LOS ANGELES—The top candidates to replace termed-out Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti debated March 22 with Elex Michaelson of FOX 11 and Erika D. Smith of the Los Angeles Times moderating. U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.), real estate developer Rick Caruso, Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer, and LA Councilmen Joe Buscaino and Kevin de Leon—all Democrats—went head-to-head during the hour-long debate. It was Caruso’s first appearance alongside the other candidates after announcing his run last month. Bass is considered the current front-runner, but many Angelenos remain undecided in the race, according to polls. Despite LA’s current lean to the left, the candidates were a contrast to many of its recent progressive policies as residents lament over homelessness, COVID-19 restrictions, and rising crime. Like many Democrat-run cities nationwide, Los Angeles embraced police reforms that arose following the death of George Floyd in 2020. While the Los Angeles Police Department underwent …