2021 Candidate Statements

CHATSWORTH NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL

2021 Candidates  (Presented in Random Ballot Order)

Alex M. Sandoval
Ally Jo Frush
Linda van der Valk
Oleg Korsakov
Carey Tri
Andre F. van der Valk
Robert Glucksman
Mihran Kalaydjian
Rita Dunn
Geoffrey Williams
Joao Silverstein
Marianne King
Georgia Altmayer
Jill Mather
Kelly Ann Lewis – Bortman
Tina Moore-Yamron
Jett Dunlap
Jeff Mackie
Frank Geraty
Don D. Paul
Nicolas Montaño
Paul Labella
Susan McCall
Jim Van Gundy
Vaughn Vartanian
Mark E. Labash

 

Alex M. Sandoval

( Candidate Statement Pending)

Ally Jo Frush

( Candidate Statement Pending)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Robert Glucksman


(Candidate Statement Pending)

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.

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!

Geoffrey Williams


(Candidate Statement Pending)

Joao Silverstein


(Candidate Statement Pending)

Marianne King


(Candidate Statement Pending)

Georgia Altmayer


(Candidate Statement Pending)

Jill Mather


(Candidate Statement Pending)

Kelly Ann Lewis – Bortman

 


(Candidate Statement Pending)

Tina Moore-Yamron


(Candidate Statement Pending)

Jett Dunlap


(Candidate Statement Pending)

Jeff Mackie


(Candidate Statement Pending)

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!

Don D. Paul


(Candidate Statement Pending)

Nicholas Montaño


(Candidate Statement Pending)

Paul Labella


(Candidate Statement Pending)

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.

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.

Vaughn Vartanian


(Candidate Statement Pending)

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