Residents demand records for Sweetwater–Orange development, cite possible undue influence

Residents pressed the National City Council to release missing planning records tied to the Sweetwater–Orange development and to explain why incomplete staff letters were forwarded to the mayor's assistant.

"It is required by the Public Records Act that National City needs to produce these records," one commenter said, citing a meeting on April 24, 2024, in which the mayor, mayor’s assistant and city manager allegedly met with project proponents but produced no calendar entries or notes. Another commenter said planning letters from David Welch were incomplete and were later forwarded to the mayor’s assistant without accompanying records.

Several speakers said the city’s planning and notice processes appeared inconsistent: a planning item they expected to be heard by the planning commission was moved, public notices were reportedly delayed, and applicants later forwarded staff emails to the mayor’s assistant. "Where are the records?" multiple residents asked, requesting emails, meeting notes, texts and calendar entries from August through October 2024.

Speakers cited specific code and procedural concerns: one commenter mentioned that planning submittal variance justifications should follow guidance in section 18.12.120 E, and another referenced the California Environmental Quality Act in questioning how environmental clearance was determined. Residents urged the council to produce the missing records under the Public Records Act and to clarify whether the mayor’s assistant or other staff exerted improper influence in review and outreach to developers.

The matter was part of a broader public comment block; the council moved to closed session afterward to address personnel evaluations and litigation. The transcript does not show the council responding to the record requests in open session.