Candidate for
Council Member; City of South Pasadena

A history of accomplishments

Janet Ervin came to Los Angeles from Chicago as a child. Her father established himself as a successful businessman, while her mother pursued a career in psychology. During her years at University High, Janet held a sales job in a Beverly Hills luggage store where she ultimately became the store manager. She graduated from UCLA with a BA.

Early in her life Janet discovered hard work leads to accomplishments and advancement. Her management skills have been recognized throughout her life.

Following graduation, she:

• worked for LA County and Headstart, as a social worker and as Agency Director

• consulted to the CA Dept of Education, Curriculum Coordinator of a preschool, and Area Director of a 2-county adult education program.

In 1980, Janet started a 22 year career with the City of Los Angeles where she:

• during the 80's, was Planning Director for the City's Department of Aging, where she successfully obtained increased federal allocations for services to seniors and implemented several acclaimed programmatic innovations

• in the early 90's, while working for the Bureau of Engineering, Janet managed many aspects of the City's recovery following the Civil Disturbance and the Northridge earthquake, including the $265 million cleanup budget --- she received commendations from the Board of Public Works and the City Council

• fought successfully to save many historic buildings that were tagged for demolition and negotiated with Caltrans on road issues

• updated the City's polices for disaster recovery; replicated by other cities and countries

• in the late 90's, after a promotion to Community Development Department, she set up a new program based on federal Welfare-to-Work legislation --- with a budget of $63 million and a staff of nine, she managed grant allocations, curriculum development and program operations throughout the City

• throughout her career she helped obtain then managed federal and state grant programs; oversaw department budget management, fiscal and programmatic audits; and performed employee relations functions, including wage and benefit studies, fact findings, arbitrations, grievances, and collective bargaining.

In 2002, she retired and immersed herself in volunteer work in the community:

• serves as Transportation Commissioner, chairperson

• organized the opening festivities for the Gold Line

• represented South Pasadena on the MTA Community Advisory Board

• helps at the Senior Center

• raised funds for Concerts in the Park and the String Orchestra

• promotes our City at various festivals

• mentors young professionals in their careers and provides pro-bono consulting

• recruits participants for our local Relay for Life

• provided ideas to the Mission West Business Association and the New Chamber of Commerce for the enhancement of local businesses.