GRANADA HILLS SOUTH NC 2014 ELECTION – ELECTION DAY – Saturday, March 1, 10am-4pm, Granada Hills Rec. Center

FINAL CANVASS OF VOTES


Business Director	JERRY ASKEW
Commercial Property Owner Director	BONNIE MARIE BURSK
Community Organizations Director	JERRY ASKEW
Education Director	SALLY A. KOLSTAD
Homeowners Director	ERIC MANSKER
Member-At-Large Directors	CINDY WU FREEDMAN BRAD SMITH MICHAEL BENEDETTO RENE R. TRINIDAD JETT DUNLAP JIM SUMMERS ROSS AARON TURMELL BRANDON SCHINDELHEIM KRISNA C. VELASCO
Member-At-Large Community Interest Director	CINDY WU FREEDMAN
Parks & Cultural Arts Director	ANTHONY MATTHEWS
Renters Director	GINA GRESCHNER
Senior Director	ARTHUR ANDREW DAUSH JR.
Student Director	VARUN KHURANA
Youth Organizations Director	S. DERON LOPEZ



Click here to download the Final Canvass of Votes (pdf)
Challenge 1 – Response 1

Certified Candidates

Click here to download the Certified Candidates List

Open Board Seats 2014 – Granada Hills South NC

Member-At-Large Term: 2 years	9	Elected	Any stakeholder not running or elected for a specific-seat position defined below and who is 16 years or older.	Any Stakeholder who lives, works, or owns property in the neighborhood or to those who declare a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder and who is 16 years or older.
			CANDIDATES FILED:
Brandon Schindelheim
Brad Smith – As life-long residents of the northwest San Fernando Valley and parents of four children, my wife Maria and I have done our best to maintain Granada Hills as an attractive neighborhood to live and work. Once the city charter was amended to allow neighborhood councils, I was eager to get involved. I had the great honor of being elected a founding member of the Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council in 2006, and being elected vice-president in 2007.Since then, I have worked with the council on planning and land use issues, opposing overdevelopment, and supporting intelligent growth that adds to the quality of life in our community. I have supported Community Emergency Response Team training, anti-graffiti efforts, support for our local parks, library, and public schools, and beautification throughout Granada Hills, including the Veterans’ Triangle at Zelzah and Chatsworth. I would sincerely appreciate your vote March 1. Respectfully, Brad Smith
Cindy Wu Freedman – Thank you for electing me to serve on your neighborhood council for the last 2 years. It has been a privilege and an honor. Hello, my name is Cindy Wu-Freedman and I am running for re-election of Member-at-Large Director. I am a native to the San Fernando Valley. I values the importance of addressing issues that effect Granada Hills economy. I have held various board positions within community based organizations. I am dedicated to improve the lifestyle our community and help those organizations in need. I am a graduate of USC and UCLA in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. I will employ my vast business skills and entrepreneurial training to support the Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council. I am dedicated to the success of GHSNC.I am married to my husband Jason, and we have two dogs. I am a past business consultant and currently practice as a real estate advisor. PLEASE VOTE FOR: WU FREEDMAN
Ross Aaron Turmell – My name is Ross Turmell and I would like to continue serving my community in Granada Hills. I ask for your support and vote to remain on the Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council as a Member At Large.Most recently I have been appointed the chair of the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee. I and the PSEP committee have done our best to improve the safety in our wonderful community through holding C.E.R.T. Classes, requesting that the city reduce the speed on Chatsworth during the Food Truck Nights by utilizing an automated traffic speed monitor and increasing the number of traffic safety officers. I have also focused on continuing the Neighborhood Watch Sign project (see our website for the Powerpoint and our newsletter for the article).I would appreciate your vote for me, Ross Turmell, to serve on the Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council.
Jett Dunlap – It has been my pleasure to serve on the GHSNC since 2009. When I took my seat it was with the goal of bringing my town up to the beauty and stature I knew it could reach. In my short time on the board I have seen Chatsworth transformed; the once dead shopping center on Chatsworth and Zelzah brought back to life as the New Regency center. I have seen over $100k allocated to schools, safety, and GH beatification over the years through the council. I have served as Outreach Chair for 2 of those years, and I feel I have brought a level of exposure to GHSNC not seen previously. If elected again I will redouble my efforts and make the future even brighter in GH. Thank you for the opportunity I have been given and if you vote for me or another candidate, I simply want to applaud you for getting involved.
Rene R Trinidad – I am a proud homeowner and parishioner of St. John the Baptist church for over 20 years. My family and I believe Granada Hills is great neighborhood to raise a family and want to keep it that way.
Michael Benedetto – My name is Mike Benedetto; I have worked and resided in Granada Hills for over 16 years. I am running for GHSNC general member because I’m an advocate of strong communities making a difference in people’s lives. Throughout the years I’ve been actively involved in City Council affairs, holding positions of President and Chairman for various Boards. My past community involvement include: Fraternal Order of Eagles, Optimist Club, Rotary Club, various PTA’s holding the office of Treasurer at Patrick Henry (2008-2010). I also managed and coached Little League for over 20 years. I have expertise in Property Management, Real Estate, as a Loan Officer, Insurance Broker and Paralegal since 1980. I am 58 years young and would like to add my oomph to the GHSNC as I did when I was ranked 4th in the U.S. as an Olympic Weightlifter which was much easier than raising my 5 kids.
Arik Cohen – As a business owner and homeowner in Granada Hills I would like to better the business and social community in the area. I believe we can create a more welcoming environment with fewer restrictions and more community events.I believe that we can grow our community and that people would like to come together more and enjoy our neighborhood environment, our streets and parks and enjoy the Mom & Pop businesses that provide better customer service than big commercial enterprises.I am originally from Israel and served in the Israeli Air force. I now hold dual citizenships with Israel and the United States. I am proud to be a U.S. citizen and proudly support Made In USA products as well as U.S. and local businesses.I have been volunteering and working with local schools for the last 11 years bringing aviation education and hands-on activities to children.
Jeffrey B Bohrer
Jim Summers – Stakeholders have to know what is happening to be able to have input. I believe in having meetings video recorded and on the internet. I believe in having frequent surveys and newsletters, employing e-mail where possible and outreaching to all. This allows stakeholders to have time to get the facts and form an opinion. I have lived in Granada Hills for over 40 years, Co-Founder of OGHRG, 1st elected President of GHSNC, gathered pictures and info for the GH History book, and helped the fight against a Big Box store in Old GH Village, against 118 off-ramp at White Oak, against boarding homes in residential area, against extreme overbuilding. Please vote for me, and more important become active in our neighborhoods.
Krisna C. Velasco – Keep Empowering LA !!!!
Member-at-Large Community Interest Director Term: 2 years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who declares a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder and who is 16 years or older.	Stakeholder who declares a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder and who is 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Cindy Wu Freedman – Thank you for electing me to serve on your neighborhood council for the last 2 years. It has been a privilege and an honor. Hello, my name is Cindy Wu-Freedman and I am running for re-election of Member-at-Large Director. I am a native to the San Fernando Valley. I values the importance of addressing issues that effect Granada Hills economy. I have held various board positions within community based organizations. I am dedicated to improve the lifestyle our community and help those organizations in need. I am a graduate of USC and UCLA in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. I will employ my vast business skills and entrepreneurial training to support the Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council. I am dedicated to the success of GHSNC. I am married to my husband Jason, and we have two dogs. I am a past business consultant and currently practice as a real estate advisor.PLEASE VOTE FOR: WU FREEDMAN
Rene R Trinidad – I am a proud homeowner and parishioner of St. John the Baptist church for over 20 years. My family and I believe Granada Hills is great neighborhood to raise a family and want to keep it that way.
Michael Benedetto – My name is Mike Benedetto; I have worked and resided in Granada Hills for over 16 years. I am running for GHSNC general member because I’m an advocate of strong communities making a difference in people’s lives. Throughout the years I’ve been actively involved in City Council affairs, holding positions of President and Chairman for various Boards. My past community involvement include: Fraternal Order of Eagles, Optimist Club, Rotary Club, various PTA’s holding the office of Treasurer at Patrick Henry (2008-2010). I also managed and coached Little League for over 20 years. I have expertise in Property Management, Real Estate, as a Loan Officer, Insurance Broker and Paralegal since 1980. I am 58 years young and would like to add my oomph to the GHSNC as I did when I was ranked 4th in the U.S. as an Olympic Weightlifter which was much easier than raising my 5 kids.
Jim Summers – Stakeholders have to know what is happening to be able to have input. I believe in having meetings video recorded and on the internet. I believe in having frequent surveys and newsletters, employing e-mail where possible and outreaching to all. This allows stakeholders to have time to get the facts and form an opinion. I have lived in Granada Hills for over 40 years, Co-Founder of OGHRG, 1st elected President of GHSNC, gathered pictures and info for the GH History book, and helped the fight against a Big Box store in Old GH Village, against 118 off-ramp at White Oak, against boarding homes in residential area, against extreme overbuilding. Please vote for me, and more important become active in our neighborhoods.
Renters Director Term: 2 years	1	Elected	Stakeholders who rents and resides in a home, condominium, townhouse, or apartment within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council and who is 16 years or older.	Stakeholder who declares a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder and who is 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Gina Greschner – I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, and have happily called Granada Hills my home for nearly a decade. I started serving on the council a few years ago to become more involved with the community in which I reside, and to gain insight into the ongoing developments within its boundaries. I love that, by volunteering on the council, we have the opportunity to supplement funds for worthy projects at local schools and organizations that might otherwise not be possible. I am excited to see our efforts of beautification and community outreach bolster interest and participation in our stakeholders. It has been rewarding to see what positive change we can create through local government, so I hope to be able to continue on with the board in this next term, with your support.
Community Organizations Director Term: 2 years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who is a member of a community organization that regularly meets within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council and who is 16 years or older.	Stakeholder who is a member of a community organization that regularly meets within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council and who is 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Jerry Askew– Jerry Askew is a 25 year resident of Granada Hills and local business owner. Jerry currently serves on the Neighborhood Council as chair of the Planning and Land Use Management committee. Jerry was the President of the Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce for 2012 – 2013 and is a member of Old Granada Hills Residents group.Jerry has a solid record of community involvement. His projects include:- Preventing “Sidewalk Cell Towers” in front of residential properties.- Clean-up of illegal signage and associated blight.- Working with merchants and vendors so that the Friday Food Truck event can proceed smoothly.- Relocation of cabinets that were being bolted to the sides of utility poles, becoming graffiti magnets and hazards for pedestrians.Jerry has proudly served the Neighborhood Council for 7+ years and asks for your support to continue serving this community.
Commercial Property Owner Director Term: 2 years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who owns property that is zoned for commercial purposes within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council and who is 16 years or older.	Stakeholder who owns property that is zoned for commercial purposes within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council and who is 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Bonnie Marie Bursk
Faith-Based Groups Director Term: 2 years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who is a member of a church, temple, mosque and other faith-based groups that have facilities physically located within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council and who is 16 years or older.	Stakeholder who is a member of a church, temple, mosque and other faith-based groups that have facilities physically located within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council and who is 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:

Business Director Term: 2 years	1	Elected	Stakeholder owns or works for a business that is physically located within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council, or from persons legally operating a business from their primary residences within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council and who is 16 years or older.	Stakeholder who owns or works for a business that is physically located within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council, or from persons legally operating a business from their primary residences within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council and who is 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Jerry Askew – Jerry Askew is a 25 year resident of Granada Hills and local business owner. Jerry currently serves on the Neighborhood Council as chair of the Planning and Land Use Management committee. Jerry was the President of the Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce for 2012 – 2013 and is a member of Old Granada Hills Residents group.Jerry has a solid record of community involvement. His projects include:- Preventing “Sidewalk Cell Towers” in front of residential properties.- Clean-up of illegal signage and associated blight.- Working with merchants and vendors so that the Friday Food Truck event can proceed smoothly.- Relocation of cabinets that were being bolted to the sides of utility poles, becoming graffiti magnets and hazards for pedestrians.Jerry has proudly served the Neighborhood Council for 7+ years and asks for your support to continue serving this community.
Mike Anthony Payton
Homeowners Director Term: 2 years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who owns and lives in a residential dwelling, condominium, townhouse, or apartment within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council and who is 16 years or older.	Stakeholder who owns and lives in a residential dwelling, condominium, townhouse, or apartment within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council and who is 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Eric Mansker – I’m a founding member of the Granada Hills South Council Granada Hills has been my home for almost 30 years, my kids when to Granada Hills Charter and I even volunteered as a coach on the track & field team. I have served as Christmas parade announcer and many other area’s to my community. I’ve chaired the Planning and Land Use committee which I feel is the reason the council exist. I will always carryout my duties with the good faith and honesty befitting this position. Thank you for your support.
Omar Bayter – I, Omar Bayter, have been living in the community since 2005. I have seen the wonderful development this area has had. I am a property manager with vast knowledge of the rules and guide lines. I would like to serve as a member of this community to help out where ever my expertise can be utilized.I am very protective of the community we live in, not only because I am responsible to see that the rules of the complex I manage are followed, but because I have I a young daughter whom I would love to see grow up in a safe and organized community such us ours.I also speak Spanish fluently.
Parks & Cultural Arts Director Term: 2 years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who is a member of a park organization or Cultural Arts organization, e.g. libraries, historical societies, theater groups, museums, or organizations dedicated to enhancing music, arts or culture that meets at least four times a year or who lives within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council and is a member of a parks organization or Cultural Arts organization that meets four times a year and who is 16 years or older.	Stakeholder who is a member of a park organization or Cultural Arts organization, e.g. libraries, historical societies, theater groups, museums, or organizations dedicated to enhancing music, arts or culture that meets at least four times a year or who lives within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council and is a member of a parks organization or Cultural Arts organization that meets four times a year and who is 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Anthony Matthews –I have been a resident of the San Fernando Valley since 1992. My children, now both in college, were born and raised here. I have been a member of the Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council since 2012 and current act as Secretary. I am a member of the Council’s Executive Board, the Outreach Committee, and the ByLaws Committee.I am an aficionado of the Valley’s history and culture, and a regular visitor to local museums, theaters, and parks. Please vote for “Your Friend On The Council”, Anthony Matthews on March 1st.
Youth Organizations Director Term: 2 years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who is a member of a youth-based organization whose meetings or activities are regularly held within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council and who is 16 years or older.	Stakeholder who is a member of a youth-based organization whose meetings or activities are regularly held within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council and who is 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
S Deron Lopez – I have been a resident of Granada Hills for over 13 years and have been involved with youth basketball coaching . I ,also started a annual basketball youth clinic with the Granada Hills High School Basketball program.My goal is to bring parents and youth together and bring a higher standard of sportsmanship in the granada hills area ,and for the council to integrate with the community to listen and offer venues of shared neighborhood values. Also transform youth sports so that sports can transform the youth.
Students Director Term: 2 years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who is a student, ages 16 through 25, attending a school or residing within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council.	Stakeholder who is a student, ages 16 through 25, attending a school or residing within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Varun Khurana – As a resident of Granada Hills South for about 16 years, I have greatly desired to become integrated with my community in a monumental way. The opportunity of Student Director will allow me to expand my limits as a person and as a member of my community. With experience in running multiple clubs at my school, I assume leadership roles with great ardor. With past experience of attending meetings in Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council, I hope to bring something new to the neighborhood council.Please vote for: Varun Khurana for Student Director
Douglas Smith – I am a lifelong resident of Granada Hills and a graduate of local public schools, including Granada Hills High School. I am currently attending California State University Northridge (CSUN). I wish to represent and assist all students within our community, both K-12 and in college. I want to make a difference and make our neighborhood better. I am a strong believer in our local schools and colleges, along with Granada Hills’ library, parks, and community activities. I would appreciate your vote March 1.
Education Director Term: 2 years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who works (full or part-time) for a school, adult school, daycare center, preschool, or other educational group (an Educational Institution) located within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council or who lives within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council and works for any Educational Institution and who is 16 years or older.	Stakeholder who works (full or part-time) for a school, adult school, daycare center, preschool, or other educational group (an Educational Institution) located within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council or who lives within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council and works for any Educational Institution and who is 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Sally A. Kolstad – Sally Kolstad is currently the Director of the Education for the GHSNC, serving in this position for the past 5 years. Living in Granada Hills for over 50 years, a graduate of Granada Hills High School, she understands the concerns and the needs of our community. Working on the council gives her the opportunity to review all activities, as they pertain to issues and requests of those seeking quality education in our community. Working for the past 30 years in Physical Education, teaching in local Granada Hills schools, she emphasizes health, wellness, safety, encouraging students to not only excel mentality but physically as well. Sally enjoys helping her community and has great pride in Granada Hills, through her involvement she hopes to make Granada Hills an even better place to live.
Senior Director Term: 2 years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who resides within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council and shall be at least 55 years old.	Stakeholder who resides within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Council and shall be at least 55 years old.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Arthur Andrew Daush Jr. – Art Daush is currently serving as the Senior’s Director for the GHSNC representing their concerns for the past 6 years. Receiving his Master’s in Electrical Engineering from USC, he worked for over 50 years in several large and prestigious aerospace companies as an Aerospace Engineering Manager overseeing such events as the first landing on the moon, continuous space travel, and satellite communications. He has received the “Engineering of the Year” from the national IEEE for his outstanding contributions.A 52 years resident of Granada Hills, he’s had the opportunity of working on the council, continuously reviewing all activities as they affect the Senior’s in our neighborhoods, ensuring proper respect and consideration be given to their inputs and issues.Art would appreciate your continued trust and support in allowing him to continue as your chosen representative. He is looking forward to a great and prosperous New Year!!