Small Business & Jobs

By Steven E. Presberg

Supporting Small Businesses & the Jobs They Create

Drive down Ventura Boulevard - in any direction - and you can see the hundreds - if not thousands of small businesses that are the heart of our local economy. Restaurants, dry cleaners, merchants of goods and services of all kinds.It has to be a priority for us to do everything we can to nurture our small business sector. There isn't very much we can do to affect the global or national economic picture, but we must do everything possible to bolster our local economy.

I support the proposed phaseout of the business receipts tax. I want to create the most business friendly climate possible, so that every vacant commercial space is filled with job creating, and economy boosting activity. I want our local businesses to know that our government will do everything possible to foster such an encouraging climate, by ensuring police and fire protection, responding to traffic and street repair needs, and cutting red tape so businesses can attend to their trade, rather than to government forms. I will appoint a council deputy to be responsible for assisting small businesses on these matters.

Presberg with Lotus Inn Proprietor Bruce Hsing

Bruce Hsing and his lovely wife Debbie have operated the Lotus Inn Chinese Restaurant on Ventura Boulevard near Topanga for almost 12 years. The Daily News has called it "Jewel of the Lotus" and it certainly is. By far the best Chinese food in the Valley, an extensive menu that includes vegetarian fare, the friendliest service, reasonable prices, and even take-out and home delivery. (I particularly recommend the shrimp roll appetizer.) Bruce and Debbie - I salute your hard work and wonderful contribution to our community.

Presberg with Venus Jewelers' Proprietors Vickie & Sam Keoseian

Venus Jewelers on Ventura Boulevard in Tarzana has been in business for over 30 years, always family-owned and operated. From their small storefront, they offer a wide variety of merchandise and repair services, and the kind of expertise and customer-friendly attention to detail that can never be matched by any chain store. Drop by and see for yourself. Like many of their small business neighbors, proprietors Sam and Vickie Keoseian have concerns on issues such as public safety and economic growth. I want to help them to thrive and to continue their valuable presence in our neighborhood.