The California Coastal Commission has raised concerns regarding Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposed budget cuts that seek to eliminate fire rings and close bathrooms at San Diego beaches.
The commission argues that such measures would significantly limit public access to these coastal areas, which are cherished by the community.
In a recent letter to Mayor Gloria, the commission suggested exploring alternative solutions to keep these amenities operational, emphasizing their importance as essential lower-cost facilities that ensure equitable access to the California coast.
County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer has also expressed her opposition to the proposed cuts, offering county funds to maintain the city’s fire rings.
The proposed budget cuts, aimed at addressing a significant city deficit of at least $258 million, would remove all 184 fire rings along local beaches.
Additionally, it includes the closure of many restrooms—specifically, 13 of the 28 permanent restrooms in Mission Bay Park and seven of the 14 portable restrooms on Fiesta Island, among others.
The California Coastal Commission, which operates under the California Coastal Act, emphasized that beach bathrooms and fire rings must be preserved as they contribute to public accessibility and recreation.
Diana Lilly, the commission’s San Diego coast district manager, highlighted in her letter that these facilities help ensure that all individuals, regardless of their income level, can enjoy the coast.
The commission also pointed out that public facilities must be distributed throughout an area under the California Coastal Act, and the proposed budget cuts would jeopardize this requirement.
The mayor’s office has not responded to inquiries from The San Diego Union-Tribune regarding the commission’s letter or the criticisms of the budget cuts.
The proposal to eliminate fire rings has drawn notable backlash during city budget hearings, with critics arguing that beach bonfires are an integral part of San Diego’s culture.
They also highlight that the elimination of fire rings would only result in a minimal savings of approximately $135,000 for the city.
City officials, however, have cited support from law enforcement for the cuts, asserting that the move would simplify monitoring illegal fires on the beach and reduce incidents of individuals burning toxic items in the rings.
Some community leaders have expressed support for the removal of fire rings as well.
In a proactive move, Lawson-Remer and City Council President Joe La Cava proposed a temporary funding source through county grants to maintain the fire pits until summer 2026.
“The county has a long history of using grants to support various community initiatives.
These grants help preserve the unique traditions and public spaces that unite our coastal communities,” Lawson-Remer stated.
Funding for this initiative would be drawn from the county’s Community Enhancement Program, which has faced its own scrutiny for perceived political favoritism in allocating grants without public debate.
The budget discussions have also sparked controversy surrounding the proposed closures of public restrooms along the shoreline, particularly in La Jolla, which could lead to sanitation issues.
Councilmember Marni von Wilpert raised alarm that restroom closures could precipitate a public health crisis similar to the hepatitis outbreak that occurred in the county from 2016 to 2018, resulting in the death of 20 people.
She remarked, “If you don’t have public bathrooms, the entire city becomes a bathroom.”
The City Council is set to finalize its budget for the upcoming fiscal year on Tuesday.
In their letter, the Coastal Commission urged the city to consider alternative funding mechanisms, such as introducing parking fees at beach lots, to maintain the essential amenities.
The commission is hopeful that the mayor will reconsider his plans to remove the fire rings and close restrooms and allow the input from various stakeholders to shape the final budget.
They warned that any attempt to remove the fire rings will require a permit from the Coastal Commission, which may not guarantee approval.
“Removing these facilities without consideration of their importance to the community would be a significant step back in the fight for public access along the coast,” Lilly cautioned.
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