Candidate Forum — Thursday, 14 May, starting 6 pm, Westminster Elementary School, 1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Election — Sunday, 18 May, 10 am to 6 pm, Westminster Elementary School, 1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Since published 23 April, Lisa Lubchansky, Abigail D. Myers, and George Gineris, have been added to the list. They are running for Community Officer.

Since republished 1 May, Nick Kislinger for Community Officer, has been added.

President

Michael R. Newhouse, President

Matty Goodman, President
Either did not submit photo, bio, or give permission for Update to print.

Vice President

Marc Saltzberg—Vice President
Venice!  Our Community is special – we have the Beach, Ocean Front Walk, Abbot Kinney, art, restaurants, and a spirit and diversity unique in LA.

It’s been incredibly fulfilling to address Venice’s challenges as a VNC Board member. First as Outreach Officer, then as Vice President, I’ve worked with you to improve Venice.

Finding creative, consensus-based solutions to our concerns isn’t easy. The city’s budget is too small and the issues are tough. The big questions – like homelessness, public safety, development, parking – command our attention and test our commitment. Securing city resources tries our patience.

But representing you on the VNC is special – we work together to get the job done!

I want to continue to be part of our efforts to make Venice a better place. I ask for your vote as VNC Vice President.

John Reed, Vice President
For 8 years I have watched our community struggle with numerous issues including development, grid lock Lincoln traffic, social services and the lack thereof, and misinformation about our coastal jurisdiction. Clearly, the VNC needs leadership that understands how the City of LA functions, distributes resources and makes long term planning decisions about our community.   For 35+ years the City of LA has had the opportunity to certify a Coastal Plan  and has not. Why? No one from Venice has pushed this agenda. Now the CCC and the City are debating jurisdiction regarding which agency will process which applications creating more confusion and more uncertainty for every stakeholder.  As a Venice homeowner and business owner who loves this community, I have the expertise of how to navigate through the political and planning process to effectuate positive change.  No city stands still in time and Venice is no exception, your VOTE counts.

Secretary

Helen Stotler, Secretary
Hi, fellow Venetians!  After spending one term as your Communications Officer, I hope to have the chance to continue to serve and to take on a new challenge – as Secretary.  My goal was to expand the VNC’s interaction with the community during the last term — launching a new website, redesigning our weekly emails and exponentially increasing our social media.

Treasurer

 Hugh Harrison, Treasurer
I am Hugh Harrison and I am running for re-election as Treasurer for the Venice Neighborhood Council.  During my tenure, the VNC has been able to continue with its commitment to utilizing the majority of our funding for community based projects in Venice.  With my experience working with the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, I am hoping to provide an easy transition to the new system for the payment of expenses that will begin after the election.  I appreciate the support I receive from the stakeholders.

Chair, Land Use and Planning Committee

Jim Murez, Chair Land Use and Planning

Since moving to Venice 25 years ago, I’ve been invested in this community. I raised my 2 children here, managed the Farmers’ Market since 1989, organized the planting of 1400 trees, and have been involved in planning since Ruth Galanter’s CPAC, having served on LUPC the last 8 years. Our local plans are incomplete and ambiguous, creating uncertainty and multiple interpretations. Challenged by developers trying to build to the max, we need stronger guidelines for smart change, which will not erode our history and charm. It’s our responsibility, in a collaborative and open way, to gather and present facts and opinions to our government officials. I will ensure that the Council Office, City Planning, Building and Safety, and Coastal Commission listen to us. I ask for your vote, so together we can ensure that Venice remains protected, eclectic, diverse and, simply, the best place to live, work and play.

Monica Ramone, Chair Land Use and Planning
As a longtime Venice resident, homeowner, landlord and business owner, I’m very invested in our community and culture. I live and work here, I partake in our local art, music, food & festivals. I take great pride in being part of such a creative community. Being a good neighbor means getting involved which I have done for the last 12 years from volunteering for the Abbot Kinney Festival, the VNC environmental committee, Beach Clean ups, and local charities. These neighborhood councils were created to promote more citizen participation and I want to be part of that collaboration. I want to represent the neighborhood I love and their issues on the Land Use Committee. I have 10 years of Real Estate knowledge, I understand Development and sustainability. I have a lot of friends here and have a vested interest in keeping a vibrant and diverse neighborhood. www.Facebook.com/MonicaVeniceNeighborhoodCouncil

Robin Rudisill, Chair of Land Use and Planning Committee
Venice is an incredibly SPECIAL and unique Community. A Venetian since 2003, I serve as a member of LUPC and the VNC Neighborhood Committee. Venetians nevercease to amaze and inspire me. YOU and your pleas for change are WHY I’m running for LUPC Chair and WHY I’m excited about the major difference we can make together! Our challenge: for LUPC to set the example and be the change we wish to see, while partnering with City and Council Office to improve processes, statutes, and oversight. I have the significant real world experience and City and land use/planning know-how to lead this transition. With the right focus and empowered, caring and passionate Stakeholders, we can stop the character erosion of our precious Venice and move forward in shaping our future and achieving our goal of protecting and improving Quality of Life, now and for future generations!  Stay tuned: RobinRudisill.com

Thomas Sauer, Chair Land Use and Planning
Either did not submit photo, bio, or give permission for Update to print.

Communications Officer

 Matthew Beltran, Communications Officer
Upon moving to Venice shortly after graduating from UCLA in 2008, I found an atmosphere of inventive energy booming from the community.  Numerous friends and a vibrant social neighborhood have shown me how fortunate I am to live at this inspirational beach amongst innovative people.  If elected, I intend to ensure that all communications are handled quickly for the public good.  I plan to expand on the current website’s social network by focusing on new features that increase activity in the VNC.  I hope to add more mapping abilities to the website, making it more personal and extending the visibility of the VNC’s actions around the district.  I feel that we all can bring Venice into the new age while preserving the historical roots.  If you agree, then look for me on the ballot in the VOTING BOOTHS MAY 18.  See you around town.  Ver por el pueblo.

Scott Kramarich, Communications Officer
I ask that you give me an opportunity to serve as Communications Officer on the Venice Neighborhood Council.  I’m a two term communication committee member, I know the process and have a balanced approach. I have been extensively involved in the VNC’s leap to an enhanced digital presence by revamping the VNC website and helping form its Facebook Page.

I am committed to and take seriously the responsibility of the VNC to represent the interests of the whole community.  I believe the success of the neighborhood council is reflected by its connection to the community, its legitimacy and the community’s participation.

I have lived off of Rose Avenue in Venice for fifteen years. I am a home owner, father, husband, software developer and small business owner.

I am Venice proud and I ask you to vote for Scot Kramarich for Communications Officer!

Jed Pauker, Communications Officer
I love Venice, and I know how lucky we are to live in our paradise by the sea!

On the Land Use and Planning Committee from 2006-2010, I was fortunate to work with longtime activists and preeminent LUPC Chair Challis Macpherson, who taught us to listen well and to speak up.

Serving continuously on the Outreach Committee since 2007, I moderated the 2008 fences and hedges controversy and brought Food Truck Task Force recommendations to the City in 2010.

I served on the Board between 2010 and 2012, maintaining the web site, improving the mail system and advocating to formalize the Communications Committee, on which I serve today.

With your vote, I promise to improve the web site’s display and operation, restore transparency and best practices to LUPC and, most of all, work with you to address our common challenges, including safety, proportional development and equal opportunity in Venice’s future.

Tatyana Charnis, Communications Officer
Either did not submit photo, bio, or give permission for Update to print.

Community Outreach Officer

Sylvia Aroth,  Community Outreach Officer
I am a long-time resident of Venice and have most recently served one term on the VNC board as a community representative, where I’ve attempted to represent the interests of all stakeholders with a sense of progressivism, compassion and fairness.I have raised a family, rented and owned homes, and been an entrepreneur in Venice. I’ve worked as a professional in the for-profit and nonprofit fields and have also been a community activist.Venice currently faces many serious, often controversial issues. As Outreach Officer I will energetically work to bring people together to learn, dialogue, debate and provide guidance to the VNC board as well as City Hall.My background of event planning, community organizing, fostering constructive dialogue and as a CPA will help me serve the goal of expanding communication between the Neighborhood Council and the community. We can, and should, provide a venue to solve, not exacerbate, our problems.

Tamara Earlywine
Either did not submit photo, bio, or give permission for Update to print.

Community Officers

Erin Sullivan Ward, Community Officer

 I have lived in Venice for 12 years and have been an active member of our community. I have served on the Venice Neighborhood Council the past two years as At-Large Community Officer. In addition to attending meetings, my primary goal has been to get things done that have made a positive impact in Venice. As a member of the Environmental Committee I organized monthly trash clean-ups.  We have removed hundreds of bags of trash in areas that badly needed it. We also started a monthly E-Waste pick-up program at the Farmers Market.  My goal in the next two years is to get even more done to improve our quality of life in Venice. We have an incredibly creative, artistic and forward-thinking community. I think by harnessing that spirit we can address difficult issues and continue to make Venice  a great place to live and work.

Maxwell Sloan, Community Officer

My name is Max Sloan and I’m a current VNC Board Member. I am running for re-election because I believe it’s essential to maintain Venice’s unique culture in the face of rapid change.

Development is inevitable and we need to be pragmatic about our approach to permitting. I am a supporter of projects that respond to neighborhood concerns. We should hold steady on the Venice Specific Plan while rewarding those who listen to and involve the community.

As a lifelong surfer, cultivating a healthy beach is close to my heart. I’d continue to place emphasis on protecting our ecosystem. I also plan to work tirelessly to improve VNC engagement with younger Venice residents.

Marisa Solomon, Community Officer

I am running for re‐election because I hope to have the opportunity to continue to serve Venice for a second term. I am passionate about Venice’s eclectic artistic cultural and architecturally diverse environment. I want to keep on supporting the continuing effort to keep Venice the wonderful place that it is. Our community has two voices and they both deserve to be heard. My goal is to listen to both sides of the argument and to analyze all projects that come before the board making fair and responsible recommendations. I am committed to finding positive ways to deal with development, homelessness, and public safety issues.

Petra Rudisill, Community Officer

Raised in the midst of Venice Beach’s colorful boardwalk area, I have a lot of insight into the community’s character and vibe.  I’m currently a junior at Venice High School in the World Language and Global Studies Magnet, so I have a unique perspective on what’s going on in our diverse community.  Elected President of the World Language Global Studies Magnet, I’ve gained experience in leadership and group initiatives.  This has given me a voice to represent students who do not normally have a say about issues that directly affect them.

By empowering all demographics we can get more diverse opinions and involvement in issues that impact all of our daily lives.

As a Community Officer, I can bring that to the table in many ways, in representing the younger, emerging generation.

Vote for Petra on May 18!

Rick Selan, Community Officer

Venice NC needs a 180 degree  transformation to restore ethics, accountability, and a positive spirit and include  the entire Venice Community;  not just those with personal self interests.

What’s wrong:

– VNC does not respond to Public Records Requests.

– VNC denies all grievances  and complaints since 2005 as “Non-actionable and denied with prejudice”. One individual unilaterally denies all complaints, even those against himself. DONE has formally intervened.

– VNC elected At-Large  Community Members do not represent their neighborhoods. By-laws state non-elected members on the Neighborhood Committee represent their neighborhoods.

– VNC Education voted 6-0 to deny Venice Title One parents of color  the right to Voice and Visibility.If elected, this Representative will serve the Penmar Community, the low income under represented Title One parents, guardians, and students and  those in the Venice  Educational Community.

Vote For positive change. Peace.  whistleblower@rickselan.com

Tracy Randall, Community Officer

My name is Tracy Randall, and I am a 12 year resident of Venice Beach.  I am inspired to get more involved and give back to my community.  I am an internet entrepreneur, and I am excited about the possibilities of using technology / the internet to assist the Venice community and the VNC to address long-standing challenges and create new opportunities.  I am also an avid cyclist and interested in pushing forward on the strides that have been made in making the community more bike friendly.  I live in an original craftsman home that my husband and I have upgraded, and I am supportive of keeping a strong Venice feel to our community.  Venice has positively changed in the decade that I’ve been a resident, and I’d welcome the opportunity and your vote to represent the Venice community in shaping the future.

Eduardo Manilla, Community Officer

It has been a true honor to serve on the VNC board as a Community Officer and Co-Chair of the Arts Committee.

I’m running for re-election because I would like to continue representing the blooming Artistic Community as well as the Millennial Generation.

My background as an Architect brings a pragmatic vision necessary when we deal with residential and urban development projects, and my community organization skills can support the Outreach mission of the VNC.

Christina Marquez, Community Officer

I am very proud to be a 2nd generation Venetian. I would truly love to be part of the Venice Neighborhood Council to take part in moving us in the right direction. My focus would be to preserve the wonderful community we have as is and keep our Venice spirit alive because that’s what makes us unique. A few of the issues I feel need to be addressed are residential parking, working on minimizing RV camping on our streets and protecting us from overdevelopment.
Another major issue is the young homeless that camp out on the beach. I would like to see them somewhere safe and off the streets. There has also been a huge increase on theft and break-ins, this needs to change. Let’s keep Venice safe.

Oliver Mossi, Community Officer

As a resident of Los Angles since 1988 I have been fortunate to live in many different areas of this great city. However, nowhere resonates more with me than Venice.

I live, work, and play in Venice therefore I am very protective of it. Having made Venice my home, I plan to live here for many years to come. This connection made me want to get involved with the Neighborhood Council.

As your representative, the key issues that I will be focusing on include:

1– Public Safety 2– Keeping Venice clean / Homelessness challenges 3– Parking and Transportation 4– Preservation and Restoration 5– Responsible Future Development.

If elected, I promise to work diligently with rest of the board members on your behalf to continue  to make Venice a special place to live, work and visit.

It would be an honor to represent you.

Thank you!

Joe Murphy, Community Officer

Gentrification is changing Venice at a pace that is becoming destructive to the diversity and character of the community. This is the issue the Venice Neighborhood Council (VNC) must address and I am a candidate who is committed to doing so.

Please vote for me at the VNC Election on Sunday, May 18th.

As a VNC board member for most of the past 10 years, I’ve focused my limited energies on creating forums better suited to encouraging more-broadly-based, long-term deliberations on the challenging issues we face. I’ve personally practiced transparency in my efforts to attract involvement of a broader spectrum of important Venice interests.

I formed and currently chair the Discussion Forum “Vision Goals” Committee (a VNC Ad Hoc committee intended to raise the visibility of the VNC Vision Goals which I co-authored) as well as previously serving as chair of the then newly established Rules & Elections Committee and, for several years, as the VNC’s Board Secretary.

I’m a graduate of Notre Dame and Cornell Law School. I played widely respected political roles in Seattle before moving to Venice in 2004. I am a Vietnam veteran.

A true commitment to less-expensive housing and to solving the expanding homelessness issues requires policies which deal realistically with current political, cultural and legal impediments to addressing gentrification. I also continue to be very interested in making Venice a more bike-walk-architecturally friendly place to live and raise children – without fear of being displaced by gentrification pressures.

Ira Koslow – Community Officer

I was elected eight years ago to the first of four terms served on the Venice Neighborhood Council. My goals over the years have been:

1. To serve my specific constituency, the walk streets Windward north to the Santa Monica border.
2. To make decisions that I feel are in the best interests of the whole Venice community.
3. To have the VNC be consistent in its procedures so that stakeholders and applicants know what to expect and how to approach the Council.

I have been on the Administrative Committee for my entire tenure and Chair of the Rules and Elections Committee for the past seven years  I have voted my conscience on all issues and I will keep up the good fight to ensure our quality of life against the onslaught of aggressive commercialization.

Beth Allyn, Community Officer

As the At-Large Community Officer, my mission is to work toward reducing congestion and increasing safety on our streets; I believe both goals can be accomplished by creating a more encouraging and supportive environment for bicyclists. More bike lanes and corrals and stronger enforcement of road rules will provide better safety for bicyclists, pedestrians, and cars. Bikers also need better lighting to safely operate at night. The number of lights on the bike path, the OFW, and high traffic areas can be increased; the cost can be minimized by opting for cheaper, lower maintenance bulbs. Better lighting benefits everyone by deterring the criminal activity that takes place under the cloak of darkness. These simple changes can allow us to regain 24/7 access to our beaches, making the Venice oceanfront a more desirable destination for locals and for tourists, whose increased spending will have positive benefits for our entire community.

Matthew Kline, Community Officer

I’ve served on the VNC since 2011, most recently as the Outreach Officer.  I have lived here and the Westside for nearly a decade.   I work in Venice at Zambezi, a creative ad agency.  I am running for re-election because we live in an amazing, unique community worth fighting for.

I care about improving city services, and maintaining our diverse culture.  I also care about balanced growth, and preserving quality of life that makes Venice such an attractive destination.

I’m especially proud of the work I’ve done to get younger people involved with the VNC.   2012 elections Outreach resulted in the highest voter turnout in the city, and events that I organized such as the Silicon Beach and Ocean Front Walk Safety town halls brought together diverse groups for productive, face-to-face discourse.

I have enjoyed being an open ear for all stakeholders, and an advocate for improvement. big or small.

Tore Knos, Community Officer

I have owned a historic house (1898) in Venice for seven years.  The house’s former owner had acquired a demolition permit to replace it with a new structure.  Rather than demolish the house, I restored it and reside here permanently.  I chose this area due to its diversity and beautiful surroundings.  What makes Venice “Venice” needs to be preserved while managing the area’s explosive growth.  I believe we must adhere to the Venice Specific Plan, however, it is outdated (2004) and needs to be revised.  I also oppose allowing three residential units on a single lot.   I have attended the majority of the Venice Council meetings and the Land Use Planning Committee meetings over the past year so I am familiar with the board’s work.   I am also active in the Playa Venice Rotary Club and participated in numerous events to help both local Venice firefighters and families in need.

Sarah Blanch, Community Officer

I LOVE VENICE! It’s probably the most unique community in the world, but we’re at a crossroads. The issues we face — from traffic congestion, to crime, to development —  all share a common thread: how to grow our city while preserving its spirit and culture. There aren’t easy answers. However, as a Community Officer, I would dedicate myself to connecting and engaging our stakeholders as we navigate our way toward solutions. I am confident we will choose the best path, even for our hardest challenges, and I welcome the opportunity to help. A bit about me: after graduating from Stanford, I spent my career in high tech, until recently. For the past year I’ve directed a substance abuse prevention initiative in Venice, where I’ve discovered a great love for civil service. I would be honored to serve as an At-Large Community Officer.

Mike Bravo, Jr.,  Community Officer

Mike is a 5th generation Venetian born & raised in Venice, CA. He is an Indigenous Spiritual Activist and lead coordinator of The Four Corners Spirit Run which provides  Indigenous American youth and others with culturally relevant programs promoting  development of positive Indigenous values. Currently he is a freelance Web & Graphic Designer for various businesses in the areas of Family Law and Non-profits.  Via conscious design endeavors he seeks to inspire positive values and build bridges to help create a true world community. Few in Venice have the honor of living in the same house and walking the same streets as their great-great grandmother. Representing the legacy, experiences, and voices of many generations, he  is very passionate about efforts to protect our neighborhood’s character from over development and break down the barriers toward building a positive sense of community for ALL residents of this uniquely diverse area of LA.

George Francisco, Community Officer

I have been a resident of Venice for over 20 years, starting with my first job as a writer for “Venice” Magazine – back when magazines were actually printed!  Recently, as one of the founders of the Venice Symphony Orchestra, I have been able to invest more of myself in working on some of Venice’s more challenging issues from a different perspective than the standard.  I hope that by serving on the VNC, I will be able to support the community as it charts its way forward.  I propose to do this by continuing to actively engage with as many residents and stakeholders as possible; promote more civility and professionalism in our political process; and work to ensure that an emphasis on arts and culture continues to be the animating spirit of Venice.

Noel Gould, Communications Officer

I’ve been working in Venice since 1992 and of all places, Venice and her people have the most incredibly special and unique vibe!

I work in the creative arts, and Venice is exploding with creativity at every turn. There’s no place like it!

I believe it’s crucial to preserve the integrity of our city, to maintain the special uniqueness and diversity of our residents, and while change is inevitable, making sure that our city remains imbued with the remarkable character and history of bygone days.

I’m a highly skilled negotiator, and I want to help people discover common round in often difficult situations.

I know I can be a tremendous asset to the community by serving you on the VNC, so please elect me, I’ll be there to help!

If you’d like to get a better sense of my vibe, please check out  http://www.aquarianstudios.com.

Brandon Gross, Community Officer

We all know that Venice is an extraordinary place with a rich heritage, which is why we’ve chosen to live here, why you’ve decided to vote in this election and why I’m compelled to get further involved in our community as an At-Large Community Officer. As someone who is both an LA native and an employee at a tech mainstay in the area, I understand firsthand the challenge of balancing the old and the new, especially in our community where change is happening so rapidly and I intend to ensure community remains the number one priority. I want to bridge the gap between the community of Venice and the growing tech business presence by increasing communication, understanding and shared interests. Most important, I will be actions-oriented to ensure Venice remains diverse and retains its essence. I would be honored to represent you.

 Charlotte Rules, Community Officer

Bees, peas, and butterflies! Thats what I want more of in Venice. You want sidewalk garden plots? Me too! More monarchs & kale means more happy people. Let’s plant milkweed and create mini monarch habitats. We plant the trees that shade future generations and make people feel good. I want to work with our councilman to create a children’s ‘outdoor museum’ at the beach. A safe place to get schooled on whale tales and have a family picnic. Everyone wins when we create green ‘gathering’ spaces. Development you say? Sure, if all projects begin with this question: ‘Does my project create harmony in the community?’ (The right answer is of course, creates harmony!)  Parking you say? Its high time we dealt with that issue in a sustainable and decisive manner.  About me:  I dig riding my bike, organic eats, eclectic peeps, and art on the street.

 Ravi Shah, Communications Officer

I’m an LA native, who is proud to have made Venice my home.  I went to
UCLA and am the head of the UCLA Green IT Team, I’m also a member of
RESULTS, the Social Enterprise Alliance and Drinking Liberally.  I am
interested in keeping the character that made Venice the place we all
love to call home.  I don’t want Venice to become Santa Monica Jr.  I
would love to see a more diverse VNC, which truly represents the
population of Venice.

Recently one of my major issues I have been active on is getting money
out of politics and overturning Citizens United and the McCutcheon
Supreme Court decisions.

 Colin William Hornett, Community Officer

Born in England and raised in Canada, I spent my late teens and early twenties as a professional snowboarder, before becoming a lawyer, writer, producer, photographer, and interactive story telling specialist in TV and film.

Having lived all over the world, Venice is the place I call home. The vibrant heart and soul of this incredible place needs to be preserved while moving forward with new opportunities and challenges. I’m running because I want to do my part in keeping Venice great andmaking it even better.

Abigail D. Myers, Community Officer

I am currently on the board of the VNC and hope to continue working within the community to encourage that which is great as well as to help preserve our character.

During the last year and a half I have worked as Co-Chair of the Environmental Committee, the Santa Monica Airport Committee, the newly created Housing Committee, and the Parking and Transportation Committee.
Please vote for me and I’ll continue to work for our neighborhood.

Lisa Lubchansky, Community Officer
Hello Neighbor! 7 years ago, I moved to Venice -it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Several years ago, we bought a home here and every day, we’re grateful to live in our amazing neighborhood. My commitment to you is to really listen to your concerns – then vote accordingly! Venice is experiencing rapid demographic changes resulting in increased residential/rental values. The irresistible desirability of Venice to big developers, small lot consolidators, big box retailers cannot go unchecked. New development must be thoughtfully reviewed to ensure that it adds real value, needed amenities and over-all quality of life to Venice.

With your vote, I will champion: Slow, neighborhood supported growth.
Working together with the City, LAPD to increase neighborhood safety/accessibility.
Plans for better traffic circulation; increased parking for residents.
Like you, I want to do everything I can to help Venice be a safe, clean, beach lovers’ community.

George Gineris, Community Officer
I’ve lived in Venice over 40 years. I’ve seen a lot of change, not all of which has been beneficial to residents. As a VNC Board member, I’ll do my best to represent all Venice stakeholders who want to maintain our diverse neighborhoods and the community feeling each embodies. Concurrently, I’ll strive to preserve our community’s historic character, including its historic mass and scale which has been cherished for over 100 years.

He vivido en Venice durante más de 40 años. He visto bastante cambios, no todos los cuales an sido beneficioso para los residentes. Voy a hacer mi mejor esfuerzo para representar todos los grupos de interés de Venice a que quieren mantener nuestros diversos barrios y las comunidades-sintiendo cada uno encarna. Tambien, voy a esforzarme para preservar el carácter histórico de nuestra comunidad, incluyendo su masa histórica y la escala que ha sido apreciado por más de 100 años.

I’d love to hear which community issues top your list of concerns. georgegvenicenc@gmail.com.

Nick Kislinger, Community Officer
I grew up in Los Angeles and am proud to live in Venice. I’m running for Neighborhood Council because I have experience solving big problems and want to make a difference in my community. Credentials aside — listed below — I want to bring my passion and expertise to our council to help support our schools and make our community safer for all. I hope the people of Venice give me the opportunity to serve them and represent their voice.

I have built my career finding solutions to complicated problems. I currently consult for Welcome.us, a new non-profit organization dedicated to fostering America’s welcoming spirit, beginning with the launch of the first-ever Immigrant Heritage Month in June 2014. Prior, I consulted for the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), helping EIF launch their Promise Platform for Education, the Childhood Hunger Campaign, and the Broadway Education Project. I’ve also consulted for Howard W. Buffet Jr.’s Global Impact Institute launching the Institute at the 2012 London Olympics. In another life I co-founded and served as the first CEO of Hub Los Angeles, a community center in Downtown LA that supports the men, women, and teams that empower LA and build our local and sustainable economy. Previously, I served as the Chief of Staff to the California Secretary of Education helping to advance the Governor’s Education Technology Working Group and California’s Race to the Top Phase 2 Federal Grant application. I started my career in private equity at Pegasus Capital Advisors after a postgraduate fellowship as a Coro Public Affairs Fellow in St. Louis, Missouri.