Environmental Sustainability Commission

LA MESA ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION AGENDA A Regular Meeting Date: Monday, October 20, 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 Mark Gracyk Commissioner Jen Lebron Commissioner Christina Potter Commissioner Fabian Rodriguez 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.gov 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 be 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 Human Resources Department 48 business hours prior to the meeting at 619.667.1175, fax 619.667.1163, or BCruz-Rivera@cityoflamesa.gov. 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 ID or signature will be required to secure a device for the meeting. Page 2 of 11  Pages 1. CALL TO ORDER 1.1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA 3. PRESENTATION 3.1 2025-2026 CivicSpark Fellow 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 SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 5 REGULAR MEETING 6.2 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Infrastructure ad hoc subcommittee expires November 2025 6.3 DISCUSSION OF THE EQUITY FRAMEWORK AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Equity Framework ad hoc subcommittee expires November 2025. 6.4 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY EDUCATION AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Safety Education ad hoc subcommittee expires in November 2025. 6.5 DISCUSSION OF THE CAP IMPLEMENTATION WORK PLAN AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Climate Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Work Plan ad hoc subcommittee expires in November 2026 6.6 DISCUSSION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION 2026 WORK PLAN AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Environmental Sustainability Commission 2026 Work Plan ad hoc subcommittee expires February 2026. 6.7 DISCUSSION OF THE SELECTION OF THE CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION 7. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS Page 3 of 11 8. ADJOURNMENT Page 4 of 11  La Mesa Environmental Sustainability Commission Minutes of a Regular Meeting Date: September 15, 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 Jack Sellinger Commissioner Barbara Shustek Staff: Commissioner Brianna Coston Environmental Sustainability Manager Hilary Ego Environmental Program Coordinator Serena Lee _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ricky Williams called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM. 1.1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA 3. PRESENTATION 3.1 COLLEGE CORPS FELLOW PRESENTATION Daira Lima introduced herself as the City of La Mesa's College Corps Fellow who worked with the City on Climate Action Plan projects in 2024- 2025 and will continue her work in 2025-2026. Projects Daira presented included: social media graphics and videos, EV Purchasing Guide draft, events, successful grant proposal to honor the green team students at La Mesa schools, and University of San Diego's Eco-Exit Program. Amanda-Dawn congratulated Daira on the successful grant application and thanked her for honoring the Green Team at La Mesa schools. 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES) 1 Page 5 of 11  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 there is opportunities to offer building electrification education to residents, such as focusing on AC to heat pump changes and to exploring reach code options. She also stated that last year the City of Encinitas worked with Citizens Climate Lobby to host a Building Electrification Fair and encouraged the City to explore hosting a similar event. Public comment: Elaine Affaro stated that she is a new report at KPBS covering East County and provided her contact information. 5. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES 6. CURRENT BUSINESS 6.1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE AUGUST 18, 2025 REGULAR MEETING No edits were recommended. Motion: To vote on approving the minutes from the September 15, 2025 Regular Meeting Moved by Vice Chair Natalia Seconded by Commissioner Sellinger Vote: 4-0-3 Ayes: Natalia, Sellinger, Shustek, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Bourton, McFarlin, Nooristani Motion Approved 6.2 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Infrastructure ad hoc subcommittee expires in September 2025 Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated the ad hoc subcommittee met and discussed reworking the one pager to be easy to read and changed the focus. 2 Page 6 of 11 Hilary Ego followed up that as the document was being updated, there was an opportunity to refocus the efforts on acknowledging and uplifting the great work that the Public Works Department already does for the Climate Action Plan (CAP) versus making it feel like incorporating the CAP is an extra step. Mary Nooristani stated that it is visually easier to read with the icons and limited text and that the original document was a detailed list that got very cumbersome and didn't seem as useful. This is more of a good reminder to keep the CAP top of mind. Barbara Shustek asked where the document will be used. Hilary Ego responded that it will be printed large and added to the breakroom and staff desk areas. Ricky Williams stated that adding a second page with additional details and examples would be helpful to ensure that the original intent of reminding staff to incorporate the CAP into projects they are already working on. For example, if they are resurfacing a street, a reminder to add bike lanes. Jack Sellinger echoed the feedback of adding a second page with more examples. Ricky also recommended removing some of the icons to free up space. Ricky Williams recommended this ad hoc subcommittee be extended to finalize and share the document. Recommended Motion: To vote on extending the Alternative Transportation Infrastructure Ad Hoc Subcommittee two months comprised of Amanda-Dawn Natalia, Mary Nooristani, and Ricky Williams with the purpose of finalizing the document Moved by Chair Williams Seconded by Vice Chair Natalia Vote: 4-0-3 Ayes: Natalia, Sellinger, Shustek, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Bourton, McFarlin, Nooristani Motion Approved 3 Page 7 of 11 6.3 DISCUSSION OF THE EQUITY FRAMEWORK AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Equity Framework ad hoc subcommittee expires September 2025 Hilary Ego shared an updated Climate Equity Framework Document and the edits made to make it easier to read and use. Brianna Coston stated that Climate Action Plan programs and plans are the leader in involving the community throughout the process and is excited for other departments to use this equity framework. Ricky Williams stated that the document reads as a guide to good outreach in general. He also recommended editing the prompt in section 2 and 5 to connect to the "why" and "how." Jack Sellinger stated to consider adjusting the colors of the icons to differ from the text to make them stand out. Ricky Williams recommended extending the ad hoc subcommittee two months to finalize and document. Recommended Motion: To vote on extending the Climate Equity Framework Ad Hoc Subcommittee for two months comprised of Barbara Shustek and Dasmine McFarlin with the purpose of finalizing the document. Moved by Chair Williams Seconded by Commissioner Shustek Vote: 4-0-3 Ayes: Natalia, Sellinger, Shustek, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Bourton, McFarlin, Nooristani Motion Approved 6.4 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY EDUCATION AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Safety Education ad hoc subcommittee expires in November 2025 Amanda-Dawn Natalia provided an overview of the work the ad hoc subcommittee has been discussing and working on in the last few months, and that her had the opportunity to attend the Safety Fair on September 4 Page 8 of 11  13. She and Hilary Ego during the ad hoc subcommittee and created an interactive board for people to mark why they don't bike or walk in La Mesa. At the Safety Fair, the board with displayed at the CAP Team table with Serena Lee and also near the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition's Bike Skills Drills. Amanda-Dawn also had the opportunity to have a conversation with Captain Lynch about education about safe biking and also planning future events and activities. Public Comment from Wendy Mihalic: Looks awesome, and driver grips should also be included to balance with other view. Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated the next steps are to star thinking of educational videos and reminders. Ricky Williams responded that it would be great to have someone like Mayor Dr. A be in the video. Brianna Coston stated that there have been an uptick and minor traffic violations and that everyone's safety is important. Serena Lee stated there has been an increased amount of concern about young e-bike riders. Ricky Williams stated it would be great to have a bike bus and include neighborhoods and schools. Brianna Coston responded that she is interested in walk and roll to school days. 6.5 DISCUSSION OF THE CAP IMPLEMENTATION WORK PLAN AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Climate Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Work Plan ad hoc subcommittee expires in November 2025 Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated that the ad hoc subcommittee met and reviewed a draft that City staff worked on. Hilary Ego shared the draft with the commission and provided a summary of the document. Public Comment from Wendy Mihalic: Wendy stated that she is excited to see this draft CAP Implementation Work Plan and thanked City staff and the commission for their efforts. Ricky Williams stated that to address the budget allocated, to highlight the co-benefits of the CAP. 6.6 DISCUSSION OF THE CREATION OF NEW AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES 5 Page 9 of 11  Hilary Ego stated that the Commission will need to begin working on the 2026 Work Plan and recommended the Commission create an ad hoc subcommittee. Ricky Williams and Barbara Shustek expressed interested in working on the Work Plan. Recommended Motion: To vote on the creation of the Environmental Sustainability Commission 2026 Work Plan ad hoc subcommittee comprised of Barbara Shustek and Ricky Williams until February 2026 with the purpose of authoring the 2026 Work Plan. Moved by Chair Williams Seconded by Vice Chair Natalia Vote: 4-0-3 Ayes: Natalia, Sellinger, Shustek, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Bourton, McFarlin, Nooristani Motion Approved 6.7 DISCUSSION OF THE SELECTION OF THE CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION Appoint the Chair and Vice-Chair at the October Regular Meeting Ricky Williams stated that at the October meeting, the Commission will select its chair and vice-chair. Ricky stated he cannot be chair again because of term limits and provided an overview of the process of voting at the next meeting. 7. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS Hilary Ego provided City staff updates about working with the ad hoc subcommittees, the E-Bike Incentive Program was nominated for a Circulate San Diego Momentum Award, upcoming Tree Giveaway and Education events, and Clean Air Day on October 1. Serena Lee provided City staff updates about working with Produce Good to glean fruit, the City received Gold Status at the Diamond Awards for transportation demand management programs, progress with the EV Charging Station Master Plan, tabling at the Helix Charter High School Career Fair, Clothing Swap was a big success with 143 attendees, and Parks and Recreation Foundation received grant funding from Community Power. 6 Page 10 of 11  Amanda-Dawn Natalia shared that the inaugural San Diego Climate Week is starting soon with many events and can be found on sdclimateweek.com. Ricky Williams stated that Project Drawdown has new tools available including Project Drawdown Communities and Shift, and focus on how to be the story teller. 8. ADJOURNMENT Chair Ricky Williams adjourned the meeting at 8:00 PM. 7 Page 11 of 11