La Mesa · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in La Mesa public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
La Mesa Boulevard Complete Streets project
The council approved funding and a consulting agreement to move the La Mesa Boulevard Complete Streets Activation Project forward — part of making the corridor safer and more walkable.
Visitor Parking Survey and Parking Master Plan Discussion
The parking commission approved four recommendations to squeeze more parking out of downtown La Mesa. Changes include shortening red zones near local businesses, shifting bike racks to free up motorcycle stalls, and adding painted parking markers on downtown streets.
Laird Street Speeding and Traffic Safety
Three Laird Street neighbors say cut-through traffic from a Waze shortcut has made their residential street feel like a freeway — a dog was killed and a child nearly hit. They want speed bumps and a fresh traffic study at a better location.
SANDAG Flexible Fleets Pilot Grant
The city is applying for a SANDAG grant to launch a two-year on-demand electric shuttle service focusing on seniors and transit connections. La Mesa's local match is approximately $111,343.
Baltimore Drive and Lake Park Way Intersection Safety Review
A Mobility Commission representative urged the city to incorporate updated MUTCD standards during routine repaving to improve safety for vulnerable road users.
Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Annual Report and 2026 Work Plan
The city updated its traffic management report and work plan to better address neighborhood traffic concerns and prioritize street safety improvements.
Transit education materials
The commission is refreshing guides that show residents how to use public transit — including how to reach the beach without a car — with a shift toward digital content over printed materials.
Mobility Signage and Traffic Safety
Electronic signs are popping up around town with bike-safety messages, starting at University and Pomona. More summer messages are planned near parks, schools routes, and downtown as kids get out of school.
Palm and Allison Street Closure
City staff announced an upcoming long-term street closure at Palm and Allison streets starting in mid-May and running through September.
Annual Street Maintenance and Slurry Seal Program
Public works presented a pavement condition survey showing an average PCI score of 57, indicating streets are in fair condition. The city uses a seven-year rotating maintenance cycle and encourages residents to report repair needs through SeeClickFix.
Pedestrian Safety on Lemon Avenue
Staff announced the upcoming installation of an all-way stop on Lemon Avenue at 3rd Street to improve local traffic safety. Commissioners asked questions about traffic studies and how speeds are managed.
Pedestrian Safety and Sidewalk Infrastructure on Hoffman Avenue
Resident Tara Mullarkey raised serious safety concerns regarding a lack of continuous sidewalks, speeding traffic, and parking obstructions on Hoffman Avenue near an elementary school.
Temporary Speed Hump Pilot Program
La Mesa is testing temporary speed humps as a quicker, cheaper way to slow cut-through traffic on residential 25 mph streets. A trial on Date Avenue in front of City Hall showed strong resident support, and the commission has now recommended the City Council launch a full pilot program.