San Diego’s beloved beach fire rings will remain operational for the time being thanks to a newly-approved grant from the county.
The fire rings were initially at risk of being removed under Mayor Todd Gloria’s budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year.
This prospective removal generated significant backlash from local residents, officials, and the California Coastal Commission.
The commission voiced its concerns last week, stating that the elimination of these fire rings would impede public access to the coastline, which is vital for the community.
In a positive turn, the San Diego City Council voted on Tuesday to accept the county’s grant funding aimed at maintaining the fire rings for at least another year.
This funding is part of the council’s approval of a $2.15 billion general fund budget, which also restores several other proposed cuts from the mayor’s initial fiscal plan.
County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer proposed the grant funding as a mechanism to keep these community assets available for public use.
“I’m just glad we saved summer,” she expressed in a statement on Thursday.
The mayor’s cuts to park funding were part of broader reductions aimed at addressing a substantial deficit estimated at $258 million.
Lawson-Remer noted that her office had received over 300 emails from citizens expressing their appreciation for the fire rings and the need for free amenities in a city where living expenses are skyrocketing.
Many residents mentioned how these fire rings provide a low-cost way to enjoy the beach, connect with family, friends, and neighbors, and embrace the great outdoors.
The county grant, totaling $135,000, will ensure the ongoing maintenance of the fire rings for a year.
This financial assistance comes from the county’s long-standing Community Enhancement Program, which allocates funds to non-profits and public agencies aimed at stimulating economic growth.
However, this program has faced criticism over the years.
Critics argue that it allows supervisors to gain political support by directing public funds to chosen recipients without public discourse.
Along with the restoration of funding for the fire rings, the newly approved budget also earmarks funds for public restroom facilities, wildfire prevention through brush management, and clearing backlogs in flood channel maintenance.
While the city council has made significant strides with this budget, both the mayor and the city’s independent budget analyst have expressed reservations about the increased spending.
Mayor Gloria retains the option to exercise his line-item veto power, enabling him to cut specific expenses or modify the budget further.
However, the council, having voted 7-2 in favor of the budget, possesses the authority to override the mayor’s vetoes with support from six members.
The mayor’s office announced on Thursday that Gloria is currently collaborating with the finance team to determine the next steps.
They anticipate unveiling his thoughts on potential budget revisions in the coming days.
Diana Lilly, the San Diego coast district manager for the California Coastal Commission, issued a statement expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts from both city and county officials to preserve the fire rings.
In a letter addressed to the mayor last week, Lilly emphasized the importance of the fire rings, labeling them as some of the area’s most cherished amenities.
She raised concerns that their removal would limit affordable public access to coastal areas, a right protected under the California Coastal Act.
City Council President Joe LaCava echoed this sentiment, thanking Lawson-Remer during a press conference on Tuesday for her understanding of the budgetary challenges and her commitment to funding the fire rings through county resources.
Despite the approval of this temporary funding, it acts only as a stopgap measure until the city develops a long-term strategy for the upkeep of the fire rings.
“This will give the City Council and the mayor a year to create a sustainable plan,” Lawson-Remer remarked.
While the fire pits belong to the city, thus its financial responsibility, the county’s grant aims to serve as bridge funding during this transitional period.
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