Commission Takes No Action in Closed Session on Port Chief's Job

The Port of San Diego's Board of Commissioners took no action today during a closed-session performance review of Wayne Darbeau, the port's president and chief executive.

Darbeau, who has held the job for about four years, recently got in hot water when he sent an email to Sharon Bernie-Cloward, the president of the San Diego Port Tenants Association, asking if its members could help in his son's search for a summer job. He withdrew the request when the message became public.

The board's review of Darbeau's job will continue, according to port spokesman Tony Manolatos, but it was unclear when the subject would be taken up next.

The tenants' group is made up of hotels, restaurants and other businesses on port land that are affected by decisions by the port's commissioners and executive staff.

In response to criticism about using his position to help his family, Darbeau said he was acting like most parents when he reached out to "professional and personal networks" to help find his son a job.

Port Chairman Bob Nelson disclosed that the board was reviewing Darbeau's performance two weeks ago.

—City News Service