New Member Appointed To Council Seat In Nearby El Cajon

EAST SAN DIEGO COUNTY -- The El Cajon City Council on Tuesday night appointed Phil Ortiz to fill a vacant seat on the five member council.

Ortiz, a member of the city's Planning Commission, also sits on the El Cajon Chamber of Commerce board. He beat out 21 other applicants for the seat, which became open when Councilman Ben Kalasho resigned in March amid conflicts with fellow Council members.

In his application to the post, Ortiz said his three biggest priorities as a Council member would be public safety, homeless services and balancing the city's budget.

"Serving my community is my calling," he wrote in his application. "I have studied city government, volunteering in my city and have been keeping up with most of the city business that has been occurring for years. With my experience, understanding and passion, I would help navigate El Cajon to its greatest potential. I am connected to the citizens of El Cajon, listen to them to fully understand their concerns and needs."

Ortiz will serve out the remainder of Kalasho's term, which expires in December 2020.