Jonathan Parfrey Appointed To DWP Board of Commissioners

Liberty Hill, Environmental Leaders Hail Mayor's DWP Appointment

Jonathan Parfrey Appointed To DWP Board of Commissioners

 

Contact: Barbara Osborn                                                                                                                       December 12, 2008

310-453-3611 x121  Cell 310-963-1595

 

 

Environmental leaders throughout Los Angeles hailed the appointment of Jonathan Parfrey to the Department of Water and Power Board of Commissioners today.

 

Parfrey was appointed today by Mayor Villaraigosa. For the last two years, Parfrey has been the director of Green L.A., a coalition of environmental groups working to clean and green Los Angeles. Green L.A. was incubated at and is housed at Liberty Hill Foundation. From 1994 to 2007, Parfrey was executive director of Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles.

 

In two years, Green L.A. has helped catapult an environmental agenda in Los Angeles, including the city's recently-announced green certification program, to incentivize green business practices. 

 

In making the announcement, the Mayor said, "Jonathan will bring a needed perspective as we continue to transform the DWP into a green utility. He will be in a unique position to affect the issues confronting the sustainability of our City. I am proud to have him on our team."

 

Kafi Blumenfield, President of Liberty Hill, said "This appointment signals the Mayor's seriousness in cleaning and greening Los Angeles. Jonathan is a tremendous bridge-builder working on the frontlines of change." 

 

The appointment was also greeted with enthusiasm by leaders in the environmental community. The following leaders commended Mayor Villaraigosa's selection.

 

Matt Petersen, President of Global Green, said: "In the nearly 20 years I've known and worked with Jonathan, he's been a tireless advocate for the environment and social justice. I know he'll be dogged in helping keep the DWP focused on its key commitments to the environment, including their importance to our community's lowest income residents and neighborhoods."

 

Mark Gold, President and CEO of Heal The Bay said: "The appointment is a strong message from the Mayor in moving Los Angeles toward renewable energy and sustainable water management."

 

Gary Toebben, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, said:  "The Chamber has worked with Mr. Parfrey on the green business certification program and looks forward to working with him in his new role."

 

Joel Reynolds, Senior Attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council, said:  "I strongly endorse the Mayor's appointment. Jonathan Parfrey joins a prestigious line of environmental activists appointed to the LADWP Commission, including Dorothy Green, Mary Nichols and David Nahai. We can anticipate strong oversight of the department's environmental initiatives in energy efficiency, expanding the renewal portfolio and water conservation."

 

Alberto Mendoza, President & CEO, Coalition for Clean Air, said: "I deeply admire and respect Jonathan, so I applaud his appointment. His leadership, experience and compassion for the environment has helped this movement grow and adapt. He's the right person to help DWP meet their renewable goals while protecting our environment for us and future generations."

 

David Allgood, Southern California Director, California League of Conservation Voters, said: "Jonathan Parfrey brings intelligence and an unmatched ability to work with disparate interests to his passion for protecting the environment. His experience and ability will be a tremendous asset to the LADWP Board."

 

Terry O'Day, Executive Director, Environment Now, said: As a founder of the GREEN LA Coalition, from personal experience I can assure you that Jonathan Parfrey will work ceaselessly with DWP to green LA's power generation."

 

Glen Dake, Board Chair, Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust, said:

"I'm very pleased that Mayor Villaraigosa has recruited Jonathan Parfrey to work on behalf of Angelenos as a Water and Power Commissioner because of Jonathan's intelligence, grit, and leadership in the environmental and public health movements. For more than 100 years the LA DWP has harnessed water and energy resources to provide Angelenos with homes and jobs where few would otherwise be, and today is confronting mandates to bring this great machine into balance with our environment without compromising reliable, affordable services. Jonathan can penetrate the technical, financial and workforce detail that finding our bright green future will require."

 

Mitchell Schwartz, President, Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters, called it:  "A tremendous appointment. My hat's off to the Mayor. Jonathan is a great guy and he's going to do a great job at LADWP."

 

Joseph K. Lyou, Ph.D., Executive Director, California Environmental Rights Alliance; Governor's Appointee of the South Coast Air Quality Management District Governing Board* said: "I've know Jonathan Parfrey for almost fifteen years. He has been unwavering in his quest to improve the environment and protect public health."

 

Lee H. Wallach, President, Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life of Southern California, said: "The Mayor just hit a home run. Jonathan Parfrey is not merely a staunch advocate for the environment. Jonathan is special in that he can work with both business and labor – and lead them to mutually beneficial solutions on the environment."

 

Joe Linton, Founder, Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition Urban & Environmental Policy Program, Occidental College*, said: Jonathan Parfrey is a well-respected and well-connected environmentalist. His appointment is a welcome line of appointments made by the Mayor in support of the environment.

 

Angelo Logan, Executive Director, East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice, said: "I am delighted by Jonathan's appointment. He is not merely an environmentalist - but is also an environmental justice activist."

 

Charles Stringer, former EPA attorney & member of the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council, said:  "I know Jonathan to be one of Los Angeles' most effective coalition builders around the issues most pressing to DWP -- greening our utility while keeping the lights on and rates in check. He comes to the Commission with a strong track record of success."

 

Martha Dina Argüello, Executive Director, Physicians for Social Responsibility - Los Angeles said: "I think this position will give Jonathan the perfect opportunity to express his lifetime commitment to making Los Angeles a more healthy and sustainable city."

 

* for identification purposes only

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Liberty Hill is first to identify community leaders at the frontlines of change. We invest in changemakers and equip them with the skills and relationships they need to build power and advance social justice.  After more than 30 years, Liberty Hill is uniquely positioned to bring together forces for change and forge a common agenda for equality and opportunity in Los Angeles. Liberty Hill:  Change. Not charity.