Villaraigosa Tapped for Seat on California Medical Assistance Commission

Following an unsuccessful bid in Los Angeles' mayoral race last month, former Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa (D) has been appointed to a seat on the California Medical Assistance Commission, the Los Angeles Times reports. The seven-member panel meets twice a month and oversees health care services for Medi-Cal beneficiaries. In addition, the panel reports to the state Legislature on the program's costs and "manages statistical information" on the state's health resources. State Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg (D-Sherman Oaks), who appointed Villaraigosa, said, "He is a former speaker of this house. He has a lot to offer California." Villaraigosa will replace former Assembly member Valerie Brown (D-Sonoma), who is leaving the commission to join Hertzberg's staff. Villaraigosa's term will expire at the end of the year (Gold/Bustillo, Los Angeles Times, 6/30).