DOWNEY - Community Development Director Gilbert Livas stepped into a new role this week after being promoted to assistant city manager upon the retirement of Lee Powell, who served the city for nearly 27 years.Livas was community development director for the city of Bell Gardens before coming to Downey in 2007. Livas will also now assume the role of city treasurer, managing the more than $50 million reserve the city has maintained despite harsh economic conditions. On Dec. 15, the City Council confirmed Brian Saeki from the city of Rosemead as Livas' replacement. Saeki was community development director for Rosemead for three years before being tapped by City Manager Gerald Caton last year to replace Livas. Prior to his time in Rosemead, Saeki was economic development director in Arcadia for six years.

********** Published: January 8, 2010 - Volume 8 - Issue 38