National City
CHAMBER NEWS Official Publication of the National City Chamber of Commerce
WINTER 2019
National City Swears in First Latina Mayor MISSION STATEMENT “To increase opportunities for businesses and advocate for membership in matters related to business, government, and community relations.”
VISION STATEMENT “The National City Chamber of Commerce is recognized as the premier local Chamber of Commerce in San Diego Region, is highly respected by the community as the unified voice of business, and participates as a major partner in planning the future of the city of National City, insuring a healthy balance between economic prosperity and quality of life. The Chamber is an advocate for business friendly legislation at all levels of government, and is an organization with a strong, active membership.”
CHAMBER PRIORITIES Advocate for members Provide information on current issues Promote business growth
“Yes we can.” “Sí se puede,” the crowd roared repeatedly Alejandra Sotelo-Solis fulfilled her longtime goal on Tuesday, when she was sworn in as the city’s first Latina mayor on December 18, 2018. About 60 percent of the city’s roughly 60,000 residents are Latino. “I feel totally humbled, amazing, and ready to get to work,” she said in a recent interview, smiling from ear to ear. Sotelo-Solis spent the past 10 years on the dais as a councilwoman — while raising three girls with husband Arturo Solis, a Sweetwater Union High School District trustee, and running a small grant-writing business named La Pluma Strategies. “Being able to do all of that — in heels and lipstick — has put me and gotten me ready for the job,” she said, with an eagerness in her voice. “I’m ready.” Noting she intends to create a 100-day plan, Sotelo-Solis said her priorities include housing and jobs. Also on her list of priorities is to unite the City Council, which has feuded over the past year on some issues, including term limits for the mayor, a councilman’s building code violations and city funds for the National City Chamber of Commerce. There are many ideas Sotelo-Solis wants to look into — from mentorship and apprenticeship programs to boost the city’s workforce to the impacts of marijuana businesses to decide whether National City should follow in the steps of other cities and allow recreational pot shops. Then there is housing. She wants the City Council, “as the policy-making entity,” to look into possible regulations to address the housing crisis. It’s a pressing issue for National City, where voters in November narrowly rejected a ballot measure intended to limit annual rent increases and allow evictions sparingly. Measure W, which was defeated by 155 votes, was placed on the November ballot as a citizens-driven initiative. Although she supported Measure W, which was fiercely opposed by landlords and property owners, Sotelo-Solis said she feels she can work with all sides, including renters and tenants. With Sotelo-Solis sworn in, the City Council had 60 days to fill her seat. The options are to appoint someone or call for a special election, which would likely be held in November and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Article by David Hernandez, San Diego Union Tribune