Sales and use taxes increased by 1% throughout California on April 1, 2009 based on action by the State Legislature to address State budget deficits. During the 2008 November election, voters of the City of La Mesa approved Proposition L – La Mesa Vital City Services Measure, a three-quarter percent sales and use tax. When combined with the one percent State tax increase, the rate in La Mesa is 9.5%. Revenue from Proposition L (3/4%) will remain in La Mesa to continue providing vital City services. Of the overall State sales tax, only 1% is returned to La Mesa to support municipal services. Together with Proposition L, La Mesa's share of sales tax is 1¾%. Revenue from Proposition L began flowing to the City in June 2009 and is being used to maintain vital City services, including public safety, parks and recreation services, street maintenance and other services.

Sales and use tax must be charged on the sale of all tangible personal property that is delivered or placed into use within La Mesa city limits, and does not apply to medical prescriptions and most groceries purchased for home preparation. For more information about sales and use tax exemptions please refer to the State Board of Equalization publications listed below.

View Proposition L and the guiding principles approved by the City Council in placing this measure before the community.