Bass Names Hanson Interim LADWP Chief as Quiñones Departs
Los Angeles City Mayor Karen Bass designated David W. Hanson as Interim General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Friday, filling the role vacated by Janisse Quiñones, whose departure as CEO and Chief Engineer takes effect today, March 27.
The Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners voted unanimously to approve Hanson’s appointment. A 20-year LADWP veteran, Hanson began his career with the department as an electrical mechanic after completing LADWP’s own training program — one of the more unusual rise-through-the-ranks stories in city government. Before joining LADWP, he served a decade in the U.S. Navy Nuclear Powered Submarine Force as an Electrician’s Mate First Class.
“I am pleased to designate Mr. Hanson to serve as Interim General Manager of LADWP, someone who has dedicated his career to public service,” said Bass. “I know Dave will be a strong partner in working to build a more resilient power grid, accelerating the transition to 100% clean energy, and cementing L.A.’s position as a global climate leader.”
A nationwide search for a permanent General Manager is now underway. LADWP serves millions of Angelenos as the largest municipal water and power utility in the country.
Rubio Introduces GPS Monitoring Bill to Enforce Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
State Sen. Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park, Azusa, El Monte, West Covina, Pomona) introduced SB 871, the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, legislation that would require GPS monitoring of abusers subject to domestic violence restraining orders and provide real-time alerts to survivors and law enforcement when a restraining order is violated.
Under current California law, courts can issue restraining orders but have no real-time enforcement tools to prevent violations before they occur. SB 871 would change that by establishing a GPS monitoring program for high-risk cases, giving victims critical time to reach safety when an abuser breaches a required distance.
“Restraining orders are only effective if they can be enforced in real time,” said Rubio, who disclosed she has personally obtained three domestic violence restraining orders. “Survivors deserve real protections — tools that keep them safe and allow them to live without fear. If we can use technology to track everyday services, we should be using that same technology to protect victims and save lives.”
North Carolina and Tennessee have implemented similar GPS monitoring programs. California currently uses GPS tracking for individuals on probation or parole but not for restraining order enforcement.
The bill will be considered by the State Senate this spring.
Friedman Pushes Metro Board to Back San Vicente-Fairfax Route for K Line Extension
U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Burbank, Glendale, West Hollywood, parts of Los Angeles and Pasadena) urged the Los Angeles Metro Board of Directors Thursday to approve the San Vicente-Fairfax route for the K Line North Extension, ahead of a board vote the same day. The proposed route is estimated to draw 100,000 daily riders.
Friedman has a long legislative history with the K Line. During her time in the State Assembly she authored AB 761, which unlocked financing tools allowing cities like West Hollywood to fund transit expansion without raising taxes — the mechanism that made the current K Line extension financially viable.
“The LA Metro Board can deliver on that same promise at today’s board meeting by voting to move forward with the K Line extension and the San Vicente-Fairfax route,” said Friedman. “The decision before us is whether we want a better, more connected Los Angeles, or if we’d rather spend more of our lives sitting in smog and traffic.”
In Congress, Friedman has introduced the Safe and Affordable Transit Act to improve public safety on public transit systems without impacting fares or taxpayer costs.
Kamlager-Dove Introduces Bill to Name Downtown LA Post Office After Tuskegee Airman
U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Culver City, View Park-Windsor Hills, parts of South LA) introduced legislation Thursday to designate the post office at 819 West Washington Boulevard in Los Angeles as the Jerry T. Hodges Jr. Post Office Building, honoring the late Tuskegee Airman on the occasion of Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day.
Hodges served his country during World War II as part of the legendary all-Black aviation unit that flew combat missions in Europe while facing racial segregation at home. After the war, he graduated from the University of Southern California, helped lead one of California’s first African American-owned insurance companies, and served as a founding member of the Los Angeles branch of the David Rockefeller Interracial Council on Business Opportunity. He later became president of the Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation.
“As a legendary Tuskegee Airman, Jerry Hodges Jr. did not falter in the face of war abroad or the discrimination of Jim Crow at home,” said Kamlager-Dove, who spoke on the House floor to mark the bill’s introduction. “Renaming this post office in his honor ensures that his legacy continues to inspire generations of African Americans — in uniform and beyond — to serve, lead, and uplift their communities.”
“Our family hopes that this post office will serve as a lasting reminder of his sacrifice,” said Barbara Hodges Harding, daughter of Jerry T. Hodges. Kamlager-Dove was joined in introducing the legislation by Reps. Cohen, Wilson, Figures, and Moore.
