SONC's Candidate
Information Guide

Use this guide to navigate the Neighborhood Council Candidate Registration and Election Process:


  • A message from SONC President
  • Important Resources
  • Election Checklist
  • Video testimonials of Board members TELLING IT ALL!
  • SONC's Monthly Board Meeting
  • SONC FAQ's

Message from the President
Jeffrey Hartsough
Welcome to Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council (SONC) Candidate Information Guide.

Thank you for being an interested Candidate and an involved member of the Sherman Oaks community!
Elections in
Sherman Oaks?! 
We need you.

On May 11, 2021, elections will be held for the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council (SONC). To have elections, we need candidates running for office. That’s where you come in.

Think about your name on the ballot. OK, you aren’t there yet. We understand. You have questions. Don’t know much about SONC – what it does, how it works. That’s OK.
Jeffrey Hartsough
President of SONC
Community Interest 2
Here’s some background information
about Neighborhood Councils (NCs)

NCs represent the community and advocate for their communities in City Hall. NC boards are elected members of the community, the community they care about. NC elections are held every two years – the next elections are this Spring 2021. The last date to file to be a candidate is February 23, 2021, 5pm. 14 seats on the SONC board are up for election – you could run for one of those.

Thanks for getting involved and helping make Sherman Oaks a better community. If you know of someone who might be interested or if you think they’d make a great candidate -- please pass this guide along.

If you have other questions? Please email SONC:

Candidate Information Sessions
February 12th, 13th, 14th, 2021

Get your questions answered. 

Days, Date & Times:
Friday, February 12th, at 7:00pm
Saturday, February 13th, at 2:00pm
Sunday, February 14th, at 4:00pm

The Candidate Information Sessions
will be held on the virtual Zoom platform:
Webinar ID: 876 9420 5330
To access these information sessions
By PC/smartphone – Click or Cut and Paste: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87694205330
By Telephone: 1-833-548-0282 enter 876 9420 5330 #

Mark your calendar. Attend. Ask questions. Learn. 
And then, think again about your name on the ballot.

To RSVP (optional) for SONC Candidate Sessions please email @ [email protected]


Election Check List

  • RSVP For Candidate Information Session with SONC
  • Check out Resources & Links in this guide
  • Register as a Candidate
  • Refer to City Clerk's recommendations for campaigning
  • Sign up for ENS
  • Attend SONC Meetings

Here are some additional links
for you to explore to learn more
about the NC Elections

EmpowerLA's Candidate Info Video: 
 
EmpowerLA's Candidate Info Brochure: 
 
EmpowerLA's Candidate Info Sessions:

Register below to Run for Office:
NC Elections are administered by the LA City Clerk,
The City Clerk’s site provides details about eligibility and how to file to be a candidate.


Thanks for getting involved and helping make Sherman Oaks a better community. If you know of someone who might be interested or if you think they’d make a great candidate -- please pass this guide along.

If you have other questions? Please email SONC:



SONC Map and Seats Open for Election

The map below shows the SONC boundaries. There are 3 open seats up for election in each of Areas 1, 3, 5, and 7 and 1 open seat up for election in both Areas 2 and 6.

To determine which area you live in, follow the boundaries around your address. Questions? Email us!


You'll never believe what these
Board Members have to say!

Not for the faint of heart.

Step-up & run! Don't get caught up being apathetic towards decisions that are being made about your neighborhood streets, schools & community.

What can YOU do to get started?

  • Attend SONC Board Meetings
  • Attend SONC Committee Meetings
  • Attend SONC's Candidate Information Sessions
  • Subscribe to the Electronic Notification System
  • Question's? Email [email protected]

Run for Office! Now more than ever
is it essential to use your voice
to elevate your community!

Visit SONC's Youtube Channel for more testimonials from SONC's Board members who share their stories & experience working in the Neighborhood Council system. 


Zoom Credentials -- SONC Board Meeting

The agenda will be available on February 5th, 2021 on the SONC website, www.shermanoaksnc.org. 

The Access information for SONC meetings is unique for each meeting.

To join SONC's virtual board meeting on
February 8th, 2021 at 6:30pm.


By Telephone:
1-669-900-6833, enter 85140543942 #

By the Internet:
(1) Follow link:
(2) Press “Enter”

Or from a Zoom “Enter the Meeting” Screen:
(1) Enter the Webinar ID: 85140543942
(2) Press “Enter”
(3) Enter your Email Address and Your Name, and
(4) Press “Enter”

Should you have technical questions or issues, please email [email protected].

Subscribe to SONC's 
Electronic Notification System via Department of Neighborhood Empowerment to receive all agendas for both board meetings and committee meetings.

Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council
Frequently Asked Questions


Who can join the
Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council?

Whether you are a stakeholder in Sherman Oaks, or simply an interested party, you can receive our newsletter and special bulletins by signing up for our mailing list. You are encouraged to join a committee and join the effort.


What is SONC's mission?

-To bridge the gap between our stakeholders and local government.

-To engage the broad spectrum of SONC stakeholders for collaboration and deliberation on matters affecting the community including events, issues and projects.

-To work to achieve the objectives or projects that the SONC desires to support.

-To monitor and promote the delivery of City services within Sherman Oaks.

-To promote SONC stakeholder participation and advocacy in City government decision-making processes and to promote greater awareness of and achieve maximum utilization of available resources.

-To be an advocate for the Sherman Oaks community to government and private agencies.

- To present to the Mayor and the City Council a list of SONC priorities for the City budget as per LAAC ordinance #172728 section 1, div. 22.

- To take any other action that is, or may be, authorized for neighborhood councils of the City of Los Angeles.


What are the boundaries
of SONC's jurisdiction?

Mulholland Drive on the South, Burbank Blvd. on the North, 405 FWY on the West, Coldwater Canyon Blvd. on the East to the 101, then the zip code boundary between Studio City and Sherman Oaks on the East.


What is SONC's mailing address?

Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council PO Box 5721 Sherman Oaks, California 91413


Who voted for the independent
Neighborhood Councils to start?

The voters of Los Angeles passed a new City Charter in 1999 which calls for a citywide system of independent neighborhood councils, chosen by the people of the neighborhoods themselves.


What is the purpose of the
Neighborhood Council?

The purpose of neighborhood councils is to promote public participation in City governance and decision-making process so that government is more responsive to local needs and requests. Neighborhood Councils will advise the Mayor, City Council and City Departments on the City budget and will give local residents greater say over the decisions that affect our lives.


What is SONC's purpose?

To promote public participation in City governance and decision-making processes so that government is more responsive to local needs.

Subscribe to SONC's 
Electronic Notification System via Department of Neighborhood Empowerment to receive all agendas for both board meetings and committee meetings.

Get Involved!
What interests you?

If you live, work, own property, own a business or belong to a non-profit organization, school or religious institution in Sherman Oaks, you are a stakeholder in Sherman Oaks. We hold monthly Board of Directors and various committee meetings which you are invited to attend to learn about and participate in your community. Join SONC's Mailing List today.