San Diego’s new parking meters in Bankers Hill face backlash as vandalism reflects residents’ anger over paid parking expansion.

SAN DIEGO — Parking frustration is boiling over in Bankers Hill, where several newly installed parking meters along Sixth Avenue have been vandalized just weeks after enforcement began.

CBS 8 found several meters near Balboa Park appear to have been deliberately damaged, some clogged with what looks like spray foam or contractor-grade glue, and one spray-painted green, obscuring the screen and payment slots.

San Diego Police tell CBS 8 that 12 pay parking stations were vandalized over the course of a month. According to San Diego Police Officer Anthony Carrasco, one was covered in a “biological material, believed to be fecal matter.” He said officers investigating took a DNA swab of what was smeared on the screen.

People who live nearby say they’re not surprised.

“I’m really not surprised,” said Joshua Jones, who lives along Sixth Avenue.

Giovanna Allain echoed that reaction, saying, “I’m not surprised, we’re just kind of rebelling against it.”

Paid parking along Sixth Avenue is enforced seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., costing $2.50 per hour with a four-hour maximum stay. The City of San Diego began enforcement in December, and residents say the changes have already affected their daily routines.

“It’s such a stress every day to find the parking,” said Ksenia Stockton, who lives nearby. “Sometimes I don’t even go grocery shopping because I’m like, ‘What if I leave and I will never find a parking spot when I come back?’”

Now, paid parking is set to expand even further.

Starting Monday, parking meters will go live inside Balboa Park. At the San Diego Zoo, parking will remain free for Zoo members, but non-members will pay up to $16 per day.

That change has raised concerns for organizations operating inside the park.

“It’s really frustrating for us that they’re going to be charging for parking in Balboa Park, and there was nothing that we could do to stop them,” said David Walters, manager of the Redwood Bridge Club.

Walters says bridge games typically last four hours, and without the discounted parking permits for verified San Diego residents, the added cost could have forced the longtime club, which was founded in 1948, to shut down.

Meanwhile, frustration continues to grow among people who live nearby.

“People want to come here to exercise or just to enjoy the park,” Allain said. “And then another fee on top of that to enjoy the park, just very disappointing.”

As for drivers who encounter a damaged meter, the City of San Diego says payment is still required. Officials say motorists can still pay using contactless credit card options, by text, or through the Park Smarter mobile app, and failing to pay could still result in a ticket.

CBS 8 received the following statement from the City of San Diego:

“Visitors should be aware that paid parking will begin in Balboa Park on Monday, Jan. 5, regardless of damage to any of the meter kiosks. As long as there is still a functional way to pay, visitors should plan on paying for parking, or risk a citation. The kiosks accept credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and coins. There is also an option to pay by text, and visitors may also use the Park Smarter App.

Damaging the parking kiosks will not halt the implementation of paid parking. However, it will cost the City staff time and taxpayers’ money to repair the damaged property. These are funds that could be put to much better use maintaining and improving our beloved park.

Please remember that vandalism is a crime, and anyone involved in damaging City property will face charges and a potentially end up with a criminal record.”