*|DATE:F j, Y|*
Today’s newsletter is presented by County of San Diego – Office of Emergency Services.
Good morning, San Diego.
For weeks Mayor Todd Gloria has made his position on Balboa Park paid parking perfectly clear: It’s here to stay.
The City council had instead pushed to suspend paid parking for residents. A shift in policy was set to be discussed Monday.
That vote now won’t happen, after the mayor abruptly announced Friday a partial retreat from his position.
Starting March 2, six additional lots will be free for verified city residents. Beyond that, he trimmed down paid parking’s enforcement hours, allowing people to park for free after 6 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. Non-residents will still face parking charges.
But this back-track hasn’t satisfied the whole council. Specifically, Councilmember Kent Lee says the decision deprives the public of an opportunity for a full discussion.
Read about the partial reversal in our top story today.
Our op-ed today, from Lincoln Club President Kevin Faulconer argues parking at Balboa Park has always been free, and should stay that way.
• When he was mayor, Faulconer proposed charging for parking in Balboa Park.
Thoughts? Opinions? Share them with us at news@timesofsandiego.com.
Today’s top story
Gloria partially backs off Balboa Park paid parking— and kills Council’s full reversal plan
By Andrew Keatts • Times of San Diego
Mayor Todd Gloria announced a plan to expand free parking in Balboa Park for city residents, amid widespread anger over the city’s new paid parking program.
Times of San Diego thanks our corporate sponsors. Find out more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities here.
7 stories to start your day
Times of San Diego thanks our corporate sponsors. Find out more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities here.
Today’s opinion column
Opinion: Balboa Park has always been free — City Hall should keep it that way
By Kevin Faulconer
The only responsible solution is to mess created by the City Council is to eliminate parking fees altogether and keep Balboa Park free.
Love this newsletter?
Show us with your donation.
Thank you for reading our morning update. Our nonprofit news team works hard to bring you essential news on local government, business, education, public safety and community affairs in San Diego County. But journalism is expensive, and we need your help. Thank you for your support.
Forwarded this email? Subscribe here to receive Morning Update.
Have a news tip? Email us at news@timesofsandiego.com.