La Mesa celebrated a sustainability milestone with a green ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, Feb. 17 outside City Hall, which recently became the first city hall in San Diego County to receive a Green Business Certification through the San Diego Regional Green Business Network (SDRGBN). The old building at 8130 Allison Ave., which originally opened in 1958, went through several updates as well as changing practices to achieve the certification.
“This achievement also demonstrates that environmental goals can be achieved in older buildings by integrating actions into daily operation,” the city’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) team said in a statement. “Small but impactful changes can contribute to a more sustainable workplace.”
Mini-splits were added to the heating and cooling system and water efficient toilets and faucets were installed. City officials hope in the long run this will save money on energy and water bills.
Other changes included adding EV charger stations to the parking lot, landscaping with native, water-efficient plants, installing water filling stations inside, switching to reusable dishes in the staff kitchen, and creating clear-waste sorting stations with proper signage for employees helps to make sure that waste is disposed of correctly. The city also uses electric vehicles in its fleet.
La Mesa first partnered with SDRGBN in August 2022 to found the La Mesa Green Business Network and provide sustainability support to local businesses. The La Mesa Library and six other businesses have so far received green certification: Homes With MY Reality, Scisters Salon & Apothecary, Kai’s Refills, Helix Soap Co., Four Fin Creative and The Dental House. The city plans to expand the network this year.
In late 2023, ahead of the passage of the Climate Action Plan (CAP) Update in 2024, the city decided to pursue certification for City Hall itself, with the help of a consultant from U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC-CA), which administers SDRGBN. “The city is committed to leading by example. Implementing green practices within city operations is just as important as encouraging them throughout the community. By reducing City Hall’s environmental impact, the city is showing its commitment to protecting resources for the future and fostering a healthy community,” the CAP team said.
The city has several ways for residents to get involved as well.
Last Saturday (Feb. 22), the community came together for a cleanup along Waite Drive for the periodic Litter Free La Mesa events.
On April 19, the city is hosting its annual family-friendly, free Earth Day festival where residents and visitors can learn about sustainability practices everyone can use. The city is also going to host bike education events to promote safe alternative transportation. Plus, at all times residents can use the self-serve community compost at 8152 Commercial St.
“The city remains committed to advancing environmental sustainability and engaging the community in meaningful action,” added the CAP team.
CAPTION: Taking part in the ceremony (left to right): Melissa Parker and Easton Bajsec of Scisters Salon, Mayor Mark Arapostathis, Myeshia “MY” Abdul-Hakeem of Homes with MY Reality, Vice Mayor Patricia Dillard, Councilmember Lauren Cazares, Councilmember Genevieve Suzuki. (Photo courtesy of City of La Mesa)
