Chair
Dr. Demian Willette is an El Sereno resident, local ecology teacher, and current chair of the Ascot Hills Park Advisory Board. He leads biodiversity-driven research at the park that enhances habitat quality, strengthens ecosystem resilience, and promotes species conservation. Through the Willette Lab of Applied Ecology at Loyola Marymount University, he also brings academic and research partnerships to the park. He is most passionate about offering students and community members hands-on opportunities to connect with the science and practice of urban ecological stewardship.

Vice Chair
Jerry Schneider has been at the forefront of advocacy for Ascot Hills Park for more than two decades. As part of his master’s thesis in Landscape Architecture in 1998, he proposed transforming the unused LADWP Ascot Reservoir property into an open space nature park, a vision that ultimately became today’s Ascot Hills Park. Jerry has led the Green Team since its founding in 2011 and drafted the Framework Plan, which provides an ecological blueprint for wildlife habitat restoration and long-term park stewardship. Together with his wife Gloria, he founded Friends of Ascot Hills Park and has donated tens of thousands of dollars to the park for everything from signage to restoration materials. As one of the original advocates for opening the park to the public, Jerry’s leadership and commitment continue to shape the park’s growth, restoration, and community impact.

Secretary
Raymond Rios, a lifelong resident of Boyle Heights and Hillside Village, El Sereno; has lived in the community for more than 65 years. He joined the Ascot Hills Park Advisory Board in 2010 and currently serves as Secretary. A committed community advocate and leader, Raymond organizes cleanups, leads volunteer restoration efforts, and works to bring funds and resources to local parks, youth sports, and community events. He also started and runs the Ascot Hills Park Facebook page, keeping the community informed and engaged. Raymond sees Ascot Hills Park as a place of natural wonder that offers all visitors the chance to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Advisory Board Member
Lluvia Arras, an El Sereno resident, creative director and author, joined the Ascot Hills Park Advisory Board in 2024. She is a Green Team leader who restores native habitat, fosters community engagement, and advances education through volunteer events, advocacy, and digital outreach. Lluvia redesigned the park’s website, started its Instagram account to boost engagement, and created a local wildlife coloring book to connect children with nature. Her goal is to ensure Ascot Hills Park remains a thriving space where nature, recreation, and community pride can flourish for generations to come.

Advisory Board Member
Troy Carbajal, a lifelong El Sereno resident and Wilson High School graduate, joined the Ascot Hills Park Advisory Board in 2016. He is the founder of the Ascot Hills 5K Challenge, an annual community event that has taken place since 2015. With a long career in local government, including service in the California State Legislature, Troy currently works for the City of Los Angeles, Council District 14. He is a tireless advocate for El Sereno, always working to strengthen community programs and resources.

Advisory Board Member
Stephanie Orellana, an El Sereno resident, joined the Ascot Hills Park Advisory Board in December 2024. She is passionate about conservation, pollinator habitat restoration, and community engagement. Stephanie runs the park’s Instagram page and helps strengthen its social media presence, drawing on her professional and volunteer experience with organizations such as the Xerces Society and North East Trees. At home, she tends monarchs and other wildlife in her backyard, affectionately known as El Serenity Garden.

Advisory Board Member
Briget Arndell is the newest member of the Ascot Hills Park Advisory Board. A City Terrace resident and public servant, she is the founder of Monarch Mami, a conservation project dedicated to protecting Monarch butterflies and other vital pollinators across Los Angeles. Briget is passionate about native plant restoration, community collaboration, and protecting essential green spaces like Ascot Hills Park.

Advisory Board Member
Brad Davies is a lifelong El Sereno resident, dedicated volunteer, and community advocate. He is one of the earlier members of the Ascot Hills Park Advisory Board and teaches gardening to students at Farmdale Elementary. Through his work on the board, Brad helps strengthen the park’s role as a place for education, nature, and community connection.