Design Review Board

La Mesa Design Review Board Minutes of a Regular Meeting Date: September 22, 2025, 12:30 p.m. Location: City Council Chambers, 8130 Allison Avenue La Mesa, California Present: Chair Alison Morita Vice Chair Christopher Langdon Board Member Patrick de la Torre Director of Community Development Lynnette Santos Assistant Director of Community Development Jared Chavez Staff: Assistant Planner Patrick Macpherson Administrative Coordinator Julia Carrillo _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Morita called to order at 12:32pm. 1.1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1.2 ROLL CALL 2. ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA No additions or deletions. 3. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES No conflict disclosures. 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES) NOTE: In accordance with state law, an item not scheduled on the agenda may be brought forward by the general public for comment; however, the Design Review Board will not be able to discuss or take any action on the item at this meeting. If appropriate, the item will be referred to Staff or placed on a future agenda. No public comment. 1 5. CONSENT CALENDAR The Consent Calendar includes items considered to be routine. Unless discussion is requested by members of the Board or audience, all Consent Calendar items may be approved by one motion. 5.1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD REGULAR MEETING HELD MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025 Yes (5): Chair Morita, Vice Chair Langdon, Board Member de la Torre, Director of Community Development Santos, and Assistant Director of Community Development Chavez Motion Approved (5 to 0) 6. PRESENTATIONS No presentations. 7. CURRENT BUSINESS AND STAFF REPORTS 7.1 2025-1013 (GOODWILL INDUSTRIES) DESIGN REVIEW CONSIDERATION OF AN EXTERIOR FAÇADE RENOVATION OF A COMMERCIAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 8250 LA MESA BOULEVARD IN THE CD-D (DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL/URBAN DESIGN OVERLAY) ZONE; (APNS 494-402-07- 00 AND 494-402-08-00) Staff recommends that the Design Review Board determine that project meets the goals and guidelines of the Downtown Village Specific Plan and Urban Design Program and approve the project, subject to City Council ratification. (Attachment A). Yes (5): Chair Morita, Vice Chair Langdon, Board Member de la Torre, Director of Community Development Santos, and Assistant Director of Community Development Chavez Motion Approved (5 to 0) 7.2 REQUEST FOR DESIGN REVIEW BOARD GUIDANCE ON RETAINING WALL DESIGN STAFF REQUESTS INPUT FROM THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ON DESIGN OPTIONS THAT WOULD SUPPORT PROJECT APPROVAL OF A RETAINING WALL. 2  Current design of the project does not meet the findings required for a special permit. The applicant has requested input from the Design Review Board to help determine a design that would obtain approval from Planning Commission. The Design Review Board provided the following options: 1. Variegated color – darkest color on bottom, then two lighter colors on top with the lightest color on the highest level 2. Switch to a keystone wall with planter pockets or use of vines 3. Use steps/terracing 7.3 2025-0946 (RAINBOW INVESTMENT CO) CONSIDERATION OF DESIGN REVIEW FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW MEDICAL PLAZA AT 8787 CENTER DR. IN THE RB-G-D (RESIDENTIAL BUSINESS / GROSSMONT OVERLAY/ URBAN DESIGN OVERLAY) ZONE; APNs (490-260-10-00; 490-260-13-00 & 490-280-14- 00). Staff recommends that the Design Review Board approve the Certificate of Action (Attachment A). Yes (5): Chair Morita, Vice Chair Langdon, Board Member de la Torre, Director of Community Development Santos, and Assistant Director of Community Development Chavez Motion Approved (5 to 0) 8. STAFF AND BOARD MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS Community Development Director Santos announced DVSP Workshop # 2 was very successful. A recap of the even will be provided at a future meeting. 9. ADJOURNMENT Chair Morita adjourned meeting at 1:28 pm. 3