Greater Wilshire Neighbors for Progress

-for Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council-

Fighting for a Greater Wilshire that works for Us All

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What is a neighborhood Council?


LA’s 99 Neighborhood Councils together form the grassroots level of the Los Angeles City government. The system was created to connect LA’s diverse communities to City Hall, and was established in 1999 by an amendment to the City Charter. While Neighborhood Council board members are volunteers, they are public officials elected to office by the members of their community.

Neighborhood Councils advocate on issues like homelessness, housing, land use, emergency preparedness, public safety, parks, transportation, and sustainability. They also provide local expertise and a local voice on the delivery of City services to their communities.

Each Council holds monthly meetings of their full board, in addition to monthly Committee meetings with a more targeted focus on key issues or projects, like public safety, transportation, homelessness, or land use. All meetings are open to the public.

MEET your NeighborHood Council candidates

Raphie Cantor

Business Representative Candidate

As a worker in the Greater Wilshire area, I know there are many challenges that face the thousands of employees that make our thriving business community strong. Our essential workers have been on the frontlines with little to no hazard pay. Our mass transit desert creates a first/last mile problem that the planned Purple Line extension will only begin to solve. And the exorbitant cost of housing means that many who work in our area cannot afford to live in it. COVID-19 has exposed inequities in our community, and our neighborhood council can be a voice to city hall, to shine a light on the issues that we’ll be facing together, today and tomorrow. That’s why I’m running for Greater Wilshire Business Representative to fight for all workers.

Bailey Benningfield

Renter Representative Candidate

As the Renter Representative for Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council (GWNC), I will advocate for area renters to our City Council representative, Nithya Raman. I believe in canceling rent for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic and support government aid programs to assist tenants who have fallen behind on rent during this crisis. I will also advocate for an expansion of rent stabilization as well as the construction of publicly controlled housing funded by taxes on developers and corporate landlords.

Kathryn Burke

Area 7 Larchmont Candidate

I love Larchmont. I live here, I’ve worked here. I am committed to being a force in creating a healthier, safer, and more just Los Angeles. To me, that means encouraging greater civic participation and amplifying our neighbors’ voices on the City policies that affect us. It means pushing for solutions to our housing crisis. It means thinking critically about how to mitigate the effects of climate change at a local level. I know that creative solutions exist to even our most intractable problems. Now is an inflection point in our country and our city. We can take this opportunity to reimagine what Los Angeles, and the Greater Wilshire neighborhoods, can be. No matter how small, our voices matter. That is why I am running for neighborhood council.

April Hannon

At Large Representative Candidate


Hi everyone! I am a Special Education teacher and a resident of Sycamore Square. As a renter, teacher and resident of the Greater Wilshire Area, I would like to make sure that the Neighborhood council has a visible presence in our area, and residents have access to all of the information and resources that are given to the council. As a representative on your neighborhood council I would work to make sure teachers, essential workers, and residents in the Greater Wilshire Area have access to the most up-to-date information regarding covid vaccinations. I also want to advocate for building coalitions among LA's neighborhood councils to help our houseless neighbors in the Greater Wilshire Area and surrounding neighborhoods. I would advocate for more housing units in the Greater Wilshire Area that meet the current California Building Code, ADA Requirements, and Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards. I am interested in making sure that our neighborhood is a truly inclusive place where residents can actively participate in the local decisions that affect our lives.That's why I am running for At-large representative for the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council

Juan Portillo

Area 12 Western-Wilton Candidate

I am a first generation Latinx Non-profit Data Analyst who grew up in Greater Wilshire – Los Angeles. I attended LAUSD public schools but observed the stark contrast in educational opportunities and community investment based on zip code. Immediately after graduating from University of California Riverside with a degree in Psychology, I enrolled in AmeriCorps where my experience influenced my decision to pursue a career championing equitable education for all students. I honed a dream to serve my city, neighbors, and fight for a better future for my daughter. I worked with LAUSD, the City of Hawthorne, and currently for Leadership for Educational Equity performing data analysis and community outreach. As your Geographic Area Director, I will act to unify neighborhood goals, fight for equitable opportunities, and be an amplified voice for Western-Wilton.


Bindhu Varghese

Area 9 Oakwood-Maplewood-St. Andrews Candidate

I am a mother of two, attorney, and social justice advocate deeply rooted in my neighborhood. In the seven years living in Area 9 – the Maplewood/Oakwood/St. Andrews pocket – I have experienced its continuing transformation. During a time of rapid evolution and unique challenges, I believe in ensuring that every voice is heard, that development in our neighborhood is thoughtful, and that equity amongst all our community members is prioritized, all while caring for our streets, parks, and air. I am a fervent believer in the power of civic engagement and want community members to feel empowered to reach out, speak up, and lead. As your Geographic Area Director, I will act as a liaison between the residents of Area 9 and Greater Wilshire NC, and advocate on the issues that matter most to our neighborhood.

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