Introductions: Your SPNA Executive Board Members
South Park Neighborhood Association (SPNA) added three members to the executive board in February. The board now consists of seven members who live and play in South Park and are devoted to the livability of our neighborhood. The 2026 Board reorganized in April.
Debra Shrout - Board Chair + Vice-Chair of Livability – Sociability
Moved to South Park: May 2016
After 30 years in St. Louis, my husband Tom and I “retired” to LA for warmer weather and sunshine and more.
I Chose South Park because:
On our list of wants – (1) walkable, walkable, walkable neighborhood because we did not bring a car, (2) also wanted lots of transit options which allows us monthly train trips to Santa Monica to walk the beach, Pantages in Hollywood, Rose Bowl in Pasadena, etc., and (3) a “15-minute neighborhood” where we can get daily necessities and services within a 15-minute walk - to grocery stores, restaurants/bars, doctor/dentist appointments, hair salon, a hospital, pharmacy, library, theater/opera/sports/other entertainment, etc. South Park has it all!
Occupation/Profession:
I spent 36 years in education,- teaching and administration at the high school and college level. Communications, - journalism, speech, and English, -was my field. After retiring from education, Tom and I started a consulting business working with cities and advocacy groups on building coalitions for ballot-initiative improvements across the country. Now, I volunteer in my community!
Why be a part of SPNA?
I believe in community. I am a people person. The more people are working together, the better the outcome. SPNA has all of that – building community, supporting each other, working to make a stronger neighborhood, better living for all, and creating solutions to our problems.
What would you like others to know about South Park?
It is a neighborhood with residents of all flavors. We have small business owners on site who participate in making SP a better neighborhood. We are friendly, we care about people, we are not afraid to work, to support others, nor speak out. What will keep me here? The people.
Marty Goldberg – Treasurer + Vice-Chair of Governance
Moved to South Park: 2016
I live at EVO with my wife, Susie. We raised our four children in The Conejo Valley and after the kids left home, we realized we are city people. We retired and moved to South Park nine years ago.
I Chose South Park because:
South Park was a vibrant, diverse residential community that seemed relatively safe, clean, and had a high walkability rating.
Occupation/Profession:
I am now retired. Previously, I was president of an import/export company within the consumer electronics industry. Now I can travel, ski, bike ride, attend sporting events, and theater, socialize, and spoil my four granddaughters.
Why be a part of SPNA?
I was one of the founding members of SPNA. This is our community. SPNA is how it comes alive. By making it easy to meet neighbors and build real connections, SPNA creates a place that feels safer, friendlier, and more fun to call home. When we know each other, everyone benefits.
What would you like others to know about South Park?
South Park has the friendliest and most caring people. There is even a monthly Dining around Downtown club.
Jeremy Masys, Secretary
Moved to South Park: Returned to LA October 2020
I've lived and worked in DTLA off and on since 2012 and so I remember South Park when it was mostly parking lots.
I Chose South Park because:
I moved to South Park (Aven) in October 2020 after three years of living in Palms, because I very much missed living in DTLA and wanted to be able to walk to work. I immediately fell in love with what South Park had become and in the last five plus years I have developed such an amazing community here, much of which came through hanging out at Hi Def Brewing (now Audio Graph), Prank, the Dining Around Downtown group, and serving on SPNA.
Occupation/Profession:
I am primarily a family law mediator and consulting attorney focused on helping men and women across Los Angeles and all of California resolve their divorce and custody issues from start to finish in a cost-efficient, amicable, and positive manner (more information at masysmediation.com), and I also work as an attorney with RFZ Law located at 9th and Hill.
Why be a part of SPNA?
I decided to be a part of SPNA because I love this neighborhood so much and want to give back to a place that has given me so much, and because I love getting to know and work with my neighbors who have a similar desire to promote community in the neighborhood and do what we can to make it safer, more pleasant, and more communal.
What would you like others to know about South Park?
Contrary to what many people hear about DTLA from both the national and local media, - South Park is a beautiful and friendly place that has more of a small-town feel and sense of community than any other place I have ever lived. I can't walk out the door without seeing a friendly face, and I hope to use my time with SPNA to help everyone who lives and visits South Park feel that sense of warm community.
Michael Robleto, Vice-Chair of Development
Moved to South Park: 2009
I Chose South Park because:
It is one of Los Angeles’ true pocket neighborhoods. It felt like a neighborhood within a city. Walkable streets, independent businesses, historic buildings, and a strong sense of community made it stand out from anywhere else in Downtown.
Occupation/Profession:
I am a real estate advisor specializing in architecturally significant homes and lofts in Los Angeles an in Pre-War and Mid-Century homes on the east side of LA, as well as lofts in Downtown. I serve as Chairman of the Board of Pasadena Heritage and am deeply involved in preservation, architecture, and community-based initiatives across Los Angeles. I believe strong neighborhoods are built through thoughtful stewardship, engaged residents, and support of local businesses.
Why be a part of SPNA?
Neighborhoods do not maintain themselves. They require engaged residents who are willing to advocate, organize, and support thoughtful growth. SPNA provides a direct way to strengthen the quality of life in South Park and ensure our voice is heard.
What would you like others to know about South Park?
South Park is more than high-rises. It is a community of long-term residents, small business owners, and neighbors who genuinely care about where they live. It is walkable, dog-friendly, and one of the most connected urban neighborhoods in Los Angeles. When residents show up and participate, it thrives.
John Nilsson, Vice-Chair of PR and Marketing
Moved to South Park: August 2017.
My wife Enid and I had been previously living in the Eastern Columbia building after moving from Vail, Colorado in 2014.
I Chose South Park because:
Of the sidewalks! Our dogs were uncomfortable on their walks around our old Broadway neighborhood and seemed invigorated when we ventured to South Park. Seriously, we loved the neighborhood vibe of South Park and felt there was tremendous potential in living here.
Occupation/Profession:
I retired in 2014 from a commercial and residential real estate practice in the Vail Valley where we had lived for over 40 years. Enid is an accomplished artist.
Why be a part of SPNA?
A cohesive and cooperative community is a primary function of life happiness. SPNA provides the vehicle for improvement in the environment and living conditions of South Park. SPNA provides a voice in the jungle of local governmental functions and fosters many rewarding relationships and challenges individual creativity.
What would you like others to know about South Park?
The concept of community is alive and well here in South Park. Our streets are teeming with interaction and inclusivity. The many age groups, races, and walks of life are stimulating. We feel connected and interactive here.
Mike Foley Vice-Chair of Livability – Political Advocacy
Moved to South Park: July 2024
I originally moved to Los Angeles from San Francisco in 2013. I spent eight years in West LA before spending a few years in Austin, TX to start my business.
I Chose South Park because:
My wife, Cristina, and I eventually wanted to try Downtown LA living and settled on South Park due to its resident-centric neighborhood feel.
Occupation/Profession:
I am a real estate investor, syndicating and operating commercial property investments in Southern California and Central Texas.
Why be a part of SPNA?
I started with SPNA working on a security initiative for the neighborhood and greatly enjoyed being a part of a team that helps South Park residents feel heard.
What would you like others to know about South Park?
I like to tell those who don't know South Park about its tightknit community. It's rare to find a neighborhood with so many friendly and involved residents that make an effort to say hello and be a friend.
Mike Fullerton, Vice-Chair of Livability – Neighborhood Resilience
Moved to South Park
Early 2025 after living in Washington DC and Seattle before that.
I Chose South Park because:
We chose South Park because it is a walkable urban living neighborhood with value.
Occupation/Profession:
In Washington DC I worked as a technology and security consultant for the Federal Civilian agencies and the Department of Defense along with the Intelligence Community. I lead and work with technology teams that help solve operational challenges with technology solutions. I currently support a space industry startup building autonomous return from space logistics vehicles.
Why be a part of SPNA?
I want to help move our community forward and help make it better for residents and small businesses.
What would you like others to know about South Park?
South Park is a really great neighborhood full of diverse and friendly people.
A reminder that SPNA holds a monthly meeting on the third Tuesday of each month on Zoom. If interested in attending, email spnadtla@gmail.org.