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October 6, 2026
ITEM TITLE
Interviews and Consideration of Appointment to Fill Two Planning Commission Vacancies: One At-Large Seat and One Qualified Professional Seat
Report Number: 26-0320
Location: No specific location
Department: City Clerk
G.C. § 84308: No
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Conduct interviews of the nominees to fill two vacancies on the Planning Commission, one at-large seat and one qualified professional seat, and make the appointments as appropriate.
The following applicants will be interviewed: Judy Alvarez-Gallardo, Stacy Cannon, Timothy Manglicmot, and Jose Andres Zapata.
SUMMARY
On September 22, 2026, the City Council nominated four qualified applicants to be invited to interview on October 6, 2026, to fill two Planning Commission vacancies: one at-large seat and one qualified professional seat. Following the interviews, the City Council may deliberate and consider making the appointments to fill the vacancies.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that this activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change to the environment; P a g e | 2
therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
Thus, no environmental review is required
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
BACKGROUND
Two Planning Commission vacancies are being filled:
At-Large Seat: Bryan Felber reached the maximum number of consecutive terms effective June 30, 2026.
Qualified Professional Seat: Michael De La Rosa resigned effective March 25, 2026.
Standard Planning Commission qualifications apply, including Chula Vista residency and a minimum age of
18. The provisions for “qualified professional” seats are described in CVMC Section 2.42.030 as follows: A minimum of three members of the Planning Commission should be persons sensitive to design consideration and interested in townscape matters. Persons qualified for these seats should include architects, landscape architects, land planners, urban planners, civil engineers, and other design professionals with suitable experience.
Members of the Planning Commission are appointed in accordance with the full Council interview appointment process specified in Chula Vista Municipal Code (CVMC) Section 2.25.052(B), which incorporates CVMC Chapter 2.53 processes.
Nominations for interviews from the eight qualified applications received during the application period were made on September 22, 2026, in accordance with CVMC Section 2.53.040. The four nominated applicants were invited to interview, as listed below. The current Planning Commission roster has been provided as Attachment 1. The applications for the nominees are provided in Attachment 2, and the composition of the applicants and current commission are provided in Attachment 3.
APPLICANTS
The applicants listed below received two or more nominations to be interviewed at the City Council meeting on September 22, 2026.
Applicant Qualified Professional Eligible* At-Large Eligible District Judy Alvarez-Gallardo Yes Yes 3
Stacy Cannon Yes Yes 4
Timothy Manglicmot Yes Yes 3
Jose Andres Zapata Yes Yes 3
*Applicants self-identified as meeting the qualifications for the Qualified Professional seat.
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Following the interviews, the City Council may deliberate and consider making appointments to fill the vacancies. The affirmative votes of at least three City Councilmembers are required for appointment.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
The staff has received the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not sitespecific. Consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov’t Code §87100, et seq.). Staff is not independently aware and have not been informed by any City Councilmember of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
This item will have no impact on the general fund.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Roster
2. Application packet
3. Applicants & Current Composition
Staff Contacts:
Karina Lafarga, CMC, Deputy City Clerk Audrey Malone, CMC, Deputy Director, City Clerk Services Kerry K. Bigelow, MMC, City Clerk