STUDIO CITY NC ELECTIONS – SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

OFFICIAL CANVASS OF VOTES


Residential Homeowners	JOHN WALKER LISA SARKIN GAIL STEINBERG DENISE WELVANG
Residential Renter	LANA SHACKELFORD JANE DRUCKER RONALD TAYLOR
Business Owners	RITA VILLA SCOTT OUELLETTE
Full-Time Employee	SHOSHANA RAPHAEL JOHN LAWLER
Member / Full-Time Employee of Service Organizations	RICHARD NIEDERBERG REMY KESSLER
At-Large Stakeholder	LISA CAHAN DAVIS
Youth Board Member


Click here to download Final Canvass of Votes (pdf)

Open Board Seats 2012 – Studio City NC

BOARD POSITION	# OF SEATS	ELECTED OR APPOINTED?	QUALIFICATIONS TO RUN FOR THE SEAT	QUALIFICATIONS TO VOTE FOR THE SEAT
Residential Homeowners Term: 2 years	4	Elected	Any stakeholder, other than a factual basis stakeholder, who is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election who owns a home or condo within the SCNC boundaries and regularly resides at the property	A Residential Homeowner shall be any person who is deemed by law to have an ownership interest in residential property located in Studio City and who resides at such property. Owners of multi-unit residential buildings who reside at that property are included within this definition. Must be at least 18 years of age on the day of the election.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Eric Feder Working as a Corporate Director in the entertainment industry for which Studio City is named, it is very important for me to work with my fellow residents to ensure that film and television production is a core revenue for us. My wife and I work with various dog rescue organizations and are the proud parents of three shelter pets. I am not a career politician. I am a Los Angeles native. Born in Panorama City, I have lived my entire life in California. Let’s work together to modernize our infrastructure, ensure the safety of our neighborhoods, and keep our government working for us!
John Walker It has been my pleasure to serve my community as President of the SCNC and on the Board to help protect and preserve the quality of life in Studio City and help make the SCNC one of the most respected NCs throughout Los Angeles.
Denise Welvang As one of the few residents in Studio City with a home on Ventura Blvd, I have a unique exposure to the needs and problems of all classes of stakeholders, be they homeowners such as myself, the business owners across the street from me, their employees, their customers, as well as the property owners where those businesses are located. I also recognize the many common problems we deal with are equally shared by the renters in the apartment buildings located behind those businesses. My neighborhood is a microcosm of Studio City in just a few blocks: Hillside & flatland, businesses and residence, we have it all. Your problems are ours as well.
Lisa Sarkin I have lived in Studio City all my life. It is the best place to call home. I have served on the Studio City Neighborhood Council Board as Vice President and Chair of the Land Use Committee. The SCNC website [www.studiocitync.org] shows the accomplishments the standing committees and board have been able to accomplish and I would like to be re-elected to continue serving our great community.
Gail Steinberg I am currently a board member of the Studio City Neighborhood Council. As a board member of the SCNC I am dedicated to the goals and objectives of keeping Studio City a neighborhood that is safe, family oriented and un-congested and suburban. I am passionate about the beauty, aesthetics, traffic and quality of life in Studio City.
Matt Pyken We live in a wonderful community, but it’s become so crowded. Several hours a day, you can get stuck at Ventura and Laurel Cyn. for what seems like an eternity. But it’s not simply an issue of too many cars. Parking, traffic control, and zoning are problems the Neighborhood Council can actually improve. I will work with the Dept. of Transportation to finally implement a comprehensive parking and traffic plan for Studio City, designed to free up intersections crossing the freeway and on Ventura Blvd. Less time in the car and more with our families is my goal.
Sarah Angel As a prosecutor, mother, and homeowner, I know the importance of creating safe communities that foster the well-being of every one of us. Everyday, I fight for crime victims, and as your representative, I will fight to ensure that every family has access to the opportunities and resources they deserve. We need to make government more responsive to our local needs here in Studio City. I am a lifelong California resident and a product of our public schools, from elementary school through UCLA and UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law. My husband and I have owned our home in Studio City for four years, and we are raising our almost one-year old daughter here. We love this community and I want to ensure it continues to flourish. I would be honored to receive your support. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at sarahangel4studiocity@gmail.com.
Lisa Yacoubian I am relatively new to Studio City, having lived here for just one year. I am Southern California born and raised and grew up in the San Gabriel Valley. I have lived in many different areas of Los Angeles, from Los Feliz to Hancock Park, but I have never really felt a connection to my community until moving here; maybe that’s because I now own property in the community I live in, but I think it has a lot to do with the uniqueness of Studio City. I will bring a fresh perspective to the issues facing Studio City, and being that I work for an agency in our state government I fully understand and appreciate the frustration and arduous nature when dealing with government. And yes, sometimes it is beyond our control, but I am not one for giving up easily.
Dan Nieman I was born and raised in the valley. I know the importance of community on this side of the hill. My wife and I happily bought a home in Studio City four years ago and we have loved living here. Now, with a growing family, I want to be part of the leadership making decisions for the next generation of Studio City residents, businesses, children, and visitors. I am running for the Residential Homeowner seat because I believe our community needs representation for homeowners who want to make it an amazing place to raise a family. As a former teacher, I understand the need to focus on our schools, the issues surrounding students, and the partnerships that can be formed between schools and community organizations. I would be honored to serve as your Residential Homeowner Representative and look forward to meeting you.
Residential Renters Term: 2 years	3	Elected	Any stakeholder, other than a factual basis stakeholder, who is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election who is a residential renter within the SCNC boundaries	Any stakeholder, other than a factual basis stakeholder, who is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election who is a residential renter within the SCNC boundaries.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Ronald Taylor We can thank all of the stakeholders who contribute every day to the atmosphere of respect, community initiative and concern that has made this one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Los Angeles. We also thank the dedicated public servants in our City administration and public safety agencies who respond to the needs of residents and businesses in our area. At the most basic grassroots level, the Studio City Neighborhood Council has played an important role in identifying issues that need urgent attention, guiding stakeholders to appropriate contacts and resources, and in helping to resolve difficult local conflicts. It has been my privilege to participate in this work as a homeowner and now a renter representative. I hope that my fellow renters will allow me to represent their interests, and those of Studio City as a whole, for two more years.
Lana Shackelford It has been a grand priviledge and honor to serve on the Studio City Neighborhood Council this past term and work as the Corresponding Secretary. I hope to continue to serve my community to the best of my ability and ask to be voted in again for the next term to continue to serve. Thank you for your support and your vote!
Arthur Hughes I live and work from my hoem here in Studio city with my wife for many years. I am running for this seat to offer a pragmatic view to our cities dilema’s and otherwise out of whack approach. I pledge to be a thorn in the side of the double talkers and sophists.
Geoffrey Going I am an entertainment industry professional working as a producer, actor, singer, and screenwriter. My experience also includes work in the special events and restaurant industries. My skills and experience will contribute to this diverse community. I have lived in this area for over 12 years. My family purchased property in Studio City 6 years ago and we’ve enjoyed our lives in this exciting community. If elected as a Residential Renter Representative, I’ll focus on issues that will improve the quality of life and safety of all residents, explore ways to increase communication and business through technology, increase property values, and make sure entertainment work continues to thrive. Studio City needs a young representative with my background and also because I am a law student, I am the qualified candidate. I will be an asset to the Studio City Neighborhood Council and I am honored to receive your vote.
Karen Eisenberg I’m running for Studio City Neighborhood Council because I believe I can make a positive impact on the future of our community. I bring to the table a fresh outlook and new voice. I have lived in Los Angeles my entire life and in Studio City for the past ten years. I am a graduate of Cal State University Northridge and am currently working towards a Masters degree in Politics. I am a mom to a seven year old daughter who currently attends our local public school, Carpenter Avenue Elementary. As your representative, I will serve the interests of the citizens to ensure that the needs of our small town community do not go unnoticed. I pledge to enforce and promote public safety, improve the quality of education for our children, encourage success of our local businesses, and will represent the overall welfare of our community. www.facebook.com/voteforKaren
Jane Drucker As a 27 year residential renter in Studio City, I have observed a great deal of growth and change in our community. I have been active with the SCNC since shortly after its inception, serving as a Board member, committee chair, and member of the Land Use and Bylaws committees. I have also served the SCNC as the chair of two grievance committees, leading the committees to successful resolutions of the grievances presented to us. I am now asking for your vote to return to the Board of the SCNC as a Residential Renters’ representative so that I can continue to Advocate Smart Growth keeping Studio City Livable. Support a vibrant business community. Promote neighborhood involvement. I am a Concerned Stakeholder of Studio City. Are You?
Business Owners Term: 2 years	3	Elected	Any stakeholder, other than a factual basis stakeholder, who is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election who legally provides goods or services for compensation in Studio City and maintains a City business license or owns business real property in Studio City	Any stakeholder, other than a factual basis stakeholder, who is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election who legally provides goods or services for compensation in Studio City and maintains a City business license or owns business real property in Studio City.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Scott Ouellette Scott Ouellette is a Studio City business owner residing in the Colfax Meadows area. He is a self-employed real estate consultant and manages a large portfolio or REO properties for a major financial institution. All of Ouellette’s career positions involved financial accountability and a high degree of integrity having served in financial capacity and/or officer position of a publicly held corporation. Ouellette graduated from California State University Fullerton with a BA in Business Administration. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) and a California Real Estate Broker. Ouellette’s community service includes nine years with the Los Angeles Police Department as a Reserve and Full-time Police Officer. Ouellette was named Reserve Officer of the year in 1996. He also participates in multiple fundraising and volunteer activities for various charities. Ouellette looks forward to serving Studio City and hopes to foster consensus-based decision making for diverse group of stakeholders.
Rita Villa Our local businesses are what keep Studio City’s economy vibrant. It is my desire to serve the business community of Studio City by helping to ensure that businesses have a voice in matters of importance to them. My goal as a Neighborhood Council Board Member has been, and will continue to be, to support projects and ordinances which foster the economic vitality of local business while enhancing the quality of life in our community for the benefit of all of its stakeholders. It is our local businesses who contribute so greatly to the village atmosphere that makes Studio City a great place to live, work and play.
Full-Time Employee Term: 2 years	2	Elected	Any stakeholder, other than a factual basis stakeholder, who is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election who legally provides goods or services for compensation in Studio City, whose compensation is reported by way of Form W-2 or Form 1099 and does not need to maintain a City business license	Any stakeholder, other than a factual basis stakeholder, who is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election who legally provides goods or services for compensation in Studio City, whose compensation is reported by way of Form W-2 or Form 1099 and does not need to maintain a City business license.
CANDIDATES FILED:
John Lawler Independent contractors, employers and employees in Studio City, my name is John Lawler and I am running for Studio City Neighborhood Council (SCNC). It is my goal to make Studio City a more business friendly environment for local independent contractors and other small businesses while improving the quality of life that makes Studio City such a great place to live and work. Many local independent contractors work in the service, entertainment industry and knowledge economy, generating exactly the kind of environmentally clean and sustainable employment we most need to preserve and expand. As a founding member of an advisory sub-committee to the SCNC Land Use Committee and a current member of the SCNC Transportation Committee, I have already begun serving Studio City and hope to continue this work on your behalf. Please vote for John Lawler for Studio City Neighborhood Council on Thursday, September 20th.
Shoshana Raphael I have lived in Studio City for most of my life. I grew up here, went to school here, bought a home here, and even operate a business right on Ventura Blvd. I’m sensitive to the many perspectives of those in our community. I believe there is no better place to live in LA. I would love the opportunity to help guide Studio City’s growth and keep it the close-knit gem of a neighborhood it is today.
Member/Full-Time Employee of Service Organizations Term: 2 years	2	Elected	Any stakeholder, other than a factual basis stakeholder, who is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election who is a member or full time employee of separate service organizations located within the SCNC boundaries and on a SCNC Board certified list	Any stakeholder, other than a factual basis stakeholder, who is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election who is a member or full time employee of separate service organizations located within the SCNC boundaries and on a SCNC Board certified list.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Remy Kessler It has been a pleasure and an honor to have served on the Studio City Neighborhood Council and its various committees for the past seven years, including as Treasurer for four years. I seek re-election to further the accomplishments we have made and to continue to protecting our community for the benefit of all stakeholders. Thank you for your continued support.
Richard Niederberg This is my 60th year of living in Studio City. I have observed many changes; some good, some bad. I will work hard to retain and restore the quality of life that the stakeholders have come to expect, particularly in the areas of Land Use and Cultural Affairs. I am the President of the Studio City Optimist Club which holds Essay and Oratorical Contests for Youth in Studio City, as well as our yearly Ovarian Cancer Walk/Run and Health Fair that we conduct at the CBS Radford Lot in Studio City. I am a lawyer in private practice in Studio City, as well as being a member of the Los Angeles Fire Department’s CERT and ACS teams, and I train Mediators for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office. I have the time, energy, desire, and resources to serve on the Studio City Neighborhood Council in an exemplorary fashion.
At-Large Stakeholder Term: 2 years	1	Elected	Any stakeholder (commonly known as a factual basis stakeholder) who is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election claiming stakeholder status and who does not “live, work or own property” within the SCNC boundaries.	Any stakeholder (commonly known as a factual basis stakeholder) who is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election claiming stakeholder status and who does not “live, work or own property” within the SCNC boundaries.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Sam Humeid Growing up in Southern California, Studio City has always been a part of my life. From hiking the hills to working the film sets, and now as a small business owner on Ventura Boulevard, I feel privileged to be part of this progressive and evolving community. As a SCNC committee member – January – April 2012, I witnessed a political body conquer monumental tasks with speed and grace. This fluidity in local government is partially why Studio City is the envy of the Valley. As a factual basis stakeholder, I will continue this momentum and focus on community progress rather than personal or special interests. I will stand for what is right, not for what is “Right Now.” I will make Studio City a better place for you and your family. On September 20 – Vote for me, Sam Humeid, for At-large Stakeholder.
Lisa Cahan Davis I’m Lisa Cahan Davis, and I am running for the At-Large Stakeholder Seat of the Studio City Neighborhood Council. Since 2009, I have volunteered on several SCNC committees so that I could make a difference, have a voice and build a more cohesive community—something I hope to continue as a new board member. As a Cultural Affairs Committee member and Chair of the Outreach Committee (since 2010), I worked hard with other active citizens in the creation of the SCNC street banners, website, Facebook Page and the community outreach tactics, events, sponsorships and partnerships such as Mayor’s Day of Service, Luminaria at the Campo de Cahuenga, Republic Pictures 75th Anniversary celebration, TreePeople Green City Fair and Studio City Chamber of Commerce 4th of July festivity. Additionally, it was an honor to be appointed in 2011 as a Neighborhood Council Budget Advocate for the City of LA’s Budget Planning session.
Youth Board Member Term: 2 years	1	Elected	A stakeholder, other than a factual basis stakeholder who is at least 15 years of age, but less than 18 years of age on the date of the election	A stakeholder, other than a factual basis stakeholder who is at least 15 years of age, but less than 18 years of age on the date of the election.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Pasha Vafaee As the Youth Board Member of the Studio City Neighborhood Council, I plan to use my previous experience as a neighborhood council board member and leader of several in-school clubs and organizations to give a proper voice to a demographic that is often poorly represented: The Youth