Candidates 2025

The following are Candidates that are certified to run in the SORO NC Elections

 

Updated 5/19/2025

(Candidates are allowed to submit one replacement statement and profile picture. Replacement statements and/or profile pictures must be submitted to [email protected] by Sunday, May 25th at 11:59 PM PT

All candidate statements are limited to 1000 characters. Any statements over the limit will display the first 1000 characters.

All pictures are limited to a maximum of 500 x 500 pixels. Pictures will be scaled to not exceed 500 pixels in height or width.)

 

At Large Representative (3 seats)

 

Peter N. Tyler

My name is Peter N. Tyler and I’m running for At-Large Representative on the South Robertson Neighborhood Council because I believe our community thrives when we uplift every voice. As an entrepreneur, storyteller, and dedicated advocate, I will empower local businesses, support families, and foster connections across our diverse neighborhood. I’m committed to leadership that honors our traditions, embraces innovation, and builds a lasting legacy we can all be proud of.

 

Vahid Jebelli

I am retired and my only interest is to keep the community safe, clean and prosperous. I have been in contact with several city departments like LADWP, LADOT, LAPD, etc. on my own for years. There has been plenty of positive changes not only in our neighborhood but throughout the city including traffic signs, crosswalk signs/lights and making sure that the food venders do not block the sidewalks specially for our disabled neighbors. 

 

Shia Fisher

Greetings and salutations. I am deeply honored and humbled to be part of this wonderful community, so it is with great privilege I share my experiences with you today in hopes of earning your vote for one of the 2025 SORO neighborhood council “At Large Representative,” seat. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I was born and raised in Madison, WI where I obtained my education background in the field of science. I earned my associate degree in science and graduated with Honors in 2020, I then matriculated into University of Wisconsin Madison where I pursued a triple major. Having completed the requirements for Asian Languages and Culture, and Computer Science, I am finishing my third in final major in Mathematics. My minor concentration earned me a certificate in Health Policy which was issued last December through the Robert La Follette School of Public Affairs. I am so grateful for this wide range of knowledge and am looking forward to furthering my understanding in an effort to

 

Megan Goldring

I'm a proud Los Angeles County native and USC graduate, with a PhD from Columbia University—where my passion for local politics began. Since returning to LA three years ago, I've become deeply involved in our community through Abundant Housing LA and neighborhood activities. I'm running for Neighborhood Council because I believe in getting things done, not just talking about it. I care about expanding green space with native plants, reducing traffic and speeding on residential streets, and supporting denser, multi-residential housing that makes our neighborhood vibrant and age-diverse. I want to help create a safer, more beautiful, and connected community—through events, sustainable development, and thoughtful planning. I love this neighborhood and am committed to making it even better for everyone who lives and works here. 

 

Nathan Lhrar

*NO PROFILE PICTURE SUBMITTED*

*NO STATEMENT SUBMITTED*

 

MISS (Michelle Bega)

I BELIEVE THAT AS A NATIVE OF LOS ANGELES AND AS A SOUTH ROBERTSON RESIDENT OF OVER 40 YEARS THAT I AM EMINENTLY QUALIFIED TO REPRESENT THE COMMUNITY IN AN "AT LARGE" POSITION.  I PERSONALLY UNDERSTAND OUR NEIGHBORHOOD; OUR HISTORY; OUR CONCERNS; OUR ACHIEVEMENTS AND PRIDE AND I WOULD WORK TO  ENSURE OUR FUTURE AS THE VERY UNIQUE AREA THAT IS SOUTH ROBERTSON FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.  I WOULD BE HONORED AND PRIVILEGED TO WORK AND SERVE IN THIS CAPACITY. I THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY.  -- MICHELLE BEGA

 

Avi Rejwan

I love our community and want to help it thrive. As a parent, I care about keeping our neighborhoods clean, safe, and welcoming. As a lifelong Angeleno raised by a single mom who taught me the values of hard work, education, and helping people, I became a proud product of public education and have been committed to giving back. I got my start at the LA Mayor’s Office, working on community outreach. I continued that work at UCLA—where I met my wife—as a UC Student Regent for 250,000 students across all UC campuses, hospitals, and national labs. As Regent, I worked to solve issues of homelessness, food insecurity, and rising tuition. Through this, I learned to lead by listening, bring people together, and cut through red tape. Since graduating UCLA Law, I counsel businesses through legal issues and defend people against government prosecution. I will fiercely fight for our residents and local businesses too—at council and every level of government. It’d be an honor to earn your vote.

 

Bliss M. Franco

Just a SoRo born and raised LA Native who loves her community and wants to protect it's essence! I have lived in the SoRo community my whole life, I am a teacher, and most people thinK I have good ideas!

 

Business Representative (2 seats)

 

Barry E. Levine

I have served on the Board Of the South Robertson Neighborhoods Council for about twenty years.  As chair of the education committee we created a tutoring program at Shenandoah Street Elementary School which matched YULA High School students with elementary school children, needing help with reading and math. The program ran for fifteen years until Covid 19 shut the program down. We created a  Fresh Fruit on Friday program in partnership with The Model Neighborhood Program that supplied a taste of produce along with a story about the farmer, who grew it, the nutritional value of the fruit or vegetable and the geography of the farm.  We also bought thirty violins for Shenandoah Street School so the children could continue on with the lessons offered by LAUSD.  We also sponsored a Town Hall at Hamilton HIgh School  all the candidates for LAUSD School Board Seat  district one.There is still more to be done and I would like the opportunity to participate in the creation  new and ino0vative

 

Gio Dubon

My name is Gio Dubon, and I’m honored to be a candidate for the Business Representative seat on the South Robertson Neighborhood Council. As the property manager of Beverlywood Luxury Apartments—and a resident of the complex with my wife Ashley, our three amazing children, and our two cats—I have the unique opportunity to both live and work in the community I serve. Ashley is a dedicated high school history teacher, and together, we are raising our family in a neighborhood we truly care about.

I’ve called Los Angeles home for over 20 years, and for the past decade, I’ve worked in the real estate and property management field. One of the things I love most about my job is how it allows me to explore the city and really get to know its diverse communities, people, and neighborhoods. But nothing compares to South Robertson—a place filled with heart, history, and a vibrant mix of residents and businesses that make it so special.

Being a property manager in this neighborhood has given me the

 

Michael Lynn

I have been a dedicated member of the SORO NC for the past 15 years, beginning as the Chair of the Public Safety Committee. We created events and programs that enhanced the safety of the neighborhood, including Emergency Preparedness, CPR, and Neighborhood Watch.  I then stepped up to a leadership position on the NC as its President for the last 4 years, to focus on providing a more active Outreach to the community.  We held many highly successful events… but there is still a lot more to accomplish. 

My focus on the next 4 years will be to get our Businesses more involved in the process. I am committed to working tirelessly and continue to ensure that ALL voices in the community are heard. I would be honored to serve as your Business Representative.

 

 

Organizational Representative

 

*No Candidates*

 

 

School Education Seat 

 

Shirley Traum

I’m a native Angeleno and I attended USC, where I earned a bachelors and masters in electrical engineering. I’ve lived in SORO for 33 years, was an aerospace engineer for 35, and served in the Navy Reserve for 8. I retired in 2018, but after reading 60 books in 3 months, I needed to something else into which to invest myself, to be useful. I became a computer science teacher, first as a volunteer with Microsoft’s TEALS Program, and then as an LAUSD substitute (specializing in math and computer science) and an adjunct professor at Touro University LA, all of which I am still doing. Teaching has become my second career and there’s nothing like seeing the lightbulb go on when a student finally gets a concept. I firmly believe good education results in good citizens. My goal on the council will be to see what support, whether academic or financial, can be provided to the students in our community.

 

 

Zone 1 Representative

 

Ariel Zohar

I’m running to serve our community with transparency, action, and heart. As a proud resident and active stakeholder, I believe in inclusive dialogue, safer neighborhoods, and smarter city services. I’ll work to amplify your voice, support local businesses, and ensure SORO thrives for everyone. Let’s build a stronger South Robertson—together.

 

Gregg Scott

I think that it is important to be involved in the community, so this is a good opportunity for me to do that.

 

Dr. Lawrence H. Miller

A rocket scientist, Aerospace industry for 35 years, academic, engineer. Let’s not fight battles we can’t win: our neighborhood council district is not going to beat homelessness, or traffic, or out of control development. But we are going to make sure our voices are heard when nothing gets done.  Or when builders violate permits with impunity.  Or when mega-apartments are built on postage stamp lots. We can make practical, neighborhood preserving suggestions regarding these issues.  Policies that prioritize housing stability, consistent with our unique neighborhood

Traffic affects us all.  As an engineer I’ll make sure that our council is aware of the double-talk on phony, leading to informed, compassionate, resistance.

Growth, change, are inevitable, but there’s a reason City Hall has established our neighborhood council.  We can have a meaningful impact.  Let’s choose our battles and keep this unique neighborhood, well…unique!

 

Joe Lisuzzo

Hello, I reside in Zone 1 and have been a long time resident and former SORO community business owner. I owned and operated the eatery "AL Gelato" for 32 years (now retired), which was located at my 806 Robertson Blvd., between Gregory Way and Olympic Blvd. Additionally, I have attended many SORONC meetings in person and via zoom over the years. I love this community, and to protect it, ran for CA State Senate in this district 28, twice. I am also currently the Chairman of CA assembly district 55 which includes the entire SORO community. Given my years of involvement professionally and politically, I have come to know many residents and business owners in our community and believe that my experience can be of assistance in helping to accomplish tasks and fulfilling the many needs of our community. I thank you for your consideration. Sincerely yours, Joe Lisuzzo

 

 

Zone 3 Representative

 

Sandy Block

Hi Neighbors. I have been the Zone 3 Representative for almost four (4) years.  I love the community and so I would enjoy the opportunity to remain on the SORO NC Board.

I have lived in SORO for fifteen (15) years.  Prior to joining the SORO NC Board I served as the President of the Crestview Neighborhood Association for several years. My goal is to keep the charm of the neighborhood, keep it safe and an enjoyable place for work and play.

While I am now an attorney, I previously worked for LA Mayor Riordan and the City Council.  Through these experiences, I learned how the city operates, and I bring this knowledge to the Board.

 

 

Zone 5 Representative

 

Taylor Zabloski

*NO STATEMENT SUBMITTED*

 

Sean Davis

*NO STATEMENT SUBMITTED*

 

Judit Maull

Hello, I’m Judit Maull. I moved to Reynier Village during the pandemic and found a true home in this warm community where neighbors became friends.

As a film producer, I bring strong organization, communication, and team-building skills. I’ve also served on a Homeowners Association board, where I learned the value of listening, transparency, and collaboration.

If elected to the Neighborhood Council, I’ll be a proactive, reliable voice for Reynier Village. My priorities include:
• Safety & Preparedness – fire assessments and emergency readiness
• Elderly Outreach – supporting and connecting with older residents
• Community Engagement – events, resources, and improved communication
• Beautification & Property Value – maintaining and enhancing our shared spaces

I listen. I follow through. And I care deeply about keeping Reynier Village safe, connected, and one of the best places to live in Los Angeles.

 

 

 

Zone 7 Representative

 

Ronald Steinhoff

Having worked in government for nearly my entire career, I know that a strong community is fundamental to prosperity and progress. If elected, I would focus on addressing three key themes: enhancing public safety, promoting community engagement, and supporting local business and education. We deserve to feel safe in our communities. In my career,  I’ve coordinated efforts with local police officials and have worked with Chiefs of Police across the country. I will continue this work here. We deserve to have community programming that is efficient and provides opportunities for all to belong. Finally, having been raised by a public school teacher and having gone through that system, I know the importance of a strong public education system. I’ve worked for local city governments and have seen the positive opportunities these bring to its business. I will bring these skills to this position. I believe I can best prepare our neighborhood for tomorrow’s world and it's why I am running.

 

Meera Srinivasan

My name is Meera Srinivasan and I am excited to run for Zone 7 Representative. While I’ve only lived in SORO for one year so far, I have fallen in love with this special piece of Los Angeles.

I believe every member of this community brings something special to our neighborhood – whether that is the two huskies that live on the corner of Durango, the kids who play in the open air hallways of the apartment buildings on Canfield, or the home owners throughout SORO that take pride in their beautiful gardens for everyone to admire.

As a SORO NC member, my actions would be rooted in my core values: transparency, kindness & a willingness to learn from others.

Tactically, I’d like to (1) ensure long-time community members can live here affordably, (2) prioritize continued investment to improve A. Hamilton High School, (3) keep our neighborhood safe & beautiful by pushing for sidewalk repairs, etc. & (4) get our community together by organizing events to bring a sense of joy to our everyday lives.

 

 

Zone 9 Representative 

 

Mitch Cohen

Re-elect me to the SORO NC as the Zone 9 rep