Sandy Naranjo was sworn in to service on Jan. 3 as the newest Port of San Diego commissioner to represent National City.
The Port is governed by a seven-member board made up of three members appointed by the city of San Diego as well as one member from Chula Vista, one from Coronado, one from Imperial Beach and one from National City.
That board has managed San Diego Bay and the waterfront since 1962.
Port of San Diego Board Chairman Elect Michael Zucchet said Naranjo brings a bold and progressive perspective that will benefit the communities.
“Commissioner Naranjo’s background in environmental justice and economics will serve us well as we strive to balance the diversity of interests on our vibrant waterfront,” said Zucchet.
Naranjo, who currently lives in National City and was previously appointed by National City Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis to the Sweetwater Authority Citizen Advisory Committee in 2019, is a political economist and environmental justice advocate who said she is familiar with local challenges.
She was also selected for the AB 617 steering committee to advise the San Diego Air Pollution Control District, and selected for the California Energy Commission’s Advisory Committee for the Clean Transportation Program Investment Plan.
Naranjo was most recently the California organizing manager for Mothers Out Front, a national climate justice organization, and the National City Land Use Policy Advocate for the Environmental Health Coalition.
Prior to her work with those nonprofits, she worked with the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council and the United Food and Commercial Workers.
“My familiarity with the City of National City and background in environmental justice brings an intersectional perspective to the role that may not have historically been privileged or welcomed as a participating factor in the process. In addition, my awareness of the issues in National City on a grassroots level will serve to function as a positive force in my capacity as the new Commissioner, precisely because I understand the challenges that have long-plagued coastal communities of color,” Naranjo said.
The new commissioner said she will “continue a balanced approach to accommodate the needs of the bayfront’s increasingly diverse stakeholders.”
She said future solutions to those needs must be “flexible, equitable, and more mindful of sustainable practices”, especially in consideration of ongoing pandemic-related challenges and in anticipation of the post-pandemic recovery.
“My immediate focus will be to advance our Port by working on the National City Balanced Plan, Port Master Plan Update, and Maritime Clean Air Strategy,” Naranjo said.
Port of San Diego Board of Commissioners Chair Ann Moore said she welcomes Naranjo “on behalf of the Board of Port Commissioners” and looks forward to her perspective and expertise.
Naranjo holds three bachelor’s degrees in political science, economics, and political economy with a minor in women’s studies, all from California State University, San Bernardino.
“Sandy brings a diverse background, a strong presence, and an active voice to represent National City and all Californians. She will be a true asset to the Board as we move forward with an exciting yet challenging year ahead,” Moore said.
