San Diego plans to remove the 186 fire pits from Mission Bay, La Jolla Shores, and Ocean Beach in 2010 to save money.  We think they are worth saving.

Simple outdoor pleasures make San Diego great. Fire Pits on the beaches have survived for decades, through prosperous and lean times.  Let's not let the city use these tight times as the excuse to eliminate them forever.

 

This is an opportunity to reduce the costs, but not destroy a San Diego tradition.  Costs could certainly be cut by reducing off-season maintenance, switching to seasonal staff, or changing the methods used to clean the pits.  It seems that costs have already been reduced from $173,000 to $120,000 per year since the 2008 proposal.

The California Coastal Commission has now told the city of San Diego that they need to get Coastal Commission approval to remove the fire pits.  It is important for you to let the city know, now, by phone or email, that you officially object to the removal of the fire rings. See a primer on this topic.  The fire rings are a valuable public amenity that provide safe family enjoyment on the beach.
What can you do?  Contact the Mayor and the City Council today! Really, their staff will politely answer the phone and take your comment.  Follow the link to City Hall Contacts.
If you live in the city, it's best to call your council member on the phone.  Otherwise, you can phone the Mayor's office (619-236-6630).

The City of San Diego has a donation page where you can contribute to save the fire pits.
 http://www.sandiego.gov/philanthropycenter/opportunities/firepit.shtml