(January 15, 2004, updated with Mayor O'Neill comment) -- LBReport.com has learned that LB Mayor Beverly O'Neill recommended that the Governor appoint Randal Hernandez, her Mayoral Chief of Staff for the first five years of her administration, to a post in the Schwarzenegger administration...which led to the Governor naming Mr. Hernandez to a senior post in his administration on January 14.

Mr. Hernandez will be Governor Schwarzenegger's Appointments Secretary...overseeing appointments to Gubernatorial positions -- that is, to receiving appointed jobs dispensed by the Governor. (That is, he will not be handling the Governor's daily appointment schedule seeking a chat).

In response to an inquiry by LBReport.com, the Governor's press office said Mayor O'Neill had recommended Mr. Hernandez for a spot in the Schwarzenegger administration.

On October 9, 2003, Governor-elect Schwarzenegger made Mayor O'Neill part of his 65 member transition team, stating at the time (and reported by LBReport.com) that the transition committee "will be coordinated by the Staff Director to bring forward recommendations of individuals to serve in senior positions in the Schwarzenegger administration."

[update] Mayor O'Neill confirmed to LBReport.com that she recommended Mr. Hernandez for appointment to a position in the Schwarzenegger administration. "I said I feel he's highly qualified to serve in a government relations position," the Mayor said, noting that Mr. Hernandez has years of experience in such work (details below). The Mayor also noted [as we cited above] that her role as a member of Gov-elect Schwarzenegger's transition team was to bring forward names of such individuals. [end update]

In a Jan. 14, 2004 written release on Mr. Hernandez's appointment, the Governor stated: "Randal is a tremendous addition to my senior staff," adding "I am confident he will bring together a qualified and diverse group of individuals to serve my administration and the people of California."

Mr. Hernandez was Mayor O'Neill's Chief of Staff from July 1994 into 1999, prior to which he served as regional affairs manager for Southern California Edison (1993-94), preceded by a stint at the LB Area Chamber of Commerce for four years, first as VP for Gov't Affairs, then (1992-93) President and CEO.

Mr. Hernandez has been with Bank of America, California, since 1999, first as VP for government relations and most recently as senior VP and senior market development manager.

In 2002, Mayor O'Neill named and the City Council approved Mr. Hernandez to serve on City Hall's Planning Commission. As we post it's uncertain if Mr. Hernandez, at last report an ELB resident, will retain his seat on the LB Planning Commission.

Section 1001 of the LB City Charter says in pertinent part:

And section 502 of the LB City Charter states in pertinent part:

Mr. Hernandez is a graduate of the Leadership Long Beach and Leadership Southern California programs offered through the Coro Foundation.

"I am honored that Governor Schwarzenegger has asked me to serve in his administration," said Mr. Hernandez. "I look forward to working with him to recruit outstanding individuals into state service."

Mr. Hernandez, 44, holds a B.A. in Economics and a Masters degree in Public Administration from CSULB.

The Governor's office notes that position of Appointments Secretary does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $123,284.04. Mr. Hernandez is a Republican, the release adds.