Echo Park Neighborhood Council candidate statements & discussion

On Thursday, April 7 the EPIA held a Forum for the community where the Echo Park Neighborhood Council candidates were invited to introduce themselves to community voters. That meeting lasted less than 30 minutes before the EPIA president decided to end the forum as a group of demonstrators drowned out those who were attempting to deliver their candidate statements.

The EPIA has historically held this forum for many local elections. The community deserves to know who they are voting for and why – this is now that opportunity.

Use the comments area at the bottom of the page to ask your questions. If your question is for a specific candidate, please be sure to begin your comment by addressing the name of that candidate. Candidates have been invited to answer questions on this forum, but are not required to participate as this is a voluntary forum hosted solely by the EPIA. Statements have been pulled from the City Clerk website or provided by the candidates directly.

All comments will be moderated. Any attempt to thwart the discussion in a negative of unproductive manner will result in a permanent ban from commenting.

ELECTION INFORMATION

Quick Links

AT-LARGE CANDIDATES

Term: 2 Years / 5 seats available

NATHAN STAYTON

As a hopeful Neighborhood Councilman I vow to represent the wonderful community of Echo Park to ensure we have the tools to give the best quality of life to our residents. I believe in getting out and asking questions, learning what people want and need to live better lives. I want to engage the community into making healthier living choices by creating more community gardens and spreading the word on sustainable backyard farming. I would like to create community events and workshops that teach simple farming techniques that could empower us all to live healthier, less dependent lives. I’d also like to make sure we have resources/programs for at-risk youths so they have places to turn to when in trouble. Being on the council would be a tremendous honor. Echo Park is already the best neighborhood in LA, let’s keep it that way!!

DARCY HARRIS

I have lived in Echo Park since 1998, and have a daughter in kindergarten at Elysian Heights Elementary. I love this neighborhood – with its parks, murals, public staircases, dive bars, great restaurants old and new, funky stores, farmers market, the Lake – and especially its people.

17 years as a practicing attorney has given me experience in seeing issues from many sides and looking for practical solutions, and I hope to bring that to the Neighborhood Council. Here are a few goals:

1. Increase community participation and support for our local schools, and inform parents and caretakers about options here in the neighborhood.
2. Encourage reasonable and sustainable development that meets the city’s changing needs without destroying the character of this community.
3. Outreach to community members to let them know about available local resources and educate people about city policy and process, so this neighborhood truly has a voice in City government.

I’m open to ideas.

BILL VARELA

No candidate statement provided.

DANIEL S. ELDER

The Los Angeles neighborhood of Echo Park is my home. I want to get out there and help make my home the best it can be for everybody.

I would love the opportunity to serve the people of Echo Park and to present this neighborhood to the rest of the city; to be that connecting figure, that speaks for the people of my community.

I will do everything in my power to ensure the voice of everybody who lives, works or owns property in Echo Park is fairly and accurately represented.

As a philosophy major, specializing in ethics and logic at UCLA, I will always act in accordance to the powers bestowed upon me by the voters. I will listen to every proposition, every argument and do my best to move forward in a way that will maximize the best result(s) for my neighborhood, my community, my home — Echo Park.

CONNIE ACOSTA

My name is Connie Acosta. I have lived in Echo Park most of my life. I find Echo Park to be a special place because of its topography, its rich multicultural diversity of residents and commercial entities who respect one another and contribute to the city economy. This community works together to make this area enjoyable. I have seen its flora diminish through the years due to the growth of development. However this area is still beautiful and safe. if we work together with city departments, and voice our concerns when a proposed site is out of scale with our community or streets need to be fixed. Regarding bulky items on the public right of ways, I want to do outreach with follow-ups to parent groups of schools in this vicinity on free, city sanitation resources. So, people can know that it’s a way of life to call bulky pick up if we want our streets to be clean.

I’m requesting your vote for an at-large-seat in the Echo Park Neighborhood Council.

KWAZI NKRUMAH

I’ve been an Echo Park resident for more than 20 years. I’ve spent much of my life representing people and advocating for their needs. The greatest needs I see in Echo Park are for protection from displacement and lack of housing access. As EPNC president, I have worked to fight displacement, increase the minimum wage and support energy conversion to increase job opportunities while protecting our environment and reducing climate change. As EPNC president, I have fought for equity for the diverse communities that reside in Echo Park. Part of that fight is for those rights guaranteed to NCs under the City Charter. In my experience, the City has played fast and loose with those rights, particularly in Echo Park. I am committed to reversing that trend. Under my leadership, our NC took proactive measures to address the problems of at-risk youths in our area. I was among those who opposed the miss-use of the gang injunction that recently cost the City of millions of dollars in damages due to violations of people’s legal rights. I hope to work together with the others in our community to ensure that development benefits Everyone in Echo Park.

MARK SUH

I have lived in the Echo Park neighborhood for the past 10 years. Through these years I’ve seen drastic transformations take place in the neighborhood on both the environmental and economic spheres. This couldn’t have materialized without the community’s voice and subsequent efforts by the local Neighborhood Council. It would be a privilege to commit my time and effort to listen to and advocate on behalf of my community of Asian Americans living in Echo Park.

DAVID “ROCKELLO” ROSEN

Please vote on election day for David “Rockello” Rosen, I’m a Candidate for 1 of the 5 At-Large seats of the Echo Park Neighborhood Council the new name of GEPENC our 14 year old neighborhood council.

You all know me as David Rockello, my professional name that I have been known as since the early 1980’s. I am an Artist, Local Historian, Set Designer, Graphic Designer, Scenic Artist, Sculptor, Makeup Artist, Animator, Senior Advocate, Teacher & Internet Radio Content Provider.

Since 2005, my community work with divergent individuals, community organizations, governmental agencies & religious groups has been challenging & inspiring. I have 4 years experience as President of our neighboring NC the RVNC & 2 years as VP of GEPENC.

EPNC/ GEPENC is now in, EE, Exhaustive Efforts & my pledge to you all is that I will work with the new Board & the Department to get out of EE as soon as possible.

MARY JANE HUNTER

My name is Mary Jane Hunter, and I am running for Neighborhood Council because I strongly believe in getting involved in the community in which I live and where I am raising my 10 year old daughter. Echo Park is such a diverse area with an amazing mix of cultures, businesses, arts, and schools, and our unique area needs a voice in local and city government that speaks from the Echo Park perspective.

DAMIAN PELLICCIONE

Over 16 years ago I came to this country & began my life as a young entrepreneur. Since then I have also volunteered & sat on national committees for organizations including The Emmys, The Producers Guild of America, The Screen Actors Guild. I have Lived, Worked and Played my entire time in the Echo Park/Silverlake/DTLA neighborhoods & in 2012 I finally made my dream come true & purchased my first home, right here in Echo Park. I’m happy to see the change happening in our neighbourhood. The changes which bring new hope & new chances to so many people. I want to help this change continue to build & so I am honoured to volunteer my time, my effort & – most importantly – my passion, to help engage & grow our neighboorhood even more! As a member of the Echo Park Neighbourhood council I would like to help with outreach, project development & critical community engagement. I believe in celebrating our diversity & fostering creativity and believe that together we can effect greater change!

LOGAN GARRITY

No statement provided.

MANUEL POOL

As a life-long member of this community, I believe that I possess a deeply rooted understanding of what it takes to bring people together through dialogue and collaboration. As this neighborhood continues to experience cultural and economic shifts, I will work with its members to advocate for services that will benefit underrepresented groups in Echo Park. It is crucial that this community have a representative that will fight for ensuring the sustainability of its rich diversity.

Como miembro de toda la vida de esta comunidad, creo que poseo un conocimiento profundamente arraigado de lo que se necesita para unir a la gente a través del diálogo y la colaboración. Mientras este vecindario continúa a experimentar cambios culturales y económicos, trabajaría con sus miembros para abogar por servicios que beneficien a los grupos menos representados en Echo Park. Es crucial que esta comunidad tenga un representante que va a luchar por asegurar la sostenibilidad de su rica diversidad.

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COMMUNITY INTEREST REPRESENTATIVE

Term: 2 Years / 1 seat available

LUIS GONZALES

I have lived in Echo Park my entire life and have seen incredible change over the past few years. If elected I plan on working closely with the community to see what needs and improvments they wish to have in our ever changing community.

XERES VILLANUEVA

I am on the board of the WE Empowerment Center. The WE Empowerment is a non-profit in Echo Park whose mission is to cultivate community, and individual and collective healing through education, organizational planning and consulting, dis-ability (disability) access advisement, and providing financial receivership/sponsorship options to community groups and organizations. I am passionate about improving and creating connections and communications between people and groups. I have been involved in social media marketing and marketing efforts for businesses, organizations and individuals. I am interested in helping people on Echo Park with communications because I value bridge building, creating and sustaining connections and highlights voices and opportunities that need to be known.

JACKELYN VALLADARES

I was born and raised in Echo Park. I am a product of the deep and rich voice of my neighborhood. My interest in social planning and infrastructure grew during my studies in Ethnic Studies and Urban Studies & Planning, volunteer, and work experience. I am driven mostly by my desire to plan, understand and connect with people to maintain relationships with the focus of improving Echo Park for ALL residents in mind.

Nací y crecí en Echo Park. Soy un producto de la voz profunda y rica de mi barrio. Mi interés en planificación social y la infraestructura creció durante mis estudios étnicos y urbanismo.. Mi pasión sobre todo por mi deseo de planificar, comprender y conectar con la gente a mantener relaciones con el enfoque de la mejora Echo Park para todos los residentes en mente.

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DISTRICT 1

Term: 2 Years / 3 seats available

Where is District 1?

MICHAEL GALANO

I believe that Echo Park is the best neighborhood in Los Angeles and I am committed to keeping that true. I am very excited about the Neighborhood Councils of Los Angeles and am very eager to get involved. I work professionally as an accountant and believe this will qualify me to meaningfully contribute to the Budget and Finance Committee. I am currently involved with our community as a volunteer with the 826LA Literacy Program at the the Time Travel Mart. I am looking forward to continuing to work for our community in a more direct role and I hope that I can count on your vote!

KEVIN FISHER

I am running because I am passionate about my neighborhood. I have lived here since 2007. I am a lawyer and my wife is running a technology start up that is going to build its business in Echo Park. My son goes to the local Montessori school and looks forward to attending Elysian Heights Elementary School. My family and I want this community to be a fantastic place to raise families and for all residents to enjoy the diversity of the community.

JUSTIN BROSSIER

My wife and I were drawn to Echo Park by its sense of community and the thriving vitality of the neighborhood itself. By way of background, I attended UCLA and Southwestern Law School and now work downtown. Having lived in this city for many years, I have developed a love for LA, a respect for its culture and history and an excitement for its future. With an appreciation of the history and culture of Echo Park and its needs going forward, if elected, I will work with our neighbors, new and existing business owners, and the greater City of Los Angeles; listen to the needs of the community; and represent the residents of Echo Park. Like the greater city around us, Echo Park continues to evolve and we must hold on to what makes this neighborhood great while intelligently developing and providing services and improvements that will help the community thrive. I look forward to the opportunity to represent you and I ask for your vote. Thank you.

BRUNO ROJAS

I have living in this address since 1976 , I can say that a have seen Echo Park neighborhood when it was in the mix of gang infestation, very different that way it looks now. I know we can make look better if we all come together as community, our streets are really deteriorated, trash all over, trees branches over properties roofs, I cannot remember last time trees were trim in the neighborhood, homeless people living on side walks, urine and fecal on streets ,we need to take care of our kids and help work hard mom and dads with better child care after hours school programs, we need to organize and have our council man listing to us, and work with the neighborhood together to make it Better!

JOHNMICHAEL HULL

Hello, I am an Angeleno. I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I love my city, my neighborhood, my neighbors. I have been thinking for some time that I would like to take an active role in bettering our community for the sake of my Daughter, her friends, and everyone who lives here.
I’m friendly, positive, youthful and brave.

PAUL BOWERS

I want the Echo Park Neighborhood Council to become one of the most effective NCs in all of LA. Completing Civic University 1 & 2 has given me the tools to help EPNC “understand, engage, and influence City Hall’ and advocate for Echo Park. New board members need the support that will enable us to quickly get our committees up and running smoothly.

Outreach is particularly important. Community members who are not elected to the board can and should play a big role in the work of the NC by serving on committees and sharing the essentials of civic engagement.

I have lived in District 1 for seventeen years, my son goes to the local pre school. All residents should participate in determining the future of their neighborhood. The city has many departments and resources that an effective NC can promote to support healthy communities. I would like to tap into the diverse talents in in our district to build a coordinated group that can provide a voice for Echo Park at City Hall.

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DISTRICT 2

Term: 2 Years / 3 seats available

Where is District 2?

SHAYNE FISKE GOLDNER

I moved to Echo Park in 2014. My husband and I bought our first home near the elementary school. We chose Echo Park because we love the people and the community. We knew we were going to be east siders for life. We cherish the personality and flavor of where we live. I want to preserve those things that make Echo Park special and unique. This really is the best neighborhood in the city. I am thankful every day to have the privilege to be here. As a council member I will work hard to keep the integrity of the community in tact, while at the same time continuing the strides our community has already been making. It’s important to provide affordable and safe housing for our homeless population. We should also be investing in small businesses. I would be honored to help continue investing in our community.

CHERYL ORTEGA

As the second generation in my family to live or work in Echo Park, I want to fight for the interests and needs of the diverse population of that community. I have worked with Spanish-speaking students and their families for 26 years in bilingual education at Logan St. School.. I have seen my students become parents themselves and I see the need to help make the community aware of the need to support and advocate for public education. I have seen immigrant families priced out of homes they have lived in for years. I have seen families with no voice in local government suffer because of lack of that voice. I will advocate for people to speak up for their rights and to add my voice to theirs. Echo Park has a long and proud history in Los Angeles and I want to see it keep it unique and beautiful character,

JIM BROWN

I want to see echo park retain its multicultural diversity. I do not want to see developers destroy another beautiful place. I have lived in Echo Park since 1994. I have been an active part of this community and would like to continue to help make a positive contribution as the neighborhood faces new changes and challenges.

RICHARD COURTNEY

I am excited to be running again for the Echo Park Neighborhood Council. I am interested in planning and land use. Our neighborhood is being overrun by developers and I have worked with PLUC and stakeholders to stand up and allow the community to be heard. I look forward to working with the community and stakeholders for solutions to Dodger’s traffic, developers taking over the community and youth becoming active in our community.

CHAD CHRISTOPHER KLINE

Our NC has failed us with corruption, bullying tactics and noncompliant participants. This is my 3rd time running to be the peoples voice, I have lived in EP for 8 years with my wife. With me we will better our neighborhood for all. I will stand up and fight for the will of my neighbors.

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DISTRICT 3

Term: 2 Years / 3 seats available

Where is District 3?

ANDREW KNAUER

As a member of neighborhood council my top priority would be quality of life improvements. The homeless situation in our district is past the point of reason. Obviously neighborhood council doesn’t have the means to solve this very serious issue, but there are things we can do to alleviate the day to day effect it has on our residents and possibly send a message to the rest of the city.

We can discourage loitering by making it easier to get street cleaning and permit parking on our streets. Grocery cart theft is theft and shouldn’t be considered anything less. We can increase the cart removal effort and spread the message it exists. Littering and illegal dumping create a visual environment that encourages more of the same or worse. We can put pressure on the city to update their outdated trash removal policies. Enough free passes. Let’s clean things up the best we can until city hall gets a better handle on the situation.

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DISTRICT 4

Term: 2 Years / 3 seats available

Where is District 4?

TAD YENAWINE

Echo Park deserves a functional neighborhood council that is responsive to the entire community. The community has been let down for far too long by shoddy leadership and ego driven infighting.

I will do everything I can to restore EPNC to a functional community resource that fosters good will and working relationships with the City, and all of the City’s agencies. The community deserves nothing less.

Please vote.

Thank you

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DISTRICT 5

Term: 2 Years / 3 seats available

Where is District 5?

PATRICK PETRA

Hello I’m Patrick and a native to Los Angeles. Seeing the changes of Los Angeles has always inspired me to do more and better myself and those around me. I’m in the design and real estate field and resident of Echo Park. I want to use that experience to help direct Echo Park in healthy direction to help it sustain and maintain itself economically for residents and business that it serves.

JEFFREY G KONTOROVSKY

As a native Angeleno and resident of Historic Filipinotown I really appreciate this community. Not only because of it’s people, but because I was raised and grew up here, and now I’m rising my family here also.That means I better understand the needs and concerns of our neighborhoods and schools. Together and with your vote we can improve our community for our children and our families. This will be my goal if elected to be the representative of district 5. So that City Hall hears our voice and concerns. Let’s make Echo Park, and Historic Filipinotown a better place, for our children and family.

Thank you for your vote.

Jeffrey G Kontorovsky

Mejorar la comunidad para nuestras familias es la razo’n por que corro en esta eleccio’n.

Gracias por su voto.

Jeffrey G Kontorovsky

MIKE JOLLY

Yes I am a developer. Yes I own property in district 5. But before you don’t vote for me hear me out. I have lived/worked in Los Angeles since I graduated from UCLA back in 1983. I build neighborhoods. I do not exploit them. I went into Venice in the 80’s and started the neighborhood transformation by fighting off the gangs to build homes for families. I pledge to help improve the Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood. I will work beside members of the community and help accomplish the goals set forth by the neighborhood and the council. It would be beneficial to have a developer with my track record on the council. I would certainly use my expertise to help make sure all developers contribute to the improvement of our neighborhood and not exploit it.

AMBER TARSHIS

My name is Amber Tarshis and I was born in Los Angeles and currently live in the Rampart district. I’ve spent my life working in Marketing and Strategic Planning for global retail companies and the entertainment industry.

I love this city and want to join the Echo Park Neighborhood Council in order to help improve our community.

We still have serious issues to address like local crime, graffiti and trash problems that keep our wonderful streets from being the beautiful, safe places that every kid and family deserves.

If I am elected, these will be my priorities, along with encouraging new businesses to move to the neighborhood that help to create jobs and deliver services to all of us that live here.

ANDY GRIGGS

As a native Angeleno, 10-year EP resident & business/homeowner, I want to preserve the unique nature of Echo Park. I believe in ‘cultivating community,’ working with ALL neighbors to achieve solutions that work for EVERYONE that EPNC represents. My experience as a labor/community organizer includes outreach & providing access to all. I’m willing to listen & discuss, & am committed to find creative, equitable & just solutions to problems.

I look forward to it—with your assistance!

Como un Angeleno nativo, EP 10 años residentes y negocios/dueño de la casa, quiero preservar la naturaleza única de Echo Park.

Creo en ‘cultivación de comunidad’ trabajando con TODOS los vecinos para lograr soluciones que funcionan para TODOS que representa EPNC. Mi experiencia como organizador de trabajadores y la comunidad incluye divulgación y acceso a todos. Estoy dispuesto a escuchar, discutir y comprometerme a encontrar soluciones creativas, equitativas y justas los problemas.

Espero contar con su ayuda

MICHAEL REDDIN

As a native Angelino, Michael Reddin has aimed the majority of his adult life toward serving his community. Three years ago, Reddin built Rhabbitat, a transformative space in Echo Park that cultivates burgeoning local talent. His vision lies in fostering the unique temperament of emerging artists and paupers through a space that side-steps monotony. Reddin’s current goals and advocating for the vibrant creatives in Echo Park through policy and public action are one in the same. If elected, Michael Reddin will deliver the imperative message of the needs of the striving generation to city council.

VELINDA ROCKELLO

I’m Velinda Rockello Candidate for a District 5 seat of the Echo Park Neighborhood Council also known as GEPENC.

EPNC/ GEPENC is now in, Exhaustive Efforts, EE & this is not good for our community. I can’t be silent or ignore what is going on in my neighborhood. It would be a betrayal of the truth. There are various issues to now overcome & I’m going to once again put my hat into the ring & ask for your vote.

I will work hard to be the connection EPNC’S District 5 deserves & your representative with the capability, availability & tenacity to get EPNC out of EE & make Echo Park great again!

JOSELYN GEAGA-ROSENTHAL

Joselyn Geaga-Rosenthal – I have always supported Neighborhood Councils and believe in their critical role of engaging residents in making Los Angeles a more humane and sustainable city to live in. I am ready to roll up my sleeves once again because I love LA and my neighborhood!

EMMA ROSENTHAL

No statement provided.

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Echo Park Neighborhood Council candidate statements & discussion

Quick Links

AT-LARGE CANDIDATES

NATHAN STAYTON

DARCY HARRIS

BILL VARELA

DANIEL S. ELDER

CONNIE ACOSTA

KWAZI NKRUMAH

MARK SUH

DAVID “ROCKELLO” ROSEN

MARY JANE HUNTER

DAMIAN PELLICCIONE

LOGAN GARRITY

MANUEL POOL

COMMUNITY INTEREST REPRESENTATIVE

LUIS GONZALES

XERES VILLANUEVA

JACKELYN VALLADARES

DISTRICT 1

MICHAEL GALANO

KEVIN FISHER

JUSTIN BROSSIER

BRUNO ROJAS

JOHNMICHAEL HULL

PAUL BOWERS

DISTRICT 2

SHAYNE FISKE GOLDNER

CHERYL ORTEGA

JIM BROWN

RICHARD COURTNEY

CHAD CHRISTOPHER KLINE

DISTRICT 3

ANDREW KNAUER

DISTRICT 4

TAD YENAWINE

DISTRICT 5

PATRICK PETRA

JEFFREY G KONTOROVSKY

MIKE JOLLY

AMBER TARSHIS

ANDY GRIGGS

MICHAEL REDDIN

VELINDA ROCKELLO

JOSELYN GEAGA-ROSENTHAL

EMMA ROSENTHAL

877-860-EPIA

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