Every household pays. Not every household is heard.
CAAWEF exists because diversity in water does not. We intend to change that by using our power to elevate your voice. The appointment process is obscure, but this site is our attempt to make it more accessible. We can open the door, but we need you to step through.
What these seats decide
Discharge permits and cleanup orders. Water rights and curtailments. Bond money for storage and recycling. Rate structures at the investor-owned utilities. Who gets a variance, and who gets an enforcement order.
What they ask of you
Most are part-time, paid by the day, and meet six to twelve times a year. Several require nothing more than demonstrated interest or competency in water. A handful are full-time salaried jobs.
Why this page exists
These vacancies are public, but they are scattered across PDFs, press releases and statutes. We put them in one place so that the people who pay the bill can see the room where the bill gets set — and apply.
Open right now
Seats the Governor’s Office listed as vacant in its Board and Commission Vacancy Report of Sep 1, 2026. “Demonstrated competency or interest” is the statutory qualification for a regional water board seat — it does not require an engineering license.
| Board | Seat | Open | Pay | Term | Senate confirmation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — Central CoastSan Luis Obispo | Demonstrated competency or interest in water | 1 | $250 a day | 4 years | Required |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — Los AngelesLos Angeles | Demonstrated competency or interest in water | 1 | $250 a day | 4 years | Required |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — Central ValleyRancho Cordova | Demonstrated competency or interest in water | 1 | $250 a day | 4 years | Required |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — LahontanSouth Lake Tahoe | Demonstrated competency or interest in water | 1 | $250 a day | 4 years | Required |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — Colorado River BasinPalm Desert | Demonstrated competency or interest in water | 1 | $250 a day | 4 years | Required |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — Santa AnaRiverside | Demonstrated competency or interest in water | 1 | $250 a day | 4 years | Required |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — San DiegoSan Diego | Demonstrated competency or interest in water | 1 | $250 a day | 4 years | Required |
| Central Valley Flood Protection Board | Public member | 1 | $59,133 a year | 4 years | Required |
| San Diego River Conservancy | Public member | 1 | $100 a day | 4 years | Not required |
| San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission | Public member | 2 | $100 a day | Not stated | Required |
| San Joaquin River Conservancy | Tribal member | 1 | $75 a day | 4 years | Not required |
| Western States Water Council | Public member | 1 | $25 a day | Not stated | Required |
Opening within the year
A vacancy report lists seats that are already empty. By the time you read one, the seat has been open for weeks and the search is under way. A term expiration is the same event with a year of notice — and the appointment volumes state one for 139 of the members on this page.
50 seats turn over within the year: 16 terms have already ended, and 34 more end on or before Sep 28, 2027. The largest single date is Sep 30, 2026, when 15 terms end at once.
An ended term is not an empty chair, which is why none of these appear on the vacancy report. Gov. Code § 1302 keeps a member serving “until his successor has qualified”, and Gov. Code § 1774(a) provides that where the appointment is the Governor’s, the expiry of a term is itself an occasion to appoint. Every row below marked Ended is a seat the Governor can fill today.
| Board | Seat held by | Term | Senate confirmation |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Coastal Commission | Effie Katherine Turnbull SandersLos Angeles | Ended Feb 21, 2019 | Not required |
| San Diego River Conservancy | Benjamin Gardner ClaySan Diego | Ended Jan 1, 2021 | Not required |
| San Diego River Conservancy | Clarissa Reyes FalconBonita | Ended Jan 1, 2022 | Not required |
| San Diego River Conservancy | Elsa Eugenia SaxodSan Diego | Ended Jan 1, 2022 | Not required |
| State Coastal Conservancy | Douglas H. BoscoSonoma | Ended Dec 7, 2022 | Not required |
| Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy | Dolores (Dolly) Ann SandovalSanta Clara | Ended Jan 24, 2023 | Required |
| Klamath River Renewal Corporation | Ricardo CanoLos Angeles | Ended Mar 3, 2023 | Not required |
| San Gabriel & Lower LA Rivers and Mountains Conservancy | Lena A. GonzalezSacramento | Ended Sep 7, 2023 | Not required |
| San Gabriel & Lower LA Rivers and Mountains Conservancy | Josh Lowenthal | Ended Apr 18, 2024 | Not required |
| San Joaquin River Conservancy | Bryn Allison ForhanFresno | Ended Jan 1, 2025 | Not required |
| Fish and Game Commission | Jacque Hostler-CarmesinHumboldt | Ended Jan 15, 2025 | Required |
| Klamath River Renewal Corporation | Natalie Christina ArroyoHumboldt | Ended Nov 14, 2025 | Not required |
| California Coastal Commission | Susan Erica LowenbergSan Francisco | Ended Dec 14, 2025 | Not required |
| San Joaquin River Conservancy | Stephanie – RuizFresno | Ended Jan 1, 2026 | Not required |
| San Gabriel & Lower LA Rivers and Mountains Conservancy | Adrienne MohanLong Beach | Ended Apr 17, 2026 | Not required |
| Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy | Leo WinternitzCarmichael | Ended Apr 19, 2026 | Required |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — Central CoastSan Luis Obispo | Farfalla BorahCapitola | Ends Sep 30, 2026 | Required |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — Central CoastSan Luis Obispo | Jane GrayGoleta | Ends Sep 30, 2026 | Required |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — Central ValleyRancho Cordova | Sean YangSacramento | Ends Sep 30, 2026 | Required |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — Central ValleyRancho Cordova | Denise KadaraAllensworth | Ends Sep 30, 2026 | Required |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — Colorado River BasinPalm Desert | Beatriz GonzalezIndio | Ends Sep 30, 2026 | Required |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — Colorado River BasinPalm Desert | Peter SatinPalm Desert | Ends Sep 30, 2026 | Required |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — LahontanSouth Lake Tahoe | Kimberly CoxHelendale | Ends Sep 30, 2026 | Required |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — Los AngelesLos Angeles | Michael MendezLong Beach | Ends Sep 30, 2026 | Required |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — North CoastSanta Rosa | Alexandra HartMontague | Ends Sep 30, 2026 | Required |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — North CoastSanta Rosa | Hector BedollaHealdsburg | Ends Sep 30, 2026 | Required |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — San DiegoSan Diego | Gary StrawnSantee | Ends Sep 30, 2026 | Required |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — San DiegoSan Diego | Megan BlairSan Diego | Ends Sep 30, 2026 | Required |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — San Francisco BayOakland | ANDREW GUNTHEROakland | Ends Sep 30, 2026 | Required |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — San Francisco BayOakland | Donald YoungMorgan Hill | Ends Sep 30, 2026 | Required |
| Regional Water Quality Control Board — Santa AnaRiverside | Kristine (Kris) MurrayAnaheim | Ends Sep 30, 2026 | Required |
| California Public Utilities Commission | Christine HaradaLa Crescenta | Ends Jan 1, 2027 | Required |
| California Public Utilities Commission | Darcie HouckDavis | Ends Jan 1, 2027 | Required |
| San Diego River Conservancy | Jennifer M. JamesSan Diego | Ends Jan 1, 2027 | Not required |
| San Diego River Conservancy | J. Cody Petterson Ph.DLa Jolla | Ends Jan 1, 2027 | Not required |
| Boating and Waterways Commission | Hampus IdsaterThousand Oaks | Ends Jan 15, 2027 | Required |
| California Water Commission | Tyrone BlandAltadena | Ends Jan 15, 2027 | Required |
| California Water Commission | Fern SteinerSan Diego | Ends Jan 15, 2027 | Required |
| California Water Commission | Kimberly GallagherDavis | Ends Jan 15, 2027 | Required |
| Fish and Game Commission | Samantha Jo MurraySan Diego | Ends Jan 15, 2027 | Required |
| State Water Resources Control Board | Dorene D'AdamoTurlock | Ends Jan 15, 2027 | Required |
| Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy | Lilliana UdangStockton | Ends Jan 18, 2027 | Required |
| San Gabriel & Lower LA Rivers and Mountains Conservancy | Jennifer StarkClaremont | Ends Feb 26, 2027 | Not required |
| Ocean Protection Council | Megan Maria RochaHumboldt | Ends Mar 13, 2027 | Not required |
| Ocean Protection Council | Alexis Michelle JacksonAlameda | Ends Mar 13, 2027 | Not required |
| California Coastal Commission | Ariel L. Kelley J.DHealdsburg | Ends May 20, 2027 | Not required |
| California Coastal Commission | Linda EscalanteCrescent City | Ends May 20, 2027 | Not required |
| California Coastal Commission | Caryl O. Hart, Ph.DSebastopol | Ends May 20, 2027 | Not required |
| California Coastal Commission | J.D Dayna A. BochcoLos Angeles | Ends May 20, 2027 | Not required |
| State Coastal Conservancy | Jeremiah Francis HalliseyContra Costa | Ends Aug 9, 2027 | Not required |
Terms as printed in the Governor’s appointment volumes, measured from Sep 28, 2026. A seat whose term date the record does not carry is not listed here — that is a gap in the source, not a seat that never turns over. A member may also be reappointed to their own seat.
The nine regional water boards
The most accessible way onto California water governance. Nine boards, seven seats each — 63 seats statewide, all appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. They pay $250 a day, capped at $13,500 a year and the statute directs that appointments “shall result in representation on the board from all parts of the region and from diverse experiential backgrounds.”
1
North Coast
Office in Santa Rosa
Redwood coast, Eel and Klamath basins.
No seat listed as open
2 terms ending by Sep 28, 2027
Recent appointments on record 7
- Molli Myers
- Dale Romanini
- Gregory Giusti
- Jake Mackenzie
- Ryan Sundberg
- Alexandra Hart
- Hector Bedolla
2
San Francisco Bay
Office in Oakland
The Bay, its tributaries and the estuary margin.
No seat listed as open
2 terms ending by Sep 28, 2027
Recent appointments on record 7
- Sushma Bhatia
- Mark Ransom
- Jayne Battey
- Alexis Hacker
- William Kissinger
- ANDREW GUNTHER
- Donald Young
3
Central Coast
Office in San Luis Obispo
Salinas and Santa Maria valleys, Monterey Bay.
1 seat open
Demonstrated competency or interest in water
2 terms ending by Sep 28, 2027
Recent appointments on record 7
- Farfalla Borah
- Stephanie Harlan
- Alex Rodriguez
- Dominic Roques
- Anne Hoskins
- Jean-Pierre Wolff
- Jane Gray
4
Los Angeles
Office in Los Angeles
Los Angeles and Ventura counties, LA and Santa Clara rivers.
1 seat open
Demonstrated competency or interest in water
1 term ending by Sep 28, 2027
Recent appointments on record 5
- Norma Camacho
- Sabrina Ashjian
- Hamid Nahai
- Marissa Christiansen
- Michael Mendez
5
Central Valley
Office in Rancho Cordova
Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys — the largest region in the state.
1 seat open
Demonstrated competency or interest in water
2 terms ending by Sep 28, 2027
Recent appointments on record 6
- Elena Lee Reeder
- Arthur Baggett
- Mark Bradford
- Nicholas Avdis
- Sean Yang
- Denise Kadara
6
Lahontan
Office in South Lake Tahoe
East of the Sierra crest: Tahoe, Owens Valley, Mojave.
1 seat open
Demonstrated competency or interest in water
1 term ending by Sep 28, 2027
Recent appointments on record 6
- Edwin Alonzo
- Courtney Henderson
- Jeffrey Loux
- Rick Dever
- Robert Pearce
- Kimberly Cox
7
Colorado River Basin
Office in Palm Desert
Imperial and Coachella valleys, the Salton Sea, the Colorado.
1 seat open
Demonstrated competency or interest in water
2 terms ending by Sep 28, 2027
Recent appointments on record 6
- Nancy Wright
- Vivian Perez
- Azucena Beltran
- Ed Muzik
- Beatriz Gonzalez
- Peter Satin
8
Santa Ana
Office in Riverside
Santa Ana River watershed across Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino.
1 seat open
Demonstrated competency or interest in water
1 term ending by Sep 28, 2027
Recent appointments on record 6
- Sixto Lopez
- John Scandura
- Letitia Clark
- Gloria Alvarado
- Willliam Ruh
- Kristine (Kris) Murray
9
San Diego
Office in San Diego
San Diego County coastal watersheds.
1 seat open
Demonstrated competency or interest in water
2 terms ending by Sep 28, 2027
Recent appointments on record 6
- Emily Wier
- Betty Olson
- Celeste Cantú
- Yen Tu
- Gary Strawn
- Megan Blair
The full directory
Search by board, by subject, or by what the seat requires.
Statewide water policy and regulation
The bodies that set water quality standards, decide who gets water and on what terms, and sign off on what a household pays for it.
State Water Resources Control Board
Senate confirmationSalaried4-year term1 term ending
To preserve, enhance and restore the quality of California's water resources, and ensure their proper allocation and efficient use for the benefit of present and future generations.
- Seats
- 5 seats, all filled by the Governor
- Pay
- $186,271 a year
Who is eligible
Governor appoints five (5): (Water Code § 175(a).)
- One (1) shall be an attorney admitted to practice law in this state who is qualified in the fields of water supply and water rights
- One (1) shall be a registered civil engineer under the laws of this state who is qualified in the fields of water supply and water rights
- One (1) shall be a registered professional engineer under the laws of this state who is experienced in sanitary engineering and who is qualified in the field of water quality
- One (1) who shall be qualified in the field of water quality *One (1) of the above-appointed persons, in addition to having the specified qualifications, shall be qualified in the field of water supply and water quality relating to irrigated agriculture
- One (1) of the members appointed shall not be required to have specialized experience, and each member shall represent the state at large and not any particular portion thereof and shall serve full time.
How the Governor is told to choose
The board shall, to the extent possible, be composed of members from different regions of the state. (Water Code § 175(a-b).)
Term and turnover
Four (4) years. (Water Code § 177.) Vacancies shall be filled immediately by the Governor for the unexpired terrn. (Water Code § 177.)
Recent appointments on record 5
- Jared Blumenfeld
- Dorene D'Adamo
- Emanuel Esquivel
- Nichole Morgan
- Sean Maguire
California Water Commission
Senate confirmationPer diem4-year term3 terms ending
Provide a public forum for discussing water issues, advises the Department of Water Resources, and take appropriate statutory actions to further the development of policies that support integrated and sustainable water resource management and a healthy environment.
- Seats
- 9 seats, all filled by the Governor
- Pay
- $100 a day
Who is eligible
Governor appoints nine (9) members: (Wat. Code § 152.) 1) Seven (7) members whom shall be selected and approved for appointment on the basis of their general educational and business qualifications, and their knowledge of, interest in, and experience with problems relating to the control, storage, and beneficial use of water. They shall be appointed in such a manner as to afford representation on the commission of all parts of the state so far as it is practicable. In considering qualifications of such members of the commission, engineering ability and experience shall be deemed advisable. 2) Two (2) members shall be public members having an interest in and knowledge of the environment and need have none of the other qualifications specified in this section.
Term and turnover
Four (4) years, staggered. Vacancy- Shall be immediately filled by the Governor for the unexpired portion of the terms in which they occur. (Wat. Code § 154.) The term of any member of the commission, whose appointment has been confirmed by the Senate and who is serving a term that is unexpired as of January 1, 2011, shall expire on May 14, 2014. (Wat. Code § 153.5)
Recent appointments on record 9
- Nicole Elliott
- Davina Hurt
- Daniel Curtin
- Alexandre Makler
- Jose Solorio
- Sandra Matsumoto
- Tyrone Bland
- Fern Steiner
California Public Utilities Commission
Senate confirmationSalaried6-year term2 terms ending
To serve the public interest by protecting consumers and ensuring the provision of safe, reliable utility service and infrastructure at reasonable rates, with a commitment to environmental enhancement and a healthy California economy.
- Seats
- 5 seats, all filled by the Governor
- Pay
- $215,632 a year
- Meets
- At least 12 times a year
Who is eligible
A public utilities commissioner may not hold an official relation to, nor have a financial interest in, a person or corporation subject to regulation by the commission. If any commissioner acquires a financial interest in a corporation or person subject to regulation by the commission other than voluntarily, his or her office shall become vacant unless within a reasonable time he or she divests himself or herself of the interest.(Pub. Uti I. Code § 303(a).)
How the Governor is told to choose
An executive of a public utility cannot service as a commissioner within 2 years after leaving the employment of the utility.
Term and turnover
Six (6) years staggered; Vacancies are filled for the remainder of the term. (Ca. Canst. Art. XII, § 1.)
Recent appointments on record 5
- Christine Harada
- Matthew Baker
- Karen Douglas
- John Reynolds
- Darcie Houck
Low-Income Oversight Board
Pay n/a2-year term
To advise the Public Utilities Commission on low-income electric, gas, and water customer issues and shall serve as a liaison for the Commission to low-income ratepayers and representatives.
- Seats
- 1 of 11 seats filled by the Governor
- Pay
- Not stated in the record
- Meets
- Shall alternate meeting locations between northern, central, and southern California. .)
Who is eligible
Governor and the Department of Community Services and Development shall each appoint one (1) person. (Pub. Util. Code § 382.1 (b)(2)(4).) Public Utilities Commission appoints five (5) members who have expertise in the low-income community and who are not affiliated with any state agency or utility group. These members shall be selected in a manner to ensure an equitable geographic distribution. (Pub. Util. Code § 382.1 (b)(1,3,5,6,7).)
- One (1) member who is a commissioner or commissioner designee
- One (1) member who is a representative of private weatherization contractors
- One (1) member who is a representative of an electrical or gas corporation
- One (1) member who is a representative of a water corporation
Term and turnover
Two (2) years. As to the Governor's appointment the term begins on the date of the appointment. (Resolution E-4095(3.2)) Vacancies for positions that are to be appointed by the Commission shall be filled by the Commission. (Resolution E-4095 (3.5)) If for any reason, a member ceases to be a designated representative of the respective class or entity upon which membership is based, the member's appointment shall terminate as of the date that affiliation ceases. The Commission's Executive Director shall issue a letter announcing the termination of the member's appointment. (Resolution E-4095 (3.2)
Recent appointments on record 1
- Benito Delgado-Olson
Rivers, the Delta and flood control
Basin-scale bodies. Narrower mandates, real money, and the least crowded applicant pools on this page.
Delta Stewardship Council
Senate confirmationSalaried4-year term
The Council is the successor to the California Bay-Delta Authority and assumes its responsibilities, including the responsibility of developing and implementing a Delta plan. The Council is required to consider recommendations of the Delta Protection Commission and adopt such recommendations, if in the Council's discretion they are…
- Seats
- 4 of 7 seats filled by the Governor
- Pay
- $59,133 a year
Who is eligible
Council members shall possess diverse expertise and reflect a statewide perspective. (Wat. Code § 85202).) The Chairperson of the Delta Protection Commission shall serve as a member of the council for the period during which he or she holds the position as Commission Chair. (Wat. Code § 85200(c)(2).)
Term and turnover
4 years. Initial term for the members appointed by the Senate Rules Committee, Speaker and 2 of the Governor's appointee will be for 4 years. Initial term for the other 2 Governor appointees will be for 6 years. Thereafter, all terms are for 4 years. Initial appointments shall be made by July 1, 2010. Any vacancy will be filled by appointing authority within 60 days. If the term of a council member expires, and no successor is appointed within the allotted time frame, the existing member may serve up to 180 days beyond the expiration of their term. (NOTE: The 180 day rule does not apply to Governor appointees. See Government Code 1774 et al.)
Recent appointments on record 6
- Julie Lee
- Ann Patterson
- Susan T. Eggman Ph.D
- Maria Mehranian
- Daniel Zingale
- Gayle Miller
Central Valley Flood Protection Board
Senate confirmationSalaried4-year term1 open
To control flooding along the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers and their tributaries in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. As well as maintain the integrity of the existing flood control system and designated floodways through the Board's regulatory authority by issuing permits for encroachments.
- Seats
- 7 of 9 seats filled by the Governor
- Pay
- $59,133 a year
Who is eligible
Governor: 1) One (1) person shall be an engineer 2) One (1) person shall have training, experience, and expertise in geology or hydrology. 3) One (1) person shall be a flood control expert with not less than five years' experience. 4) One (1) person shall be an attorney with water experience. 5) Three (3) persons shall be public members. (Wat. Code § 8551 (b)(2)(A-E).) Non-voting Ex Officio members: 1) The Chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and . Water, to the extent that service with the board does not conflict with his or her legislative duties. 2) The Chair of the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife, to the extent that service with the board does not conflict with his or her legislative duties. (Wat.Code § 8551 (c-d).)
Recent appointments on record 6
- James DeBoo
- Keely Bosler
- Elizabeth ("Betty") Andrews
- Mary Jane Griego
- Brian Johnson
- Joseph Countryman
Colorado River Board of California
Per diem
The Colorado River Board of California, within the Natural Resources Agency, is charged with maintaining or increasing the quantity of California's Colorado River water resources; representing California in discussions among the Colorado River Basin States, Indian Tribes, the federal government and others in implementing joint…
- Seats
- 8 of 10 seats filled by the Governor
- Pay
- $100 a day
Who is eligible
Governor appoints:
- Two (2) public members
- Qualifications Each governing body shall submit to the Governor two (2) lists of not less than three (3) persons on each with a recommendation as to whom should be appointed from one ( 1) list as its member on the board, and the other list as an alternate: (Wat.Code § 12512.) Qualification 1) San Diego County Water Authority, 2) Palo Verde Irrigation District, 3) Imperial Irrigation District, 4) Coachella Valley Water District, 5) Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, 6) Department of Water and Power of the City of Los Angeles (Wat.Code § 12511.) Director of Water Resources or their designee (Wat.Code § 12511.) Director of Fish and Game or their designee. (Wat.Code § 12511.) Each governing body if it desires to have a new member or alternate, or both, may submit new lists at any time. A member of the governing body of an agency may be appointed as a member or as an alternate. Each alternate shall, in the absence of the appointed member for any cause, including vacancy in the office of the appointed member, have all the authority and rights of the member to which he or she is an alternate. (Wat.Code § 12512.)
How the Governor is told to choose
If, after sixty (60) days following submission of the initial or any new list, the Governor has not made an appointment, the person recommended by the governing body shall be deemed appointed. Each governing body if it desires to have a new member or alternate, or both, may submit new lists at any time. (Wat. Code § 12512.)
Term and turnover
Pleasure of the appointing power. (Gov. Code § 1301.)
Recent appointments on record 8
- Gloria Cordero
- Frank Ruiz
- Jordan Dean Joaquin
- John Brooks Hamby
- James Vincent Madaffer
- David R. Pettijohn
- Peter Nelson
- Dana Bartlett Fisher
Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum
Unpaid
To coordinate salinity control efforts among the states, coordinate with federal agencies on the implementation of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program, work with Congress to authorize and fund the Program, and disseminate information on salinity control and promote efforts to reduce the salt loading to the Colorado River.
- Seats
- 3 seats, all filled by the Governor
- Pay
- Unpaid
- Meets
- Approximately twice (2) a year in one (1) of the Colorado River Basin States. (Website)
Who is eligible
Governor appoints three (3) public members: 1) One ( 1) members is a state representative from a state water quality regulatory agency; 2) One (1) member from a state water resources agency; 3) One (1) member that represents stakeholders (water users) in the use of the water delivered from the Colorado River.
Term and turnover
Pleasure of appointing authority. (Gov. Code § 1301.)
Recent appointments on record
No appointments announced since January 2019.
Western States Water Council
Senate confirmationPer diem1 open
To accomplish effective cooperation among western states in the conservation, development and management of water resources.
- Seats
- 3 of 54 seats filled by the Governor
- Pay
- $25 a day
- Meets
- At least 3 times a year
Who is eligible
The Council consists of the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Member state Governors may appoint not more than three member state representatives to the Council, but may name any number of standing alternate representatives
How the Governor is told to choose
Governor seNes as ex-officio.
Recent appointments on record 3
- Karla Ann Nemeth
- Emanuel Joaquin Esquivel
- Betty Haak Olson
Boating and Waterways Commission
Senate confirmationPer diem4-year term1 term ending
Responsible for planning, developing, and improving facilities on state owned and managed properties, including those on State Parks and Water Project properties. It also provides funding so that local agencies can renew deteriorated facilities or develop new public access as well as furthering environmentally sound boating practices…
- Seats
- 7 seats, all filled by the Governor
- Pay
- $100 a day
- Meets
- At least 4 times a year
Who is eligible
One (1) member shall be of a recognized statewide organization representing recreational boaters. (Harb. & Nav. § 80.2.) One (1) shall be a private small craft harbor owner and operator. (Harb. & Nav. § 80.2.) One ( 1) shall be an officer or employee of a law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing boating laws. (Harb. & Nav. § 80.2.) Remaining members of the commission shall be appointed with regard to their special interests in recreational boating. (Harb. & Nav. § 80.2.)
How the Governor is told to choose
In making appointments, the Governor shall give primary consideration to geographical location of the residence of members as related to boating activities and harbors. In addition to the geographical considerations, the members of the commission shall be appointed with regard to their special interests in recreational boating. (Harb. & Nav. § 80.2.)
Term and turnover
Four (4) year terms, expiring on January 15. (Harb. & Nav. § 80.2.) Vacancies occurring prior to the expiration of the term shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term. (Harbors & Nav. § 80.2.)
Recent appointments on record 7
- Maggie (Margaret Mary) Hallahan
- Thomas Pier
- Hampus Idsater
- Jose Gonzalez
- Gonzalo Medina
- Maricela Rosales
- Kathryn Hawkins
Watershed conservancies and coastal bodies
Land, habitat and access along California's rivers, bay and shoreline. Most are regional, which means the seat usually has a residency or constituency requirement attached.
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy
Senate confirmationExpenses4-year term3 terms ending
The Board shall adopt rules and procedures for the conduct of business by the conservancy. The Board shall adopt rules and procedures for the conduct of business by the conservancy.
- Seats
- 2 of 13 seats filled by the Governor
- Pay
- Expenses only
Who is eligible
Governor shall appoint two (2) public members (Pub. Res. Code § 32330(a)(8).) Senate Committee on Rules appoints one (1) public member. (Pub. Res. Code § 32330 (a)(9).) Speaker of the Assembly appoints one (1) public member. (Pub. Res. Code § 32330 (a)(10).) One (1) member of the board or a designee who is a resident of that county: (Pub. Res. Code § 32330(a)(3-7).)
- Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
- Sacramento County Board of Supervisors
- San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors
- Solano County Board of Supervisors
- Yolo County Board of Supervisors The Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency, or his or her designee. (Pub. Res. Code § 32330(a)(1 ).) The Director of Finance, or his or her designee. (Pub. Res. Code § 32330(a)(2).) Two (2) non-voting members shall consist of one (1) Senate and one (1) Assembly member, each appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules and the Speaker of the Assembly, respectively. The appointed members shall represent a district that encompasses a portion of the Delta. (Pub. Res. Code § 32330(b).) Ten liaison advisors who shall serve in an advisory, nonvoting capacity shall consist of all of the following: (Pub. Res. Code § 32330(c)(1-10).):
- One (1) representative of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, designated by the US Secretary of the Interior
- One (1) representative of the US National Marine Fisheries Service, designated by the US Secretary of the Interior
- One (1) representative of the US Bureau of Reclamation, designated by the US Secretary of the Interior
- One (1) representative of the US Army Corps of Engineers, designated by the Commanding Officer, US Army Corps of Engineers, South Pacific Division
- A designee of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission for coordination purposes
- A designee of the State Coastal Conservancy for coordination purposes
- A designee of the Suisun Resource Conservation District for coordination purpose
- A designee of the Central Valley Flood Protection Board
- A designee of the Delta Protection Commission
- A designee of the Yolo Basin Foundation
- A designee of the Delta Protection Commission
Term and turnover
Public members appointed by Rules and Speaker shall serve a term of 4 years. Public members appointed by the Governor shall serve four years from date of second commission. There is a two-term limit. Locally appointed members and Legislators serve at the pleasure of their appointing power. Public members appointed by Rules and Speaker shall serve a term of 4 years. Public members appointed by the Governor shall serve four years from date of second commission. There is a two-term limit. Locally appointed members and Legislators serve at the pleasure of their appointing power.
Recent appointments on record 4
- Leo Winternitz
- Sandi Matsumoto
- Lilliana Udang
- Dolores (Dolly) Ann Sandoval
San Diego River Conservancy
Per diem4-year term1 open5 terms ending
To acquire and manage public lands within the San Diego River Area; and to provide recreational opportunities, open space, wildlife habitat and species protection and restoration, wetland protection and restoration, protection of historical and cultural resources, and protection, maintenance and improvements of the quality of the waters…
- Seats
- 3 of 17 seats filled by the Governor
- Pay
- $100 a day
Who is eligible
Voting Governor appoints three (3) public members. (Pub. Res. Code § 32634(b)(6).) Senate Committee on Rules appoints one (1) public member. (Pub. Res. Code § 32634(b)(6).) Speaker of the Assembly appoints one (1) public member. (Pub. Res. Code § 32634(b)(6).) One (1) member of the City Council of San Diego, elected by a majority of the membership of the council. (Pub. Res. Code § 32634(b)(8).) One (1) member of the Kumeyaay Diegueno Land Conservancy board of directors, elected by a majority of the membership of that board, or their designee. (Pub. Res. Code § 32634(b)(10).) One (1) member of the City Council of Santee, elected by a majority of the membership of the council. (Pub. Res. Code § 32634(b)(11).) The remaining voting members of the board shall consist of the following:
- The Secretary of the Resources Agency, or their designee. (Pub. Res. Code § 32634(b)(1 ).)
- The Director of Finance, or their designee. (Pub. Res. Code § 32634(b)(2).)
- The Director of Parks and Recreation, their designee. or (continued) (Pub. Res. Code § 32634(b)(3).)
- The Director of Fish and Wildlife, or their designee. (Pub. Res. Code § 32634(b)(4).)
- A representative of the Colorado Desert District of the Department of Parks and Recreations or their designee. Pub. Res. Code § 32634(b)(5).)
- The Mayor of San Diego, or their designee. (Pub. Res. Code § 32634(b)(7).)
- One (1) member of the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Diego, whose district includes the preponderance of the San Diego River watershed. (Pub. Res. Code § 32634(b)(9).) Nonvoting The two (2) nonvoting members shall consist of the following: (Pub. Res. Code § 32634(c)(1-2).
- The Executive Director of the Wildlife Conservation Board, or their designee
- A representative selected by the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board
Term and turnover
Four years. Two of the three initial appointments by the Governor shall be for three-year terms and the third appointment shall be for a two-year term. All subsequent appointments shall be for four-year terms.
Recent appointments on record 5
- Jennifer M. James
- J. Cody Petterson Ph.D
- Clarissa Reyes Falcon
- Elsa Eugenia Saxod
- Benjamin Gardner Clay
San Joaquin River Conservancy
Per diem4-year term1 open2 terms ending
To provide leadership and acquire, preserve, manage, and promote access to lands within the flood plain on both sides of the San Joaquin River from Friant Dam to Highway 99.
- Seats
- 3 of 16 seats filled by the Governor
- Pay
- $75 a day
Who is eligible
Governor Appoints (3) Public Members: (1) One resident of the City of Fresno from a list of candidates submitted by the Fresno City Council.(Pub. Res. Code § 32515(b)(6)(C). (1) One member of the California Native American tribe from a list of candidates submitted by local tribal organizations. (Pub. Res. Code § 32515(b)(7). (1) One youth member from lists submitted by either of the following: 1. Youth serving nonprofit organizations that a presence within Fresno County or Madera County 2. Institutions of higher education within Fresno County or Madera County The youth member shall be a resident of Fresno County or Madera County and 18 to 26 years of age, inclusive, and shall not be an elected official. (Pub. Res. Code § 32515(b)(8)(A-B). Qualifications
How the Governor is told to choose
• Any member who is an elected or appointed official who ceases to hold that office shall automatically cease to be a member of the board. The office of any member of the board who is required to be a resident of a member agency shall become vacant upon that member ceasing to be a resident of the member agency.
Term and turnover
Voting members shall serve four (4) years. Any member who is an elected or appointed official who ceases to hold that office shall automatically cease to be a member of the board. The office of any member of the board who is required to be a resident of a member agency shall become vacant upon that member ceasing to be a resident of the member agency. (Pub. Res. Code § 32517.)
Recent appointments on record 2
- Stephanie – Ruiz
- Bryn Allison Forhan
San Gabriel & Lower LA Rivers and Mountains Conservancy
Per diem2-year term4 terms ending
Acquire and manage public lands within the Lower Los Angeles River and San Gabriel River watersheds, and to provide open-space, low-impact recreational and educational uses, water conservation, watershed improvement, wildlife and habitat restoration and protection, and watershed improvement within the territory; preserve these rivers…
- Seats
- 5 of 24 seats filled by the Governor
- Pay
- $75 a day
Who is eligible
Governor appoints five (5) members:
- One ( 1) member of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles, or his or her designee, who represents the area or a portion thereof contained within the territory of the conservancy (Pub. Res. Code § 32602(a)(1 ).)
- One (1) member from a list of two (2) or more potential members of the Orange County Division of the League of California Cities submitted by the city selection committee of Orange County, who shall be a mayor or a city council member of a city bordering along the San Gabriel River or a tributary thereof (Pub. Res. Code § 32605(a)(4).)
- One (1) member from a list of. potential members submitted by local, state, and national environmental organizations that operate within the County of Los Angeles and within the territory of the conservancy and that have participated in planning for – river restoration or open space, or both or river preservation. This member shall be a resident of Los Angeles County (Pub. Res. Code § 32605(a)(7).)
- One (1) member who is a resident of a city, not otherwise represented on the board at the time of the member's appointment, bordering the Lower Los Angeles River. The Board of Directors of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments shall submit a list( s) of two or more potential members, until the Governor makes an appointment.
- One (1) member who is a resident of a city, not otherwise represented on the board at the time of the member's appointment, bordering the San Gabriel River. The governing board shall submit a list( s) of two or more potential members, until the Governor makes an appointment. Governing Board of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments submits a list of two (2) or more potential members. One who shall be a mayor or city council member of a city bordering along the San Gabriel River and the other a mayor or city council member bordering the San Gabriel Mountains area.
- Board of Directors of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments appoints one ( 1 ) member from the list submitted by the governing board.
- Senate Committee on Rules appoints one (1) member from the list submitted by the governing board. If the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments fails to provide a list of two or more potential members to the Senate Committee on Rules, at least thirty (30) days prior to the date a current member's term expires, the Senate Committee on Rules may appoint a mayor or a city council member of a city bordering along the San Gabriel River or Mountains, or a member of the public who resides within the territory of the conservancy. (Pub. Res. Code § 32605(a)(2).) Gateway Cities Council of Governments appoints two (2) members
- Speaker of the Assembly: one (1) member from a list of two (2) or more potential members submitted by the executive committee of the board of directors of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments. The executive committee shall submit lists of potential members to the Speaker of the Assembly until an acceptable member is appointed.
- Mayor of the City of Long Beach appoints one ( 1 ) from the board of directors of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments. (Pub. Res. Code § 32605(a)(3).) Orange County Division of the League of California Cities appoints one ( 1) member by a majority of the membership of the city selection committee of Orange County., who shall be a mayor or city council member of a city bordering along the San Gabriel River or a tributary thereof. (Pub. Res. Code § 32605(a)(4).) San Gabriel Valley Water Association appoints one (1) member who shall be a representative of a member of the San Gabriel Valley Water Association by a majority of the membership of the board of directors of the San Gabriel Valley Water Association. (Pub. Res. Code § 32605(a)(5).) Central Basin Water Association appoints one (1) member who shall be a representative of the Central Basin Water Association by a majority of the membership of the board of directors of the Central Basin Water Association. (Pub. Res. Code § 32605(a)(6).) Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency, or his or her designee. (Pub. Res. Code § 32605(a)(10).) Secretary for Environmental Protection, or his or her designee. (Pub. Res. Code § 32605(a)(11 ).) Director of Finance, or his or her designee. (Pub. Res. Code § 32605(a)(12).) Nine (9) ex officio, nonvoting members consisting of the following officers or an employee of each agency designated annually by that officer to represent the office or agency: (Pub. Res. Code § 32605(b){1-7).)
- District Engineer of theU.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Regional Forester for the Pacific Southwest Region of the U.S. Forest Service
- Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works
- Director of the Orange County Department of Public Works
- A member of the San Gabriel Watermaster, appointed by a majority of the members of the San Gabriel River Watermaster
- Director of Parks and Recreation
- Executive officer of the Wildlife Conservation Board
- Senate Committee on Rules appoints one (1) member
- Speaker of the Assembly appoints one (1) member
Term and turnover
2 years. Any vacancy shall be filled within 60 days of its occurrence by the appointing authority. The term of each of the members appointed from the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments or the Gateway Cities Council of Governments shall be 2 years, or until the member's successor is appointed. No person shall continue as a member of the board if he or she ceases to hold the office that qualifies that person to be appointed as a member of the board, or in the case of members appointed from the San Gabriel Basin Water Association or the Central Basin Water Association, ceases to represent a member of that association. The membership on the board held by the person shall terminate immediately upon ceasing to hold that qualifying office or membership. The position of any member appointed by the Governor shall be deemed vacant immediately if the member ceases to be a resident of the applicable territory.
Recent appointments on record 9
- Joe Kalmick
- Ali Saleh
- Marco Barcena
- Linh Tran
- Jennifer Stark
- Adrienne Mohan
- Josh Lowenthal
- Lena A. Gonzalez
Salton Sea Conservancy
Pay n/a4-year term
The governing board provides oversight to the Salton Sea Conservancy, a state agency within the Natural Resources Agency, established for the following purposes: (1) To operate, maintain, and manage projects that are planned or built under the authority of the Salton Sea Management Program to fulfill the state’s obligations as detailed…
- Seats
- 15 members; the Governor’s share is not broken out in the record
- Pay
- Not stated in the record
Who is eligible
In addition to the public member requirements, all voting members shall have demonstrated interest and expertise in at least one of the conservancy’s foundational purposes. This experience shall include, but is not limited to: (1) Experience with any of the following: (A) A land conservation nonprofit organization. (B) A public agency focused on land conservation. (C) Public land management. (2) Experience as a professional with expertise in one or more functions of the board, including operations and maintenance. (3) Experience with activities that benefit disadvantaged communities identified pursuant to Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code.
Term and turnover
4-year terms, running with the officer, for public members
Recent appointments on record
No appointments announced since January 2019.
Lower American River Conservancy Advisory Committee
Pay n/a
The purpose of the advisory committee is to advise the Wildlife Conservation Board on the implementation and administration of the Lower American River Conservancy Program, and the expenditure of bond funds and other appropriations for the benefit of the American River Parkway and related lands, among other things.
- Seats
- 1 of 9 seats filled by the Governor
- Pay
- Not stated in the record
- Meets
- At least 2 times a year
Who is eligible
Governor appoints one (1) public member, at large, with demonstrated knowledge of and expertise in the American River Parkway (ARP) and ARP plan. (Pub. Res. Code § 5845.4(a)(5).) Speaker of the Assembly appoints one (1) public member, at large, with demonstrated knowledge of and expertise in the ARP and ARP plan. (Pub. Res. Code § 5845.4(a)(5).) Senate -Rules CommiUe-e-app-6ints One-C1)-pu5lic member, at large, with demonstrated knowledge of and expertise in the ARP and ARP plan. (Pub. Res. Code § 5845.4(a)(5).) Board of Supervisors. Sacramento County. includes three (3) members selected by a majority vote of the board of supervisors, or their designees. (Pub. Res. Code § 5845.4(a)(1 ).) City of Sacramento, two (2) representatives which may include the Mayor and one member of the Sacramento City Council, or two members of the city council, selected by a majority vote of the city council, or their designees. (Pub. Res. Code § 5845.4(a)(2).) Mayor or a member of the Rancho Cordova City Council, selected by a majority vote of the city council, or his or her designee. (Pub. Res. Code § 5845.4(a)(3).) The advisory committee shall also include an unspecified number of representative from the Natural Resources Agency, the Department of Finance, and the State Lands Commission. (Pub. Res. Code § 5845.4(a)(4).)
Term and turnover
No statutory requirement. A person shall not continue as a member of the advisory committee if that person ceases to hold the office that qualifies that person for membership. In that event, the person's membership on the advisory committee shall automatically terminate. (Pub. Res. Code § 5845.4(b).)
Recent appointments on record 1
- Catherine Hillary Gilson
Klamath River Renewal Corporation
Unpaid6-year term2 terms ending
Provides for a cooperative effort to revitalize the Klamath Basin and to improve conditions for all communities who utilize the river's resources by decommissioning and removal of four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River.
- Seats
- 5 of 15 seats filled by the Governor
- Pay
- Unpaid
How the Governor is told to choose
Appointing authorities shall make their appointments by providing written notice of the appointment and its effective date, in advance, to the Board. (Bylaws § 3.2(b).)
Term and turnover
Six (6) years. The Board may provide for staggered terms by resolution. (Bylaws § 3.3.)
Recent appointments on record 5
- Lester Snow
- Brian Jay Johnson
- Kristin Barron Peer
- Natalie Christina Arroyo
- Ricardo Cano
San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission
Senate confirmationPer diem2 open
Protect and enhance the San Francisco Bay and the Suisun Marsh and to encourage their responsible use.
- Seats
- 5 of 27 seats filled by the Governor
- Pay
- $100 a day
Who is eligible
Governor appoints five (5) representatives of the public who shall be residents of the San Francisco Bay area. (Gov. Code § 666200).) Senate Committee on Rules appoints one ( 1) representative of the public who shall be a resident of the San Francisco Bay area. (Gov. Code § 666200).) Speaker of the Assembly appoints one (1) representative of the public who shall be a resident of the San Francisco Bay area. (Gov. Code § 666200).) Division Engineer. United States Army Engineers, South Pacific Division appoints one (1) member from his or her staff. (Gov. Code § 66620(a).) Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency appoints one (1) member from his or her staff. (Gov. Code § 66620(b).) Secretary of Transportation appoints one (1) member from his or her staff. (Gov. Code § 66620(c)".) (continued} ) Director of Finance appoints one (1) member from his or her staff. (Gov. Code § 66620(d).) Secretary of Resources appoints one (1) member from his or her staff. (Gov. Code § 66620(e).) State Lands Commission appoints one (1) member who shall be a member of that commission or from its staff. (Gov. Code § 66620(f).) San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board appoints one (1) who shall be a member of that board. (Gov. Code § 66620(g).) Board of Supervisors for each of the nine (9) San Francisco Bay area counties shall appoint one (1 ). Each appointed member shall be a supervisor representing a supervisorial district which includes within its boundaries lands lying within San Francisco Bay. Nine (9) bay area counties are: (Gov. Code § 66620(h).) 1) Alameda 2) Contra Costa 3) Marin 4) Napa 5) San Francisco 6) San Mateo 7) Santa Clara 8) Solano 9) Sonoma Association of Bay Area Governments appoints four (4) city representatives from among the bayside cities in each of the following area: (Gov. Code § 66620(i)(1-4).) 1) North Bay- Marin, Sonoma, Napa and Solano Counties; 2) East Bay- Contra Costa (west of Pittsburg) and Alameda County (north of the southern boundary of Hayward); 3) South Bay- Alameda county (south of the southern boundary of Hayward), Santa Clara county, and San Mateo county (south of the northern boundary of Redwood City) 4) West Bay- San Mateo county (north of the northern boundary of Redwood City), and the City and County of San Francisco. One (1) member of the Senate, appointed by the Senate Rules Committee, and one (1) member of the Assembly, appointed by the ) Speaker of the Assembly, shall meet with, and participate in the activities of the commission to the extent that the participation is not incompatible with their respective positions as Member of the Legislature. For the purpose of this title, Member of Legislature, or their alternates (if the alternates are Members of Legislature), shall constitute a joint interim investigating committee on the subject of this title, and as such shall have the powers and duties imposed upon those committees by the Joint Rules of the Senate and Assembly. (Gov. Code § 66621 (a).) The Speaker of the Assembly or the Senate Committee on Rules may appoint a Member of the Legislature or legislative staff to serve as an alternate for a Member of the Legislature appointed to a state board within the Natural Resources Agency in the Member's absence. (Gov. Code § 1304.) A member, subject to confirmation by the appointing power, may authorize an alternate for attending meetings and voting in the member's absence. Each alternate shall be designated in a written instrument which shall include evidence of the confirmation by the appointing power and the alternate's name shall be kept on file with the commission. (Gov. Code § 66622.)
Term and turnover
Pleasure of respective appointing powers. (Gov. Code § 66622.)
Recent appointments on record 3
- Karl Hasz
- Rebecca Eisen
- Michela Alioto-Pier
State Coastal Conservancy
Per diem4-year term2 terms ending
An independent state agency that works through non-regulatory means to protect, restore, and enhance coastal resources, including wetlands.
- Seats
- 2 of 7 seats filled by the Governor
- Pay
- $100 a day
Who is eligible
Governor appoints two (2) public members, not more than one (1) may be an elected official of a local government, and the official shall have been elected to an office in a local government whose territory is located wholly or partially in the coastal zone. (Pub. Res. Code § 31100(d).) Senate Committee on Rules appoints one (1) public member. (Pub. Res. Code § 31100(d).) Speaker of the Assembly appoints one (1) public member. (Pub. Res. Code § 31100(d).) Chair of the Coastal Commission; (Pub. Res. Code § 311 OO(a).) Secretary of the Resources Agency; (Pub. Res. Code § 31100(b).) The Director of Finance. (Pub. Res. Code § 311 OO(c).) Except for the public members appointed to Section 311 OO(d), members may designate one (1) of their employees to serve on the conservancy in their absence. (Pub. Res. Code § 311 OO(d).) Three (3) members of the Senate, appointed by the Senate Rules Committee, and three (3) members-of the Assembly, appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly, shall meet with the conservancy and participate in its activities to the extent that such participation is not incompatible with their respective positions as Members of the Legislature. (Pub. Res. Code § 31100.5.)
Term and turnover
Public members and the Chair of the Coastal Commission shall serve for four (4) years. (Pub. Res. Code § 31101 (a).) If a member is appointed by reason of his or her status as a locally elected official, his or her membership shall cease sixty (60) days after his or her term of office as a locally elected official ceases, and the Governor may appoint another person to complete the remainder of his or her term. (Pub. Res. Code § 31101 (a).) Public members shall not be disqualified for membership and may complete his or her term in the event he or she is elected to a local office after his or her appointment. (Pub. Res. Code § 31101 (a).)
Recent appointments on record 2
- Jeremiah Francis Hallisey
- Douglas H. Bosco
Water, governed under another name
Their mandates read as land, wildlife or coastline. Their decisions set what reaches the water, who may build beside it, and what condition the headwaters are in. The Governor appoints to every one of them, and they draw a fraction of the applications the boards with “water” in the name do.
California Coastal Commission
Per diem2-year term6 terms ending
The commission, unless specifically otherwise provided, shall have the primary responsibility for the implementation of the provisions of Division 20 of the Public Resources Code and is designated as the state coastal zone planning and management agency for any and all purposes, and may exercise any and all powers set forth in the…
- Seats
- 4 of 15 seats filled by the Governor
- Pay
- $100 a day
- Meets
- At least 1 times a year
Who is eligible
Governor, Senate Committee on Rules, and the Speaker of the Assembly shall each appoint two (2) representatives of the public from the state at large. (Pub. Resources Code § 30301 (d).) Six (6) representatives selected from six (6) coastal regions: 1) Governor shall select one (1) member from the north coast region and one (1) member from the south central coast region; 2) Speaker of the Assembly shall select one (1) member from the central coast region and one (1) member from the San Diego coast region; 3) Senate Committee on Rules shall select one (1) member from the north central coast region and one (1) member from the south coast region. (Pub. Resources Code § 30301(e).) nominate supervisors, mayors, or city council members who reside in the region from which the Governor, the Senate Committee on Rules, or the Speaker of the Assembly shall appoint a replacement.
- In regions composed of three (3) counties, the board of supervisors and the city selection committee in each county within the region shall each nominate one (1) or more supervisors and one or more mayors and city council members
- In regions composed of two (2) counties, the board of supervisors and the city selection committee in each county within the region shall each nominate not less than two (2) supervisors and two (2)mayors or city council members
- In regions composed of one (1) county, the board of supervisors and the city selection committee in the county shall each nominate not less than three (3) supervisors and three (3) mayors or city council members
- Immediately upon selecting the nominees, the board of supervisors and the city selection committee shall send the names of the nominees to either the Governor, the Senate Committee on rules, or the Speaker of the Assembly, whoever will appoint the replacement. (Pub. Resources Code § 30301.2(a).) Within thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of the names of the nominees pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 30301.2(a), the Governor, the Speaker of the Assembly, or the Senate Committee on Rules, whoever will appoint the replacement, shall either appoint one (1) of the nominees or notify the boards of supervisors and city selection committees within the region that none of the nominees are acceptable and request the boards of supervisors and city selection committees to make additional nominations.
- Within forty-five (45) days from the date of receipt of a notice rejecting all of the nominees, the boards of supervisors and city selection committees within the region shall nominate and send to the appointing authority the names of additional nominees in accordance with Public Resources Code Section 30301.2(a). Upon receipt of the names of those additional nominees, the appointing authority shall appoint one (1) of the nominees. (Pub. Resources Code § 30301.2(b ). ) . Any member of the commission may, subject to the confirmation of his or her appointing power, appoint an alternate member to represent him of her at any commission meeting. An alternate for a locally elected official need not also be a locally elected official An alternate may serve prior to confirmation for a period not to exceed 90 days from
- the date of appointment unless and until confirmation is specifically refused. The alternate shall serve at the pleasure of the member who appointed them and shall have all the powers and duties as a member of the commission, except that the alternate shall only participate and v.Pte in meetings in the absence of the member who appointed him or her. (Pub. Resources Code § 30304.)
How the Governor is told to choose
The Governor, Senate Committee on Rules, and the Speaker of the Assembly shall make good faith efforts to assure that their appointments, as a whole, reflect, to the greatest extent feasible, the economic, social, and geographic diversity of the state. (Pub. Resources Code § 30310.)
Term and turnover
A person appointed by the Governor and qualified for membership because he or she holds a specified office as a locally elected official shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. However, the membership shall cease sixty (60) days after his or her term of office as a locally elected official ceases, or when a person has been appointed to fill that position by the Governor, if that occurs sooner. (Pub. Resources Code § 30312(a)(1 ).) A member appointed by the Governor shall serve for two (2) years at the pleasure of the Governor, and may be reappointed for succeeding two (2) year periods, provided that the member may continue to serve beyond the two (2) year term until the Governor has acted and the appointee is authorized to sit and serve on the commission. (Pub. Resources Code § 30312(b)(1).) A person appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, or by the Speaker of the Assembly and qualified for membership because he or she holds a specified office as a locally elected official shall serve a term of four (4) years. However, the membership shall cease sixty (60) days after his or her term of office as a locally elected official ceases, if that occurs sooner. (Pub. Resources Code § 30312(a)(2).) A member appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules or the Speaker of the Assembly shall serve for four (4) years, and may be reappointed for succeeding four ( 4) year periods, provided that the member may continue to serve beyond the four (4) year term until his or her appointing authority has acted and the appointee is authorized to sit and serve on the commission. If the Senate Committee on Rules or the Speaker of the Assembly has not acted within sixty (60) days after the expiration of a member's term, the position shall become vacant until a person is appointed to a four (4) year term, calculated from the expiration date of the preceding term. (Pub. Resources Code § 30312(b)(2).) If a vacancy occurs prior to the expiration of the term, the appointing authority shall appoint a member for the remainder of the unexpired term. (Pub. Resources Code § 30312(c).) The executive director of the commission shall notify the (appropriate appointing authority of any expected vacancies on the commission. If the expected vacancy is a person qualified for membership because he or she holds a specified office as a locally elected official, ~hose term of office as a locally elected official is expected to expire or has expired, then the appointing authority shall notify the boards of supervisors and city selection committees of each county within the affected region of the expected vacancy. (Pub. Resources Code § 30313(b).)
Recent appointments on record 12
- Ann Notthoff
- Christopher Lopez
- J.D Raymond A. Jackson
- Jose Preciado
- Ariel L. Kelley J.D
- Susan Erica Lowenberg
- Linda Escalante
- Caryl O. Hart, Ph.D
Ocean Protection Council
Per diem4-year term2 terms ending
Ensure that California maintains healthy, resilient, and productive ocean and coastal ecosystems for the benefit of current and future generations.
- Seats
- 2 of 5 seats filled by the Governor
- Pay
- $100 a day
Who is eligible
. Governor appoints two (2) public members. (Pub. Res. Code § 35600(a).)
Term and turnover
Public members serve four (4) years. — . (Pub. Res. Code § 35600(b).)
Recent appointments on record 2
- Megan Maria Rocha
- Alexis Michelle Jackson
Fish and Game Commission
Senate confirmationPay n/a2 terms ending
Make complex public policy and biological decisions on behalf of the people of California. Responsible for regulatory powers over deciding seasons, bag limits, and methods of take for game animals and sport fish. Other responsibilities include controlling exotic species; establishing/regulating use of wildlife areas, ecological reserves…
- Seats
- 5 seats, all filled by the Governor
- Pay
- Not stated in the record
Who is eligible
It is the intent of the Legislature that the Governor and the Senate Committee on Rules consider the following minimum qualifications when appointing commissioners: (Fish & G. Code § 101.5(b)(1-6).) 1) The degree to which the appointee will enhance the diversity of background and geographic representation of the commission. 2) Demonstrates an interest and background in, and familiarity with, wildlife and natural resources management programs at the state or federal level. 3) Has previous experience in public policy decisionmaking, includinggovernment processes involving public participation. 4) Appointee's commitment to prepare for and attend meetings and subcommittee meetings of the commission and to comply with all applicable state conflict-of-interest laws. 5) The extent of the appointee's exposure to and experience with the basic science underpinning the management of living natural resources. 6) Appointee's diversity of knowledge of natural resource issues and related scientific disciplines, including, but not limited to, outdoor recreation. Six (6) years staggered, and can continue to serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. Appointment to fill a vacancy is for the unexpired portion of the term. (CA Const., Art. IV, § 20(b).)
Recent appointments on record 5
- Darius William Anderson
- Eric Laurence Sklar
- Erika Simone Zavaleta
- Jacque Hostler-Carmesin
- Samantha Jo Murray
Wildlife Conservation Board
Expenses4-year term
Select, authorize and allocate funds for the purchase of land and waters suitable for recreation purposes and the preservation, protection and restoration of wildlife habitat. Approves and funds projects that set aside lands within the State for such purposes, through acquisition or other means, to meet these objectives. Also can…
- Seats
- 2 of 13 seats filled by the Governor
- Pay
- Expenses only
- Meets
- Not state in statute
Who is eligible
Governor appoints two (2) public members. (Fish and Game Code § 1320(b )( 1).) Senate Rules Committee appoints:
- One (1) public member (Fish and Game Code § 1320(b)(1) .)
- Three (3) members non-voting of the Senate o Alternates to Senators(legislators or legislative staff) Gov. Code 1304(a).) Speaker of the Assembly appoints:
- One (1) public member (Fish and Game Code § 1320(b)(1 ).)
- Three (3) members non-voting of the Assembly o Alternates to Assemblymembers (legislators or legislative staff) Gov. Code 1304(a).) Fish and Game Commission President (Fish and Game Code § 1320 (a).) Department of Fish and Wildlife Director (Fish and Game Code § 1320 (a).) Department of Finance Director (Fish and Game Code § 1320 (a).)
How the Governor is told to choose
Public members shall have demonstrated interest and expertise in land acquisition for conservation purposes, including, but not limited to, any of the following:
- Experience with activities that benefit disadvantaged communities identified pursuant to Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code.
- Experience with a land conservation nonprofit organization, a public agency focused on land conservation, or public land management.
- Experience as a professional with expertise in one or more functions of the board, including conservation easements or (Fish and Game Code § 1320(b)(2).)
Term and turnover
Four (4) Years for public members. (Fish and Game Code § 1320(b)(1 ).) If a vacancy occurs during the term of a public member, the appointing authority shall appoint a person to fill the vacancy for a term of four years. Legislative members serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.
Recent appointments on record 2
- Frances(Fran) Jones Pavley
- Tina Anne Thomas
Sierra Nevada Conservancy
Per diem2-year term
Adopt guidelines setting priorities and criteria for projects and programs; may make grants or loans to public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and tribal organizations; may acquire from willing sellers an interest in any real property; take whatever actions are reasonably necessary to the management of lands under its ownership; may…
- Seats
- 3 of 20 seats filled by the Governor
- Pay
- $100 a day
Who is eligible
Governor appoints three (3) public members, who are not elected officials, to represent statewide interests. (Pub. Res. Code § 33321(a)(1)(C).) The Governor may also appoint the members of a subregion that fails to appoint a member within the timeframe specified in section 33321 (a)(1 )(F)(ii). Senate Committee on Rules appoints:
- One (1) public member, who is not an elected official, to represent statewide interests. (Pub. Res. Code § 33321 (a)(1 )(E).)
- One (1) Senator (ex-officio) who represents a district within the conservancy.
- One (1) Senator (ex-officio) who represents a district outside the conservancy. (Pub. Res. Code § 33321 (c). Speaker of the Assembly appoints
- One (1) public member, who is not an elected official, to represent statewide interests. (Pub. Res. Code § 33321 (a)(1 )(D).)
- One (1) Assemblymember (ex-officio) who represents a district within the conservancy.
- One (1) Assembly member (ex-officio) who represents a district outside the conservancy. (Pub. Res. Code § 33321 (c). One (1) member for each of the six (6) subregions who shall be a member of the board of supervisors of a county located within that subregion, and whose supervisorial district shall be at least partially contained within the Sierra Nevada Region. Each member shall be selected by the counties within that subregion, according to the following procedure: (Pub. Res. Code § 33321 (a)(1 )(F)(i-iii).)
- Each county board of supervisors within a subregion shall select a member of their board to determine, with the selected members of the other counties in the subregion, which member of a board of supervisors within the subregion shall be appointed as a member of the conservancy board. An alternate may be appointed. The appointed member and any alternate shall have at least part of his or her (supervisorial district with the subregion.
- The initial appointment of a member for each subregion shall be made no later than sixty (60) days after the effective date of this division. A subsequent appointment to a regular term on the board shall be made before the date specified in Section 33322 for the commencement of that term. A vacancy occurring before the end of a term shall be filled for the remainder of the term within sixty (60) days of the vacancy.
- If the board of supervisors of the subregion do not appoint a member to the board within the timeframe specified in clause (ii), the Governor shall appoint one of the supervisors selected in clause (i) to serve as the board member for the subregion. The six (6) subregions are as follows: (Pub. Res. Code § 33302(g)(1-6).) 1) North Sierra subregion, comprising the Counties of Lassen, Modoc, and Shasta; 2) North Central Sierra subregion, comprising the Counties of Butte, Plumas, Sierra, and Tehama; 3) Central Sierra subregion, comprising the Counties of El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, and Yuba; 4) South Central Sierra subregion, comprising the Counties of Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa, and Tuolumne; 5) East Sierra subregion, comprising the Counties of Alpine, lnyo, and Mono; 6) South Sierra subregion, comprising the Counties of Fresno, Kern, Madera, and Tulare. Secretary of the Resources Agency, or his or her designee. (Pub. Res. Code § 33321(a)(1)(A).) Director of Finance, or his or her designee. (Pub. Res. Code § 33321 (a)(1 )(B).) Three (3) nonvoting liaison advisors who serve in an advisory, nonvoting capacity shall consist of all of the following: (Pub. Res. Code § 33321 (a)(2)(A-C).)
- One (1) representative of the National Park Service, designated by the United State Secretary of the Interior
- One (1) representative of the United States Forest Service, designated by the United States Secretary of Agriculture
- One (1) representative of the United StatesBureau of Land Management, designated by the United States Secretary of the Interior
How the Governor is told to choose
Appointing powers shall seek to include individuals from breadth of backgrounds. (Pub. Res. Code § 33321(b).)
Term and turnover
Public members shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing power. (Pub. Res. Code § 33322(a).) The members and alternates, if any, appointed under subparagraph (F) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 33321 shall serve, as follows: (Pub. Res. Code § 33322(b)(1-2).)
- Members and alternates in the north Sierra subregion, the central Sierra subregion, and the east Sierra subregion shall have terms beginning on January 1 in an odd-numbered year and ending on December 31 of the following even numbered year. All terms shall be for two (2) years.
- Members and alternates in the north central Sierra subregion, the south central Sierra subregion, and the south Sierra subregion shall have terms beginning on January 1 in an even-numbered year and ending on December 31 in the following odd-numbered year. Terms shall be for two (2) years.
Recent appointments on record 3
- Barnie T Gyant
- Nathan M Voegeli
- John Edgar Brissenden
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
Unpaid4-year term
To establish environmental threshold carrying capacities and to adopt and enforce a regional plan and implementing ordinances which will achieve and maintain those capacities, while providing opportunities for orderly growth and development consistent with those capacities.
- Seats
- 2 of 15 seats filled by the Governor
- Pay
- Unpaid
- Meets
- At least 12 times a year
Who is eligible
Public members shall not be residents of the region (as defined), and shall represent the public at large within the State of California. Each member and employee of the agency shall disclose any economic interests in the region within 10 days after taking a seat on the governing board or being employed by the agency and shall thereafter disclose any further economic interest acquired as soon as feasible after acquiring it. As used in this paragraph, “economic interests” means any of the following: (A) Any business entity operating in the region in which the member or employee has a direct or indirect investment worth more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). (B) Any real property located in the region in which the member or employee has a direct or indirect interest worth more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). (C) Any source of income attributable to activities in the region, other than loans by or deposits with a commercial lending institution in the regular course of business, aggregating two hundred fifty dollars ($250) or more in value received by or promised to the member within the preceding 12 months. (D) Any business entity operating in the region in which the member or employee is a director, officer, partner, trustee, or employee, or holds any position of management. No member or employee of the agency shall make, or attempt to influence, an agency decision in which they know or have reason to know that they have an economic interest. Members and employees of the agency must disqualify themselves from making or participating in the making of any decision of the agency when it is reasonably foreseeable that the decision will have a material financial effect, distinguishable from its effect on the public generally, on the economic interests of the member or employee.
How the Governor is told to choose
Each member and employee shall disclose his economic interests in the region within ten (10) days after taking his seat on the governing board or being employed by the agency and shall thereafter disclose any further economic interest which he acquires, as soon as feasible after he acquires it. (Gov. Code § 66801, Art. 3(a)(S).) Members appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly or the Senate Rules Committee may, subject to confirmation by the appointing power, designate an alternate to attend meetings and vote in the absence of the appointed member. An alternate shall be subject to those qualifications and requirements prescribed by this compact that are applicable to the appointed member. (Gov. Code § 66801, Art. 3(a)(1 )(B).)
Term and turnover
Pleasure. Appointments shall be reviewed no less often than every 4 years. Members may be reappointed. The position of any member of the governing body shall be deemed vacant if such a member is absent from three consecutive meetings of the governing body in any calendar year. Vacancies must be filled within 60 days or Governor shall appoint; the term of any member so appointed shall be one year.
Recent appointments on record
No appointments announced since January 2019.
Baldwin Hills and Urban Watersheds Conservancy
Expenses2-year term
To acquire and manage public lands within the Baldwin Hills, southern Ballona Creek Watershed, and Upper Dominguez Channel area, and to provide recreational, open space, wildlife habitat restoration and protection, and lands for educational uses within the area The conservancy shall also acquire lands for open space within the territory…
- Seats
- 27 members; the Governor’s share is not broken out in the record
- Pay
- Expenses only
Term and turnover
2 years. Any vacancy on the board shall be filled within 60 days from its occurrence by the appointing authority. No person shall continue as a member of the board if that person ceases to hold the qualifying office.
Recent appointments on record
No appointments announced since January 2019.
Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Advisory Council
Unpaid
Act as a federal advisory committee; to provide recommendations to the Secretary of the Department of the Interior, the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency on the implementation of the Program.
- Seats
- 3 seats, all filled by the Governor
- Pay
- Unpaid
- Meets
- No stated in statute
Who is eligible
These members are typically the same as those appointed to the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum. (Website) *Governor appoints three (3) public members: 1) One (1) members is a state representative from a state water quality regulatory agency; 2) One (1) member from a state water resources agency; 3) One (1) member that represents stakeholders (water users) in the use of the water delivered from the Colorado River.
Term and turnover
Pleasure of the appointing authority. (Gov. Code § 1301.)
Recent appointments on record
No appointments announced since January 2019.
Now live
Your local water district.
The board that actually sets your rate is probably not on this page. It meets in your city, and almost nobody goes.
We have mapped 1,606 water districts and systems across California’s ten hydrologic regions — among them 728 independent special districts that govern themselves through their own boards. That directory is now up, county by county, with who fills a vacancy on each one and what the seat pays. Most routes onto a local water board turn out to be appointments rather than elections, and in 195 of these districts residents cannot vote at all.
Open the district directory · know of a district board seat opening in your area? Tell us.
How you actually get one of these seats
There is no exam and no waiting list. There is an application, and there is whether the Appointments Office has heard of you.
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File the application
One form covers every board and commission. It asks for your background, your county, and the bodies you are interested in. Filing it puts you in the pool the Appointments Office searches when a seat opens.
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Name specific boards
Applications that name two or three bodies and say why get read differently from applications that say “any.” Use the directory above.
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Match the seat to the statute
Many seats are reserved — an attorney, an engineer, a public member, a tribal member, someone with demonstrated interest in water quality. Say plainly which seat you fit and which statutory qualification you meet.
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Get known before the vacancy
Seats are filled from people already on the Office’s radar. Public comment, advisory committees, and a letter from an organization that works the issue all count.
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Expect Senate confirmation on the big ones
The seats marked “Senate confirmation” go to the Senate Rules Committee, which holds a public hearing. You serve from the day you are appointed; confirmation follows, within one year.
Current openings: gov.ca.gov current opportunities · Application form: gov.ca.gov appointments application
The other water appointments
Boards are not the whole picture. The Governor also fills the senior staff posts inside the water agencies directly — these are appointed jobs, not civil service positions, and they are filled the same way board seats are.
California Environmental Protection Agency
- Deputy Secretary and Special Counsel for Water
California Natural Resources Agency
- Assistant Secretary for Salton Sea Policy
- Deputy Secretary and Special Counsel for Water
- Deputy Secretary for Water
- Director of the Governor’s Water Portfolio Program
Delta Stewardship Council
- Chief Counsel
- Special Assistant for Planning and Science
Department of Water Resources
- Assistant Deputy Director of Communications
- Chief Counsel
- Chief Deputy Director
- Deputy Director for Special Initiatives
- Deputy Director for Statewide Water and Energy
- Deputy Director of Communications
- Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs
- Deputy Director of the State Water Project
- Director Senate confirmation
About this data
Sources. Seat counts, terms, qualifications, pay and meeting schedules come from the Governor’s Office appointments volumes and the California Statutory Index, which reproduce the governing statute for each body. Open seats come from the Governor’s Board and Commission Vacancy Report dated Sep 1, 2026. Named appointees come from the Governor’s own appointment announcements.
What “recent appointments on record” means. Those lists are built from appointment announcements published from January 2019 onward. A member seated before 2019 who is still serving will not appear. Read a short list as thin announcement coverage, not as an empty board — the seat counts, not the name lists, are the authoritative figure on this page. The Salton Sea Conservancy and the Baldwin Hills and Urban Watersheds Conservancy are left out of that count: several authorities appoint to them and the record does not break out the Governor’s share.
What a term expiration is, and is not. The “Opening within the year” table reads the term-expiration date the volumes print beside each member, measured from Sep 28, 2026. It is a statement about the seat, not a prediction about the person: an incumbent may be reappointed to their own seat, and frequently is. 139 of the members listed here carry a term date; where the record carries none, the seat is absent from that table rather than assumed to be permanent.
Currency. Vacancy data reflects the Sep 1, 2026 report. Vacancies change between reports; confirm any seat with the Appointments Office before relying on it. Compensation figures are the statutory or published rates and can lag actual pay.
Compiled by the California African American Water Education Foundation. Corrections: contact us.