Mayor’s Area March 2023 Report

Picture of. Mayor Karen Bass signing orderMayor’s Area Monthly Report

March 2023

Erin Seinfeld

West Valley Area Representative

📧 [email protected] | 📞 (213) 709-9823

Hello West Valley stakeholders from
the Office of LA Mayor Karen Bass!

It is a privilege to work alongside you and be your connection to City Hall.

I will begin adding local community events in future newsletters.
If you have a local community event you would like featured,
please email me by the last Monday of the month.

For future scheduling requests for Mayor Bass,
please email
[email protected] directly - you are welcome to cc me as well.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

This Month’s Highlights

Mayor Karen Bass addresses homelessness: On February 10,Mayor Karen Bass issued Executive Directive 3 to maximize the use of City-owned property for temporary and permanent housing as she moves Los Angeles forward with an urgent and strategic approach to addressing the homelessness crisis. Since the launch of Inside Safe through Executive Directive 2, the Mayor’s office has been able to service ten sites and bring over 425 people indoors. Click here to view more information on Inside Safe efforts. Click here to read more information. View more about what the Mayor is doing to address homelessness here. Stay up to date by signing up for Mayor Bass’ official newsletter here.

Neighborhood Councils: Elections for Neighborhood Council (NC) Board Members will be held this spring. Deadlines for candidate filings and ballot requests are here. Find out how to get involved in your NC here.

 

City/County Department Updates

MyLA311 Week March 6-11: MYLA311 is a quick and easy way to access city services such as graffiti removal, bulky item pick up, street light repair and more! Help your neighborhood look its best and help your Councilmember win with the highest percentage increase of service requests submitted. View information here and here.

California Public Utilities Commission Participation Hearings: With the recent increase in SoCal Gas bills the CPUC Public Forums allow the public to express their concerns. Click here to learn more about these public forums and when you can attend.

Celebrate Women’s History Month in March with the LA Public Library. Click here to learn more about the historical contributions by women, related books, and upcoming events.

LA County Pandemic Relief Rapid Reemployment Program: connects small business and job seekers to immediate post-pandemic support with employment opportunities, streamlined hiring, reduced payroll costs and more. Job seekers can click here to apply. Businesses can click here to apply.

COVID-19 & Health Updates

2022-2023 LA County Health Survey is currently underway: The survey provides information concerning the health of LA County residents. Data is used for assessing health related needs, and programming and policy development. Click here to learn more about the survey and how to participate.

The LA County Department of Public Health Podcast: The DPH Podcast delivers news, updates, and stories from the largest public health jurisdiction in North America. Click here to listen.

The State of California’s COVID-19 State of Emergency has ended: Governor Newsom issued a proclamation terminating the state’s COVID-19 State of Emergency as previously announced in October. Click here for more information.

COVID Boosters and Treatment Widely Available to Maintain Reduced Risk: Find vaccination sites (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Novavax offered). Click here to see where to get the COVID-19 Omicron Booster. The CDC COVID-19 testing web page provides information on when to get a test and what to do if you test positive.

Environment Updates

LASAN Wet Weather Preparedness: Click here to view LASAN’s efforts in preparation for the rainy season, and how you can prepare. Call LASAN’s 24-hour Customer Care Center at 1-800-773-2489 to report non-emergency rain related issues.

LASAN Free Composting Program: As mandated by State Senate Bill 1383, LASAN has launched the Curbside Organics Recycling Program, to keep organic waste out of landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Click here for more information on how to participate.

Transportation Updates

Metro LIFE Program: Metro LIFE program offers fare discounts that can be applied toward the purchase of weekly and monthly Metro transit passes. Check eligibility and apply here.

Download the Transit App: Transit gives up-to-date service info. and helps you plan your trips to quickly get around Los Angeles.

Immigration Updates

City of LA Resource Guide for Immigrants: Click here to view different sources of relief funds and a list of available resources for immigration assistance.

LA County Office of Immigrant Affairs: helps all immigrants learn about available services for them and their families. Click here for the service locator tool to help find services near you.


Youth Resources

YouthSource Centers: Your local YouthSource Center has resources for youth between the ages 16-24. Click here to see the programs offered.

Renter Protections Updates

The State of Tenant COVID Protections: Tenants must pay their full monthly rent beginning February 1, 2023. However, due to an LA County Board of Supervisors’ Resolution, low-income renters (those making 80% AMI or less) who cannot pay rent due to COVID-19 financial impact continue to have protections through March 31, 2023. Renters must notify their landlord within 7 days of the date the rent is due and provide proof of income level. You can find a sample notice (with income eligibility information) here. Eligible tenants will then have until March 31, 2024, to repay their unpaid rent for February and/or March 2023. You can find more information about LA County’s Resolution here.

New LA City Tenant Protections: The city has adjusted its regular tenant protections to include: (1) landlords must provide LA City tenants with a legal reason in order to evict them; (2) eviction protections for unauthorized pets and additional tenants due to COVID-19 continue through January 31, 2024; and (3) effective March 27, landlords are prohibited from evicting tenants who fall behind on rent unless the tenant owes an amount higher than the Fair Market Rent (see here for Fair Market Rent information); (4) effective March 27, tenants who receive a rent increase of more than 10% within 12 months and are unable to afford the rent increase have the option to receive relocation assistance to move out of their rental unit instead.

LAHD has issued a Renter Protections Notice (in English and Spanish), which explains these and other tenant rights and which landlords are required to post in their buildings. You can also find information on LAHD’s website.

March Live Webinars for Landlords/Tenants: LAHD is hosting weekly, one-hour webinars in March to provide an overview of the City’s new renter protections and answer questions. Click here for more information on the webinars and to RSVP.

StayHousedLA offers information on renter’s rights, virtual tenant workshops, & free legal assistance. Visit StayHousedLA.org or call 1-888-694-0040 for more information. 

Housing/Homelessness Updates

LA City Planning: Click here to view the implementation guidelines for Mayor Bass’ Executive Directive 1.

LAHSA Winter Shelter Program: The Winter Shelter Program has been extended until March 31. View the available locations across LA County here. View flier here.

County of Los Angeles Homeless Initiative: Los Angeles County seeks qualified co-applicants for Homekey Round 3. Find out more about the program here. Qualified entities interested in being co-applicants with the county should respond to the request for statements of qualification.

Landlord/Homeowner Resources: The LA County Disaster Help Center is providing expanded foreclosure protection assistance for homeowners or landlords with 15 or fewer units. For more information, contact the County’s Help Center or call (833) 238-4450. You can also view state resources at CA Mortgage Relief Program and Federal protections at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 

Business News & Updates

Legacy Business Grant Program: Longtime (20+ years) small businesses in L.A. County are eligible for a $5,000 grant through the L.A. Conservancy. Find more information and apply here by Wednesday March 8th at 11:59pm. For additional questions, email Rosalind Sagara [email protected]

LA County Economic Opportunity Grant Program Opens Phase 2 for Micro Businesses and Nonprofits: Phase 2 opened February 23 and targets microbusinesses with less than $100,000 in revenue. Nonprofits can apply to receive a grant of up to $20,000. Click here for information on how to apply.

LASAN’s Reusable Foodware Microgrant Program: Provides LA-based food service providers with direct assistance and micro-grant funding to transition to reusable foodware. If interested fill out the interest form here and be notified when it launches.

Additional Resources

MyLA311 Use the app to quickly and easily request the city's most popular services, including graffiti removal, pothole repair, and bulky-item pickup. Available for Android and Apple devices. You can find more information here. Please share the MyLA311 flier with your community.

Copyright (C) 2023 Mayor Karen Bass All rights reserved.

 

One Generation Senior Symposium

One Generation Senior Symposium

Thanks to the board members who worked the event today. It was a hot one, but great to be out in person seeing our stakeholders after over two years of Covid.

And thanks to the CD3 Council member Bob Blumenfield for spending time with us at the booth.

Need help with unpaid rent? Apply by March 31, 2022!

Need help with unpaid rent? Apply by March 31, 2022!

Attention Tenants and Landlords:

Need help with unpaid rent?
Apply by March 31, 2022!

 

The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program will stop accepting new applications on March 31 at 11:59 PM. If you have not already applied, be sure to by the deadline. Apply online 24 hrs / 7 days a week until closing of application at housingiskey.com, or call (833) 430-2122.

 

The program provides free financial assistance to landlords and renters who need help with unpaid or future rent or utilities owed up to March 31, 2022. Landlords and renters are both encouraged to apply.

 

Income-eligible applicants may qualify regardless of immigration status and will not be required to show proof of citizenship. Assistance from the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program does NOT count as earned income (for renters) and will NOT affect eligibility for any other state benefit assistance programs, such as CalFresh or CalWORKS.

 

If you need assistance in another language, or if you need help determining if you’re eligible, filling out an application, or uploading required paperwork, schedule an appointment with an organization near you by calling 833-687-0967.

 

Do not delay.

Multilingual services available.

A Message from Council Member Blumenfield

A Message from Council Member Blumenfield

As we mark the two year anniversary of the first COVID-19 Los Angeles Safer at Home order, I’d like to reflect on the incredible resilience in our community as well as the unbearable heartache that many families have faced. In March 2020 we experienced unprecedented restrictions, and the closure of schools and businesses. We upended our lives to reduce risks as hospitals became overrun. And two years later, I’m still in awe of our doctors, nurses, and hospital staff who saved lives in our community. 

I’ll never forget the first cases at Providence Tarzana, advice from the doctors and nurses, and how we mobilized my Emergency Preparedness Community Action Team (BobCAT) to get PPE to local hospitals and senior homes. As your Councilmember, I tried to help with everything I could, including distributing tens of thousands of masks and setting up testing sites in Warner Center at Anthem and at Pierce College (which later administered 80,000 vaccines). The City Council took many steps to help businesses survive and keep people housed, including our $50M small business grant program, broad renter protections, and cutting red tape to help local restaurants. I will continue to examine the City’s COVID-19 policies to determine which should be continued and which can be relaxed.

Message From Raquel Beltran-General Manager of Empower LA

 

Message from our General Manager

 

Dear neighborhood council supporters:

 

On behalf of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, I share our recognition of Cesar Estrada Chavez for his selfless dedication to the working poor in the United States. Cesar Chavez Day is an American national commemorative holiday celebrating the birth and enduring legacy of this American civil rights and labor movement activist on March 31st. Additionally, the day is commemorated to promote service to the community in honor of Cesar Chavez’s life and work. City offices will be closed on Monday March 28th in recognition of his legacy.

 

We will soon be releasing new programs to support neighborhood council leaders in their board service. There will be updates to the parliamentary procedures portal for neighborhood councils and an NC Core Institute workshop on managing public comment. Also, a presentation is scheduled for the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners on the updates to the grievance ordinance process.

 

Our most important task will be preparing neighborhood councils to return to in-person meetings. The Department will share information on that process regularly, so please provide time on your agendas for updates from the Department. The new agenda template suggests having an agenda item for Department updates separate from the government updates.

 

Neighborhood councils embody the example Cesar E. Chavez set for us all. Thank you for your dedication to the communities you serve.

 

“We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community… Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and our own.” — Cesar Chavez

 

Sincerely,

Raquel Beltran

Message from LAUSD

The Woodland Hills Warner Center Neighborhood Council received this thank you for funding Neighborhood Purposes Grants for Lockhurst Drive Charter Elementary and Calabash Elementary.

First Annual WHWCNC Halloween Contest

The WHWCNC is sponsoring its first ever Halloween Contest

Enter the Council’s Halloween Contest!

Celebrate the spirit (and spirits) of Halloween with the Woodland Hills-Warner Center Neighborhood Council! The Council is holding a contest for Spookiest House and Best Costume (for under 18s). 1 horrific house and 3 creative costumes will win mysterious prizes as well as an official Council Certificate to put in your scrapbook and treasure forever.

To see the official rules and enter the contest, please visit [whcouncil.org website] before Nov. 6th. May the most fabulously frightful win!

Online Entry Form and photo release-Click Below:

Online Entry Form

Online photo release

 

And now the rules:

WOODLAND HILLS-WANRER CENTER NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL (hereinafter referred to as WHWCNC)  will conduct its contest substantially as described in these general contesting rules, and by participating, each participant agrees as follows:

  1. Prize(s). The prize(s) that may be awarded to the eligible winner(s) are not funded by WHWCNC. These prizes are donated by outside donors . All prizes must be redeemed within 30 days of the contest end date unless otherwise stated in the contest’s official rules. If a winner cannot be contacted or is disqualified for any reason, WHWCNC reserves the right to determine an alternate winner or not to award that winner’s prize, in its sole discretion.
  2. Eligibility and Limitations. Board members of the WHWCNC and all stakeholders who are members of any WHWCNC Committees and members of the immediate family of any such persons are not eligible to participate and win. The term “immediate family” includes spouses, siblings, parents, children, grandparents, and grandchildren, whether as “in-laws,” or by current or past marriage(s), remarriage(s), adoption, co-habitation or other family extension, and any other persons residing at the same household whether or not related.
  3. PR, Publicity, Promotion; Use of Personal Information. By participating in a contest, where allowed by law, all participants and winner(s) grant WHWCNC exclusive permission to use their names, characters, photographs, voices, and likenesses in connection with promotion of this and other contests and waive any claims to royalty, right, or remuneration for such use.
  4. Release. By participating in the Contest, each participant and winner waives any and all claims of liability against WHWCNC and its Board members and committee members, for any personal injury or loss which may occur from the conduct of, or participation in, the Contest, or from the use of any prize.
  5. Parental Permission. Each minor participant will have parental permission before participating in said contest.

 

 

Special WHIP Meeting on Redistricting

Special WHIP Meeting on Redistricting

Join the Woodland Hills Issues and Policies Committee tonight Thursday October 7th, 2021 at 5:45 pm where they will quickly discuss in the half-hour meeting what advise the Board to support with respect to Redistricting of the Los Angeles City Council.

Click here for the agenda.

Click here for draft being submitted to the Committee.

 

[pdf-embedder url=”https://whcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/City-of-LA-Draft-Map-K-2.5-with-numbers-1.pdf” title=”City-of-LA-Draft-Map-K-2.5-with-numbers 1″]

WHWCNC Official Election Results

Please click on the link for the official election results for the WHWCNC by the City Clerk’s Office

 

Welcome to our new and returning board members

The new board will be seated during the July Full Board Meeting

https://clerk.lacity.org/sites/g/files/wph1491/files/2021-05/Woodland_Hills-Warner_Center_2021_NC_Official_Results.pdf

 

Unofficial Election Results

Vote

Election Results

Election Results

The Woodland Hills-Warner Center NC had an election on May 4, 2021.  We’ve updated this page to provide additional information on ballots and voting.

Request Your Ballot

This is an entirely vote-by-mail (VBM) election. Ballot requests were due by April 27th, then either have them post-marked and mailed, or deposited in a valid drop box, by May 4th.  No WHWC NC officer or board member controls how the City Clerk’s Office interprets the requirements.  There is additional information on the NC Election Website: https://clerk.lacity.org/elections/neighborhood-council-elections/vote-by-mail-application

The documentation PDF and VBM questions PDF links are below. For questions such as “where is my ballot?” please contact the City Clerk’s office at Tel: (213) 978-0444 or via email at [email protected]

Review the Candidates

View Candidate Statements and Photos.  Click the link to the left, then choose Woodland Hills-Warner Center from the Drop Down Menu.  You’ll be able to see a complete list of Candidate Statements, photos and their candidate certifications.

[pdf-embedder url=”https://whcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2021-Woodland_Hills-Warner_Center_Certified_List.pdf” title=”2021 Woodland_Hills-Warner_Center_Certified_List”]

Return Your Ballot…

By Mail

Ballots may be returned by mail and must be postmarked by May 4 and received by May 14th. See the timeline below.

Drop Box Location(s)

Alternatively, you may drop your paper ballot in the County of Los Angeles Ballot Drop Box at the Woodland Hills Recreation Center, 5858 Shoup Ave, Woodland Hills or any “Region 3” NC Election Dropbox.  Click here for City Clerk Election Day Dropbox info.

The Ballot Drop Box will be available Friday, April 30, 9am to Election Day, Tuesday, May 4, 8pm.

 

Meet the Candidates

Meet the Candidates

Click here to View the Official Statements & Certifications of Candidates on the City Clerk's Website.

When you land on the City Clerk's candidate page, select Woodland Hills-Warner Center from the pull-down menu. 

Below are candidate statements and photos compiled from the City Clerk's website for the WHWC NC election.  Please note that, while we have tried to update the content below to match candidate updates made to the City Clerk's page, there could be updated candidate information not shown here.  Always check the City Clerk's Official Site for updated candidate info.

Residential Representative Area 2: 1 Seat

Kathleen Barth

Kathleen Barth

 

 am so excited to join the community as a new resident of Woodland Hills! I’m a current renter who moved from North Hollywood when the rent there became unsustainably expensive. I can see that same pattern developing in Woodland Hills, where the cost of living is driving working people—especially young workers—further and further into the Valley. This is increasing commute times and overall traffic, which affect everyone. I hope to assist the council in providing support for our unhoused neighbors and increasing environmentally friendly and sustainable housing. I believe that my 12 years of experience in social media marketing will help make communications from the council more accessible to the community via live tweeting and live-streaming meetings.

Arturo Velasquez

Arturo Velasquez

 

I have been living in the Warner Center area since I bought my townhome in 2008. I am a proud member of the Rotary Club of Woodland Hills and the West Valley- Warner Center Chamber of Commerce. I have seen that the quality of life has been in decline over the last few years in our community and we need to go back to our city officials and demand that we get the proper resources available so we can enjoy our neighborhood again. I will continue working for the betterment of our community and I will find more solutions to pressing issues like homelessness and residential burglary, traffic congestion, school quality to name a few. It is important to for all of us to become activate at the local level so I will appreciate your vote on May 4th. I hope you have a Great and Safe Day!!!

Business Representative Area 2: 1 Seat

Paul Lawler

Paul Lawler

Paul Lawler is the President of Paul Lawler /Risk Management in Warner Center. I have operated my business since 1989. I have lived and raised my family in Woodland Hills for the last 45 years. I attended the University of Chicago and Cal State Northridge. I served 8 years in the United States Navy, serving two tours in Vietnam. I have served on the Neighborhood Council since 2003. I have served our community as President of the Chamber of Commerce, CERT volunteer, AYSO Soccer Coach/ Referee, and a Rotarian. I am honored to serve as Vice Commander of American Legion Post 823. My goal with our Neighborhood Council is to facilitate consensus, not having a personal agenda so that those who live and work in Woodland Hills have a better life.

Roseann Kelley

 

I landed in the Valley over 20 years ago with a BA in Journalism from Ohio State University and stars in my eyes. I soon discovered that my acting career was 10% booking and 90% Hollywood shuffle, so I went back to college at Hypnosis Motivation Institute and became a Certified Hypnotherapist and instructor on staff. When I had my twins, I opened a private practice at home so I could be with my children. We felt safe in Warner Center. Then came more high-rise towers, many more residents, worsening traffic, and rising rents. Our charming, affordable neighborhood is turning into an overpriced concrete jungle. I am running for a seat on the WHWCNC board because I want to make a difference. Let's improve our beautiful Woodland Hills with more green spaces and less concrete. Let's reopen our schools with better support and help our unhoused neighbors in any way we can, with care and compassion. If we make choices that benefit all of us, we can create a better Woodland Hills for all of us.

Community Based Organization Representative Area 2: 1 Seat

Reina Cerros McCaughey

Reina Cerros McCaughey

Over 40 years ago I came to the U.S. from El Salvador. During my 20-plus years as a resident of Woodland Hills, I have become a wife, a mother, and the co-owner of an advertising business. My active involvement in our community includes serving as chair of the WHWCNC Education Committee and fighting for two decades against the decline of educational quality in our public schools and for improved educational opportunities for all. I am running for a seat on the WHWCNC board to bring back an emphasis on quality non-privatized education for our children. I will also fight for improved city services. All of us are feeling the stress, crowding, and street congestion sparked by the Warner Center 2035 Plan. We need more public parks where our children and teenagers can rely on safe, educational, and fun activities. A dense neighborhood needs green spaces to ensure public health! I would like to bring your voices to the table regarding these and other issues. Let’s work together!

Raymond Edward Cole

Raymond Edward Cole

Let's end homelessness in Council District 3, and especially in Woodland Hills. Community Support, hard work, and support from our homeless services organizations should be all we need to conquer this and get people off the streets. You may have met me prior to the pandemic at concerts in the park, the fall festival, the Golden Years Senior Symposium, or many of the other events that have taken place in the Warner Center Area. During my time on the Woodland Hills-Warner Center Neighborhood Council, I've been a member of our Planning, Land Use and Mobility (PLUM), Woodland Hills Impacts and Policies (WHIP), Community Services, Community Outreach, and Safety Committees. I'm dedicated to make a change in the community. I have been part of our Neighborhood Watch Sign Program, 2035 Plan Implementation Board, and I am an active Homelessness Liaison for the Neighborhood Council. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to serving the community for another four years!

Sean McCarthy

Sean McCarthy

I have been a member of the Woodland Hills Warner Center Neighborhood Council since fro more than 16 years as a full member or as an alternate member. I sit on the council's Planning, Land Use, and Mobility Committee. I represent the West Valley Warner Center Chamber of Commerce. If you live in or near Warner Center, you have seen one or more of the 500 fire hydrants I have painted at no cost to the City of Los Angeles. You have likely seen places along Valley Circle where I organized parkway cleanups. I have MCed a dozen candidate community forums for Congress, State Assembly, and LA City Council. I am a 5th generation Angeleno who loves Los Angeles. I look forward to running for the Neighborhood Council and hope you will find the time to vote in the upcoming Woodland Hills Warner Center Neighborhood Council elections.

Residential Representative Area 4: 1 Seat

Brian Archibald

Brian Archibald

My name is Brian Archibald. I am a businessperson, educator, and have lived in Woodland Hills most of my life. I am running for the Neighborhood Council to work towards a future for our neighborhood that reflects the needs of our children and future generations. I have spent the last few years on the El Camino Real Board, and volunteer for many organizations including AYSO and CORE Response. I am committed to environmental and social justice and the dignity of all people and it would be an honor to have your support in our 2021 Neighborhood Council Election.

Chris Voronin

Chris Voronin

Hi folks, I'm running for the WHWCNC because I want to help make our area better and safer for families and children. We have a lot of homeless everywhere, businesses are down, and many people are struggling to make a living. Just want to help improve things so that all of us can live in a better, cleaner and safer neighborhood. As an experienced leader in tech industry I have a track record of working with many people to get things done, and would love the opportunity to help improve our community.

Business Representative Area 4: 1 Seat

Martin Lipkin

Martin Lipkin

I have served as both an elected and appointed Representative and Alternate on the Woodland Hills Neighborhood Council for well over a decade—as a CBO Rep. and a Residential Rep. Now, I have chosen to run for the Area-4 Business Rep. because I believe the viewpoints of many Woodland Hills and West Valley small businesses and major corporations have been underrepresented on the WH Council.. I have run a licensed Creative Advertising business here for the past 8 years and have had in-depth experience working with many significant businesses in our community. I believe the interests of the areas’ businesses should be balanced with the interests of the area’s residents as well as with valid representative groups. Together, we can all help make Woodland Hills and Warner Center all they can—and should—be.

Community Based Organization Representative Area 4: 1 Seat

Geraldine Weiss

Geraldine Weiss

I have been proud to serve on the WHWCNC since 2019. I have been humbled to do so and am enjoying finding my stride. I feel more confident than ever that my experience to date will allow me to effectively advocate for my beloved neighborhood and neighbors. I have been part of the Environmental, Governance, and Community Services Committees. As part of the latter, I have loved going out into the community for activities such as hanging Christmas lights on trees while chatting to stakeholders to assess needs. I am currently working on a banner design to attach to neighborhood streetlights to spread the word to the community about the valuable work the WHWCNC does. I would like for us all to engage more with the public and truly become the voice for all stakeholders. I also want all of us on the WHWCNC to become one strong voice and to ensure this voice is sought after and valued by all branches of our Government.

Alan Semsar

Alan Semsar

I grew up here in the San Fernando Valley from Van Nuys Jr High to Van Nuys High and then Cal State University Northridge. I love the valley and that's why I call it home! I really care about our congestion and public areas such as parks and recreation centers. I have spent most of my adult live volunteering as a coach for Basket Ball, Volley Ball, and so many other sports. I am a small business owner and I really want a valley that promotes small business and family life. I live and work here in woodland hills so I spend all my time in this area. I love supporting non-profits and helping raise awareness for the good work they do all over.

Residential Representative Area 6: 1 Seat

Leslie Simon

Leslie Simon

I have lived in Woodland Hills for over 25 years and, with my husband, Marc Bender, raised our two sons here. My family has loved the public services offered to our community and spent years volunteering at our public schools (Serrania, Parkman and Taft). We've enjoyed the Shoup Park pool, and our sons attended and worked at Camp Sharwood. I am running for Neighborhood Council to advocate that all future decisions about development be based on ensuring long-term sustainability and accessible public spaces for our community. The summer heat has significantly intensified in Woodland Hills as a result of our rapidly warming climate. Despite this, developers continue building luxury housing and retail venues without ensuring adequate public transportation, green space and affordable and low-income housing. Our kids can no longer afford to live here, nor can those who will work in these new venues. This needs to change and I hope to work on behalf of our community to affect that change.

Lauren Coulter

Lauren Coulter

I’m a long time Woodland Hills resident and small business owner. I’m concerned about the future of my neighborhood and businesses. I want to help make a difference for my kids futures and everyone else’s.

Lauren Coffman

 

I have been involved with the WHWCNC for 5 years , first as a stakeholder on the PLUM (Planning Land Use and Mobility) committee and for the last 4 years, as a Board member and Chair of the PLUM committee. It has been rewarding to be a part of the vocal Woodland Hills community with respect to the built environment and its impact on the Woodland Hills community. As a practicing architect, I have learned a great deal during my time serving on the PLUM committee by representing the interests of our community on both commercial and residential projects that request PLUM support. In the end, I have made it my goal to have both the project applicants and the community gain from the project review process - after all, we are all stakeholders in Woodland Hills.

Business Representative Area 6: 1 Seat

Gilbert Yablon

Gilbert Yablon

I have been a Woodland Hills resident for 41 years, and am currently serving on the Woodland Hills - Warner Center Neighborhood Council Board as the Area 6 Business Representative. I am committed to improving the area while not destroying the unique features of our neighborhoods that attracted current residents to live here.

Mihran Kalaydjian

Mihran Kalaydjian

I’ve never seen myself getting involved in politics, but with nationwide and local events taking place, I feel, as a member of society, and the neighborhood in which I work, it is my obligation to advocate and grab the attention of City Council representatives that might be overlooking the needs of areas like Woodland Hills. We are a small, but significant population, and aligning our agenda to lobby the government for our needs and desires gives us a strong community. I would like to bring to the Neighborhood Council a new generation representation with ideas that align with the current times. Whether you vote me in or not, Neighborhood Council’s should include various age groups in order to bring in new members with new perspectives who can cause an immediate impact from the government. Ex: The Skid Row Neighborhood Council being endorsed and supported by the government. My agenda: Education, Youth Leadership and Civic Engagement, homelessness , street racing, re-opening..

Mina Mortezai

 

As a 20-year resident of Woodland Hills, I have grown to love calling our wonderful community home. I moved here after finishing my medical residency in 2001 and started working at West Hills Hospital as an internal medicine physician. Since then, I have started a family and launched my private practice in Woodland Hills. Over the last two decades, I have watched this quiet, friendly, and pretty community become overdeveloped, overcrowded, and congested with traffic while it lost more and more of its green spaces. I am running for the WHWCNC with a commitment to creating a healthier, more sustainable environment; improving cultural and educational opportunities for our children; and helping tackle the tragic homeless situation in our area, while listening to YOUR concerns and being open and willing to act with positive intent about other issues important to the community. I look forward to being of service to my fellow Woodland Hills citizens on the WHWCNC board!

August Steurer

August Steurer

With the City deteriorating daily, we need a neighborhood council with strong leadership to build an effective organization that grows, leads and coordinates the community to keep its share of services, obtain what is missing and get the City moving forward, most importantly City Planning. Past council experience: • Chair or Member of the Planning, Land Use and Mobility Committee since 2004; • Current and Past Board Member serving over 10 years, one year as Vice Chair, twice on Governance; • Initiated and pushed for revising the Warner Center Specific Plan and the Ventura Cahuenga Boulevard Corridor Specific Plan; • 8 years as a driving, passionate member of the Warner Center Specific Plan Citizens Advisory Committee resulting in a model plan used by City Planning; • Serving as Mayor’s Appointee on the Plan Review Board for Ventura Boulevard; • Participation in many citywide Neighborhood Council organizations including creating PlanCheckNC to educate NCs on city planning.

Community Based Organization Representative Area 6: 1 Seat

Charles Edward Gayton III

No Photo Submitted

 

 

Community Based Organization Representative I am running for neighborhood council because I believe that it is our responsibility as a community to better serve and care for our un-housed neighbors. Our community’s un-housed population has increased significantly in the past few years. I have not witnessed any significant efforts to alleviate this issue. As a neighborhood council member my goals will be to: • Find better ways to serve our un-housed neighbors • Bring greater awareness to the needs of our community • Continue to support and bring further awareness to community-based organizations. I am running for the CBO seat in Area 6. With my extensive knowledge and experience of running a nonprofit organization for 25 years I believe I can bring new ideas and a different outlook on how to better serve those in need. A vote for me, is a vote for us and together we will continue to build and restore our great community

Heath Kline

Heath Kline

Thank you for honoring me with the privilege of serving you as a WHWCNC Board Member for 16 years. I currently chair the Issues & Policies Committee, where we are working hard to preserve our ring communities of single-family homes and our vibrant Warner Center urban core of multi-family homes & today's jobs & attract those of tomorrow. I have served as NC Treasurer & served on or chaired many NC and Citywide committees, including Education, Street Services, Outreach, Elections, SSFL Cleanup, DWP-NCMOU Oversight, & Director of Community Services. In these roles, I've helped our WH food bank, animal rescue & senior organizations. I've solved intractable decades-old school & community public safety issues, produced 4-color newsletters for area NCs, while saving thousands of your taxpayer dollars. I've shown the community how to save on their DWP bills. I’ve got neglected area streets paved. I produced the NC's televised Senior-Caregiver Ed Conference. THANKS FOR YOUR VOTE.

At Large Representative: 1 Seat

Eric A. Spitzer

 

I would love to be part of the Council, I was part of a similar Council in Canyon Lake Ca. I am also a retired executive from Fender Musical Instruments and The Guitar Center. I am also an accomplished Pilot and previously worked as an Airline Pilot. I will always answer your questions, no matter how uncomfortable they may be. I believe in truth, straight forward answers and common sense solutions.

Jasmine R. Burch

 

As a Chemical Engineer, I am intensely passionate about STEAM education and making a difference in our community. It is immensely important to ensure that the youth in our community are being exposed to STEAM activities and careers and I will be the advocate for this. In order to shape the future of our community, we must start now. I plan to bring my unique background and experience to work with the various committees within our community to effect change. Keep it Jazzy, Woodland Hills and Vote for Jasmine Burch for Neighborhood Council At-Large!

Marc Shapiro

Marc Shapiro

I have lived, gone to school and worked in Woodland Hills/Warner Center my entire life. It used to be the ideal place to live and raise a family. I have also raised my family here and volunteered regularly in AYSO Region 71, WH Park & Rec. and WVSL. Lately things are not as great as they once were. I would like to help my community improve the safety of the community, help in fixing the homeless crisis that we see on most underpasses and street corners and create a community excited to work together. Let's raise everyone's quality of life.

Tevis Verrett

Tevis Verrett

Neighbors, I have watched our country devolve into chaos, so I am rolling my shirt sleeves up and getting involved. We have a homeless problem, speeding cars on our streets where our children play, cars being broken into, and neighbors afraid to in their homes. This needs to change. Neighbors need to know neighbors. There is a masonic lodge just up the street, and I invite all of you up there to meet your neighbors to get to know each other. I will buy you a cup of coffee and tell me what you need. I am my brother's keeper, My name is Tevis Verrett and I am running for your Neighborhood Council

Sam Evans

Sam Evans

I am a long time resident of Woodland Hills and an educator. My grandparents first moved here in the late 1960s. My mom and uncles went to El Camino Real High School and so did both of my siblings. Woodland Hills is a very special place to my family and me. The problems associated with urbanization have become all too apparent. Affordable housing is becoming scarce, unhoused residents with nowhere to go are increasing, traffic is becoming more and more congested, and climate change is becoming more apparent. Woodland Hills needs long-term solutions to the problems of urbanization and this is why I am running for Neighborhood Council. We need a responsive and dynamic Neighborhood Council that can provide for our community members and their interests; be it pushing for affordable housing, expanding public transit, providing services for the unhoused, allocating support for our schools, or tackling environmental issues. Each of these issues are at the core of my values and campaign.

Alberto E. Schroth

Alberto E. Schroth

I would like to be of service to the Woodland Hills-Warner Center Neighborhood Council by providing my experience and leadership. I am a long time resident of the San Fernando Valley and look forward to being part of this important council.