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A cherished community tradition threatened by budget cuts in 2025.
BREAKING NEWS
Coastal Commission Calls for Review:
Fire Pits and Restrooms Must Be Protected
BREAKING NEWS
Coastal Commission Calls for Review:
Fire Pits and Restrooms Must Be Protected
The California Coastal Commission has formally weighed in on San Diego’s plan to eliminate beach fire pits and seasonally close coastal restrooms.
In a June 4, 2025 letter to city leaders, Diana Lilly, San Diego Coast District Manager stated:
“Staff notes that the removal of existing fire rings constitutes development under the Coastal Act, which means it would require issuance of a Coastal Development Permit...”
They also emphasized that public restrooms are critical to maintaining access year-round, and both amenities are protected under the California Coastal Act for supporting low-cost public recreation.
The Commission urged the City to explore alternatives that preserve public access and recreation instead of eliminating these vital resources.
Thank you for your continued support as we work to protect San Diego’s beaches.
Press coverage: UnionTribune, MSN (free)
County Supervisor offers money to save the Fire Pits
County Supervisor offers money to save the Fire Pits
On June 6th, it was published that District 3 County Supervisor Lawson-Remer and San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava announced Thursday that they’ve come up with a plan to save the pits.
Lawson-Remer offered $135,000 of the supervisor's communit enhancement fund to the city of San Diego for a single year of support to keep the pits from being removed.
It is unclear whether the city will accept the money.
Source: NBC7
San Diego to remove fire pits in 2025
San Diego to remove fire pits in 2025
The City of San Diego, under Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget, has announced plans to permanently remove all public beach fire pits to help address a $258 million deficit, yet again. This proposal aims to save approximately $135,000 annually by eliminating over 180 fire rings at locations such as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and Mission Bay. In addition, the city is proposing seasonal closures of public restrooms at beaches and parks to further reduce costs. These cuts have raised public concern over the loss of safe, designated gathering spaces and the erosion of essential coastal access amenities.
Source: Voice of San Diego, May 12, 2025
Fire pits are important!
Fire pits are important!
🔥 Public Safety: Designated fire pits prevent unsafe illegal fires in the sand. Removing fire pits risks a return to buried hot coals, nails in the sand, and serious injuries, creating new public safety hazards and potential liability for the City.
💰 Minimal Cost, High Impact: Only $135K/year to maintain—less than 0.05% of the city’s deficit.
🏖️ Coastal Access for All: Fire pits are part of San Diego’s Mission Bay Master Plan as a low cost amenity that all can enjoy.
🏡 Community & Culture: Generations of families and visitors rely on this unique beach experience.
Over 3,000 people have signed the petition opposing fire pit removal
“Beach fires, conducted under the city’s strict regulations, provide a unique recreational opportunity for families and family-oriented events", Councilmember Joe LaCava, 2021.
"After a day of swimming, surfing and sunbathing, there is no better way to enjoy a San Diego evening than relaxing next to a crackling bonfire on the beach with family and friends.", San Diego Tourism Authority
Coastal Commission approval needed?
Coastal Commission approval needed?
Any attempt to remove San Diego’s beach fire pits will likely require approval from the California Coastal Commission. Under the California Coastal Act, the Commission is responsible for protecting public access and recreational use of the state’s coastline. Fire pits, recognized in San Diego’s Mission Bay Master Plan and past Commission rulings, are considered part of this protected access. In 2013, the Coastal Commission rejected a similar fire ring removal in Newport Beach, affirming that public amenities like these cannot be eliminated without thorough review and alternatives analysis. Their oversight ensures that San Diego’s coastal resources remain available for all to enjoy.
Councilmember Jen Campbell, who represents Pacific Beach, Mission Beach and Ocean Beach, told the Voice of San Diego in 2021 that “any ban of beach fires would require an amendment to the city’s municipal code and, ultimately, Coastal Commission approval.”
"removal of the fire rings would not be consistent with Section 30212.5 of the Coastal Act", Coastal Commission Staff Report #5-12-134 recommending denial of fire pit removal at Newport Beach and Corona del Mar.
“We received in writing from the Coastal Commission staff that you need a coastal development permit,” said Stacey LoMedico, director of San Diego Parks and Recreation in 2009 about the fire pits
Preserve the Restrooms!
Preserve the Restrooms!
San Diego plans to close dozens of public beach restrooms during the off-season—repeating past mistakes that led to unsanitary conditions and reduced public access. Families, seniors, and visitors rely on these essential facilities for safe and dignified use of the coast.
Public restrooms are not a luxury—they are a critical part of coastal access protected under the California Coastal Act. Similar closures in other cities have been blocked or conditioned by the California Coastal Commission, which requires facilities like restrooms to remain open to support public use.
The city may need a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) before proceeding, and could face legal penalties for closing these restrooms without proper approval.
“If you don’t have (public) bathrooms, the whole city becomes a bathroom," Councilmember Marni von Wilpert told the Union Tribune
Myths vs Facts: San Diego Beach Fire Pits
Myths vs Facts: San Diego Beach Fire Pits
Myth: Removing fire pits will significantly improve city finances.
Fact: The proposed savings are only $135,000 annually—less than 0.05% of San Diego’s $258 million deficit. To put this in perspective, just the consulting study of how much residents should pay for garbage collection would fund all of the fire pits for 40 years!
Myth: Fire pits are a major source of harmful air pollution.
Fact: Most fire pits are located away from homes. Better enforcement of burn material rules and relocation are viable alternatives. Select fire pits could be relocated.
Myth: Fire pits are a public safety hazard.
Fact: Designated fire pits reduce illegal fires on open sand, which are far more dangerous and harder to monitor.
Myth: The City can remove fire pits without further approval.
Fact: The California Coastal Commission oversees coastal access. Fire pit removal would likely require a Coastal Development Permit (CDP).
Myth: There’s little public interest in saving the fire pits.
Fact: Past efforts to remove fire pits faced strong public opposition, and petitions are once again gaining community support from thousands of residents.
Key Articles & Resources
Key Articles & Resources
🔹 San Diego’s Beach Bonfires May Finally Burn Out
🔹 San Diego’s Beach Bonfires May Finally Burn Out
Voice of San Diego – May 12, 2025
Mayor Todd Gloria's proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year includes the removal of beach fire rings to address a $258 million deficit. This move could save the city approximately $135,000 annually. The proposal has sparked debate among residents, with some viewing fire rings as essential cultural.
🔗 Read the full article
🔹 Snuffing Fire Pits May Not Be So Easy
🔹 Snuffing Fire Pits May Not Be So Easy
San Diego Union-Tribune (2009)
A look at past efforts to remove San Diego’s beach fire pits, the strong public opposition, and how the California Coastal Commission played a role in preserving them.
🔗 Read the article 🔗 Alternate link (see p20)
🔹 California Coastal Commission Report – Newport Beach Fire Rings
🔹 California Coastal Commission Report – Newport Beach Fire Rings
March 2013 Staff Report
A key case where the Coastal Commission denied Newport Beach’s request to remove fire rings, emphasizing the protection of public access and low-cost recreation.
🔗 View the report (PDF)
🔹 Fire Rings Throughout San Diego on the Chopping Block as City Leaders Work to Address Budget Deficit
KUSI News – May 2025 (Facebook post & discussion)
A news update highlighting the City of San Diego’s proposal to eliminate beach fire pits to help close a $258 million budget gap. The post generated strong public reaction, with commenters overwhelmingly opposing the removal, citing tradition, public safety, and the insignificance of the projected savings.
🔗 View the post & comments
🔹 Ocean Beach Needs to Step Up and Protect Fire Rings, Library, and Rec Center Hours from Gloria’s ‘Slash and Burn’ Budget Cuts
OB Rag – May 2025
Highlights local impacts of Mayor Gloria’s proposed budget cuts, including the removal of beach fire pits, reduced library hours, and recreation center staffing cuts. Urges community action to defend public amenities.
🔗 Read the article
🔹 Mission Bay Park Master Plan and LCP
🔹 Mission Bay Park Master Plan and LCP
City of San Diego (2021 Update)
The official planning document that includes beach fire pits (and "fire rings") and public restrooms as valued public amenities supporting coastal access.
🔗 View the Master Plan
🔹 California Coastal Act
🔹 California Coastal Act
California Coastal Commission
The primary law ensuring public access to California’s coastline and governing development decisions like fire pit and restroom removals.
🔗 View the Coastal Act (PDF)
More articles
More articles
City of San Diego Proposes Removing Beach Fire Pits to Address Budget Shortfall
ABC 10News – May 5, 2025
The proposal includes removing fire pits at Mission Beach and other areas, aiming to reduce noise and maintenance costs. Residents express mixed reactions regarding the potential impact on community traditions and safety.
🔗 Read the article
San Diego's Beach Fire Pits Face Uncertain Future
NBC San Diego – May 6, 2025
The city's draft budget suggests eliminating the beach fire ring program to save over $135,000, prompting discussions about the cultural significance and environmental implications of such a move.
🔗 Read the article
San Diego Surfers Prepare for Winter of Discontent as City Proposes Removing All Beach Fire Pits, Locking Toilets
BeachGrit – May 5, 2025
Surfers and beachgoers express concerns over the proposed removal of fire pits and seasonal restroom closures, highlighting the potential loss of cherished beach traditions and community gathering spots.
🔗 Read the article
San Diego to Close Dozens of Bathrooms at Beaches, Parks in Budget Slicing Effort
SFGate – May 5, 2025
In addition to fire pit removals, the city plans seasonal closures of public restrooms at beaches and parks, aiming to save approximately $1.68 million annually, affecting numerous facilities across the city.
🔗 Read the article
4 Takeaways from Mayor Gloria's Draft Budget
Axios San Diego – April 15, 2025
An overview of the proposed budget cuts, including reductions in library and park services, with specific mention of the potential elimination of beach fire pits to address the city's financial challenges.
🔗 Read the article
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