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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Los Angeles City Council recognized Martin Adams Wednesday on the eve of his retirement as general manager of the Department of Water and Power, which he led for five years.
Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, who chairs the Energy and Environment Committee, led a presentation that highlighted Adams' decades-long career with the city, noting that he played a major role in restoring water service after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake and helped build a new underground reservoir.
"Few in L.A.'s history have done more to shape how we managed to bring over 400 million gallons of water to millions of Angelenos every day," Yaroslavsky said. "And for L.A. that is saying something -- and that's just the water side of the house."
Adams is retiring to spend more time with his family including his grandchildren. President Joe Biden had previously selected Adams as a member of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, which advises the White House on critical infrastructure issues.
Longtime Pacific Gas and Electric executive Janisse Quiñones replaced Adams as the head of the LADWP. While Adams had previously announced his departure by the end of March, he agreed to stay on for a limited time to help with the transition to new leadership.
Following Yaroslavsky's remarks, each council member thanked Adams for his dedication to the city.
"Marty, on behalf of this council, let me also thank your family for the sacrifice that they've made in allowing you to serve us when the city faces crisis situations," Council President Paul Krekorian said. "Most of us you know are able to sleep soundly, but you need to respond to it, and that sometimes means in the middle of the night -- it can mean that you have to be called in a moment's notice."
Adams thanked the council for the recognition, noting that the job he performed was not an "easy one but an important one."
"I have so many friends around the podium and people I've known and worked with for so many years and I appreciate not only working with everyone but also your friendship and your support," Adams said. "And that has made everything possible."
Of his position on the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, Adams said he would represent the interests of the city and make sure that L.A.'s voices and needs are heard and understood.