BOARD POSITION

# OF SEATS

ELECTED OR APPOINTED?

QUALIFICATIONS TO
RUN FOR THE SEAT

QUALIFICATIONS TO
VOTE FOR THE SEAT

CANDIDATES FILED:

Rubi V. Ramirez

One night sitting in my room, how terribly stressed I was, packed with homework and was busy helping create events for Link Crew, I had so much on my plate. I was ready to drop the Magnet program and focusing only on Link Crew, my main interest. But it’s funny how in one night your mind creates different solutions to one problem. I overcame that negative mind set and pushed myself to keep going, I’m currently involved in leadership, creates school events; link crew, focuses on ninth graders pass on to tenth grade; tennis, helps learn how to work in a team; and I’m continuing with Magnet. I would like to be involved SNC because my future career is to be a lawyer and this experience can help me with learning what the People would like, to help bring a community together to show that they can change things in their community.

CANDIDATES FILED:

Rosemary Jenkins

I have served on the Sylmar Neighborhood Council as Chair of the Green Committee which has worked in conjunction with many of our Sylmar colleagues to introduce and/or complete a number of projects for the environmental betterment of the community.

I have also taught at Sylmar High School and continue to work (alongside its leadership and students) on its various programs. I am currently serving on the El Cariso Park Advisory Council to insure that the integrity of the park be preserved (saving our wonderful trees) while at the same time making necessary improvements for the enjoyment of all.

I enjoy a working relationship with many of our elected and their staff to produce a unity of purpose to the benefit of all our stakeholders.

Based upon the above statements, I ask for your support and am eager to continue my work with all of you.

Ann Job

I have retired from a career as editor and post production supervisor in the film and television industry. In the sixties I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in both Sri Lanka and Libya. Now I am committed to returning to a life of service.In 2008, I drove to Youngstown, Ohio, to volunteer for Barack Obama. After Obama’s election I drove from Ohio to Dublin, Georgia, to try to unseat the incumbent Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss, who was forced into a runoff in 2008. Chambliss’ Democratic opponent carried the precincts I worked.

It is very important that we work together to address the concerns of our community in order to improve life in Sylmar for everyone.

Believing every voice should be heard, I vote in every election. I would consider it a privilege to serve the people of Sylmar.

CANDIDATES FILED:

George E. Ortega

34 year Sylmar resident

BS Civil Engineering – AA Architecture

27 years working with City of Burbank Public Works Department sewer permits – traffic engineering. With Burbank evaluated developments, building permits, conditional use permits, variances, vacations, and 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 the SNC board for all but one year of its existence. Incumbent open space / recreation representative and land use committee chairman

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, and services

Want to help shape Sylmar’s future and enable it to get there

CANDIDATES FILED:

Cheri Blose

I have served on the SNC for many years now and am currently CoChair of the Equestrian committee, We have done some wonderful work for the equestrian community. I also am on the Land Use committee and have been instrutmental in curbing some development projects that were not appropriate for our community. We have actively strived to welcome development while maintaining the equestrian livestyle.

CANDIDATES FILED:

Jeanne Rowe

As a long time resident in Sylmar, I am proud of our community, and would again be honored to be an active part of this organization.

We have come together as neighbors to help each other as needed.

We responded to the Sayre and Marek Fire’s in 2008.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity. One of our most successful events coming up is “Race for Youth”. The go carts are driven in competition by both the L.A.P.D. (97’s) and Mission Community Police members.

The event date is 8/30/12 at NB2 here in Sylmar on Balboa, here in Sylmar. Come out and join us. It’s fun.

Hiral Bhakta

I am seeking an At-Large Seat. As an SNC Outreach Committee Co-Chair I worked for two years building a strong community network for Sylmar. I also worked with the Mayor’s, Councilman’s, and DWP offices to get 50 street and Bike Path lights fixed along San Fernando Rd. We also helped organize the LAPD National Night Out and the Race for Youth police youth programs fundraiser. Since 2010 as Co-Chair of the SNC Government Affairs, Public Safety & Services Committee I have worked with the Councilman’s office to help get Polk, Glenoaks, and Telfair Streets fixed. As Vice-President of Administration I have helped maintain a strong relationship with the community, elected officials and staffs while bringing organization to and promoting SNC Committees. These experiences give me the knowledge and skills to continue illuminating the greatness of Sylmar as one of your At-Large representatives.

Richard Perry

I have lived in the San Fernando Valley off and on since 1957, having witnessed significant changes in those seven decades. My wife and I settled into Sylmar in April 2008.

I have worked in the Office Supply industry, managed the University Bookstore and Cal Poly Pomona, worked for the Election Division of the City of Los Angeles and was a Financial Analyst with Countrywide Financial Corporation.

Currently, I manage homeowner associations throughout the County of Los Angeles, as well as a licensed Tax Preparer and Notary Public within the State of California. My greatest strengths come from working with and helping other individuals.

Goals

My goal is building a stronger relationship with the residents who live in Sylmar and businesses who serve this outstanding community.

Laurie Fadness

I have lived in Sylmar for 12 years now and absolutely love it here. I believe that it is my destiny to help preserve the combination of urban and rural neighborhoods within Sylmar. My goals are to inform and educate as many of Sylmar’s residents as I can on anything going on in Sylmar. Residents deserve the opportunity to voice their opinion. There is strength in numbers and we all have a voice, let’s make sure it’s heard.

CANDIDATES FILED:

Ann Marie L. Catano

Hello, my name is Ann Marie Catano. I am 22 years old and a resident of Sylmar, Ca. I am also a full time student at Los Angeles Mission College. I have lived in Sylmar nearly my whole life and am striving to make our community more successful. I believe success comes through education, which is why I am running for the Educational Institute Representative.I am an advocate not only for full funding, but for students’ rights as well. I believe that we need well established educational institutes to ensure the success of our community. Advocating for education has become my passion and I will continue to do so. It is imperative that all of our school, from early education centers, to adult centers and higher learning institutes are full funded, clean, friendly, and have a good teacher to student ratio. I look forward to meeting you.

Donald L. Neal

Bachelor of Science-Business Administration, University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. (1985)

Bachelor of Science-Mathematics Education,CSU-Dominguez Hills. (2005)

o Sylmar HS Teacher (210+ years as an Educator)
o Sylmar Homeowner

Currently Serve Community as:

o Sylmar Neighborhood Council – VP of Communication &
o Outreach Co-Chair
o LA Mission College Building Bonds-Oversight Committee
o LA Mission College Foundation Board Member

o Sylmar Olive Festival-Committee Chairman
o El Cariso Park-Advisory Committee
o Cesar Chavez HS-Head Football Coach
o Sylmar Youth Task Force-5K Race Committee

Community Service Projects:

o Sylmar-Farmer’s Market @ Mission College
o Sylmar-Library Beautification
o Sylmar-Fire Station Fence Painting
o Sylmar-Neighborhood Clean-ups
o Sylmar Community Garden-Church of the Foothills
o Sylmar Park-Easter Egg Hunt
o Sylmar HS-Thanksgiving Food Drive & Christmas Toy Drive
o Councilman Alarcon’s-Christmas Toy give-away
o Pacoima Beautiful-Tree Care Block Party
o Mission College Foundation- “Springfest” Scholarship Fundraiser
o “Race for Youth” – LAPD Explorer’s Fundraiser

Cori Villalobos-Morrow

I have been a Sylmar resident for 27 years. I live, work and play in the community. My husband, Dwight and I have raised three wonderful children along with dogs, cats, goats, a horse and chickens. I am a California Credentialed Parent Educator teaching at several schools in Sylmar. I would like to help keep Sylmar a great place to live. VOTE 4 TEACHER CORI

CANDIDATES FILED:

Edward Campos

I own and operate Imagination Works in Sylmar for over ten years. I would like to expand my business to the community. I am actively working at Sylmar Olive Festival and volunteering.

I want to help and improve my community by helping in day to day operations in Sylmar.

CANDIDATES FILED:

Dwight T. Morrow

Please vote for me!

Sincerely: Dwight

Roy Smith

35 year Sylmar Resident

First involvement with SNC was as a member of Land Use Committee for the last three and a half years. Three years as co-chairman.

With SNC Land Use Committee evaluated developments, conditional use permits, variances, and subdivisions for their impacts.

Served on SNC board for three years, incumbent home / condo owner representative.

Active at special events and participates at council projects.

Advocates that growth be consistent with Sylmar’s needs and character. Want to make Sylmar a place we all can be proud of.

Diane Valencia

I am a third generation native Angeleno, and have been a homeowner in Sylmar for nearly 11 years. Currently, I am the President of a Sylmar homeowners association which represents 317 single family homes, and I also sit on the Steering Committee of a local grassroots organization which is presently focused on informing stakeholders in the community of the progress of the proposed strip mining and sediment removal projects, while also working to ensure that any development has the least adverse impact on area homes and businesses. My business background also affords me the leadership skills and desire for collaboration which I feel is necessary to work effectively with fellow Neighborhood Council members and community stakeholders. I pledge to promote the welfare of and protect the interests of the entire Sylmar community while striving to improve communication and fostering greater community involvement.

Judith A. Neal

Education & Work experience

o Attended the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse
o Sylmar Homeowner for over 6 years
o Worked for the Albertsons Grocery Corporation for over 20 years Served as Front End Manager, Human Resources, & Bookkeeper
o Worked for JC Penney Corporation for over 5 years Served as Dept. Manager

Community Volunteer Activities:

o Sylmar Olive Festival volunteer
o Actively involved in the past with supporting Sylmar HS football program and now supporting Cesar Chavez HS football teams

Sandra Carranza

I have lived in the San Fernando Valley over 25 years, 15 of those years in Sylmar. I attended Cal State Northridge and erned a degree in Broadcast Journalism. I am a homeowner, my husband works in Sylmar, my 11 year-old daughter attended Harding elementary school and will be soon attending middle school. I am intrested in becoming more involved in my community as there are many things that we can do to improve our community.

Derek Martin

Grew up in the San Fernando Valley.

Served in the US Navy 1974-78.

Degrees from LA Valley College, CA Baptist Univ., Azusa Pacific Univ., and Phillips Grad Institute.

Moved to Sylmar in 1987, 25 years ago.

Married for 37 years.

3 adult children all graduated from Sylmar High and College.

21 years in the Business world.

12 years with LAUSD, currently Counselor at Sylmar High.

Served on Site Council at Harding Elem. And as Chairman of Sylmar High School.

Served on SIBL Board for 11 years.

Current SNC board member.

I see an opportunity to use my time and talents to serve the Sylmar community. To help and assimilate information to the Sylmar Community to enhance understanding of what is happening in our community.

CANDIDATES FILED:

Chris Shows

I am long time current resident of the City of Sylmar. Helped with many projects in Sylmar such as:

SNC clean-ups

Library projects

I want to continue with the council to help promote the S.N.C. and protect the way of living to make the community a better place to live.

Kristin Mills

I currently serve on the Sylmar Neighborhood Council. I am also heavily involved in our Olive Festival, and on the planning committee. Finally, I attend regular meetings for our Outreach committee. I believe with the interaction of the neighborhood council and the community we can bring families and communities together to make this city a better place to live. I would like to see the neighborhood council take a more proactive position in involving the community to our city agendas, problems, events, fundraisers…etc…and as a Mom of three boys I would like to build a better future for my kids. I will work very hard for you and together we can create a strong future for this city and a great political force.

CANDIDATES FILED:

Dan Feinberg WITHDREW

Jose L. Oliva, Jr.

Jose makes it a priority to adhere to the needs of his community.

Jose has been actively involved in helping educators in the public schools, non-profit organizations and individuals in the areas of Retirement Planning, Savings for Children’s College Education, Risk Management as well as Charitable Planning.

Jose is passionate about being involved in the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles as a member of the First Families Legacy and the Children’s Fund Committee. He is also Chairman of the Los Angeles Mission College Foundation.

Professional Experience:

Tu Seguro con Julie Stav from January 2012-Present.

AXA Advisors, LLC from September 2007 through December 2011 in the Retirement Benefits Group.

Started his career in 1994 through 2007 as a planning assistant at Ameriprise Financial Private Wealth Advisory Practice in Glendale, CA servicing the needs of high-net-worth individuals.

Background:

B.A., University of California, Santa Barbara, Global Studies with emphasis in Socioeconomics, 2004

CANDIDATES FILED:

Deidre Campbell-Jones 

I am Minister Deidre Campbell-Jones, President, Destination Christian Services, Inc. – seeking a board position representing Faith-Based Organizations DCS, Inc. was incorporated in 2003 and was Destination Ministries since 1987. The goal of DCS, Inc. is to educate, empower and edify teens, women and minorities through Christian literature, rehabilitative programs and Life-Coaching. Ultimately we will operate a live-in Christian Career Academy for non-violent youth in Sylmar.

DCS, Inc. has organized a teen voter drive at the Sylmar Recreation Center; Ladies Luncheons, graffiti removal and intercessory prayer team and a Christian entertainment youth rally in the Sylmar areas.

Currently DCS, Inc has implemented “Communitree of Life 91342”. The goal of Communitree is to foster working relationships between civic and faith-based leaders in Sylmar; help develop productive citizens of our troubled youth and provide faith-based support through Communitree Bible Study; Faith Walkers and “GetLifeRight” Life-coaching and related events among other community-based programs.

CANDIDATES FILED:

Eugene Hernandez

“Are you tired of overdevelopment?”

“Do you worry about proposed mining in Sylmar?”

“Do you want to be heard at City Hall”?

Then elect me. Eugene Hernandez to the Sylmar Neighborhood Council. I have been a proven community activist with your interest in mind not Developers.

Sherry Lincoln

I have been a resident of Sylmar since March 10, 1979. I have lived within 30 miles of Sylmar since September, 1960. My children were brought up in Sylmar. I served as a volunteer with PTA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, UTLA, local youth sports teams, and C.E. R. T. and have become a first responder. I am finishing a non-filled term in the Sylmar Neighborhood Council, and have served on Land Use, Outreach, Public Service, Public Safety, and Green Committees. My other interests include reading, mind puzzles, and storytelling.

Please vote for me for an At Large position.

Dana Xedos

I’m very excited to be a candidate for the Sylmar Neighborhood Council. I have a passion for the community of Sylmar and this organization.

My community activities started in high school as an after-school Math/English tutor and American Red Cross volunteer. I attended Morgan State University. In Los Angeles, I was a charity executive at PARA LOS NINOS, Public Counsel, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, GRANDPEOPLE (a senior agency), and the World Children’s Transplant Fund. I have an M.B.A. In 2000, I became a teacher in LAUSD.

My general philosophy is to work as a team. Together, we can improve and maximize those things that can make a community a special place for all stakeholders. It would be a great honor to serve as one of your elected representatives to help Sylmar continue to grow as a great place to live, work, open a business, study or enjoy recreational activities.

Ricardo A. Benitez

I’m Ricardo Benitez living in Sylmar for 12 years. I have been serving my community and been a member of the Sylmar Neighborhood Council for the last 4 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 help you.

Brianne King

My name is Brianne King. I am running for the At-Large Representatives. I hope to lead Sylmar with the chosen team into a better tomorrow. It is important to have someone who is for the people of Sylmar and has their best interest in mind. I have held numerous leadership positions in my 15 plus years of Girl Scouts in Sylmar. As well as in the occupational environment that has guided me to the person I am today. Please consider me.