NATIONAL CITY, Calif. — Embattled Port of San Diego Commissioner Sandy Naranjo was ousted from her position by National City's city council Tuesday night.
Naranjo, who has represented National City on the Port District since 2021, was censured by her fellow commissioners last fall.
Following that censure last October, National City's City Council, which originally appointed Naranjo to the unpaid position, had strongly supported her.
Tuesday night though, the council did an about-face.
In a 3-to-2 vote, National City's City Council members voted to oust Naranjo from her commissioner post on the powerful Port District.
Leading up to the contentious vote, Naranjo's supporters voiced their outrage at the move, highlighting Naranjo's work as an environmental justice advocate for the community.
"Sandy has done a phenomenal job representing National City, engaging the community," said Council Member Marcus Bush, who voted against the motion to remove Naranjo from her commissioner post.
Council Member Luz Molina was the other dissenting vote.
Mayor Ron Morrison and Council Members Jose Rodriguez and Ditas Yamane voted for Naranjo's removal from the Board of Port Commissioners.
Before the council vote, Naranjo broke her silence on her censure, speaking publicly about it for the first time.
"The Port tries to make this about me, but it's not," she said, "This is about the Port's secrecy and back door dealings in violation of state laws. I just drew attention to it!"
Last fall, Naranjo was formally censured by her fellow port commissioners for allegedly retaliating against the port's top lawyer, withholding financial information and violating the Brown Act; allegations that Naranjo denies.
"I am an accidental whistle blower who simply asked necessary questions and was punished for doing so," Naranjo said. "I can not be silent."
Naranjo said that even if she's off the board, she will continue her fight.
"My commitment to fighting for a Port that follows the law, honors its commitments and operates with the highest standards of integrity remains steadfast," she added.
No one from the Port District attended Tuesday night's meeting.
There is no word yet on who may be nominated to replace Naranjo as port commissioner representing National City.
WATCH: Port of San Diego's investigation into Commissioner Sandy Naranjo and her allegations of retaliation (Oct 2023)