STUDIO CITY NC 2014 ELECTION – ELECTION DAY – Thursday, March 20, 4-8pm, Walter Reed Middle School Auditorium Foyer

OFFICIAL CANVASS OF VOTES


Residential Homeowners	GAIL STEINBERG LISA SARKIN JOHN T. WALKER DENISE WELVANG
Residential Renters	BRIAN MAHONEY LANA SHACKELFORD JANE DRUCKER
Business Representatives	RITA CLARE VILLA SCOTT OUELLETTE STEVEN QUAT
Employees / Independent Contractors	ALEX IZBICKI LAWRENCE BEER
Member / Full-Time Employees of Service Organizations	RICHARD NIEDERBERG REMY KESSLER
At-Large Stakeholder	LISA CAHAN DAVIS
Youth Board Member	JON K. EPSTEIN


Click here to download Canvass of Votes (pdf)
Challenge 1 – Response 1
Challenge 2 – Response 2

Certified Candidates

Click here to download the Certified Candidates List

Open Board Seats 2014 – Studio City NC

BOARD POSITION	# OF SEATS	ELECTED OR APPOINTED?	QUALIFICATIONS TO RUN FOR THE SEAT	QUALIFICATIONS TO VOTE FOR THE SEAT
Residential Homeowners Term: 2 years	4	Elected	A Residential Homeowner shall be any person who is deemed by law to have an ownership interest in residential property located in Studio City and who resides at such property. Owners of multi-unit residential buildings who reside at that property are included within this definition. Must be at least 18 years of age on the day of the election.	A Residential Homeowner shall be any person who is deemed by law to have an ownership interest in residential property located in Studio City and who resides at such property. Owners of multi-unit residential buildings who reside at that property are included within this definition. Must be at least 18 years of age on the day of the election.
CANDIDATES FILED:
John T. Walker – It has been a pleasure working and serving our community and there are still two major issues I would like to lead to work through to closure on and continue to provide the quality of life we enjoy in Studio City
Gail Steinberg – As a board member of the SCNC for the past 5 ½ years I have been instrumental in harassing the city to install the ‘Smart Walk’ on Tujunga and Woodbridge. I am dedicated to the goals and objectives of keeping Studio City a neighborhood that is safe, family oriented and un-congested. I am passionate about the beauty, aesthetics, traffic and quality of life in Studio City. On the board of a local day school, a supporter of the SCRA and involved in the community for over 26 years, selling real estate for 22+ years with Dilbeck Realtors and Christies Great Estates.
Lisa Sarkin – I will continue to protect the quality of life for Studio City stakeholders.
George Weisenfeld – Retired business owner. Now owner of various rental buildings. Own my home in SC. As a senior I am interested in giving back to my community, especially for the future of my grandchildren who reside in SC
Denise Welvang – It has been my honor and privilege to serve you as one of your Homeowner representatives on the Studio City Neighborhood Council (SCNC) the last few years, and I am asking you for your support in helping me be re-elected March 20th. As a member of the Land Use Committee (LUC), I have participated in many discussions where we had to balance the desires and rights of all the involved parties, property owners, developers, neighboring residents and advocacy groups, all of who are stakeholders that the SCNC represents. Building bridges, understanding and mutually beneficial compromises are the key to having an effective, representative Neighborhood Council, and Iâ??ll continue to do my best to ensure that is what Studio City has. Your vote for me will help make that happen.
Seraphine Geismar Segal –In 2003 I began a neighborhood watch email bcc alert list on milbank street in studio city. In 2014 our watch email list contacts almost 1000 folks. I see a position on this Neighborhood Council as a way to continue to keep my neighbors updated with what’s happened in our area and reach out to more people who presently don’t know about this free service I provide.
Residential Renters Term: 2 years	3	Elected	Any stakeholder, other than a community interest stakeholder, who is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election who is a residential renter within the SCNC boundaries.	Any stakeholder, other than a community interest stakeholder, who is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election who is a residential renter within the SCNC boundaries.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Howard W. Gillingham – I am a former high school principal and teacher as well as former lawyer and adjunct law professor. I like to think I have the vision to see what needs to be done and the ability to address that need. I look at not just what an organization is doing correctly, but where it needs improvement, letting results speak for themselves. I am not afraid to ask tough questions. I value collaboration and the process of solving problems. The SCNC is a recognized leader in the community, and I would like to contribute to that continuing success and growth.
Steven Vincent – I am the leading proponent of parking reform in the City of Los Angeles and the founder of the Los Angeles Parking Freedom Initiative. Many in the San Fernando Valley also know me as a yoga and meditation teacher over the last 8 years. I look forward to serving the needs of the community as a Studio City Neighborhood Council Board member.
Lana Shackelford – Representing the residential renters in Studio City has been a great experience and honor. Serving on the Neighborhood Council in this capacity is a purposeful commitment to bettering the communities where we live. I enjoy serving my community and would appreciate your vote for me as the Studio City Residential Renter Representative.
Jane Drucker – I have been a residential renter in Studio City since 1985. In the ensuing decades, I have witnessed a great deal of change – most of it for the betterment of our wonderful community. I became active with the SCNC shortly after its inception. I am currently a Board member and Corresponding Secretary, long-term member and current Chair of the Bylaws & Procedures Committee, and Chair of the Elections Committee. Over the years I have served as member and Chair of the Land Use Committee and as Chair of two grievance committees, leading both committees to successful resolutions of the grievances presented. I am asking for your vote so I can continue to ensure fair and supportive consideration for the interests of residential renters, my primary constituency, and to keep Studio City vibrant and livable for all of her Stakeholders. I am a Concerned Stakeholder of Studio City. Are you?
Farid Enrique Ben Amore – I’ve recently moved into Studio City and I’d love to become more involved with the community, especially given our unique dynamics both geographically as the mouth of the Valley into the central basin and economically as one of the seats of the entertainment industry along with a vibrant small business community.
Brian Mahoney – Hi, I’m Brian Mahoney, film actor and former US Army Cobra pilot. Appointed to the SCNC board in 2013, I have completed ethics and budget training and now sit on 3 committees: Budget, Bylaws and Cultural Affairs. Studio City has been home to my family for 20 years. As a former PTA VP and Parliamentarian at Carpenter Elementary school, I am familiar with Roberts Rules of Order and The Brown Act; two critical guides which help govern SCNC policies and practices. Over the next 2 years, we will have tough decisions to consider, such as the Harvard Westlake expansion project, controlling the type and number of marijuana dispensaries, re-paving priorities and safety, always safety. I’d like to hear from you, the Studio City stakeholders as to how you think we should move forward as a community. Thank you.
Anthony Lopez – My name is Anthony Lopez, I am running for Neighborhood Council for the first time. I am a cabinet maker, a father to 3 great sons and 1 terrific daughter, and a husband to a wonderful wife. I am a simple guy with a desire to help my community. I don’t think I know more than my neighbor. I do think it is my duty, as our forefathers intended, to serve the community for a short time and then return to private life. I have worked in the construction industry my whole career, both commercial and residential. I expect that background could be put to good use on the neighborhood council.
Business Representatives Term: 2 years	3	Elected	Any stakeholder, other than a community interest stakeholder, who is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election who legally provides goods or services for compensation in Studio City and maintains a City business license or owns business real property in Studio City	Any stakeholder, other than a community interest stakeholder, who is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election who legally provides goods or services for compensation in Studio City and maintains a City business license or owns business real property in Studio City.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Rita Clare Villa – I am a CPA with my business and home both located in Studio City. I have been on the board of the SCNC since 2008. I am running for a business seat again in this election. Our local businesses are what keep Studio City’s economy vibrant. It is my desire to serve the business community of Studio City by helping to ensure that businesses have a voice in matters of importance to them. My goal as a Neighborhood Council Board Member has been, and will continue to be, to support projects and ordinances which foster the economic vitality of local business while enhancing the quality of life in our community for the benefit of all of its stakeholders. It is our local businesses who contribute so greatly to the village atmosphere that makes Studio City a great place to live, work and play.
Scott Ouellette – Scott Ouellette is a Studio City Homeowner and Business Owner residing in the Colfax Meadows area. He is a self-employed real estate consultant and provides consulting services to financial institutions. All of Ouellette’s career positions involved financial accountability and a high degree of integrity having served in financial capacity and/or senior officer positions for publicly held corporations. Ouellette graduated from California State University Fullerton with a BA in Business Administration. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) and a California Real Estate Broker. Ouellette’s prior community service includes nine years with the Los Angeles Police Department as a Reserve and Full-time Police Officer. Ouellette was named Reserve Officer of the year in 1996. He also participates in multiple fundraising and volunteer activities for various charities. Ouellette looks forward to serving Studio City and hopes to foster consensus- based decision making from its diverse group of stakeholders.
Sako H. Karakozian – I thank you for the opportunity to play a more active role in the Studio City community and the potential honor of representing hundreds of other local business owners, such as myself. I am a 33 year old dentist, graduated from New York University, I’ve been living in Studio City for 3 years, and I am currently in the process of constructing a dental office on Ventura Blvd within the Silver Triangle. I have held numerous board positions in various groups and organizations, and currently sit on a committee of the San Fernando Valley Dental Society. I appreciate active participation in organizations that allow voices to be heard and opinions to help influence, and what better way to do that than to have a fresh and eager perceptive from a young business owner joining the Studio City Neighborhood Council. I thank you very much for your considerations.
Steven Quat – We need to take back our country from the career politicians one brick at a time starting with our neighborhood councils, city council, state legislature and then the federal government!
Employee/Independent Contractors Term: 2 years	2	Elected	Any stakeholder, other than a community interest stakeholder, who is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election who legally provides goods or services for compensation in Studio City, whose compensation is reported by way of Form W-2 or Form 1099 and does not need to maintain a City business license.	Any stakeholder, other than a community interest stakeholder, who is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election who legally provides goods or services for compensation in Studio City, whose compensation is reported by way of Form W-2 or Form 1099 and does not need to maintain a City business license.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Alex Izbicki – As a Studio City resident and a San Fernando Valley native, if elected to serve as your representative on the Studio City Neighborhood Council, I will work tirelessly to represent the issues and concerns that directly impact the quality of life that drew so many of us here to begin with. It is this desire to do more to protect & defend that life that drives my candidacy. Sensible growth planning done with maximum community input, city budgets & sending priorities to city leaders that address critical issues first, such as streets & sidewalks, sewers, utility costs and all the rest of the infrastructure that makes our city possible, are vital. Effective communication, with a willingness to look for new solutions are necessary to progress in a rapidly changing world. It is that outlook, coupled with a love of tradition, that I will bring to the Board of the SCNC on your behalf.
Lawrence Beer – My name is Lawrence Beer, and I’m asking for the opportunity to represent you on the SCNC Board. As someone who both lives and works in Studio City, I know how important it is to protect our quality of life and vibrant neighborhood atmosphere. SCNC is at the forefront of ensuring that our neighborhood remains a great place to live, work and play. If I’m elected to the Board, I will be a strong advocate for Studio City’s fair share of city resources; for regular street maintenance; for great parks, playgrounds and recreational spaces; for land use planning that looks to the future, preserves the integrity and character of our neighborhood, and has maximum community input; and for affordable water and power. It would be an honor to represent my neighbors on the SCNC Board.
Brandon D. Pender – I have been a stakeholder in Studio City since 1982. As such I have invested over 30 years of my life in our great neighborhood as a resident, business owner. I think Studio City is the greatest community in the America with a rich cultural heritage that dates back the turn of the last century. As caretakers of that legacy which also includes first achievements within the film and entertainment frontier. I believe we have a responsibility to safeguard those landmarks and standards. I have had the privilege of serving you on the SCNC since 2013 and chairing the Public Safety Committee and member of four other committees. I believe this election will be about the quality of life in our community, the city’s budget and public safety issues. If I’m elected to return I will endeavor to continue to guide our council to address issues I think you as stakeholders are primarily concerned with
Member/Full-Time Employees of Service Organizations Term: 2 years	2	Elected	Any stakeholder, who is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election who is a member or full time employee of separate service organizations located within the SCNC boundaries and on a SCNC Board certified list.	Any stakeholder, who is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election who is a member or full time employee of separate service organizations located within the SCNC boundaries and on a SCNC Board certified list.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Richard Niederberg – I have lived in Studio City for over 60 years and am very concerned with the quality-of-life issues of Studio City Residents and Businesses, and community organizations . I have observed many changes, some good, some bad over the years. I feel that I can continue to make a substantial contribution to the maintenance of the ‘village feel’ that so many Residents, Businesses and Community Organizations enjoy. I enthusiastically look forward to the next two years on the Studio City Neighborhood Council, where the appropriate decisions for Studio City will be made by myself and my colleagues.
Remy Kessler – It has been a pleasure and an honor to have served on the Studio City Neighborhood Council and its various committees for the past nine years, including as Treasurer for six years. I seek re-election to further the accomplishments we have all made and to continue protecting our community for the benefit of all stakeholders. Thank you for your support.
Richard C Adams – Since moving to Studio City in 2003, I have been active in our community; Neighborhood Watch & Council, CERT, attending public hearings for permits, developments, or other proposals, CPAB meetings with the LAPD, etc: If you’ve been there, you’ve probably seen me. As a native of Los Angeles, I suffer no delusions about our city, but I do know that, collaboratively, we can & do have a say in local issues, if we take the time to address them intelligently. Whether a group of neighbors opposing a local tax district or an entire corner of the Valley objecting to the original Universal Evolution nightmare, it is possible to make a difference, working together. Numerous people have urged me to run for office over the past few years; current & former Board members, neighborhood activists, even local government staff, but I need your vote to help move things forward from here.
At-Large Stakeholder Term: 2 years	1	Elected	Any stakeholder who is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election within the SCNC boundaries.	Any stakeholder who is at least 18 years of age on the day of the election within the SCNC boundaries.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Lisa Cahan Davis – I am excited to enter into this Studio City Neighborhood Council Board election as an At-Large candidate. I believe one has to get involved in their community to make positive change. I began as a volunteer committee member in 2009 and have increased my involvement over the years to Outreach Chair and then Board member. Being resourceful and pro-active are some of my character traits that, I hope, have lent value to this organization. As a board member, collaboration is integral to success. Working in partnership with the volunteers of SCNC’s 8 committees as well as many City and State agencies and departments and other neighboring organizations, I know I can continue to bring new ideas, open thought and best-practices that make Studio City a community for all.
Youth Board Member Term: 2 years	1	Elected	A stakeholder, other than a community interest stakeholder who is at least 15 years of age, but less than 18 years of age on the date of the election	A stakeholder, other than a community interest stakeholder who is at least 15 years of age, but less than 18 years of age on the date of the election.
CANDIDATES FILED:
Jon K. Epstein – I have been on this council since July and have put my heart and soul into making Studio City a better place for youth to live in. I hope that I may continue my work and be elected as your Youth Representative. Thank You for your support.