1 month ago
3
After months of gridlock that left a council seat vacant and underscored council rifts, Lemon Grove City Council members finally appointed Seth Smith to fill a seat left vacant by the death last summer of Steve Faiai. City leaders say Smith’s experience in local government could pave the path to peace for the tension-riddled community.
But it could be short-lived as three of the five members are up for election in November. One of them, longtime Councilmember Jennifer Mendoza, said she will retire at the end of the year. And the city now finds itself in search of a new top administrator with the sudden departure last month of City Manager Lydia Romero.
Controversy is not unfamiliar to the Lemon Grove City Council. Ongoing tensions have persisted long enough that some city leaders even campaigned in 2022 and 2024 on the premise that they could ease the toxicity.
The 2024 municipal election brought a fresh slate of members to the council. Community members were hopeful this change would put an end to longtime contention between city leaders.
Tensions have eased since former Councilmember Liana LeBaron — known for Read Entire Article
English (US) ·