(a) In San Diego County, the commission, which consists of seven members, augmented pursuant to Section 56332, shall be additionally augmented by the appointment of an eighth member and that member shall, notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 56325, be a member of the legislative body of the city in the county having the largest population, appointed by the legislative body of that city.
(b) The legislative body of the city shall appoint an alternate member at the same time and in the same manner as it appoints the regular member appointed pursuant to subdivision (a). If the regular city member is absent from a commission meeting, or disqualifies himself or herself from participating in a meeting, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of the regular city member for that meeting. If the office of the regular city member becomes vacant, the alternate member may serve and vote in place of the former regular city member until the appointment and qualification of a regular city member to fill the vacancy.