District News
West Basin Announces 2026 Board of Director Positions
At the January meeting of the West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin or District) Board of Directors, the board selected its officers for 2026. Division V Director Donald Dear will serve as President; Division IV Director Scott Houston as Vice President; Division I Director Tommy Faavae as Secretary; Division III Director Desi Alvarez as Treasurer; and Division II Director Gloria Gray as Immediate Past President.
As president of the board, Dear brings a wealth of experience and insight as he serves his 26th year on this governing body. He will facilitate committee appointments and the assignments of representatives to affiliate organizations and fulfill his primary responsibility of interpreting the policies, programs and needs of the District to the public.
“I am honored to serve the public in this leadership role and ensure West Basin continues to advance forward-thinking water solutions for the benefit of our communities. By investing in recycled water, technology modernization and water conservation programs, we are strengthening our communities and fortifying our limited water supply,” said Dear. “Our Board is united in advancing sustainable water management strategies that improve water system infrastructure and better position our region to meet the water challenges of today and tomorrow.”
President Donald Dear represents Division V, which includes the cities of Gardena, Hawthorne, Lawndale and the unincorporated Los Angeles County area of El Camino Village. His public service career also includes service on the Gardena City Council and election as mayor of Gardena, a role he held for nine consecutive terms before retiring in 2001. In addition to his civic leadership, Dear dedicated nearly 40 years to public education as a middle school teacher in Carson. He has served on numerous local and regional boards, reflecting a long-standing commitment to community service and sustainable water management.
As Vice President, Houston - who represents Culver City, El Segundo, Malibu, West Hollywood, a portion of Hawthorne, and unincorporated Del Aire, Marina del Rey, Topanga and Wiseburn - is responsible for performing all the duties of the president during the temporary or permanent absence of the president.
As Treasurer, Alvarez - the representative of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Lomita, as well as West Torrance and West Carson - is to review the board’s financial status and oversee project, reserve and cost of issuance funds.
As Secretary, Faavae - who serves Carson, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates and the unincorporated area of Rancho Dominguez - ensures the maintenance of district records and that public meetings are noticed in accordance with all laws. Director Faavae’s appointment marks his first official officer role on the Board, reflecting the District’s commitment to developing diverse leadership and strengthening its governance.
As Immediate Past President, Gray brings continuity and institutional leadership to the Board following a milestone year for the District. During her presidency in 2025 West Basin celebrated the 30-year anniversary of its recycled water production program that included the completion of the Palos Verdes Recycled Water Pipeline Project, a 3.5-mile-long recycled water pipeline extension that delivers the first drop of recycled water to the Palos Verdes Peninsula for irrigation. Gray represents Inglewood, portions of Gardena and Hawthorne, and unincorporated areas of Ladera Heights, View-Park Windsor Hills, West Athens and Westmont.
For more information on the West Basin board and committees, visit: WestBasinCA.gov/board-of-directors.