After concerns were raised about the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners lacking representation of local communities, a Wilmington resident was nominated to the five-member body, officials announced Friday.
Mayor Karen Bass nominated Yolanda DeLaTorre to fill a vacancy on the board left by the departure of Michael Munoz. The council’s Trade, Travel and Tourism Committee will take up nomination in January after council members return from their winter recess.
DeLaTorre serves as the regional vice president of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. She previously was the regional executive director for Wilmington and Gardena-Carson with the same organization from 2021 to 2023.
If approved by the City Council, she is expected to serve a term ending June 30, 2025.
The Harbor Commission oversees the management and operation of the Port of Los Angeles. Appointments to commissions are made by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council.
DeLaTorre would join Ishmun “Lee” Williams, who is a member of the board and resident of San Pedro, in representing the Harbor Community and its interests.
Commissioners John Pérez, Lucille Roybal-Allard and Edward Renwick reside in central and west L.A. neighborhoods.
Voters recently approved Charter Amendment HH, a measure that strengthened and updated the city’s governance powers. In part, it mandates that at least two members of the Harbor Commission reside within the Harbor Area.
L.A. Councilman Tim McOsker, whose 15th District includes the Harbor Area, issued a statement Friday morning in response to the mayor’s nomination:
“I am certain that Yolanda DeLaTorre will bring her extensive community experience and commitment to ensure that the port prioritizes environmental sustainability, economic growth, and crucial engagement with our Harbor Area communities,” McOsker said.
“I look forward to working alongside Mayor Bass and the Board of Harbor Commissioners to move this appointment along through the City Council process so Wilmington can have the representation it rightly deserves.”
In September, residents of San Pedro and Wilmington expressed concern about the lack of representation on the board after Pérez took over the seat held by Diane Middleton.
Middleton, a 50-year resident of San Pedro and attorney, represented the workforce of the Harbor area.
With her departure, the board had Williams as the sole representative for San Pedro.
At the time, McOsker said the commission has traditionally had three local representatives — Wilmington, San Pedro, and the unique labor community of the ILWU, the union representing dock workers.
“I’m going to continue to advocate for local representation,” the councilman previously said.