‘Bill Walton Way’ isn’t just a life choice — it may soon be La Mesa street name too

The La Mesa City Council is set to consider a proposal to honor Bill Walton with an honorary street designation.

On Tuesday, the council will vote on adding a “Bill Walton Way” sign at the intersection of Lowell Street and Normal Avenue. That location is closely tied with Walton’s early life as a La Mesa native and his high school player for Helix High. Lowell Street borders Helix on the north side, and Normal Avenue runs into the school.

Walton, who was born in La Mesa in 1952 and graduated from Helix High School in 1970, passed away in 2024.

At a Monday news conference, La Mesa City Councilmember Laura Lothian was asked if there’s any chance the proposal will not pass?

“I think ‘s going to be a 5-0 vote because everybody loves Bill Walton,” Lothian said.

That La Mesa will honor Walton is appropriate because for many people in his hometown, Walton was more than a basketball player, he was a community advocate.

“I can’t think of anyone else more deserving,” said La Mesa resident Todd White. “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.”

“He’s La Mesa’s favorite son for sure,” Lothian said. “I love that San Diego wants to claim him, but he’s ours.”

The Bill Walton Way proposal was originally introduced by community political activist Shane Harris in October 2025.

“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,” Harris said on Monday. “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.”