“Governor Gary Locke has named Ed Penhale as acting communications director in the governor’s office.Penhale has served as communications director for the state Office of Financial Management for over a year. He previously was a reporter with the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.Penhale will serve as acting communications director until the governor names a permanent replacement for Keith Love, who left the communications post to take a private-sector position. Penhale’s salary will be $6,818 per month.Other appointments by Locke include his appointment of Vera Chan-Ing to fill the remainder of an unexpired term on the Liquor Control Board.Chan-Ing, of Seattle, is currently the principal in charge of marketing, interior design/programming and public relations for Ing & Associates, a division of Mulvanny Architects.Chan-Ing’s term ends January 15, 2001. Her salary will be $70,871. She replaces Jessie Farias, who resigned November 1.The LCB consists of three members appointed by the governor. Board members serve six-year terms and must be confirmed by the state Senate.Also recently appointed by the governor, is Onofre Contreras Jr. of Vancouver who was named to lead the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs.An assistant to the county administrator in Clark County, Contreras has worked with the board of county commissioners in various aspects of county government. He has worked to establish a community health center and served as community liaison during proposals on wetland regulations and growth management plans.Contreras also established the Latino Network/Forum in Clark County, an organization for members of the Latino community to discuss issues and to develop support and resource networks.Prior to his position in Clark County, Contreras worked for nine years in local government in California, two years in nonprofit organizations there, and one year in local government in Florida.The Hispanic Commission works to ensure state programs provide help to the Hispanic community. Members advise state agencies on ways to develop and implement policies, plans and programs focusing on the needs of the Hispanic community.There are 11 members of the commission. Contreras will earn an annual salary of $54,000.”