San Diego

The San Diego City Council on a 7-2 vote agreed to pay a lobbyist an additional $15,000 in hopes of persuading the state Coastal Commission to approve the city’s coastal plan. Councilman Mike Gotch, an alternate on the state body, argued vehemently that the city’s plan would create “an environmental nightmare” by allowing construction in flood plains and on slopes with grades of more than 20%. Instead of paying someone to lobby for a faulty plan, Gotch argued, the council should ask its staff to work with the commission. But Gotch’s motion against the extension of the contract of Sacramento lobbyist Norbert H. Dall was rejected, 4-5. With Gotch and Mayor Roger Hedgecock dissenting, a majority of the council then voted to extend Dall’s contract through June. Dall began working for the city Sept. 18 and has received $18,750 so far. He is to receive a total of $33,750 for his work.