By Jessyka Heredia
Photos by Jessyka Heredia and MIriam Raftery
Photo, left: David Arambula
March 4, 2023 (Lemon Grove) – Testimony was heard yesterday from the defendants in day two of the civil trial Christopher Williams vs. David Arambula and the City of Lemon Grove, in which Williams alleges that former Councilman Arambula assaulted him during a business meeting at Arambula”s house to discuss Williams’ medical marijuana dispensary application with the City. The application had been denied by the planning commission and an appeal was slated to be heard by the City Council the following week.
Arambula disputes assault claims
Arambula was called to the stand first by Cory Briggs, who represents Williams in the case. Arambula said he met Williams for the first time the evening of July 14, 2017 at his home. Arambula stated that Taisha Brown, Vice Chair of the county Democratic party at the time, invited Williams with Arambula’s consent because Arambula was tasked with “bringing as much revenue sources as possible” by the city Manager Lydia Romero.
Arambula said that Brown knew the city’s financial condition was in the red and that Williams wanted to invest in the city. When asked by Briggs if he knew they would discuss city business, Arambula said, “Yes, investing in the City.” He denied knowing that Williams had a pending cannabis dispensary application on appeal, contradicting Williams' testimony the day before.
Lemon Grove’s City Council on Tuesday voted 3-0 (with Councilmembers Liana LeBaron and George Gastil both absent) for a 3% raise for all non-contracted employees. The Council also approved an amendment for a 3% increase to the City Managers pay, a half percent increase above what her contract states as well as an additional 2.5 making a total of 5.5% increase.
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