Download AOC Appointment Press Release

Proposition O will provide $500 million in bond measure funds to clean up the City's rivers, lakes, beaches, and ocean. The language of Proposition O includes provisions for the establishment of an Adminstrative Oversight Committee (AOC) that is to be responsible for the development and review of project criteria; as well as oversee and direct the program and the projects in order to comply with approved schedules and budgets.

Composed of the City Administrative Officer (Chair), the Chief Legislative Analyst, a representative of the Mayor's Office, a Board of Public Works Commissioner and the General Manager from the Department of Water and Power. Their responsibilities will include :

1. Develop and review criteria for the selection of projects in consulation with the COAC per bond ordinance requirements
2. Review projects proposals to determine if they meet the adopted project criteria and recommend to the Council projects that meet the criteria
3. Work with the COAC in the review and assessment of project proposals
4. Authorize the BOS Project Planning Program Manager to transmit to Council for consideration AOC and COAC recommended project proposals
5. Oversee, direct and monitor the program and projects to ensure timely completion within approved schedules and budgets, and
6. Monitor utilization and cost of City personnel, personal services contracts, expense and equipment for the projects.

H. David Nahai currently serves as the Los Angeles Water & Power's General Manager previously serving as a Board of Water and Power President since 2005. Since then, the LADWP has nearly tripled its renewable energy portfolio from 3 percent to 8 percent, and the Department is on track to reach its ultimate goals of 20 percent by 2010 and 35 percent by 2020.

Nahai, an attorney, began his career in the private sector close to three decades ago working at some of the nation's largest and most respected law firms. For twenty of those years, he served as a partner or president, allowing him to hone his legal and financial skills, and earning him a reputation as a tough fiscal manager.

Nahai is widely recognized throughout California as a leading expert in water issues and was the President of Nahai Law Corporation, a Century City law firm, specializing in real estate, corporate, environmental and commercial law. He serves as a member of the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and with over ten years as a member, Nahai has been charged with safeguarding the quality of surface, ground and coastal waters while covering a jurisdiction of 11 million residents in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

At the Water Quality Board, Nahai served under both Democratic and Republican administrations first being appointed by Governor Pete Wilson, then re-appointed by both Governor Gray Davis and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Nahai was elected by his peers to an unprecedented four terms as Chairman of the Board in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2006. During his tenure as Chairman, the RWQCB was awarded the Environmental Leadership Award by Keep California Beautiful, in recognition of the the Board's work in the area of urban run-off pollution. More recently, the UCLA Institute of the Environment awarded the RWQCB an "A" grade for its efforts in this area. Nahai has been the recipient of numerous awards and commendations. In 2003, he received the Environmental Champion Award from the Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters and was twice honored for community leadership.

Nahai also serves on the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission, and is currently its Vice-Chairman. Nahai is also Chairman of the Bnai Zion Foundation and sits on the Boards of numerous charities, including the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, the Iranian American Jewish Federation, the Jewish Community Foundation, and the Magbit Foundation. He is also a member of the Major Donors Committee of the Jewish National Fund. Nahai is a Director of Security Pacific Bank and serves on its Executive Committee.

Environmentalist and community activist Cynthia M. Ruiz was unanimously confirmed by the Los Angeles City Council to a seat on the Board of Public Works on July 19, 2005 and serves as its new president.

Commissioner Ruiz, who was one of Mayor Antonio VillaraigosaÕs first commission appointees after his election as mayor, previously served on the Board of Public Works in 2003-04.

As a Board commissioner, Ruiz brings more than two decades of community involvement and experience to a team that ensures quality and efficient delivery of key City services to the public.