Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed Rio Dell Mayor Debra Garnes to the California Seismic Safety Commission, which works to reduce the risk earthquakes pose to lives, livelihood and infrastructure.

“I am truly honored to be appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission.” Garnes said in a press release. “I will do my utmost to carry out the duties of a commission created solely to advance earthquake safety.”

The governor's release states that Garnes has had experience working in several positions at the Rancho Seco Nuclear Generating Station in the Sacramento Municipal Utility District from 1990 to 2002 and from 1988 to 1989, including as a hazardous materials technician and specialist, hazardous materials first responder, asbestos and lead decommissioning technician and senior utility clerk and associate, and as an operational and certified first response instructor from 2001 to 2002.

Her appointment must now be approved by the California Senate.

Read both press releases below.


From the city of Rio Dell:

Governor Newsom Appoints Rio Dell Mayor to Seismic Safety Commission
On Thursday, August 26, 2021 Governor Newsom’s office issued a press release announcing the appointment of Rio Dell Mayor Debra Garnes to the State’s Seismic Safety Commission. The Commission works to reduce the risk that earthquakes pose to lives, livelihood and infrastructure. Governor Newsom’s announcement can be found here:
https://www.gov.ca.gov/2021/08/26/governor‐newsom‐announces‐appointments‐8‐26‐21/

“I am truly honored to be appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission.” Mayor Garnes Stated. “I will do my utmost to carry out the duties of a commission created solely to advance earthquake safety.”

Former Mayor and current Councilmember Julie Woodall stated, “We’re all so proud of Debra and she’s been a great Mayor, probably one of the better Mayors we’ve had in my opinion. She’s personable, represents Rio Dell well and is a great choice for the position.”

From the Governor's Office:

Governor Newsom Announces Appointments 8.26.21
Published: Aug 26, 2021

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

Debra Garnes, 61, of Rio Dell, has been appointed to the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission. Garnes has been Mayor of the City of Rio Dell since 2019. She held several positions at the Rancho Seco Nuclear Generating Station in the Sacramento Municipal Utility District from 1990 to 2002 and from 1988 to 1989, including Hazardous Materials Technician and Specialist, Hazardous Materials First Responder, Asbestos and Lead Decommissioning Technician and Senior Utility Clerk and Associate. She was an Operational and Certified First Response Instructor from 2001 to 2002. Garnes was Fleet Payroll Supervisor at KLLM Transport Services from 1989 to 1990. She was a U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class, Gunner’s Mate Guns (GMG2) for the U.S. Navy from 1981 to 1985. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Garnes is a Democrat.