A Close- Up Look At People Who Matter : Nominees for the Fernando Deserve Credit

In 1990, David Fleming was glad he did not win the Fernando Award.

It was more fitting, he said, that Los Angeles Airport Commissioner and Valley philanthropist Samuel Greenberg won. Greenberg died eight months later.

“It’s not something you should expect to win,” said Fleming, who won the next year. Those who deserve it do not seek it out, said Lee Alpert, current president of Fernando Award Inc., created to inspire others into community service.

In the past 37 years, more than 500 people have been nominated for the award, given for a lifetime of community service. This year’s winner will be named Nov. 3 from a field of five finalists.

Eight nominees not listed as finalists this year include:

* Former Los Angeles Police Chief and state Sen. Ed Davis. Branded an ultraconservative by many, Davis proved himself to be relatively moderate in the Legislature. But he is recognized for the years he dedicated himself to improving the Valley and in promoting community policing, which he began while chief from 1970-79.

* John F. Weitkamp, a Granada Hills attorney involved in planning and land-use issues, who has devoted much of his time fund-raising for nonprofit groups. He also has served on the Community Police Advisory Board.

* Dr. Avrum Z. Bluming, a founder and president of the HOPE Unit Foundation, which helps cancer patients and their families. Last year, he started the Los Angeles Free-Net to give community access to the information superhighway. LA Free-Net is also the home to Emergency Network Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Urban League and the Los Angeles County Medical Assn.

* William G. Slater, owner of Apex Electronics, a Sun Valley recycling business. Slater helped start the Sun Valley Foundation for college or vocational education scholarships.

* Rickey M. Gelb, managing general partner of Gelb Enterprises, a real estate and property development company. Gelb has been involved in civic organizations such as the Encino Chamber of Commerce, West Valley Police Activity League Supporters, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation Mobile Action Committee and the Valley Jewish Business Leaders Assn.

* Bernward Thorsch, owner of Studio City Camera Exchange. Thorsch is chairman of the Beautification Committee for the Studio City Chamber of Commerce. He gives a monthly award for Most Attractive Business Front and supervises a sidewalk sweeping program on Ventura Boulevard. His store has a display of antique cameras, many of which were invented and built by his father.

* Ron Feinstein, president of All Valley Washer Service, a Van Nuys coin-operated washer and dryer business. Feinstein has worked with the Mid-Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Mid-Valley Police Council, the Mid-Valley YMCA, New Directions for Youth, the Valley Economic Development Center and the United Chambers of Commerce. In 1981, he started the Van Nuys Clean-Up Day.

* Robert L. Scott, a Sherman Oaks attorney. Scott was honored for his work promoting the economic interests of the Valley in city, state and school board issues. He has served on the city Planning Commission and is president of the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley.

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