After months of gridlock that left a council seat vacant and underscored council rifts, Lemon Grove City Council members finally appointed Seth Smith to fill a seat left vacant by the death last summer of Steve Faiai. City leaders say Smith\u2019s experience in local government could pave the path to peace for the tension-riddled community.<\/p>\n
But it could be short-lived as three of the five members are up for election in November. One of them, longtime Councilmember Jennifer Mendoza, said she will retire at the end of the year. And the city now finds itself in search of a new top administrator with the sudden departure last month of City Manager Lydia Romero.<\/p>\n
Controversy is not unfamiliar to the Lemon Grove City Council. Ongoing tensions have persisted long enough that some city leaders even campaigned in 2022 and 2024 on the premise that they could ease the toxicity<\/a>.<\/p>\n The 2024 municipal election brought a fresh slate of members to the council. Community members were hopeful this change would put an end to longtime contention<\/a> between city leaders.<\/p>\n Tensions have eased since former Councilmember Liana LeBaron \u2014 known for frequently clashing with her colleagues<\/a> \u2014 lost her bid for mayor against now Lemon Grove Mayor Alysson Snow. However, council dynamics remain fragile.<\/p>\n A yearlong effort to recall Snow recently failed<\/a>. It was led by a group opposed to a county project that will put 60 sleeping cabins for homeless individuals on Troy Street.<\/p>\n On top of the recall attempt, council newcomers Vice Mayor Jessyka Heredia and Yadira Altamirano have clashed with Snow and Mendoza. For example, both were vocal against the Troy Street cabins project, which Snow and Mendoza supported.<\/p>\n The unexpected passing of Faiai<\/a> over the summer shook the community and created a council vacancy. It became clear that the council lacked consensus when it came time to select an appointee to fill the seat.<\/p>\n Council members reached a gridlock<\/a> during their first attempt to fill the vacancy. Altamirano and Heredia wanted Faiai\u2019s wife, Lauren, while Snow and Mendoza primarily wanted Jay Bass. Lauren Faiai eventually withdrew, citing contention<\/a> on the council as a primary reason for pulling out.<\/p>\n In their second attempt to select an appointee, Seth Smith garnered the most votes by a slim margin.<\/p>\n