Candidate for
Council Member; City of Palos Verdes Estates

Personal Details:

Virginia is first and foremost a "people" person who enjoys delving into the inner workings of whatever organization she is dealing with, whether it be the Board of Realtors, neighborhood organizations, schools, or in this case the Palos Verdes Estates City Council. Coming from a large family, she is used to rolling up her sleeves and working hard while giving and compromising. Moving to Palos Verdes in 1982, she had been a single mom while raising her two daughters. During those years while working in real estate, she found time to be involved in her daughters' schools and local organizations as well as be president of the Board of Realtors.

She has finished raising her two daughters and gotten even more involved as a volunteer both for her community and profession. As chair of the PVE Independence Day celebration, she has enjoyed introducing people to this celebration of Americanism and family unity. Her love of the city gave her a sense that she wanted to give back to all the wonderful people that live here. In that vein she has been president of Neighborhood Watch, worked on committees like the PVE traffic committee, the Lunada Bay Homeowners Association, the PVE 50th Jubilee, and more. She felt it an honor to be asked to be on the committee for the Memorial Garden because she not only wanted a fitting tribute to the fallen officers but also wanted to beautify that corner.

In Neighborhood Watch her particular emphasis was on disaster preparedness, growing from her concern for our isolated community should the "big one" occur. Her concern for the growing amount of traffic passing through PVE meant she volunteered to serve on the city's traffic committee. If there has been a need, Virginia has been ready to be involved and to apply her problem-solving approach. She has done all of this with grace and respect for all the citizens of the city. Her unique position as someone who lives and works in the city is a real advantage and gives her many skills to help on the council.

Virginia has also been asked over and over again to chair fundraising events for charities. They always seem to be successful because her approach is one of methodical action with inclusion of everyone involved. Virginia's commitment always means a special bit of fun is involved because of her infectious enthusiasm. Her single-mindedness and business-like approach ensure a success.

Virginia has been urged to run for city council many times because of her involvement in local issues, but it has not been until now that she felt she had the time to serve. Her daughters are successfully raised (and cheering Mom on from the sidelines); she is happily married to Les Fishman, a local realtor (who is also cheering from the frontline); and she feels that her unique skills and talents can bring an added balance to the city council. Virginia has been working for the betterment of the community for the last 19 years and is a successful businesswoman. She has a broad base of support and knows the city inside and out. She loves the city and is running as a way of giving back to the community.