Kaiser Permanente seeks 30-day continuance for hospital development at El Cajon site

The City of El Cajon held a council meeting on April 22, 2025, where significant discussions centered around the future of a site formerly known as El Cajon Valley Hospital, now owned by Kaiser Foundation Hospitals. The meeting began with representatives from Kaiser expressing their surprise at a recent decision by the planning commission to downzone the property, effectively prohibiting the development of a hospital there. This decision was made without prior notice to Kaiser, despite ongoing conversations with city staff regarding the timeline for hospital construction.

Kaiser representatives emphasized their commitment to developing a state-of-the-art hospital on the 25-acre site and requested a 30-day continuance to further discuss potential resolutions with city officials. They argued that the downzoning would hinder their ability to fulfill their plans and expressed a desire to collaborate with the city to find a mutually beneficial solution.

City council members voiced their frustrations over the prolonged timeline for the hospital's development, noting that expectations for construction had been set as far back as 2012. Concerns were raised about the property becoming an eyesore and attracting homelessness, with council members indicating that patience was wearing thin regarding Kaiser’s commitments.

The council agreed to consider the request for a 30-day continuance, allowing Kaiser the opportunity to present a more concrete development plan. However, council members made it clear that any future agreements must be tangible and address the community's needs. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discussions, highlighting the ongoing tension between the city’s desire for development and Kaiser’s timeline for action.