the city money, and on the other hand, I'm trying to take it away" ...
Became fascinated with city government about 10 years ago, when the
council was considering putting a golf course in Central Park ... Says
his involvement in the community has become "a retirement hobby" ... Also
likes camping and reading ... Last year's ranking: Unranked
57) ERICK BURRES, 33, Long Beach ... The county's ecological reserve
manager for the Bolsa Chica wetlands ... Protects not only the water and
vegetation but the wildlife, including birds, snakes, coyotes and
squirrels ... As he stood by the water's edge recently, saw a falcon dive
down to kill another bird, which was "just spectacular" ... Looks forward
to fixing up the hiking trails ... Loves hearing from visitors blown away
by the area's natural beauty ... Enjoys fishing and hunting ... The
wildlife biologist was formerly a state lands coordinator ... Last year's
ranking: 54
58) NAIDA OSLINE, 43, Huntington Beach ... Founder of the Huntington
Beach Art Center, now the city's director of major public events,
including upcoming concerts at Pier Plaza that she is "really psyched"
about ... Writing a book of short stories and working on a series of
portrait photos ... Bought her first house last year ... About to marry
... Enjoys running on the beach and dancing in the living room ...
Bachelor's degree in art ... Last year's ranking: 55
59) JOHN COLLINS, 56, Fountain Valley ... City councilman since 1990
... Serves on 12 boards of directors in the community ... Enjoys working
with people ... Recently appointed to the technical advisory committee of
the Orange County Children and Families Commission ... President of the
Southwest Community Center in Santa Ana, which provides shelter and aid
to the homeless ... Serves on several boards for the Boys & Girls Club of
Huntington Valley ... Owner and president of Pioneer Business Corp. ...
Has a background in real estate ... Won the Huntington Beach Union High
School's Touch the Heart of Kids Award last year ... Received the
Outstanding Community Leadership Award from the Knights of Columbus, of
which he also is a member ... Lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars ... Proud grandfather to Kyle and always carries pictures of his
grandson in his pocket ... Married to Barbara for 32 years this month ...
Would like the Independent to change the name of the Big Kahuna list ...
Last year's ranking: 7
60) LAURANN COOK, 51, Fountain Valley ... City councilwoman for 14
