5 Finalists Picked For Fernando Award

Public safety and the Valley’s economic health top the list of service to the community given by five Fernando Award finalists.

They were among 10 nominees for the award that recognizes lifelong volunteerism in the San Fernando Valley.

The five, named during a luncheon Friday at the Warner Center Marriott, are Ed Cholakian of Granada Hills, Rickey Gelb and Martin Selter of Studio City, Rose Goldwater of Woodland Hills and Bob Scott of West Hills. Gelb, Goldwater and Scott have been finalists before.

Cholakian, praised for his more than 40 years of service, has been a member of law enforcement and public safety advisory committees throughout the Valley.

Gelb, nominated by the Agoura, Encino and Studio City chambers of commerce, is vice president of the Ventura/Cahuenga Boulevard Corridor Specific Plan.

Goldwater, nominated for the fourth time, is a longtime community activist whose focus includes youth activities.

Scott is active with chambers of commerce and the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley.

Selter chairs the board of the Valley Economic Development Center.

The winner, to be named at a dinner Nov. 3 at the Marriott, will receive an Oscar-like statuette representing the Native Americans who first lived in the Valley. The winner’s name will also be etched into the base of the Fernando monument in Van Nuys Civic Center and on an obelisk in Warner Center.