Hertzberg’s Heroes: Vol. II, Issue V — Mike Benedetto
Welcome to Hertzberg’s Heroes! Team Hertzberg will often highlight an individual or organization that exemplifies heroism through their dedication to making life better for the San Fernando Valley. Have a Hero to suggest? Submit your idea to Senator.Hertzberg@sen.ca.gov!
We have all missed a lot during the past fourteen months — visits with friends and loved ones, meals at restaurants, worship services, attending the theatre, going to sporting events and festivals, among many other activities. The common denominator is that we miss being around people, and sharing a sense of community. Prior to the pandemic, the San Fernando Valley hosted some of the most famous neighborhood and holiday gatherings in the Los Angeles area, where we could celebrate with our neighbors and honor community members for public service.
While we may not be able to honor him in person, we want to recognize Mike Benedetto as one of our extraordinary neighbors whose dedication is helping to make the Valley the vibrant place where we love to live and work. Whether it be at a Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council meeting, (where he serves as Vice President), a ribbon cutting for a new local business, or staffing a booth at a community festival, Mike is one of the friendliest faces you will see.
Mike has lived in Granada Hills for 25 years. While raising five children, and working in Real Estate and Property Management, Mike spends his off-hours serving his community. He is the founder of the United Coalition to End Homelessness, which is a San Fernando Valley based organization that brings together groups such as neighborhood councils and service providers to create workable solutions to the homelessness crisis.
As the Regional Director for the United Chambers of Commerce, and former President of the Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce, Mike is a dedicated advocate for local businesses. In his Chamber roles, Mike helps organize the annual Granada Hills Holiday Parade, and the Street Faire. Both events highlight a wide range of community businesses, along with local food, live music, classic car displays, and provides a welcoming atmosphere for San Fernando Valley families to enjoy.
Formerly an Olympic Weightlifter, Mike also devotes his time to training young athletes as a coach for the Granada Hills Little League.
Whenever Mike attends a community event, he goes the extra mile to ensure all feel welcomed and appreciated. In 2017, Mike further demonstrated his commitment to community service by interning in our Van Nuys Office, and assisted many constituents in Senate District 18.
When it comes to giving back, Mike says, “It’s not about the award! It’s about the reward of coming up with an idea or goal and then pulling it off to the end; that’s what community service is all about.”
Thank you Mike, for all of your hard work and dedication to the residents of the San Fernando Valley!
