The California Horse Racing Board took a Hollywood twist July 15 when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the appointment of well-known actress Bo Derek and veteran television producer and writer David Israel as commissioners.
Derek, 51, is best known for her sexy co-starring role in the 1979 film, 10, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination as a new star of the year. She also starred in films such as Tarzan, the Ape Man and Bolero and most recently had a leading role on television in 2006's Fashion House playing one of the main characters, ruthless design company owner Maria Gianni. After starting her career as a model, Derek has been an actress since 1974.
A conservative Republican, Derek has served as spokeswoman for the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act since 2003 and has owned "Bless the Beasts" since 2000. She has been chairperson for the Department of Veterans Affairs' National Rehabilitation Special Events since 2000. Additionally, Derek has acted as the special envoy of the Secretary of State on wildlife trafficking and has served on the board of WildAid and the Galapagos Conservancy in Ecuador.
Derek previously served on the board of trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts after being appointed by President George W. Bush.
The Southern California native lives on her ranch in Santa Ynez.
Israel, 57, of Los Angeles, has been a writer and television producer since 1973. A sportswriter, his byline appeared in the Chicago Daily News, Washington Star and Chicago Tribune, where he was a syndicated columnist from 1975 to 1981 and wrote on the Triple Crown exploits of Seattle Slew and Affirmed.
The New York City native went on to produce a number of television dramas and made-for-TV movies and mini-series. He also was coordinating producer of ABC's Monday Night Football beginning in 2000.
Israel has served on the California Science Center Board of Directors since 2004 and on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission since 2005. He is currently president of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission. Additionally, he served on the California Governor's and First Lady's Conference on Women's Board of Directors from 2004 to 2007. He is a Democrat.
They are filling CHRB terms vacated by Marie Moretti and John Amerman this year. Both positions require Senate confirmation. Compensation is $100 per diem.