Lemon Grove City Council appoints two planning commissioners

The Lemon Grove City Council appointed David Eckler, a painter, and Jennifer Morrissey, a nonprofit director, to serve partial terms on the city’s Planning Commission.

A seat opened on the commission after Seth Smith was appointed to the City Council to fill the vacancy created by the death of Steve Faiai. Another partial-term seat became vacant after John Burns resigned before his term had ended.

City leaders interviewed eight candidates Tuesday to fill the two terms; one ends in June 2027 and the other in June 2026.

Morrissey only applied for the shorter term while Eckler had expressed interest in both terms.

Eckler is a lifelong resident of Lemon Grove who owns a painting business. He also worked for the Helix Water District for five years, specializing in infrastructure and planning services.

He said he hopes to attract more business and development to Lemon Grove.

“I believe we’re smart enough to find common ground, to work through our differences for the betterment of the community,” Eckler said. “It has to be transparent … no surprises for the community.”

Morrissey is a 21-year resident of Lemon Grove who works as the executive director of the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years and has raised over $9 million for Mission Trails during her eight-yea...