La Mesa to Honor Basketball Legend Bill Walton with Street Designation

City Council set to vote on 'Bill Walton Way' at intersection near his high school alma mater

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:10am

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A fractured, geometric painting in bold colors depicting an abstract basketball court scene, conceptually representing the multifaceted legacy of Bill Walton in the La Mesa community.A cubist-inspired illustration captures the multifaceted legacy of basketball legend Bill Walton, honoring both his athletic prowess and deep community ties in his hometown of La Mesa.La Mesa Today

The La Mesa City Council is poised to approve a proposal to designate a street in honor of basketball Hall of Famer Bill Walton, who was born and raised in the city. The honorary 'Bill Walton Way' street sign would be placed at the intersection of Lowell Street and Normal Avenue, near Walton's alma mater of Helix High School, where he starred as a player in the 1970s before going on to NBA and college basketball fame.

Why it matters

Walton, who passed away in 2024, was beloved in his hometown of La Mesa not just for his basketball accomplishments but also for his community advocacy and involvement as a cyclist and local figure. The street designation is seen as a fitting tribute to honor Walton's legacy beyond just his athletic career.

The details

The proposal to add the 'Bill Walton Way' street sign was originally introduced by local political activist Shane Harris in October 2025. La Mesa City Councilmember Laura Lothian expects the measure to pass unanimously, stating 'I think it's going to be a 5-0 vote because everybody loves Bill Walton.' The location of Lowell Street and Normal Avenue was chosen as it borders Walton's former high school, Helix High, where he starred as a player in the early 1970s.

  • The La Mesa City Council is set to vote on the 'Bill Walton Way' proposal on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • Bill Walton was born in La Mesa in 1952 and graduated from Helix High School in 1970.
  • Bill Walton passed away in 2024.

The players

Bill Walton

A Basketball Hall of Famer who was born and raised in La Mesa, California, graduating from Helix High School in 1970 before going on to NBA and college basketball stardom. Walton was also known as a community advocate and cyclist in his hometown.

Laura Lothian

A La Mesa City Councilmember who expects the 'Bill Walton Way' proposal to pass unanimously, stating 'I think it's going to be a 5-0 vote because everybody loves Bill Walton.'

Shane Harris

A local political activist who originally introduced the proposal to designate 'Bill Walton Way' in La Mesa in October 2025.

Todd White

A La Mesa resident who said 'I can't think of anyone else more deserving' of the street designation, noting that he knows Walton 'more as a cyclist and someone who was very involved and passionate in this community.'

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What they’re saying

“I think it's going to be a 5-0 vote because everybody loves Bill Walton.”

— Laura Lothian, La Mesa City Councilmember

“I can't think of anyone else more deserving. I know him more as a cyclist and someone who was very involved and passionate in this community, so I think of him more as a La Mesa community person and not just a basketball player.”

— Todd White, La Mesa resident

“This would be such a meaningful step forward in honoring a man who gave so much to his hometown and the entire San Diego region. La Mesa has an opportunity to recognize Bill Walton not just for who he was on the court but for who was in this community.”

— Shane Harris, Local political activist

What’s next

The La Mesa City Council is set to vote on the 'Bill Walton Way' proposal on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.

The takeaway

Bill Walton's legacy in La Mesa extends far beyond his basketball accomplishments, as the city prepares to honor the hometown hero for his deep community involvement and advocacy. The street designation represents a fitting tribute that recognizes Walton's impact as more than just a sports figure, but as a beloved local icon.