Breaking News :

- The Press-Telegram endorsed my campaign on October 17.
- State Senator Alan Lowenthal endorsed my campaign on October 18.
- Please pick up the latest Long Beach Business Journal for an article about my race for WRD.

Welcome to my website!

Hello! My name is Lillian Kawasaki and I'm running for election to the Water Replenishment District of Southern California, Director of Division 3.

I have over 35 years experience in environmental programs and currently sit on the Long Beach Water Commission.

As a director of WRD I will:

• Cut wasteful spending and improve director accountability.
• Increase local sources of clean recycled water and groundwater.
• Maintain affordability through innovation and cost reductions.
• Promote water conservation and education.

With your support, I will provide necessary new leadership on the WRD to get it back on track.

I have the integrity, experience and dedication to achieve these goals and to better serve all residents and businesses.

I respectfully ask for your vote on November 7.

Lillian's Bio:

Lillian Kawasaki is an Assistant General Manager of Environmental Affairs for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). Since July 2006, Lillian is managing a new consolidated organization in LADWP that is responsible for department-wide environmental issues, environmental  review and oversight for both the water and power systems. She is actively involved in the development of the LA River Revitalization Master Plan, habitat restoration projects, preparation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan and wastewater quality assurance.

Previously Lillian had oversight responsibilities for Green LA and economic development programs, managing more than $70 million annually. The major environmental programs included solar, energy efficiency, trees, and recycling.

Lillian Kawasaki is a member of the California Bay-Delta Public Advisory Committee (BDPAC), an appointment by the Governor and the U.S. Secretary of Interior.

Prior to her tenure at LADWP, Lillian served as the General Manager of the City of Los Angeles Community Development Department (CDD) for three years. She managed 500 employees and over $300 million annually in federal block grant and other public funds earmarked to promote economic/community revitalization, neighborhood improvements, human services, and workforce development programs for low-income and disadvantaged members of the community.

In 1990, Lillian was appointed to head the then newly created Los Angeles City Environmental Affairs Department.  She also became the first Asian American woman to become a General Manager for the City of Los Angeles.  The Environmental Affairs Department (EAD) advises the City of Los Angeles on environmental policies and programs. Major environmental initiatives spearheaded during her years at EAD included:  Los Angeles City Brownfields Revitalization Initiative; City’s Clean Air Plan; City CEQA Thresholds Guidelines and Environmental Justice program.

Lillian also worked at the Port of Los Angeles for 12 years in the Environmental Management Division, responsible for managing the water quality, air quality and other port environmental issues.

Lillian currently serves on the Long Beach Water Commission. In addition she is the co-chair for the Friends of Manzanar, a National Historic Site, where Japanese-Americans were interned during World War II. She is a member of the Women’s Foundation Donor Circle, which provides grants for financial literacy programs for women and girls; and the Enterprise Foundation Leadership Council, which promotes affordable housing. She has also served on the California State University LA Foundation Board for more than 5 years.

The Water Replenishment District race is the very last item on the November Ballot. Don't forget look for Lillian's name at the very end of the Ballot!

Copyright 2006 - Lillian Kawasaki for WRD - All Rights Reserved