CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) — The city of Chula Vista has a new city councilman for District 3.
After nearly three hours of public comment on Tuesday, the council appointed Alonso Gonzalez, one of 10 candidates who were considered for the position.
Many Chula Vista voters wanted a special election to decide who would fill the seat left vacant by now-State Sen. Steve Padilla.
Prior to Gonzalez’s appointment, upset residents let the council know what they wanted, expressing support for the special election and other candidates.
Before the meeting started, dozens rallied outside City Hall, taking issue with candidate Devonna Almagro. The group accused Almagro of lying about her college education and where she lived.
Ultimately, Almagro wasn't the candidate appointed.
After public comment, Mayor John McCann motioned for a special election -- a move welcomed with loud applause by some.
McCann’s motion, however, failed after not receiving support.
Deputy Mayor Jose Preciado made his motion, recommending candidate Griselda Delgado -- but the motion did not get any support either
Councilwoman Andrea Cardenas then motioned to appoint Gonzalez, which received a quick second and then went to a vote.
The vote was tallied and passed 3-1, with McCann as the only “no” vote.
Gonzalez was sworn in and took his seat as councilman.
Since the council had until Feb. 3 to appoint someone, the selection of Gonzalez avoids a special election.
Gonzalez will serve the rest of Padilla’s term, which ends in 2024.
In a news release, city officials said of the new councilman: "Gonzalez, a seven-year resident of the City, is a real estate broker with extensive land-use knowledge including eight years of local government service in land use and policy development. He previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the San Diego City Council.
A current member of the Urban Land Institute and the Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors, Gonzalez received his M.A. degree in Public Administration with an emphasis on financial management from San Diego State University."
Gonzalez said, “I am an advocate for healthy, vibrant communities that favor inclusion over single family zoning. My expertise with land use and experience in local government administration are the tools that will allow me to serve the Chula Vista City Council District 3 and its residents well.”
