The Imperial Beach City Council has narrowed the field of candidates for an open seat, and is scheduled to vote on a final decision during the Oct. 1 meeting.
At a Sept. 17 meeting, the council selected four District 3 residents from a list of eight candidates to move forward to another round of interviews following all applicants addressing the council that evening. Mayor Mitch Mckay, Mayor Pro Tem Carol Seabury and Councilmember Jack Fisher selected Brian Patrick Bilbray and Mariko Renee Nakawatase. Matthew Leyba-González selected Beatriz Sanchez Blevins and John Patrick Keating.
The open seat was created when McKay, who formerly held the District 3 seat, was selected to fill a mayoral vacancy after Paloma Aguirre, the former mayor, was elected as District 1 supervisor for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
McKay was sworn in Aug. 20 to serve as mayor through November 2026. On the day McKay left his council seat, the council decided to fill it through an application and appointment process.
Eight applications were received prior to the Sept. 10 deadline.
According to City Manager Tyler Foltz, state law requires the council to either appoint someone by Sunday, Oct. 19 or call a special election. State law, however, does not provide a specific process for appointments, said Foltz.
On Sept. 17, the council unanimously voted to plan for a second round of interviews on Oct 1.
The four candidates will need to answer two questions prepared by McKay and city staff, which will be shared with candidates prior to the October meeting.
Public comments will be taken after the responses. Then, each council member will have an opportunity to address one question to rival candidates.
Council members will then vote on who should fill the vacant seat.
At least three council votes would be needed to move forward with the appointment. If there is not a majority selection, a special election would be triggered.
An appointment on Oct. 1 would mean the new council member takes the oath of office on Oct. 15, ahead of the appointment deadline.
The new District 3 councilmember would fill a vacant seat that runs through November 2026.
District 3 candidates
Bilbray, a maritime captain and former Imperial Beach City councilmember (2010-2016), has lived in the city for 36 years, according to application materials. Bilbray has also served on the Alleyway and Medical Marijuana Ad Hoc committees, as well as the San Diego Association of Governments, a regional planning organization.
“I feel a deep sense of duty to serve Imperial Beach at one of the most important times in our history,” Bilbray told the city in his application. “My lifelong residency and prior service on the City Council give me both the perspective and the passion to continue strengthening our community.”
Blevins, a deputy public administrator with the County of San Diego and published author, has lived in the city for seven years, according to application materials.
Blevins is involved with the Sweetwater Union High School District’s parent advisory council and the Imperial Beach Neighborhood Center board.
“I was raised in the community of Imperial Beach and (am) currently living as a District 3 resident,” Blevins said in the application. “I feel more than ever we need to build bridges between neighbors and business, while ensuring safety and a sense of belonging in our community. …I have been a community leader and feel well rounded for this role.”
Keating, a retired traffic engineer and business owner, has lived in the city for eight years.
He has been a member of IB Tidelands Advisory Committee since 2021 and was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers SD Chapter in 2001.
“I have extensive experience in land-use planning, public works projects, interagency coordination and budget management,” said Keating in the application. “I have participated in hundreds of public meetings and hearing(s), usually in an advisory role.”
Nakawatase, who has lived in the city for 22 years, is currently the district director with the County of San Diego’s District 2. She is a Japanese American Citizens League member, and attended Mar Vista High School serving as Key Club advisor.
Nakawatase holds a bachelor of arts in philosophy and pre-law with a minor in political science as well as a masters of public administration from Arizona State University.
“I bring with me a record of public engagement, collaboration with regional partners, and dedication to solving problems with both creativity and pragmatism,” said Nakawatase in the application. “If selected, I will prioritize engaging with residents directly, elevating their voices in the decision-making process, and fostering policies that balance economic growth with enhancing the everyday quality of life for residents.”
