This week’s question from San Diegans that garnered the most votes is: “When do we get a reduction in our taxes to compensate for double taxation to have trash pick-up?” 

First, the proposed waste collection fee is not double taxation—it’s enhancing our waste collection service and ensuring that those who receive the service are covering the cost, freeing up severely limited General Fund dollars for critical citywide services and improvements that benefit all of us.  

If you’re already paying for trash today -- if you live in an HOA community or condo, for example -- the new cost-recovery fee won’t affect you. 

For decades, most single-family homes in San Diego have received City trash collection at no direct cost to them – no bill and no line item on their property tax or other bill. The service has been funded by the City’s General Fund—the same operational budget that supports public goods like police, fire-rescue, libraries, parks, and road repairs. Meanwhile, residents in apartments, condos, and homes with HOAs have paid for trash collection themselves through private companies. 

Thie opportunity to address this longstanding inequity was created when voters approved Measure B in 2022, repealing the outdated People’s Ordinance that prohibited the City from charging for trash pickup, which then allowed the City to charge a fee for residential trash collection. This move aligns San Diego with every other city in San Diego County and nearly the entire state. 

It’s also important to understand how you are taxed to support City services. While we all pay property and sales taxes, only a small fraction of these taxes goes to the City of San Diego. While 7.75 cents is collected in sales tax for every dollar spent, just one cent comes to the City; the rest goes to the state, county and SANDAG. Of the property taxes you pay, the City receives about 18 cents per dollar. That limited revenue must stretch across all basic services -- and that currently includes the approximately $90 million annual cost of City-provided trash collection for single-family homes. 

While all San Diegans contribute to the General Fund through property and sales tax, the City historically has used it to fund trash services —effectively asking one subset of residents who already pay for private trash collection to subsidize the free collection for others. Voters chose to fix that inequity by supporting Measure B.  

To learn more about the proposed trash and recycling service, read this FAQ or attend one of our upcoming community meetings:  

• Tuesday, April 1 5:30 - 7 p.m., Skyline Hills Library, 7900 Paradise Valley Rd., 92139  

• Friday, April 4 Virtual meeting - 9 to 11 a.m.   

• Monday, April 7 5:30 - 7 p.m., San Diego College of Continuing Education, 3249 Fordham St., 92110  

• Tuesday, April 8 5:30 to 7 p.m., North University Community Library, 8820 Judicial Dr., 92122 

Vote on next week’s question:  

John F. Kennedy Park in Lincoln Park has officially reopened following significant renovations—the park’s first major upgrades in nearly five decades. 

With a nearly $5 million investment, we've transformed this beloved community space with new play structures, fitness equipment, restrooms, picnic shelter, accessible parking, better lighting, and enhanced landscaping. 

These improvements reflect the community's direct input, addressing neighborhood priorities such as safety, accessibility, and family-friendly amenities. Funding sources included Community Development Block Grants, state grants, and Encanto Neighborhood Development Impact Fees. 

John F. Kennedy Park has long been a cherished gathering place for Lincoln Park residents, and these enhancements ensure it will continue to serve as a vibrant, welcoming, and safe space for generations to come.  

The Memorial Senior Center in Logan Heights is now officially open, providing community members aged 60 and up a welcoming place to connect, stay active, and enjoy a wide range of programs.  

Operated by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, the center offers dance classes, gardening, karaoke, and free lunches provided through a partnership with Serving Seniors. This new facility, supported by several community foundations and organizations, reinforces our city’s commitment to creating vibrant spaces where older adults can thrive, stay involved, and feel valued. 

The San Diego City Council unanimously approved significant funding for three major affordable housing developments under the City's "Bridge to Home" initiative, which covers the gap in financing to get mostly funded projects across the finish line.  

In Mission Gorge, the Council approved a $4 million loan agreement for the "Goodwin on Glacier" project, which will create approximately 131 residential apartments specifically for low-income seniors. Goodwin on Glacier will help address the urgent need for affordable senior housing in the area. 

Councilmembers also approved a $15.3 million loan funded by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the Mercado Apartments in Barrio Logan. Developed by the Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee on Anti-Poverty of San Diego County Inc. (MAAC), this project will significantly expand affordable housing options in one of San Diego's historic communities. 

Additionally, the Mid-City community will see the Swift Avenue Apartments come to life with a $5.7 million CDBG loan. This development, led by Swift Avenue Housing Associates, LP, promises to further alleviate housing pressures in the City Heights Mid-City Community Plan Area. 

These strategic investments underscore our city's ongoing commitment to not only building affordable housing but ensuring those units come with the services and community support that truly end homelessness. 

To date, Bridge to Home has supported 23 projects, delivering much-needed housing for working families, seniors, and individuals at risk of homelessness. This is how we’re making real progress toward our goal of ensuring San Diegans have a roof over their heads at a price they can afford. 

City crews worked alongside San Diego Fire-Rescue to remove tons of trash from a former encampment near the Torrey Pines Gliderport. 

Because of the steep terrain, a helicopter was used to lift debris safely from the cliffs – an operation that also served as essential training for our SDFD air crews. 

Efforts like these protect our beaches, natural spaces, and ensure San Diego’s beautiful coastline remains clean and accessible for everyone.