Zanjero of Los Angeles

The Water Overseer or zanjero of Los Angeles was a position considered more important than the mayor. In the early days of Los Angeles history under American rule, the job commanded one of the highest salaries of any city official. For example, during the 1858/1859 term, salaries of key government positions were as follows:

• Mayor—$800
• Water Steward—$1,080
• Marshall—$800
• Attorney—$200
• Clerk—$360

There was a high degree of turnover in the position. Manuel F. Coronel was the first one appointed as Water Overseer on April 3, 1854. However, he resigned just two weeks later. His successor served only four months before he resigned.

Former overseers include:

• Cristobal Aguilar
• William P. Meinzer
• James H. Easton
• Charles Pleasant
• Damien Marchessault
• Elijah Bettis
• Oliver Stearns
• Jesus Cruz