Replay one of the candidate forums and read candidate statements below.
May 7, 2021 Candidate Forum
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/vfWwKjMcmOg4pozDegzKdYUa9ATvzWUFyM72W4aC5541AuwJ_Ib0qIKe6jpGh6M.CEZT8wdYjRb1WdON
April 29, 2021 Candidate Forum
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/_ulDDrwmirxgzIL4_44E6tySHwgc6yvrgwTecxe81HeoY9fqVcOY6L21vpIPdwQ7.ZXs_Wz6y_VwJaeRa
Resident Representative Zone 1: 1 Seat
Glen Makiri
Me gustaría servir a todos en esta comunidad diversa, incluyendo a los hispanoparlantes. Tengo mucha pasión por ayudar a los demás. As a social worker, I will bring my advocacy skills to our community stakeholders, putting my values into action, immersed amongst likeminded peers. My objectives are to work closely with city government and the community to bring attention to the needs of the residents of Van Nuys, such as: access to public green spaces, public transportation projects, affordable housing and neighbourhood beautification projects. I was raised in the SFV and am currently employed with L.A. County. In my first professional job, I worked with members of the Latinx community and their families, affected by HIV/AIDS. Later, I worked as a Homeless Services Director, leading a staff of 10. From 2012-15, I served as Secretary on an Advisory Committee seeking to develop senior housing for the LGBTQ community. I have many passions and value serving my community.
Michael Browning
I’ve lived in Van Nuys for 10 years and love my neighborhood near Valley Pres. I have been the President of the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council since December after the former President stepped down. I joined the Council because they could not help me solve a community problem and I pledged to get things done. I have done just that: Spearheaded our effort to advocate for monitor the revitalization of the Van Nuys Recreational Center; worked diligently to help our Council meet City requirements to self-govern; worked to ensure that Van Nuys receives its share of homeless tax resources; the Neighborhood Watch organizer; worked with LAPD and the Councilwoman’s office to get rid of that homeless city south of Sherman Way; Community Police Advisory Board member; helping the Council set standards and protocols to be more effective and meet the needs of our residents, businesses, and stakeholders. I am a public health professional and volunteer as many hours as possible. USC Trojan! Unity Now.
Tony B. Roulhac
Engaged with my community, I looked forward to serving the community.
Resident Representative Zone 3: 1 Seat
Jeffrey Dunn
I am running for neighborhood council to help bring our community together and to improve the quality of our lives. To me this means a lot of things – creating a safe environment for our kids; cleaning our streets; helping the homeless find a decent place to live; reducing petty crime such as trespassing and theft; improving our blighted areas to something we can all be proud of, and many other things. I have spent a 25-year career working with elected officials and business leaders to effect positive change at the federal, state and local levels. I will endeavor to do the same on the neighborhood council to expand resident equity, inclusion, diversity and collaboration in all our policies.
Robert Edmiston
As a member of neighborhood council, I will ensure the NC does all it can to find solutions to the many problems our neighborhood and city are facing.
At-Large Resident Representative Seat 1: 1 Seat
Kibwe Trim
Hi my name is Kibwe Trim and I am a former professional basketball player. I am originally from Trinidad and Tobago. I graduated with a Master’s Degree in Information Technology at Sacred Heart University while being an Academic All American and a First Team All Conference Player. After graduation I went on to play 10 years professionally. I am the founder of The DreamChaser International Foundation, which is a 501 c 3 non profit foundation that provides tutoring, mentoring and financial aid to young people doing exceptionally well in the classroom as well as in their discipline of choice. I am also a published author and have written a book titled “From Nerd To Pro.” I am a paid motivational speaker and have spoken to youth audiences as well as corporate audiences locally and internationally. My goal is to be a vessel of change and advancement in my community and I am passionate in leaving a better world behind for my daughter and young people that are the future of our nation.
Mayra Todd
Concidero que califico para un puesto en el concilio de Van Nuys porque soy una persona que me gusta ver por mi comunidad. Tengo una organizacion para mujeres victimas de violencia domestica y tambien me tomo el tiempo para darle de comer a los desamparados y no solo eso tambien me paso llamando para que recojan los muebles de nuestro vecindarrio. Necesitamos una comunidad trabajando de la mano con la ciudad de Los Angeles y Van Nuys para mantener nuestras ciudades libres del maltrofico y mantenimiento de calles limpias.
Damaris Macias
Hello, I am Damaris Macias. Currently, I have the honor to represent in the Non-Profit seat and was voted in as Parliamentarian on the Van Nuys City Council (VNNC). During my short time on the City Council, I assisted in running meetings, supported/denied important items on our agenda, and helped co-chair the Public Safety Committee. Due to recent changes in rules, I am now running for the At-Large Resident Representative seat. Being re-elected would allow me to run for a seat on the Board, advocate for the community as well as the issues that are important to you, and finish the goals the VNNC started. I began serving on the City Council because of the adversity that I have personally faced, overcame, and wanted to see change. I have been fortuitous enough to have a voice and to pay my blessing forward. Although we all have different views, the love we share for the Heart of the Valley–our home–unites us. I will continue to stand up for Van Nuys and for YOU. Vote Macias, Thank You.
Danielle Rouillard
Homeownership is so much more than a mortgage. It is the pride you put into the feel of your home, and the pride that you put into your community. As a homeowner in Van Nuys, my pride for where I live goes beyond the bounds of my property line and flows over into the streets of our town. I love Van Nuys. I grew up in various parts of LA, but with the scent of orange trees in the air, the diverse set of delicious (and affordable!) restaurants, and the historic neighborhood feel, I instantly knew this was home. We are so much more than what they show on TV shows like Bosch. We are more than the homeless population, the police sirens, and the never-ending boom of fireworks. I want to be a part of changing that perception from the inside out. I want to grow our opportunities without changing the heart of who we are. We are worth more. We are worth clean streets, safe environments, and a thriving culture. Please, help me be a positive voice for the people of our community on the VNNC.
At-Large Residential Renter Representative Seat 1: 1 Seat
Haille Trimboli
Hello, my name is Haille Trimboli, I was raised in Sacramento, CA and received my Bachelors Degree in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration. After working as an event manager I went back to school to become an educator. I received my Masters Degree in Teaching from Bushnell University. I’m in my 6th year of teaching and currently teach 4th grade and 7th grade ELA. Education is a powerful tool to unlock personal potential, capabilities, and gifts. Every human is equipped with unique gifts and education’s goal should be to help this shine bright within each learner. This is my goal as a leader as well, to help individuals find their spark and let it shine for all to see. Living in the Van Nuys community near my sister, brother in law, and nieces is such a joy. We are in a time of great turning in society and my hope is to come alongside a team of others in this area to bring light to social justice, environmental concerns, and other needs amongst members in the community.
Sarah Janelle
I moved to Van Nuys four years ago from New Hampshire. I will always remember my first drive down Van Nuys Boulevard and feeling that this is where I belonged. I immediately fell in love with the neighborhood and I can see the potential that Van Nuys has to offer. I would be proud to represent the renters in the community and feel that I have the motivation to take action.
Commercial Business Owner or Employee Representative Seat 1: 1 Seat
Hakop ” Jack” Azatyan
Hello, my name is Hakop “Jack” Azatyan and I currently serve the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council as the Commercial Business Owner Representative Seat 3. I am a native of Van Nuys, where I was born and raised. I attended the local public schools from K-12 and grew up in our family-owned business here in the heart of Van Nuys. Now more than ever, small businesses need the proper resources to navigate through our current and post Covid-19 realities. I will champion these efforts and ensure our local businesses obtain the necessary assistance they may need. I welcome the opportunity to serve my community and contribute in any way I am able to. Given my deep connection and familiarity with Van Nuys, I believe I will make an exceptional candidate for this position. Thank you for your consideration.
Non-Profit Community Organization or Service Club Rep Seat 1: 1 Seat
Myrra Bolla
I have been resident of Van Nuys for 35 years. I see how my neighborhood is expanding and becoming busy and more interesting. I would like to represent interest of residents to continue the work of those before me to better all areas of my neighborhood .
Religious Institution Representative: 1 Seat
John Camera
I am campaigning for re-election as a religious institution board member. I appreciate all the contacts I’ve made since my first time as a VNNC elected official. I try my best to help the communities, churches and nonprofits of Van Nuys. I ask you humbly for my vote
Youth Representative
Lilian Macias
My name is Lillian Macias, I am 16-years-old, and was born and raised in Van Nuys. Currently, I am the youngest Youth Representative on the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council (VNNC), running for the 2021 election Youth Representative seat. I have faced much adversity, but my hardships aren’t what qualify me–my resiliency does. During the months I have contributed to the VNNC, I can proudly admit that I have attended every City Council meeting and have greatly expanded my knowledge of the needs in Van Nuys. Additionally, I joined the Public Safety Committee as a Co-Chair and have been determined to dedicating my time for the safety of the Van Nuys residents. However, the Public Safety Committee is new, so it would be beneficial that I am re-elected to ensure the future of it. This is only the beginning; I will advocate for the issues that will benefit our youth. My commitment is to help guide this future generation towards a positive direction with the best of my abilities. Vote MACIAS!
Senior Representative
John Hendry
Remember the GALS School on Valerio!!!!!! A small victory in the “Battle of Van Nuys”!!!! The unity of a neighborhood “fights the good fight” because they do. And it’s your battle—it’s everybody’s battle. Schools parachuted into neighborhoods—six story apartment buildings; your street full of parked cars because The City allows the apartment building “cheat” on parking. And it won’t get better. Van Nuys, “America’s suburb” in the 1950’s,faces massive construction on Van Nuys Bl, and an “Light rail”so street-cramping you’ll never drive to WAL*MART again. “Van Nuys” like “NoHo”.?? Thousands of little decisions till then. I’ve been a member of VNNC since2009–I want to do more. Come walk VN Bl with me—I give “Van Nuys tours”. Let’ talk about it.
Ann Kalb Kip
I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I grew up in West Hollywood but we would go to Van Nuys to shop, eat, movies etc… It was a thriving area. I would like to work on getting a real Farmers Market in Van Nuys. I have successfully made my block be a safer place by getting Speed Bumps put in. I’m not sure the Light Rail will improve the area. I’m not sure new apartment buildings will improve the area. I hope the VNNC and the public and the politicians will work together.