Nunez appoints Chula Vista mayor, re-appoints Monterey’s Potter to Coastal Commission

Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez has re-appointed Monterey County Supervisor Dave Potter to the California Coastal Commission, and appointed Chula Vista Mayor Steve Padilla.

The Sierra Club organized a campaign against Potter, reports the Monterey County Herald.

"I’ve been reappointed more than anybody in Coastal Commission history," he said. But he said this particular round was a "challenge" because of opposition from some environmentalists.

As supervisor, his vote in favor of a Pebble Beach Co. plan that includes cutting down part of the Del Monte Forest has been unpopular with some conservation groups, especially the Sierra Club.

"That’s the trouble with making decisions," he said. "They’re not always popular."

Padilla spearheaded a huge waterfront plan for Chula Vista—a plan which will go before the Commission, according to the San Diego Union Tribune.

Padilla, who was elected mayor in 2002, said he was approached by people in the labor and environmental community about the commission seat.
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Bruce Reznik, executive director of San Diego Baykeeper, said his environmental organization supported Padilla. The group was impressed with Padilla’s political savvy in winning support from different groups as he worked to develop the city’s bay front.

"I really think he’ll be an environmental leader," Reznik said. "Right now, this is a really critical seat."