Mayor Bass and Councilmember Raman Clash Over Support for San Fernando Valley Small Businesses

San Fernando Valley Small Businesses at the Heart of Mayoral Dispute

The San Fernando Valley has emerged as a pivotal battleground in the Los Angeles mayoral election, with the treatment of small businesses becoming a focal point of contention between Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilmember Nithya Raman. Their disagreements have highlighted broader concerns about local leadership, city services, and the responsiveness of public officials to business owners in the region.

Ceremony at Casa Vega Highlights Tensions

In May, the iconic Casa Vega Mexican restaurant in Sherman Oaks was recognized with a sign designating its location as “Casa Vega Square” on Ventura Boulevard. Both Mayor Bass and Councilmember Monica Rodriguez attended the event, but Nithya Raman, whose district includes Casa Vega, was notably absent due to scheduling conflicts. Raman's staff, however, were present. This absence fueled criticism from some local business owners and political opponents who accuse her of neglecting the district's parochial needs.

Business Owners Voice Support and Criticism

Opinions among business owners are sharply divided. Jessica Lewis, owner of Dragonfly Cycle and Train in Sherman Oaks, described reaching out to Raman’s office about issues such as homeless encampments and the condition of sidewalks: “I would send photos of what I was experiencing ... all those emails just fell on deaf ears,” she explained. Similarly, Christy Vega, owner of Casa Vega, recounted repeated appeals for help with repairs and safety concerns that she says went unanswered. Vega claims she was told by Raman’s office to pay for needed curb repairs herself, and even suggested to move districts by a staff member.

In contrast, other business owners such as Marissa Rodriguez, who opened Dia Natural Wine in Studio City, and Tyler Simmons of Reunion & Co. in Los Feliz, praised Raman's office for its assistance. Rodriguez noted how Raman's staff were “extremely helpful in just sort of helping me navigate who I needed to talk to” when she was facing permitting hurdles. Simmons credited the office for facilitating the installation of speed tables to address traffic issues near his coffee and wine bar.

City Services: Sidewalk Repairs and Homeless Encampments

Concerns about disrepair and public safety are central to the debate. Both sidewalk damage and homeless encampments have drawn pointed criticism from business owners like Vega. She listed incidents ranging from employee injuries due to potholes to theft and vandalism in her restaurant’s vicinity. Raman's spokesperson, Stella Stahl, acknowledged the challenges, stating that responsibility for sidewalk repairs falls on adjacent property owners due to limited city funding, and that the office “takes all constituent concerns seriously.”

Interventions from Other Officials and Political Alliances

Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, representing the northeastern San Fernando Valley, has at times intervened for business owners in Raman’s district. Rodriguez said her office helped Christy Vega with permitting for Casa Vega’s outdoor patio. Rodriguez, who supports Bass in the mayoral election, remarked that stories of frustration reflect a pattern: “If this is your audition [for mayor] based on your performance in your own district, I think it’s an example of the responsiveness of what people can expect.”

After Bass was elected mayor in 2022, some Sherman Oaks business owners organized meetings with her to voice their concerns. Bass convened weekly safety meetings involving business owners, district leaders, and law enforcement. Despite this, Jessica Lewis expressed mixed feelings, feeling let down when Bass endorsed Raman's reelection in 2024, but acknowledging Bass’s assistance on some occasions.

Divided Opinions and Broader Systemic Issues

Sophia Brodetsky, co-owner of the Valley Inn restaurant, expressed dissatisfaction with both mayoral candidates, citing ongoing issues with robberies, property damage, and encampments. Lewis echoed frustrations with bureaucratic finger-pointing between city offices: “It was like everyone was just pointing fingers at someone else, and no one was actually doing anything about it.”

The ongoing debate underscores the complex challenges faced by small business owners in the San Fernando Valley, with city council actions and mayoral policies under intense scrutiny as the election approaches.

Source: latimes.com.