Ballots Due for Pacific Palisades Community Council Elections

The following information is supplied by the Pacific Palisades Community Council:

Ballots for the election of Area Representatives and the At-Large Representative to the Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) were to all residential and business addresses in Pacific Palisades. The ballots are included on pre-printed return envelopes inserted in the PPCC newsletter.

Individuals who own real property in, or reside in, or operate a business located in Pacific Palisades are eligible to vote. Eligible individuals who wish to obtain a ballot but did not receive one in the mail may email PPCC at pacpalicc@aol.com or call 310-721-0532. For further information, please visit PPCC’s website, pp90272.org. 

Ballots must be returned to PPCC by U.S. mail and postmarked no later than September 7, 2012.

The following is the schedule per PPCC bylaws:

• Friday, Sept. 7: Deadline for return of postmarked ballots.
• Wednesday, Sept. 12: PPCC President notifies winners.
• Thursday, Sept. 13: PPCC President announces winners at PPCC meeting.
• Monday, Oct. 1: Area Reps/At-Large Representatives take office.

The candidates and their statements are:

Kelly Comras/Area 1:
I am running for Area 1 because I believe in the positive value of community involvement. Since 1989, I have served as a member/president of my homeowners association in Castellammare Mesa, assisted in successful negotiations with the Getty remodel, prepared a historic study, "The Stairways of Castellammare," and assisted in efforts to beautify YMCAs Simon Meadow. As a landscape architect and attorney, I helped form a community garden group and maintenance of three local Palisades public gardens. I received a 2012 Golden Sparkplug award for my participation in this project. It would be my pleasure to serve our community.

Paul Glasgall/Area 2:
I have served on the Community Council since 1994 representing the Highlands. To better serve I am a member of the WLA Police Advisory Board and am CERT certified, receiving awards for my response to fire emergencies. This year LADWP will complete the covering of the reservoir that my committee has overseen for nine years. Currently, I am working with Verizon for cell coverage coming soon to the Highlands. In addition, the radar speed group and speed signs have been instituted to bring greater safety to all. I am also a realtor with Sotheby’s in the Palisades.

Jim Rea/Area 3:
As a Realtor and a long time Pacific Palisades resident, I understand the importance of a strong community with dedicated volunteers. I have supported that ideal through my service on the PPCC (where I also chair the City/State Budget Committee) and on the Marquez Knolls Property Owners Association board. I also support the community through active service on the boards of the Autry National Center, the California Art Club and the Sunset Beach Association. It would be my privilege and pleasure to continue my service to the PPCC as the Area 3 Representative for the next two years.

Area 4 - 2 Candidates

Harry Sondheim/Area 4:
I have lived in Area 4 for 52 years, have children and grandchildren who’ve grown up and currently live in Pacific Palisades, making the preservation of the unique character of this community of major importance to me. I’ve devoted the past 17 years to the PPCC as its first Area 4 representative, as Legal Counsel, Vice-Chair, Chair, Chair Emeritus and am currently the Area 4 representative. I wish to continue serving the community and would appreciate your vote. Please call 310 454-1088 or e-mail me hbsondheim@verizon.net if I can be of assistance in Area 4 or the community.

Marvin Winitsky/Area 4:
I would like to represent Area 4 on the Council. I’ve lived in Pacific Palisades for over six years and my wife for over sixty. I recently retired from teaching at-risk youth for twenty-seven years at LACOE. As a teacher, I chaired every major committee, wrote the WASC documents that got my school six-years accreditation, and the Title I Single Plan for Student Achievement that became a model for the County. I have devoted my life to serving students, and would like very much now, to serve my community. Thank you for your consideration.

Jack Allen/Area 5:
Palisades resident since 1943, 44 years in Area 5. Current Area 5 Representative and member of PPCCl for 24 years.President, Palisades Preservation Assn., Past President, PPRA, Past Vice-president, Civic League, former Board member P.R.I.D.E and No Oil. Served on Citizens Advisory Committee, Brentwood-Pacific Palisades Community Plan. B.A. & J.D (UCLA). Former Beverly Hills City Attorney. Three children graduates of Palisades High, grandson at Paul Revere. Also an Assistant Scoutmaster. Longtime leader in fight to protect our neighborhoods from mansionizing and Village parking intrusion as well as protecting our hillsides and canyons. Preservation of Swarthmore and the Village a priority.

Stuart Muller/Area 6:
It is a very productive time for the PPCC. Expansion of the PPCC committee system is resulting in more in-depth study and discussion of many complicated issues, and is providing more informed recommendations to the PPCC Board for its consideration/approval. PPCC approved resolutions have significant impact on government and private decision makers. I have served on the PPCC Bylaws, Land Use, and Election Committees, the City of LA Potrero Canyon Citizens Advisory Board, the Pacific Palisades Design Review Board, and the City/State PCH Task Force. A major focus of my effort is the elimination of urban blight. Resident since 1944.

Steve Boyers/Area 7:
Going Forward my immediate concerns are to assist in mitigation efforts for the Calilfornia Incline closure, to more fully integrate the Will Rogers residents into our organization, to work on the Business Improvement District to make the Village more vibrant and vital a part of our community. A long-term goal is to provide a lasting foundation for our new Committee on Climate Adaptation, Mitigation and Sustainability. The City of Los Angeles has invited our committee to work with it and we intend to assume a regional leadership role in this effort.

Area 8  - 3 Candidates

Reza Akef/Area 8:
I understand the intricate working dynamic within City Government – and between our community. I have the experience to be effective and confident in issues vital to our Community. Through my education – a degree in Political Science/Public Service, followed by earning my Juris Doctorate, then becoming a California Certified Mediator – I am a good active listener and eloquent speaker. My professional career ranges from Government to Private sector – working for Councilman Rosendahl, Congresswoman Jane Harman, Public Defender’s Office, and currently, a Real Estate & Land Use Law firm. All experiences to help the PPCC be successful. Serving the PPCC is a great opportunity to give back to our community. As a former Area 8 Alternate for 3 years, I ask for your vote for Area 8 Representative – for our community and its future. Being raised in the Palisades and graduating from , I am truly blessed! Yet I am also in a unique position to contribute and participate in our community.

John L. Schwartz/Area 8:
I am a 13 year resident of the Palisades. I practiced medicine for 14 years and then became an information entrepreneur, founding a trade show and publishing company. I am serving my 5th  term as president of the California Riviera Homeowners Association. Vera and I have three children and three grandchildren. I’d like to serve you on PPCC to maintain and improve our lovely village and help deal with the many issues we face in these challenging times.

Andrew Wolfberg/Area 8:
I grew up in Santa Monica Canyon and attended Canyon School. I live on Allenford near Paul Revere Middle School with my wife and daughter. I have been an alternate representative for Area 8 since 2010 and served on the Fire and Outreach Committees. I worked to mitigate the impact of the Northern Trust Open on area residents. The most important issue that I see for the Pacific Palisades is the inadequate level of city services that we receive. I will work hard for our community and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve as your Area 8 Representative.

George Wolfberg/At-Large Representatives:
Forty-year resident. 2011 Citizen of the Year. Current At-Large representative. Former PPCC Chair. PPCC member of executive and land use committees and bylaws committee chair. Your voice to reduce the impact of California Incline closure. Active on boards serving youth, residents, environmental and critical planning issues, including No Oil, AYSO, local residents’ association, Potrero Canyon Community Advisory Committee. Strong supporter of our Specific Plan. Relentless advocate for quality of life issues, removing beach clutter and improving bicycle safety and pedestrian facilities along our coastline. Support effective sign regulations. I would be honored to continue as your At-Large representative.