Atwater Village NC 2014 Elections – ELECTION DAY – Saturday, April 12, 10am-4pm, Christ’s Church of Griffith Park

OFFICIAL CANVASS OF VOTES


North Atwater Resident Representatives	MICHELLE O’GRADY ALEX VENTURA
Central Atwater Resident Representatives	KAREN BARNETT KAREN KNAPP
South Atwater Resident Representatives	COURTNEY MORRIS JULIA MEWBOURNE
Business Representatives	RUEBEN A MARTINEZ BRADFORD BALDUFF
Community Groups / Non-Profit Representatives	CONNIE CHOI TORIN DUNNAVANT
Church / Religion Representatives	EDWARD MORRISSEY MARIO J. CARDENAS
School Representative	SHELLI-ANNE COUCH

Click here to download Final Canvass of Votes (pdf)

Open Board Seats 2014 – Atwater Village NC

BOARD POSITION	# OF SEATS	ELECTED OR APPOINTED?	QUALIFICATIONS TO RUN FOR THE SEAT	QUALIFICATIONS TO VOTE FOR THE SEAT
North Atwater Resident Representative Term: 2 years	2	Elected	Stakeholder who resides in the North Atwater Area and who is 16 years or older.	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who is 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Alex Ventura – I have been on the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council since 2009, I chair the Environment and Land Use Committee, am a member of the Budget and Finance Committee and attend all Board of Governor meetings. I wish to continue representing North Atwater Village. North Atwater has changed a great deal, and for the better, in the past 5 years. The future will bring more change. Keeping informed and aware of new issues such as Small lot Ordinance development, River Development, and grade separation of the rail road tracks and streets in North Atwater are a few new challenges. In the past I helped redistrict the area into CD13, Fought the CRA when they tried to declare the area blighted, opposed the closing of Doran Street and generally get involved in any issue that may affect this part of Atwater Village. I hope to stay involved in the future.
Lawrence Lee Hafetz – I moved to Atwater Village because I wanted my first home to be in a community of deep roots and new possibilities. Some of my neighbors have been here over 40 years and others less than two. This kind of healthy diversity is a good thing for all of us. I want to make sure the changes taking place in our community work for everyone while holding onto the Village character that makes our area special. As head land use lawyer in the Property Division of the L.A. County Counsel’s Office, I understand what it takes to get things done for both home and business owners. Given my professional background and commitment to neighborhood empowerment I am asking for your support. Only by working together — both long time residents and businesses as well as new arrivals –can we meet the challenges of growth and renewal.
Teresa Herrera – I have lived in North Atwater Village for over 25 years. During this time, I have seen how the community has grown and changed with the developments and improvements of the place that we call home. I am proud to say that during the time I have served the neighborhood council as a North Atwater Representative, I have voted in favor of those stakeholders that have voiced their concerns during our monthly meetings. If re elected, I will continue to make myself available to our community and I will take it upon myself to encourage our stakeholders to become more involved in the decision making process of the neighborhood council.
Michelle O’Grady – I am a fourth generation resident of Northeast Atwater Village and continue a long family history of entrepreneurship through my own marketing consulting firm. My personal work focuses on small business growth, community activation and emerging markets. I also actively engage in conversations around planning efforts for Los Angeles City. My network includes NELA community leaders, connections in city and county government as well as top Los Angeles change makers all working on projects that are directly affecting our community. I hope to use my personal brand and trusted network to be a champion for the smart growth and development as it continues to affect our neighborhood.As growth continues to occur at a rapid pace in Atwater Village, I feel it is critical to make sure the area is represented in the best possible way. I look forward to being able to serve as a leader on the AVNC.
Central Atwater Resident Representative Term: 2 years	2	Elected	Stakeholder who resides in the Central Atwater Area and who is 16 years or older.	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who is 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Monica Waggoner – I was born at Kaiser Sunset, graduated from Marshall High School, and my first job was filing CDs at Rockaway Records. While remaining a dedicated Angeleno, I earned my BA in Sociology at UCLA, spent six months working in the second largest city in England (learning what other cities do better than us, and what we do best!), spent seven years in IT, and then returned to UCLA for a Masters in Urban Planning. I am a full-time non-profit professional, working as Director of Grants for a health and human services provider in Los Angeles. I also am a mother to two students at Glenfeliz Elementary. I am uniquely qualified to represent Atwater Village in land use and transportation issues, as well as deeply invested in seeing this community continue to thrive, by ensuring that all residents have the resources they need and the opportunities they deserve.
Karen Knapp – I’m currently a first term Central Atwater Representative to the Neighborhood Council. This first session as been extremely interesting, active and rewarding, and I am looking forward to a second term. I’ve lived in Atwater Village since 2004, and am happy I found a way to “give back” to this great neighborhood. I’m a member of four committees: Community Greening, Outreach & Communication, River Committee, and Website (Chair). I’ve been active in a variety of community activities including Tree Planting, Street Clean-ups, Composting Workshop, and a few more. I’ve also contributed by designing flyers and posters to promote our Council events. As an incumbent, I’ve had a chance to learn the Neighborhood Council processes and procedures, consequently I can start the next term with advanced knowledge and experience. And I have to boast that I have never missed a meeting. Thank you, and please vote on April 12!
~~JeanMarie Wisniewski~~ (WITHDREW)
Karen Barnett – I have been a resident and property owner in Atwater Village since 2002. I’m running for Central Atwater Resident Representative. As someone who lives next to the river, I have worked with CD-13, CD-4, FoLAR and others to inform the community and seek changes in projects or events that could negatively impact our quality of life. I’m also a member of the AVNC Greening Committee, Land Use Committee and Chair of the LA River Ad Hoc Committee. I believe that community involvement and the neighborhood council system make a difference in our quality of life. I will work to inform the community of upcoming projects, ordinances and changes that affect Atwater Village. Then we can respond and express our concerns as residents, business owners and stakeholders in our unique community.I look forward to being your voice and representing you and our neighbors of Atwater Village.
Andrew J Coffing – I love my new neighborhood.My wife and i bought our house on Valleybrink Road in central Atwater a year ago, and we feel like the luckiest people in the world to get to live here. Rather quickly, we decided we want to live here forever. And given our plans to live out our lives and raise a family here, we care deeply for this beautiful neighborhood. Atwater Village is already a bright new star in Los Angeles, and with Mayor Garcetti a native ally, our neighborhood is poised to lead the entire city in desirability. And we can make it even better. We need to push bike paths and recycling. Path lighting by the river, and more public park space. programs that bring our vibrant neighborhood together and enhance the community – from cook-offs to bingo tourneys. Our neighborhood should be the best place to be in LA.
Thomas J Moss – It has given me a great amount of pride to be the Central Atwater Residential Representative and I’d like to continue on the board for another term. I’ve seen how impassioned Atwater neighbors are to get involved, and make this a great place for young professional, new families, and longtime neighbors who have called Atwater home for a long time.During my next term, I want to make an impact on the board in three ways: (1) serving as budget advocate, acting as a liaison between our neighborhood and the city budget office, (2) joining the elections committee, improving our internal processes and making the board meetings more accessible for input from those attending, (3) sitting on the public safety committee, addressing issues brought forth by concerned neighbors.I look forward to strengthening my relationship with the neighborhood and being a voice for the most important people here, the neighbors!
South Atwater Resident Representative Term: 2 years	2	Elected	Stakeholder who resides in the South Atwater Area and who is 16 years or older.	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who is 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Courtney Morris – Hello! My name is Courtney Morris and I am running for re-election as the South Atwater Resident Representative. I have had the pleasure of serving Atwater Village as the South Atwater Rep, presiding Co-Chair, and Chair of the Outreach and Communication Committee throughout the last council year. It would be an honor to continue to serve the neighborhood that I care so deeply about by being elected for another term. As a resident in South Atwater, I am in tune with the needs of our community. Whether it’s street repairs, traffic calming, removing graffiti and illegal dumping, or creating family friendly events, I will strive to meet the needs of our stakeholders and be a voice for South Atwater. Atwater Village is a unique place! We are a community unlike any other in Los Angeles. Together, we can make this the best neighborhood in Los Angeles.
Julia Mewbourne – I bought a house in Atwater village in September 2012 after a 2 year search to find a home with the perfect balance of all that Los Angeles has to offer. I currently serve as one of the South Atwater Representatives on the Neighborhood Council. I am also a member of the Website Committee, the Public Safety Committee and the AVNC Representative for the Alliance of River Communities. Like many of my neighbors, I want a community that grows and enriches the lives of the residents, while maintaining the qualities that make it unique. If I am allowed to continue as a member of the Board of Governors, I will continue to steward the interests of the people who make Atwater Village the number one neighborhood in Los Angeles. Thank you.
Anthony Marinaccio – I am looking to be your South Atwater Resident Representative. I have lived and ownded property in Atwater Village for over two years. I chose Atwater Village because my family has been in the neighborhood for nearly fifty years. I am proud to say I live in a great community with great residents and businesses. I, along with other residents and businesses, have lots of concerns over preserving the characteristics of the neighborhood to ensure we all continue to live in the best neighborhood in Los Angeles. I would bring your concerns to the Neighborhood Council and would look forward to serving the residents of South Atwater Village.
Business Representative Term: 2 years	2	Elected	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who is 16 years or older.	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who is 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Rueben A Martinez – I have been in the community for almost 30 years. In 2010, I was elected on the neighborhood council as a representative for the South Atwater Village area until November of 2012. During my time as a board member, I served as the Chair of the “Summer Nights on the Blvd” event, co-chair for the neighborhood council elections, as well as co-chair for the “Christmas Tree Lighting.” As of today, I am running for the business seat in the Neighborhood Council. I feel that more is needed to be done to help improve our community; and as a resident of our community, can take the first steps to bettering it.
Jayden Brant – I am seeking re-election to a second term on the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council. I reside in Atwater Village with my wife and two children, and I am a business owner and real estate developer within the community. I have served on the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council since October 2012. As a former Deputy Sheriff with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, I feel that I have brought value to the council by utilizing my law enforcement knowledge and experience to reinforce ties with the LAPD Northeast and to increase the quality of life in Atwater Village. My experience as a real estate developer and business owner is an asset to the council when decisions need to be made regarding growth within both the residential and commercial markets. I truly love Atwater Village for both its past and future, and I hope to continue my service with the neighborhood council.
Michael Christopher Leiaghat – Young and determined Financial Manager for an Interior Design firm based out of Burbank, CA. I’m running to become a Business Representative in the AVNC. I recently purchased my first property in the North Atwater area and would love take on a leadership role in my local community. I have an interest in attracting more small businesses to take a chance at investing in our community. I want to help implement job creation at all levels. We have a beautiful community and in order for it to progress forward we need our local businesses to thrive here. Born and raised in Los Feliz. Hold a BA in Public Administration from SDSU and a MSc from the University of Stirling, Scotland. Give me a shot!
Bradford Balduff – As your Business Rep, I believe in 3 Ps: Preserve, Protect, Prosper! Our neighborhood needs to be Pro Business to Prosper. We also need to Protect & Preserve Atwater’s Character. I, and the ELU committee, worked with a new housing project developer to realize a 25% smaller development with real yards and facades that matched our neighborhood was the best choice. We, Greening Committee, received the Mayor’s People Streets beautification project with excitement, but the loss of parking was unacceptable to the business community. I’m working on alternate parking to yield MORE parking and MORE beautiful streetscape for all. Preserve & Prosper! A “car nut”, I promoted and excited local businesses about our successful Car Show As Website Committee technical expert I’m finding ways to inform stakeholders and promote Atwater. A frequent Board Member at Farmers’ Market I’m looking for new ways to serve Atwater and Businesses. Share your ideas!
Community Groups/Non-profit Representative Term: 2 years	2	Elected	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who is 16 years or older.	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who is 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Torin Dunnavant– I seek your vote to re-elect me as a Community/Non-Profit Representative. As a staff person at the non-profit TreePeople, I feel that I have been able to bring my professional knowledge to support neighborhood needs. As current Co-Chair, I am proud of our accomplishments over the past two years – supporting neighborhood organizations with grants, ensuring that city agencies are responsive to the neighborhoodâ??s needs, doing cleanups, planting trees, putting on community events that bring us together, and much more.There are issues on the horizon that necessitate the need for a strong neighborhood council. With changes coming to Hyperion Bridge and the LA River, as well as high-speed rail potentially coming through our community – it is important that city leaders know what we want. If you choose to re-elect me, I promise you that I will work tirelessly to make sure that your voice is heard.
Connie Choi – Atwater Village is truly one of the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles, because it feels like a community. I love that I can walk just a few blocks and encounter great restaurants, boutiques, and a vibrant farmerâ??s market – and meet with neighbors and friends at our art walk, movie screenings, tree lighting, etc.I appreciate the diverse make-up of our neighborhood. As a nonprofit attorney at the Asian Americans Advancing Justice, I counsel and work with immigrants everyday to advocate for their rights and to better their lives in the U.S. If elected to the board, I will further seek to engage with the diverse community here. Thanks, and please vote on April 12!
Janiene M. Langford – I am the Program Director for the Atwater Village-based nonprofit, Taking the Reins. In my role at TTR I facilitate youth to learn life skills and make informed and healthy decisions through learning to work with and care for horses and grow and maintain an organic garden, while recognizing the importance of being stewards of the land. Being a part of Atwater Village I am focused on the educational opportunities available to our youth, the healthy and sustainable options that are accessible to everyone in the community, and the importance of protecting and improving our environment, especially the beautiful stretch of the Los Angeles River that serves as a home for a great diversity of wildlife. I will work for everyone who calls Atwater Village their home, works in our community, or receives services in our neighborhood. I look forward to serving you!
Church/Religion Representative Term: 2 years	2	Elected	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who is 16 years or older.	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who is 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
John Ciulik – As a previous AVNC representative who was honored to serve from 2011-13. I hope that I will again have the privilege of responding to the voice of the stakeholders of Atwater Village. I have a wide range of experience, having been employed in the private sector, non-profit organizations and educational institutions as well as being a small business owner and I believe that this experience, along with my previous service allows me to bring a critical, understanding eye to the issues currently facing our community. If elected, I promise to expend the same tireless effort that I demonstrated in my first term on the Board of Governors. My hope is that my experience will continue to illuminate and implement new ideas that bring together the community and to help us get the best out of each other.
Mario J. Cardenas – I am seeking your vote to continue representing you and Atwater Village as one of the Church/Religion Representatives. I have been an Atwater Village Neighborhood Council Board Member since 2010. I am currently the AVNC Board Secretary.I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I am a proud graduate of Cathedral High School. I have a BS in Management Information Systems (MIS) from Azusa Pacific University,With your vote, I wish to continue making a difference in the community. I have been a stakeholder of Atwater Village since 2000. My wife and I plan to be lifetime residents of this great community.If re-elected, I want to continue assisting in the effort to improve our community, and promote more business in Atwater. I want to help preserve the small family home feel of Atwater Village, and discourage Small lot Ordinance development.Thank you in advance for you vote.
Tiago Guimaraes – My name is Tiago Guimaraes, and I, along with my wife and son, have had the good fortune of calling Atwater Village our new home. Our neighborhood has seen rapid growth and development along with its share of challenges. As your Neighborhood council representative, I will be committed to help preserve all the things that make Atwater Vilage great along with improving those areas that need attention. I believe that I understand the community’s strength and needs and with your vote I will strive to address those needs and make it even stronger.
Edward Morrissey – With the purchase of our house in 2010, my wife and I are so pleased to call Atwater Village our community.I have worked as a government lawyer advising L.A. County public agencies for almost 15 years and I believe that I can draw upon my public service and legal experiences to engage city leaders to focus on the needs of our community.I have served on the Neighborhood Council for one year and hope to be re-elected to continue to give back. I will work to improve the voice of religious organizations, residents and other stakeholders of our neighborhood to positively influence matters that affect us.Other than my time spent at school at the University of Notre Dame, I have lived and grown up in L.A. and I would not want to be anywhere else than here in Atwater Village.Thank you for your consideration!
School Representative Term: 2 years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who is 16 years or older.	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who is 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Shelli-Anne Couch – As a parent volunteer I’ve led the turnaround at Atwater Elementary School over the past three years, forging deep local community and business relationships along with a close working partnership with our sister school Glen Feliz Elementary. I’m familiar with the AVNC having petitioned for school grants over the years on behalf of both schools. I’m passionate about Atwater Village’s heritage and excited by its bold future plans, most importantly by how our schools (families, students, stakeholders) will play critical civic roles. Originally from Australia, where my parents worked in local government, I came to LA almost 20 years ago as an award-winning journalist with People magazine. I then became an entrepeneur, successfully selling two global fashion + media companies. I’ve been an Atwater resident for 11 years and our two daughters both attend Atwater Elementary.
Parks and Recreation Representative Term: 2 years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who is 16 years or older.	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who is 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
~~Katherine Duque~~– WITHDREW