Villaraigosa makes changes to DWP board

Rumors about changes to the board of commissioners at the LA Department of Water and Power were correct.

Villaraigosa is said to be nominating longtime political associates Nick Patsaouras and Bill Burke, as well as well-known environmentalists Mary Nichols and David Nahai. The fifth member is believed to be trial lawyer Edith Ramirez.

The Board of Water and Power Commissioners has broad authority and power to submit requests for water and electricity rate hikes. The current board has proposed a 3.8 percent increase in water rates.

The board sets policy for the Department of Water and Power, which became embroiled in several controversies under former Mayor James Hahn.