The City of Santa Clarita released the names of applicants for the planning commission, after an “unscheduled vacancy” with the departure of Charles Heffernan.

Eight people have applied to the planning board representing many facets of Santa Clarita, from business, arts and the public sector.

Corey Alan Carter, Sarah Darabi, John Lewis Dortch, Dr. Mark Elfont, Jason Warren Gibbs, Philip M. Hart, Dan Masnada and Gary L. Morrison have all thrown their hats in the ring for the commission.

The Planning Commission advises the City Council on major development projects, property acquisition, specific plans zoning and other planning matters, said city officials

The applicants include Dan Masnada, who previously served over 13 years as general manager of the Castaic Lake Water Agency (CLWA).

Dr. Mark Elfont, president of the Santa Clarita Philharmonic, also applied to be considered for the five-member board.

A local realtor, Sarah Darabi, submitted an application to the commission, after spending 16 years in the Santa Clarita real estate market.

John Lewis Dortch, who has spent over 30 years in the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office, applied for the commision after running for L.A. County Assessor in 2010.

Jason Warren Gibbs, who also applied to the 2017 city council vacancy left by Dante Acosta’s departure to the Assembly, is a senior project manager at an engineering firm.

Lawyer and College of the Canyons professor, Corey Alan Carter, applied for the seat to fill the vacant position left by Charles Heffernan.

Councilmember Kellar nominated Commissioner Heffernan and is the nominating authority for the vacancy, according to city documents.

The deadline for receipt of applications was Friday, April 6, 2018, at which time the City Clerk prepared all applications received for distribution to the nominating authority and the entire City Council.

Kellar convened a panel of local residents, community leaders, and city staff to interview interested applicants and make a recommendation for filling the vacancy on the planning commission.

The position would be for one unexpired term of office on the Planning Commission, and is set to end December 31, 2020.

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