration at Harvard University,[64] the USC Price School of Public Policy[65] and the Milken Institute Global Conference.[66] He has been a guest panelist for the International Council of Shopping Centers.[67]

Personal life

Caruso and his wife, Tina, have four children: Alex, Gregory, Justin, and Gianna.[3] They live in the affluent Brentwood section of Los Angeles.[68] All four children have attended the University of Southern California, which their father attended and to which he has donated millions of dollars.[69] Caruso is a devout Catholic.[70]

References

  1. ^ Oreskes, Benjamin (January 24, 2022). "Rick Caruso Changes Registration to Democrat as He Weighs a Run for L.A. Mayor". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 24, 2022.
  2. ^ Wick, Julia (June 2, 2022). "News Analysis: Rick Caruso was a Republican 3 years ago. Will voters care?". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
  3. ^ a b Uribarri, Adrian G. (January 11, 2007). "Developer gets recognition for aid to children". Los Angeles Times. ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved October 6, 2016.
  4. ^ Clendenin, Jay L. (September 20, 2015). "Billionaire developer Rick Caruso, who owns -- among other things -- the Encino Marketplace, the Americana at Brand in Glendale, the Grove and Burton Place Retail Center in Los Angeles, may be one of the candidates in L.A.'s next mayoral election". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on March 7, 2016. Retrieved September 20, 2015.
  5. ^ a b "Rick J. Caruso, founder and CEO, Caruso Affiliated". Smart Business. July 1, 2012.
  6. ^ Martin Moodie. "Shilla/ARI bid for LAX duty free gets Rick Caruso endorsement". The Moodie Report. Retrieved May 11, 2013.
  7. ^ "'I'm Italian': Los Angeles mayoral contender says he's not white". TheGuardian.com. October 13, 2022.
  8. ^ "Gloria and Hank Caruso Had A Romance That Began Like A Scene From A Hollywood Movie". Los Angeles Times. December 3, 2017. Retrieved March 14, 2019.
  9. ^ "Rick J. Caruso". USC Price. Retrieved May 11, 2013.
  10. ^ "Distinguished Alumnus Rick J. Caruso Addresses Audience at 33rd Annual Associates Dinner". Pepperdine University. Retrieved May 11, 2013.
  11. ^ "Admissions". Pepperdine University. Retrieved May 11, 2013.
  12. ^ a b Meinert, Maya. "Early Developer". LA Business Journal. Retrieved May 12, 2013.
  13. ^ Vincent, Roger; Hiltzik, Michael (June 4, 2022). "The business of Rick Caruso: How a mayoral candidate amassed his fortune". Los Angeles Times.
  14. ^ a b Moore, Annette (March 8, 2007). "Inside the world's biggest airline merger". USC News. University of Southern California. Archived from the original on August 26, 2011. Retrieved August 11, 2011.
  15. ^ Morris Newman (November 10, 1998). "Commercial Real Estate: Developer Turns Shopping Malls Into Center of Attention". Los Angeles Times. ProQuest 421342867.
  16. ^ Harris, Mike (December 1, 2021). "Divided Thousand Oaks City Council approves planned six-story apartment complex". Ventura County Star. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  17. ^ Vincent, Roger (March 3, 2019). "Grove builder Rick Caruso reimagines Miramar resort with splashes of seaside splendor". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
  18. ^ "Developer Rick Caruso goes small with new Pacific Palisades shopping district". Los Angeles Times. September 22, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
  19. ^ Showley, Roger (August 30, 2015). "Caruso project: A model for speedy development?". San Diego Union Tribune. Retrieved March 18, 2019.
  20. ^ a b c Diehl, Phil (August 11, 2016). "New documents show more Caruso spending". San Diego Union Tribune. Retrieved March 18, 2019.
  21. ^ Zahniser, David (December 28, 2016). "Political donations flow as Rick Caruso seeks approval for a 20-story tower near the Beverly Center". L.A. Times. Retrieved March 18, 2019.
  22. ^ "Americana's rejection of ad for documentary about genocide causes controversy". Glendale News-Press. August 9, 2017. Retrieved February 27, 2021.
  23. ^ "Protesters assemble at Americana after mall's handling of apparel referencing Armenian Genocide". Glendale News-Press. March 14, 2015. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
  24. ^ Glendale City Council Public Hearing on Americana Genocide Denial, retrieved June 23, 2020
  25. ^ "Americana reverses rejection of genocide documentary ad in the wake of controversy". Glendale News-Press. August 17, 2017. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
  26. ^ "The Linq: Retail Advisors" (PDF). Caesars Palace. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  27. ^ a b "Attorney Rick Caruso Unanimously Elected to Head Police Commission". Metnews.com. August 22, 2001. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  28. ^ a b Fleischer, Matthew (December 31, 2008). "The Caruso Factor". Los Angeles Business Journal.
  29. ^ a b "Hahn Picks Bratton to Lead Police Force". Los Angeles Times. October 3, 2002. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  30. ^ "Coliseum Commission". Lacoliseumlive.com. September 25, 1945. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  31. ^ Romero, Dennis (February 9, 2011). "Raves: Rick Caruso Calls for Resignation of Coliseum G.M. Patrick Lynch". LA Weekly.
  32. ^ "Caruso Calls for Resignation of Coliseum Executive Director". Business Wire. February 9, 2011.
  33. ^ Paul Pringle and Andrew Blankstein (September 29, 2011). "Developer Rick Caruso resigns from Coliseum Commission". Los Angeles Times.
  34. ^ Romero, Dennis (February 10, 2011). "Raves: Coliseum Commissioner Rick Caruso Says Rave Ban Back on the Table, Electric Daisy Carnival Still up in the Air". LA Weekly. Archived from the original on September 13, 2013. Retrieved June 8, 2013.
  35. ^ Romero, Dennis (January 5, 2011). "L.A. Coliseum Commissioner Rick Caruso Likely To Ask For Ban On Raves". LA Weekly.
  36. ^ "Billionaire Rick Caruso announces run for L.A. mayor". UPI. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
  37. ^ "Developer Rick Caruso says he might run for L.A. mayor". Los Angeles Times. September 22, 2010.
  38. ^ Linthicum, Kate; Zahniser, David (October 12, 2012). "Developer Caruso again decides to bow out of L.A. mayoral race". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
  39. ^ Nieves, Alexander (February 11, 2022). "Billionaire developer Caruso enters Los Angeles mayor's race". Politico. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
  40. ^ Rainey, James (June 6, 2022). "With unprecedented spending, Caruso is everywhere. Can the billionaire become overexposed?". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
  41. ^ "L.A. mayoral primary turnout rises as Bass widens lead over Caruso". LA Times. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  42. ^ Blood, Michael R. (November 16, 2022). "LA elects US Rep Karen Bass mayor, first Black woman in post". Associated Press. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  43. ^ a b "Rick Caruso to Receive the 2012 Ernst & Young LLP Master Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award for Greater Los Angeles". Reuters. May 11, 2012.[dead link‍]
  44. ^ a b Crowe, Deborah (May 11, 2012). "Caruso Named Ernst & Young LLP Master Entrepreneur of the Year". Los Angeles Business Journal.
  45. ^ "Caruso Family Foundation". ProPublica.org. ProPublica. May 9, 2013.
  46. ^ "Pepperdine School of Law Announces Historic $50 Million Commitment by Alumnus Rick J. Caruso". Pepperdine.edu. Pepperdine University.
  47. ^ LaFuente, Cat (March 22, 2019). "The Untold Truth Of Gigi Caruso". TheList.com.
  48. ^ "BWS Magazine, Spring 2016". Issuu.com. July 7, 2016.
  49. ^ "BWS Magazine, Spring 2017". Issuu.com. October 2, 2017.
  50. ^ Watanabe, Teresa (October 23, 2019). "Billionaire Rick Caruso gives $50 million to Pepperdine law school to expand access for underserved students". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  51. ^ "Pepperdine School of Law Announces Historic $50 Million Commitment by Alumnus Rick J. Caruso | Pepperdine University". www.pepperdine.edu. Retrieved February 23, 2020.
  52. ^ "$25 million gift from Tina and Rick Caruso to endow head and neck department". USC News. University of Southern California. June 5, 2015. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
  53. ^ Schmidt, Ingrid (March 13, 2019). "Lori Loughlin's Daughter Vacationed on Billionaire USC Official's Yacht". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 14, 2019. Born with hearing loss, Gigi Caruso was treated by doctors at USC's Keck School of Medicine. In 2015, Rick and Tina Caruso donated $25 million to the school to endow and name it the USC Tina and Rick Caruso Department of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery, known for research and treatment of ear, nose and throat diseases.
  54. ^ Smith, Dakota (December 16, 2008). "Ground Blessing Takes Place for New USC Caruso Catholic Center". Curbed LA.
  55. ^ Gordon, Larry (December 9, 2012). "Lavish new church, meeting center to serve USC Catholics". Los Angeles Times.
  56. ^ "2/15- A Message from USC Board of Trustees Chair Rick J. Caruso". 2022. February 15, 2022. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  57. ^ Ryan, Harriet; Hamilton, Matt (April 1, 2019). "How much of USC's sweeping sexual abuse investigation will stay secret?". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  58. ^ Chi, Lucy; Nafziger, Audrey; Rowland, Allison (October 18, 2021). "USC and prosecutors owe the public a full account of sex abuse inquiries". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
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  60. ^ Hamilton, Matt; Ryan, Harriet (December 19, 2018). "Must Reads: How George Tyndall went from USC gynecologist to the center of LAPD's largest-ever sex abuse investigation". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
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  62. ^ Hamilton, Matt; Harriet, Ryan (March 25, 2021). "USC to pay $1.1 billion to settle decades of sex abuse claims against gynecologist". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
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  64. ^ "Caruso! Not the singing one. The talking one. Rick Caruso talks more LA". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 12, 2013.
  65. ^ "USC 125th Commencement: Speakers at Satellite Ceremonies" (Press release). University of Southern California. Retrieved May 12, 2013.
  66. ^ "Global Conference 2013 – Rick Caruso". Milken Institute. Retrieved May 12, 2013.
  67. ^ "Saint John's Health Center". Newstjohns.org. Retrieved May 12, 2013.
  68. ^ "Forbes profile: Rick Caruso". Forbes. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  69. ^ Yakowicz, Will (March 15, 2019). "College Admissions: How Billionaires (Legally) Pump Millions Of Dollars Into Their Children's Schools". Forbes Magazine. Retrieved March 18, 2019.
  70. ^ "Rick Caruso's USC Mission Has Family Roots". Caruso. April 2019. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
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