East County News Service

May 21, 2021 (Lemon Grove) – The Baha’is of Lemon Grove invites you to a virtual program in recognition of Race Amity Day on June 13 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., followed by interaction dialogue sessions June 14-18 which will include viewings of short films depicting influential Americans working hand in hand to blur the color line.  

By Miriam Raftery

May 10, 2021 (Lemon Grove) – If you want a say in development projects in Lemon Grove, here’s your opportunity. The city has a vacancy and is seeking to appoint a new planning commissioner to serve on the planning commission. 

By Helen Ofield, Treasurer/Historian, Lemon Grove Historical Society

April 30, 2021 (Lemon Grove) -- The family of Major William “Bill” Trask, Lemon Grove, and the Lemon Grove Historical Society are proud to announce his 100th birthday on May 12, 2021.  This war hero flew 17 missions in WW II Europe and survived a crash in Liège, Belgium, while struggling to land without a nose wheel when his B-24 caught fire. He was promoted to major and spent 20 years in the Army Air Corps.

East County News Service

April 11, 2021 (Lemon Grove) – A drive-through food distribution for Lemon Grove residents will be held April 17 from 9 a.m. until supplies run out. The event is at the Lemon Grove Recreation Center, 3131 School Lane in Lemon Grove.

East County News Service

March 9, 2021 (Lemon Grove) – Do you have ideas about housing in Lemon Grove?  The city invites you to join a virtual community meeting on Tuesday, March 9 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can also fill out a community questionnaire on how the city can better address housing needs for everyone in Lemon Grove.

Your ideas could help shape Lemon Grove for years to come.

East County News Service

February 11, 2021 (Lemon Grove) – I Love a Clean San Diego and the city of Lemon Grove invite you to a seminar titled “Recycle Right: Ask Me Anything” with Andrew Barajas. The seminar will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

East County News Service

January 29, 2021 (Lemon Grove) – John Deangelo Johnson, 18, was arrested Wednesday, Jan. 27 after a law enforcement pursuit that began in Lemon Grove and ended in Balboa Park.

A call shortly around 2:50 a.m. to the Sheriff’s dispatch reported a dirt bike theft on Loma Drive in Lemon Grove, according to Lt. Jim Emig. Deputies spotted a “suspicious vehicle,” a Dodge Durango SUV, leaving the area.The driver refused to stop for law enforcement and instead, fled onto State Route 84 and Interstate 805.

By Dr. Helen Horvath

November 28, 2020 (Lemon Grove) -- On November 17, the City of Lemon Grove held its bimonthly City Council meeting virtually through Zoom, addressing several hot topics including take-out alcohol sales, block grants, COVID-19, marijuana taxation and more.

By Councilmember-Elect Liana LeBaron

Photo:  Aubree Russell from Kids Fashion Network and Liana LeBaron with Alonso, the owner of family run Islander Grill on Broadway in Lemon Grove

November 24, 2020 (Lemon Grove) -- Kids Fashion Week Network and Lemon Grove Parents United present a community centered Lemon Grove Toy Drive. To accommodate varying preferences, toys can be dropped off at the COVID-friendly drive though event at Treganza Heritage Park, 3200 Main St. in Lemon Grove on Dec. 13^th from 1-3 p.m. or at any of the participating Lemon Grove Mom-and-Pop local businesses now through Dec. 12.

All wanting to experience neighborly holiday cheer are invited to come on December 13th to donate their toy in the city’s beautiful and historically rich Treganza Park. Those who donate at the event can pick up a cup of hot chocolate provided by Nitro Monkey Coffee as a small thank you gesture. Thoughtful shoppers can also shop at the hyper-local Lemon Grove vendor tables that will be selling hot items ranging from handmade pet clothing to handmade holiday ornaments.

View the interview at https://youtu.be/4zjc_ssHY8g

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Former Lemon Grove Councilman George Gastil is poised to regain his seat.

November 7, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) – Who are the potential newest faces on East County City Councils—and what was it like to campaign amid a pandemic?

ECM invited all non-incumbents leading in East County City Council races as of November 5 for a Zoom interview to share secrets of their apparent successes and what they hope to accomplish if they win their elections to become the newcomers on local councils.

By John Sepulvado

View full video of ECM’s forum for Lemon Grove candidates:  click here.

Scroll down for highlights and analysis of the forum.

October 9, 2020 (Lemon Grove) -- In the past 25 years, Lemon Grove has been battered. Revenues for the city have plummeted as businesses have fled. Currently the city is experiencing a $1.5 million budget shortfall. Major thoroughfares are in disrepair, while major civic investments like the Lemon Grove Recreation Center sit underused as the city continues to struggle financially. 

Many of the buildings - including prime real estate on Broadway, sit empty and under-utilized. Many of the unhoused neighbors suffer from extreme health conditions that go untreated. Residents complain about policing from the Sheriff’s office. The Council spends most of its budget on policing through the Sheriff, yet some businesses and residents complain of crime and say more law enforcement protection is needed.  (This year’s crime stats have not yet been released.)

These problems are compounded by a lawsuit in which a candidate for Mayor - Christopher WIlliams - is suing the city over a meeting on his proposed marijuana dispensaries followed by a pool party with alcohol that ended in an alleged assault. The spectacular suit is driving a deep wedge among current and aspiring council members.