From: Mary Badiner
To: Public Comment
Subject: General Public Comment
Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024 1:39:38 PM
Attachments: Outlook-signature_.png
Outlook-signature_.png
Outlook-signature_.png
Outlook-signature_.png
Outlook-signature_.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
For tonight's meeting - 12/3/2024 General Public Comment:
Good Evening,
As a public health advocate for over 30 years and as parent of young adults, I am concerned about the high rates of illegal tobacco sales to youth and young adults in our cities. The Young Adult Tobacco Purchase Survey results conducted by SAY San Diego in National City, Imperial Beach and the city of San Diego, average 25% of illegal sales. This is unacceptable. Vaping is a new epidemic among youth and it's out of control.
National City needs a strong tobacco retail license because in California, it is illegal for retailers to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21. A TRL can significantly reduce the number of illegal sales to youth, it can generate revenue to fund programs to protect youth from illegal sales and can include hefty fines and penalties for stores that violate the law, including suspension or revocation of the license.
Having retailers be held responsible for what they are selling to our youth and holding them accountable when they break the law seems like the right thing for National City to do to help support our youth from becoming addicted to nicotine and having an entire new generation of smokers and vapers. Kudos to the majority of tobacco retailers who respect the community and youth and who follow the law.
Thank you.
Mary
Mary Badiner | San Diego Smoke-Free Project
SAY San Diego | ATOD Program
Pronouns: she/her/hers
General Comment
Like us: https://www.facebook.com/smokefreehousing
www.saysandiego.org
Confidentiality Notice: This message and any accompanying documents contain information that is confidential, privileged, or exempt from disclosure under applicable law and is intended for the exclusive use of the addressee. This information is private and protected by law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents of this information in any manner is strictly prohibited From: [email protected] on behalf of eSCRIBE.Admin To: Tonya Hussain
Subject: Public Comment Received
Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024 9:49:39 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
User Paul Wapnowski has enter the following comment(s):
The TRL proposal that will heard in January is a critical first step for the city in fighting the rise in vaping amongst the city's youth. The industry and its retailers are predators. The way in which the delivery devices have have been transformed makes that clear regarding the industry. The retailers are also complicit in this, even if only one of them in the city is selling to minors or violating the ban on flavored products. Please adopt the TRL for the National City.
for PUBLIC COMMENT in Regular City Council Meeting 12/3/2024 6:00:00 PM Please log into eSCRIBE to review the submitted comment(s).
General Comment
From: Debbie (gmail)
To: Public Comment
Subject: Agenda Item 9.1 Appointment to Port Commission ~ Support for Reappointment of Incumbent GilAnthony Ungab Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024 1:00:22 PM
Attachments: cidii_193457c454ead7999131.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Debbie Discar-Espe
PO Box 1676
Bonita, CA 91908
City of National City
Honorable Mayor Ron Morrison
Council Member Marcus Bush
Council Member Luz Molina
Council Member Jose Rodriguez
Council Member Ditas Yamaha
1243 National CIty Boulevard
National CIty, CA 91950
December 3, 2024
Re: Agenda Item 9.1 Appointment to Port Commission ~ Support for Reappointment of Incumbent GilAnthony Ungab
Dear Honorable Mayor Morrison, members of the City Council, and citizens of National City, As a native San Diegan, raised in South County, and active community member of South County Economic Development Council, Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center and the Asian Business Association of San Diego, this letter expresses my unwavering support for Dr. Gil Ungab’s reappointment as the Port of San Diego commissioner representing National City’s vibrant community. Dr. Ungab has been a steadfast advocate for not only the Port but also for the interests of National City and its residents.
Since his appointment earlier this year, Dr. Ungab has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to enhancing National City’s economy while prioritizing environmental sustainability. His commitment to fostering partnerships between the Port, its commissioners, and the community ensures that National City benefits from the Port’s growth.
Dr. Ungab’s vision for a thriving waterfront, accessible recreational spaces, and improved transportation links aligns with the aspirations of National City’s residents. He understands the unique challenges National City faces and has consistently worked towards solutions that are equitable and inclusive. His expertise and experience have been invaluable in navigating complex issues, and he has always approached challenges with integrity and a deep sense of responsibility.
Moreover, Dr. Ungab has proven himself to be an effective communicator and collaborator.
He listens to the voices of the community and advocates for their needs at every opportunity.
Item 9.1
His commitment to transparency and engagement has fostered trust and respect among all stakeholders.
In closing, I urge you to support the reappointment of Dr. Gil Ungab as the Port of San Diego commissioner. His proven track record, vision for the future, and dedication to the community make him the ideal candidate to continue representing National City.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Debbie Discar-Espe
From: [email protected] on behalf of eSCRIBE.Admin To: Tonya Hussain
Subject: Public Comment Received
Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024 10:40:32 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
User Ted Godshalk has enter the following comment(s):
Please reappoint Dr. Ungab to the full four year term of Port Commissioner. He is diligently learning the position's requirements and he has committed to listening to the community in our struggle for clean air and full access to San Diego Bay. I look forward to working with Dr.
Ungab on the issues important to our community.
for Appointments: City Boards, Commissions and Committees – City Council Appointment to the Port Commission. in Regular City Council Meeting 12/3/2024 6:00:00 PM Please log into eSCRIBE to review the submitted comment(s).
Item 9.1
From: [email protected] on behalf of eSCRIBE.Admin To: Tonya Hussain
Subject: Public Comment Received
Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024 9:50:24 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
User Paul Wapnowski has enter the following comment(s):
I am in favor of the reappointment of incumbent commissioner Dr. Ungab. The cry for a "fair" process, especially from Yamane and Rodriguez, is not a credible one. Those two cast their bootlicking votes for Nick Inzunza without any communicated justification in the face of clear public sentiment. Residents should have zero trust that councilmembers Yamane and Rodriguez will do right by the city on this issue. Vote now to let Dr. Ungab continue his honest work for NC residents.
for Appointments: City Boards, Commissions and Committees – City Council Appointment to the Port Commission. in Regular City Council Meeting 12/3/2024 6:00:00 PM Please log into eSCRIBE to review the submitted comment(s).
Item 9.1
From: [email protected] on behalf of eSCRIBE.Admin To: Tonya Hussain
Subject: Public Comment Received
Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024 9:50:37 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
User Paul Wapnowski has enter the following comment(s):
1. Turkey Gate/In partnership with the city manager 2. Nick Inzunza 3. Crony hookup (NC Dem Club) 4. Unethical campaign tactics 5. Measure R (not a peep after it was crushed) Councilmember Rodriguez is someone's polished product, equipped with a consultant and backed by outside interests. Whoever funds you runs you.(see DC) His actions scream opportunist plotting ascension. Censure him.
for Discussion and Possible Action of the City Council of a Censure of Councilmember Jose Rodriguez. in Regular City Council Meeting 12/3/2024 6:00:00 PM Please log into eSCRIBE to review the submitted comment(s).
Item 14.1
From: Ted Godshalk
To: Public Comment
Subject: Public comment for Item 14.1 for December 3, 2024 by Mr. Ted Godshalk Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024 12:43:51 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Public comment for Item 14.1 for December 3, 2024 by Mr. Ted Godshalk:
Councilors,
The City Attorney reported to the City Council on October 1, that Councilman Jose Rodriguez took a business trip to Sacramento that was not on the approved list of travel conferences. For this trip, Mr. Rodriguez may have coerced the City Manger or his Executive Assistant to use the city credit card for his expenses. Mrs. Molina voted against the approval. Mr. Bush questioned the expenditure saying, “Was there a policy violation?” (which the City Attorney confirmed) and yet still voted to approve it. Ms. Yamane said “We don’t need to make any drama about it.” Well, yes ma’am, the drama is being brought upon the City by Councilman Rodriguez's methods of doing business.
Mr. Rodriguez was elected in 2020 to represent the entire city. He then worked hard to assure he would have less opposition in his re-election in 2024 by strongly supporting the District elections we have today. While he encouraged the Filipino community to rally behind the push for representation, Mr. Rodriguez was unaware of past Filipino City Councilmembers.
Unaware? Deceptive?
Mr. Rodriguez then tried to have a Charter City change to the form of city government. He knew this would provide for a primary vote for the future city elections. This would further ease the way forward for him. The selfish motives of Mr. Rodriguez have always been transparent and consistent.
Mr. Rodriguez has never endorsed Campaign Contribution Limits from organizations. This is certainly so he can work with some large donor groups on elections and benefits. Mr.
Rodriguez believes in the full-throated partisanship of elected officials, just as many people who run for local office believe today. I think a person can have strong ethical beliefs, but do the work of City business in a non-partisan manner. His office is non-partisan but Mr.
Rodriguez is so tied into party politics that he has hired a political operative as his assistant.
The FPPC reports donations to Rodriguez from the Democratic Party, and other aligned office holders and consultants from San Diego, Chula Vista, the Port District, and the South Bay.
Crucially, many of the donors are involved in National City business. We can only watch for how the paybacks may play out.
Mr. Rodriguez has violated the Code of Fair Campaign Practices that he signed. He ran a campaign to win his district, one fourth of the city voters, and used malicious “character defamation, (section 2 of the code). Now he has not “publicly repudiate(d) support deriving from… methods and tactics I condemn,” (section 6 of the code.) In addition, Rodriguez has bullied Councilperson Molina to get her support. Stop that, Mr. Rodriguez! You voluntarily signed the Code of Fair Campaign Practices and you know that the State’s FPPC does not govern this kind of matter.
Item 14.1
It is obvious that Rodriguez wanted to tap the city’s General Fund for his purpose of identity politics. The $1,400,000 “slush fund” was designed to have no controls and it was quickly spent by Rodriguez in a free, unsupervised manner. If Turkeys and Campaign Worker positions were paid for from this fund, then Mr. Rodriguez has done something worthy of rebuke. If he purposely did not design a fair, responsible policy from the start then he had no intention to do so. You need to stop enabling him.
During the Pandemic and the 2020 campaign, I walked precincts for Mr. Rodriguez. When I later gave him a tour of my neighborhood showing him all of the homes still existing on the west of I-5 and thus in the area destined to be opened for Cannabis Sales, I assumed he was interested in protecting the residents from the negative work of the Cannabis Industry. How shocking it was to me to later hear Mr. Rodriguez try to amend the Cannabis ordinance to allow a seller to be only 100 feet away from a residence. Shocked, I know this Councilman could no longer be trusted. I feel he has continued on this pattern of action.
Without a censure, Mr. Rodriguez will be emboldened to continue this pattern.
Councilmembers, some of you may want to sweep this matter under the rug. The laundry is hung on the line, and you need to take it down and make sure it’s clean. You should make a public statement that you support integrity in your peers and that this is the correct step in the view of the public. You should not enable anyone to corrupt the government of this City. This censure should have your strong consideration, while you play no favoritism or ill-will, and follow the censure with a removal of all committee assignments given to Councilman Rodriguez.
Thank you,
Ted Godshalk