At the direction of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to identify qualified candidates, Los Angeles County Chief Executive Officer William T Fujioka recommended the appointment of Santos H. Kreimann to serve as chief deputy assessor. Kreimann’s nomination was accepted by County Assessor John Noguez and will be considered by the board of supervisors at their meeting on Tuesday, June 19. Kreimann will step into the vacancy that will be created by Noguez when he begins his leave of absence. Noguez informed the board of supervisors that he intends to take a leave from his position while the Office of the District Attorney continues its investigation into alleged impropriety and fraud.

“I thank the board of supervisors for taking immediate action on my request to make a recommendation,” stated Noguez. “I am looking forward to appointing Mr. Kreimann chief deputy. As soon as he assumes his position, I will begin my leave of absence.”

Kreimann was appointed as the county’s director of Beaches and Harbors on Jan. 27, 2009.  He is a longtime county employee with over 20 years of experience in various county departments including the Treasurer and Tax Collector’s Office, the Department of Health Services, the Chief Administrative Office, and the Department of Beaches and Harbors.

The new chief deputy assessor is expected to act as department head in the assessor’s absence.

“I encourage my staff to support Santos Kreimann during my absence. He will have my full authority to manage and oversee the department,” stated Noguez.

A salary and start date for Kreimann will be determined at a date in the near future as a transition plan is developed between the Assessor’s Office, the Chief Executive Office, and Kreimann.

In other county news, Supervisor Antonovich appointed Nick Rasic to the Los Angeles County Probation Commission.

A resident of Glendale, Rasic has been a small business owner for more than 45 years and has previously served on county commissions.

The Probation Commission consists of 15 members serving four-year terms. Three appointments are granted each of the five county supervisors. Commissioners bring expertise from the private sector to the oversight and evaluation of policies and operations of the Los Angeles County Probation Department, and to those budgetary priorities and legislative proposals brought before the board of supervisors, which impact the criminal justice system.

Antonovich also appointed Carvel Gay to the Los Angeles County Veterans’ Advisory Commission.

Also a resident of Glendale, Gay has been a member of the California Army National Guard for over 17 years and has twice been awarded the California Commendation Medal. He was also awarded the Enlisted Excellence Ribbon, the Army Superior Unit Award and the National Defense Service Medal. He was presented with a commendation for outstanding response and exemplary service during the Northridge Earthquake in1994.

The Los Angeles County Veterans’ Advisory Commission advises the board of supervisors on issues of importance to veterans and their dependents based on input from the veteran community. The commission promotes involvement in veteran’s related events and functions within the county.