Torrance council appoints Raymond Jay as Metropolitan Water District director; Russ LaFeve praised for service

The Torrance City Council voted unanimously to appoint Raymond Jay as the city’s representative on the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California board of directors for the remainder of the term ending Dec. 31, 2028.

Why it matters: The city’s MWD director represents Torrance on regional water policy and infrastructure matters; council appointment follows the mayor’s recruitment process and an ad hoc review of candidates.

Danny Santana of the city manager’s office explained that the mayor’s ad hoc committee reviewed applications and recommended Raymond Jay, who was described in the presentation as having roughly 30 years of experience in the water industry and current employment in MWD’s water-resources section. Mr. Jay also serves on the Torrance Water Commission and has been commission chair.

Outgoing director Russell LaFeve (spelled in the meeting as LeFay/LaFeve) spoke to the council and described his long service. LaFeve said, “As I enter my ninetieth year, it’s been a highlight of my life to serve the city of Torrance as their representative to the Metropolitan Water District.” He noted MWD operational support during recent fires and praised staff efforts.

The council adopted Resolution No. 2025-08 (appointing Raymond Jay) by motion; the clerk read the resolution title into the record and the motion passed unanimously. The appointment is effective April 1, 2025, to allow a transition, and Russell LaFeve agreed to remain as the city’s MWD director in the interim.

Councilmembers thanked LaFeve for his long service and welcomed Jay to the role. No public opposition to the appointment was recorded at the meeting.