Councilmember Nithya Raman raises her hand to ask a question in the council chamber at City Hall. Raman’s statements represent a considerable evolution from 2020, when she became the first person elected to the City Council with the support of the Democratic Socialists of America. AdvertisementAs a city council member, Raman has navigated a tightrope on the issue, responding to the wishes of her DSA supporters but also other constituents concerned about crime. “My analysis was that [the contract] would not increase recruitment and that it would bankrupt the city,” Raman said last year at a community meeting in Encino. In 2024, Raman voted against Bass’ city budget — the first since the package of police raises went into effect.

Source: Los Angeles Times February 12, 2026 21:31 UTC