UPDATE: Family members of basketball legend Bill Walton have just announced urgent proposals to honor his legacy with a memorial in La Mesa and a street renaming in San Diego. This announcement was made on what would have been Walton’s 73rd birthday, marking a significant moment for the community.
The proposals, spearheaded by activist Shane Harris, aim to rename a portion of Park Boulevard—a stretch that borders Balboa Park where Walton was known to cycle—as “Honorary Bill Walton Way.” Additionally, there are plans to expand Walton’s 2003 Walk of Fame display and create a “Bill Walton Square” near Helix High School, the starting point of his illustrious basketball career.
Walton, who passed away in 2024 at age 71, was a beloved figure in San Diego. His wife, Lori Walton, expressed heartfelt gratitude at the gathering on Zoo Drive, stating, “Bill gave so much of himself to this city because it gave so much to him. Our family is humbled and deeply moved by this outpouring of love.”
Born on November 5, 1952, in La Mesa, Walton was a star athlete at Helix High School, leading the team to San Diego Section championships in 1969 and 1970. He later became the Player of the Year at UCLA, winning NCAA championships in 1972 and 1973.
Walton was the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite injuries that limited his play, he led the Blazers to an NBA championship in 1977 and was named the NBA Finals MVP. He later played for his hometown team, the San Diego Clippers, and the Boston Celtics, capturing another championship before retiring.
After his playing career, Walton overcame personal challenges, including a stutter, to become an Emmy-winning broadcaster. His broadcasting career began in 1990 with the Clippers, and he has since worked with major networks like ESPN and CBS.
At the announcement event, Ted Leitner, a Padres Hall of Famer and sports broadcaster, praised Walton’s character, saying, “Bill was a force of nature. His love for people, for this city, and for life itself was unmatched.” Harris emphasized Walton’s deep connection to San Diego, stating, “Bill didn’t just live in San Diego – he belonged to it. Now, this city will forever belong to him.”
La Mesa officials confirmed they will discuss the proposal at an upcoming city council meeting. In San Diego, councilmembers Sean Elo-Rivera and Stephen Whitburn have already shown interest in the initiative, signaling immediate support for the tribute.
This is a developing story that highlights the community’s desire to honor a local hero, ensuring that Walton’s impact on San Diego’s sports culture is remembered for generations to come.
