Our Mission

Since 1960 the GVCA and our members have successfully defended our quality of life in the northern area of Poway. 

Our volunteer board:

  • Maintains communication with City Staff and Council members

  • Monitors land-use developments, city policies, and finances

  • Keeps members informed through newsletters, emails, and our website

  • Conducts member surveys on key issues

  • During election cycles, we host a public forum to engage City Council and School Board candidates to address questions pertinent to our community's interests

  • Actively participate in the Poway Chamber of Commerce, strengthening community ties.

Because we are a volunteer based, non-profit organization, we rely solely on dues to fund our activities. Annual dues start at only $25 per year per household. Larger donations are appreciated to help support our mission. 

The GVCA was instrumental in the City of Poway’s creation – seeding the first council with leadership which has set the successful path we continue today.
— Bruce Tarzy, founding City Council member

What We've Accomplished

IN THE COMMUNITY

What would Poway look like without the GVCA? We would likely have sprawling high density housing, gas stations and 24-hour convenience stores in our rural neighborhood, military air flight paths overhead, a noisy traffic-congested concert amphitheater, water rates that penalized even the thriftiest users on large properties, cell towers on residential homes, Espola Road developed as a highway, and even an asphalt plant. Our efforts on behalf of, and with the support of, resident members thwarted these issues that presented a real threat to our quality of life here.

We have a continuing commitment to support organizations in our community.

 
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  • Poway OnStage (Poway Center for the Performing Arts)

  • Poway Chamber of Commerce

  • Abraxas High School

  • Tony Gwynn memorial at Lake Poway

  • Poway High School "Student Services" crisis counseling programs

  • Grad Nite for Seniors at Poway High

  • Kumeyaay Interpretive Center

  • Poway Parade

  • Community trash cleanup projects with local Boy Scouts.

The GVCA is making a difference – a positive difference – that improves the quality of life in our community. 


Our Board of Officers

The GVCA is led by a seven-member volunteer board, each serving a two-year term. All board members must reside in the GVCA membership area. Each year in January a ballot is mailed to homes eligible to join the GVCA and participate in electing our board.

BOARD MEMBERS

Steven Stone, President
In 1973, Steven and his family made Poway their home. He attended Twin Peaks and Poway High School before graduating with a degree in Finance from San Diego State University. As a third-generation GVCA Board Member, Steven holds fond memories of his grandfather, affectionately known as the GVCA Santa Claus, spreading joy through neighborhood caroling.

Devoting his time to volunteer work, Steven serves as a board member of the Poway Community Foundation and a committee member of the Poway High Alumni Association. His past roles include Chair of the Poway High Foundation, receiving recognition as the 2016 Poway Unified School District Volunteer of the Year for Poway High School. Additionally, he’s served as President of the Green Valley Civic Association (GVCA) for over a decade and as the BSA Troop Committee Chair for three years, earning the District Unit Volunteer of the Year award in 2010.

In his professional life, Steven was a founding member of a publicly traded life science real estate investment trust, where he served as Corporate Vice President. Presently, he works as a broker associate with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Steven's multifaceted contributions to both the community and his professional field underscore his dedication to making a positive impact.

Steve Polito, Vice President
Steve, a Poway resident since 1987, whose commitment to service and passion for community betterment have left an indelible mark on the city's fabric. Following a distinguished career as a law firm partner, Steve embarked on a new chapter in retirement, dedicating his time and energy to serving the community he loves.

One of Steve's primary avenues of service is through his role on the City of Poway Citizens Advisory Committee for the Parks and Recreation Department. His thoughtful input and dedication to ensuring that the city's parks and recreational facilities meet the needs of the community reflect his unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant environment.

Steve's dedication to community extends beyond his professional endeavors. As a proud parent, he has actively supported his family's involvement in the local education system, with all three of his children attending Twin Peaks and Poway High. Through his involvement in his children's educational journey and his ongoing engagement with the community, Steve has cultivated deep roots in Poway and remains invested in its continued growth and success.

Vanessa Springett, Secretary
Vanessa, a native of Poway, spent her childhood on Fallen Leaf Road in Green Valley. Her educational journey took her through Painted Rock, Twin Peaks, and Poway High School. In 1991, she earned a Business/Economics degree from UCLA and subsequently married her high school sweetheart, Drew, in 1995. Together, they have raised two children, Owen and Lauren, in Vineland Hills, where they have called home for the past 26 years. Both of their children attended Chaparral, Twin Peaks, and Poway High School.

Vanessa has been an active and engaged member of the community. She currently serves on the Vineland Hills HOA board and takes charge of publishing their newsletter. Professionally, Vanessa has had a successful career as a mortgage broker, working with Avalon Mortgage for over 30 years. During her children's younger years, Vanessa volunteered in schools and on sports teams, demonstrating her commitment to community involvement. Notably, she played a role in the initiative to bring a stop sign to Valle Verde Road.

In her leisure time, Vanessa enjoys various activities such as sailing, participating in book clubs, golf, pickleball, mahjong, hiking, and attending live music events at local wineries. Vanessa's enduring connection to Poway is reflected in her multifaceted contributions to both her neighborhood and the broader community.

Wayne Hamburger
Wayne has called Poway home since 1995, residing in various neighborhoods including Stone Canyon Rd, Vineland Hills, and, most recently, Green Valley Highlands for the past 18 years. Throughout his tenure in Poway, Wayne has actively served the community in numerous capacities.

His involvement includes acting as the newsletter publisher for Vineland Hills, where he played a crucial role in keeping the community well-informed. Wayne's dedication extended to the Green Valley Highlands Association (GVHA), where he not only served on the board but also held the position of president for an impressive 10-year period.

In addition to his local community contributions, Wayne devoted time to Poway OnStage, where he served as Treasurer and Board Member for over three years. As a member of the RB Sunrise Rotary and participant in the Poway Community Leadership Institute, he continued to make meaningful contributions to the broader community.

Recently, Wayne achieved a significant milestone by selling his IT consulting business and entering retirement. Alongside his wife, Sharon, he shares a love for hiking and the outdoors, explores exotic destinations, and enjoys cultural experiences such as live music, theater, and San Diego Padres games at Petco Park. Wayne's two children attended Twin Peaks Middle School and Poway High. In summary, Wayne's diverse and dedicated contributions have made a lasting impact on Poway.

Jack Tripp, Treasurer  
Jack has been a dedicated member of the GVCA since his move to Green Valley in 1974. The decision to make Poway their home was influenced by the appeal of the area, even though it meant a commute to LAX, where Jack worked as a professional airline pilot.

Throughout the years, he has held various positions within the GVCA, including serving three terms as president and most recently as treasurer. During his presidency, Jack played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the Old Coach development proposal, ensuring a positive final design. Notably, he led the GVCA's opposition to Proposition EE, a successful effort that prevented significant increases in Poway's population and local traffic.

Jack and his late wife, Sarah, have two sons who attended Poway Unified School District schools. Jack continues to contribute to preserving Green Valley as a wonderful place to live.

David Rauterkus, Membership
David has been a resident of Poway since 1995 and has actively contributed to the community, particularly through his role on the GVCA board since 2012. Professionally, he has operated a dental practice in Poway since 1992. David and his wife, Lori, are proud parents of three children who attended Painted Rock, Twin Peaks, and Poway High schools.

David is well-known for his active involvement in community service. He chaired the Poway High Foundation, showcasing his commitment to education, and served on the Poway Center for the Performing Arts Business Council, highlighting his support for cultural initiatives in the area.

Beyond his community roles, David has a diverse range of interests. He enjoys activities such as jogging, hiking, water and snow skiing, and racquetball. Originally from Downey, California, David is a graduate of UCLA and earned his Doctorate in Dentistry from the University of the Pacific in 1988. His professional and personal pursuits demonstrate a well-rounded and engaged individual who has made a positive impact on Poway since becoming a resident in 1995.

Timothy Flood
A dedicated Poway resident since 2006, Timothy is deeply ingrained in the fabric of his community. As a parent, he has actively supported his children's education journey through Painted Rock, Twin Peaks, and Poway High. Professionally, Timothy brings his expertise to the dental retail field, where he endeavors to make a positive impact on others' oral health.

Driven by a passion for service, Timothy has lent his time and skills to the Painted Rock Foundation and volunteered at a dental clinic in Baja California, extending a helping hand beyond his local community. In his leisure time, he finds solace and fulfillment in the camaraderie of F3 Fitness/Fellowship/Faith, as well as the exhilarating pursuits of running and skiing.

Having pursued his education at SDSU, Timothy's academic background enriches his understanding and commitment to community engagement. With a compassionate heart and an adventurous spirit, Timothy Flood continues to exemplify the values of leadership, service, and connection within Poway.

Past Presidents
1960 Norm Summer
1961 Roman Peisinger
1962 Clay Perkins
1963 Clay Perkins
1964 Rober Stegman
1965 Carlton Shmock
1966 R.L. Smithson
1967 Bob Alvarado
1968 George Putness
1969 Chas Fox
1970 Warren De Young
1971 Sanford Hunt
1972 Anton White
1973 Carolyn Grant
1974 Alan Hemphill
1975 Marland Garth
1976 Marland Garth
1977 Vic Spreckler/Marland Garth
1978 Al Geldard
1979 Bob Brooks
1980 Diane Ward Walters
1981 Warren Dey Young/Eleanor Chin
1982 Jim Hydahl
1983 Jim Hydahl
1984 Jack Tripp
1985 Jack Tripp
1986 Dick Allen
1987 Dick Allen
1988 Gordon Meyer/Bob Myers
1989 Bob Myers
1990 Alan Sugerman/Jack Tripp
1991 Alan Sugerman
1992 Bruce Tarzy
1993 Bruce Tarzy
1994 Mark Gordon
1995 Jerry Hargarten
1996 Ron Enos
1997 Ron Enos
1998 Bruce Tarzy
1999 Jim Seifert
2000 Jim Seifert
2001 Becky Lindsay
2002 Becky Lindsay
2003 Jack Tripp
2004 Jack Tripp
2005 Bruce Tarzy
2006 Bruce Tarzy
2007 Bruce Tarzy
2008 Bruce Tarzy
2009 Bruce Tarzy
2010 Bruce Tarzy
2011 Steven Stone
2012 Steven Stone
2013 Steven Stone
2014 Steven Stone
2015 Steven Stone
2016 Steven Stone
2017 Steven Stone
2018 Steven Stone
2019 Steven Stone
2020 Steven Stone
2021 John DeSantis
2022 John DeSantis
2023 John DeSantis
2024 Steven Stone