2020 Candidate Statements

CHATSWORTH NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL


2020 Candidates  (Presented in Random Ballot Order)

Kelly Ann Lewis-Bortman

( Candidate Statement Pending)
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Detrich Galloway

My name is Detrich Galloway and I have been a proud resident of Chatsworth for over 25 years.  I arrived as a young, independent parent and during these 25 years, I have raised 2 college educated children who are products of our very own Los Angeles Unified schools within our Chatsworth community.  Additionally, I am the former proprietor of 2 small businesses, a beauty supply/salon and a small family child care, that served the Chatsworth community.  In my most recent period of residency, Chatsworth became home to my aging mother who I lovingly cared for, in my home here in Chatsworth, until her passing in 2010.  Currently, I am a pre-doctoral candidate at California State University at Northridge, where I hope to initiate the process of acquiring a doctorate degree in Public Health and ultimately become a professor of community health within the California State University System.  I am looking forward to educating and assisting the future leaders, of this and neighboring communities, in navigating and negotiating differences into sustainable solutions that will affect the physical and psychological health of the communities that we all reside in and serve.  I am a vested community member who is committed to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of Chatsworth and I am honored to have this opportunity to apply to serve on the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council.

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Matt Weintraub
WITHDREW 3/4/20

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Oleg Korsakov

Oleg Korsakov, RHIA, CCS, CPC, COSC

A Corporate Hospital executive with over 14 years of experience in Health Care.  Graduated from University of Cincinnati with degree in Health Information Management and Plekhanov Russian University of Economics with degree in Economics. I successfully managed numerous large-scale transformation projects for several Health Care organizations. I truly believe that with the knowledge and dedication I will be able to help move our neighborhood forward by focusing on affordable housing, healthy environment, small-business development, public safety, and resources for our elders.

I have lived in Chatsworth for 5 years and consider it one of the hidden gems of San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles. I believe we can make it even more attractive for investors, businesses, and residents.

I pledge to work collaboratively with our businesses and residents and seek creative solutions for ongoing challenges.

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Andre F. van der Valk

I am a 48 year resident of Chatsworth

Married 50 years with 3 children and 7 grandchildren, all of whom are active in Chatsworth activities and supportive of keeping Chatsworth in a rural environment.

  • Involved with CNC since its inception
  • Co-President of the Chatsworth Historical Society
  • My family owns and operates several small businesses in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties
  • I have coached sports and involved with Boy Scouts in Chatsworth since the 1970’s.
  • Graduated from Public schools, CSUN and a MBA from Pepperdine
  • Own residential and commercial property locally
  • Current Vice- President of the CNC
  • Chair of the Design Review Board
  • Chatsworth Citizen of the Year 2001-2002
  • Service Award Chatsworth Chamber 2014

I would like to continue working with the CNC in order to represent my neighbors, friends and family wishes for a better Chatsworth.  I will continue to be a reasonable voice at a time that California politics are not representative or beneficial to  our Community.

I would appreciate your vote to continue my work in the community.

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Frank Geraty


I’m running for a position on the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council. I want to lend a committed voice to my fellow neighbors who have worked and lived so hard in this community, but lack the necessary time to volunteer themselves due to their work and life demands. I was fortunate to be able to retire earlier than most, and have spent the last four years concentrating on family, church, and charity. It’s my turn to give back now, after 40 years in the technical field of TV broadcasting. I have 7 grandsons from three great children, and a lovely wife. I provide A/V systems support at my Parrish church, and I volunteer 2 days a week at Rancho San Antonio Boys Town West. I look forward to be of service if elected!

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Mark E. Labash


Thank you for your consideration of me as a candidate for this election.

I hope that you recognize me from my frequent attendance at the meetings and appreciate the relevance of my questions to the council.

I have lived in Chatsworth for over 28 years wouldn’t live anywhere else in the valley.

I am the current President of Mountain View Estates HOA at 10125 De Soto, a 46 unit complex of Townhomes.

All you can count on in life is change and by my participation I hope to influence the changes toward the good of the community.

I recognize that many things that others do (and their personal agendas) are out of my control and this is a free country after all.

If one is not part of the solution one is part of the problem (small part of the problem though that may be) and by participating in the council I hope to do more of my part.

I will not make any promises to get elected (partly because I do not know all the issues that will come before us) except that I will serve with an eye toward treating everyone fairly and equally giving all sides their chance to be heard.

My favorite motto is: Say what you mean, Mean what you say, but Don’t say it mean. If all of us did this there may actually be less distrust in the world.

Thanks again,

Mark Labash

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Linda van der Valk

I have been married for 50 years and a Chatsworth resident for 48 years.   I have three children and seven grandchildren.

I have been an active community member since my daughter started kindergarten at Germain St. School. I was active in the PTA, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts with my sons and still active in the Chatsworth Historical Society.  My kids played sports at Mason Park and CJBL.  I want the old Chatsworth back.  I want where my grandkids can go for a walk, go to the market or local restaurants without having to be fearful of what they will encounter on our streets.  I know that the CNC is just an advisory body but I want to make sure that we put pressure on our politicians to help us get our Chatsworth back.

I have been active with the CNC since its inception.  I would like to stay on the board so that I can work on the Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Community Plan when it comes up for an update in 2021.  This plan is extremely important to the future of Chatsworth. We need to make sure that our rural life style and our community is protected from over development.

I have been Chair of the Land Use Committee for the last few years.  This has given me an insight on how the city approaches developments in our community.  We often do not agree with the outcome but often we are able to have mitigations that make the project more palatable than accept a rubber- stamped project.

Please vote for me so that I can continue my work in the community.

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Rita Dunn


My name is Rita Dunn, and I have been a resident of Chatsworth since 2015. Prior to living in Chatsworth, I lived in Kagel Canyon. I was born in Venice, and am 39 years old.

I grew up in Los Angeles and over my life I have lived in Santa Monica, Lomita, Harbor City, Pacific Palisades, Korea Town, Pasadena, Altadena, Kagel Canyon, North Hollywood and now Chatsworth.

I understand the unique nature of the rural suburban communities that line the edge of the foothill mountains and one of the largest cities in the world. There is a delicate balance between preserving the rural character of these communities and dealing with the demands of Los Angeles Administrators.

On the subject of dealing with the issue of homelessness, I resolve to implement a real, cost-effective, long-term strategy to end it in Chatsworth.

I resolve to demand transparency on our public projects.

I am college educated, and very active in local politics, especially those issues that deal with homelessness. I am also an Environmental Site Assessor, and have HAZMA & HAZWOPER training.

I am an artist by trade, and I appreciate the beauty of the Chatsworth Neighborhood. If you want to see local action, vote for Rita, we’ll get ‘er Dunn!

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Martin Cox

Martin Cox, graduated in 1995 from CSUN with a degree in Business Management. After running his own business Mr. Cox returned to school at USC where, in 2003 he earned a Master of Business (MBA).

Statement from Mr. Cox

As a 22 year resident of Chatsworth I have seen it grow into a more mature city. As Chatsworth grew we enjoyed many benefits and faced new challenges. I have been a longtime board member of our HOA and have worked with people of a variety of people to address the concerns we faced as an HOA. The work I have done on the board prepared me for a role in Chatsworth Neighborhood Council.

I have attended many Chatsworth Neighborhood Watch meetings as well as more recent meetings concerning the potential building of a permanent 60 unit “Supportive Housing Facility” aka homeless studio apartments. At this time I believe that the facility would not be suited for the proposed location and should be relocated to a more suitable location. In particular it is too close to three schools and there is no emergency vehicle access.

I enjoy working as a cinematographer and photographer. I have donated countless hours to Shepherd Church as a camera operator then security operator for the annual 4th Of July Celebration.

I would like to take this opportunity to become more widely involved in the direction of Chatsworth by serving on the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council.

Thank-you for your consideration.

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Mihran Kalaydjian


My name is Mihran Kalaydjian and I’m running for the Neighborhood Council of Chatsworth to ensure that we can live, work and play in our community.

I am eager to help others in our community, and to make a difference. I have always been involved in school’s leadership, initiating leadership roles and tasks that can serve others, and thinking outside the box in an innovative way to come up with solutions to problems.

I have many goals. One of my goals is to come up with ideas that will help us maintain and create a better, healthier environment in our city. I would also love to represent the voice of adolescents in our community, young adults, and children, along with their families.

For example, I want to help fight bullying, by standing phenomena, and to social media’s negative effect such as cyberbullying. I would plan to promote better healthy habits among young adults and their families, raising awareness to healthy nutrition choices and physical activities. And overall, to support the board with any decision making, problem solving, planning, analyzing situations, and taking actions.

I am very motivated, dedicated, and working hard. When I set goals, I do not get discouraged due to obstacles. I think positive along the way with enthusiasm to work hard. I appreciate any challenge and am very task oriented.

Please vote for me on Saturday March 21, from 11:00AM TO 05:00PM at Train Depot, 10038 Old Depot Plaza Road, Chatsworth.

 

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Chris Heyer

My wife and I have been residents in Chatsworth since 2002 and as of November 1, 2019, we opened our insurance office doors, so we live, work, and shop in Chatsworth.  I coached my daughter’s basketball team at Mason Park and I regularly bike ride in the area.

I bring these items up to show that although I have been active in my community along with many of our neighbors, I haven’t truly been involved in my community.  With issues such as homelessness, development, policing, and transportation, an active roll on the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council will give me a voice and a roll in our community’s future.

We have a big circle of friends in Chatsworth, but to my knowledge, none have ever served on a Neighborhood Council, and if elected this is my chance to inform, educate, and involve more people in our community activities.

Thank you,

Chris Heyer

818-450-3600

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Melissa Hall

( Candidate Statement Pending)

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Suzi Hintz

I moved to Chatsworth/Rockpoint in 2010.  My family appreciated seeing so many dogs in town. The neighbors were simply amazing.  I started getting involved by joining the homeowners association.  From there, I extended to the local Neighborhood Watch meetings and met Danny, our Senior Lead Officer and Georgia.
Shortly after, I began meeting many wonderful volunteer people with a common goal to clean up Chatsworth.  We cleaned up trash on streets, leaves, various shopping centers and other debris throughout the city.  A local social media page and Chatsworth Neighborhood Pride became our meeting spot to make plans on which area was next to clean or help people who needed help.  This brought me to CNC.  I have been going to meetings for over 2.5 years.  I am a stakeholder on the Land Use Committee and attend safety and beautification committees monthly.
Being involved with the CNC, I crossed the path of amazing Volunteers at LAPD.  Bill Cotter is one of the best. He has introduced me to so many others that have touched my life.  I have the pleasure of working as a volunteer with the Devonshire Division, who have over 300 volunteers serve this community in so many wonderful ways.  My favorite is patrolling the Chatsworth Parade.  I have also joined the Historical Society look forward to working with them.
If elected to serve on CNC, I will continue to keep my work with VCPatrol and monthly committees with CNC.  I love serving our beautiful Western town of Chatsworth.

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Paul Labella

 


(Candidate Statement Pending)

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Jim Van Gundy

My name is Jim Van Gundy.  I have made Chatsworth my home since 2006.   I am a member of the Chatsworth Coordinating Council, Santa Susana Mountain Park Association, and I serve as the Treasurer for the Chatsworth Historical Society.

I was first elected to the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council in October 2010.  Over the years I have served as a member on the Public Safety and Transportation, Land Use and Outreach Committees.

As a member, and Chair of the Outreach Committee I have been involved with the Day of the Horse, Family Festival, COLT Bike Ride, Pioneer Day, Disaster Preparedness Fair, Chatsworth Parade, Garden Festival, and the Valley Alliance of NC’s.

I retired after working for the State of California for 29 years.   While actively employed, I volunteered as a coach in both Little League baseball and Youth Soccer for my 2 children.  Since retiring I volunteered at the Lutheran Social Services food bank for 3 years and have helped to build houses with Habitat for Humanity.

I got involved with CNC because of the proposed housing development on Andora that threatened, and continues to threaten, open space near the Santa Susana State Park.  Our activism reduced the size of that development from 48 houses down to 33. Chatsworth is being threatened again by the housing crisis and an agenda dictated by legislators from other areas of the State.  Through our work on Land Use Committee I would like to continue making a difference for the people and community of Chatsworth.

 

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Les Himes

Les Himes first moved to Chatsworth in 1963. He attended school in Chatsworth at Superior, Nobel, Lawrence and Chatsworth High. He attended the United States Air Force Academy and CSUN.  He is a current resident and started two businesses, in Chatsworth.  He raised 4 children in Chatsworth, all of whom attended local schools. He is a 4-term President of the Chatsworth Chamber of Commerce and former Chairmen of the United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley.  Les is active in and has served as the Chairperson of the Government Affairs committee for both the Chatsworth Chamber and the United Chambers. He has been both a player and coach at CJBL and as a Coach and board member at the Chatsworth Chiefs. He has coached basketball, baseball and football for Chatsworth teams, as well as at the High School and Junior College level.  He has also volunteered as an academic tutor to middle and high school students, and was a member of the Chatsworth High Site Council.  Through the years he has been active on a number of Chatsworth local boards and advisory groups.

When Les first came to Chatsworth, it was more corn fields, walnuts trees and oranges groves than homes.  Those days are long passed. However, intelligent utilization and preservation of the remaining open spaces and preservation of Chatsworth’s identity as “horse country” is paramount to keeping Chatsworth, Chatsworth.

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Nicholas Montaño

 


(Candidate Statement Pending)

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Susan McCall

I have lived in the West Valley and owned property in Chatsworth for the last 40 years and have donated significant time serving on 2 Townhome Associations.  I am an electrical engineer currently employed in the aerospace industry and believe my engineering skills along with my previous small business and HOA board experience make me a sound candidate in taking the next step in serving my community.  I have strong ethical values and believe each of us can do good things but together as a team we can do great things.  I would love to be given an opportunity to contribute and give back to the neighborhood that I have called home for several years.

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Cary Tri 

Hi my name is Carey Tri. I am a 20 year resident/homeowner in Chatsworth. I recently retired and am looking forward to becoming more involved in our community. I grew up with horses and am passionate about preserving the historic and equestrian character of Chatsworth. I believe Chatsworth can be developed in a manner that protects the unique nature of our town. I am a volunteer with the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park and completed the classes. I have participated in our CNC, CCCC and LUPC meetings. I look forward to supporting our unique and diverse Chatsworth Community. Thank you for your vote.