WATCH FULL VIDEO HERE

By Jessyka Heredia

An earlier version of this artile mistakenly reported the Council voted 5-0. The vote was 4-1with LeBaron voting no.

December 6, 2023 (Lemon Grove) —Yesterday the Lemon Grove City Council unanimously voted to move forward with installing all new playground structures at Lemon Grove Park, thanks to the Proposition 68 Per Capita Grant Program. This non-competitive grant program provides funding to local government agencies to support the rehabilitation, creation and improvement of local parks and to address deficiencies in neighborhoods lacking access to outdoor recreation facilities. Lemon Grove currently only has two parks with playground equipment and a recreation center that lost all funding over 12 years ago.

By Jessyka Heredia

Watch full video here.

October 9, 2023 (Lemon Grove)—On Tuesday, Lemon Grove councilmembers Allysson Snow and Jennifer Mendoza teamed up to have a 3% wage increase on the agenda for the public works department and bypass waiting on the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 127 union’s negotiations that have been going on for several months. Mayor Raquel Vasquez was very adamant that this could set a dangerous precedent in the future.

By Jessyka Heredia

WATCH FULL VIDEO HERE

October 16, 2023 (Lemon Grove)—Earlier this month the Lemon Grove City Council voted to approve adding additional revenue to an already existing contract with Rick Engineering Company for a sewer rehabilitation project that was previously approved with a winning bid from Rick Engineering not to exceed $508,694 even after a buffer of $25,306 in contingency funds was included.

East County News Service

September 23, 2023 (Lemon Grove) -- The Lemon Grove Historical Society’s 45th annual free "History Alive" lecture series will present the story of the Buffalo Soldiers, led by Trooper Rachel Hilliard (photo,left), founder and president of the San Diego Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers, and several troop members. This special presentation will take place on Thursday, October 5 at 5 p.m. at the H. Lee House Cultural Center,3205 Olive Street in Lemon Grove.

“This extraordinary organization played a major role in America's westward expansion as they helped and saved many wagon trains of migrants, seeking farmland, pasturage and places to establish towns,”says Helen Ofield, historian to the board of the LGHS. “On every level, the Buffalo Soldiers are at the heart of American history. Don't miss this uniformed presentation.”

By David R. Shorey, East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies

September 3, 2023 (Lemon Grove) -- Lemon Grove’s main business corridor on Broadway is the center of commerce, but the physical environment of the area is suffering. Community leaders recently took to the streets to conduct a comprehensive assessment of their neighborhood along Broadway. It was an inspiring display of community engagement and commitment to positive change to shed light on issues like drug and alcohol harm, blight, walkability, and other areas needing of improvement. This June walk on a Saturday morning reflects the strong sense of community among Lemon Grove's residents and underscores the urgency to address pressing concerns through collaborative efforts.

By Jessyka Heredia

August 18, 2023 (Lemon Grove) – Approximately 50 people were in attendance earlier this month at the Lemon Grove Library to hear what Mayor Raquel Vasquez, the city council and staff has accomplished this past year and what is planned moving forward for Lemon Grove.

By: Jessyka Heredia

August 14, 2023 (Lemon Grove) -- There is a new bistro coming to Lemon Grove in what was formerly the Lemon Grove Bakery. Located at 3308 Main Street, the building has a long history that has  been the center of town ever since and Lemon Grove Bistro will be the next business to keep this historical building alive.

$1,000 reward for info leading to arrest of suspect, who is considered armed and dangerous

Source: San Diego Sheriff's Department

July 26, 2023 (Lemon Grove) -- Do you recognize this man? He is Daniel Ethridge, 34, and he is wanted in connection with a homicide in Lemon Grove earlier this year.

On March 18 around 10:00 p.m., deputies from the Lemon Grove Sheriff's Substation responded to a report of a shooting in the 2800 block of Lemon Grove Avenue. While searching the area, deputies found Gregory Moore, 39, unconscious in a car at the intersection of Lemon Grove Avenue and San Miguel Avenue. He was later pronounced dead.

Sheriff's Homicide Investigators have identified Ethridge as a suspect. He has an active arrest warrant for homicide and is believed to be associated with a local street gang. Ethridge has prior convictions for assault with a deadly weapon and shooting into an inhabited dwelling.

He should be considered armed and dangerous, according to Lt. Joseph Janjura with the Sheriff’s homicide unit.

Source: Lemon Grove Lions Club

July 22, 2023 (Lemon Grove) -- Lemon Grove Lions Club will host Quartermania, a cross between an auction, a raffle and bingo,on August 12. The event will feature Preview Shopping at 10:30am, Quarter Auction from 11 a.m.-2: p.m., and a light lunch at 12 p.m.. Bring plenty of quarters as you will need them to bid on auction items.

IPS sponsors communication training for community members starting Aug. 5 

By David R. Shorey, East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies

July 14,  2023 (Lemon Grove) -- The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg once said, “You can disagree without being disagreeable.” For many, conversations around drugs and alcohol, homelessness, community redevelopment, law enforcement, and how tax dollars are spent, all elicit strong passions. Passions that sometimes take hold and overcome our ability to engage with each other in a cordial, respectful, and civil manner.

June 28, 2023 (Lemon Grove)-- Danny Jeitler, a beloved Army veteran hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on June 1, 2023 in Lemon Grove, leaving behind cherished memories and a deep sense of loss among all who knew him. His life was marked by bravery, dedication, and a passion for his hobbies that brought joy to his heart.

Born in 1949, Danny embarked on a life journey that led him to serve his country with honor as a dedicated member of the United States Army. His military service exemplified his unwavering commitment, bravery, and love for his country.

By Miriam Raftery

June 23, 2023 (Lemon Grove) – Michael Perez, an attorney who runs the nonprofit Imago Dei (operating as 29: Eleven), with his wife, a dream to restore two historic buildings in Lemon Grove. They wanted to open up a home for women who are struggling, including pregnant women in need of shelter and mothers with babies. Since buying the property in 2008, however, Perez told ECM, “We’ve been in a constant struggle with the city of Lemon Grove over building permits.”  

He described a nightmare of obstacles in the permitting process, as well as frustrations with the Sheriff’s department for not being responsive to his pleas for help to keep out homeless people who repeatedly broke down barriers to camp out inside.

Then last week, a fire destroyed one of the two buildings, a house originally built in the 1930s by Dr. Ebon McGregor. The other building, which once served as Dr. McGregor’s was spared. The site is on Main Street, next to city hall in the heart of Lemon Grove.

“My wife and I both cried when we heard about it,” Perez told ECM. “We’re going to trust  God,” he said, adding that he still hopes to  find a way to bring the nonprofit’s services to the site. “I think it’s needed.”