In its second round of filling the District 3 council seat left vacant by former council member Steve Padilla who was elected to the State Senate in the November 2022 elections, Chula Vista City Council hit a deadlock in picking a candidate at its Jan. 25 meeting. After conducting 10 interviews, with public comments before and after the process, the council ultimately decided to table the nomination process to continue at a special council meeting on Jan. 31 at 5 p.m.
City Attorney Glen Googins said that if Council cannot come to a consensus on an appointee by Feb. 3, it will have to go to special election, and must be added to the November special election for the city attorney seat, a contest won by deceased Simon Silva who died shortly before the November 2022 elections.
Mayor John McCann nominated Nimpa Akana, which failed by a 3-1 vote. Deputy Mayor Jose Preciado nominated Griselda Delgado, which also failed by a 3-1 vote. Both council members Andrea Cardenas and Carolina Chavez nominated Devonna Almagro, which both failed by a 2-2 vote with McCann and Preciado voting no. McCann then nominated Tanya Williams, which failed without a second motion, and then nominated Akana again, which failed without a second motion. Preciado, Cardenas, and Chavez stuck to their original nominations.
During public comment, 24 speakers spoke before interviews were conducted. Nimpa Akana and Tanya Williams received the most public comment endorsements. Judy Gallardo served with Akana on the City’s International Friendship Commission and said she was instrumental in reestablishing a connection with Cebu City.
“She is passionate about diversity and cares about embracing all cultures,” she said, adding how much Akana worked on the International Friendship program. “Akana is a respected member of our community and I feel she would be successful in representing our community and ensure that our voices are heard.”
McCann agreed, adding that Akana had proven results, been a city commissioner, and a proven track record.
“She has consistently worked for the betterment of our community. Successful in her private career and to be someone who can volunteer for the education of our children,” adding that history could be made if Akana was nominated as the first Filipino council member in Chula Vista’s history.
Akana works in real estate, currently serves on the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center board, served on the Chula Vista International Friendship Commission, Philippine American Business Development, Emilio Nares Foundation, and Council of Philippine American Organization.
“I decided to request an appointment,” said Akana, “because I want to represent a marginalized group of people in my district. One of the goals of redistricting was to make better representation and to provide a fair and equitable voice. Filipino Americans are one of the fastest growing demographics in my district.”
Preciado believed that Delgado was the best candidate for the job. Delgado works for the Sweetwater Union High School District, currently serves on Southwestern College’s Board of Trustees, Western Association of Schools and Colleges Visiting Committee chair, and Latino Advisory Board to the County Superintendent South Bay representative.
“I believe she warrants consideration for appointment as the only candidate who is actually an elected official elected by the voters of this community on three occasions,” said Preciado.
Delgado said that Council had a difficult decision to make.
“Select a person who will complement and balance you,” she said. “Select the one who has demonstrated integrity and commitment. Not just in what they said tonight but for what they have done already. Select the one who is not afraid to question and willing to place the city’s needs above their own. And select the one that unifies, not divides.”
Even though Cardenas and Chavez stood with Almagro, there was contention in public comment.
In public comments, Delia Dominquez Cervantes said she was shocked that Almagro showed up for the interview, accusing her of misrepresenting herself on her application on her education. On her application, Almagro stated that her Relevant Education Background: Dual Degree Ethnic Studies and Spanish, Attended University of San Diego. And on her resume listed University of San Diego, Bachelor of Arts: Ethnic Studies and Spanish. Almagro told Council during her interview that she attended USD, but did not receive a degree.
Another point of contention was that it was said in public comments that Almagro and Cardenas were roommates.
Cardenas defended Almagro saying that they did live together for a short time during the pandemic, as both of them were facing financial difficulties, but that was it. She admitted that she has known Almagro for years as a community activist and said she has been a mentor to her for years, but this did not disqualify her for applying for appointment to District 3.
Googins said that the only vetting that was done was performed by the City Clerks Office, which verified district address, voter registration.
“The reality is that anybody who has been involved in the community for more than half of their life, you end up meeting a lot of these people,” said Cardenas. “I will not shy away from saying that this is someone that I have personally seen push through so many young people and young talent in our community and making sure that she is elevating them. This is one of the people who were guiding for me when it comes to ethics, how to really serve a community, and what public service means.”
Almagro said what distinguishes her from the rest of the canddiates is that she is “ready to hit the ground running.”
“I bring my experience as a nonprofit executive, managing budgets, staff, developing programs, developing partnerships,” she said. “I understand government and have worked with government at the local, state, and federal level.”
