Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman, a candidate for mayor, recently drew significant online criticism after posting about the completion of a new crosswalk in the affluent Los Feliz neighborhood. The project, located at the intersection of Sunset Drive and Bates Street, was highlighted by Raman’s team as a safety improvement, but social media users quickly focused on the perceived lengthy timeline and the condition of the existing infrastructure.
Crosswalk Project Sparks Online Debate
Raman, who gained national attention for her previous challenge to Mayor Karen Bass, shared on social media that her office was alerted by the Los Feliz Neighborhood Council about the need for an improved pedestrian crossing at Sunset Drive and Bates Street in late 2025. Her team subsequently worked to expedite the project, completing the crosswalk by August 10, reportedly in time for the new school year.
In her post, Raman thanked her field team for their efforts in “problem-solving, pushing for solutions, and making our streets safer.” However, the announcement quickly became a target for online commentary. Critics questioned the duration of the project, with many pointing out that it appeared to involve painting lines and filling cracks on an already damaged road surface.
One widely shared comment expressed disbelief: “You are proud of it taking 8 months to paint 7 yellow lines and you label this infrastructure?!?! Did you notice how cracked up the infrastructure was you were painting over or were you just high from paint fumes and that’s why it took so long as well… wow, just wow!” Another user echoed this sentiment, stating, “8 months to paint yellow lines and fill in cracks, what an accomplishment, way to go!”
Criticism Over Infrastructure and Timeline
Further critiques focused on the state of the road itself. “Third world streets. Can’t even pave the cracked streets? This is something to celebrate? It’s some paint and a stencil or what better run cities call normal maintenance,” one commenter observed. This sentiment was shared by others who felt that a project of this nature, especially given the time taken, did not reflect well on the city’s ability to manage basic infrastructure maintenance.
The criticism extended beyond anonymous social media users. Former mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt also weighed in on the platform X (formerly Twitter), mocking the perceived accomplishment. “Holy s***, my sides…Nithya Raman’s big accomplishment is taking 9 months to paint 7 yellow stripes over a cracked street? How dumb do you have to be to post this? BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA,” Pratt wrote.
Raman’s team later provided additional context on Facebook, explaining that the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) had initially designated the intersection as a safe and legal pedestrian crossing. The councilmember’s field team reportedly pushed for a reassessment, leading to the expedited completion of the crosswalk.
Context of Los Angeles Mayoral Race
The online reaction to Raman’s crosswalk post occurs amidst a heated campaign for the Los Angeles mayor’s office. Raman is challenging incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. Both candidates have recently faced public scrutiny over city service issues.
Earlier in the week, Mayor Bass also encountered criticism online following a social media post about pothole repairs. Bass shared a video on Instagram detailing her administration’s efforts to address potholes. In the video, she explained that a specific pothole repair was delayed because a car was parked in the way. Her proposed solution involved placing a temporary ‘No Parking’ sign to allow city crews to return.
Bass encouraged residents to use the city’s 311 service for reporting issues and assured that the administration was committed to resolving such problems. This incident, like Raman’s crosswalk announcement, drew a wave of critical comments from the public.
Both Raman and Bass are Democrats who defeated Spencer Pratt in the primary elections. Despite their shared political party and Raman’s initial close alliance with Bass during the mayor’s first term, the two candidates have engaged in a competitive and at times contentious campaign leading up to the November general election.
Los Angeles Election Dynamics
Los Angeles utilizes a runoff election system, where the top two candidates from the primary, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the general election. In this cycle, Bass and Raman emerged as the leading candidates, surpassing other contenders, including Pratt.
The public’s attention to seemingly minor infrastructure projects and their timelines highlights the scrutiny faced by elected officials in Los Angeles, particularly concerning the delivery of basic city services. The upcoming mayoral election will determine the city’s leadership, with both Bass and Raman aiming to convince voters of their effectiveness in managing the complex challenges facing the metropolis.
The focus on these projects underscores the public’s expectations for timely and efficient municipal services. As the election approaches, voters will likely weigh these performance aspects heavily in their decision-making process.
