Okay, this was kind of hilarious.
A collection of previously overlooked Yelp reviews connected to several high-profile California politicians is drawing renewed attention after being highlighted in recent reports. The posts offer an unusual glimpse into how some of the state’s best-known Democratic leaders rated local businesses long before the reviews became a political talking point.
Among those reportedly linked to the online accounts are Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Senator Alex Padilla, former Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and former Representative Katie Porter.
Most of the reviews were overwhelmingly positive, with five-star ratings for restaurants, medical offices, cleaning services, and other local businesses. However, Porter stood out by posting lengthy, detailed reviews criticizing businesses she believed failed to deliver quality service.
Katie Porter Left the Harshest Reviews
According to LA Material, Porter shared several strongly worded Yelp reviews over the years, with one of her most detailed complaints directed at Massage Heights in Sherman Oaks.
Porter said she could no longer recommend the business, arguing that customers looking for dependable service and a company that treats employees fairly should consider other options. While she acknowledged the spa had a convenient location and attractive facility, she claimed ongoing management issues created problems for both employees and longtime customers.
She also pointed to the number of hidden or “not recommended” reviews on Yelp, suggesting they reflected broader concerns about the business. Porter noted she had been a member for more than six years and believed that experience gave credibility to her assessment.
The former congresswoman also criticized Tony Pepperoni Pizzeria after what she described as a frustrating delivery experience.
According to her review, she ordered pizza for a gathering of children but experienced repeated delays despite being told the delivery driver was only minutes away. By the time the food finally arrived, nearly an hour had passed beyond the original estimate. Porter said the pizza itself was acceptable but criticized the customer service and warned future customers to allow much more delivery time than promised.
Another negative review targeted Irvine Yellow Cab, a company that has since closed.
Porter described scheduling a taxi the night before an early morning flight only to find that no driver arrived at the agreed time. After multiple phone calls and conflicting explanations, she said she ultimately reinstalled several child safety seats, loaded her luggage, and drove herself and her three young children to the airport.
According to Porter, the taxi driver finally called after she had already reached the airport parking lot. She concluded that she would never use the company again.
When asked about the resurfaced reviews this week, Porter offered only a brief response to The California Post, saying, “The Yelp reviews are what they are.”
Senator Alex Padilla Criticized a Hair Salon Visit
Senator Alex Padilla also reportedly left behind a memorable review.
In 2018, while serving as California’s Secretary of State, Padilla criticized a hairstylist at a Great Clips location after what he described as a disappointing haircut for his son.
Padilla wrote that his family had previously enjoyed positive experiences at the salon but claimed the stylist displayed a poor attitude, lacked patience with his child, and failed to deliver a satisfactory haircut. He concluded by advising customers not to request that particular stylist and expressed hope that additional training would improve future service.
Karen Bass and Other California Democrats Mostly Left Five-Star Ratings
Unlike Porter, many of California’s Democratic political figures reportedly used Yelp primarily to praise businesses they enjoyed.
Mayor Karen Bass left five-star reviews for the UCLA Dental Practice and Amy’s Angels Cleaning while serving in Congress. Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nithya Raman also awarded five stars to Tea Drops café.
Jennifer Siebel Newsom and several other public figures reportedly left simple five-star ratings without adding written comments.
The contrast between Porter’s detailed critiques and the mostly positive reviews left by other California politicians has fueled online discussion since the accounts were highlighted.
Why the Reviews Are Getting Attention Now
Although the reviews have no connection to official government business, they have attracted renewed interest because they provide a rare look at the personal opinions of several influential California politicians outside the political arena.
According to reports, The California Post contacted several businesses that received negative reviews from Porter for comment. Most did not respond, while Massage Heights declined to comment.
Whether praising exceptional customer service or criticizing disappointing experiences, the resurfaced Yelp posts offer voters an unusual snapshot of how some of California’s most prominent Democratic leaders interacted with everyday businesses long before the reviews became a topic of public conversation.