Dear Inquirer,
Councilmember Raul Campillo here. My heart sank when I heard about the trash fee billing errors that are impacting approximately 87,000 homes in our city. I knew tens of thousands of San Diegans would immediately feel ambushed and betrayed.
From the start, this fee has been a mess. It came in far higher than voters were told in 2022, it was pushed onto property tax bills over residents' objections in 2025, and now it has been billed incorrectly. Every time this issue was up for debate, I called it out and voted no, both on the fee itself and adding it to county property tax bills. Not just because it was a bait and switch – which was only part of the problem – but because even then, I knew that including the trash fee on folks’ property tax bills was a liability for the City and even more of a risk for those we serve.
I warned the Mayor and City Council about this very issue. Unfortunately, they ignored my advice and went ahead anyway, and now you are paying the price in time and frustration. Many of you have called, emailed, and pulled me aside to share your frustration, fear, and unfortunately deep distrust of your city government when issues like this keep affecting your day-to-day lives.
This is an issue that stops the hearts of tens of thousands of homeowners when they open their newspapers, unlock their phones, or log onto their computers and see the breaking news alerts. The indignity the City has caused so many of its residents is so upsetting to me as a San Diego native.
I’m tired of voting no on bad ideas and being proven right. It is a hollow sort of satisfaction that, quite frankly, I’m sick of experiencing. Regardless, I will continue fighting the uphill battle to ensure that this city works for every one of its residents – whether they happen to reside in the confines of my district or not.
In the meantime, please confirm your correct fee at WastePortal.sandiego.gov. If that amount differs with the amount on your property tax bill, please call the Environmental Services Department at 858-694-7000. If they don't fix it, reply to this email with your address and parcel number. Our team will take your case straight to the Department and stay on it until your bill is right.
For more on my perspective, please click here to read my recent op-ed in the San Diego Union-Tribune.
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More than 60 tons of green waste removed from Mission Trails to reduce fire risk
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Fire and habitat are at the center of my work as Chair of the Mission Trails Regional Park Task Force and Vice Chair of the San Diego River Conservancy Board.
Protecting Mission Trails as one of our most valuable resources means thinking ahead. Fire moves through this terrain in minutes, not hours, so the work happens now, before the wind, before the spark. Learn more here.
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Making our communities brighter: Retrofitted streetlights coming to District 7!
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Streetlight retrofits under the ESPC program are kicking off in District 7 this week! This important work to enhance our outdated streetlight infrastructure is expected to take 3-4 weeks with 8-10 crews working hard throughout the district. If you have any questions or concerns about the work, please reach out to energy@sandiego.gov.
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Join the San Carlos Farmer’s Market’s Fall Market! 🍁
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Ready for fall? This weekend, the San Carlos Farmer’s Market is hosting a Fall Market on Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the East San Diego Masonic Lodge. There will be wonderful new vendors, live music, and fun fall activities planned for the whole family. Be sure to join in on the fun!
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Local Luminary: San Diego Humane Society’s Jesse King
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Every few months, we take a moment to highlight a District 7 resident who is making a difference in our community. I’m proud to announce that our most recent Local Luminary is Jesse King, Director of Volunteer Engagement at San Diego Humane Society!
A Tierrasanta resident, Jesse has been inspiring compassion through her work with San Diego Humane Society since joining the nonprofit in 2010. As the Director of Volunteer Engagement, she works to support animals and the people who care for them.
Jesse cares deeply about providing opportunities for San Diegans who want to give back and connecting them with opportunities to directly impact animals in our community. The most fulfilling part of the job for her is welcoming a community member volunteering for the very first time and watching that spark of service ignite.
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City makes it easier to properly dispose of hazardous waste
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The City is making it easier for San Diego residents to properly dispose of household hazardous waste items, with expanded hours at its Household Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility at the Miramar Landfill. In addition to Saturdays, the facility is also open on Wednesdays, accepting common household hazardous waste such as batteries, paint and motor oil at no charge. Appointments are necessary and can be made online at sandiego.gov/HHW. The facility is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The drop-off process takes three easy steps:
- Visit sandiego.gov/HHW.
- Schedule an appointment.
- Follow instructions upon arrival at the Transfer Facility (on Convoy Street north of 52).
The City takes care of the rest, and drop-off is free of charge!
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Reminder: Join me for Coffee With Campillo tomorrow at Mission Trails Regional Park!
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Councilmember Raul A. Campillo
District 7
San Diego City Council
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Office of Councilmember
Raul A. Campillo
City Administration Building
202 C Street, 10th Floor
San Diego, CA 92101
619-236-6677
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