Elizabeth DeSwart (Tanya Mardirossian/Neon Tommy)

Name: Elizabeth DeSwart 

Neighborhood: Santa Monica 

Job: Registered Dietitian 

Age: 36

What are the top issues facing Los Angeles, and why?

I think local shops are disappearing. If you go to Hollywood, rent for local businesses is increasing. Corporations are taking over. 

What should Mayor Eric Garcetti do to address your top priorities?

He’s fairly new and I don’t know much about him, but he should support local businesses. People in L.A. are passionate and proud. 

Did you vote in the May election?

No. I live in Santa Monica. I grew up in L.A. and I’m not involved in city government. 

Why are local businesses so important to you?

L.A. is all about culture and you see that through the diversity here. We’re lucky to be in L.A. and I think you see that in local businesses. Local businesses diversify the community and that’s what L.A.’s all about. Local businesses raise the bar on quality of a product.