Seth Smith, a 15-year Lemon Grove resident and former Planning Commission chair, was sworn in Tuesday to the Lemon Grove City Council. He was sworn in by Minola Clark Manson, who worked on the Planning Commission alongside him and had also applied for the vacant seat. “What I saw in your behavior as chair on the commission is going to bode well here,” Manson said while speaking to Seth after he was sworn in. “You listen carefully, and even though you may have come in with one idea, you’re more than willing to open your heart and your mind to other ideas.” The council voted unanimously Dec. 2 to appoint Smith to the seat vacated when former Councilmember Steve Faiai unexpectedly died in July. It took over five months and several attempts by the council to select a replacement. ….Alysson Snow, right, mayor of Lemon Grove, presents a bouquet of flowers to Seth Smith, left, after he is sworn in to the Lemon Grove City Council during a City Council meeting at the Lemon Grove Community Center on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, in Lemon Grove, CA. (Michael Ho / For The San Diego Union-Tribune) A well-known figure throughout the Lemon Grove community, Smith has been involved with local government for over a decade. “It’s like one of your kids is up here,” Councilmember Jennifer Mendoza said, while choking up. Smith will serve on the council until the next election in November 2026. This will open up one seat for a 2-year term with the remaining two being for a 4-year term. “I see a bright future ahead of Lemon Grove, I truly believe we are on an upswing,” Smith said. “I look forward to working with my council colleagues closely and coorperatively.” ...read more read less