City Council - May 12, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER
Public Comments:
The City Council minutes are prepared and ordered to correspond to the City Council Agenda. Agenda Items may be taken out of order during the meeting.
The Agenda Items were considered in the order presented.
Mayor Arapostathis called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
1.1 INVOCATION - COUNCILMEMBER SUZUKI
Public Comments:
1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Public Comments:
2. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
Public Comments:
City Attorney Sabine reported that there were no reportable actions.
3. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Public Comments:
City Manager Humora stated that the Regional Task Force on Homelessness’ annual Point-in-Time Count showed La Mesa’s unsheltered population decreased from 52 to 39 individuals compared to the previous year's count.
4. COMMUNITY BULLETIN REPORTS
Public Comments:
The Mayor, Council, and staff made announcements and reported on various events taking place in the City. No action was taken.
5. ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
Public Comments:
There were no additions or deletions to the agenda.
6. PRESENTATIONS
Public Comments:
6.1 CITY TREASURER'S QUARTERLY REPORT
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Treasurer's Quarterly Report_2026-05-12.pdf
2. Attachment A - Treasurer’s Report 03-31-26.pdf
3. Attachment B - Treasurer’s Report 03-31-26.pdf
4. 6.1 PowerPoint_Treasurer's Report_1st Quarter.pdf
City Treasurer Strabone made a presentation on the investment earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.
6.2 PROCLAIMING MAY AS POPPY MONTH
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis read and presented the proclamation proclaiming May as Poppy Month to Pam Green, President of the American Legion Auxiliary La Mesa Unit 282.
6.3 RECOGNITION OF 100 YEARS OF SERVICE BY AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY LA MESA UNIT 282 Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis read and presented a proclamation recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion Auxiliary La Mesa Unit 282 to Pam Green, President of the American Legion Auxiliary La Mesa Unit 282.
6.4 PROCLAIMING MAY 17-23, 2026 AS NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis read and presented the proclamation proclaiming May 17 - 23, 2026, as National Public Works Week to Director of Public Works Throne, Assistant Director of Public Works Ornelas, and Equipment Operator Flores.
6.5 PROCLAIMING MAY AS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis read the proclamation proclaiming May as Older Americans Month.
6.6 PROCLAIMING MAY AS BIKE MONTH
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis read the proclamation proclaiming May as Bike Month.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES)
Public Comments
Daniel Root
As the Principal, I would like to raise concerns regarding the growing number of e-bikes being used by middle school students in our community and the increasing safety risks associated with them. Each day, students travel to and from school on roads, sidewalks, and in parking lots that are often crowded with cars, pedestrians, and other riders. Unfortunately, many students are operating e-bikes at high speeds without helmets, without a full understanding of traffic laws, and at times in unsafe ways that put themselves and others at risk.
At Parkway, we have seen an increase in close calls, unsafe riding behaviors, and concerns from families and staff regarding student safety before and after school. While e-bikes can be a valuable mode of transportation, the current lack of consistent safety education, enforcement, and clear expectations is creating dangerous situations for young riders of all ages.
Our students’ safety must remain a shared priority, and I appreciate the council’s attention to this important issue, thank you for your time.
Grant Affleck spoke about the efforts of the Trauma Intervention Program ("TIP") of San Diego County.
Andrea Beth Damsky spoke regarding traffic concerns at the intersection of Baltimore Drive and Lake Park Way.
Zac Ordene expressed concerns regarding speeding on Palm Avenue and requested its inclusion in the City's speed hump pilot program.
Stacey Turner spoke regarding e-bike safety concerns involving young riders who may lack cycling experience and adequate knowledge of traffic laws.
Daniel Root submitted a comment regarding e-bike safety concerns among middle school students.
8. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES
Public Comments:
There were no conflicts of interest disclosed.
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
Bonnie Baranoff spoke on Item 10.3.
10. CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
(Items 10.1 through 10.4)
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Approve Consent Calendar Items 10.1 through 10.4.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
10.1 APPROVAL OF MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF THE TEXT OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS AT THIS MEETING Public Comments:
Approve.
10.2 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CCM_Apr28_2026 - English.pdf
Approve.
10.3 HOMELESS OUTREACH AND MOBILE ENGAGEMENT (“HOME”) PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT (JANUARY 2026 – MARCH 2026) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo - HOME_First Quarter Report 2026_2026-05-12.pdf
2. Attachment A - HOME_First Quarter Report 2026.pdf
Receive and file.
10.4 RESOLUTION AWARDING A TASK ORDER TO D-MAX ENGINEERING FOR DRY WEATHER AND MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM (MS4) OUTFALL AND PERSISTENT FLOW MONITORING PROGRAM Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report- Task Order to D-Max for Dry Weather MS4 Outfall Monitoring _2026-05-12.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution_Task Order to D-Max for Dry Weather MS4 Outfall Monitoring.pdf
3. Attachment B - Quote_MS4 Oufall Monitoring_D-Max .pdf
4. Fiscal - DMax Task Order.pdf
Resolution No. 2026-047
Adopt Resolution.
11. STAFF REPORTS
Public Comments:
11.1 CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF ARTWORK SELECTIONS FOR THE ARTISTS TO WORK PUBLIC ART PROGRAM Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Artists to Work_2026-05-12.pdf
2. Attachment A - Artist to Work RFQ.pdf
3. Attachment B - Recommended Crosswalk Art Designs.pdf
4. Attachment C - Recommended Mural Designs.pdf
5. Attachment D - Recommended Utility Box Wrap Designs.pdf
6. Attachment E - Recommended Pole-Mounted Sculptures.pdf
7. 11.1 PowerPoint_Artist to Work.pdf
Assistant City Manager Lee provided background on the Artist to Work Public Art Program, which was funded through $250,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and reviewed the selection process conducted by the Arts and Culture Commission and Council Arts Subcommittee. Assistant City Manager Lee presented proposed crosswalk art, mural, utility box wrap, and pole-mounted sculpture designs, and recommended that the Council select two crosswalk art designs and one mural design and approve 20 utility box wrap designs and eight pole-mounted sculpture designs for installation throughout the City. Assistant City Manager Lee stated that the approved artwork was anticipated to be installed prior to October 2026.
Council questions and comments ensued.
Moved By
Councilmember Lothian
Seconded By
Mayor Arapostathis
Approve
Dove Birds
by Channin Fulton for installation as a crosswalk art design.
For (4)
Councilmember Lothian, Councilmember Suzuki, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Mayor Arapostathis Against (1)
Councilmember Dillard
Approved (4 to 1)
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Approve
Superbloom
by Anna Pearson for installation as a crosswalk art design.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
Moved By
Councilmember Dillard
Seconded By
Councilmember Lothian
Approve the mural design by Anna Pearson for installation at the MacArthur Park Municipal Pool Spa enclosure.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Dillard
Approve the 20 utility art wrap designs for installation, consisting of two designs by Annalise Neil Studio, two by Becca Dwyer, two by Belen Islas, one by Bernice Badillo, one by Channin Fulton, one by Christopher Lloyd Tucker, two by Don Masse, two by Hilary Dufour, two by Kate Caughey Art, two by Nicholas Danger, two by Sharon Finzi, and one by Sheena Rae Dowling.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
Moved By
Mayor Arapostathis
Seconded By
Councilmember Lothian
Approve the eight pole-mounted sculpture designs for installation, including Housing Crisis
and
La Mesa Jewel
by Bradley Begent;
Jewel of the Hills
,
Kite String
, and
Orion's Arrival
by Vicki Leon; and
In the City
,
Jam Band
, and
Sun Colored
by Christopher Lloyd Tucker.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
12. ORDINANCES: SECOND READING
Public Comments:
12.1 CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA AMENDING SECTION 6.11.200(M)(3) OF THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE TO CLARIFY THE INTENT AND AUTHORITY FOR CANNABIS DISPENSARIES TO USE THE PHRASE “DISPENSARY” IN SIGNAGE CONTENT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo - 2nd Reading Ordinance_Dispensary in Signage Content_2026-05-12.pdf
2. Attachment A - Draft Ordinance_Dispensary in Signage Content.pdf City Attorney Sabine read the title of the ordinance.
Ordinance No. 2026-2927
Moved By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Seconded By
Mayor Arapostathis
Approve the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance.
For (5)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Councilmember Lothian, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Approved (5 to 0)
12.2 ELECTRICAL BICYCLE SAFETY PILOT PROGRAM ORDINANCE
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Memo - 2nd Reading Ordinance_E-Bike Safety Pilot Program_2026-05-12.pdf
2. Attachment A - Draft Ordinance_Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program.pdf Nadia Farjood Campillo
Dear Mayor Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Cazares, and La Mesa City Councilmembers:
My name is Nadia Farjood Campillo, and I serve on the Board of the Grossmont Healthcare District, a public agency dedicated to improving the health of East County communities, including La Mesa. I am also the mother of two young children. I write in my individual capacity as the representative elected to represent District Zone 3 (covering La Mesa) in strong support of the proposed ordinance establishing the La Mesa Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program under California Vehicle Code sections 21214.7, 312.5, and 22651.08. I support this ordinance because I believe it will save lives.
The most fundamental responsibility of government is to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of the people it serves. That responsibility is paramount when it comes to protecting children from preventable harm. This proposed ordinance is necessary to address a growing public health and safety threat, especially given serious community concerns (including many shared with me) about minors operating e-bikes at dangerous speeds in public. Many of these e-bikes can travel at speeds of 20 to 30 mph, far beyond what most people associate with a traditional bicycle and which can lead to devastating consequences when operated by children.
Unfortunately, the data increasingly confirms these concerns. A May 9, 2026 NBC San Diego report based on San Diego Police Department data found that e-bike crashes across San Diego nearly quadrupled over the last five years, increasing from at least 23 crashes in 2021 to at least 84 crashes in 2025. That report noted that many of these crashes involved unsafe speeds and hazardous riding behavior.
Medical professionals are also sounding the alarm. A recent study led by physicians at Rady Children's Hospital found that pediatric e-bike injuries surged by more than 300% in just four years, with many injuries involving severe trauma requiring hospitalization. Per the study, higher-speed crashes are far more likely to result in traumatic head, neck, facial, and internal injuries than those typically associated with traditional bicycles.
Behind these statistics are real children and real families. Just over a week ago on May 2, 2026, a 12-year-old boy from North County was critically injured in an e-bike crash that SDPD called life-threatening. The e-bike rider reportedly suffered multiple brain bleeds that required surgery, in addition to a fractured clavicle. Tragic incidents like these are every family member’s nightmare and underscore why local governments cannot simply wait until more children are seriously hurt or worse before taking action.
This ordinance is measured, evidence-based, and carefully tailored to e-bikes: a distinct category of motor-assisted vehicles that can travel at unusually high speeds and that present materially different safety concerns from those concerns involving e-bikes. Children can still ride standard bikes throughout La Mesa, preserving access to an eco-friendly mode of outdoor recreation and transportation for children.
While safety education and training courses are valuable, education alone cannot fully address the serious risks associated with children operating high-speed e-bikes in dense residential and commercial environments. Reasonable guardrails are necessary when the consequences of a mistake can be catastrophic.
As both a mother and public official committed to protecting community health and safety, I believe this proposed ordinance is a critical and compassionate response to a growing safety concern affecting families throughout the region, including those in La Mesa.
Thank you for your consideration.
CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA MESA ADDING CHAPTER 12.38 TO THE LA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH THE LA MESA ELECTRIC BICYCLE SAFETY PILOT PROGRAM PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE SECTIONS 21214.7, 312.5, AND 22651.08 The Mayor and Council discussed community feedback, available data, and other information regarding e-bikes.
The following members of the public spoke or submitted a comment in support of the ordinance establishing the La Mesa Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program:
Nadia Farjood Campillo
Brianna Coston
Domenic Provence on behalf of La Mesa Firefighters' Local 4759 The following members of the public spoke in opposition to the ordinance establishing the La Mesa Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program:
Jerry Jones
Joseph Cryer
Andrea Cryer
Deric Knight
Cassi Knight
Ed Kinnaman spoke regarding the enforcement of traffic laws as they relate to cyclists, as well as concerns regarding e-bikes.
Council questions and comments continued.
City Attorney Sabine read the title of the ordinance.
Ordinance No. 2026-2928
Moved By
Vice Mayor Cazares
Seconded By
Mayor Arapostathis
Approve the second reading and adoption of the Ordinance and:
Direct staff to return to Council to evaluate the La Mesa Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program (Pilot Program) as state law changes; Request that the Chief of Police develop an enhanced enforcement plan for traditional bicycles and e-bikes, including strategies to improve enforcement of helmet requirements for riders under 18 years of age and to increase enforcement of reckless driving laws; Direct staff to partner with the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition or a similar organization to provide monthly e-bike safety education courses during the term of the Pilot Program; Direct staff to develop a plan for the installation of bicycle lanes within one-half mile of all schools in La Mesa and present the plan to Council on or before November 10, 2026; and Direct staff to explore options to digitally enforce speed limits and to prevent riding on sidewalks.
For (4)
Mayor Arapostathis, Councilmember Dillard, Vice Mayor Cazares, and Councilmember Suzuki Against (1)
Councilmember Lothian
Approved (4 to 1)
13. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (3 MINUTE LIMIT)
Public Comments:
The Mayor and Council reported on various outside boards, commissions, and committee meetings they attended. No action was taken.
14. AB 1234 REPORTS (GC 53232.3(d))
Public Comments:
Vice Mayor Cazares reported on her travel to Sacramento, California, to attend the Annual California Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremonies held May 3–4, 2026.
15. CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
Public Comments:
There were no remarks.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
Mayor Arapostathis adjourned the meeting at 8:01 p.m.