About Councilman Dennis P. Zine

Councilman Dennis P. Zine was born, raised, and educated in Los Angeles and was first elected to represent the Third Council District in 2001. This district includes the communities of Canoga Park, Reseda, Tarzana, West Hills, Winnetka, and Woodland Hills with a population of nearly 300,000 residents.

The Councilman was overwhelmingly reelected in 2005 with 70% of the vote. He began his public service career over 39 years ago when he joined the Los Angeles Police Department eventually achieving the rank of Sergeant and working a wide variety of assignments including Patrols, Detectives, Intelligence, Administrative, and Vice. Within the LAPD, he was elected three times to the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Police Protective League. Furthering his commitment to public safety, Councilman Zine was sworn in as a Los Angeles Police Department Reserve Officer in 2001 assigned to the Fugitive Warrant Detail where he is involved in the apprehension of felony suspects.

Not only has the Councilman had extensive public service experience, but he has also volunteered with numerous community service organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Haven Hills Home for Battered Women, both of which remain among Councilman Zine's priorities. Fulfilling a campaign promise, Councilman Zine has contributed over $150,000 from his Council salary to non-profit organizations. In 2006, he was honored to be elected as the President of the Executives of the Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging. 

Councilman Zine was first elected to public office in 1997 to represent Valley interests on the elected Charter Reform Commission where he served as Vice Chairman. After his election to the City Council, he has expanded his government service role as the President of the Independent Cities Association (ICA), as the City's representative with the National League of Cities serving as a member of the Board of Directors and the Chair of the Immigration Task Force, and as a member of the League of California Cities Board of Directors.

Councilman Zine's priorities as an elected official include improving quality of life, reducing crime, increasing public safety, and addressing transportation issues using common sense and practical solutions. As Chairman of the Los Angeles City Council's Personnel Committee, he is intimately involved in every aspect of employment policy within the City family. He also serves as Vice Chair of the Audits and Governmental Efficiency Committee and is a Member of the Public Safety Committee, the Rules & Government Committee, and the Education & Neighborhoods Committee.

Working to improve the quality of life for all San Fernando Valley residents, he formed the P.O.S.S.E. (People Organizing a Safe, Secure Environment), a volunteer group comprised of over 400 concerned citizens who are professionally trained to go out into their communities and rid them of blight such as graffiti, abandoned cars, potholes, unkempt properties, and illegal sign postings. The Councilman is also working closely with Neighborhood Councils as they form and become functioning bodies of community oversight.