By Miriam Raftery
January 30, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – Eleven people have applied to fill a vacancy on the Lemon Grove City Council created when former Councilmember Alysson Snow won the mayoral election. The City Council will interview the applicants during the Feb.4 Council meeting at 6 p.m. at the Lemon Grove Community Center. View the full agenda including candidate applications: https://events.lemongrove.ca.gov/council.
The Council previously approved filling the vacancy via appointment, to avoid a costly election. The appointee chosen will serve the remainder of the term, which expires in December 2026.
Applications included detailed questions about candidates’ backgrounds and goals, though some did not identify policy objectives.
The applicants, in order of their interview times, are as follows, along with highlights from their applications:
Cody Littleton: Ani internet recruiter, he has served as Vice President of Urban League Young Professionals, as a corporate liaison, and volunteered with GEICO Cares/United Way. He says his goal if appointed would be first to learn about key issues, foster meaningful community engagement, and work to strengthen relationships with external organizations and boards. He has training as a facilitator, including conflict resolution skills.
James G. Stout: His community involvement has been serving on the board of directors at Faith Chapel and Lifepoint Church, teaching Bible study, and serving as treasurer at Lifepoint Church. He has worked as a machinist and inspector. He cites endorsements from other pastor. His goals include being an “advocate for the people” and to help the city become “healthy and strong.”
Jay Bass: His community and governmental experience include serving as a trustee of the Lemon Grove School District, commissioner on the city’s planning commission, member of the Lemon Grove Community Advisory Committee and Revitalize Broadway Lemon Grove, as well as the Lemon Grove Historical Society, Lions Club, Latino Diversified Lions Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and soccer coach. A Navy veteran who is now retired, he has worked for the Port of San Diego and the San Diego International Airport. His goals include assuring funds are spent responsibly, supporting local businesses, creating a business-friendly environment to foster growth, assure worker retention and instill community pride.
Kenneth J. Davies: He did not provide a resume or list any community involvement. A 25-year resident, he is concerned that streets need repair and about trash along roadsides. He has a master’s degree in computer programming, and says, “I care about Lemon Grove and want to see it preserved.”
Meredith Rae Levin: A law professor, licensed attorney with USD legal clinics, she works to assist domestic violence victims. She has served as president of the Crime Victims Fund and cochair of the SDCBA family law section. She was a founder of the San Diego family Law Bar. She wants to fix roads, bring in new business, learn from diverse views, and come up with “sensible, compassionate ways to address home businesses.:
Minola Clark Manson: Director of workforce development healthcare for the San Diego Workforce Partnership, she has a master’s in psychology and extensive experience including managinga$15 million budget, serving as training and development director for the County’s Health and Human Services agency, and other professional positions. She’s a Lemon Grove Planning Commissioner and involved in numerous local service organizations, including as President of Soroptomists, helping with Lemon Grove cleanup, food distribution and more. She wants to increase the city’s resource development through grants and new businesses, improve transparency and community involvement at Council meetings.
Oyuki Littleton: An office administrator, customer relations specialist and 7-year resident of Lemon Grove, she wants clarification on the county’s tiny homes project for the homeless on Troy Street and to find measures that can be taken to assure children and residents are safe. She also wants to repair and strengthen communication between residents and councilmembers to restore unity.
Robert Holaday: A Lemon Grove native and licensed realtor, he has served as Chairman of the Lemon Grove Planning Commission when the city was incorporated, as president of the Lemon Grove Chamber of Commerce, and on the citizens advisory committee for the 1980 Community Plan. He has been active in College Avenue Baptist Church, and helped form the Lemon Grove Little League. His goals include improving Lemon Grove’s image, being frugal with money, and seeking out new revenue sources.
Robert M. Rael: A systems engineer and webmaster with a degree in film and media, Rael has lived in Lemon Grove for 15 years and plans to start a business here. He was previously in Normal Heights, where he was involved in a a business association, newspaper, and cultural council. He lists one goal, “to represent my peers, as well as pass information along to my peers.”
Seth Smith: An architect and Chair of the Lemon Grove Planning Commission, he is also involved in the Busy Bees Garden Co-op, farmer’s market, Latino Diversifed Lions Club, and Revitalize Broadway efforts in Lemon Grove as well as youth sports, food distributions, and as youth leader at Grace Communion. He also donates his architectural services for Thrive Lemon Grove. He wants to set up efficient systems for the city to use revenue from the newly passed ballot measure to repair/improve city infrastructure such as streets, sidewalks and storm drains, implement policies to remove blight and diversity the types of businesses downtown, and promote policies to encourage access to housing through General Plan updates. He lists numerous endorsements, including the city’s firefighters.
Yadira Altamirano: A former Lemon Grove City Councilmember and small business owner, she has been on the board of softball and girls fast pitch organizations, as well as the Mt.. Vernon Educational Foundation and Lemon Grove toy drive. Her volunteer efforts have included youth mentorship, homeless ministry and food drives through Rock Church Homeless Ministry. She wants to reopen the rec center 5-7 days a week, encourage commercial landlords to rent vacant properties, get more businesses to invest in Lemon Grove, assure that new sales tax revenue is used for infrastructure and road repairs, have bathroom access on weekends, a pedestrian-friendly downtown that is aesthetically improved, and bring back the Old Times Parade.
East County News Service
January 29, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The City of Lemon Grove is now accepting applications for residents and business owners interested in serving on the Measure T Oversight Committee. Applications will be accepted beginning January 27, 2025, through February 20, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
The Measure T Oversight Committee is being established following the approval of Measure T – the Lemon Grove Sales Tax Measure – by voters in the November 5, 2024 State General Election. This measure, which is formally known as Ordinance No. 466, added Chapter 3.18 to the Lemon Grove Municipal Code, and mandates the formation of an oversight committee to monitor the implementation of Measure T funds.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- 18 years or older by the time of appointment
- Applicants may be residents or business owners within the City of Lemon Grove
The Measure T Oversight Committee will consist of five members. Interested candidates must submit their application by February 20, 2025. On February 25, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., applicants will have the opportunity to present their qualifications to the City Council during a Special City Council Meeting. A random drawing will determine the order of presentations, followed by potential questions from the Council. The final selection of the five committee members will take place during the Regular City Council Meeting on March 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Key Dates:
- Application Period: Monday, January 27 – Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
- Special City Council Meeting (Applicant Presentations): Monday, February 25, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
- Regular City Council Meeting (Appointments): Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Applications are available at the City Clerk’s Office, located at 3232 Main Street, Lemon Grove, CA 91945, or on the City’s website at https://www.lemongrove.ca.gov/our-government/office-of-the-city-clerk/
For additional information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (619) 825-3841 or visit the City’s website.
Green, Orange and Blue Lines now offer added flexibility and reliability for transit riders
Source: MTS
January 27, 2025 (San Diego) - San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is increasing Trolley service for the Green, Blue and Orange lines, offering additional late night and weekend service to provide riders with more options to take transit.
The Green Line Trolley will offer service every 15 minutes, all day, every day between downtown San Diego and El Cajon until 11 p.m. With service to San Diego’s popular entertainment destinations, such as Petco Park, Snapdragon Stadium, downtown San Diego and various shopping centers, the added weekend and late-night service will provide riders more flexibility when taking transit to special events.
The UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley has added after-dark options, with 15-minute service after 9:30 p.m. every day between America Plaza and UTC. Riders can take the UC San Diego Blue Line to UTC, UCSD Central Campus, Old Town and downtown San Diego, among others, making travel for work, school and leisure more convenient.
The Orange Line Trolley has added frequency on weekend mornings and now runs every 15 minutes through 7 p.m., offering trips between El Cajon and downtown San Diego starting at 4:48 a.m. The Orange Line provides service to the San Diego Superior Court, Civic Center, Lemon Grove, La Mesa, Grossmont Center and more.
“Our customer satisfaction survey identified a desire for increased late night and weekend service options,” said Sharon Cooney, MTS Chief Executive Officer. “Our goal is always to make transit more accessible and reliable, and to continue to provide a better overall experience for our riders — we’re excited to see more people ride transit to special events, work and leisure activities alike.”
Trolley riders celebrated the increased service with MTS at Old Town Transit Center on Monday, Jan. 27 from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Riders will be able to receive free hot chocolate, coffee and MTS merchandise, including glow sticks and flashlights to mark new late-night hours.
About MTS
The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) operates 92 bus routes and four Trolley lines in 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego. MTS is a leader in advancing initiatives to create a greener, cleaner and better-connected transit system in San Diego. Each weekday, more than 238,000 passenger trips are taken throughout the MTS system taking people to work, school, health appointments and other essential trips. In FY 2024, MTS served more than 75 million riders. For service schedule updates, news, alerts and more information on how you can use public transportation, go to www.sdmts.com.
By Jessica Brodkin Webb
January 27, 2025 (Lemon Grove) -- Lemon Grove Mayor Alysson Snow called the Jan. 21 City Council meeting “very light,” yet there was time enough for staunch resident pushback against a historically controversial tiny homes project which was not on the agenda.
The project, funded and in development by the County of San Diego, is intended to house homeless residents in 70 tiny homes on Troy Street.
A previous iteration of the project, planned around State of California funding, was slated for over twice as many structures and originally destined for Spring Valley. However, state funding was rescinded following missed deadlines, and the project was downsized and relocated to Lemon Grove amidst Spring Valley resident pushback.
Tuesday, Lemon Grove residents once again questioned why an open community discussion about the project has yet to appear on an agenda.
“I’ve been here over six months asking for this item to be put on the agenda,” resident Ken King said.
King is one of several residents who have consistently voiced concerns about the project during time for public comments at city council meetings.
“Jennifer said the tiny home project would be on the agenda this meeting or next meeting. Those are her words,” King said, referring to Councilmember Mendoza.
Lemon Grove City Manager Lydia Romero said she is working with the county to schedule a special study session which would be open to the public.
“We are dependent on the County of San Diego because they’re the ones putting forth the project,” Romero said.
However, former Lemon Grove Chamber of Commerce president and resident Teresa Rosiak-Proffit addressed city council members with an emphatic comment, stating that residents “want each one of you to hear their concerns” at a regular city council meeting rather than a county presentation or other special meeting.
“We need a city council tiny homes presentation where the residents can speak with you directly. It is their right for you to hear them. You may not want to hear them, but you have to give them a chance to be heard. Normally, I don’t demand but I am demanding that this be put on the agenda as quickly as possible so you hear what residents have to say,” said Rosiak-Proffit.
Snow said she would look into adding a special city council meeting about the tiny homes project, to which Romero said that essentially constitutes a special study session.
As of publication, no special study session or additional meeting information had been announced. The next regular Lemon Grove city council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at the Lemon Grove Community Center, located at 3146 School Lane.
Update January 10, 2025 -- A third suspect has been arrested and charged with aiding and abetting in the murder of Darron Willie Singleton, Jr. On Thursday January 9, 2025, 45-year-old Valena Marie Gonzales of San Diego was apprehended by the San Diego Regional Fugitive Task Force near Valley Road and Rio Drive in San Diego. She has been booked into custody at Las Colinas Detention Facility.
East County News Service
January 8, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The Sheriff’s office today announced the arrest of two men suspected in the murder of 23-year-old Darron Willie Singleton, Jr.
On Sept. 18 around 10:55 p.m., deputies responded to reports of gunfire and found Singleton suffering gunshot wounds to the torse in the 2200 block of Dain Street in Lemon Grove. Despite lifesaving efforts by San Miguel Fire Department personnel and Sheriff’s deputies, Singleton died at the scene.
“Months of intensive investigation led to the arrests of two individuals believed to be involved in this heinous crime,” says Lieutenant Michael Krugh.
Yesterday, Richard Charles Lee, 47, of San Diego, was apprehended in San Diego. Additionally, 44-year-old Reality Grayson of Temecula was arrested Temecula. Both suspects have been booked into custody at the San Diego Central Jail on charges related to the murder of Darron Willie Singleton Jr.
The San Diego Sheriff's Office extends its gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the San Diego Police Department, the Riverside Sheriff's Department, and the San Diego Regional Fugitive Task Force for their support in executing the arrests.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330/after hours at (858) 868-3200. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
East County News Service
January 22, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — In the wake of the devastating fires that have swept through Los Angeles, Lemon Grove non-profit service clubs such as the Lemon Grove Lions, Lemon Grove Forward Club, Thrive, Soroptimists International of Lemon Grove, Mt. Miguel High School Alumni and the Lemon Grove Fire Department to name a few, are uniting to provide much-needed assistance to affected families and communities. These dedicated organizations are hosting a fundraising event on Sat, Feb 1st at Treganza Park from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
This event is designed to rally community support, with all proceeds being donated to help those impacted by the fires. Attendees will enjoy an afternoon of delicious food and community spirit, with local clubs selling food to raise funds.
The recent fires in LA have left many families in desperate need. Together, we can make a meaningful difference by showing our support and generosity.
Lemon Grove is home to a network of dedicated non-profit organizations committed to making a difference in the community and beyond. Through service, outreach, and support, these clubs provide assistance to those in need while fostering a sense of unity and hope.
Event Details:
- What: LA Fire Disaster Relief Fundraising Event
- When: Saturday, February 1, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Where: Treganza Park, Lemon Grove
Lemon Grove service clubs emphasize the power of community in times of crisis, encouraging everyone to come together to help families rebuild their lives after such devastating losses.
Together, we are stronger!
For more information about the event or to learn how you can contribute, please contact Minola Manson Silemongrove1958@gmail.com or phone # (619) 713-9759.
Update January 10, 2025 -- A third suspect has been arrested and charged with aiding and abetting in the murder of Darron Willie Singleton, Jr. On Thursday January 9, 2025, 45-year-old Valena Marie Gonzales of San Diego was apprehended by the San Diego Regional Fugitive Task Force near Valley Road and Rio Drive in San Diego. She has been booked into custody at Las Colinas Detention Facility.
East County News Service
January 8, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The Sheriff’s office today announced the arrest of two men suspected in the murder of 23-year-old Darron Willie Singleton, Jr.
On Sept. 18 around 10:55 p.m., deputies responded to reports of gunfire and found Singleton suffering gunshot wounds to the torse in the 2200 block of Dain Street in Lemon Grove. Despite lifesaving efforts by San Miguel Fire Department personnel and Sheriff’s deputies, Singleton died at the scene.
“Months of intensive investigation led to the arrests of two individuals believed to be involved in this heinous crime,” says Lieutenant Michael Krugh.
Yesterday, Richard Charles Lee, 47, of San Diego, was apprehended in San Diego. Additionally, 44-year-old Reality Grayson of Temecula was arrested Temecula. Both suspects have been booked into custody at the San Diego Central Jail on charges related to the murder of Darron Willie Singleton Jr.
The San Diego Sheriff's Office extends its gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the San Diego Police Department, the Riverside Sheriff's Department, and the San Diego Regional Fugitive Task Force for their support in executing the arrests.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330/after hours at (858) 868-3200. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
East County News Service
January 2, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – A 20-year-old man and a 19-year old woman are dead as a result of a collision in Lemon Grove yesterday.
According to the Sheriff’s department, two vehicles collided at the intersection of Buena Vista and Broadway shortly after 11 am. The impact sent one of the cars into the path of victims, who were walking across the street.
Paramedics and deputies immediately began life-saving efforts on the two pedestrians, but both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The drivers of the two vehicles involved in the collision were taken to a hospital with injuries that are non-life threatening, according to Sergeant William Price with the Lemon Grove Sheriff’s substation. Results of blood tests for blood or alcohol are pending.
Identities of the pedestrians killed have not yet been released by law enforcement, however commumnity members have gathered to mourn those lost.
However former Councilmember Liana LeBaron, calling the deaths “tragic,” posted on Facebook, “There are many members of the Haitian community standing by the scene of the accident in support of one another and their loved ones who were struck and killed.”
Realtor Stephanie Klein stated, “Many members of the Lemon Grove community in general were standing by the scene in support of one another. We ALL feel this loss as a community.
Newly elected Councilmember Jessyka Heredia poste “Devastating,” offering “prayers to the families and loved ones.”
An earlier version of this story stated that the accident occurred after 11 p.m.; the correct time was shortly after 11 a.m.