Chavira Named to Alcoholism Panel

A Lancaster resident who for 17 years has been involved in local, state and national alcohol policy issues was appointed Tuesday to the Los Angeles County Commission on Alcoholism.

Ray Chavira, co-founder of the Los Angeles Alcohol Policy Coalition and a similar body for the Antelope Valley, has pressured local governments to use zoning powers to limit new alcohol outlets as well as to regulate those already in business. He was nominated to the county body by Supervisor Gloria Molina and his appointment was approved unanimously by the board.

The 15-member commission advises supervisors and the county director of alcohol programs on the spending of public funds for the treatment and rehabilitation of alcoholics and related problems. He served previously on the commission from 1981 to 1986.

Chavira is a deputy probation officer and a retired high school teacher.