Supervisor Greg Cox to Represent San Diego on California Coastal Commission

San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox was appointed Monday to serve on the California Coastal Commission and Escondido Deputy Mayor Olga Diaz was named his alternate.

The appointments by Assembly Speaker John Perez, D-Los Angeles, were made to replace Oceanside Councilwoman Esther Sanchez, whose term expired in May.

"The coast is an environmental treasure and a vital economic resource for our state,'' Perez said. "Supervisor Cox will provide an important voice in the commission's ongoing work to ensure the sustainability of California's coast.''

Cox, a supervisor since 1995, has long pushed for water quality testing programs at area beaches. His district includes San Diego Bay, Coronado and Imperial Beach.

"Throughout my service as an elected representative I have remained focused on maintaining the character of our coastal environment that is so treasured by my constituents,'' Cox said. "I look forward to being able to continue those efforts as a member of the California Coastal Commission.''

The Coastal Commission is composed of a dozen voting members appointed in equal number by the governor, the Senate Rules Committee and the speaker of the Assembly. The Coastal Commission, in partnership with coastal cities and counties, plans and regulates the use of land and water in the coastal zone.

Cox, a Republican, fills a seat designated for a county supervisor or city council member from the San Diego coast. His term runs until May 2017.

-- City News Service