Mar 17, 2020; San Diego, California, USA; A general view of Mission Beach in San Diego during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY NETWORK
San Diego, California – Finding a public restroom at some of San Diego’s most popular parks and beaches may become significantly harder next winter as the city closes dozens of bathrooms to try to trim $1.7 million from its growing budget deficit.
As part of the city’s efforts to address a projected $258 million shortfall for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, Mayor Todd Gloria’s draft budget proposes seasonal closures of restrooms at several high-traffic recreational areas, including La Jolla Shores, Mission Bay Park, Pacific Beach, and Balboa Park. The closures would occur from November through March—typically the off-season for tourists, though San Diego is known for its mild weather year-round.
City spokesperson Benny Cartwright said that San Diego will cul 13 full-time maintenance positions to facilitate the closures, five of which are based at Balboa Park and eight along the city’s waterfront. He acknowledged that the city remains active outdoors year-round but defended the closures as a seasonal adjustment. “There is a much busier summer season,” Cartwright said.
Five out of the city’s 15 shoreline comfort stations, including those at Kellogg Park in La Jolla Shores, the Children’s Pool in La Jolla, and two locations in Pacific Beach, will be affected. Additionally, 13 of the 28 restrooms in Mission Bay Park will be shuttered, along with seven of 14 portable units on Fiesta Island and seven more restrooms in Balboa Park.
The closures come despite lingering public health concerns from the city’s 2017 Hepatitis A outbreak, which was linked to limited access to restrooms and claimed 20 lives. In response, the city had expanded public restroom access in the East Village, particularly to serve unsheltered populations.
The proposed cuts represent just 0.028% of the city’s $6.04 billion budget and roughly 0.65% of the projected shortfall. Still, the optics of shutting down public restrooms to save a relatively small amount of money has stirred concern among residents and advocates.
Some worry the closures could exacerbate sanitation issues or drive increased use of the few restrooms that remain open—especially by unsheltered individuals, leading to overcrowding. While nearby alternatives will remain available, not all visitors will be aware of the closures until it’s too late.
Mayor Gloria’s draft budget also proposes significant cuts to libraries and recreation centers and the elimination of 393 positions citywide—160 of which are currently filled. Parks and Recreation appears to be hit hardest, with a net reduction of 170 full-time roles.
The final decision on bathroom closures and other proposed cuts will be shaped by public input during a series of budget hearings scheduled from May 5 to 9. A revised budget will be released on May 14, with a final vote expected in June.
For now, those planning winter beach trips might want to double-check where the nearest working restroom will be.
