BOARD POSITION

# OF SEATS

ELECTED OR APPOINTED?

QUALIFICATIONS TO
RUN FOR THE SEAT

QUALIFICATIONS TO
VOTE FOR THE SEAT

At-Large Representatives

CANDIDATES FILED:

Teresa Sitz

Teresa Sitz moved with her family to Silver Lake in 1998 and bought a home in 2000. Ms. Sitz works as Community Representative at Downtown Magnets High School collaborating with local community based organizations, the LAUSD school district and local government. She served on the School Site Council at DMHS and was honored last May by LAUSD Board President Monica Garcia for her education advocacy.

Ms. Sitz is an LGBT activist serving on the Schools Committee of Connect2Protect (HIV/AIDS advocacy) and the steering committee of Project SPIN (a collaboration with LAUSD and the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center to reduce LGBT suicides). She works with various LGBT organizations producing youth events including Models of Pride, Living Out Proud and the annual Los Angeles LGBT Youth Awards.

Ms. Sitz is committed to educational equity, urban sustainability, improved transportation, immigration rights and honoring the eclectic roots of Silver Lake.

Tatty Gelfond

I am immensely grateful, and eager to serve, if elected. Having been a member of the Silver Lake Community since 2008, I am deeply committed to maintaining a standard of living, safety, beautification, and peaceful co-existence between the residents of this stellar unique community.

Working in advertising for the past ten years has given me the gift of working in a collaboration with many different types of personalities, and has taught me the importance that every person’s opinion has value. I am used to making decisions and having to think on me feet. If elected, I will bring this experience to the board, and foster an ethical, and value based direction setting.

In addition, I am also a big believer in outreach programs, which has made me have great compassion for others. I volunteer for 826LA, as well, as Children’s Hospital, both have been amazingly humbling and gratifying experiences.

Marc Killingstad

I am a homeowner who lives in Silverlake and as such have a vested interest in keeping it a healthy and socially vibrant place for all folks to enjoy.

Anne-Marie Johnson

I was born, raised and still live in the wonderful Silver Lake community. I attended Michetorena St. School, Thomas Starr King, Marshall High School and graduated with a B.A. from UCLA. I currently hold a seat on the SLNC and would like to continue my service to the community. My 15 years on the Screen Actors Guild national board and serving as the unions first vice president for four terms, has given me the invaluable experience in working with others and advocating for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves. I am against the aggressive and irresponsible new developments in Silver Lake. I stand for Less development and MORE improvement of what Silver Lake has traditionally offered.

Jonathan Pitre

As a working member of this community, it gives me great pleasure to run for the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council. I have been working at the Los Angeles Public Library for 6 years and currently at the Silver Lake Library for almost 3 years. As a member of the Neighborhood Council I will dutifully listen to everyone and do the best of my ability to strengthen the community and highlight the wonderful amenities that Silver Lake has to offer.

Charles Herman-Wurmfeld

ecology/fun:

CREATE a resilient silver lake village – organized around  pedestrian-friendly, regional plazas and parks  –  where all can find community, productivity and inspired conversation.

RE-IMAGINE/ re-purpose/ redesign our collective  land – streets, buildings & highways.

CREATE INDEPENDENCE:  local water sisterning & 100% renewable energy generation; 24/7 safe, rapid mobility (shared bikes, innovative transit, calmer streets); & local food production & distribution.

ENERGIZE our local economy: prioritize new transit, walkability/bikeability  & re-classification of our major thoroughfares into safer, quieter affairs.

SUPPORT education; reconsider guns, sirens, copters loud/large vehicles; support, legalize and tax plant medicines;  & join in the silver lake time bank.

IMAGINE sharing an ecologically forward green-space that includes water collection & l.a. river connectivity; gardens; swimming and perhaps small, non-motorized recreational boats.  the silver lake reservoir goes offline in 2014 – what will be our plan?

YOU will make it all happen and I’ll help. Jump in!

ilovesilverlake@twitter

Scott Plante

I am an architect who moved here from Boston to attend an urban design program at SCI-Arc, and have lived inSilver Lake since 2009. While working for a large Los Angeles firm, I also have a small consulting business in Silver Lake.

I became interested in improving the neighborhood while walking the Micheltorena Street steps. My business partner and I decided to propose repairs, and both the Neighborhood Council and Urban Design Committees supported our efforts. We raised private funds, and are working with the City to obtain permits. We are coordinating with the Friends of Micheltorena Street School’s project to make a safer student pedestrian experience.

While working on the steps, I realized you can make a difference and became a member of the Urban Design Committee. I would like to use my experience on the Neighborhood Council while working together to help make our community even better.

Candace Francois

As a resident of the Silver Lake community for only 2 years now, I have quickly realized it’s the neighborhood I’d like to call home for several years. Growing up in rural Iowa and moving to the “big city” of Los Angeles, there are similarities of the community to which I can relate. The uniqueness/creativity of the locals gives Silver Lake personality unlike any other neighborhood in LA. I support the growth of these talents/businesses. The most important difference of this community I continue to benefit from is diversity. Silver Lake has a very diverse population free of discrimination which allows for people to grow a healthy community. Without diversity and uniqueness it would be impossible to retain the personality of Silver Lake I spoke of above. Agree? Vote for me!

Amy Clarke

I am an artist, musician, environmentalist, activist, mother and proud resident of this vibrant community! My husband and I relocated to Silver Lake when we moved from NYC in 2008 and loved the diversity. We just bought a house here, and are thrilled to raise our beloved 16-month old daughter in this eclectic neighborhood. Although I have a degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, I believe one must act locally while thinking globally. As a musician who created artistic showcases to benefit local communities, non-profits, and the environment, I have experience in organizing, listening to different voices, and building alliances. Also, with over 10 years additional professional experience in advertising, marketing, PR, and outreach with The Washington Post & Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates, I believe I have much to offer the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve my community.

Nadine Trujillo

I have lived in Los Angeles since 1956, opened my business in Silver Lake in 1995 and bought a home here.  I am Co chair of the SLNC Public Safety Committee and Board Member  representative at Large.  Earthquake/Disaster Preparedness and Crime Prevention are the focus of our committee. Traffic, Housing for our growing homeless population, Neighborhood/Business Watch programs,  Alternative forms of Transportation are Important to us all as our community grows. I want to help your viewpoints and concerns heard by our City Government.   Public Art and Pocket Parks Are needed.  I want to help realize our visions for our future.

Paul Neuman

My mission is making certain that your ideas are heard, your questions are answered accurately and your concerns addressed satisfactorily. As a current board member and past co-chair, I strongly believe in grassroots neighborhood empowerment. I’ve also worked in four different L.A. City Council offices, including the one that championed creating neighborhood councils. Working with people faithfully and fairly, I always prioritize getting facts and resources out of City Hall and to our community. On issues ranging from preventing crime and overdevelopment, to the fate of the Sunset Junction Street Fair, to helping start a Silver Lake solar initiative, to founding a coalition of numerous neighborhood councils to build bridges and increase our clout, my constant goal is to strengthen the voice of the community. I’ve lived in Silver Lake for 20+ years, and I’d be proud to have your support.

Corina Danckwerts

I am a Silverlake resident since 1996, I love living here, and, if elected, would like to contribute to the ongoing protection and sustainable improvement of this distinctive community. Through my decade long work and background as a film consultant, film festival creator and film producer I earned a ‘Certificate of Tribute’ from the City of Los Angeles for my dedication in nurturing artists and filmmakers, and I would like to bring my skills actively into the community. I support artists, residents and businesses alike, and I advocate a crime free neighborhood, sustainable beautification of the nature, and, as a mother, I also have a passion for
safety, education and recreation opportunities for children. Thank you for considering me.

Janet Cunningham

i’m good.

James Bigelow

My name is James Bigelow. I work as a Behavioral Specialist, doing behavioral work for at risk youth. I live in Silverlake and love it. I enjoy community where all are valued equally. I am running because I would like to make government more accessible to the people of Silverlake, and together affect social change locally. I intend to do this by merging concepts of a Horizontal General Assembly and the neighborhood council. This General Assembly would consist of community members engaging in open, constructive dialogue, where all participants are valued equally. The General Assembly would work toward consensus on the topics discussed. Consensus would include the overwhelming majority (90-100%) of the participants agreeing. If elected I would use my position to bring what is agreed on to in the General Assembly to the neighborhood council.

Robin Ryan

I have strong opines. Although, I will always consider anyone’s. Nothing is absolute. Life will move if we let it move.

Region 1 Representative
Seat 1
Term: 2 years

CANDIDATES FILED:

Flor Cruz

My name is Flor Cruz, I’ve been a resident of the area for over 15 years, I also own property, and therefore, I know the needs and concerns of the neighbors such as parking, safety, beatification. Most importantly the future of our beautiful lake. I underhand the mix of cultures. I have ideas of parking, street cleaning and promote the neighborhood.

Region 1 Representative
Seat 2
Term: 2 years

CANDIDATES FILED:

Clint Lukens

I’m super grateful and lucky to be stakeholder in Silver Lake. As a proud husband, father, business owner, property owner, jogger, walker, and food lover — my world almost entirely exists within Silver Lake. I’ve had the honor of serving on the SLNC for the last 3 years. I was also nominated by my fellow peers/board members to serve as the SLNC Co-Chair during the last two years. I helped execute the goals and dreams of our stakeholders and fellow board members at our monthly meetings and I hope to continue doing so if elected again. Thank you for your consideration and vote!

Larry Wilcox

I’m no-nonsense native of Los Angeles. I love Silverl ake and will work with the council to promote the beautification and livability of our wonderful neighborhood. Vote for me!

Region 2 Representative
Seat 1
Term: 2 years

CANDIDATES FILED:

Barbara Betlem-Ringuette

My husband and I moved to Silver Lake 24 years ago and fell in love with the community.  We set out with neighbors to stop graffiti, gang activity and crime. With SLIA, the City and the Police we had success.  We’ve seen our neighborhood improve immensely.

I worked as an administrator for Children & Family Services, Los Angeles County.

I would like to continue to serve as your Region 2 Representative. My job is to relay your voice to the City to make certain you are  heard. Let me help address your neighborhood concerns as I work with several committees and as Co-chair of Transportation & Public Works. I am bringing Adopt-A-Street to Silver Lake.

We have a vital community and my dream is to get even better – to beautify the public areas, find parking solutions and bring a Saturday TROLLEY along Sunset Boulevard.

What do you think I should try next?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Barbara

Region 2 Representative
Seat 2
Term: 2 years

CANDIDATES FILED:

Aaron Levitz

At work, I develop apps and websites. At home, I write music on software that I also write. I’m not afraid of a challenge, of learning new things to find new solutions, nor of thinking so far outside the box as to get my head caught in the next adjacent box. I love this neighborhood, and I welcome the opportunity to give something back. Thank you for your consideration.

Anthony Crump

Since 2009, I’ve represented Region 3 on our neighborhood council and, since 2010, served as Treasurer. I’d love to keep working for you and I hope that you’ll give me that opportunity.

Here’s what I bring to the table:
– Knowledge and experience navigating the maze of city government. In fact, I was part of the team that helped get approval and funding for Sunset Triangle Plaza (aka Polka-dot Plaza).
– 10+ years of experience in community engagement and facilitation working with residents on planning issues and helping to identify solutions.
– A level headed and pragmatic approach to our quality of life issues.
– A commitment to celebrate and protect the diversity of our community. From renters to homeowners, wealthy and just getting by, I believe that our diversity is what makes our neighborhood special.

I’d be honored if you’d re-elect me as Region 3 representative.

CANDIDATES FILED:

Joe Malone

I have lived in Region 3 for almost four years and have been on the SLNC for over a year.I believe in individuals playing an active role in their community and doing what they can to benefit their neighbors and the greater good.If elected I will bring the concerns of Region 3 to the neighborhood council on behalf of stakeholders in the region.

Maidel Luevano

As a resident of Region 3 for the past three years, I look forward to working alongside my Silver Lake neighbors, to continue making our community a vibrant place for all of us to enjoy. I have a professional background in urban planning, which I try my best to combine with my passion for supporting the arts.

My goals as a neighborhood council rep would focus on supporting ideas of inclusive local governance, sustainable urban development, supporting arts and culture initiatives, and working hard to voice the opinions and ideas of Region 3 among the broader Silver Lake community.

Thanks for your consideration!

Region 4 Representative
Seat 1
Term: 2 years

CANDIDATES FILED:

Rusty Millar

It is a privilege to serve the stakeholders of the Silver Lake in Region 4. It is a position that I enjoy and work hard to do. The input from all stakeholders help make Silver Lake a better place to live. During my tenure on the SLNC I have been a leader on environmental issues that impact all of us on a daily basis. I have successfully worked with other NC leaders to stop an 18% water rate increase. I activily work to include alternate transportation modes to be included in city planning. For five years I helped shape the Highway 2 terminus project to include mitigating measures to address air quality and local traffic needs. Some people talk, I get results for Silver Lake. Please vote for Rusty Millar on Oct 6, thank you.

Carolyn Park

I went to Marshall High School and can’t seem to leave the neighborhood. I have tried living in other parts of the city, and I always come back to Silverlake.

As a resident of Region 4, I see firsthand the growing pains that it’s experiencing. I’d like to ensure that Silverlake maintains a healthy balance between business interests and the well-being of its residents.

I am an advocate of communities working towards self-determined goals, such as improved education, safety, and community gardens.

Region 4 Representative
Seat 2
Term: 2 years

CANDIDATES FILED:

Gale Jaffe

I moved to Silver Lake in 1987. I became interested in the Neighborhood Council when the housing bubble came to my street. A proposed development would have destroyed one of the first works of architect, Rudolf Schindler. We saved his fine work. During that campaign, I kept neighbors informed. Members of the SLNC were helpful in that struggle. When elections came up, I knew it was time to give back.
Since that time, I have continued to be involved in neighborhood issues. I wrote a grant proposal to maintain the area under the Hollywood Freeway known as “The Gateway to Silver Lake”. Keeping the area clean and beautiful as well as keeping my neighbors informed, are most important to me. To that end I am a member of the Urban Design and Preservation Committee as well as the Silver Lake Improvement Association.

Bill Mahoney

My statement for candidacy is very simple. I will weigh all issues on three principles. First , Does it serve the Community, Second- Are the costs scrutinized for prudence, and Third- Is it Do-able.
You the resident or Stakeholder in this region need to be assured that someone will look after your best interests while you are busy keeping this area vibrant. I will do this and keep you informed with a combination of web-based articles and streaming webcasts of the meetings and proposals affecting you. It will be done before it becomes critical to allow for community organizing. You will always have an open ear when I’m on the Council, and I Thank you ahead of time for your trust

Region 5 Representative
Seat 1
Term: 2 years

CANDIDATES FILED:

Matthew Mooney

“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.” ― Jane Jacobs.

Change never ceases and Silver Lake is continually changing. Demographic changes, population growth and more retail diversity are the topical changes that we are witnessing in our neighborhood. But underneath the surface we are being asked where to best place new demographic populations? How to responsibly accommodate growth? How to integrate more retail into the area while protecting and enhancing those that have forged a path and cultivated businesses prior? Having worked with the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council now for under a year and as a recent graduate of Cal State Northridge in Urban Planning I bring a passion for real planning, accommodating growth responsibly and the further creation of a more livable neighborhood.

Dale Benson

People of rich cultural diversity, wonderful architecture, lakes, gardens, animals, nature, thriving businesses and active residents, are all nestled together in the hills of Silverlake.

As a representative of the Silver Lake neighborhood Council Area #5, I will continue to represent the local stakeholders in working for the community’s best interest. I am especially interested in improving the quality of life here by tackling environmental justice (air, noise, water, pollution), social justice (low-income housing) transportation (transit connections, bicycles and pedestrians), safety (traffic, crime, emergency preparedness), stewardship (care for what we have), preservation (historical fabric), and City accountability (stop wasteful spending practices).

Together we can can work for a more livable, sustainable Silverlake. Let’s talk!

Region 5 Representative
Seat 2
Term: 2 years

CANDIDATES FILED:

Dorit Dowler-Guerrero

As a member of the SLNC, I will bring my 25 years of professional (social work) and community activism to serve all the people in Silver Lake, especially region 5. My focus will be on supporting local schools, helping Silver Lakes homeless to get off the streets, bicycle/traffic safety, increased public transpiration, preserving Silver Lakes history and “livability issues”.
During my 15 years as a Silver Lake resident, I have starting a fundraising group at Micheltorena Street School, served on the School Site Counsel at Micheltorena and Thomas Starr King Schools, served on the Belleview Park Advisory Board, participated in People Assisting the Homeless Silver Lake Homeless population inventory, got a traffic light installed at Hyperion and Sunset, and participated forming the Silver Lake Neighborhood Counsel.
I have worked closely with CD13 and CD4, received the 2011 SHero award from Senator Curren Price and been honored by LAUSD and CD13.

Region 6 Representative
Seat 1
Term: 2 years

CANDIDATES FILED:

Lawrence Faljean

There comes a time when you realize that someone has to speak for those who can’t. There also comes a time when you realize that person is you. The city is an ever changing melting-pot and everyone deserves to have a safe and healthy place to live in. Let’s keep Silver Lake great for years to come.

Region 6 Representative
Seat 2
Term: 2 years

CANDIDATES FILED:

Abigail Treanor

I recently moved to Silver Lake in 2011, but I have been a resident of Los Angeles County for over thirty years. After attending USC for my political science degree and then UCLA for my law degree, I began practicing as an attorney in the Los Angeles area, mainly on behalf of employees and others who are often in lesser bargaining positions than their opponents. I have a fresh perspective on the issues that affect Silver Lake, such as safety, traffic, and the development and maintenance of public areas. My special interest is in the continuing betterment of the Silver Lake Reservoirs as an area where the entire community can gather, play, run, and socialize. I would like to work with the community to improve these and other pressing issues that affect our neighborhood.

Region 7 Representative
Seat 1
Term: 2 years

CANDIDATES FILED:

Stuart Heising

I’ve been a Silver Lake resident for 25 years. I want nothing more than to see it prosper and remain a vital neighborhood in Los Angeles. I want to continue the effort to keep Silver lake grand, and give back to the community as much as it has given me. I am PROUD of our neighborhood and I want to do as much as I can to instill this same sense of pride in all of its residents and business owners.

Renee Nahum

I have lived in and loved Silver Lake for 25-plus years, and as co-chair of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council, I always emphasize civility and community empowerment. Working with dedication and determination, I show up whenever asked and wherever there’s an issue and a need. And we have gotten things done — powerfully speaking the community’s views to City Hall regarding the Sunset Junction Street Fair, solving public safety problems, protecting the community from harmful projects, successfully requesting city services, championing environmental causes, and promoting local businesses. I’m also co-chair of the Friends of Silver Lake Animals and the Reservoir committees and have championed the well-being of animals and the enhancement of the reservoir property. I’m a Cal-Arts graduate — to me, a good neighborhood council, and ours is one, is a work of art but always a work in progress! I’d be honored to have your support.

Region 7 Representative
Seat 2
Term: 2 years

CANDIDATES FILED:

Michael Masterson

I’m a 24-year resident of Silver Lake and have had the privilege of serving on the SLNC Governing Board for 3 years. As co-chair of both the History Collective (5 years) and Reservoir Complex (1/5 years) committees, I’ve been actively involved both in preserving our community’s heritage and focusing on our future regarding controlled development and quality of life issues, especially as they relate to the Reservoir area.

My professional experience includes running my own design and consulting firms and working in publishing and recruiting. I chaired the Membership and Marketing Committee for the LA Conservancy and serve as National President for the American Society of Picture Professionals. The strengths I bring to the board are business acumen, experience in consensus-building, dedicated follow-through and a strong sense of community activism. I’d be honored to continue serving on the Board, giving back to a neighborhood that’s given so much to me.

Vincent Autiero

Priya Mohan

Although I am a new resident of Silver Lake, I have for a long time appreciated its unique vitality and sense of community. My special interests include working to reduce the high incidence of property theft in the area, preserving and maintaining the historic stair streets and promoting the use of the Red Car Property as parkland. My professional background is as a labor attorney working on behalf of employees. I also have a master’s degree in Public Policy from UCLA and am a certified mediator. I am very much looking forward to contributing to my new community.