By Miriam Raftery

October 19, 2023 (El Cajon) – Mark Lewis, who served El Cajon as mayor and city councilman for 25 years overseeing major changes the community, has died of complications from a stroke suffered last year.  His family members were with him  at a hospice center, where he passed away on October 12, 2023 at age 75.

“He loved El Cajon and everyone in it,” his wife, Sarah Christine “Chris” Lewis, told East County Magazine.

He led the city through a recession and a centennial, leading efforts to revitalize downtown, bring "fun" to city residents and create a cleaner, greener community for future generations.

The affable mayor, known for his sense of humor and commitment to a clean environment,  also served as the County of San Diego’s waste management coordinator, chaired SANDAG’s public safety board, was foreman of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Grand Jury, served on the Draft Board and on the Indian Gaming Commission.

A complex, larger-than-life figure, Lewis also wrote poetry and authored a book of Haiku dedicated to mankind "in the hope that those who read it,will act in some way,as to improve the existence of man." In his younger days,he enjoyed  stints as a stand-up comedian.

But he was most proud of leading efforts to revitalize downtown El Cajon and implement green programs that cleaned up the city’s air pollution.

By Miriam Raftery; Bill Crotty also contributed to this report

“There is absolutely nothing wrong with that theater. It could be cleaned up and opened tomorrow.” – Paul Russell, former manager of the theater and founder of Christian Youth Theater

March 15, 2012 (El Cajon ) – Leaders of East County arts groups reacted with shock and condemnation to news that the El Cajon Council, by a 4-0 vote, agreed to enter into an exclusive negotiation with developer E. Neal Arthur for plans to tear down the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC) and build a Marriott hotel in its place.

Under Arthur’s plan, the hotel would have a “portable stage to accommodate limited performing arts.” 

But arts experts say that’s woefully inadequate –and leveled sharp criticism at the council. Some also contend that the Council failed to provide adequate notice the community before taking action.