Silvia Saucedo, an attorney and former police commissioner, has joined the Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners. She is the first Latina to serve on the commission.
Appointed by Mayor Jim Hahn and today unanimously confirmed by the Los Angeles City Council, Saucedo is a native of Los Angeles and was raised in the Pico Union/Rampart community. In August 2001, Mayor Hahn appointed Saucedo to the Police Commission, making her the youngest commissioner appointed to the Police Commission. She played a key role in the selection of LAPD Chief William Bratton and in the subsequent citywide reduction in crime.
"I am proud to have served my city, working on public safety issues that are key to establishing viable, crime-free neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles," Saucedo said. "Now I am eager to serve as a Water and Power Commissioner, again working on issues that directly affect the quality of life in our neighborhoods. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) provides a critical service to the people of Los Angeles. I am proud to be a part of keeping the lights on and the water flowing for every resident of this city."
Saucedo graduated cum laude from UCLA before earning her law degree at the University of Washington. She is a member of the Mexican American Bar Association, the Pacific Council on International Policy, and was a 2003 Los Angeles Business Journal Women of the Year Award recipient.
"It is a pleasure to welcome Silvia, the first Latina to serve on the Water and Power Commission," said Dominick Rubalcava, president of the Board of Water and Power Commissioners. "Her commitment to the community and legal expertise will serve us well as our focus continues on providing reliable services to our customers."
Saucedo was appointed to fill the seat vacated by the resignation of Leland Wong. She will serve the remainder of his term, which ends June 30, 2005. Upon her confirmation, Saucedo stepped down from her seat on the Police Commission.
"The Department is looking forward to working with Silvia," said Frank Salas, LADWP's acting general manager. "Her accomplishments on the Police Commission are admirable, and we look forward to her guidance here at LADWP."
The Board of Water and Power Commissioners establishes policy for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and serves as a citizen advisory body to the City Council. The five LADWP commissioners are appointed to five-year terms.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power serves more than 3.8 million people in Los Angeles and was established to provide reliable water and electric needs to the city's businesses and residents. Further information regarding the Department can be obtained on their website www.ladwp.com.
Source: Business Wire
