2022 Candidate Statements
CANDIDATES
The live Candidate Forum on Zoom was held Wednesday, March 2, 2022. You can view the video at the following link (please note that the Candidate Forum begins at 48:40 on the recording) VIEW VIDEO HERE
Remember, to get a Chatsworth ballot, you MUST request a ballot for the vote-by-mail selection. See https://bit.ly/3zhVt26.
Candidate Statements
Chatsworth Neighborhood Council Listed in Ballot Order
Dorothy Allison
My name is Dorothy Allison. I have been on the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council for 10 years. I have enjoyed working for the citizens of Chatsworth and helping solve their issues. I have been a stakeholder in Chatsworth for many years. I have been boarding and riding my horses in Chatsworth for over 50 years. I have also worked in Chatsworth for over 25 years at Germain Elementary; after I retired I continued to volunteer at the school.
I‘m also a member of the Equestrian Trails Incorporated. The Chair of Chatsworth Equine Committee. Our commitment is to keep Chatsworth horse friendly and all trails clear.
I would like to continue to be a member of the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council to assist the community and all its residents, in making Chatsworth the most desired and pleasant place to live, work and ride.
Jeff Hammond
Currently the president of the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council. I have been privileged to volunteer with the CNC since 2004. The opportunity to benefit the community with the CNC has been rewarding. I am looking forward to continuing this effort whether elected or as a stakeholder.
Vicki Briskman
My name is Vicki Briskman and I have lived in Chatsworth since 1976, where I raised my 3 daughters who would play and hike in Chatsworth Park South, and rode horses in the mountains above Mason and Celtic Street, and I have 4 wonderful grandchildren.
I have served on the CNC for a total of 13+ years, and I have been the Treasurer for 10+ of those years. Serving on the CNC gives me the opportunity to give back to the community.
Along with being Treasurer, I currently serve on the following committees: Co-Chair of the Beautification & Enrichment Committee, Land Use Committee, and Homeless Awareness. I also assist with the events of the Outreach Committee.
In addition to serving on the CNC, I am past President of the Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce, a life-time member of the Historical Society, and Board Member/Director of the Rancho de Caballeros Homeowner’s Association.
I am proud of my association with Adopt the City and their weekly pop-up pantry and their events for the unhoused and assisting the YMCA with their Thanksgiving baskets giveaway to needy families and their Camp for Kids programs.
I am asking for your support so we can try to keep Chatsworth the small and unique community that it is.
Brooke Carrillo
Brooke Caririllo is my name. I was raised in Chatsworth. I went to Lawrence Junior and graduated from Chatsworth High School in 1990. I work at Airtight Welding in Chatsworth, and I am an advocate for the homeless. I volunteer at the FISH. I was homeless for eleven years on the streets of Chatsworth and have just recently become housed. I would like to be a part of the board to show support to the city of Chatsworth to bring the city to its highest potential. I would like to make change in the unhoused community and join the housed and the unhoused community together. I feel that both communities can work together and keep the high standards of Chatsworth intact. I feel if both sides can find the tools they need to live, Chatsworth will remain the beautiful city it has always been.
Communication is the key to saving lives and keeping the peace. I am big on education and natural resources for both sides, and I believe everyone deserves a chance in life. I have ideas in the range of sanitation, education, community service, agricultural learning, street cleanup and maintenance, communication between businesses and involvement in the city all around. I am a very strong diligent woman, kind friendly, with hopes to save everyone. Knowing that I can possibly have roadblocks along the way, I will never quit and will always keep pushing forward. I hope to be part of the board and show my strength for Chatsworth.
Eric Iki
I’ve grown up always wanting to help others- especially others in my community. Because of that, I graduated with my Masters of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary in order to become a pastor. As a pastor appointed to serve Chatsworth West United Methodist Church, I believe that this service extends to the entire city of Chatsworth as well which is why I’d like to serve on the Neighborhood council.
Personally, my wife and I are expecting our first child in August of this year. Due to this time in my life, I feel especially drawn towards education and creating a community that stresses the importance of family. I aim to walk the talk that I preach from the pulpit and to do so through public service.
Mark Cox
Comments pending.
Deb Zumerling
Chatsworth Resident 24 years. To My Fellow Chatsworth Friends and Neighbors: I have chosen to be a candidate for the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council because it is our opportunity to make our voices heard at Council District 12 office here in Chatsworth. I have seen many changes take place over the recent years and I want to do my part to preserve the character and beauty that defines Chatsworth.
My background is in healthcare and I have worked over the past 30 years in that industry and have travelled widely thru California as well as many of the Western states. I have seen many large and small towns as well as the challenges that have shaped them for good or not so good. Chatsworth is right at that pivotal point and it is essential that we become involved or forever loose the charm that is Chatsworth. I am interested in many of the projects that are currently underway on the committees: safety and transportation, beautification, equestrian, land use and homelessness issues. These are ways to affect change via our voices and concerns to our city council. I am a “project person” and I intend to be very active and follow up on projects that are long overdue or stalled for lack of action. We can and must effect change here in Chatsworth to retain the lifestyle we enjoy and I intend to be a part of the movement forward.
Thank you in advance for your vote.
Geoffrey Williams
I would love to continue working for the community in the capacity of being on Neighborhood Council, in my short time so far we’ve been able to make progress on some wonderful projects and push back against harmful, negative rhetoric around marginalized and in-need communities. I hope you’ll give me the chance to continue. Thank you!
Rebecca Ballare
As a working mother and homeowner, I understand the importance of the saying “it takes a village”. I’m a firm believer that as a community, we are stronger and better when united. I am interested in joining the Chatsworth neighborhood council to help voice the questions and concerns of our neighborhood. I would like to be more involved with my city and provide ideas and alternative options to help make our community stronger. A key factor I would like to assist with is resolving our homelessness issue to keep our neighborhood safe. I would also like to provide insight on community projects and housing.
Michele Celestino
My name is Michele Celestino and I have been a resident owner for 23 years. My family has lived in Chatsworth since 1960. I am a graduate of Chatsworth High School and CSUN.
I retired from MGM Studios after 35 years as Director of Participations. I am formerly a board member of the Chatsworth Country Townhome Association.
I care deeply about our community and want to see that our quality of life is protected. Chatsworth is unique with a friendly small-town vibe and I want to preserve that ambience.
Claudio Kusnier
My name is Claudio Kusnier and I have lived in Chatsworth since 2013 . I am a store Manager for Western Bagel, currently at the Woodland Hills location we also have a location in Chatsworth. I have been a manager for 25 years at 5 different locations. I also have a lot of Volunteer experience. I was a volunteer Baseball and Softball umpire for 18 years and also did High School for 3 years . I was a Make A Wish volunteer for 2 Years and helped grant 7 wishes . I am currently a volunteer at the West Valley Animal Shelter in Chatsworth and also at the East Valley Animal Shelter. I am married with 2 kids , one of which is a speech therapist at Germain Elementary. I would like to run so I can be more aware of what is happening in are community and to provide a fresh perspective on helping with community issues. I have a special insight into the Animal Shelter and how to improve it.
Thanks Claudio Kusnier
Patricia Thorington
My name is Patricia (Patty) Thorington, and I have been a resident of Chatsworth for 17 years. I have been in the Northridge/Chatsworth area since 1986, and working in Encino/Woodland Hills for 26 years,
I LOVE THIS VALLEY!!!
I am currently living with my Fiancée in the home that we purchased together, and I have 2 sons, that were born and raised in the valley. They graduated from Chaminade and they are both doing their medical residency for surgery. I have been in this country since I was 1 year old, from Colombia, and I am a US Citizen, I have been a Travel Agent for 38 years, and am the manager of Plaza Travel, and have been with them for 26 years. I have 2 out of my 4 siblings also live here in the valley along with my Parents. We shop local and support our neighbors all that we can. I am signed up and volunteer with the LAFD. I also am a member of the West Valley Chamber, and a member of Networking Plus, where all the members are from the area, and support each others business. I would be honored if I would be considered as a member of the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council.
Shawn Shawmlou
Shawn Shawmlou and his wife who is in the medical field are raising their daughter in Chatsworth and have lived in San Fernando Valley for more than two decades. Shawn has attended local public schools and graduated from CSUN in 2010 with a bachelor’s and Master’s degree in engineering.
Shawn is an active participant with Union Station Homeless Services, Habitat for Humanity, and Humane Society.
“My wife and I plan on spending the rest of our lives in the great city of Chatsworth. I have seen firsthand the great work of Chatsworth Neighborhood Council (CNC) in helping our community and improving our city. One of the reasons I have decided to join the CNC is to bring a new set of fresh ideas and collaborate with the current members on addressing some serious issues we are facing. I hope to influence lawmakers to make changes for the good of our community.
I want to advocate on behalf of all my neighbors and local businesses. I want to see cleaner and safer streets, and our local businesses prosper and thrive more.
I understand the unique nature of our city and feel strongly about its natural beauty and rural lifestyle. I want to make sure that our rural community is protected against real estate developers who want to bring tract housing to Chatsworth and change the landscape of the city we all love.
I will be honored to serve on the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council and I believe my passion, knowledge, and leadership experience can help complement other capable CNC board members in making Chatsworth a cleaner and safer place for all of us.”
Kāmesh Aysola
My name is Kāmesh Aysola. One of my favorites is the four-letter word, ‘help’ which I put to use wherever there is a need in the community. For instance, I helped students and parents while teaching science, mathematics and other subjects at Lawrence Middle School (LMS) till recently.
I got into Chatsworth Neighborhood Council (CNC) via LMS weekly bulletin where it was published the monthly meeting at our school Library (that was pre-Covid!). My contributions to the community include, among other things, getting the Independence Street repaved, helping a trees planted on Lassen St, encouraging people ‘Keep Streets Clean’. I actively participate in various CNC Committees like Beautification (Chair), Enrichment, Outreach, Homeless Awareness.
I humbly request your valuable 🗳 so I can continue to serve our Chatsworth. You may reach me at kameshcnc@gmail.com.
Marina Sain-Mackie
My name is Marina Mackie. I have lived in San Fernando Valley for 48 years. Chatsworth has always been home. I belong to multiple organizations and am heavily involved in our community and surrounding areas. I love volunteering and helping where needed. This pretty much is my non payment job. I enjoy every minute. Whether on Council or not, I will always continue volunteering just the same and more so when possible.