Annexation Alarm in Lincoln Acres

Residents of Lincoln Acres, an unincorporated community of roughly 2,100 people surrounded by National City, have scheduled what resident and neighborhood activist Alisha Morrison described as an emergency meeting on Feb. 20 to discuss the possibility that National City officials are seeking to annex the community and make it part of the city. 

“Here we go again,” Morrison said in an email to Voice of San Diego, referring to what she described as past efforts by the city to take over the fiercely independent community. Morrison, whose family has lived in Lincoln Acres for several generations, said residents prize the area’s historic connections, lower taxes, relaxed atmosphere and rules permitting chickens and other farm animals on residential property. 

The flyer advertising the upcoming community meeting conveys a high level of alarm. “A SILENT STORM IS BREWING AND IT IS SMELLING LIKE ANNEXATION!!” the flyer says in bold type and red letters. “Come learn how you can help save yourself.” 

National City Councilmember Marcus Bush confirmed that he has discussed whether his city should absorb the small community in its midst. “I’m the one who started this conversation,” Bush said. “If people want to point fingers, point them at me. This came from Marcus Bush.” 

Bush, who said he grew up in Lincoln Acres, said the border between the two areas “zig zags” and sometimes creates confusion for law enforcement and other public officials. “People call 911 and we have police and sheriffs disagree about who should respond,” Bush said. National City has its own police force, while Lincoln Acres is patrolled by county sheriffs. 

Bush said he understood that Lincoln Acres residents “worry that the history and community will get lost,” if they are annexed by National City. But Bush said there could be benefits to the change in governance. “Does it make sense to have people in charge of Lincoln Acres [at the County Hall of Administration] in downtown San Diego or in National City?” he said. 

Morrison said she is hoping for a strong turnout at the Feb. 20 meeting. “Safety in numbers,” she said in her email. 

by Jim Hinch | February 11, 2025 | Voice of San Diego

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