Letters To The Editor: Open letter from Port Commissioner Sandy Naranjo

Dear Community Member,

 From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your unwavering support from the outset of my campaign. Despite significant challenges and opposition from well-funded interests, your encouragement has been crucial as I’ve championed essential environmental, climate, social justice, and equity reforms at the Port of San Diego.

Since my appointment in 2020 as the first environmental justice advocate and the first Latina Port Commissioner from National City, the resistance to my role has only intensified. These well-funded entities have systematically opposed the reforms, and the opposition reached a peak with a publicly funded, one-sided political attack costing over $155,000, aimed at undermining my efforts. This attack, alleging violations without any substance, was nothing more than a tactic to erode the progress we have fought so hard to achieve.

Moreover, when the City of National City faced threatening communications from the Port of San Diego, the choice by some National City elected officials and staff was to prioritize superficial appearances over substantial change. They opted for ribbon-cutting ceremonies for incremental improvements rather than working on systemic changes that will benefit both current and future generations. This preference has overshadowed a shared vision for a Port that does not generate revenue at the cost of public health but instead enhances public health and provides clean water, clean air , and accessible recreational opportunities for everyone.

Fortunately, not all were swayed. Councilmembers Marcus Bush and Luz Molina stood firm, advocating tirelessly for a thorough public discourse on the systemic issues plaguing our dealings with the Port. They resisted backroom deals and championed the cause of the people of National City against a formidable $300 million public agency.

Not a single councilmember who voted for my removal could cite any actual wrongdoing on my part, highlighting the external pressures exerted to remove a commissioner committed to accountability and transparency.

Because of your steadfast commitment to holding the Port accountable and making your voices heard, we have caught the attention of the state legislature. Assemblymember Alvarez has authored AB2783, the Port of San Diego Reform and Accountability Act. This legislation is critical as it aims to transform the Port into a model of transparency and ethical governance, establishing a robust lobbyist registry, restructuring the board of ethics, and codifying the Maritime Industrial Impact Fund (MIIF). These reforms are designed to mitigate the environmental impacts of port operations and improve public infrastructure, ensuring that the Port’s activities enhance rather than compromise our community’s health and well-being.

AB2783 will soon be heard by the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Wednesday May 15. I encourage you to track the bill and support it publicly as we strive to ensure our Port operates with the highest standards of transparency and ethics. You can sign up to support AB2783 and stay up to date here: https://bit.ly/AB2783NOW

Thank you again for standing with me through these challenges. We must continue to push for social justice and accountability, and I ask that YOU to please join me in urging state legislators and Governor Newsom to support AB2783. It is time for a Port of San Diego that reflects today’s values, not those of 1962.

Solidarity,

Sandy Naranjo

PS: Don’t forget to stay involved in advocating for a Port For ALL. Sign up at https://bit.ly/AB2783NOW

PSS: Attached is my statement that I read at the podium at the National City Council meeting. This is officially part of the city record via City Clerk. 

PSSS: A Google Drive with all the documents important to my story: bit.ly/TruthNOW  

Sandy Naranjo

Read Giving In To The Bullies: National City Surrenders To Port of San Diego Intimidation, Unseats Port Commissioner Sandy Naranjo, https://wp.me/p3AltZ-dwN