Alpert Named as DWP Board President

Lee Kanon Alpert, a San Fernando Valley attorney, has been appointed as the president of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Board of Commissioners. Alpert joined the board in December 2007 and replaces Nick Patsouras, who stepped down to run for the City Controller position. He has served on city commission’s in the past, including Los Angeles World Airports and the Building Safety Commission. He found it enticing to join the DWP board because of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s push for renewable energy and being environmentally conscious. “I do enjoy it,” Alpert said. “You feel like you are participating when you can be heard on issues that are vital to the survival of the city.” As board president, Alpert runs the commission meetings that give guidance on operating a city department that employs more than 8,000 people, owns thousands of acres of land is responsible for miles of transmission lines and water sources. The department is a hybrid of sorts because it is quasi-public but also operates as a business, Alpert said. “We are expected to operate to generate revenue,” Alpert added. Alpert is a name partner in Alpert, Barr & Grant in Encino. He also serves on the regional governing board of Providence Health Systems. Edith Ramirez, also an attorney, remains as vice president. The other commissioners are Wally Knox, a former assembly member; and Forescee Hogan-Rowles, who operates a not for profit organization in south Los Angeles. A fifth member will be appointed by Villaraigosa.