SDUT: San Diego leaders at odds over reopening closed Mission Bay restrooms

Earlier this month, I sent a memorandum to the Mayor’s Office asking that we use recently available city funding to reopen the bathrooms at Mission Bay.

While I voted for the FY27 Final Budget, I made it clear during the budget process that I did not support the closure of these restrooms. Below are comments I shared on the dais during the budget discussion:

“I also want to flag the proposed restroom closures and maintenance reductions across Mission Bay, the shoreline, Fiesta Island.  It’s a hugely important asset and we have to at least get the basics right. When we cut something as basic as restrooms, restroom maintenance and general park upkeep, we send a message to the tourism stakeholders who help sustain our city budget – attracting visitors who also contribute to our budget – that their contributions are not valued. We must continue to prioritize investment in our parks. A restroom is not a luxury in a public park. It is the basic promise that a family, a senior, a tourist, or a worker can actually use the public space we say belongs to them.”

I continue to believe that keeping these facilities closed presents a public health and safety concern for the thousands of residents and visitors who use Mission Bay Park. That is why I asked the mayor to reopen the closed restrooms with recently available funding set aside for potential ballot measures in the fall that are no longer moving forward.

Redirecting these funds would address an immediate community need and help restore a basic public service that is essential to the safe and enjoyable use of Mission Bay Park.

Your opinion on Mission Bay bathrooms

What do you think we should do with the unused funding?

Use 1/3 of the money to restore the 13 currently closed Mission Bay bathrooms for a year

Save all the money for potential issues that could arise

What you’re saying re: the Mission Bay bathrooms

“Raul, thank you for continuing to demonstrate strong leadership on issues important to San Diegans. Your request to the mayor to fund and open Mission Bay restrooms is very reasonable and aligned to constituent’s interests. Your proposal to achieve long term funding through efficiency and reducing middle management is EXACTLY the type of leadership the city needs. Our path to success cannot be based on closing public bathrooms. Keep leading!” -Scott

While the mayor has rejected my idea at this point, that does not mean that I am giving up. I will continue to advocate and look for ways to reopen these critical resources in our beautiful Mission Bay Park.

San Carlos Little League knows how to compete

The San Diego Padres are grinding out their wins right now, but our District 7 homegrown talent continues to fire on all cylinders.

Back in 2024, I invited San Carlos Little League to City Hall in celebration of a big Championship win. Evidently, San Carlos Little League has only kept up the good work since then, being featured in this KUSI story on a dramatic 8-7 win that will bring them back to the Section 6 Championship.

Have a look at their comeback to win against Rancho Buena Vista below. Congratulations to San Carlos Little League! We will all be cheering you on for your Championship game!

MTRP Holiday Market vendor applications open

Are you a local small business, artist, or maker?

The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation opened its applications for the well-loved Holiday Market. My family, alongside many others in the community, love stopping by the Holiday Market to shop for nature inspired gifts that give back to the park. All sales give 30% back to programming, trail maintenance, and more.

There is no vendor booth fee. If you or someone you know may be interested in selling at this year’s Holiday Market, you can visit the Mission Trails Regional Park website for more information.

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