Re “Repeal of Balboa Park paid parking won’t go to voters; City Council set to waive charges just for nonresidents” (Jan. 29): Parking in Balboa Park should be free every day for everyone, not just residents of San Diego. If we continue to call San Diego “America’s Finest City,” then let’s treat everyone equally. Balboa Park is a major attraction for tourists as well as city and county residents. Free parking needs to be restored so everyone can enjoy our park.
— Susan Brooks, Hillcrest
I was born at the Naval Hospital and my father was a Pearl Harbor survivor. I grew up in El Cajon (because that was the only place we could afford to live on a military salary), and, looking back, I considered myself to be “low middle class.”
I have fond memories of having picnics in the park as a child. If there was a charge for parking, I would have never experienced it!
I am so grateful to have been able to travel the world and get to see so many beautiful parks. That is when I truly realized how magnificent our park is! I agree with the letter writer who said it should have a conservancy like Central Park. I’m pretty sure we could raise enough money to maintain it without needing any funding from the city.
Hopefully the crazy people at City Hall will stop the madness!
— Susan Crisafulli, San Diego
Re “Balboa Park museums say parking fees cut visits by 20% or more” (Jan. 21): This article explains this issue, but it’s important to show how much the fees hurt regular people. The city is balancing its budget on the backs of our families, parks and museums. How is it “too soon” to end a program that keeps families from enjoying Balboa Park’s gardens, museums and music just because parking is now too expensive?
I’ve lived in San Diego my whole life. Growing up, my parents didn’t have a lot of extra money, but on Tuesdays they would take me to the museums for free. Some of my favorite memories are on the grassy fields, by the sparkling fountains, at the Organ Pavilion and inside those museums. During COVID-19, Balboa Park was where I went to get away from everything. I know many others feel similarly, but if they cannot even afford to park, then the beauty of Balboa Park will go to waste.
— Madeleine Kulisch, San Diego