The Winnetka Neighborhood Council held its annual elections on November 8, 2007. Eleven declared candidates and one “write in” candidate vied for the four available seats. Over 160 stakeholders voted in the election at Canoga Park Bowl. This year the WNC participated in a joint election alliance with 4 other local NCs; Reseda, West Hills, Woodland Hills, and Tarzana. “The power of these five NCs working together was incredible in what we were able to accomplish,” commented JJ Popowich, President of the WNC. Together the group shared expenses on advertisements ranging from full page ads in the Daily News to full color 16 page newsletters, shared ideas about what they were doing individually, and formed a close working relationship for future endeavors.

Mr. Popowich did express his disappointment with the turn out, “This represents a decline in voter turn out since last year and I think that disappoints all of us. However, we are extremely excited about the new year coming up in which we intend to increase Outreach efforts across the board.”

The Board is on recess for November as the City certifies its election results. According to Mr. Popowich the Board plans to launch the new year off on a high note by holding a welcome reception at its December 11th Board meeting.

The final results are:

The Board will provide refreshments, thank Board members who are leaving, swear in new Board members, elect officers, make arrangements to fill vacant appointed seats, select committee chairs, and hold a public training session on what it takes to be a Board member and the various laws and rules that all Board members must follow. “This way we will have a positive, energetic start and hit the ground running in January.”

Candidate Statements

Jozef Essavi

Jozef Thomas Essavi is currently completing his first 2 year term on the Winnetka Neighborhood Council, where he has ably served the residents of Winnetka in his capacity as the Chairman for Public Safety, Sergent At Arms, as well as Winnetka delegate to the Congress of Neighborhood Councils.

He has been a consistent reform voice in support of making Winnetka family friendly through safer and cleaner streets, beautification projects and by making sure that the council listens to the voices of the community at large. He has been tireless in his quest to make Neighborhood Councils as efficient as possible while saving taxpayers money.

Jozef is committed to youth programs, book purchasing for our school libraries and making sure that our streets are paved. He also serves on the Public Works and Transportation Committee where he has supported paving of Winnetka's most dilapidated streets. Your vote really matters.

Erick Lace

My purpose in running for the Winnetka Neighborhood Council is to continue to represent YOU and Winnetka to city organizations and to Los Angeles City Government.

I began the Winnetka Neighborhood Council in 2001 with a few people who were as interested in Winnetka as I am. I wrote our first bylaws which were approved by the City. I established the approved map that defined Winnetka.

My primary concerns for Winnetka are police and safety, transportation and traffic, great schools, and very importantly, LAND USE! I am a block captain for the Winnetka neighborhood watch. I campaigned vigorously against billboards on every street intersection in Winnetka, and lobbied for the Orange Line and light rail transportation in the Valley. I am on the Advisory Councils of 3 public schools for Winnetka to help keep our education the finest in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

I ask for your vote!

MaryAnn Smiley

Hello, my name is MaryAnn Smiley and I am involved in various functions throughout the San Fernando Valley. My profession, Supervising Deputy Probation Officer, allows me to participate and to learn about the community as a whole. Such as, youth and delinquency, safety concerns for businesses and families, and graffiti throughout the various communities. Most importantly, I own a house in the Winnetka area and am aware of issues that you and I are concerned about. My living and working in the community will better assist me in helping the citizens in Winnetka. Thank you!

Todd McCleve

Who is Todd Mccleve? Todd Mccleve is running for Winnetka Neighborhood City Counsel. Many of you know Todd from the post office, a dedicated postal worker, every counsel needs one. Todd grew up here, is raising his family here and wants to make a difference here. Winnetka is a wonderful neighborhood to live, work in and visit, but there is always room for improvement. Todd will have an open ear to the neighborhood. If you want to have a voice in Winnetka, cast your vote for Todd Mccleve. The voice of the people, for the people and for the Neighborhood City Counsel.

John C. Popowich Jr. (JJ)

I’m a 1O year resident of Winnetka, a devoted husband, father and a community activist. I have a four point plan to improve our community:

1) Community Branding: Establish a sense of community so that our stakeholders can identify with and be proud of what it means to be a resident of Winnetka.
2) Community Building: Create venues and events which will encourage stakeholders to become involved in the community.
3) Community Outreach: Reach out to stakeholders to get their opinions on what affects Winnetka and our city.
4) Taking on the Big Issues: Make sure Winnetka addresses the larger problems of the City of Los Angeles that affect all communities. We are not an island unto ourselves. Our NC has come so far and I am asking for your vote so I can continue the long journey we’ve set out on.

TJ Martens

Small Business Owner, Master Chef/ Hotelier

Received Master degree in Hotel Management at University of Cape Town, Bachelor in wines at the Stellenbosch University, Master Chef at SVH The Hague, The Netherlands.

Involved in the community such as Chamber of Commerce, CERT (community Emergency Response Team) Volunteering and fundraising Boys& Girls Club, Haven Hills, Pacific Lodge Boys Home, MR Stauffer Foundation.

To make Winnetka a better place to live, work, own a business and raise families. To strengthen the bonds between all community organizations including the churches, Winnetka Chamber of Commerce and to raise the quality of life for all of us best interest of the community, make Winnetka a better place to live, work and relax. Bring people together for all walks of life, such as religion, culture, community organizations and local government. If our community do well, every one who work and live here do well, it a win/win.