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Opposition to Balboa Park Parking Fees Intensifies After Poll Shows Broad Rejection

City leaders call the charges essential for budget relief despite paused enforcement and mounting reports of attendance and business declines.

Overview

  • A SurveyUSA poll of 500 San Diego residents found 80% want the new fees eliminated or reduced, and 69% say they will visit the park less often.
  • Opposition groups announced at a Saturday rally that they are joining forces to pursue a ballot effort next month to roll back the charges.
  • The Balboa Park Cultural Partnership reports measurable drops in museum admissions, with decreases ranging from about 20% to 57% on some days.
  • Mayor Todd Gloria continues to defend the policy as necessary for the budget and park upkeep as the city delays issuing citations and evaluates program data.
  • Local businesses report early revenue declines, and police recorded vandalism of 10 parking kiosks with about $16,000 in repairs.