Lemon Grove

Domestic violence suspect arrested after threatening deputies

East County News Service

January 30, 2026 (Lemon Grove) -- Aaron Brozek, 49, has been arrested for felony domestic violence, as well as weapons and narcotics charges.  


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Man arrested for reportedly trying to steal backpack from student in Lemon Grove

East County News Service

January 28, 2026 (Lemon Grove) – Damari Waller, 35, has been arrested for allegedly trying to steal a backpack from a Lemon Grove student yesterday morning shortly before 8 a.m.

Detectives say a man matching the suspect’s description approached an 11-year-old Lemon Grove Academy student walking to school on Golden Avenue. He reportedly demanded the student's backpack and chased the student to the school, but left the scene before deputies could arrive. No one was hurt.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Kratom, banned by California, is still for sale in East County stores including synthetic versions linked to numerous deaths

Story and photos by Miriam Raftery

January 24, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – An investigation by East County Magazine has found kratom and synthetic kratom (7-OH) products for sale locally in every East County city, despite the fact that it’s illegal in California to sell or manufacture kratom for consumption. The ban is due to risk of addiction, serious harm, overdose or death, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Kratom can also cause liver toxicity when used with alcohol.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Lemon Grove residents look to halt retail sales of commercially bred birds

 
Photo of petition-gathering outside of Sprouts in Lemon Grove courtesy Amit Dhuleshia
 
By Karen Pearlman
 
Jan. 22, 2026 (Lemon Grove) -- A group of Lemon Grove residents and regional animal welfare advocates are launching a formal bid to update local pet sale regulations, aiming to make Lemon Grove the next California city to prohibit the retail sale of commercially bred birds.
 
A proposed "Rescue-Only Pet Store Standards" initiative seeks to expand existing state protections that currently cover only dogs, cats and rabbits. Since signature gathering began on Jan. 10, petitioners report collecting hundreds of signatures from local voters as they move toward qualifying for the November 2026 municipal ballot.
 
Under the proposed Lemon Grove ordinance, Chapter 6.10, pet stores within city limits would be prohibited from selling any bird unless it was obtained from an animal shelter, humane society or nonprofit rescue organization.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Tony Winney to be interim City Manager in Lemon Grove

Photo of Tony Winney from Winney's LinkedIn page

By Karen Pearlman

Jan. 17, 2026 (Lemon Grove) -- The Lemon Grove City Council will formally appoint former Coronado Assistant City Manager Tony Winney as interim City Manager, with a start date of Jan. 26.

The City Council is expected to hire Winney at an annualized base salary of $215,000 at this Tuesday's City Council meeting. The hire ends a three-week period of a vacant city manager position after Lydia Romero stepped down on the last day of 2025.
 
According to the city staff report on the matter, the former city manager's employment contract with the city terminated by its own terms on Jan. 1 and "no action was taken by the City Council to extend the former city manager's employment contract."
 
Romero has not made a statement about her departure from the city after 10 years of service. Winney has been part-time Deputy City Manager - Special Projects for the city of Rancho Cucamonga since February 2025.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Helix High cheer team reaches summit -- and looking for support

La Mesa squad wins first CIF championship, now sets sights on national competition in Las Vegas. Photo courtesy Helix High Cheer Team
 
East County News Service
 
Jan. 7, 2026 (La Mesa)  — After three consecutive years of finishing as runners-up, the Helix Charter High School competitive cheer team finally reached the top of the podium, capturing first place in the Division 2 Large group at the San Diego Section CIF Traditional Competitive Cheerleading Championships competition in Carlsbad.
 
The event was held Dec. 13 at Carlsbad High School.
 
East County we well represented on the winners' podium. Other East County winners include Granite Hills (Division 1 Large), Steele Canyon (Division 1 Large coed), Grossmont (Division 3 Large), Santana (Division 3 Medium), Valhalla (Division 3 Small) and West Hills (Division 3 Large Coed).
 
For Helix head coach Heather Meyers and her 24-member squad, the victory represented the culmination of five years of steady progress and unwavering determination.
 
"It's hard to even find words for this feeling," Meyers said about the team's success. "For years, Helix Cheer climbed the same hill, coming so close but never quite reaching the top. Three years of second place could've broken us. Instead, it shaped us. It taught us patience, resilience, and how to keep believing when the outcome wasn't guaranteed."

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Escaped felon in Lemon Grove

East County News Service
 
Dec. 24, 2025 (Lemon Grove) -- The Lemon Grove Sheriff's Substation is looking to the public for help in locating a wanted felon who escaped from custody. 
 
Just after 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, Sheriff's Deputies observed Hiram Sanchez, 36, in the 7100 block of Broadway in Lemon Grove. He was wanted on an active and outstanding felony warrant. Deputies contacted Sanchez and placed him in handcuffs.
 
During the arrest, Sanchez fled from deputies on foot onto state Route 94, placing himself and the deputies in extreme danger. Deputies did not pursue Sanchez onto the freeway.
 
At some point, Sanchez slipped out of his handcuffs and continued to run away.
 
Deputies immediately coordinated with the California Highway Patrol as well as with the San Diego Police Department's helicopter and Sheriff's K-9 resources to conduct a thorough search of the area, but Sanchez was not located.
 

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

City Manager Lydia Romero to leave Lemon Grove

City Manager Lydia Romero (right) and City Council member Yadira Altamirano in 2019
 
Photo and story by Karen Pearlman
 
Dec. 23, 2025 (Lemon Grove) -- Lemon Grove City Manager Lydia Romero, hired in 2015, is leaving the city at the end of this year.
 
After 10 years of leading Lemon Grove, Romero has announced her departure effective Dec. 31, 2025. Romero has not shared publicly a reason behind why she is leaving her position.
 
Lemon Grove Mayor Alysson Snow said that Romero has been a boon to the city and that she is leaving Lemon Grove at a time when it is on the upswing.
 
"She is leaving us in a really good place," Snow said. "We're making sure we will keep the course with the strong foundation she's left us."

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Lemon Grove community invited to 'Skate to Donate' fundraiser for youth programs

East County News Service
 
Dec. 15, 2025 (San Diego) – The Lemon Grove Forward Club is inviting the  community to lace up their roller skates for a good cause at the "Skate to Donate" fundraiser next month.
 
The family-friendly event is aimed at supporting essential youth-centered programs in Lemon Grove and will take place from noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 at Ringer’s Skating Rink, 6060 Federal Blvd. in San Diego.
 
The event promises an afternoon of lively fun, where family, friends and neighbors will roller skate while directly contributing to the community.
 
The Lemon Grove Forward Club, which traces its roots back to 1913, when it was originally established as the Lemon Grove's Women's Club, has enjoyed a rebirth in the last few years. It remains dedicated to enhancing opportunities for local youth while proactively addressing the needs of the Lemon Grove community by way of promising initiatives and projects.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Seven arrested for retail theft in Lemon Grove

East County News Service

December 11, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – Deputies from the Lemon Grove Sheriff's Substation's Community Oriented Policing and Problem-Solving (COPPS) team ran a retail theft operation at multiple businesses throughout the city on December 10. During the eight-hour operation, deputies made seven arrests—six misdemeanors and one felony—averaging roughly one arrest per hour.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Recall effort dropped against Lemon Grove Mayor Snow

By Karen Pearlman
 
Dec. 10, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – A recall effort against Lemon Grove Mayor Alysson Snow, who was elected by voters in 2024, has failed.
 
On Tuesday, Dec. 9, a group called the Lemon Grove Neighborhood Association shared a text message with East County Magazine that said, “Today marks the conclusion of the signature-gathering phase for the recall of Mayor Alysson Snow.”
 
The message stated, “Our committee successfully engaged with thousands of concerned residents for signatures and information” but added that the committee has “made the difficult but necessary decision” to stop the recall.
 
The message was sent by Ken King, who has led the recall effort since the summer.
 

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Lemon Grove garden mural to be revealed Dec. 6

East County News Service

December 3, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove’s Community Garden will host a celebration this Saturday, December 6 at 9 a.m. to unveil a garden mural.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Suspects arrested for stealing from Home Depot in Lemon Grove

East County News Service

November 21, 2025 (Lemon Grove) -- Two men are facing serious charges after getting caught stealing from a home improvement store in Lemon Grove.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Lemon Grove’s Community Bonfire to light up the night Dec. 5

East County News Service

November 17, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The city of Lemon Grove will host its 29th annual community bonfire on Friday, December 5 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Treganza Park, 3200 Main Street.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Lemon Grove Forward Club announces annual Sock Drive for November

Source: Lemon Grove Forward Club

November 4, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove Forward Club is kicking off its annual sock drive, "Socktober," a tradition that has made a positive impact on the lives of the unhoused in Lemon Grove.   


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Spring Valley woman sentenced for animal cruelty

East County News Service
 
Oct. 30, 2025 (Spring Valley) -- A woman has been sentenced in an animal cruelty case after San Diego County Department of Animal Services officers responded to a case involving a Chihuahua in Spring Valley.
 
Animal Services met with the dog’s owner in August after receiving a recording from a member of the public showing disturbing treatment of the dog.
 
The dog was taken into county care, where Animal Services, veterinary staff provided treatment, conducted a cruelty exam and ensured the animal had a safe environment.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Lemon Grove City Council vacancy application process reopened: New filing deadline Nov. 13

By Paul Levikow

October 28, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove City Council reopened the process for filling a vacancy, after efforts to appoint a candidate failed the first time. The vacancy will fill the seat held by Councilmember Steve Faiai, who passed away in July. The difference in the next selection process will rely on ranked choice voting, in which councilmembers will list their top three choices for appointment in an effort to avoid another deadlock.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Fatal hit-and-run crash in Lemon Grove

East County News Service
 
Oct. 27, 2025 (Lemon Grove) -- An early-morning, multi-vehicle crash Sunday, Oct. 26 on state Route 125 claimed the life of a San Diego man and left several others injured, the California Highway Patrol said.
 
At about 4:28 a.m. on Sunday, a Nissan Sentra driven by an unidentified individual, was traveling northbound just south of Spring Street with a 26-year-old male passenger from San Diego. At the same time, a 35-year-old man from Maryland had parked his 2007 Mercedes E350 on the right shoulder of stare Route 125 near Spring Street, accompanied by two female passengers.
 
For reasons still being investigated, the Nissan veered onto the shoulder and struck the rear of the Mercedes, pushing it forward. The Nissan then came to a stop in the northbound lanes, obstructing traffic. A 33-year-old San Diego woman driving a 2022 Ford Edge northbound was unable to avoid the disabled Nissan and collided with it. The impact forced both vehicles into the center median.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Funeral procession for fallen LMPD Officer Lauren Craven October 28

La Mesa officials say to expect major traffic delays
 
East County News Service
 
Oct. 25, 2025 (La Mesa) -- A funeral procession is planned for fallen La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven starting at 7:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28, according to the La Mesa Police Department.
 
Craven, 25, was killed in the line of duty on October 20, 2025, after being struck by a drunk driver while assisting at another crash scene on Interstate 8. She was returning from the San Diego Central Jail when she came upon a collision involving several vehicles.
 
Craven stopped to render aid to the drivers involved in the initial crash, but while assisting, a 38-year-old man, who has been arrested on suspicion of DUI, struck Craven with his car. She died at the scene, along with 19-year-old De'Veonte Morris, one of the drivers from the first crash.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

County approves negotiations to buy land for Troy Street Sleeping Cabins in Lemon Grove

By Paul Levikow

Image, left: Rendering of Troy Street Sleeping Cabins Project

October 22, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to approve negotiations with Caltrans to purchase land for the Troy Street Sleeping Cabins Project in Lemon Grove, after hearing comments overwhelmingly in opposition from residents and two City Councilmembers.

The project plan calls for building tiny homes on an undeveloped lot at 2800 Sweetwater Road and Troy Street, which the County expects to pay about $2 million to buy from the state. It’s part of the County’s Compassionate Emergency Solutions and Pathways to Housing efforts for people experiencing homelessness.

There were 26 requests to speak in person in the board chambers or on the phone. There were 78 e-comments in opposition submitted, while 5 e-comments were in support of the plan. Opponents warned of the potential for an increase in crime in the area, or said the project was too expensive and too close to an early childhood education center, or that the Board should focus on permanent solutions instead of temporary ones.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Lemon Grove film premiere Oct. 17 and 18 shines light on community spirit and history

East County News Service

 

October 16, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Town Films proudly presents the hometown premiere of Welcome Home to Lemon Grove, California, a new documentary by local filmmaker Michael Fanter. The film celebrates the community’s history, landmarks, and the people who have shaped “The Town with the Giant Lemon.” 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Cyclist killed in Lemon Grove crash identified

East County News Service

 

October 14, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – Marco Lorenzo Quintero, 35, died at a hospital after being struck by a pickup truck while riding a bicycle in Lemon Grove.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Senator Weber Pierson holding Town Hall on Oct. 16

East County News Service
 
Oct. 12, 2025 (San Diego County) -- California State Senator Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson is holding a Community Town Hall this week at Crawford High School in San Diego.
 
Weber Pierson's event will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16, at the high school at 4191 Colts Way. You can RSVP here.
 
In an email shared with constituents of her District 39, Weber Pierson said she is holding the Town Hall to discuss how the newly passed California state budget "aligns with our shared values and fiscal realities."
 

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Bicyclist dies after collision in Lemon Grove

Source: San Diego County Sheriff

October 7, 2025  (Lemon Grove) – A bicyclist is dead after a collision with a black Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck shortly before 9:30 p.m. last night in the 8500 block of Troy Street in Lemon Grove.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Lemon Grove School District wins Golden Bell Award

East County News Service

October 5, 2025 (Lemon Grove) -- Lemon Grove School District has been honored with the California School Boards Association (CSBA) Golden Bell Award for advancing equitable student outcomes.  This work has been led by Amy Fulinara, Executive Director of Educational Services.  


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Lemon Grove teen reports suspicious person following them

East County News Service
 
Sept. 26, 2025 (Lemon Grove) -- A teenager in Lemon Grove reportedly was being followed by a suspicious person in a car earlier this week and the Lemon Grove Sheriff's Substation is now investigating the matter.
 
Just after 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, a 13-year-old student was walking to Lemon Grove Middle School when the student said they noticed an older man driving a gray Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, spotted at a stop sign near the intersection of Cypress Avenue and Lemon Grove Avenue.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Prebys Foundation, others 'Unite for San Diego' to help protect families

East County News Service
 
Sept. 26, 2025 (San Diego County) – Three of San Diego County's largest foundations -- Prebys Foundation, Price Philanthropies and San Diego Foundation -- along with members of the Robert Price family, have formed a group to help local families during a time of challenging cuts in services.
 
The group -- United for San Diego -- is increasing their annual giving by $70 million for safety net needs, leaders shared at a Thursday press conference at Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank headquarters.
 
The funders are coordinating efforts during a current urgent need, when historic cuts are imminent, to make the biggest impact -- helping safeguard access to food, housing and healthcare.
 
Robert Price, President and CEO, Price Philanthropies, explained the mission by usinga thought from Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), a collection of Jewish ethical teachings and aphorisms from the Mishnah, the first text of the Jewish oral law.
 
“To paraphrase a wise teaching from Jewish ethics, we are not commanded to complete the task of making our world better, but neither are we free to do nothing,” Price said. “Many of our fellow San Diegans will soon be facing major challenges in meeting their basic needs for food, shelter and medical care. We have made the decision to increase our charitable giving to help as many of our neighbors as possible. We hope many of you will join in this effort.”

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Lemon Fest coming to St. John of the Cross this weekend

East County News Service

Sept. 17, 2025 (Lemon Grove) -- The annual St. John of the Cross Catholic Parish Fall Festival, the Lemon Fest, is coming to the church on Broadway this weekend.

The community event, from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20 and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 21, will feature a car show and lemon baking contest.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Mount Miguel 60th reunion coming on Oct. 4 at Town & Country

East County News Service
 
Sept. 16, 2025 (Spring Valley) -- Mount Miguel High School Class of 1965 is getting ready for its 60th class reunion.
 
Leaders from the Matadors 1965 class have put out the word that they are looking for classmates from thier year to join them in the event set for 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4 at the Town & Country Resort and Hotel.
 
Tickets are $110 per person and include dinner and dancing. A limited number of free tickets are available for those who need financial assistance.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Pages

Lemon Grove Lions Club

International Student Exchange