Just one day remains for potential Santa Monica Planning Commissioners to submit applications to fill the seat vacated by recently installed Council member Ted Winterer.
At time of press, there were nine candidates, but more are possible in the lead-up to the noon deadline this Tuesday, Jan. 15.
Santa Monica City Clerk Sarah Gorman said applications are accepted at all times, whether or not a vacancy exists, but the official vacancy on the Planning Commission left by Winterer was declared on Dec. 11, 2012.
Gorman said the appointment to the vacancy is scheduled for the next City Council meeting on Jan. 22.
“All members of the public, including prospective Planning Commissioners, may address the City Council during public comment for this item,” Gorman said. “To address the City Council on this item, a speaker card must be submitted prior to the item being heard.”
Here is the full list of applicants and a snapshot of their application, which can be viewed at www.smgov.net/departments/ clerk/boards.
Albin Ryan Gielicz (Filed 1/6/13)
Previous boards: Virginia Avenue Park Advisory Board, Chair Social Services Commission, Chair.
Activities: North of Montana Association (NOMA), Chair Community Emergency Response Team Training, August 2012 Citizens Police Academy, Graduate January 2013.
Kent C. Smith (Filed 1/3/13)
Previous boards: Chair & Board Member, Pier Restoration Corporation 2002-2012. We worked hard to ensure that the pier continues to be one of America’s great public spaces by carefully balancing public and private uses and adding more public events especially those that appeal to local residents.
Activities: 1. Board Member, Business Leaders Task Force to End Chronic Homelessness in LA County a joint initiative of United Way and the LA Chamber. Produced the Home for Good Action Plan which has been endorsed by the City Of Santa Monica and the LA County Board of Supervisors 2. Founding Board Member, LA Streetcar Inc A public/private partnership to bring the streetcar back to downtown Los Angeles.
Frank Judah Gruber (Filed 1/3/13)
Previous boards: 1994-95 Housing Commission, 1995-99 Planning Commission. Also served on School Board Prop. X Oversight Committee, 1999-2000.
Activities: Member: Ocean Park Association; Santa Monica Conservancy; Santa Monica History Museum; Santa Monicans for Renters Rights; Board Member, Ocean Park Community Organization, 1993-95; Columnist, Santa Monica Lookout News, 2000-11.
Armen Melkonians (Filed 1/2/13)
Previous boards: None.
Qualifications (no activities listed): As a licensed Professional Civil and Environmental Engineer, my experience and training will provide the missing technical link on the Planning Commission that is needed at this time. As we are beginning to implement the goals and policies of the 2010 LUCE, finalizing the Bergamot and Downtown Area Specific Plans, and rewriting and modifying our new zoning laws, my unique and technical skill set will be an asset and benefit to the Planning Commission and to Santa Monica as a whole.
Leslie Lambert (Filed 12/27/12)
Previous boards: Santa Monica Rent Control Board 1981-1987 Santa Monica Planning Commission 1987-1990.
Activities: Member, Board of Directors, Clinica Monsignor Oscar A. Romero Member, LA Conservancy and Docent Trainee for Downtown Walking Tours Member, Santa Monicans for Renters Rights.
Jodi Summers (Filed 12/24/12)
Previous boards: Communications Director, Ocean Park Association.
Activities: Action Apartment Association of Westside income property owners, the Santa Monica Conservancy historic preservation society, The Ocean Park Association, the Friends of Sunset Park community group, Beverly Hills + Greater West Side Association of Realtors, the American Solar Energy Society, Sierra Club, California Parks Association and the Culver City Rock & Mineral Club.
Renee Weitzer (Filed 12/18/12)
Previous boards: None.
Qualifications (no activities listed): Having lived in the City of Santa Monica for 12 years, and owning a business in the City for 30 years, I have strong ties to this wonderful community. With a background in planning and land use, I have worked on specific and community plans and other land use matters on behalf of the City of Los Angeles and have presented before commissions, councils and homeowner groups. Additionally, I have served as the president of a local homeowner organization.
Laurence Eubank (Filed 12/17/12)
Previous boards: None.
Activities: Wimont Neighborhood Coalition Board Member.
Qualifications: 35 Years Self-Employed Residential and Commercial Construction; Real Estate Development; Investment Banking; Business Restructuring BS Michigan State University 1970.
Valerie Griffin (Filed 12/6/12)
Previous boards: None.
Activities: Member, Wilshire/Montana Neighborhood Coalition. Until recently, I was a Board member and served as Chair for almost three years. During that time, membership increased and we held single-issue forums on Long-Term Care Housing and on Transportation. Member, Neighborhood Council. Member, Chamber of Commerce. I serve on the Land-Use Committee and Government Affairs Committee.
