A Growing Concern for Public Safety in Los Angeles
Spencer Pratt, a former reality TV star turned political candidate, recently held an election event in the backyard of his mayoral rival, Nithya Raman. The gathering took place at a supporter’s home in Sherman Oaks and attracted hundreds of locals who are deeply concerned about the future of Los Angeles. Attendees expressed frustration over the rising crime rates and the lack of effective solutions from city leaders.
Before the event, Pratt made it clear that public safety is a top priority. He criticized city officials for focusing on declining crime statistics while ignoring the real experiences of residents. “It’s easy to say crime is down when you simply stop responding to crimes,” he wrote in a social media post. This message resonated with many attendees who shared their own stories of fear and insecurity.
Personal Stories of Fear and Frustration
One mother, Sana Lahar, spoke about being attacked while shopping with her children. She also described the growing frustration with homelessness and quality-of-life issues. Lahar, a cardiac perfusionist with 20 years of experience, said she wanted to show Pratt the face of a mom with three kids. “We’re real and we care about the safety of our children and our families and our community,” she said.
Lahar’s home was burglarized several years ago, and police took more than an hour to arrive because officers were severely understaffed. “I didn’t feel safe in my own home,” she said. She also recounted an incident where a thief attempted to steal her purse while she was shopping with her children. “I just want to feel safe again,” she said.
Her concerns are not unique. Tom Glick, a resident who once campaigned for Nithya Raman, said he no longer believes in her commitment to public safety. “As soon as she ran, she forgot about the people in the community that campaigned for her,” he said. He criticized Raman’s handling of public safety and policing issues, stating, “I do not think Nithya Raman takes public safety seriously.”
A Message That Resonates
Public safety has become a central focus of Pratt’s campaign, which he has amplified through a series of powerful online videos. One video portrayed him as a superhero cleaning up Los Angeles and taking on the city’s problems.
Jenny Leeser, another attendee, said Pratt’s messages have hit home because he was putting words to frustrations many residents have been carrying quietly for years. “Because I love the fact that we finally have a candidate who’s speaking the truth and cares for the city,” she said.
When asked what resonated with her most, she answered immediately. “The truth. Everything,” she said. “Our city has been destroyed.”
When asked what he would focus on first if elected mayor, Pratt repeatedly returned to one answer: public safety. “Public safety,” he said, describing it as a day-one priority.
A Shift in Political Priorities
The concerns raised during the event come amid a more complicated citywide backdrop. Recent LAPD data shows several violent crime categories trending downward across Los Angeles in 2026, though property crime and burglary concerns continue in some neighborhoods. Sherman Oaks and surrounding areas of the San Fernando Valley have had a string of residential and commercial burglaries.
By the end of the afternoon, the event had become less about a celebrity candidate and more about something many in the room appeared to share: a belief that public safety fears are becoming one of the most powerful forces shaping Los Angeles politics.
“We need change, our city has suffered way too long,” said Lahar.
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