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Council interviews highlight parking, green space and historic-preservation priorities
Summary
Seven applicants interviewed for a single Planning Commission vacancy. Candidates, many longtime San Gabriel residents, emphasized parking impacts from new development, preserving the Mission District, more green space and multilingual outreach to small businesses.
San Gabriel City Council spent the bulk of its Feb. 17 meeting interviewing seven candidates for one unscheduled vacancy on the Planning Commission before appointing Kevin Dipp in a final ballot. Applicants repeatedly raised concerns about parking, community space and preserving the city’s historic Mission District.
Melody Bui, an attorney who said she "grew up in San Gabriel," told councilmembers she would prioritize safety, cleanliness and recreational spaces to keep the city "a good environment and attractive." Gavin Lowe, a lifelong resident and local influencer, said multilingual outreach is part of his pitch: "I speak fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin," he told the council, adding that he uses social media to promote mom-and-pop businesses.
Kevin Dipp described work with the city to reclaim parking and clean up graffiti, and warned that "we're allowing bigger buildings to be built with less parking" — an issue several councilmembers pressed applicants to address. Brian Brenhaug, a water and wastewater engineer, highlighted tensions between preserving neighborhood character and meeting housing needs, noting the role of ADUs and state guidance in shaping local decisions. Estela Garcia and other longtime residents urged more regular events and markets to revive the Mission District.
Council members asked each candidate about time availability, long-range planning vision and specific local challenges. The interviews surfaced recurring themes: managing traffic and parking near new mixed-use development, finding small pockets for green space or community gardens, and balancing historic preservation with economic vitality.
The council selected two finalists after the interview round and then appointed Kevin Dipp in a 5-0 vote. Officials encouraged other applicants to reapply in April when staggered commission terms will open additional seats.
