SYLMAR NC 2014 ELECTION – ELECTION DAY – Saturday, March 8, 10am-4pm, Sylmar Park Rec. Center

OFFICIAL CANVASS OF VOTES


Youth Representative	BRENDA RESENDIS
Senior Representative	ANN JOB
Recreation/Open Spaces Representative	KATHY GRUBERT
Equestrian Representative	CHERI BLOSE
Retail Representatives	JEH MEHERLAURIE FADNESS SILVERIO PELAYO
Industrial Representative	LUCILLE FLORESTA
Home/Condo Owner Representatives	JACKIE MATADEREK MARTIN ROY SMITH JUDITH NEAL
Renter Representatives	CARLOS LARACHRIS SHOWS
Community Based Organization Representatives	DIANE VALENCIAPATRICIA RAU
Educational Institution Representative	MARIA C. SILVA
At-Large Representatives	CHRISTIAN ALFREDO RUBALCAVAKATHY BLOOM WALLY AGUILAR


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

Certified Candidates

Click here to download the Certified Candidates List

Open Board Seats 2014 – Sylmar NC

BOARD POSITION	# OF SEATS	ELECTED OR APPOINTED?	QUALIFICATIONS TO RUN FOR THE SEAT	QUALIFICATIONS TO VOTE FOR THE SEAT
Youth Representative Term: 2 Years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder and is between the age 14 through 20.	Stakeholders who live, work, own property or declare a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who are 14 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Brenda Resendis
Rubi V. Ramirez – I am running for youth representative for the second time, I am a resident of the Sylmar area and take great pride in living here. Although, I am going for my major in Political Science at CSUN, and being on the Sylmar Neighborhood Council is a great way to understand what happens at local level politics, and learning the perspective of youth and adults position on issues. I attempt to create a bridge between youth and adults into the world of local level politics, because in order to see change in one’s community one has to start locally, and spark an interest within community members.
Emily Lisette Rubalcava – My name is Emily Rubalcava and I am the administrative officer at the North Valley Military Institute. My important role at this school has allowed me to gain valuable work experience and has entitled me to meet with various elected officials. I live in Sylmar with my family and have been here all my life. If elected, I hope to empower the youth of this city and make an impact.
Ashley Noble – I would be able to successfully hold the position as a Youth Representative, based on the experience I have gained throughout my communal efforts. My participation with the local non-profit, Youth Speak, has given me an understanding of collective leadership along with the importance of invested efforts within a community. My role as president of Sylmar High School’s Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), has helped me gain the skills necessary for effective delegation, and fortify my beliefs for equality and respect among all people. Throughout my affiliations, with the community and it’s members in mind, I have developed the skills and experiences fundamental in understanding the necessities of my community.
Senior Representative Term: 2 Years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder and who is 55 years or older.	Stakeholders who live, work, own property or declare a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who are 14 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Eugene Hernandez – I am a long term resident of Sylmar and I have been appointed to the Los Angeles Mission College Citizens Oversight Committee, also I helped established the El Carizo Park Advisory Board. I have been on the Sylmar NC board. I participate with the El Carizo Community Garden.
Ann Job – In 2012 when I first ran for the Sylmar Neighborhood Council, I only knew that I wanted to serve my community. I just didn’t know how to go about it. So I set out to learn how neighborhood councils (government closest to the people) are part of city government. This required visiting other neighborhood councils and building relationships with those who already know their way around the system and our newly elected officials. Sylmar has a vibrant equestrian community, an annual Olive Festival, parks brimming with activity, a community garden in El Cariso Park, the magical Tia Chucha’s, and world-class hang gliders flying over our beautiful canyons. But we need to care for these treasures. We need to imagine and create other opportunities for our stakeholders. Be warned, if you vote for me, I will call on you to participate with the SNC, so together we can move Sylmar forward.
Recreation / Open Spaces Representative Term: 2 Years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who is a member or representative of recreational areas/open spaces who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder and who is 14 years or older.	Stakeholders who live, work, own property or declare a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who are 14 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
George Ortega – 36 YEAR SYLMAR RESIDENT BS CIVIL ENGINEERING AA ARCHITECTURE 28 YEARS WORKING WITH CITY OF BURBANK PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SEWER, PERMITS & TRAFFIC ENGINEERING WITH BURBANK EVALUATED DEVELOPMENTS, BUILDING PERMITS CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS, VARIANCES, VACATIONS & SUBDIVISIONS FOR THEIR IMPACTS EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION THAT INCLUDES WORKING WITH PARKS DEPARTMENT AND DESIGN OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES MEMBER OF EL CARISO MEN’S GOLF CLUB HAD TRAINING IN CEQA REQUIREMENTS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLANNING ALWAYS IMPROVING SKILLS TO BETTER SERVE THE COMMUNITY SERVED ON SNC BOARD FOR 10 YEARS VP ADMINISTRATION INCUMBENT OPEN SPACE / RECREATION REPRESENTATIVE 7 YEARS LAND USE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN 6 YEARS ADVOCATE FOR IMPROVING EXISTING RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND CREATING NEW ONES FOR JOBS PLACES TO SHOP DINE AND ENTERTAIN IN SYLMAR FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS ROADS UTILITIES TRANSPORTATION & SERVICES WORKING TO IMPROVE BUS STOPS WANT TO HELP SHAPE SYLMAR’S FUTURE AND ENABLE IT TO GET THERE
Kathy Grubert – I believe in preserving and improving our parks and recreational areas to benefit the health and well-being of all who live, work and play here.I graduated with a masters degree in business from Loyola University Chicago and a BA from the University of Illinois Chicago. For the past 20 years I’ve built a successful consulting business helping major organizations maximize their potential, and I look forward to doing the same for our community.
Equestrian Representative Term: 2 Years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who lives, works, owns property or declares a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder and who is a horse owner and who is 14 years or older.	Stakeholders who live, work, own property or declare a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who are 14 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Cheri L. Blose – I would love to stay on the SNC and continue working with the equestrian community. We have so many exciting plans for this year. I have also enjoyed working on the Land Use Committee.
Retail Representatives Term: 2 Years	3	Elected	Stakeholders who are business owners or representatives within the neighborhood and who are 14 years or older.	Stakeholders who live, work, own property or declare a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who are 14 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Jeh Meher – As a business owner of USA Fitness Center for the past 14 years, I feel it is my obligation to give back to the community who stayed loyal and contributed to such growth. Becoming part of the Neighborhood Council will only deepen the connection with Sylmar residents by understanding their needs and wants; and more importantly what it is that will take Sylmar forward .It is my duty to give back and my involvement will strengthen the Council Board given my skills and talents as a successful Business man. I would love to learn more about the Community of Sylmar and help contribute in any way possible.
Chardell Powell – The reason I am running for Sylmar Neighborhood Council is because I want to improve the current outreach programs and make sure city funds are being use to help Sylmar residents.
Laurie Fadness – I am very passionate about the preservation of rural Sylmar. I own as well as board horses in Sylmar and ride the Sylmar mountain trails almost daily. My goal is to get every neighborhood within Sylmar united as a community. One day I would love to be able to have a multi-use trail connecting Sylmar to Lakeview Terrace to Shadow Hills to Sunland etc…
Silverio Pelayo – I have been a resident of Sylmar for over 7 years. I hold a B.A. in Ethnic Studies from UC Berkeley. I’m currently the Bookstore Coordinator for Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore. As the retail representative I pledge to conduct myself with the utmost honesty and sincerity. I’m committed to working with both local business and community members to advance on issues that are relevant to both parties.
Educational Institution Representative Term: 2 Years	1	Elected	A stakeholder who is an instructor, student, or representative of an Educational Institution within the neighborhood and who is 14 years or older.	Stakeholders who live, work, own property or declare a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who are 14 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Maria Silva – Born of immigrant parents I have been a resident of Sylmar for over 35 years. I attended all the Sylmar family schools: Sylmar Elementary, Olive Vista Jr. High, Sylmar High School and Los Angeles Mission College. Because education is very important my four children are attending CSUN, LAMC and Fresno State. I have worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District in the capacity of educator, Literacy Coach, Categorical Programs Coordinator and Data Problem Solving Coordinator. I also worked at Los Angeles Mission College teaching ESL. I have a BA in Speech Communication, California Teaching Credential, California Administrative Credential, MA in Education and a second MA in Administration. If elected to the Sylmar Neighborhood Council, I will proactively solicit the opinions of stakeholders in decision making to enable SNC to be more responsive to community needs. I would be an honor to serve Sylmar.
Don Neal – I believe strongly in leadership development, and supporting our youth. I believe it is privilege to represent my community.* My wife, Judith, and I have been homeowners since 2006.* BS in Business Administration, from the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse* BS in Mathematics, graduating Cum Laude from CSU-Dominguez Hills.* Mathematics teacher in LAUSD for 21 years and a football coach for 24 years.* Current Sylmar Neighborhood Council President, and board member since 2009.* Mission College Foundation-board member since 2010.* Sylmar Olive Festival-Chairman since 2011.
Industrial Representative Term: 2 Years	1	Elected	A stakeholder who is a business owner representative within the neighborhood and who is 14 years or older.	Stakeholders who live, work, own property or declare a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who are 14 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Lucille Floresta – I would like to serve the Neighborhood Council by participating and sharing knowledge in business industry to the small business owners and promote a better life for the residents of Sylmar. I am also motivated to help the city of Sylmar develop into a beautiful community by contributing my skills in architecture and planning. Please consider me to be one of your Neighborhood Council Members:1995 to Present- Business Owner, RE Investor, Property Manager- multi unit rental units;1985 to Present- Consultant, architecture and allied services;1993 to 2007-Adjunct Faculty, Architecture – Woodbury Univ., American Intercontinental Univ.Present-Culinary Arts Program at LA Mission College, SylmarMember, Apartment Owners of Greater LA, Apartment Owners Assoc.Volunteer, Olive Festival/LAMC, fundraising/community events; LA Community Garden-Cariso Park, IFSEA/San Fernando Valley Chapter; UAP(United Architects of the Phils);
Home / Condo Owner Representatives Term: 2 Years	4	Elected	Stakeholders who are Home/Condo owners within the neighborhood and who are 14 years or older.	Stakeholders who live, work, own property or declare a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who are 14 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Rick Kay
Jackie Mata – We are fairly new to the Sylmar area. We purchased our home 5 years ago. We have 3 daughters who LOVE the Sylmar area, the outdoor hiking trails and parks. I’d love the opportunity to serve my community since we plan on staying Sylmar residents for the long run.
Roy Smith – My goal as a board member is to help empower Stakeholders, that makes Sylmar a better place to live.
Jeanne Shamin – My name is Jeanne Shamim. I was involved with SNC at its inception and I continue to want to improve the lives of homeowners in Sylmar and beyond. If elected, I will collaborate with others to seek solutions for a safer and cleaner environment for all residents of our neighborhood. I have served in leadership roles in both professional and personal capacity. As an educator, I am a passionate advocate for the rights of children, their literacy, physical and emotional well-being. I am founder and executive director of a nonprofit education organization and am a certified Notary Public. Currently, I represent the interests of our communities by serving on the Community Advisory Board of KCET TV, Diversity Chair for the local Affiliate of National Association for the Education of Young Children, and Advisory Board of Pasadena City College. I am a recent graduate of the Los Angeles Citizens Police Academy.
Derek Martin – I see an opportunity to use my time and talents to serve the Sylmar community. To help fact find, put together presentations and assimilate information to the Sylmar Community to enhance understanding of what is happening in our community.
Judith Neal – From Sparta, WI originally. Attended the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse. Married to Don. Homeowner in Sylmar since 2006. Member of Sylmar Neighborhood Council since 2012. Member of the Sylmar Olive Festival Organizing Committee. Employee of Albertson’s for 20+ years.
Renter Representatives Term: 2 Years	2	Elected	Stakeholders who are residential tenants within the neighborhood and who are 14 years or older.	Stakeholders who live, work, own property or declare a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who are 14 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Chris Shows – As a resident in Sylmar and a current board member I have seen and dealt with many projects in the city of Sylmar.I would like to continue as a voice for the community on projects and to support the community by engaging all members of the community.
Kristin Mills – I am a mother of three. I serve on the HOA board where I live. I have served on The Sylmar Neighborhood Council for 2 years now, and have an extreme interest in making Sylmar a better place and bringing about needed improvements. I am also Co-Chair of the Olive Festival, which brings communities and families together. It also helps charitable organizations. My main goal is to make Sylmar a better and safe place for us all to live. I am not afraid to work hard for our city! I appreciate your consideration to allow me to serve you and would like to continue being a part of our ever growing city.
Carlos Lara
Community Based Organization Representatives Term: 2 Years	2	Elected	Stakeholders who are members or representatives of a community based organization and who are 14 years or older.	Stakeholders who live, work, own property or declare a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who are 14 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Patricia Rau –I am a resident of Sylmar, and have lived here 16 years. I am retired from thirty years in the entertainment and graphic arts industries. I also worked as a licensed tax preparer for several years. I’ve been a resident of the Los Angeles area for over 30 years and have a degree from Cal State Fullerton. Part of what I enjoy about life in Sylmar is that it is away from the urban concentration of the city, while still providing the many social and cultural benefits that Los Angeles provides. In the past I have attended and participated in several organizations in Sylmar. I feel that the Neighborhood Council is our voice on the city council and the most important organization in our community, since it is charged with protecting and speaking up for Sylmar residents. I subscribe to the notion that everyone has a social contract with the
Diane Valencia – I am a third generation native Angeleno and I have been a homeowner in Sylmar for over 12 years. I have served on the Sylmar Neighborhood Council since 2012. I am the past President of and currently serve as Treasurer for my homeowners association, which consists of 317 single-family homes in Sylmar. I am also actively involved in a Sylmar-based environmental organization focused on advocating for and educating area stakeholders regarding proposed projects which may impact Sylmar and surrounding areas. I am passionate about preserving the open space that we have in Sylmar and have a desire to help mitigate development projects so that they have the least negative and greatest positive impact on area residents and businesses. I wish to increase community involvement, while promoting the welfare, protecting the interests of, and serving as a voice for the Sylmar community.
Faith Based Organization Representative Term: 2 Years	1	Elected	Stakeholder who is a member or representative of a faith based organization and who is 14 years or older.	Stakeholders who live, work, own property or declare a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who are 14 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:

At-Large Representatives Term: 2 Years	3	Elected	Stakeholders who live, work, own property or declare a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder and who are 14 years or older.	Stakeholders who live, work, own property or declare a stake in the neighborhood as a community interest stakeholder who are 14 years or older.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Ricardo Benitez – I’m Ricardo Benitez living in Sylmar for 14 years. I have been serving my community and been a member of the Sylmar Neighborhood Council for the last 6 years. I want to continue serving my community better than I have been but to complete the goals I need your Vote for me to continue helping my community and helping you.
Christian Alfredo Rubalcava – My name is Christian Rubalcava and I am currently the Battalion Commander at the North Valley Military Institute. As the face of this brand new institute, I have been able to meet with very important elected officials. I reside in Sylmar with my family and have lived here for almost all of the 17 years of my life. This city has done a lot for me and if I am elected, I will do my best to help the city that raised me.
Hector Cabrera
Kathy Bloom – Having lived in Sylmar since 1974 and having watched it grow over the years, I am committed to helping my community preserve its integrity as well as its natural beauty.
Leslie “Les” Aisenman – I’ve lived in L.A. since 1941, the SFV since 1969. I completed under/graduate studies in L.A., & attended CUNY Graduate Center as an NDEA Fellow. I retired from my Sylmar manufacturing business in 2010. I have been a citizen activist since my teens when I worked for the election of Ed Roybal, first Latino on a “modern” City Council, & have been involved with community activities and SNC since moving to Sylmar. I want the SNC to provide information & hold public Forums engaging our Community in discussions of vital subjects that affect our health, & wellbeing, like L.A.County’s plans to place two more dumps above Sylmar raining particulates and filth over the SFV and Strip Mining. I am committed to preventing hundreds of trucks carrying “sediment” from clogging Hubbard and McClay, assaulting our children, our elderly, our schools, parks & homes. Together we can build a stronger community.
JuanCarlos Ortiz – Very concern citizen in the matters of our community, I have a back ground in business and operated with no individual agenda!
Wally Aguilar – I worked for the State of CA for over 36 years in economic and workforce development. I was raised in Sylmar and have a BA in Sociology from CSUN. I am interested in making Sylmar a better place to live.