UPDATE: Family members of the late basketball legend Bill Walton have just announced ambitious plans to honor him in his hometown of La Mesa and nearby San Diego. On what would have been Walton’s 73rd birthday, proposals were unveiled to rename a street and create a memorial, marking a significant moment for the community.
The proposals include renaming a section of Park Boulevard to “Honorary Bill Walton Way” and expanding Walton’s existing Walk of Fame display in La Mesa to include a dedicated “Bill Walton Square.” These initiatives were presented by activist Shane Harris and aim to celebrate Walton’s profound impact on both cities.
Walton, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 71, is remembered not only for his basketball prowess but also for his deep ties to San Diego. His wife, Lori Walton, expressed gratitude for the community’s support during a gathering on Zoo Drive on Wednesday. “Bill gave so much of himself to this city because it gave so much to him,” she said, highlighting the emotional connection the family has with the community.
Walton was born on November 5, 1952, in La Mesa, where he began his basketball journey at Helix High School. He led his team to championships in 1969 and 1970 before becoming a star at UCLA, where he won NCAA titles in 1972 and 1973 and was named Player of the Year during all three varsity seasons.
In 1974, Walton was the first overall pick in the NBA Draft, selected by the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite facing injuries throughout his career, he led the team to an NBA championship in 1977 and was named Finals MVP. He later played for the San Diego Clippers and the Boston Celtics, securing another title in 1986.
After retiring, Walton became an Emmy-winning broadcaster, overcoming personal challenges to achieve success in sports media. He was recognized as one of the top sports broadcasters by the American Sportscasters Association in 2009.
“Bill was a force of nature,” said Padres Hall of Famer Ted Leitner during the announcement. “His love for people, for this city, and for life itself was unmatched.”
Walton’s connection to San Diego was profound; he lived in the same home near Balboa Park for over 40 years. Harris stated, “Bill didn’t just live in San Diego – he belonged to it. Now, this city will forever belong to him.”
Officials in La Mesa confirmed plans to discuss the proposal at an upcoming city council meeting, with San Diego councilmembers Sean Elo-Rivera and Stephen Whitburn also expressing interest in the initiative. This is a developing story, and further updates will follow as the proposals move forward.
The community is eager to celebrate Bill Walton’s legacy, with many already expressing support for the proposed honors. As the plans unfold, residents are encouraged to show their backing for these meaningful tributes.
