Meet the Slate

Meet the Slate

Zone Representatives

  • HUNTER BURGARELLA

    Hunter is a long-time resident and local realtor in the Mid City West neighborhood. He currently serves as Second Vice Chair on the Mid City West Neighborhood Council and has been on the council since 2021. He cares deeply about our neighborhood and consistently fights for the priorities his fellow residents (renters, homeowners and business owners) care most about, with their values top of mind. Hunter has consistently been an independent voice on the council and was one of the few to vote against the Television City Expansion Project.

    His top priorities are neighborhood safety, relocating the unhoused off our streets and into housing and continuing to support our local community organizations.

  • BOB SHORE

    Statement Pending

  • SHAWN DHANAK

    I proudly put my name forward to be your Zone 4 representative and humbly ask for your vote. This is the best neighborhood in Los Angeles, and I’m committed to advocating for solutions that keep it a great place to live, work, and play.

    I bring years of experience in government and advocacy, having worked for leaders like U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and as California Press Secretary for The Sierra Club. I helped lead the 2020 Census campaign to encourage participation and have worked with the Mid City West Board on equitable solutions to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers and reduce noise and air pollution.

    I’m passionate about promoting affordable housing, protecting renters’ rights, improving public safety, and making our streets safer for all. I’m eager to continue connecting residents to city services, amplifying diverse voices, and building a more vibrant, inclusive community.

    I’d be honored to earn your support.

Homeowners

  • VALERIE JAFFEE WASHBURN

    Statement Pending

  • CHRIS DOWER

    Statement Pending

  • DON WHITEHEAD

    I am running for reelection as a Homeowner Member of the Mid City West Neighborhood Council. Over my years on the council, I have served on the Public Policy, Communications & Outreach, Arts & Recreation, and Planning & Land Use committees. I have lived in Mid City West well over half my life and been a homeowner in the area for about 40 years. I went to nearby public schools (Wilshire Crest, John Burroughs and LA High) and then attended Occidental College. I later received an MBA from the UCLA Executive MBA program. I had a varied career in politics and government, marketing and advertising, newspapers and free-lance writing. For the past several years much of my time has been devoted to volunteer work, with Mid City West and as a docent at two museums. I toured school children a LACMA for a decade and now lead in-person and online student tours at the Los Angeles Holocaust Museum.

Renters

  • HENRY MANTEL

    My name is Henry Mantel, I'm a native Angelino, a Tenants' Rights Attorney, and thrilled to be running for re-election for Mid-City West Neighborhood Council. I'm passionate about housing, public transportation, green spaces, and making Los Angeles the best city it can possibly be. Mid-City West is an incredible neighborhood and I want everyone to feel welcome and safe while making sure renters have a voice on the council. In a district like ours, where thousands of people rent, having someone who understands tenants' rights and the immense scale of the housing crisis is essential. I hope I can count on your vote.

  • LYNDA LA ROSE

    Hello, my name is Lynda La Rose, Mid City West resident and MCWNC Board Member since 2020. I'm running for the Renter's Representative seat. I am passionate about being a board member and believe in leaving my neighborhood a little better than how I found it. Currently I'm a committee chair on two committees (Homelessness, Refugees and Renters' Rights and Social and Racial Equity Committee) and love what I do. Some of the project I'm proud to have worked on this past term was the Homeless Count, Juneteenth Event and a Request For Action statement against antisemitism. I look forward to serving another term and humbly ask for your vote.

  • TYLER MATHEWS

    I currently serve as a renters representative, appointed by the Neighborhood Council Board. I have a Master’s in Urban Planning from the University of Southern California and have lived in Mid City West for six years. You may see me around the neighborhood walking with my wife and our dog to Pan Pacific Park or biking to SK’s donuts. My goal is to make the cost of living more affordable. I do that by supporting affordable housing in our neighborhood and working with Council District 5’s office to ban rent-setting algorithms. In my role, I have engaged other council members on proposals to efficiently store renewable energy to power our city’s grid. Additionally, I want to ensure that the City implements measures such as HLA (Healthy Streets LA) and ULA (United to House LA) to make our streets safer and provide shelter for our unhoused neighbors. I’ve been honored to serve Mid City West and want to continue my efforts to make our community a leader in sustainability and equity.

  • RAMIRO CASTRO, JR.

    Ramiro Castro Jr. is a results-driven leader with over 12 years of experience managing production and post-production pipelines for Comedy Central, Amazon Prime, and the Travel Channel. As Chair of the Film, Arts, and Recreation Committee for the Mid City West Neighborhood Council, he secured funding for impactful community events, including the Hollywood Fringe Festival, the Groundlings Diversity Festival, and festivities at Pan Pacific and Poinsettia Park. He facilitated partnerships with organizations like The Academy Museum and Rogue Machine to enhance outreach and visibility for local arts. Professionally, Ramiro has led global teams, streamlined operations, and delivered cost-saving solutions to Headspace and is currently a Project Manager for Soluna, CA's free mental health app for 13-25-year-olds. His ability to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and champion inclusive community initiatives uniquely positions him to advocate for renters and the Mid City West community.

  • SARA GRIEBE

    Statement Pending

Community Organizations

  • LAUREN BORCHARD

    As a fifth generation Southern Californian, I am deeply invested in the past, present and future of this community. My professional background includes community organization and activism on behalf of the 2008 Obama Campaign, the Affordable Care Act, and housing advocacy. I have a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in environmental planning and design. In my three terms on the Mid City West Community Council, I found our work to be both educational and rewarding. It has provided me with the opportunity to combine my professional and educational background to tackle issues in our community related to transportation and housing with the interests of social equity, environmentalism, and economic development in mind. I am passionate about the future of our vibrant city and am enthusiastic to continue on a path that allows for me to contribute to improving the fabric of our community in a more substantial manner.

Business Representative

  • HOLLY ALSOP

    Candidate Statement for Holly Alsop – Business Representative, Mid City West Neighborhood Council My name is Holly Alsop, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the position of Business Representative on the Mid City West Neighborhood Council. As a dedicated business professional and community advocate, I am passionate about fostering a thriving, connected, and vibrant neighborhood where businesses and residents can succeed together. With years of experience managing and supporting local businesses, I have seen firsthand how collaboration, innovation, and effective advocacy can create opportunity and growth. I understand the challenges business owners face and am committed to ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping policies that promote prosperity and sustainability in our area. If elected, I will advocate for initiatives that support small and independent businesses, including access to city resources

Youth Representative

  • SONYA TUROFF

    I’m Sonya and I’m proud to be running for re-election as Youth Representative! I live in Carthay Circle with my family and two rescue dogs and I’m a LAUSD high school sophomore. I’m an active member of the Arts & Rec committee and manage MCW’s social media, highlighting all the incredible things happening in our area. I’m passionate about historic preservation and community service. This summer I was a fellow for the LA Conservancy, and I interned at the State Capital in Sacramento gaining insight into the vital role of local organizations such as MCW. I enjoy training for the LA marathon and you can often find me thrifting on Melrose and enjoying concerts at LACMA. Whether exploring by bus, bike, or running, I love my neighborhood and want to make it the best it can be. I would be honored to continue to serve you as Youth Representative. I look forward to providing a voice for young people as we strengthen our community and make meaningful connections between neighbors. Thank you!

At Large

  • CHRISTINA MONDY

    Christina Mondy has been a proud Angeleno for over 10 years. She became involved in LA City politics after realizing how much positive change can be enacted at the local level. She works for an environmental nonprofit and has volunteered for numerous progressive city council campaigns, mutual aid organizations, and animal rescues. In 2023, she was elected to the Mid City West NC Board and currently serves on the Transportation and Sustainability Committee as well as the Social and Racial Equity Committee. If reelected, she will continue to boldly advocate for a government that works to uplift vulnerable communities instead of penalizing them. She will continue to lead with empathy for the unhoused community, work on improving public transit, fight for affordable housing, advocate for marginalized folks, and stand up against corporate interests...'cause they not like us.

  • CHRISTIAN LA MONT

    Christian La Mont is an outdoor and parks advocate and digital communications professional and a passionate proponent for equity, kindness, and compassion within the Mid City West community. With prior experience serving on the Mid City West Neighborhood Council, La Mont has a growing track record of civic engagement and has learned how the NC system works while working with others to build coalitions and push for common-sense and compassionate solutions to the needs of the neighborhood. Christian is committed to supporting the arts, fostering a vibrant neighborhood culture, and preparing Mid City West to thrive as an Olympic, World Cup, and tourist-ready destination. He looks forward to working closely with MCW NC committees, residents, and city agencies to enhance disaster preparedness and emergency response. He loves Mid City West's unique character and is dedicated to ensuring it remains a thriving, inclusive, and forward-looking neighborhood for all.

  • JULIAN STERN

    Statement Pending

  • JENNY DA

    Statement Pending

  • JAWHARA TARIQ

    Hello, I'm Jawhara and I’m honored to run for Member-at-Large on the Mid City West Neighborhood Council. Born in Long Beach and a proud UCLA grad, I’ve been deeply connected to LA County my entire life. My family has built and existed in this region for years, and I am committed to continuing that legacy of service and progress. With a background in urban planning and my current role in corporate development for an entertainment company, I bring both a strategic vision and a practical understanding of the complexities of Los Angeles. I am running because I believe in an LA that offers opportunity for everyone. I aim to ensure that Mid City West—particularly the Melrose/Fairfax area—remains an inclusive and thriving community for businesses and residents, regardless of race, background, or faith. I am focused on enhancing pedestrian safety, especially near Fairfax High, and uniting our community through events and initiatives promoting cleaner, safer streets for all.

  • DAVID MANN

    Hello my fellow community members. Every vote counts and I would like yours. I'm an artist/activist who has presented and produced cultural events in our area including The Miracle Mile Artwalk, Contemporary Dance at LACMA, Dance at the Berlin Wall Panels, a collaborative event with UCLA's Dance Dept, and the Wende Museum in Culver City. Both UCLA and the Wende Museum are within our CD5 district, and are looking forward to continuing our efforts to bring these two fine institutions into our family of the Miracle Mile Museums. And let's take another look at our historic 1920's single family homes, as addressing our need for more housing while strengthening family unity. Re-purpose attics, garages, and stand alone ADU's to reunite family members, living together but separate. This 3G multi-generational living model is practiced around the world, in which the "Grandchild sits at the foot of the Grandparent receiving decades of accumulated knowledge." Come join us and make a difference.

  • AMY GOLDENBERG

    Statement Pending

  • JENNY MATKOVICH

    I have called this neighborhood home for the past seven years, and my husband and I are proud condo owners on Cloverdale. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed getting involved in the community—attending neighborhood socials, participating in trash cleanups on Wilshire, and joining our local run club. Professionally, I serve as Vice President of Marketing and Communications for a small tech company, working remotely. This flexibility allows me to stay engaged in local initiatives and invest my time in making our neighborhood an even better place to live, visit, and enjoy. I believe in a future where our community thrives—a cleaner, more welcoming environment that embraces public transit improvements like the Metro and bus system while fostering a strong sense of connection among residents. If elected, I will work to ensure our neighborhood remains inclusive, vibrant, and forward-thinking, making a positive impact in people’s lives.

  • ARIANNA MISKIN

    Currently serving her first term as a member of the MCWNC, Arianna is passionate about continuing to serve her community. While on the Neighborhood Council, Arianna has assisted with the Homeless PIT count, has attended many events and meetings, and has worked with her fellow Councilmembers to make our community a better place to live. Arianna works in Government Relations at USC and has lived in Miracle Mile for over 3 years now. She is a former LA City Council staffer and continues to be passionate about city service. A strong advocate for safer and cleaner streets - for pedestrians and bikers alike - as well as a car owner and excited-future-Purple-Line-rider, Arianna can be seen at neighborhood council meetings pestering Ned, our Metro Rep. Arianna is excited to rejoin the NC for another year to ensure that the MCW region remains a great place to live and only improves. She finds great joy in the service of others and hopes to earn your vote, and your confidence, for her service.

  • ANNA MAYER DOWER

    Statement and Picture Pending

  • PATRICK VUKOVICH

    I've spent 20 years as a resident of Mid City West telling everyone this is the BEST part of town. The central location, food, entertainment, museums, and shopping make it an ideal spot for locals and visitors alike. I want to give back and serve my neighbors, joining the great work of our NC to help Mid City West become as functional, equitable, and enjoyable as possible for everyone. As a tour guide, I think of myself as a 1-person welcome team for the city. I hope to join the council with the same mindset. Travelers like myself know nothing is quite as welcoming in a big city than a neighborhood that is full of activity and engaged residents, and one that is easy to navigate (especially without a car). I look forward to helping Mid City West become even more of a place that people love for an afternoon, a vacation, or for life.