Westchester/Playa NC 2014 Elections

FINAL OFFICIAL CANVASS OF VOTES


Residential District 1 Director	MICHELE COOLEY STRICKLAND
Residential District 3 Director	FRED W. SMITH
Residential District 5 Director	ERIN C. HANSON
Residential District 7 Director	ALAN M QUON
Residential District 9 Director	DAVE OLIVER
Residential District 11 Director	TIM O’CONNELL
Residential District 13 Director	YVONNE FOK-GUNDERSEN
At-Large Director Seat 2 & 3	GARRETT SMITH CYNDI HENCH
Business Director, Zip Code 90094	SIBYL BUCHANAN
Income Property Owner Director	PATRICIA MORRISON LYON
Los Angeles World Airport Director	HAROLD JOHNSON
Religious Director	JOHN DAVID WEBSTER
Senior Citizens Director	JOHN RUHLEN

Click here to download Final Canvass of Votes (pdf)

Open Board Seats 2014 -Westchester/ Playa NC

BOARD POSITION	# OF SEATS	ELECTED OR APPOINTED?	QUALIFICATIONS TO RUN FOR THE SEAT	QUALIFICATIONS TO VOTE FOR THE SEAT
At-Large Director (seat 2 & 3) Term: 4 years	2	Elected	Stakeholder who is at least 18 years of age and lives, works, or owns real within the NCWP boundaries.	Stakeholders who are at least 18 years of age and live, work or own property at the time of the election and live, work or own real property within the NCWP boundaries.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Garrett Smith – I have served Westchester, PdR and Playa Vista in many ways in 1978, and now, I’m hoping you will support me for a seat on the Neighborhood Council. I have been Past President of Rotary, Friend of Education Honoree, 4th of July Parade, Pumpkin Fest, Director KHG and involved in numerous other organizations. I do not support any project in PdR that is not consistent in height or density with surrounding community. We need to clean up the lagoon, and a dog park is overdue. I oppose widening of Nicholson. I support a redrafting of SB1818, business, job creation and residents of Playa Vista as well as modernizing terminals at LAX, improving transportation and keeping the business district whole, NO RUNWAY MOVEMENT. I want to help resolve LMU’s issues with its neighbors. As a business owner since 1985, I know the future is our responsibility. I ask for your vote.
Cyndi Hench – During my time on the Neighborhood Council, I have served as the chairperson of the Public Safety Committee, Treasurer and, in 2008, was elected by my fellow board members to serve as President.Under my leadership and direction as president, the NCWP has tackled a wide range of issues from homelessness and crime to traffic and airport issues. I believe the NCWP has been a strong advocate for our community and has worked hard to protect our neighborhoods. I have dedicated thousands of hours to the NCWP over the years because I love our community, and want to make sure we continue to make it the best it can be. I hope you will find time in your day on Sunday, May 18 to vote. I would like the opportunity to continue to serve our community as a board member and public safety advocate. I need and appreciate your support.
Jabari Jumaane – As a firefighter with the City of Los Angeles for over 28 years, I am presently assigned to Playa Vista. I look forward to working with the residents and stakeholders in the Westchester/Playa district to insure our continued benefit of progress and improvements to our airports, beaches, malls, pedestrian districts and streets etc.
Christopher Baker – I have lived in Westchester for over 40 years and am well aware of the historical issues which have always been in the forefront of our community, viz. LAX expansion, Hughes fields property development, LMU growth, crime and local school performance. I think the NC needs to do a better job of informing our residents of the issues and the work the NC does to insure a better living environment. We must stop the runway expansion and the never ending development which threatens the quality of life of this community. Support of local businesses and neighborhood preservation CAN go hand and hand.
Gary Aminoff – I moved to Playa del Rey in December 2011, and fell in love with the area. I have always been involved in my community, wherever I have lived because I believe our quality of life is the most important thing.I was a practicing CPA and currently am a Commercial Realtor. I think my background in the real estate business and land use issues would bring some expertise to the Neighborhood Council, and I am ready to roll up my sleeves on the issues that are the most important to me: stopping LAX expansion, getting a grip on the crime that has plagued our community of late and improving our community overall.I am interested in serving the community on the Neighborhood Council of Westchester-Playa because I think I can make a real difference, and I hope you will support me.
Tracy Thrower Conyers – My husband and I have been homeowners in Westchester since the birth of our daughter almost 12 years ago. I have been blogging about issues of interest to Westchester families for the last six years at Living90045.com.My training and early career as a practicing attorney (15 years) allow me to understand complex and controversial issues, such as those presented by property developers & LAX expansion proponents. My recent work as a Realtor(c) keeps me focused on property values & strategies for enhancing those values.My biggest achievement, however, is being a mother. Educational choices for my daughter have been some of the biggest challenges I’ve faced. I’m concerned that LAUSD has lost touch with our kids’ best interests, and that families are opting out of our local schools.
Residential Director (Group B: District seat 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15) Term: 4 years	8	Elected	Stakeholders who are at least 18 years of age and live within the boundaries of the residential district seat for which they are running.	Stakeholders who are at least 18 years of age at the time of the election and live, work or own property within the NCWP boundaries.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Alan M Quon – District Seat 7 – I would be honored to continue to serve the residents of Kentwood as representative of Residential District 7. Being a lifelong resident of Westchester and spending most of my life in Kentwood, I am well aware of the issues we face in our community. My experience on Neighborhood Council these past four years and the leadership roles in our community as a past president of the LAX Kiwanis Club and past master of our local Masonic lodge have prepared me well in what we need to move forward in addressing the challenges we face. I look forward listening to your concerns and ideas about what’s best. And I hope with your support that I will have to opportunity to represent our community in the new term.
Kathryn Evans – District Seat 13 – I would be honored to continue to serve as the Residential 13 Director. I have enjoyed serving our community in this capacity and have gladly been an active member of the Airport Relations and Government Affairs committees. I believe I have the experience and knowledge needed to be an effective Board member and to fight for the needs of our community. I also vow to be a partner with you, our community members, in facing the challenges ahead for Westchester/Playa. I humbly ask for your support so I may continue to serve our community as a member of the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa.
Trevor Candler – District Seat 5 – A 20 year resident in the Loyola village, 18 years on Loyola blvd I am interested in protecting the quality of life that brought me to this area. I attended all Neighborhood council meetings in the last two years. Well known in the area by name or by my varied car collection. I was attracted to the area in part by the unrestricted parking and feel strongly that LMU should not be allowed to take this away from us. I am also interested in promoting responsible development of the areas that are open to redevelopment without changing the character of the areas covered the council. I’m an executive level person in the engineering field for a major entertainment company also the owner of several commercial properties. These activities give me experience with how the city of Los Angeles works related to property ownership and development and knowledge of current codes.
Julie Ross – District Seat 1 – As a lifetime resident of Westchester/Playa del Rey, I am committed to representing the voice of the community on all matters, particularly land use and development. I believe my experience as a homeowner, income property owner and Commercial Property Manager has prepared me to represent Residential Area 1 (which includes lower Playa del Rey) and all areas of our community. Westchester/Playa del Rey has changed and will continue to change. It is vital that the Neighborhood Council reflect the will and concerns of the constituents they represent. As your voice on the Neighborhood Council I will fight for the wants and needs of our community. With your support, I would be honored to represent you.
Tim O’Connell – District Seat 11 – I have lived in Westchester at the same address for 15 years. Renters, who make up about half the community, and those living east of the 405, need better representation. With over 25 years working for public agencies, and 15 working in community development, I think I can bring a fresh perspective to community planning, and public policy.
Yvonne Fok-Gundersen – District Seat 13 – I have been a resident of L.A. since 1986, living in Westchester/PDR since 2001. With a Bachelor’s degree in Design and Architecture from the University of Cincinnati, I have practiced as an architect/designer for over twenty years.I served as an elected member of the Westchester Neighborhood Association Board of Directors from July 2012 to January 2014 and currently am a director of my condo community.In October, 2013, I worked with my Belford/Aviation neighbors, Councilman Mike Bonin, and John Ruhlen of the Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association to enhance the revitalization of East Manchester Boulevard.I am anxious to continue that good work on the Neighborhood Council, working with LAPD to enhance Neighborhood Watch programs, fighting to oppose airport expansion and making our community a sage, clean, friendly and beautiful place to be.I am very proud of being a Westchester resident, would be honored to serve the community.
Fred W. Smith – District Seat 3 – It would be my privilege to serve the community on the Westchester Playa Neighborhood Council. I have lived all my life in Los Angeles including the last 7 years in the One Westbluff Development where I serve on the HOA Board. In addition, I serve on the Advisory Board for the College of Business at Northern Arizona University.I bring the benefit of corporate experience from my work with Xerox, Kodak, Canon and my personal ownership of an Office Supply, Janitorial and Property Management Company. The benefit of my diverse business experience and community service track record exhibits I have the ability to focus on solutions with the skill set to work with everyone. My focus is on how to help our schools be the best learning institution for our children and work to make our community the safest in Los Angeles. I humbly ask for your support and vote.
Dave Oliver – District Seat 9 – I have lived in Westchester since 1966, graduated from LMU and have raised my two children here. Over the years, I have been involved on the board of Westchester Little League and was part of the Kent Mace group of Umpires for both Westchester and Playa del Rey. As a former teacher at St. Bernard’s High School, I have been involved over the years in AYSO soccer and other youth groups. Over the past few years, I have developed a passion for public safety and am currently a block captain for my neighborhood. I believe the Neighborhood Council is a great tool for our community to do things like fight LAX expansion, advocate for street repairs and communicate with our elected officials. Having recently retired as regional executive of a national distribution company, I would like to spend my time working for and giving back to the area I love.
Michele Cooley Strickland – District Seat 1 – I am a UCLA faculty member, researcher, psychologist, and proud Playa del Rey resident for the past decade. My husband (a long-term PDR homeowner and former PDR business owner) and I are committed to rearing our children in Playa del Rey. They attended Westchester preschools and are WNS students. I am a WNS Parent Board member and have been involved in AYSO-Westchester, Westchester Lacrosse, Westchester Girl Scouts, and am a Westside Shepherd of the Hills Church Sunday School teacher. Supporting and increasing resources that build family-oriented opportunities is critical to the Westchester/Playa neighborhoods: a charming, safe, family-based community that is uniquely juxtaposed with businesses, colleges, industries, and LAX. I am committed — should you elect me on May 18th as your NCWP Residential 1 Director — to preserve and promote the quality of life in our Westchester/Playa community that enhances property values, attracts businesses, and improves community health and well-being.
Erin C. Hanson – District Seat 5 – My name is Erin Hanson and I have been a Westchester resident for the last 9 years. I have enjoyed all that the community has to offer from local businesses to friendly neighbors. It is truly a fantastic place to live, work and build a life. Whether during my early morning walks or coming home from dinner with friends in the late evening, I want to have the peace of mind that I am safe where I live, as it is something that we all deserve. Active neighborhood watches, well lit streets, safe sidewalks and a strong police presence would have an immediate impact upon the entire neighborhood. Changes such as these albeit simple would prove effective in moving towards a safer, more secure community. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the community on the Westchester Playa del Rey Neighborhood Council.
Craig Eggers – District Seat 3 – I’m Craig Eggers, a 31 year resident of Westchester/Playa del Rey and have been a member of the NCWP since 2009 holding the Youth Organization Seat. In 2010, I was elected to the Residential District Seat #3. While I sit on the Governmental Affairs Committee, my primary job is fighting for the rights of our Community as Chair of the Airport Relations Committee. The airport is a never-ending battle that I’m proud to be involved with as we fight unnecessary expansion. In my spare time, I sit on the Westchester Park Advisory Board overseeing 8 parks in the area. My focus moving forward is to be an effective listener; to pledge my stewardship and team philosophy to this role on the NCWP. Together we can make a difference, thank you for your support.
Business Director, Zip Code 90094 Term: 4 years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who is at least 18 years of age and is a business owner or manager of a business licensed with the City of Los Angeles and located within the zip code of the seat for which s/he is running.	Stakeholders who are at least 18 years of age at the time of the election and live, work or own property within the NCWP boundaries.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Sibyl Buchanan – As a longtime resident of Westchester and Playa del Rey, I appreciate what a uniquely wonderful community we have, and my objective for running is to endeavor to make it even better.As a board member of several community organizations and a longtime volunteer, I know that the quality of life in our community is of the utmost importance to us all.During my time on the Neighborhood Council board, I have been proud of what we have done to improve public safety, encourage youth sports, and support our local schools. It is my belief that to preserve and improve these facets of our neighborhood, it is critical that we continue to bring high-paying jobs to our community and advocate for the advent of “Silicon Beach.”I would appreciate your vote for the Business Seat, so that we may work together to make our community the best it can be.
Income Property Owner Director Term: 4 years	1	Elected	Shall be a residential or commercial property owner, or his/her representative, who rents or leases to others within the NCWP boundaries. Stakeholder does not have to reside or have his/her primary place of business located within the NCWP boundaries and who is at least 18 years or age.	Stakeholders who are at least 18 years of age at the time of the election and live, work or own property within the NCWP boundaries.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Patricia Morrison Lyon – I am a lifelong resident of Westchester and Playa del Rey and a member of a third-generation local family. As local business owners, we are committed to giving back to our community and have been involved in everything from PTA, School Booster Club, and the Fourth of July Parade to Rotary, Westchester Vitalization, and Kentwood Home Guardians as well as being a longtime volunteer on our Neighborhood Council. During my time on the Neighborhood Council, I have coordinated two community picnics, introduced the “Stars of the Neighborhood” awards program, co-chaired two NCWP elections and have participated in the LMU Student Housing Task Force. My concerns are like so many of my neighbors: quality of life, traffic, public safety, repairs of streets and sidewalks and thoughtful development. I hope you will support me and vote for me for Income Property Director, so that I may continue to serve our community.
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Director Term: 4 years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who is at least 18 years of age and is an employee of LAWA who is involved with the operation of Los Angeles International Airport.	Stakeholders who are at least 18 years of age at the time of the election and live, work or own property within the NCWP boundaries.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Marlo Richardson – As a Playa del Rey home owner, LAX Police Supervisor and past Playa del Rey small business owner; My vision is for Playa del Rey to be the safest, small business friendly and family oriented beach city in the LA area. We need Playa del Rey to remain serene, safe and family oriented. With my experience in law, business and building successful teams, I know collectively WE can accomplish any tasks.
Roger Cuevas – As your elected LAWA representative I will work hard to improve the health, safety, environment and quality of life for our neighbors their families and all employees of LAWA for today, as well as for tomorrow and for our future generations. As a 12 year Airport police civilian employee working out of the Security and Traffic Section and a 15 year LAPD Reserve Police officer I have what it takes to bring our neighbors and LAWA together to resolve problems that have arisen and will continue to arise due to the modernization of our World Class Airport. Together, through open communication, relentless enthusiasm and hard work, we can achieve such goals. I would be honored to serve our neighbors their families and our LAWA family as your representative on the Westchester / Playa Neighborhood Council.
Harold Johnson – In Westchester, I enjoy working, attending events and visiting the beach and public library.From 2008 to 2010, I represented Van Nuys Airport (VNY) at the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council. I also attended Neighborhood Councils in North Hills, Porter Ranch and West Valley.I learned that Sheryl Thomas represented LAWA and signed up for this council’s mailing list.In VNY, I attended the Van Nuys Kiwanis, Rotary clubs, and the Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce. Upon return to LAX I joined the Irvine Chamber of Commerce, then the Westchester Rotary Club.I currently serve on the board of directors for the Hawthorne Chamber and the Riverside Telescope Makers Conference. I have past service on the board of directors for the LAX Coastal Area Chamber. I am moderator for the LAX Advisory Committee and attend meetings of the LAX Noise Roundtable.I enjoy working with residents of Westchester.Sincerely, Harold Johnson
Religious Director Term: 4 years	1	Elected	A spiritual leader of a religious group located within the NCWP boundaries and who is at least 18 years of age.	Stakeholders who are at least 18 years of age at the time of the election and live, work or own property within the NCWP boundaries.
CANDIDATES FILED:
John David Webster – I have been a pastor in this community since 1994 and served on the boards of Rotary, Airport Marina Counseling Center, The Westchester Playa Clergy Association and as a chaplain for the LAPD at Pacific DivisionMany of the first large group meetings about forming a neighborhood council were hosted by my congregation. I was first elected to a residential seat because I wanted to make a difference in the community beyond my congregational life. The Religious seat where I now serve is an opportunity to communicate information to and from faith communities and contribute to quality of life issues wherever possible. Westchester/Playa Faith communities individually and collectively feed the hungry, sponsor Food Pantry LAX, host schools, community gardens and 12 step programs. When asked to offer a prayer in the community the goal is to express words to which everyone, regardless of tradition, can say “Amen.”
Senior Citizen Director Term: 4 years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who lives within the NCWP boundaries and is at least 60 years of age.	Stakeholders who are at least 18 years of age at the time of the election and live, work or own property within the NCWP boundaries.
CANDIDATES FILED:
~~Booker Pearson~~ (WITHDREW)
Michael Allan Frisch – I have been an active resident in Playa del Rey for the past 25 years. I have been an educator at Loyola Marymount University and have excellent communication and listening skills. I am currently working with seniors to help them with retirement income planning and to address their needs for government benefits. I am aware of many of the concerns that senior citizens have expressed not just in the financial arena but in their activities and requirements for daily living. I believe that seniors have so much to contribute to our community. Many have the time, experience, and wisdom to help us to maintain current standards as well as to apply their vast knowledge to our efforts to make the community grow and prosper. I would like to mobilize this group in order to contribute to bettering our community and to represent them in order to express their concerns.
John Ruhlen – Since 1958, I have lived in Westchester and worked hard to make our community better. I am proud of the many things in which I have been involved:• Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association • Westchester Family YMCA • Efforts to fight LAX expansion • Westchester Vitalization • Westchester Town Center BID • and many moreAs a senior, I know how vital it is that we engage the seniors in our community. I support Westchester Playa Village and the Westchester Senior Center, but we need to do more. We need to create affordable housing for our seniors to age in the community they love and create more opportunities for them to get involved and lead productive, engaging lives during their golden years. As we move forward in creating the new Lincoln Boulevard BID, we want to make the area around the Senior Center safer, cleaner and more appealing.
Sharon Dilworth Stoltzman – Baby Boomer advocating for Sr Citizens of Westchester, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista where I grew up in Lower Playa del Rey and schooled and worked in Westchester; 2) Now residing in Playa Vista retired from CA Attorney General’s office, active as a California State Retiree, currently as Secretary to my local Chapter, previously negotiating labor contracts, on a Joint Labor-Management Child Care Commttee and 3) Continuing my involvement with my communities as a volunteer and advocate for all that concerns our constituents, for our continued safety and protection in an ever changing urban environment.