L.A. Board of Animal Services Commission elects new president

The Los Angeles Board of Animal Services Commission Tuesday elected commissioner James Johnson to serve as the new president following the retirement of Larry Gross, who stepped down last month after more than 10 years as a member.

The commissioners voted 3-0 to elect Johnson, who joined the board in April 2023. Commissioner James Jensvold was absent during the vote.

Johnson will fill the vacancy left by Gross, which only extends until the next meeting on July 23. In the board's last meeting of July, commissioners will hold elections once again for the positions of president and vice president for a one-year term.

Commissioners said that Johnson is "very passionate" and cares deeply about the animals and people that work in the city's shelters.

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Johnson has previously served as political director of the California League of Conservation Voters, and chief political coordinator of Service Employees International Union Local 721.

Gross announced he would step down from the five-member board and retire effective June 30, citing no other reason other than "it's time."

"It's been an absolute honor and privilege to serve (on) this commission," Gross said, adding that his commitment to animal welfare in the city "is and always will be unwavering."

Former Mayor Eric Garcetti in February 2014 appointed Gross to the board, and he was later elected vice president in July 2015 and president in April 2017. Gross is also the executive director of the Coalition for Economic Survival, a leading L.A. tenants' rights organization.

Mayor Karen Bass will have 45 days from the date of Gross' resignation to nominate a new appointee. Whoever Bass nominates would then go to a City Council committee for consideration before final approval by the full council.

Council members are in recess until July 30th.

During Gross' final meeting on June 26, LAAS General Manager Staycee Dains praised him for his stewardship during a challenging era for the city's animal shelters, which have dealt with persistent staffing and budgeting shortages, and have seen a steady and sometimes explosive growth in the population of unwanted pets.

"There are many, many concerns we face, as we know, but I believe the department is in good and competent hands with Mayor Bass, General Manager Dains, and our staff and volunteers," Gross said.

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