HISTORIC HIGHLAND PARK NC ELECTIONS – OCTOBER 13, 2012

FINAL OFFICIAL CANVASS OF VOTES


President	MONICA ALCARAZ
First Vice President	HECTOR HUEZO
Second Vice President	ALEX DELGADILLO
Secretary	BRANDIN ENGERSBACH
Treasurer	JOAN POTTER
At-Large Directors	MIRIAM ESCOBAR GRETCHEN KNUDSEN VIOLETA MENDOZA RAUL MACIAS OFELIA ZUNIGA AARON SALCIDO GLORIA CASTRO-TREJO RANDY CARRILLO ALHELI HERNANDEZ PAUL BONSELL TERESA “TERI” BONSELL CLYDE “TOM” WILLIAMS ARACELY LOZANO LATIFFE AMADO

Click here to download Final Official Canvass of Votes (pdf)

*At-Large Directors seat has a Tie between Alheli Hernandez and Trisha Gossett. Tie votes shall be resolved by drawingstraws immediately after the canvassing of votes if all candidates or their designated representatives are present or within 2 calendar days with notice provided on the Department website. The IEA or other Department staff will conduct the tie resolution in public view and candidates or their designated representatives will be requested to be present. ~ NC 2012 Election Procedure Sec. XIV.October 18, 2012 – There were 19 Provisional Ballots cast on Election Day. In the three days that followed, seven voters verified their documentation and their ballots were added to the final tally. This broke the tie.

Open Board Seats 2012 – Historic Highland Park NC

BOARD POSITION	# OF SEATS	ELECTED OR APPOINTED?	QUALIFICATIONS TO RUN FOR THE SEAT	QUALIFICATIONS TO VOTE FOR THE SEAT
President Term: 2 years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood and affirms a factual basis for it and who is 18 years or older.	Stakeholders who live, work, own property or declare a stake in the neighborhood and affirm a factual basis for it who are 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Monica Alcaraz I was born and raised in Highland Park. I care about the people that live here. Education and Youth Gang Prevention are my priority. I want to improve quality of life by providing programs geared in reducing gang violence. My background ranges from social service to promoting the use of alternative fuels. My greatest skill is the ability to bring people together and work towards a common cause. I am action orientated, a problem solver, a skill that I feel is of utmost importance for a NC Board Member. Although I have only been on the HHPNC Board since late July, 2012, I have been very active and feel that I am making an impact already; running workshops for potential NC Candidates, educating on “No on 710” action, designing a new HHPNC website, and updating the HHPNC social media content. I am a leader and want to be HHPNC President.
Cathi Milligan I live in Highland Park. It’s been 10 years. I’ve grown up in LA and have never felt such a strong sense of community. My business is The Glass Studio on York, which has just had its second anniversary. York Blvd. is in the midst of a renaissance that has been wonderful to be a part of. Everyday there are people discovering how wonderful Highland Park is. I’ve been Economic Development Chair for the last year and feel like this is a good next step. I also run NELAart, which puts on Second Saturday Gallery Night as well other events, such as Indie Film night. I feel that participating in this community to make it a better place for everyone is essential. I want to do what I can to help make Highland Park better and improve the quality of the lives of the people around me.
First Vice President Term: 2 years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood and affirms a factual basis for it and who is 18 years or older.	Stakeholders who live, work, own property or declare a stake in the neighborhood and affirm a factual basis for it who are 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Hector Huezo My name is Hector Huezo and I want to be a neighborhood council board member because I care about the people of Highland Park. My background is in engineering, business and labor policy. I live and work in Highland Park and the surrounding eastside communities and I want to do everything I can to make them better places for families, businesses and young people in ways that are both responsible and innovative. I appreciate your support, please vote for me. Thank you. Mi nombre es Hector Huezo y estoy lanzando mi candidatura para miembro de la junta vecinal. Deseo hacer todo lo posible para mejorar esta region para familias, negocios y jovenes de una manera responsable e innovadora. He estudiado ingenieria y mi experiencia profesional es en administracion y poliza laboral. Les pido que voten por mi y que me den la oportunidad de servir a esta comunidad. Gracias.
Second Vice President Term: 2 years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood and affirms a factual basis for it and who is 18 years or older.	Stakeholders who live, work, own property or declare a stake in the neighborhood and affirm a factual basis for it who are 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Ruben Del Portillo Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to sever you. In my short time on the Board, I had the pleasure of meeting and working with some of you; addressing issues such as graffiti, illegal dumping and broken up sidewalks which have plagued us for a long time. Together we can continue to make a difference and make Highland Park a better, safe and cleaner community for our families, friends, guests, and neighbors. Please allow me the opportunity to continue working for you. Together we can make a difference. Thank you, Ruben Del Portillo Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council
Alex Delgadillo I have been a resident of Highland Park my entire life, and I am running for Vice President because I am committed to empowering the stakeholders of Highland Park through civic participation and community organization. I want to encourage community discussions that center on our needs and that will lead to solutions that we choose. As your elected representative, I want to inspire everyone to get involved in the community and take on an active role. Highland Park is a diverse and growing part of Los Angeles, and I am proud to be a part of it. It is important that we build our voice to continue to move forward. Together, we can make a difference in our community and in our city. I would be honored and humbled to serve you. Thank you for your time and for considering me as a candidate for Vice President.
Natalie Henderson I am a current resident and property owner in the Highland Park area. I have been apart of the community for the last eight years. It is my intention as a concerned citizen of this fine community to see economic growth continue, the fostering of a safer community and schools that are excelling the standards in our neighborhood. We all desire a community that we are proud of and want to call home. As an educator and business owner, I will strive to serve our community and meet the needs of the people.
Secretary Term: 2 years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood and affirms a factual basis for it and who is 18 years or older.	Stakeholders who live, work, own property or declare a stake in the neighborhood and affirm a factual basis for it who are 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Brandin Engersbach I have had the privilege of being raised in Highland Park where I have been raised to embrace our sense of community and culture. I attended Buchanan Elementary, Burbank Middle School and graduated from Franklin High School in 2006. I hold an undergraduate degree in Legal Studies from UC Santa Cruz and currently working on my MBA. Both my mom and dad came from Mexico and Cuba respectively, and both continue to run a local neighborhood family childcare on Avenue 50 for over three decades. Because of their dedication and their heartfelt influence on children they help raise, I believe I should follow in their footsteps and become involved within the community of Highland Park and Northeast LA. I believe that youth advocacy, education and community service are instrumental in encouraging the importance of civic duty and I intend to promote that process by serving our community of Highland Park. Go Panthers!
Treasurer Term: 2 years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood and affirms a factual basis for it and who is 18 years or older.	Stakeholders who live, work, own property or declare a stake in the neighborhood and affirm a factual basis for it who are 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Joan Potter What could be better than working with a group of civilized, cheerful, courteous men and women who have the best interests of the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood at heart? The answer is “Not a lot.” So I am seeking a seat at the table with these folks to do what I can to keep Highland Park exceptional. I urge you to not only vote for me, but to come on out to the meetings and give us your input. Your voice and ideas are priceless.
At-Large Directors Term: 2 years	14	Elected	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood and affirms a factual basis for it and who is 18 years or older.	Stakeholders who live, work, own property or declare a stake in the neighborhood and affirm a factual basis for it who are 16 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
~~Hector Huezo~~ WITHDREW
Ofelia Zuniga i am resident for 28 yrs and i am married have 5 kids have been volunter in community for 18 yrs
Clyde “Tom” Williams See other side & when NELA needs help I am and will be there. Strong background in land use, transportation, other infrastructure and in historic preservation, identification and promotion of the entire historic district around & Arroyo Seco. Major concerns in the future of our diverse communities in NELA and potential impact of gentrification.
Miriam Escobar Soy Miriam Escobar – estoy casada tengo 2 hijos y mi hija es estudiante de Franklin H.S. Tengo 18 años de voluntaria; he participado en limpiezas, y mejoras en diferentes areas especialmente. Me encanta ser voluntaria y trato de llevarme bien con todos. No me gustan ni tengo tiempo para lo negativo. Me gusta participar con la comunidad. Voluntaria en ANUAK Club Soccer por años.
Pablo Gutierrez
Randy Carrillo
Linda Caban My name is Linda “Boo” Caban and I would like to run for the position of At-Large Director on the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council . I chose to buy my first home in Highland Park because it’s a family oriented community. I haven’t been a resident for very long but it’s home and I have a vested interest in the historical preservation of the neighborhood and responsible development. My goal is bringing and maintaining city services that other more affluent communities expect and receive. In this way Highland Park can continue on her journey to becoming a more vibrant community. I want the voice of the hard working people of Highland Park to be heard loud and clear.
~~Steve Crouch~~ WITHDREW
Raul Macias
Trisha Gossett I have been in the NC for the last 2 years, and I would like to maintain my seat. I have lived in Highland Park for 11 years, and l plan to remain here. I know many of the citizens, as well as the lay of the land. I like the changes that our current Neighborhood Council has helped fund, including student programs, community gardens, fighting to re-open the Southwest Museum, and Lummis Day. Thank you for your consideration to vote for me.
Margarito Martinez Hello,I believe in Peaceful Neighborhoods, Responsive Local Government, Perservation of Open Spaces,Coalition-Building & Co-operative efforts, Continued Gentrification,& Support for The Arts. I believe in Social Justice, Equality, & Clean Safe Streets. If you vote for me, I promise to do everything possible to be an honest representative for the people of Highland Park. I’m 50 Years old, life-long resident, & a product of local schools. Vote 4 Me, Margarito Martinez.
Janet Dodson As Director At Large of the HHPNC since April 2010, I know community organization is the best way to improve City services in Highland Park. I have seen this Board succeed best whenever there is community involvement matched with Board participation. Let me continue to serve, and continue the work we need in Highland Park, where I have loved to live for thirty-three years. Let us work together. Como Director At Large del HHPNC desde Abril de 2010, yo sé que organización la comunitaria es la mejor manera de mejorar los servicios municipales en Highland Park. He visto que esta Junta éxito mejor cuando hay participación de la comunidad que coincide con participación de la Junta. Permítanme continuar sirviendo, y continuar el trabajo que necesitamos en Highland Park, donde he vivido felizmente durante treinta-tres años. Vamos a trabajar juntos.
Elyse Schwartz I love my neighborhood. I’ve lived in Highland Park for about a year and I have never felt more at home than I do here. It is truly unique and beautiful area and I want help/become involved in anyway that I can.
Lourdes Reyes
Aaron Salcido As a recent first-time homebuyer in Highland Park, I am excited to run for Neighborhood Council. In just the past year that I’ve lived here, I’ve seen the neighborhood continue to transition and change for the better. My goal is to serve this community by finding ways to support that neighborhood growth and help end things that are hindering it. Highland Park deserves safe schools, clean streets, and incentives for local businesses to thrive. These things are good for homeowners, renters, and stakeholders alike. If elected to the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council, I will faithfully seek out ways to bring these things to fruition in our community.
Gloria Castro-Trejo If elected to a position on the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council, I will contribute to the community I love in a meaningful and positive way. I will draw upon my lifelong dedication to the public interest and social justice to serve Highland Park, where I have lived since 2003. I will be committed to fostering collaborative relationships within our community. If elected, I will use my consumer, health care and civil rights advocacy history, and leadership experience and expertise to advocate aggressively on Highland Park’s behalf to obtain resource allocations from policymakers and local government for deprived sections of our community. I am specifically interested in public safety/crime reduction, disaster preparedness, small business development, addressing public works apathy, and involving more monolingual Spanish speakers in city governance. Si soy elegida, avanzaré intereses importantes relacionados con nuestra salud, seguridad y bienestar local. Sería un privilegio servirle y representarle.
Zoey Goetsch I’m passionate about the community as a CA resident for 30 years, and an L.A. resident for the past 15 and look forward to serving the needs of my community. My plan: • Clean-up our streets by green initiatives and litter removal • Post bi-lingual anti-dumping signage with details for free disposal/removal • Create murals and art projects to foster beauty and deter graffiti • Lobby to reduce parking fines affecting the unemployed and low-income residents My qualifications: • Founding member and on the board of directors for L.A. nonprofit organizations • Mentor and teacher to both youth and adults • Fostered community programs in: literacy, the arts, environmental cleanup, and against domestic violence • Policy Internist at the office of Assembly Member Gil Cedillo • Professor at LAUSD community college district for 5+ years • Managed MICA’s community safety program as the Assistant to the Director • Educator, financial advisor, safety expert, fine artist and comedian. M.F.A. from CalArts and B.F.A. cum laude from MICA
Latiffe Amado I have been a resident of North East LA for the last 17 years, residing in Highland Park for the past 5 years. As a local Environmental Science teacher, I have been committed to connecting youth to the community through environmental and conservation efforts. I desire to inspire members of our community to participate in efforts to make our neighborhood a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable place to live. I am of strong conviction that responsible, active citizens are the true gems of a community. My goal as Director at Large is to start an Environmental Committee that is dedicated to strengthening our personal accountability for the neighborhood that we all love. Mi principal objetivo como representante es reunir a la gente para tomar conciencia del medio ambiente. Tengo la firme convicción de que los buenos ciudadanos son las verdaderas joyas de una comunidad.
Anthony Freeny
Peter Bedard Peter Bedard has been a community activist for over a decade developing five murals through the Myra Avenue Mural Project, founding the Manzanita Street Community Garden, planting trees, putting in street humps, and fighting irresponsible development. As the Captain of the Marmion and Avenues Neighborhood Watch he’s worked with his neighbors to clean up alleys and streets, slow down graffiti, remove trash, plant an “Urban Orchard” (Marmion Way at Avenue 57), and have a rocking neighborhood BBQ. Currently Peter is developing a “sister district” mural program between CD1 and CD13 while helping to keep neighbors informed about the 710 Tollway threat. On the NC one of Peter’s goals will be to expand the pocket park program further into Highland Park, reduce graffiti, support urban homesteading, environmentally responsible growth, and figure out ways for the NC to support local small business entrepreneurs.
Gretchen Knudsen Highland Park is a special place. I’ve been a resident and landlord in Highland Park for the past two years. I am inspired by the extraordinary commitment of neighbors to make positive changes to Highland Park. I wish to contribute to this vibrant community, and believe that my business, environmental policy, and engineering skills can help make a difference. Our community is going through a transition, and I wish to help make it a positive one that benefits all residents, businesses and investors. My main areas of interest include safety, beautification, sustainability, art, business, absentee landlords, gentrification, youth, bike lanes and the 710. I’d also like to spread the word about the neighborhood council. It seems that many of our neighbors are still unaware of the council and its’ work. I’d also like to see more council offerings like the abatement workshop and public safety meeting.
Aracely Lozano As a student in college learning about the political process of this country i feel it is time to become part of the political process in my local community of Highland Park. Progress is what we need in this community of highland Park. progress is what we need in this community and all the communities in the greater Los Angeles Area. Therefore I will work toward progress in the Highland Park community by bringing attention to gang prevention, the foreclosure epidemic, and community events that will bring the community together. Overall, I truly have great ideas for progress in this community, one which i will and need to do is bring tn the youth actively. i want to grow with my community and become a leader they can trust by becoming part of this political process.
Teresa “Teri” Bonsell I have lived in HP since 1963. Went to Aldama Elem, Burbank Jr. and Franklin High. I love this community and all it has to offer. i have been a board member for 2 years. Also very active with the HHPNC for over 4 years. I am a very active community member I now am chair of the outreach committee and also on the Rules, Budget & Finance committees. i would appreciate your vote so that i may continue to serve and work as a volunteer/board member in this wonderful community.
Paul Bonsell I been living in Highland Park all my life last seven or eight years, been helping out with community events, we helped make the Holiday Event to what it is today. helping with children and parents to make them involved and empowering each other, to make our community a better quality of life. I been on the HHPNC Budget & Finance Committee, Rules committee FHS school help raising funds NEDC northeast Democator Club, the president of membership have a great relationship with the business corrider down York Blvd.& Figueroa ST. Have a great relationship with Council member Huizar & staff.
Ramiro Motta I was born and raised here. Growing up I saw both good and bad sides of Highland Park. I have been able to bring both sides together as a community. Working with local community members, stakeholders, residents, and law enforcement agencies has been a true blessing to understand the dynamics of this great town. If elected I will do my best to bring an understanding to the community so that all will fall in love with my home town of Highland Park.
Ruben Del Portillo Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to sever you. In my short time on the Board, I had the pleasure of meeting and working with some of you; addressing issues such as graffiti, illegal dumping and broken up sidewalks which have plagued us for a long time. Together we can continue to make a difference and make Highland Park a better, safe and cleaner community for our families, friends, guests, and neighbors. Please allow me the opportunity to continue working for you. Together we can make a difference. Thank you, Ruben Del Portillo Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council
Harvey Slater I am greater LA native and moved to Highland Park in 2009 with my life partner Ricky. Since then, we have discovered what a special place Highland Park is, and we have made many friends around the neighborhood. We love the diversity, creativity and livability here. We found Home! I believe there a lot people here who share our experience and our values, so I am running for NC to help make a difference in the neighborhood, and reciprocate the kindness I have received from so many neighbors, all whom I now call friends. I care deeply about: • Preserving Highland Park’s uniqueness and keeping it affordable for all • A safer cleaner neighborhood, without “gentrifying” • Better bicycle routes through the area • Homeless and social services • More quality outdoor public spaces for everyone’s enjoyment • Thriving local small business • Art & culture • Street tacos!
Violeta Mendoza My name is Violeta Mendoza. I am a life long resident of Highland Park. i have atended & graduated from Monte Vista Montessori, Buchanan Elementary, Burbank Middle School, & Frankilin High. i was addmitted to Cal State Northridge where i majored in child development. I have worked in various education programs since my college graduation, before finally coming back to NELA. I started working for occidental college as a college conselor & have been there for 7 years now. I specifically work w/ belmont High, Franklin High, Lincoln High & Wilson high. Iam honored to live in my community & feel especially proud that i have the chance to give back to the community that helped shape me. i have been attending HHPNC meetings for almost 2 years and feel that i am ready to take on a bigger role. i would love the opportunity to work with the youth of NELA. Especially in the form of educational out reach, Financial aid, college applications & college advisement thank you for your time & consideration. Sincerely, Violeta mendoza
Alheli Hernandez my name is Alheli Hernandez. I am a resident of Highland Park and i was born and raised here. Currently, i am a student at Mount St. Mary’s College and i will be receiving my bachelors degree in Political Science this coming May. I would like to be a part of the neighborhood council in order to be active in decisions concerning Highland Park. Growing up in the neighborhood has givin me sence of what would be benificial to highland Park. Furthermore, I am well informed on the majority of issues surrounding Highland Park and have an idea of what concerns the citizens. Overall i would like to be a part of the council in order to help empower Highland Park and its citizens.
Fernando Amaya I work in the NC for last three years. Since then I’ve seen the positive improvements the current council has made. I want to continue doing the same so I believe community involvement is the way to do so. As member I plan to commit to the tasks that are involve in making our community saver, cleaner, and the best place to live in LA.
Gloria Alvarez