LOS ANGELES – An intimate reception was held on Tuesday, to welcome newly-appointed LA Board of Public Works Commissioner Warren Furutani.
The event was hosted by the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council and the Asian Pacific American Leadership Project (APALP), with support for civic engagement from Southern California Edison (SCE).
Furutani, a former state assemblyman and a 40-year public service veteran, was appointed by LA City Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to fill a vacant seat on the public works board in January.
Local politicians, public service leaders, community advocates, and ethnic group representatives gathered on April 30 at the Tom Bradley Tower of the LA City Hall to pay homage to one of the most well-loved public officials in Southern California.
Furutani served in the 55th Assembly District from 2008 to 2012. Prior to that, he served as a trustee for the LA Community College District, and as an LA school board member.
Furutani is also known for his fierce advocacy for Asian American rights and education opportunities.
The newly-appointed commissioner ran for an LA City Council seat in November, but lost to now councilmember Joe Buscaino (Council District 15).
Furutani described his relationship with Buscaino as a friendship that grew from running a ‘principled and honorable’ campaign against each other, during the special elections for LA’s 15th city district.
Buscaino was also present at the welcome reception. He admitted that he has respected Furutani ever since they first met at San Pedro High School, some 20 years ago.
“It was a humbling experience to share the stage with Warren when he and I ran for Council District 15. We share our passion, our dedication, our love for this city,” the councilmember added.
Buscaino also said that Furutani’s appointment as commissioner will be ‘beneficial to us all.’
Among the numerous dignitaries who attended the welcome reception were City Councilmembers Bill Rosendahl (Council District 11), (Dennis Zine (Council District 3), Public Works Board President Capri Maddox, Public Works Board Member Valerie Shaw, and City Controller and LA City mayoral candidate Wendy Greuel.
The event was co-emceed by former Public Works Commissioner Ron Lowe and APALP founder, Ronald Wong.
Other speakers include Southern California Edison Regional Manager Marissa Castro-Salvati; Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment Director Kerry Doi; LA Federation of Labor Executive Secretary Maria Elena Durazo; former Public Works Commissioner Paula Daniels; and Mayor’s Office Area Director Mike Fong.
Greuel, who emphasized the importance of public works in any level of city government, said that she was excited for Furutani’s appointment as commissioner. She described Furutani’s commitment to serving the City of LA as an ‘honorable profession.’
City Councilmember Eric Garcetti, (another LA City mayoral candidate) was unable to attend the reception due to prior commitments, but personally sent his regards to Furutani via text message.
Furutani himself was very thankful for all the groups of friends and colleagues from different sectors, who showed up for the event.
Furutani was, likewise, thankful to Mayor Villaraigosa for appointing him to the public works board.
No matter how much work is left before Villaraigosa exits as city mayor, no matter how many city streets need to be finished, Furutani said that ‘it’s gotta get done.’
Furutani wanted to be ‘closer to the ground level’ in serving the public and was grateful for coming home to LA from his tenure as a State Assemblyman.
He also thanked his wife Lisa and his two sons for their support throughout his career as a public servant.
Filipino – American leaders were also in attendance at the event, aside from SCE’s Castro-Salvati.
Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) Director of Programs Dennis Arguelles said that Furutani’s appointment is a ‘wonderful thing’ for the Asian American community and that the new commissioner is a great friend of the Fil-Am community.
“Warren has always advocated for our needs,” Arguelles said.
“He has done many things in terms of policies he supported and getting resources to the [Fil-Am] community. But I think most importantly, he’s always reached out to the community and inspired the youth,” he added.
Melissa Ramoso of KAYA grassroots movement organization described Furutani as a ‘true epitome of public service, who has always been there for the community in fighting for the API civil liberties.’
Castro-Salvati added that, in terms of the Asian American and Filipino American community, Warren is the ‘most sincere’ individual as a supporter.
“He always makes sure that the community is represented, whatever field it may be,” Castro -Salvati pointed out.
