What Can I Do? While Ruiz’s removal from the LADWP Board is a done deal, the public has an opportunity to try to convince Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass that Ruiz’s seat on the Board should be filled by another Native American, rather than the non-Native who has been nominated. Bass, who ran on a platform of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, needs to be reminded of the progress that was being made in changing the relationship between LADWP and the first people of the Owens Valley by having Native representation on the LADWP Board of Commissioners. Friends of the Inyo stands with the tribes of Los Angeles and Owens Valley, and is asking our supporters to write to Mayor Bass expressing their objection to Ms. Ruiz’s removal and encouraging the Mayor to consider another Native American for the position Ruiz is vacating—or being made to vacate. George McGraw’s confirmation is expected to go before Mayor Bass this Friday, June 23, so all letters and comments must be submitted by then. Please write to Mayor Bass by this Friday, June 23, demanding that she: - Immediately withdraw the nomination of George McGraw, Council file #23-1200-S112; and
- Set up a consultation with local Tribal Leaders to discuss a new nomination of a Native person on the LADWP Board.
Use the following contact details provided by the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission: Honorable Mayor Karen Bass Los Angeles City Hall, Room 303 200 N. Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 Email to: Mayor: mayor.helpdesk@lacity.org Cc: Chief of Staff: Chris.Thompson@lacity.org Deputy Chief of Staff: Celine.Cordero@lacity.org Deputy Mayor: Nancy.Sutley@lacity.org Scheduler: mayor.scheduling@lacity.org | 
