State Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills), has been named a non-voting member of California’s State Parks and Recreation Commission, her office announced Monday.
Pavley, who represents Malibu, Agoura Hills, Calabasas and Woodland Hills, becomes the first sitting state senator to join the commission, which is in charge of approving State Parks plans and policies and also makes recommendations to Parks Director Anthony Jackson.
The State Senate Rules Committee appointed her as an ex-oficio member of the commission, meaning she will not vote but she will attend meetings and provide input on agenda items. Her post was created in the wake of a multimillion-dollar scandal that enveloped State Parks last year after nearly $54 million in hidden funds were uncovered.
“As a park user, a Californian, and a legislator, Senator Pavley brings years of expertise and leadership on state parks issues to the Commission,” said Elizabeth Goldstein, President of the California State Parks Foundation. “We look forward to continuing our work with Senator Pavley and her colleagues as the Commission forges a new and more proactive role on behalf of our parks.”
Pavley has served as chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee since 2008. That chairmanship allows her to oversee the State’s Parks and Rec department for the senate.
“California State Parks are both an important part of our heritage and an economic engine, drawing millions of visitors each year,” Pavley said in a statement. “I look forward to this opportunity to help keep our Parks system strong for generations to come.”
She was first elected to the State Senate in 2008.