The East Village Association is holding its board election on Wednesday, March 20th. The vote is taking place at 7 PM, at Bliss 525, located at 525 East Broadway. Recent coverage of the EVA has included questions about certain fundraising practices, questions about the organization’s bylaws, and an eleventh hour shift by the board to make the organization more responsive to many community concerns.
None of the current board members, including EVA co-founder Phil Appleby, are seeking re-election to the board. A group of business owners, artists, and residents have come forward to lead the organization. Each, as part of the nomination process, submitted a candidate statement. I reached out to each of the nominees and asked them a few additional questions, which will be included here. Some candidates did not respond, and some chose not to answer the additional questions.
Here is a list of board positions, and the nominees for each position. Note that some people are listed more than once, because they were nominated for multiple positions.
President: Marek Dzida, Lisa A. Hernandez, Sumako, Amir Zee Vice President: Marek Dzida, Lisa A. Hernandez Secretary: MaDonna Morrissey Treasurer: Marek Dzida, Moriah Sembower Business Relations/Community Outreach: Jose Cordon, Linda Dragga, Justina Fenton, Ashley Green, Lisa A. Hernandez, Anne Proffit Communications: Amy Tanaka
Candidate Statements
Amir Zee Zolghadr: Hi, my name is Amir Zee Zolghadr, co-owner of Utopia Restaurant, real estate broker at Main Street Realtors, and diligent blogger. I have worked as a civil and sanitary environmental engineer with Morrison Knudson, Orange County Transportation Authority, and the Denver International Airport. These experiences have helped me to become an expert in teamwork, communication and empowerment, and have enriched my deep understanding and commitment to unity throughout the community, professionally and otherwise.
Amy Tanaka: I am currently running for the Communications position for the 2013 East Village Arts District Board of Directors. As an artist, employee, volunteer, and resident in the city of Long Beach, I am interested in establishing my roots into the East Village Arts community. A series of community partnerships, and a personal passion to invest time in local nonprofits, businesses, and people has inspired me to run for the communications position to continue forming and solidifying these relationships.
Communication is key for community involvement and accountability. Sharing information ensures transparency, trust, and an open door policy for ideas and growth. For the past four years in Long Beach, I have held positions in the job and nonprofit sector that has allowed me to be the voice for not only people, news and events, but for social change. I hope to provide my skills in online social media marketing, event coordinating, newsletter writing, creativity and graphic design to help build stronger bridges amongst my EVA neighbors and the rest of Long Beach.
Anne Proffit: The East Village is my “forever” home, as I own a condo at The Lafayette and intend to stay here. Making this community a better place to live and work is my passion and, for that reason I submitted my name as the East Village Association (EVA) Board of Directors representative for community advocacy.
The East Village is a wonderful place to live and do business. As a working photojournalist specializing in motorsports, I telecommute much of the time, so I do actually live and work here. I also attempt to make the bulk of my purchases in the area to support those that have invested in the East Village.
The EVA’s reputation needs to be repaired in the community through true transparency – which it certainly does not have with the current administration. We need a Board of Directors that will advise the community of what it does with donated monies (such as the combined DLBA $14,000 grant of 2011-2012).
The new Board must keep the overall community’s well-being in prime consideration, with programs and events that benefit most if not all in the East Village. It would be my privilege and honor to assist a new EVA in achieving these easily assumable ideologies.
Ashley-Dominique Green: I feel I am already the Face of The Village Grind and I’d love to be the Face of East Village .I am professional and fun and I enjoy walking around the neighborhood, greeting all the people and businesses. I would be excited to be on the board and to be in this position. Not only would I be enthusiastic about delivering any updates of information, but I’d also be able to lend all of my skills and ideas. I have amazing resources as well; Dj’s, Bands, Sound Engineer, Photographers, Models, Graphic Designers, Web Designers, Promoters and more. Also i just love getting out of the house and the shop!
Justina Fenton: I know I can be a positive advocate for Business Relations and Community Outreach. Owning and working in a corner bakery in the East Village, Iím highly motivated to bring businesses together in a close-knit community of merchants, neighbors, and visitors. A graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, Iím a pastry chef by trade and have a previous career in fine dining in San Francisco, Orange County and around Los Angeles . Itís been my dream for more than 10 years to have a bakery in Long Beach. Iím very proud to be on the corner of 3rd and Elm and love that I get to work with my little sisters every day. I see the East Village beginning to thrive with new businesses and new neighbors and would be honored to sit on the board of the East Village Association and help put the East Village Arts District on the map.
Linda Dragga: I am happy to assume a more formal role in nurturing development of the East Village if others feel I could be effective in the position of Business Relations and Community Outreach. I have time and an inclination to meet others and facilitate relations among residents, business owners, and city officials. My husband and I want to be part of a thriving community. I have attended 3 EVA meetings since moving to Long Beach in August, 2012.
Prior to our move, my position as a Speech-Language Pathologist in a school setting for 25 years required good verbal and written communication skills. It also required me to listen for and respond to various concerns of others. I enjoy finding common ground and discovering win-win projects.
I have met many local business owners and devoted quite a bit of my time to volunteer activities around the East Village during the past 6 months. Recently, I coordinated a Marathon Reading of Grimmsí Fairy Tales, a collaboration among 17 business owners, Cal State University representatives, and several individuals in the East Village. I look forward to organizing or participating in future collaborative activities intended to benefit this community.
Lisa A. Hernandez: The primary reasons I am running for a position on the East Village Association (EVA) Board of Directors is because the association is in need of individuals who understand the importance of “inclusion” versus “exclusion” in order to build a stronger community and to help restore the integrity of the EVA.
I have over 35 years of business and work experience, that include Non-Profit, HOA & Corporate Board of Director positions, restaurant & bar operations, property management (both commercial & residential), event planning & business promotions, inventory management, human resources, legal research and forensic audit work. I have established business and personal relationships with many members in the East Village community and have attended various Long Beach Downtown meetings that include the DRC (Downtown Residential Council), City Council and DLBA.
MaDonna Morrissey: I am volunteering to serve as the East Village Association’s Board Secretary. I was the previous secretary but resigned about this time last year because I felt the Board could do more the the neighborhood.
I have 30 years business experience in Retail (Nutrition) and Transportation (container vessels). My 90802 zip code has not changed in 32 years. I have a degree in Communications from Cal State Long Beach.
My college Debate experience taught me to record speech quickly and in detail. I type 80 wpm. I have lived in the East Village for almost 7 years and have made many friends and acquaintances. I know what my issues are and I have learned that my neighbors have similar concerns. United under focused and dedicated leadership, we can change and improve conditions in the community.
Marek Dzida: The growth of an Art District in the East Village is very important for my personal and professional adventures. Working with others in shaping the future of Long Beach would be a creative concept, which will enrich everyone.
Sumako: As a 16 year resident of the East Village and business man in the arts, I see many opportunities to create new community connections and restore the EVAís legitimacy as a neighborhood association that represents our residents, businesses, and our artist community.
Through promoting artists, I have worked with a diverse cross section of business owners, non profits, residents and political affiliations. My beginnings in art promotion started while managing Koos, a non profit community art and performance center right here in the East Village. Today I have built relationships in the arts from the Arts Council to the Bixby Knolls BIA.
I am passionate about Long Beach politics. I fought for expanded community involvement with the DLBAís PBID renewal process, and managed Janet Ballantyneís second district City Council campaign, which garnered more than 30% of the vote in just 8 weeks.
I believe that, together, we can strive for excellence. It is important to always want more, reach out for more, in regards to building a stronger community. It is this drive, along with being a resident and artist that truly makes me a unique candidate for President of the East Village Association
What is the East Village district’s most significant asset, and why?††
Amir Zee Zolghadr: I think People ìresidents & business ownersî are the most significant asset of our village. I believe we have the most talented, intelligent and unique business owners and residents in our village. I will utilize our members to create the most dynamic and friendly neighborhood in Long Beach.
Anne Proffit: The people that live and work here in the East Village are its greatest asset. If you want to get into physical property, it’s the Arts Park that’s so terribly under-used. I hate walking by and seeing that area padlocked.
Ashley-Dominique Green: I believe the unique art, stores, and people are what make The East Village an interesting place to be. Also all of our historic buildings are quite amazing.
Linda Dragga: The architecture and history of many of the buildings in the East Village provide a charming setting for both residents and businesses. The relaxed ìvillageî atmosphere provides a great counterpoint to the nearby bustle of the Promenade and Pine Avenue.
Lisa A. Hernandez: The most significant asset is the business owners & residents. Located within architecturally historic buildings are artists, small business owners and galleries who truly make the neighborhood the “cultural heart” of the city.
MaDonna Morrissey: The artists and the people that support them are the East Village’s most significant asset. They are the draw or could be. The 2nd Saturday Art Walk hasn’t survived these many (12?) years because it can’t draw people to the East Village. Many of us witnessed the numerous attempts by the powerful to usurp the event. The oldest arts organization in Long Beach, The Long Beach Arts, was a major draw for years. It drew entries from around the country and the world. It is now banished to the far northern border of Long Beach. No longer can we accept “we support artists” and then learn it is all about real estate.
Marek Dzida: We are. Residents, business owners, visitors and working professionals who care about our City. All what happens, happens because someone dedicates time, passion and work to it.
Sumako: The most significant or valuable asset in the East Village is really the community. Those who are a part of this vibrant culture are energized, from residents to business owners to artists, all want the East Village thrive and be the best that it can be. There is more energy then ever to have a voice in the new direction of this district. Stakeholders have rose up and spoken. This community wants organizational accountability and transparency in their neighborhood association. The strong spirit of the stakeholders in the East Village Arts District is what makes the community a very significant asset.
What is the area’s most significant challenge, and why?
Amir Zee Zolghadr: The most significant challenge is to show case history of East Village. We are lucky to have valuable historic site, such as Cooper Arms, Lafayette, Villa Rivera & Artaban building. I will work with (HSLB) Historic Society of Long Beach historic to expose history of our village.
Anne Proffit: The biggest challenge is undoing the work of the previous EVA administration and working to gain the support of everyone that lives and works in the area – but not the area beyond the East Village, as has been suggested by the current administration that’s about to depart.
Ashley-Dominique Green: I think that signage is lacking in the area, we don’t have any sign or banners that indicate you are in the East Village. Also we need to make this area a destination and find a way to connect with shoreline and the Pike.
Linda Dragga: Many residents and business owners donít particularly identify themselves as being part of the East Village. Awareness of the boundaries (Long Beach Blvd to Alamitos and Ocean to 7th) is weak. Street lighting is inconsistent with some areas being well lit, but stretches of poor lighting in between, which discourages evening strollers from moving comfortably throughout the village. While references to The East Village can be found on some websites (e.g., Heritage Society and Convention and Visitors Bureau) descriptions that might invite pride or draw in visitors are not fully in place.
Lisa A. Hernandez: The most significant challenge is rebuilding the integrity of the East Village Association. Much of the apathy and disconnection within the neighborhood is primarily due to the exclusionary attitude towards residents and businesses outside the 1st & Linden areas.
MaDonna Morrissey: Absentee landlords, slum lords and unpermitted/unsafe construction. It is ruining the East Village. Talk to your neighbors. It is not just you.
Marek Dzida: Must be the creation of new ways we communicate, and exchange ideas. East Village has all great assets ready to be transformed into quality experiences. Somehow, the dots have not been connected well yet.
Sumako: While there have been improvements to the neighborhood in the last 15 years, including the stable expansion of both dining and retail businesses, some problems persist. Perhaps the most important challenges for the EVA itself are a lack of organizational transparency, a disconnection from the majority of residents, and inconsistent representation of various business interests. As a neighborhood, we’re still faced with crime and safety issues, cleanliness of sidewalks and streets, sidewalk cycling and, despite being the city’s official ‘arts district,’ a feeling by many resident artists that they’re marginalized.
If elected, how will you address this challenge?
Amir Zee Zolghadr: My intention is to listen carefully to all residents and business owners as to what is important to our village residents and visitors. I will be open to all new ideas. I strongly believe our young residents and business owners are the drivers of this community. No ideas will be ignored, for there is much to learn from each idea.
Anne Proffit: It’s easy to get people involved – all you have to do is find something that suits their needs and desires for the area and have them work on it. Like gardening? Work on the alleyways and that Arts Park. Into developing your business? Work within the EVA to find ways to promote the area to everyone’s best advantage. I’m running as community advocate and I believe many in the community WANT to be involved so we need a transparent EVA.
Ashley-Dominique Green: I am a proactive person. I will not only bring to light the issue the get, but get them fixed by allowing artists and neighbors to be apart of the change. There are plenty of proud Long Beach residents that would be happy to lend their services.
Linda Dragga: If elected, I may find issues of concern that might take precedence, but currently my personal goals are to get information about the East Village posted in the ìCity of Neighborhoodsî section on the Convention and Visitorsí Bureau website, support current efforts being made to create and distribute a map and directory of East Village businesses, expand the content on the EVA website and institute occasional email blasts regarding current events, increase lighting along the dimmer corridors and, perhaps, repeat the existing festoon lighting which is on Linden between 1st and Broadway in some of the other business areas of the East Village to foster cohesiveness, establish regular architectural tours of East Village buildings, and support occasional neighborhood gatherings.
Lisa A Hernandez: If elected, the challenge would be addressed by ensuring that all of the EVA Board members work together to assist the Business Relations/Community Outreach and Communications Directors in reaching out to ALL residents & businesses located within the district boundaries.
MaDonna Morrissey: With a plan agreed upon by the membership and the board. I envision spending a great deal of my time at City Hall and in the City Council’s office.
Marek Dzida: First, being active organizing a wide open forum of communication, such as meetings, mixers and conversations. Then, I would participate in finding resources to create simple to understand, transparent and consistent network of communication that everyone could join.
Sumako: The primary pathway to addressing all of these challenges is the connection with stakeholders. As more residential stakeholders become active participants in the organization and operation of the EVA, it will naturally encourage expanded accountability and openness from the incoming board of directors. Also, it will provide more legitimacy for the organization as it works with the Downtown Residential Council, Downtown Long Beach Associates, council representatives from the first and second districts, and municipal staff. This will help make sure that available resources are effectively utilized.
Should the EVA be focused more on the needs of residents, or businesses, and why?
Amir Zee Zolghadr: Yes, of course we have to focus more on needs and goals of resident and business. I want to create an extended platform for young artists of various mediums to express themselves, thus increasing the energy and potential of the East Village neighborhood to become the hub of art, inspiration, dining, and shopping in downtown Long Beach.
Anne Proffit: Yes! Meaning all of the above. This is a community, not secular pieces of property. Everyone’s needs must be met without favoritism to one side or the other.
Ashley-Dominique Green: This question shouldn’t be asked, both parties are equally important. Every decision should be in the best interest of the entire community.
Linda Dragga: The needs of residents and businesses often overlap; itís a mistake to talk about focusing on one versus the other as though they are completely different. As a resident in the East Village, I wish to be proud of a safe, close-knit community where I can take a stroll or bike ride, make household purchases, enjoy the arts and gather with friends. Good lighting, no empty or neglected storefronts or residences, thriving businesses, and community gatherings that help neighbors get to know each other are all important.
Lisa A. Hernandez: The EVA should be focused on the needs of both because as a unique downtown neighborhood we can only build “unity in our community” through working together.
MaDonna Morrissey: Residents should be our focus. Secondarily, we will support the businesses because a united, informed and determined neighborhood association can direct people to our neighborhood businesses. I do so now.
Marek Dzida: This question suggests a division. Also, it suggests that there is no more than these two groups. The diversity of East Village is far greater than that! How about over 100 different groups? How about a 1000?
Here is the real challenge: how to ignite passions for creation of a better future among as many people as possible? I believe the EVA will focus on improving all walks of life in the East Village if united.
Sumako: The East Village Association is here to serve the needs of residents, resident artists, and businesses equally. With that in mind, the EVA, of recent past, needed quick activation in the business community and in strategic pockets in the East Village.
Today, dining and retail businesses expansion has stabilized. It is time for the EVA to shift its attention to the residents and resident artists in the neighborhood. This is not to stop our focus on businesses but more to expand our attention to all other stakeholders thus developing a cohesive balance in community representation and activation. After all, residents and artists who live dominant the East Villageës population. Active, residential and business participation in the organization will help set better priorities based on what is needed in the district, for example, focusing attention on important district needs as oppose to ìnice to havesî when seeking capital improvement money.
What is exciting about this election is no matter what the outcome will be, we have a variety of talented nominees coming from many different backgrounds. Any combination of these candidates will create a very diverse and proficient board resulting in the best representation for all East Village stakeholders.
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The East Village Association will hold its board election on Wednesday, March 20th. The vote is taking place at 7 PM, at Bliss 525, located at 525 East Broadway.
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