June Employee Town Hall: All About Safety
The June Employee Town Hall was hosted at the Truesdale Training Center, a fitting place for the month’s focus on safety. Dan Aeschleman, Chief Safety Officer, opened the session with a safety introduction before David W. Hanson, Interim General Manager, joined remotely from LADWP’s new Department Emergency Operations Center (DEOC), where he was participating in a simulated activation drill to support the Department’s emergency preparedness efforts.
Intake Turns 100
Preparation and Response to Atmospheric River Fueled Storm
Transitioning into the presentation portion, three presenters from Corporate Health and Safety each covered a safety topic. Marc Hendon, Risk Manager, kicked things off by explaining the purpose of the Safety Perception Survey, what it measures, and how the 2022 survey results have guided safety improvements within LADWP. Hendon noted that, since that survey, injury rates have declined. The 2026 survey will help determine if that progress continues.
Anthony Lipikorn, Senior Industrial Hygienist, followed by diving into the current role of the safety management system Intelex, which was introduced as a direct result of the last Safety Perception Survey. Lipikorn explained that Intelex functions as LADWP’s platform for managing safety and compliance, offering modules that streamline inspections, audits, and job hazard analysis.
Bradley Walker, Safety Administrator, concluded the presentations by highlighting the planned activities for the second annual Safety Week. Walker emphasized how employee engagement in the week’s programming bolsters LADWP’s efforts to build a more proactive safety culture.
Read the in-depth coverage of these safety initiatives in our Intake In Focus story.
Employees who were not able to tune in to the June Employee Town Hall can visit MyDWP for more information from the meeting. Stay tuned for details about the August Town Hall meeting!
2025 Wildfire Recovery Relief Time Program Now Available to Affected Employees
Recently, LADWP established the 2025 Wildfire Recovery Relief Time (WRRT) Program, offering support to employees affected by the 2025 Pacific Palisades and Eaton Canyon Wildfires. WRRT, established by the Los Angeles City Council, assists employees directly impacted and/or who are helping immediate family members with wildfire aftereffects.
The WRRT Program has two key elements – time restoration and WRRT bank time. Time restoration allows eligible employees to reclaim vacation or accumulated overtime time used starting from January 7, 2025, due to impacts from the 2025 Pacific Palisades and Eaton Canyon wildfires. The WRRT bank (future-use) allows employees to request time off for ongoing wildfire recovery events. Approved WRRT time may be used through the revised program end date of June 26, 2027.
LADWP employees may qualify if they were/are:
- Managing the aftereffects of losing a home;
- Suffering significant property damage;
- Experiencing displacement; or
- Assisting an immediate family member with managing wildfire recovery efforts. (Immediate family member is defined as: spouse, parent, parent-in-law, child)
Applications and supporting documents are only accepted through the Wildfire Recovery Relief Time application in Workday. WRRT applications are currently being accepted through Microsoft Forms temporarily: Temporary WRRT Application. Information about the application and application instructions can be found on MyDWP on the Wildfire Recovery Relief Time Program page.
The Department Leaves Office will host WRRT Information Sessions to provide an overview of program details, including eligibility requirements and the application process. These sessions will also offer an opportunity to address any questions participants may have. For WRRT-related questions, email LeavesOffice@ladwp.com.
LADWP Joins L.A. Pride Parade in Celebration of Community and Inclusion
Under a sea of rainbow flags and the energy of a community united in celebration, LADWP employees, family members, friends, and allies came together to march with thousands of participants during the 2026 L.A Pride Parade. It was a powerful reminder that pride is about showing up, standing together, and celebrating everyone for who they are.
Representing the Department, the group marched together along the parade route on Hollywood Boulevard with thousands of Angelenos, celebrating the diversity that makes Los Angeles, and LADWP, stronger. The annual parade provided an opportunity for employees to come together outside of the workplace, engage with the community, and participate in one of Los Angeles’ signature civic celebrations.
Adding to the celebration were LADWP’s Pride themed Ford F-150 Lightning and electric bucket truck, featuring custom graphics designed by the Department’s in-house creative team. The colorful vehicles reflected the creativity of our employees while showcasing LADWP’s commitment to innovation and a more sustainable future.
LADWP’s PRIDE Employee Resource Group (ERG) worked in partnership with HR-Employee Experience and Development, Communications and Community Affairs, and Fleet to bring this event to life and help ensure its success. Throughout the year, the PRIDE ERG brings employees together through outreach, education, and community-building efforts that foster connection and create a sense of belonging for LGBTQ+ employees and allies across the Department.
For those who participated, the day was about more than marching. It was about celebrating colleagues, supporting one another, and demonstrating the values that define our workplace. Moments like these remind us that our differences strengthen us and that an inclusive culture is built through everyday actions of people who choose to listen, support, and stand together.
As LADWP continues to serve the people of Los Angeles, we remain committed to fostering a workplace where every employee has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and feel a true sense of belonging.
Select a photo below to click through the gallery.
Celebrating Unity and Veterans: VALOR Hosts 4th of July BBQ
On July 1, LADWP employees and veterans gathered on the outdoor patio of the John Ferraro Building for an Independence Day event. Veterans Alliance for Leadership Outreach & Recognition (VALOR), the Department’s employee resource group for veterans, in partnership with IBEW Local 18 and the Water and Power Community Credit Union (WPCCU), hosted and sponsored the gathering.
Attendees celebrated America’s 250th anniversary with music, presentations, guest speakers, and classic barbecue favorites including burgers and hot dogs. The event featured a live performance of the National Anthem by artist Wendi Vaughn, a proud Pledge of Allegiance led by Marine Veteran Michael Olivares, and a stirring reading of the Declaration of Independence by Navy Veteran Daniel Bautista.
“Our nation is often described as a tapestry woven from every corner of the earth — born of many lands and representing a multitude of beliefs, cultures, and traditions. The true miracle of America lies in our ability to forge a single, unbreakable bond from this immense diversity, a bond witnessed most clearly in the ranks of our Armed Forces. As we look upon our flag today, let us remember that we must stand shoulder to shoulder in a united America.”
Patrick Horton, VALOR President & Utility Services Specialist
Intake Turns 100
Preparation and Response to Atmospheric River Fueled Storm
Interim General Manager David W. Hanson and IBEW Local 18’s Business Manager Martin Marrufo co-presented remarks. They emphasized the holiday honors all Americans, recognized the sacrifices of those who serve, and noted that diversity is what strengthens both the nation and the Department. Water System Director of Strategic Initiatives Evelyn Cortez-Davis followed by reflecting on how the 4th of July symbolizes the pursuit of the American Dream, a beacon of hope she personally experienced as an immigrant who fled El Salvador’s civil war for the promise of a new life in the U.S., and one which holds even greater meaning because she has family who are veterans and military service members.
VALOR Vice-President Romulo Morales, Vice President Eric Yoshida, Secretary Ezequias Gonzalez, and Treasurer Michael Olivares presented dedicated members with challenge coins and patches in recognition of their selfless volunteerism in supporting VALOR events throughout the year.
Click on each photo below to learn more about each awardee’s contributions.
Challenge Coin and VALOR Patch Recipients
Daniel Lucero, an Army veteran honored for speaking at VALOR’s 9/11 Patriot’s Day, and James Sullivan, who procured the flag‑planting tool that enabled more than 250 flags to be planted at Forest Lawn Cemetery on Memorial Day, were unable to attend but were also recognized with challenge coins.
By serving Los Angeles every day, LADWP employees help uphold the very freedoms that Independence Day represents. This commitment is reflected in VALOR, who welcome veterans and allied supporters to participate in programs, events, and engagement opportunities that promote leadership growth, support community outreach and recruiting efforts, and recognize members for their steadfast contributions as ambassadors for LADWP.
To learn more about VALOR, contact: VALOR@ladwp.com.
New Executive Appointments
In June, LADWP welcomed Janice L. Ly to the position of Chief Human Resources Officer and Deitra Barnett to the position of Executive Director of Equal Employment Opportunity Services Division.
Ly most recently served as Utility Administrator V of the Power System and brings over 24 years of City service, including 14 with the Power System. She has extensive experience supporting multiple Power System divisions, such as Administrative Services and Power Construction and Maintenance. With her experience and expertise, Ly will no doubt be an asset to our organization as Chief Human Resources Officer.
Barnett is an accomplished public sector human resources professional with more than 20 years of proven expertise in personnel administration, including 13 years with LADWP, and will lead the Equal Employment Opportunity Services Division (EEOS). Her background includes senior leadership roles in human resources, labor relations, employee health and benefits, risk management, and administrative operations including policy development. Along with her extensive experience across major City of Los Angeles departments, she brings commitment to fostering a workplace culture rooted in ethics, respect, inclusion, and accountability while promoting fairness, collaboration and equal opportunity for all employees.
