First Native American Chair in the history of the SMMC

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 25, 2023)—The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy announced today the election of its new officers for 2023. Rudy J. Ortega Jr., Tribal President, Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, was unanimously elected Chairperson. Appointed to the Conservancy by the Governor, Ortega Jr. Is the first Native American Chair in the history of the Conservancy. Hon. Steve Veres, a Trustee of the Los Angeles Community College District and the Public Member appointed by the Senate Rules Committee, was elected Vice Chairperson. The Chairperson and the Vice Chairperson are selected by the voting members of the Conservancy for a one-year term. Read more: https://smmc.ca.gov/press/conservancy-announces-new-officers-for-2023/