Water Incident Response and Immigration Preparedness Plan Highlighted at September Town Hall
LADWP’s emergency preparedness prowess took center stage at the September Town Hall Employee meeting. CEO and Chief Engineer Janisse Quiñones was joined by Senior Assistant General Manager of the Water System, Anselmo Collins, and Chief Resiliency and Emergency Management Officer, Zoraya Oliver-Griffin, who shared information about the Department’s emergency response during the Granada Hills-Porter Ranch water incident in August and the Department’s new Immigration Preparedness Plan.
The Granada Hills-Porter Ranch water incident required a coordinated, Department-wide response. From working across systems, to collaborating with partner agencies, Collins shared how LADWP staff truly went above and beyond to support customers while simultaneously working to restore water service. Oliver-Griffin provided insight into the emergency management component of the response and gave the second presentation of the day, highlighting the Department’s new Immigration Preparedness Plan. With the City of Los Angeles experiencing an increased presence of immigration enforcement activities, the presentation covered resources provided in the plan, in support of maintaining a safe work environment for LADWP employees and our customers. Read below for more information on the Immigration Preparedness Plan.
Following the presentations, Quiñones joined Collins and Oliver-Griffin on stage for a Q&A session to answer questions from audience members. Employees who were not able to tune in to the September Town Hall can visit MyDWP for more information from the meeting. Stay tuned for details about the November Town Hall Employee meeting!
LADWP Shares Department-Wide Immigration Preparedness Plan
In response to this increased activity, Mayor Karen Bass directed all city departments to put together Immigration Preparedness Plans. LADWP, led by the Office of Emergency Management, sprung into action and prepared a plan that includes information and resources about how these activities may impact our customers and staff, particularly in terms of potential enforcement on City property.
Employees are encouraged to review the resource materials created as part of the plan on the Immigration Preparedness Plan page on MyDWP. On the page, employees will find important information about what to do should an immigration agent attempt to gain access to a public or non-public LADWP facility. Also, as part of the plan, Know Your Rights cards and Security Contact cards are being distributed to each LADWP employee with instructions on what to do should you encounter immigration enforcement activity. Employees are also reminded that LADWP’s Employee Assistance Program is a great support resource and is available to all employees and their household members.
We understand this is a difficult time for fellow colleagues and the wider Los Angeles community, who may have family or friends impacted by immigration enforcement activities. We want you to know that LADWP is here to support our employees and our customers alike.
Let’s continue to work together to adhere to the policies put forth by the City while maintaining a safe environment for all members of our workforce and our customers.
National Preparedness Month Highlights Personal and Family Readiness
September marked National Preparedness Month (NPM), a nationwide initiative focused on raising awareness about the importance of being ready for disasters and emergencies. It’s a timely reminder that preparedness starts with each of us. This year’s theme, “Personal and Family Preparedness,” highlighted the need to plan ahead, both at home and in the workplace, so people are ready when the unexpected happens.
To support the initiative, LADWP’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) hosted two key events aimed at equipping employees with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves and their families.
On September 9, OEM hosted an Emergency Preparedness Webinar featuring insights from Mona Freels, Assistant General Manager and Executive Director of Emergency Management, along with speakers from the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, Emergency Management Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, and Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Over 100 employees joined the webinar to learn how various city agencies work together to enhance public safety and how each of us contributes to that shared responsibility.
“As we know, the world is changing — climate patterns, natural disasters, and even pandemics remind us that we must be ready for any emergencies and disasters.”
Mona Freels, Assistant General Manager and Executive Director of Emergency Management
OEM also hosted their annual Emergency Preparedness Fair on September 11 in the John Ferraro Building. Employees had the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from OEM and other city agencies and organizations. From emergency kits and evacuation plans to safety protocols and resource guides, the fair offered a wide range of information to help employees stay ready and be prepared for any emergency.
If you missed the events, it's never too late to start planning. Watch the webinar and visit www.Ready.gov/Plan for resources on building an emergency kit, creating a communication plan, and staying informed.
New Appointments Support LADWP’s Mission
LADWP recently welcomed three new leaders: Fernando Valero, Executive Director of Strategic Issues; Breonia Lindsey, Assistant General Manager of Customer and Community Equity Strategies; and Sandhya Narayanan, Executive Director of Data Management.
As the Executive Director of Strategic Issues, Valero will oversee the development, implementation, and management of enterprise strategy functions, including the Department’s sustainability strategy, cross-functional innovation initiatives, policy coordination, and business model evolution. Valero will ensure that executive strategies are informed by best practices, measured through meaningful performance metrics, and supported through robust stakeholder engagement.
Lindsey steps into a newly created leadership role focused on customer and community equity. Bringing deep experience in LADWP operations, people management, and community engagement, he will guide efforts to ensure all Angelenos benefit equitably from the city’s clean energy transition and access to reliable water and power services. Both Valero and Lindsey will work closely together to oversee the Community Investment group and equity into LADWP’s enterprise-wide strategy.
Narayanan joins LADWP’s Information Technology Services Division to lead enterprise data management. With over 20 years of experience in data governance, analytics, and Six Sigma methodology, she will drive the creation of a secure, scalable, and AI-ready data environment. Her work will enhance decision-making, ensure regulatory compliance, and improve customer value.
Each member brings a fresh perspective and proven leadership to help LADWP deliver on our mission of sustainability, resilience, and equity for all communities across Los Angeles.
Open Enrollment for 2026 Flex Plan Coming in November
Open Enrollment for the 2026 Flex Plan Program will run from November 1 through November 24. This is your annual opportunity to review your options, make updates, or confirm your elections to ensure your benefits are set for the year ahead.
New this year, Open Enrollment elections must be submitted through Workday. Elections submitted outside of Workday will not be accepted. While ongoing account management will continue in TASC, Workday will now serve as the enrollment platform.
If you decide not to enroll for 2026, we encourage you to log in to your TASC account and check for any remaining balances. Funds left from 2025 may still be available, but unused balances could be forfeited at the end of the plan year.
Don’t miss your chance to secure you benefits and make your elections by November 24.
Visit the HR Employee Health and Benefits MyDWP page or eBenefits.ladwp.com/Home/FlexPlanInfo for plan information.
VALOR Brings Employees Together Through Recognition and Remembrance
VALOR (Veterans Alliance for Leadership Outreach & Recognition), LADWP’s employee resource group supporting veterans and promoting service and leadership, recently hosted two meaningful events that brought employees together through recognition and remembrance.
On August 27, VALOR partnered with IBEW Local 18 to host its first Labor Day BBQ and Employee Recognition Event at the Truesdale Training Facility. Over 150 LADWP employees—from administrative staff to skilled trades workers—attended. The event began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by opening remarks from VALOR President Patrick Horton on the meaning of Labor Day and the sacrifices of working people.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of VALOR Challenge Coins to employees who responded to the Granada Hills and Porter Ranch water emergency. These individuals, including crews aiding in Palisades recovery efforts, were recognized for their exemplary service. The afternoon concluded with a BBQ meal served by volunteers from VALOR and IBEW Local 18.
The day of September 11, VALOR held a memorial ceremony to honor lives lost in the 9/11 attacks. The American flag was lowered to half-staff, followed by a moment of silence and remarks from several speakers, including Horton, Senior Assistant General Manager of the Power System Dave Hanson, Security Services Executive Director Daniel Lucero, and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Albert Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, who was called to active duty after 9/11, reflected on LADWP’s support during his service. His story highlighted the department’s continued commitment to its employees and the values of unity and service.
Both events served as powerful reminders of the strength, resilience, and dedication shared by LADWP employees in serving their community every day.
“The attack on 9/11 affected me directly in that I was called up for military duty and eventually saw combat in Iraq in 2003. I will forever be grateful to the Department for holding my job until I got back and for the tremendous moral support from my fellow employees.” Albert Rodriguez, U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant and LADWP Public Relations Specialist
