San Diego City Council Meeting on July 28, 2025

This meeting of the San Diego City Council covered three major items: the approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 Statement of Budgetary Principles, an informational update on proposed paid parking in Balboa Park, and an action to establish a parking meter zone on adjacent streets. The council also heard extensive public comment on these items and non-agenda topics. The meeting began at 1 p.m. and included a closed session report.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 602 (Budgetary Principles): Public comment included opposition from Joy Sunyata (District 3), who argued for deleting the word "any" from the structural deficit clause; Blair Beekman, who discussed the ALPR review process; and Cesar Javier, who criticized the budget process and alleged corruption. Virtual commenters Andrea Ebbing and Homer requested more transparent communication and a simple revenue pie chart.
• Item 600 (Balboa Park Parking): Over 30 in-person speakers and 7 virtual speakers testified. The majority opposed paid parking, with concerns about equity, impact on seniors (e.g., Redwood Bridge Club), youth programs, volunteers, and low-income residents. Supporters included a caller who favored better maintenance and a resident who argued for charging non-residents. The Cultural Partnership and Forever Balboa Park proposed limiting fees to $5 for residents and $10 for others, with four hours free at Inspiration Point and enforcement ending at 6 p.m. The Navy requested free parking for Balboa Hospital staff.
• Item 601 (Parking Meter Zone): Over 20 speakers testified, with 140 e-comments in opposition vs. 4 in favor. Many seniors from the Redwood Bridge Club requested a permit system for West Mesa parking. Others warned about cashless payment exclusion and the need for residential permits.
• Non-Agenda Public Comment: Speakers addressed topics including the Alliance Model for ambulance services, trash collection implementation, cannabis health risks, a car accident report, the Coastal Resilience Master Plan, and the Torrey Pines Gliderport dispute.

Discussion Items

• Item 602: FY 2026 Statement of Budgetary Principles

  • Presented by Lisa Byrne (IBA). The principles are an annual agreement between the council and mayor to clarify budget administration. The Budget and Government Efficiency Committee revised a new section (C7) to encourage council members to present proposed budget amendments to the IBA rather than at the last committee meeting.
  • Councilmember Lee (President Pro Tem) expressed concern that the mayor has stated he will not implement the council's reduction of five management positions, creating a $1.4 million shortfall. The mayor's office representative said reductions would be found elsewhere. The IBA and City Attorney noted the budget must balance by year-end, and the mayor may bring amendments.
  • Councilmember Ilo Rivera criticized the mayor's lack of collaboration. The council voted 7-1 to approve the principles (Campbell opposed, Moreno absent).

• Item 600: Balboa Park Paid Parking Implementation Update (Informational)

  • Presented by Conrad Ware (Parks and Recreation). The proposal includes a tiered rate structure: Level 1 lots (high demand) at $12/day, Level 2 at $6/day, Level 3 (Inspiration Point) at $6/day with first 2 hours free. On-street meters at $2.50/hour, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents get 50% discount on Level 1 lots via a future portal. Employees and volunteers park free in Levels 2 and 3. ADA accessible spaces remain free. Revenue goes to a dedicated parking management fund.
  • Councilmembers debated the plan. Councilmember Whitburn proposed increases to 4 hours free at Inspiration Point, lowering rates to $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents, and finding a solution for West Mesa users (e.g., Redwood Bridge Club). Councilmember Ilo Rivera emphasized charging non-residents more and pushing the zoo to charge higher rates. Councilmember Von Wilpert supported the rate reductions and asked for cash payment options and a simpler resident verification system. Councilmember Campillo raised concerns about lack of incentives, the need for a yearly pass, and the impact on seniors. Council President LaCava noted the fiscal necessity: the council pushed for faster implementation to meet budget revenue targets.

• Item 601: Establishment of a Parking Meter Zone at Balboa Park (Action)

  • Presented by Maggie McCormick (Transportation). The zone would allow metered parking on 6th Avenue and Park Boulevard to prevent spillover from paid lots. Rates: $2.50/hour, 4-hour max, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. Estimated revenue: $750,000 in FY26 (3 quarters), $1 million annually.
  • Councilmember Ilo Rivera moved staff recommendation with an amendment requiring staff to propose a plan for free or discounted resident parking passes for this zone and other districts when the broader Balboa Park plan comes back in September. The amendment was accepted (with language changed from "incorporate" to "propose"). Councilmember Whitburn seconded. After debate, the motion passed 6-2 (Campbell and one other opposed, Moreno absent).

Key Outcomes

• Item 602: Approved (7-1). The statement of budgetary principles will guide the FY26 budget administration.
• Item 600: Informational only; no vote. Staff will return in September with a park user fee update for council approval, incorporating feedback from today's discussion.
• Item 601: Approved (6-2). Establishes a parking meter zone on 6th Avenue and Park Boulevard. Staff must include a resident parking plan in the September Balboa Park parking proposal.
• Closed Session: The council voted (6-0) to seek appellate review in the PRISM lawsuit (City of San Diego vs. Public Risk Innovation Solutions and Management).
• Next Meeting: The council will reconvene on July 29, 2025, at 10 a.m.