Lauren Faiai withdrew Friday evening from consideration to be appointed to fill a Lemon Grove City Council seat that became vacant with the death of her husband, Sitivi “Steve” Faiai, in July. She cited the contentious atmosphere that surrounded the appointment process and a desire to “prioritize her family.”
Her decision comes two weeks after council members opened the process to new applicants, following a deadlock after city leaders could not agree who should be appointed to fill the seat.
It was an “honor” to have supported Steve in his campaign, Faiai said, however she ultimately decided to step back from the appointment process due to “the contention that arose among some city leaders, which she found inconsistent with the spirit of service she and Steve valued.”
The four-person council had reached a stalemate over who should fill the seat. Councilmembers Jessyka Heredia and Yadira Altamirano had wanted Faiai to replace her late husband, whereas Mayor Alysson Snow and Councilmember Jennifer Mendoza primarily wanted Jay Bass, but were open to other candidates.
“While it was discouraging to see division where Steve and I always sought unity, I choose to move forward with grace and resolve,” Faiai said in a statement. “This decision comes from strength, not retreat. My commitment to Lemon Grove remains steadfast, and I will continue to honor Steve’s legacy in ways that uplift and unite.”
In the statement announcing her withdrawal, Faiai thanked friends, family and community members for their support.
The appointee will fill the remaining term, which ends in November 2028.
The appointment process was opened to new applicants on Oct. 21 and will remain open until Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. City leaders opted to consider the new round of applicants under a ranked-choice model to avoid further gridlock.