LONG BEACH — Former Long Beach Mayor Beverly O’Neill announced on Jan. 25 her endorsement of Lillian Kawasaki to represent Long Beach City Council’s 8th District.
O’Neill cited Kawasaki’s long-time devotion to the Long Beach community, and depth of leadership experience, as reasons for her endorsement.
O’Neill recalled that when she “appointed Lillian to the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners, there was no doubt that Lillian had the skills, background, and dedication to fulfill the demands of the job. The same is true today.”
Previously, Kawasaki served as general manager of the Los Angeles Community Development Department, where she oversaw job training and business development programs dedicated to economic and community revitalization. She also served as head of the Port of Los Angeles’ Environmental Management Division, proactively greening port growth and development.
“I am very honored to have Mayor O’Neill’s endorsement,” said Kawasaki. “She served as a three-term mayor and continues her dedicated service to the Long Beach community. Like Mayor O’Neill, I look forward to bringing the varied constituencies together to build a stronger and more vibrant city.”
Kawasaki has more than 35 years of experience in public service as a local elected official, policy maker, agency manager, scientific researcher and educator. She currently serves as the board director of the Water Replenishment District of Southern California, and is chair of the WRD’s Committee on Workforce and Economic Development. She has also been active with the Long Beach Historical Society, Friends of Manzanar, Small Business Development Center Network Advisory Council, and California Sustainability Alliance.
Kawasaki holds a bachelor’s of degree in zoology and a master’s in biology from California State University, Los Angeles. She resides in the Los Cerritos/Bixby Knolls area of Long Beach.