People are smearing feces on parking kiosks at a famous California park, and it all traces back to one decision

After weeks of public backlash, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria announced that the city will roll back part of its controversial paid-parking program at Balboa Park. As reported by SFGATE, the mayor confirmed Friday that several lots will become free again for city residents beginning March 2.

Under the revised plan, San Diego residents will no longer be charged to park in the Federal, Pepper Grove, Marston Point, Palisades, Bea Evenson, Upper Inspiration Point, and Lower Inspiration Point lots. The change follows mounting criticism from park visitors, local businesses, and cultural institutions affected by the fees.

The announcement marks a sharp reversal from the city’s January 5 decision to require payment at all 12 Balboa Park parking lots. What had long been free access suddenly carried daily fees of up to $16, meaning visitors had to pay simply to walk the grounds, visit museums, or dine nearby.

The backlash quickly turned ugly and expensive

Public reaction escalated before the parking system was even fully implemented. Visitors began reporting vandalized parking kiosks, with card readers stuffed with foam and screens smeared with human feces. City officials confirmed that the San Diego Police Department is investigating the incidents, and similar political tensions have surfaced elsewhere, including a report that accuses Democratic Socialists.

Nicole Darling, the city’s director of communications, said vandalizing kiosks would not halt the program and warned that the damage would ultimately cost taxpayers money. She noted that repairs and staff time would be required to keep the kiosks operational.

City leaders initially projected the fees would generate roughly $15 million in revenue during the 2026 fiscal year. Officials said the money would help maintain the park and offset broader budget shortfalls, but those projections quickly unraveled.

Instead of increased revenue, the fees drove visitors away. Nearby restaurants reported revenue declines of up to 40 percent, prompting some to consider layoffs. Cultural institutions within the park also saw steep drops, with museums reporting attendance declines ranging from 25 percent to 57 percent during the first week, as broader national policy disputes continue, including talks with Iran resumed, but US ship are being told to prepare for the worst.

Revenue figures underscored the failure of the plan. Prior to the mayor’s announcement, estimates suggested the city would collect less than $3 million for the entire fiscal year. To date, only $666,163 has been generated from permits and kiosk payments combined.

Park organizations warned that the losses could be devastating. The Balboa Park Cultural District stated that even a 20 percent year-long decline in attendance could cost museums between $20 million and $30 million in lost revenue, far exceeding the limited parking income collected by the city.

While city residents will benefit from the rollback, county residents remain subject to daily fees ranging from $10 to $16. More than a dozen mayors across San Diego County have voiced support for repealing the parking fees entirely, arguing that access to a public park should not depend on residency.