Bass campaign to return $9,700 after questions over contractor donations

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s campaign will return $9,700 in contributions from Danny Bakewell Sr. and other members of his family after questions about whether the donations violated city ethics rules. Bakewell Sr. chairs the Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade-Black United Fund, a nonprofit that has received more than $3 million in gang-prevention contracts from Bass’s office, including a $525,000 agreement signed last year. City law restricts contractors and certain leaders, including board chairs, from contributing to elected officials who oversee their contracts during specified periods. The campaign said the contributions were not initially flagged because Bakewell was listed as retired in campaign records, but it will refund the donations after the Los Angeles Times raised concerns.