SOLEDAD — Sergio Diaz is the newest Soledad Planning Commissioner and was appointed by Mayor Fred Ledesma on Aug. 2.
Diaz was one of two candidates that applied for the position. The second candidate was Luis Pavon.
“I’ve spoken with both of them,” said Community and Economic Development Director Brent Slama. “They are very interested in serving on the Commission.”
Neither Diaz nor Pavon were able to attend the Aug. 2 meeting, but a consensus was reached by the City Council and Ledesma selected Diaz.
Diaz takes over the Planning Commission seat from Commissioner Alicia Araujo-Bernier, who was appointed to the Planning Commission in June 2014. Her term expires April 30, 2018.
Bernier notified the city staff on June 8 that she moved from Soledad and resigned her position. Diaz will complete the remainder of the term.
“I encouraged Sergio Diaz to apply and I know he’s very instrumental in terms of what he’s been able to do as a counselor at Hartnell College,” Council Member Anna Velazquez said. “He does have a master’s and a bachelor’s degree. He went through the education system here and he’s very committed to Soledad.”
According to Velazquez, Diaz is active, engaged and trying to promote education and civic engagement with younger population.
Council Member Carla Stewart encouraged Pavon to apply due to his community involvement.
“He’s an active volunteer in South County and I think he would be a great representative on our Planning Commission,” Stewart said.
The decision to select Diaz was supported by Council Member Chris Bourke. Ledesma was excited to see two quality candidates.
He encouraged Pavon to stay engaged, with the possibility of having him fill a future Planning Commission vacancy.
