Overview
- San Diego Public Advocate Shane Harris unveiled a drafted ordinance to eliminate the program, remove meters and enforcement, and restore free parking, coupled with a countywide campaign urging Councilmembers Sean Elo‑Rivera, Kent Lee and Henry Foster to advance a vote.
- Regional leaders including Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones, El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells and a La Mesa councilmember urged repeal, arguing higher rates for non‑San Diego residents burden families, seniors and school groups.
- Mayor Todd Gloria defended the policy, and his office reported 1,754 passes issued as of Sunday with a 50% discount for city residents, while confirming revenue is restricted to park maintenance and improvements.
- Operational troubles such as confusing signage, malfunctioning kiosks and vandalized meters prompted a temporary enforcement grace period, with Councilmember Stephen Whitburn seeking full repeal and Sean Elo‑Rivera and Kent Lee calling for a pause.
- Balboa Park institutions reported early impacts, with the Natural History Museum estimating a 25% drop on its first Free Tuesday since implementation and visitors citing slow or faulty payment transactions.