Mikels Nominated for Coastal Commission

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously tapped chairwoman Judy Mikels as its nominee for the California Coastal Commission.

Mikels joins Ventura Councilman Brian Brennan and Port Hueneme Councilwoman Toni Young as county nominees to the Coastal Commission, the 12-member body that addresses beach and ocean issues up and down the state.

In addition, Brennan received a nomination from Santa Barbara County supervisors on Tuesday because of his involvement as vice chairman of BEACON, a multi-jurisdictional group that works to prevent beach erosion.

Ventura County’s three nominees will vie against contenders from Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties to become the South Central Coast District representative to the commission.

Mikels, in her second term as a county supervisor, is a small-business woman who has previously served on the Simi Valley Planning Commission and City Council.

Young has served on the Port Hueneme Council for six years and has participated in the city’s extensive efforts to curb beach erosion.

Brennan, an avid surfer and former chairman of the Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau, is a newcomer to the Ventura City Council with previous experience with the county Planning Commission and the Surfrider Foundation.

All three contenders stress that they would strive to strike a balance among environmental concerns, property rights and business interests if chosen to serve on the commission.

Nominations from all three counties are due by Aug. 18 to Gov. Pete Wilson, who will make the appointment.