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Public commenters press council on Balboa Park parking, homelessness, marijuana billboards and budget choices
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Summary
During non‑agenda and item‑specific public comment the council heard repeated calls to repeal or alter Balboa Park parking fees, concerns about marijuana billboard advertising and public health, urgent allegations about Tent City operations and deaths, and arts groups asking the council to preserve TOT funding for arts programs.
A broad range of public commenters used the Feb. 9 public‑comment periods to press the City Council on parking policy in Balboa Park, homelessness responses and oversight, outdoor marijuana billboard advertising, and the FY27 budget.
Several in‑person speakers asked the council to end or modify Balboa Park parking fees and proposed alternatives such as a shuttle, parking garages, or a ballot measure to fund the park. Terry Thompson opened in‑person comment by thanking the mayor for removing parking fees for city residents; other speakers said that confusion remains over where fees apply and urged the council to repeal the ordinance authorizing meters. “This is a park that is recognized by all of us and free,” Thompson said.
Other commenters raised public‑health concerns about marijuana: a public‑health educator cited peer‑reviewed editorials arguing marijuana use is associated with cardiovascular risk and urged stronger health messaging, and another speaker called for prohibiting outdoor marijuana billboards that he said are the first impression of the city for airport visitors.
Multiple callers criticized homelessness programs and asked for audits or accountability. One caller reading a lengthy list of names accused specific nonprofit partners of systemic failures related to Tent City and deaths; the speaker urged the council to audit spending and contracts with organizations such as Dreams for Change and Downtown Partnership.
During item S400 public comment, several arts‑sector representatives urged retaining the council’s recommended allocation of TOT funding for arts programs (the “Penny for the Arts”) to sustain cultural programming and tourism. “When San Diego invests in arts and culture and invests in connection, belonging, economic vitality, and trust across every neighborhood,” said Bob Layman of San Diego Arts Matters, “we see stronger community connection.”
The council did not directly resolve individual complaints during public comment but officials acknowledged the concerns and noted that several budget and oversight discussions will continue through regular committee and budget processes.
