Manhattan Beach's Desi Alvarez Sworn Into West Basin Water

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Manhattan Beach resident Desi Alvarez has been formally sworn in to serve a four-year term on the West Basin Board of Directors of the West Basin Municipal Water District, according to a news release. Alvarez took his oath of office today [Friday, Dec. 4], along with Donald Dear. The board oversees policy and strategic planning decisions for West Basin, a public water agency that serves a population of nearly one million residents.

Director Alvarez won his first term to the West Basin Division III seat, ousting Manhattan Beach resident Carol C. Kwan, who had served the district for nearly 25 years. Alvarez will serve as the representative for the cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Lomita and a portion of Torrance.

Alvarez brings 30 years of water management experience that includes time spent in both the public and private sectors. "We are pleased to welcome Director Alvarez to our board and look forward to working with him to continue delivering on our mission of providing a safe and reliable supply of high-quality water to our communities,” said Board President Gloria D. Gray. “His passion for water issues really stands out and will be a great benefit to West Basin in the coming years.”

At its November board meeting, West Basin recognized and thanked Director Kwan, who was both the first woman and the first Asian American to serve on the board when she was initially elected to her seat in 1996. She served West Basin for six terms.

Director Dear won his November re-election campaign to serve a sixth term representing Division V, which includes the cities of Gardena, Hawthorne, Lawndale, and the unincorporated Los Angeles County areas of El Camino Village. He has represented Division V for the past 20 years and is now the longest serving member on the board.

"West Basin Municipal Water District is a wholesale water agency that serves nearly one million people in 17 cities and unincorporated areas in Los Angeles County. West Basin provides imported drinking water, recycled water, as well as conservation and education programs. Through its Water for Tomorrow Program, West Basin is committed to protecting, diversifying, and securing our water supply for the future while continuing a history of innovation and industry leadership," according to a news release.