La Mesa City Council unanimously approved an honorary "Bill Walton Way" designation on a stretch of Lowell Street at Normal Avenue near Helix High, according to East County Magazine. The vote came Tuesday and sets up a future ceremony to formally unveil the tribute to the late basketball star and broadcaster.

Walton, who died in 2024, was a La Mesa native and Helix High standout before winning two NCAA championships at UCLA and building a Hall of Fame NBA career. He later became a well-known broadcaster and remained a visible presence in San Diego County through youth programs, nonprofit work and community events.

According to the report, Councilmember Patricia Dillard brought the item forward and said details on the formal dedication will be announced later. Walton's widow, Lori Walton, thanked the city and said he was deeply proud of his La Mesa roots.

For East County residents, the designation adds another public tribute to a local sports figure whose name still carries weight well beyond the basketball world. The new sign will sit just blocks from Helix High, tying Walton's national legacy back to the neighborhood where it began.