Valley business owners divide on mayoral race over district service failures

The absence of Councilmember Nithya Raman at a May dedication ceremony for Casa Vega Square in Sherman Oaks has become a central point of contention in the mayoral race. Mayor Karen Bass used the event to criticize Raman's approach to local needs. During an Oct. 13 debate on NBC4 and Telemundo 52, Bass described Raman as "contemptuous of her constituents." Raman rejected the characterization, calling it a lie.

Business owners in Raman’s Fourth District have voiced specific complaints about a lack of response from her office. Jessica Lewis, who owns Dragonfly Cycle and Train in Sherman Oaks, said she sent photos of human feces at her front door and homeless encampments at her back door to Raman’s staff. Lewis stated that those emails fell on deaf ears. In contrast, Marissa Rodriguez, owner of Dia Natural Wine in Studio City, credited Raman’s team with helping her obtain necessary licenses and permits. Rodriguez said the assistance was essential for her shop’s 2022 opening.

Christy Vega, owner of the Casa Vega restaurant, listed several unresolved issues with Raman’s office. She cited broken sidewalks, pavement repairs, and a homeless encampment that formed during the pandemic. Vega said her office told her to fix a damaged curb herself, a task requiring permits, contractors, and out-of-pocket costs. When Vega pushed back, a staff member suggested she move to another district. Raman spokesperson Stella Stahl said the office takes these concerns seriously but noted that the Bureau of Street Services lacks funding for sidewalk repairs, which legally fall to property owners.

The district includes the 1300 block of Ventura Boulevard, where sidewalks remain in disrepair. Vega reported that cars were broken into in the restaurant’s parking lot and muggings occurred on the street. She said one employee was stabbed at a nearby bus stop and another fell in a pothole behind the building. Vega supports Bass for mayor and serves on the board of Thrive LA, an advocacy group running ads against Raman. Vega noted that Bass met with business owners in 2023 and convened weekly safety meetings with local law enforcement.

Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who represents the northeast San Fernando Valley, said she has stepped in to help business owners in Raman’s district. Rodriguez recently assisted Vega with permitting for an outdoor patio. Rodriguez described a pattern of responsiveness that she believes voters are noticing. She said, "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."

Tyler Simmons, owner of Reunion & Co. in Los Feliz, said Raman’s office helped install four speed tables near his business last year to address speeding complaints. Simmons believes larger systemic issues exist within the city. Sophia Brodetsky, who co-owns the Valley Inn restaurant, said Bass’ office has been more receptive to her needs, including dealing with robberies and property damage. Brodetsky criticized both candidates for promising much but delivering little.

Lewis said she felt betrayed when Bass endorsed Raman for reelection in 2024. She plans to vote for Bass but does so reluctantly. Lewis described a cycle of blame between the council and the mayor’s offices that left business owners without help. Vega said she was not a supporter of Bass before reaching out for help with her patio permit. Vega recalled Bass answering the phone immediately and saying, "I’m on it."

The election is set for Nov. 3. Raman’s office maintains that it uses every available tool to fix problems reported by residents. Bass’s campaign continues to press the narrative that Raman has neglected her district's specific needs. Business owners in the Valley are weighing these accounts as they prepare to vote.