Environmental Sustainability Commission

LA MESA ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION AGENDA A Regular Meeting Date: Monday, April 21, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Location: City Manager's Conference Room, 8130 Allison Avenue La Mesa, California Commissioners: Chair Richard Williams Vice Chair Amanda-Dawn Natalia Commissioner Michael Bourton Commissioner Dasmine McFarlin Commissioner Mary Nooristani Commissioner Jack Sellinger Commissioner Barbara Shustek Advisory Commissioner Joe Britton Members: Commissioner Brianna Coston Commissioner Barbara Dagman Commissioner Joe Garuba Commissioner Jen Lebron Commissioner Christina Potter Commissioner Fabian Rodriguez Environmental Program Manager Hilary Ego Environmental Analyst Serena Lee The public may view the meeting in-person or live using the following remote options: Teleconference Meeting Webinar https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84322400342 Telephone (Audio only) (669) 900-6833 or (253) 215-8782 Webinar ID: 843 2240 0342 Copy and paste the webinar link into your internet browser if the webinar link does not work directly from the agenda. PUBLIC COMMENTS • In-Person comments during the meeting: Join us for the Commission meeting at the time and location specified on this agenda to make your comments. Comments will be limited to three (3) minutes. • How to submit eComments: eComments are available once an agenda is published. Locate the meeting in "upcoming meetings" and click the comment bubble icon. Click on the item you wish to comment on. eComments can be submitted when the agenda is published and until 24 hours prior to the meeting. eComments are limited to 3700 characters (approximately 500 words). eComments may be viewed by the Commission and members of the public following the close of the eComment submission period (24 hours prior to the meeting). Email your comment to hego@cityoflamesa.us if you have difficulty submitting an eComment. eComments will not be read aloud as a regular meeting item; however any member of the Commission or member of the public may do so during their respective comment time. PLEASE NOTE: Public Comment will be limited to 3 minutes per item. The timer begins when the participant begins speaking. Time cannot by combined or yielded to another speaker. Citizens who wish to make an audio/visual presentation pertaining to an item on the agenda, or during Public Comments, should contact the City Manager's Office at 619.667.1105, no later than 12:00 p.m., the business day prior to the meeting day. Advance notification will ensure compatibility with City equipment and allow Commission meeting presentations to progress smoothly and in a consistent and equitable manner. Please note that all presentations/digital materials are considered part of the maximum time limit provided to speakers. Agenda reports for items on this agenda are available for public review at the City Manager's Office, 8130 Allison Avenue, during normal business hours. Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Commission after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at the City Manager's Office, 8130 Allison Avenue, during normal business hours. ACCESSIBILITY: The City of La Mesa encourages the participation of disabled individuals in the services, activities and programs provided by the City. Individuals with disabilities, who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the Commission meetings, should contact the Administrative Services Department 48 hours prior to the meeting at 619.667.1175, fax 619.667.1163, or GSpaniol@cityoflamesa.us. Hearing assisted devices are available for the hearing impaired. A City staff member is available to provide these devices upon entry to City Council meetings, commission/board meetings or public hearings held in the City Council Chambers. A photo i.d. or signature will be required to secure a Page 2 of 21 device for the meeting. Pages 1. CALL TO ORDER 1.1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA 3. PRESENTATION 3.1 CITY OF LA MESA WASTE REDUCTION PROGRAMS PRESENTATION 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 Environmental Sustainability Commission 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. 5. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES 6. CURRENT BUSINESS 6.1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 24, 2025 5 SPECIAL MEETING 6.2 APPROVAL OF THE MINUES FROM THE MARCH 17, 2025 REGULAR 13 MEETING 6.3 DISUCSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Infrastructure ad hoc subcommittee expires in March 2025 6.4 DICUSSION OF THE EQUITY FRAMEWORK AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Equity Framework ad hoc subcommittee expires in April 2025 6.5 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY EDUCATION AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Safety Education ad hoc subcommittee expires in May 2025 6.6 DISCUSSION OF THE CAP IMPLEMENTATION WORK PLAN AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Climate Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Work Plan ad hoc subcommittee expires in May 2025 6.7 DISCUSSION OF THE MAY ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Page 3 of 21 7. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS 8. ADJOURNMENT Page 4 of 21  La Mesa Environmental Sustainability Commission Minutes of a Regular Meeting Date: February 24, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Location: City Manager's Conference Room, 8130 Allison Avenue La Mesa, California Present: Chair Richard Williams Vice Chair Amanda-Dawn Natalia Commissioner Michael Bourton Commissioner Dasmine McFarlin Commissioner Mary Nooristani Commissioner Jack Sellinger Commissioner Brianna Coston Commissioner Christina Potter Staff: Environmental Program Manager Hilary Ego Environmental Analyst Serena Lee _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ricky Williams called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. 1.1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA Ricky Williams asks if there are any additions or deletions to the agenda. Ricky Williams then proposes moving Staff and Commissioner announcements before the current business so Jack can talk about the Encinitas Building Electrification Fair because he has to leave early. Everyone agrees, and Item 7 is moved to the first current business item after public comment. 3. PRESENTATION 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 1 Page 5 of 21  Environmental Sustainability Commission 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. 5. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES 6. CURRENT BUSINESS 6.1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY 27, 2025 SPECIAL MEETING Recommended Motion: To vote on approving the minutes from the January 27, 2025 Special Meeting Moved by Chair Williams Seconded by Vice Chair Natalia Vote: 7-0 Ayes: McFarlin, Bourton, Natalia, Nooristani, Sellinger, Shustek, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: None Motion Approved 6.2 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Infrastructure ad hoc subcommittee expires in March 2025 Ricky Williams stated that the subcommittee plans to create a policy checklist document so that other city staff can coordinate with the CAP team to ensure projects have a climate lens. Ricky Williams also stated they discussed encouraging other departments to come to Hilary and discuss how to work together and cross-collaborate to implement the CAP. Brianna Coston stated that she walks most places in La Mesa and noticed a motorcycle cop pulling people over for running stop signs. Brianna Coston noted that this could be tied to education and driver safety. Amanda-Dawn Natalia agreed and stated that she was scared when her daughter was almost hit by a trash truck while biking. Implementing education towards drivers to create awareness of cyclists and walkers in La Mesa can be helpful. Also, the committee wants to make a working group with the mobility committee to collaborate on this project. 2 Page 6 of 21 6.3 DISCUSSION OF THE E-BIKE INCENTIVE PROGRAM AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE E-bike Incentive Program ad hoc subcommittee expires in March 2025 Dasmine McFarlin stated that the program was transformed over time and talked about the logistics of the application and wanting to make it accessible for everyone. Ricky Williams stated some terms of the program and gave an overview of the application, eligible equipment list, and social media updates to the commission. Brianna Coston stated that creating an accessible, easy-to-read application is essential. Christina Potter asked the price of an e-bike and how many are on the eligible equipment list. Hilary Ego stated the price of an e-bike varied, but some cheaper options are around $1,000 pre-tax, and there are over 20 bikes on the list. Hilary Ego also gave more information about what proof income qualified applicants need to apply. Brianna Coston asked if there would be kid-sized bikes on the list. Serena Lee stated that there are only adult-sized bikes and that people must go to a bike shop to get fitted. Ricky Williams stated that there will also be a required educational component to the E-bike Incentive Program. Amanda-Dawn Natalia asked what class of e-bikes would be allowed and if the bikes would be allowed in the La Mesa bike lanes. Hilary Ego stated they can go in the bike lanes and that class one and class two e-bikes will be the only approved bikes. Jack Sellinger excuses himself from the meeting and departs. 6.4 DISCUSSION OF THE EQUITY FRAMEWORK AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Equity Framework ad hoc subcommittee expires in April 2025 Barbara Shustek stated that Lainey is developing an equity framework and is looking to get data on how the CAP teams can provide information and educate local community members. 3 Page 7 of 21 Dasmine McFarlin stated that there is no equity framework and that it is crucial to implement this in La Mesa. She stated that the subcommittee is looking at data from the community. For example, there is talk about giving out free trees, but what happens if you live in an apartment? Dasmine McFarlin ended by stating that it was a great brainstorming session. Lainey Bloom stated that outreach is essential and having different forms can reach a broad audience. Lainey Bloom also said she wants to dive deeper into how the City programs can be more equitable. The next steps are getting this implemented either on a high level or looking into a more specific framework. Amanda-Dawn Natalia states that making sure we are asking the right questions and meeting the needs of everyone in the community is impactful and that this subcommittee is doing great work. Brianna Coston states that the renter-focused outreach portion that was discussed would be a great way to connect with community members. Barbara Shustek stated that renters of multi-family housing complexes would appreciate including programs like a tree giveaway. She noted that a free tree program is an excellent example of how disadvantaged renters do not get access to it. Dasmine McFarlin gave an example of the DIY tool kit and said it is hard to get the information out to the community because some people might not have internet access. Ricky Williams asked if this would be internal or if anyone could be involved. Hilary Ego responded both. Christina Potter stated that it could be effective to reach other people through tabling at grocery stores. It can cast a wider net. Ricky Williams stated that almost 40% of people who live in La Mesa are renters and that climate action plans primarily focus on homeowners. Brianna Coston states that housing stock in La Mesa is very old but still in high demand, prompting owners not to make upgrades on old, inefficient items. Barbara Shustek suggested creating a mindset change. For example, some homeowners do not like trees. So, building that shift can be beneficial for implementing the CAP. Barbara Shustek also gave the example of Hilcrest, and the change in street diets has made people 4 Page 8 of 21  complain. Through more education and outreach, people might change their behavior and see these upgrades through a different lens. Ricky Williams stated that environmentally disadvantaged communities, such as students, youth, and transit-reliant people, are additional important people to reach out to. Amanda-Dawn Natalia discussed the hardships of reaching renters but stated that mailing outreach materials directly to them can be an option. Hilary Ego stated that the CAP team sent letters to owners and renters for the Cal-fire grant. Michael Bourton stated that putting flyers at the trolley stop could reach a broad audience if permission was granted to post on an information board. Mary Nooristani stated that putting something up on billboards could be a good way to reach people. Michael Bourton states that reaching out to supermarkets and putting up information about La Mesa could be helpful. 6.5 DISCUSSION OF THE CREATION OF NEW AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES Hilary Ego stated that the CAP team is going to author an implementation work plan. Hilary Ego stated that they are currently in the budget process and want to create an implementation subcommittee for the ESC. Hilary Ego wants to get community feedback on priorities and notes that it is for FY26 and FY 27. Mary Nooristani stated that she is interested in this implementation subcommittee. Recommended Motion: To create an Implementation Work Plan ad hoc subcommittee comprised of Mary Nooristani, Amanda-Dawn Natalia, and Barbara Shustek until May 2025 with the purpose of providing comments and feedback on prioritizing future projects and programs. Moved by Commissioner Nooristani Seconded by Chair Williams Vote: 6-0-1 Ayes: McFarlin, Bourton, Natalia, Nooristani, Shustek, Williams Noes: None 5 Page 9 of 21  Abstain: None Absent: Sellinger Motion Approved Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated that she wants to focus on biker-to-diver and driver-to-biker education components and build a subcommittee around this idea. She states that a need to focus on protecting people who choose to use alternative modes of transportation. There is already an educational component focusing on bicycles and pedestrians, but adding drivers to the equation can be beneficial to all. Recommended Motion: To create an Alternative Transportation Safety ad hoc subcommittee comprised of Michael Bourton, Amanda-Dawn Natalia, and Ricky Williams until May 2025 with the purpose of providing education to drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians about road safety. Moved by Vice Chair Natalia Seconded by Chair Williams Vote: 6-0-1 Ayes: McFarlin, Bourton, Natalia, Nooristani, Shustek, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Sellinger Motion Approved 7. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS Jack Sellinger stated that he attended the Electrification Fair in Encinitas on February 22nd. Jack Sellinger learned from energy efficiency and renewable energy vendors and found it informative for planning a future event in La Mesa. Hilary Ego spoke about the updates to the energy services contract and noted she is working through the scope of work. Hilary Ego also stated Logan has been leading the e-bike voucher program, which is launching next month, and Lainey is working on the Green Business Program and looking at the entry-level program to attract more businesses. Hilary Ego also announced that City Hall just got certified as a La Mesa Green Business. Hilary Ego spoke about the ribbon cutting, noting that there was a great turnout with already certified businesses in La Mesa. Hilary Ego touched on starting to plan Earth Day, thinking about activities and looking into getting more sign-ups. She stated that 6 Page 10 of 21  the CAP team is going through the budget, looking at the CAP implementation work plan, working on a partnership with Tree San Diego for a free tree giveaway, hosting educational materials for the community through GRID alternative, tabling at events, and education and outreach throughout the City. Serena Lee spoke about the Litter-Free La Mesa event. She stated that she heard Amanda went and informed the commission that the next one is March 29th. Serena Lee said that they will soon hire a Community Clean-Up Coordinator. Serena Lee stated the EVCS master plan survey is still open and closes on March 15th, and she stated that, if possible, she would love to hear more input from the public. Serena Lee also mentioned that the CAP team is trying to determine how to best involve the owners through this process. Serena Lee highlighted that the teams did an EVCS staff training with planners and engineers, discussing how the City envisions future electric vehicle charging. She talked about the presentation at the Sunrise Rotary Club on Feb 7th, saying that it went smoothly and people asked many questions. Serena also discussed planning the Anaerobic Digester Lemon Grove waste facility and the commission prefers Thursday, April 24th. Serena Lee stated she will add it to the agenda next time and aims for the 9 AM start time. Christina Potter highlighted some great things that Helix is doing relating to sustainability. She stated how Helix had an environmental sustainability committee last year, bumped up to Power 100 for the whole campus, partnered with SANDAG for a school commuted program, installed energy monitoring devices across campus, a consultant did an energy audit, and students are doing an energy reduction competition. Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated she went to Litter Free La Mesa and enjoyed the volunteer event. She said it was well attended and that she had picked up 4 pounds of trash. She also went to the Helix Operations Center on the 29th of January, showing the fleet electrification project that is breaking ground this year. Amanda-Dawn Natalia also stated she is planning on attending the zero waste symposium at the County of San Diego. Brianna Coston stated she went to the groundbreaking Casa Del Oro Library. They announced that it will be net zero, and the library will be ground leased from La Mesa Spring Valley School District Land. Barbara Shustek stated there is a new green bin in her apartment complex. 8. ADJOURNMENT 7 Page 11 of 21 Chair Ricky Williams adjourned the meeting at 7:20 PM. 8 Page 12 of 21  La Mesa Environmental Sustainability Commission Minutes of a Regular Meeting Date: March 17, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Location: City Manager's Conference Room, 8130 Allison Avenue La Mesa, California Present: Chair Richard Williams Vice Chair Amanda-Dawn Natalia Commissioner Michael Bourton Commissioner Dasmine McFarlin Commissioner Mary Nooristani Commissioner Shustek Commissioner Jack Sellinger Commissioner Mark Gracyk Staff: Environmental Analyst Serena Lee _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ricky Williams called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM. 1.1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA 3. PRESENTATION 3.1 GRID ALTERNATIVES SAN DIEGO PRESENTATION Clovis Honore and Claire Lion from GRID Alternatives presented on clean energy education focusing on the benefits and challenges of energy efficiency, solar, battery energy storage systems, and electric vehicles and going over how these systems work. They gave a background on climate change in connection to the importance of transitioning to renewable energy and electrifying. They discussed federal, state, and local programs available to help residents take actionable steps towards a clean energy future. They went over GRID programs such as San Diego Clean Cars 4 1 Page 13 of 21 All and workforce development that provides free training programs for Installation Basics Training. Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated that the presentation was incredible and asked what the solutions are for overcoming the barriers of roofing in communities of concerns. Clovis Honore stated that San Diego Community Power gave GRID Alternatives half a million dollars for roof projects. The Solar Home Roofing (SHR) was from funding meant for home upgrading and the TCC was intended for select homes. Claire Lions stated that sometimes people are able to pay for the roof if they know they can get the solar from GRID. Amanda-Dawn Natalia asked if there are any qualifications/requirements for GRID’s training program. Claire Lion and Clovis Honore responded that sometimes there are specific requirements for funding but that no one is ever excluded from the training programs. Jack asked if GRID has experience with panel shingles and asked if they build their solar panels in house. Clovis Honore stated that the shingles are too expensive of a technology at the moment and Claire Lion stated that they have in house staff for solar panel installation. Ricky Williams asked what the impacts have been if any from federal funding and asked what programs they have built to improve weatherization and efficiency. Claire Lions stated that a lot of GRID’s funding comes from the state. The Disadvantaged Communities-Single- Family Solar Homes (DAC-SASH) program comes from the California Public Utilities Commission. Most of GRID’s EV programs are also state funded. The Solar For All Program came from the Inflation Reduction Act and this could be impacted. TCC and SHR are weatherization projects that GRID does not do in house as of right now. GRID has started to look toward electrification in broader ways because it pairs really well with solar and batteries. Ricky Williams asked about the off-grid solar process on Tribal land and how it could work in urban areas. Claire Lion stated that funding for the project came from Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF), which is a branch of GRID. A private donor created a grant making program with specific opportunities for Tribes to get connected to the grid. Utility funded projects require participants to be grid tied which makes off-grid projects difficult in urban areas. Clovis Honore stated that hopefully none of the cost is borne by the consumer. Claire Lions noted if you are tech savvy and have a solar and battery system you can be sending energy to the grid at the right 2 Page 14 of 21  times to create your own system where you still have a meter and you are just trying not to pull energy from it. 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 Environmental Sustainability Commission 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. Public Comment: Wendy Mihalic stated that she really enjoyed the video of the ESC’s prior meeting. She thanked Jack Sellinger for attending the Home Electrification Fair in Encinitas. Wendy Mihalic stated that the fair was organized by the Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL), in partnership with the City of Encinitas. It was a pilot program and the CCL worked with the City to coordinate the venue and the Building Electrification Coalition for coordination of the event. She stated she would be happy to be the La Mesa Representative if the City wanted to get into contact with the coalition. She stated San Diego Community Power is a very important resource for clean energy related program funding. U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC CA) applied for the Community Clean Energy grant program Power for outreach and education in communities of concern and La Mesa can utilize them as a resource. 5. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES 6. CURRENT BUSINESS 6.1 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Infrastructure ad hoc subcommittee expires in March 2025 Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated the Alternative Transportation Infrastructure Ad Hoc Subcommittee discussed how CAP implementation can be ensured within other City projects. She stated that they discussed the practicality of a checklist for departments’ workflow binders. This would make it so every project has a checklist that brings attention to sustainability actions that can be attached/considered. She stated that the subcommittee discussed Microsoft Teams as a tool for communication and that they left with the homework item of coming up with what CAP measures they want to prioritize for infrastructure projects. She stated that Mary Nooristani is interested in prioritizing traffic calming and that the 3 Page 15 of 21  subcommittee supports hybrid telework, and trees on pedestrian pathways for shade. The subcommittee also brainstormed how they are going to seek out grants for traffic calming measures. She stated that the subcommittee wants to know what the commission’s priorities are. Mary Nooristani stated that Hilary Ego had been able to get involved in an infrastructure project and add in CAP related objectives. Having a checklist for other departments to incorporate the CAP into their projects would be a small but impactful action. Ricky Williams stated that he likes the workflow binder idea because departments already follow checklists that they have to comply with and the CAP could be easily integrated into these projects. He stated he remembers that Hilary Ego jumped into a large roadway improvement project and got EV chargers added into the project. He stated that the Mobility Commission could be a good resource for understanding priority traffic calming mechanisms. Amanda-Dawn, Mary Nooristani, and Ricky Williams stated their interest in roundabouts and discussed the process of implementation and coordination with the Mobility Commission to understand the process better. Michael Bourton stated the need to understand the benefits of roundabouts such as low running costs and environmental benefits. Barbara Shustek and Serena Lee stated the La Mesa Boulevard roundabout project as an example with a timeline of 5 years. Ricky Williams stated that roundabouts open the door for talking about other initiatives such as bike lanes and moving towards seeing how the Mobility Commission operates. Serena Lee stated that roundabouts are something that can be calculated with greenhouse gas reductions. Michael Bourton, Ricky Williams, and Serena Lee stated that funding for roundabouts would be part of capital improvement programs. 6.2 DISCUSSION OF THE E-BIKE INCENTIVE PROGRAM AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE E-Bike Incentive Program ad hoc subcommittee expires in March 2025 Ricky Williams stated that Logan Kelly (CivicSpark Fellow) had drafted the website for the E-Bike Incentive Program and application process. The tentative launch for the program is the 24th and the application closes April 14th. The subcommittee discussed the scoring criteria for applicants. The vouchers would be first come first serve and some of them would be reserved for low income applicants. Logan Kelly stated that the income 4 Page 16 of 21  qualified section is gone and now a portion of vouchers is specifically set for low income residents. The scoring system is based on replacing car trips that aren’t for recreational purposes. There will be an all about e- bikes webinar on March 27th with the San Diego Bicycle Coalition and Hilary Ego will talk about the E-Bike Incentive program. Vouchers will go out April 18th and participants will have about a month to use vouchers. Serena Lee stated that agreements with bike shops are still being worked through. She stated the first 150 applicants will be prioritized and if the proportion of low income qualified is not met then they will take from the next batch of applicants. Mark Gracyk asked how much the incentives cover and if it will only involve bike shops in La Mesa. Logan Kelly stated the income qualified applicants will get $1200 and the standard applicants will get $800. He stated income qualified is for people who are receiving Calfresh, Fera, Cares, Section 8, or are 50% under the AMI. Serena Lee stated that the incentive could cover most of if not all of the cost of an e- bike. She stated that there are not many bike shops in La Mesa and that they wanted to make sure the e-bikes are UL listed. Jack Sellinger asked how information about the program is going to be spread. Ricky Williams stated the subcommittee discussed sharing the information at city facilities and schools, posting flyers at gyms and grocery stores. It is also open to people that work in La Mesa so it is important to reach establishments that have a lot of employees. Jack Sellinger, Barbara Shustek, and Ricky Williams stated other community locations to spread information such as starbucks and daycares. Michael Bourton stated that the ad hoc subcommittee sunsets this month and it would be nice to have a report on the results in the coming months. Ricky Williams stated that the subcommittee would be ready to sunset. 6.3 DISCUSSION OF THE EQUITY FRAMEWORK AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Equity Framework ad hoc subcommittee expires in April 2025 Lainey Bloom (CivicSpark Fellow) stated that the subcommittee first discussed what equitable outreach looks like and where the most important community touch points are in La Mesa to spread the word about programs and get feedback. The subcommittee talked about what the barriers are for community members getting involved in sustainability programs and city programs. Lainey Bloom stated how programs should consider accessibility to renters and not just homeowners as 40% of La Mesa is made up of renters. She stated that the subcommittee 5 Page 17 of 21  brainstormed how acquiring feedback can be incorporated into spaces where the CAP team is already conducting outreach. This could look like having outreach questions prepared when going to tabling events that elicit information from the community on how and where they get their information about city programs. She stated the potential for having a checklist for internal use for staff to engage with equity considerations throughout the planning stages of projects. Dasmine McFarlin stated that when asking questions in the community it would be important to keep them simple and engaging and making sure we are going out into the public and asking these questions. She stated that tabling at the farmers market could be impactful. Lainey Bloom asked the commission if they have any priorities for what the checklist items to staff would look like or any thoughts on incorporating equitable engagement at tabling events. Ricky Williams stated he would be curious how the City is tracking engagement online and if there is a way to know how different demographics are being reached. He stated incorporating questions for the community into events like Earth Day. Serena Lee stated our communications manager has access to online engagement data. Ricky Williams stated the subcommittee sunsets next month. 6.4 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY EDUCATION AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Safety Education ad hoc subcommittee expires in May 2025 Ricky Williams stated that the direction of the subcommittee is helping to create education for drivers that are pedestrian and bike oriented and working to educate large vehicle owners in this capacity. Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated the subcommittee talked about what education looks like with alternative transportation safety and how it is important to include education outside of the standard bike education and direct it at drivers with specific errors that should be corrected. The subcommittee brought up the sign on Fletcher as a tool for educational messaging. She asked the commission what driver focused education would look like. Barbara Shustek stated an example of watching out for bikers when you open car doors. Jack Sellinger and Barbara Shustek stated the need for education aimed toward walking safely. Dasmine McFarlin, Ricky Williams, 6 Page 18 of 21  Michael Bourton stated the potential for understanding signage placements and data connections to placement. 6.5 DISCUSSION OF THE CAP IMPLEMENTATION WORK PLAN AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Climate Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Work Plan ad hoc subcommittee expires in May 2025 Barbara Shustek stated that the subcommittee meeting was a brainstorming session to develop an implementation report. In the past, the reports have been very extensive. The City of San Diego and county have detailed plans. She stated the subcommittee went over prioritization to rank implementation actions. Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated that historically the City of La Mesa has had a robust implementation plan for the size of the City. She stated there is concern over how much effort goes into the implementation plans when they may not necessarily be utilized by City staff or much of the public. The subcommittee discussed the importance of format and presentation to better engage the public as well as a system of prioritization with rough suggestions such as: measures that are already funded or underway, staff availability, metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions, amount or quality of co-benefits, general public feedback and commission feedback. She stated the subcommittee wanted to gain feedback on what prioritization could look like. Ricky Williams stated the timeline to implementation would be a good priority and it ties into co-benefits and prioritizing actions that have direct impacts on community public health. Public comment: Wendy Mihalic stated that she brought an old La Mesa CAP Implementation Work Plan and stated the importance of including specific information such as cost and staff time. She stated the benefit of performance targets to keep the City on track. She stated the City of San Diego has a great CAP but they are not implementing it. She stated the City of La Mesa should have work plans for their staff with line items that tie their departmental work back to the CAP. Wendy Mihalic stated that the e-bike incentive program is a good initiative and that the same kind of funding would be impactful if put towards electric induction cooktops. The City should look at how to get induction cooktops to people in communities of concern. 6.6 DISCUSSION OF SCHEDULING A SPECIAL MEETING FOR THE EDCO FACILITY TOUR 7 Page 19 of 21  Serena Lee stated that the special meeting to tour the Lemon Grove EDCO facility tour would be April 24th at 9:00 am for about one hour. Ricky Williams and Serena Lee stated that they recommend wearing closed toed shoes with long pants and a long shirt to the facility tour and a change of clothes if you are going somewhere after. Recommended Motion: To approve the time of the Lemon Grove EDCO facility tour on April 24th at 9:00 AM Moved by Chair Williams Seconded by Vice Chair Natalia Vote: 6-0-1 Ayes: Bourton, McFarlin, Natalia, Sellinger, Shustek, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Nooristani Motion Approved 6.7 DISCUSSION OF THE MAY ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Amanda-Dawn Natalia and Ricky Williams stated that Serena Lee and Hilary Ego will not be able to attend the May 19th Environmental Sustainability Commission regular meeting. Recommended Motion: To table the discussion of the May Environmental Sustainability Commission Regular Meeting to be discussed at the April meeting. Moved by Chair Williams Seconded by Commissioner Bourton Vote: 6-0-1 Ayes: Bourton, McFarlin, Natalia, Sellinger, Shustek, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Nooristani Motion Approved 7. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS Serena Lee stated that she will be working on heat adaptation with other local jurisdictions. She stated that the CAP team submitted a grant in conjunction with 8 Page 20 of 21  the La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation for the SDCP Community Grant. GRID will be a partner if the City is chosen for the grant and funds will be put towards electrifying park equipment. She stated the EV Charging Master Plan survey closed. EDCO is providing free mulch at the Ramona facility to anyone that comes and says how they will apply the mulch. The City will also be working on compost awareness week, May 4th-10th in conjunction with the County of San Diego and other jurisdictions. The City is researching and exploring sustainable commutes with SANDAG. Amanda-Dawn Natalia questioned how to get involved in the La Mesa Earth Day Fair on April 19th. Serena Lee stated that people interested in volunteering can contact Hilary Ego. Ricky Williams stated that commission members have volunteered to table for the CAP team in the past. Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated that the 8th annual State of Biodiversity Symposium is happening on April 8th at the San Diego Natural History Museum from 5 pm- 9 pm. Mark Gracyk stated that the Helix Water District ground breaking ceremony for the electric vehicle fleet is next Tuesday at 10 am. 8. ADJOURNMENT Chair Ricky Williams adjourned the meeting at 8:08 PM. 9 Page 21 of 21