La Mesa · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in La Mesa public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Veterans Day Event and November Schedule
The commission will evaluate adjusting its regular November meeting schedule and propose a special meeting at the La Mesa Veterans Club Burger Burn to celebrate Veterans Day. These scheduling changes aim to align commission activities with community holiday events.
Cannabis Business Tax Rate Increase
The city wants to bump the tax on cannabis shops from 4% to 5% of sales, adding roughly $600,000 a year to the general fund. La Mesa currently has the lowest rate in San Diego County, and the council is split on whether the hike is fair or risks pushing legal shops out.
Grossmont Center Commercial Redevelopment
The council is set to ratify the Design Review Board's approval for a massive new 165,000-square-foot Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World at Grossmont Center.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Master Plan
A new ordinance will fast-track permits for EV chargers at homes and businesses, complying with a state requirement. Good news for anyone thinking about installing a charger.
Bass Pro Shops at Grossmont Center
The council ratified the design approval for a two-story, 165,000-square-foot Bass Pro Shops going into the old Macy's space at Grossmont Center. A resident asked where exactly it would sit; staff confirmed the former Macy's-to-Buffum's footprint.
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Revision
The board is set to approve a revised budget for Fiscal Year 2027, determining how funds will be allocated for park operations, maintenance, and improvements.
Independent Police Auditor 3rd Quarter Report
The oversight board will review the Independent Police Auditor's 3rd Quarter Report for 2026, evaluating police conduct and oversight metrics. This report provides transparency into police operations and accountability measures.
Arts and Culture Master Plan Update
The commission will discuss updates to La Mesa's Arts and Culture Master Plan, which shapes future public art and cultural programming in the city.
Police Department Staffing and Recruitment
The Police Department shared updates on staffing and recruitment efforts along with upcoming community events. Staffing levels affect response times and community policing capacity.
Artists to Work Public Art Program Selections
After a successful April 8 networking mixer at Space Bar, the commission formed two committees to plan the next artist gatherings, building connections among local artists.
Pedestrian Safety and Sidewalk Railing Hazards
A resident measured a 37-inch railing on a sidewalk high above the trolley tracks — below the 42-inch standard and far below the 72 inches recommended over active rail. A bridge expansion project would fix it, but funding is uncertain.
2026-2027 Youth Commission Work Plan
Nine students — including the vice mayor's son — were appointed to the Youth Advisory Commission for the year, giving La Mesa teens a formal voice at city hall.
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.