Below are the archived comments from our blog.

76 comments:

Brady said...

The presence of the glowing fire pits dotting the beaches of San Diego are akin to the shops and markets that denote a walking neighborhood. They make what would otherwise be a dark and desolate, unwelcoming landscape, into a lively, vibrant and almost magical place.

I think that you all understand the benefits of a walking neighborhood, where local people walk the streets regularly, at all hours, visiting local shops and restaurants, building community. The crime is less and the economic development is improved. I argue that the fire pits along San Diego beaches serve to the same ends.

San Diego obviously identifies itself as a beach community. The opportunity for an evening bonfire is integral to that experience and to the public image. In the five years that I have lived here, I have been surfing once, and actually gotten in the ocean only a hand full of times. However, I have been to at least 50 gatherings around various beach fire rings, for all sorts of occasions.

Of all the recreational activities San Diego offers, enjoying a fire in the evening is one of the most accessible to the public.

Brady Mahaney
San Diego

December 7, 2008 3:34 PM

Anonymous said...

ok so my next question is if they are taking out the fire rings, it is illegal to have a fire on the beach now???
Probably, huh...

December 7, 2008 4:31 PM

Anonymous said...

I'm curious, are they going to remove the hot coal cans as well? Don't then need to come by and and clean those anyways? Exactly how many shovel and broom leaners can the city do away with and still get things done? Let's all bring old cinder blocks to the beach and make our own rings...and leave them there for others to enjoy.

December 7, 2008 7:36 PM

Dan Jacob said...

Dan J. Living in San Diego
The fire pits have been a great place to have a group of friends get together that doesn't cost much and you can bring the kids. Our friends have done it a few time a year for the 24 years I've lived here. Let's do what ever it takes to keep them. Power is with the people!!

December 8, 2008 8:19 PM

Anonymous said...

Beach burns are iconic and representative of the culture of Southern California. There are other ways to save money for the city; I believe the fire pits should remain intact.

Cat
Pacific Beach

December 9, 2008 9:38 AM

Anonymous said...

I am very dismayed that the mayor feels that taking out the fire rings on the city beaches to save money. This will not only force people use the county beaches fire rings when they want to have a fire but also take even more away from teh tourist aspect of San DIego's beaches. Many people come into town and want to spend a day or night or both at the beach. By removing the fire rings, this will not let tourists do what they want where they want, which I feel is taking away form the tourist experience in SD.

December 9, 2008 10:43 AM

ktab save the firepits said...

I find it rediculous that this is a 'money saving' issue. the fire pits are a big part to making the beaches live after dark. Thousands of friends and family utilize these staples all throughout the year. peole are respectful and clean up after themselves all up and down the beach. they are a huge part of this community!!!
KEEP THE FIRE PITS!!

December 10, 2008 6:50 PM

Ron Whistler said...

We just had a beach fire on Crown Point Drive this past Saturday. What a shame that we have to lose this fun and safe pastime. I understand trying to save money for the city, but there has to be other ways that can generate more savings quicker. I myself am tightening my budget, but I am not using my time to go look for pennies on the ground. There are smarter ways.

Ron Whistler
San Diego

December 10, 2008 9:07 PM

Anonymous said...

KEEP FIRE PITS!!!

December 10, 2008 10:08 PM

Anonymous said...

We've enjoyed beach gatherings with family and friends since I was young. But a beach party without a fire? I think the lack of rings might bring unsafe, illegal fire activity. Please stop the removal and re-evaluate this issue! Maybe some groups and organizations can help out.

December 10, 2008 10:43 PM

Anonymous said...

Please don't remove the fire rings. San Diego needs them!

December 11, 2008 1:48 AM

Anonymous said...

The fire pits represent some of my best memories of San Diego and are one of the small things that pull me back. I currently live elsewhere but loved the sense of something special that a night by the bay brings. Maybe they can put a McDonalds or a Pottery Barn in place of the fire pits.
Seriously, we can't find someone who will pay for some advertising on the pits or in the park?

Crown Point Fire Pits, brought to you by Taco Surf!

Why not just close all the parks completely and pave the beaches.

jb
formerly of PB, currently elsewhere but wanting to come back

December 11, 2008 6:58 AM

Anonymous said...

Why would you remove the fire pits? It will cost more to take them out. Volunteers can maintain them, similar to beach cleanups.

December 11, 2008 7:30 AM

Anonymous said...

Please don't take another thing away that makes San Diego a nice place to live!

December 11, 2008 7:32 AM

Phelan Riessen said...

Dear Mayor Sanders,

As a native San Diegan, I've had a lot of great memories and experiences throughout my life with both family and friends surrounding beach and bonfire activities alike. This is truly sad to see a major piece of the beach activities torn away from us. Many a great conversation has been struck over a bonfire evening.

San Diego is known, amongst many things as a beach community with a wonderful part of the beach activities existing throughout the night. There are even meet ups for bonfire activities such as as the bonfire meet up. Yes, business and great connections are made at these events.

Removing fire rings destroys the essence and spirit of one of San Diego's great nighttime activities.

Please, do not remove the fire rings for many future generations of family and friends to enjoy. You've done a great job at making San Diego a better place. This is one piece that should stay intact over the many other budget deficits and issues you may face.

Please, please, keep the fire rings. If we need to raise money to do so, we will. We will find a way.

Thanks for listening.

Phelan Riessen
San Diegan

PS: Everyone reading this, please pass on the word. The site is http://www.savethefirepits.com/

December 11, 2008 7:53 AM

SDKayaker said...

As a kayak group, we've used the fire pits weekly for our pot-luck bbq's and bonfires. Sometimes it's difficult to find one that's not being used. I'm convinced that the city wants to squeeze more money out of tax payers. Cutting funds to parks and recreational programs will always get our attention. I'm sure that if we all got a look at the budget, we could find much reasonable places to make cuts and save a lot more than $175,000.

December 11, 2008 8:16 AM

Lindsey said...

Lindsey Johnson, San Diego
My family has been having an annual bonfire for years. I can't believe they are going to take this away. This city will no longer be America's finest if they keep going in this direction with budget cuts.

December 11, 2008 8:28 AM

Anonymous said...

I have so many fond memories growing up with these fire pits. Friday night bon fires with my parents and friends. Now my children will never have that experience. I'm truly bummed on my local gov. right now. They could cut a couple overpaying jobs and keep these fire pits. So sad.....

December 11, 2008 8:35 AM

Mark C said...

My family and friends have been holding bon fires for years. I hold precious memories of those times.

I have to say that if these fire pits go, it is a sad day for San Diegans. A piece of the San Diego culture is gone.

I under stand how the city's budget is dwindling but let's keep the integrity of our city and it's culture.

December 11, 2008 8:39 AM

Anonymous said...

The fire pits are a great way to get together with friends and famly in a safe and fun way. Let's let future generations enjoy them!

December 11, 2008 8:48 AM

Anonymous said...

The fire pits changed my life.

December 11, 2008 8:51 AM

Anonymous said...

The firepits have become a tradition for my friends and family since I was a kid. They are a just as much a part of the beaches as the volleyball courts and the lifeguard towers. Will they be next to go?

Please keep the firepits so we can all enjoy them for years to come.

December 11, 2008 9:02 AM

Amerstat said...

i am very disappointed with the mayors decision to remove one of the most valuable memories that provide safe, enjoyable entertainment for the whole family! from roasted marshmellows to the warmth and crackle pops during the nightly summer fireworks over seaworld...the fire rings will truly be missed!!! wont mayor sanders listen to our cries and accept a volunteer group to come in to clean out the rings? i would be one of the first people on the list to donate my time and work to clean the rings and maintain this san diego past-time!

Amy Vargas
P.B.

December 11, 2008 9:19 AM

Anonymous said...

I am sick of the local govern-'mental' choices and decisions. Rather than voice concern, and look for solutions, the city/mayor decides what's best for us rather than let the people vote on the matter. Removal of the fire rings has nothing to do with the budget. What most people don't see is the big picture of what the city is doing. Removing the fire rings takes away one of the LAST things that you can legally do on Fiesta Island. The 10 PM curfew and overly aggressive SDPD to hassle people to leave IMMEDIATELY or be cited, makes people not want to come back. Now that the rings are gone, you have no reason to be there after dark. It puts the city in a better position to develop the Island. Take away another public resource, and turn it into a revenue generator for the city to blunder up. I have lived in San Diego for 36 years, a native San Diegan. I am ashamed of what the city/area has become. I am making t-shirts "Welcome to San Diego" NO: ...(long list of items), now 'Fires @ the beach'

I hope that tourism dies off, and the city tanks even further, because it's the voter/mayor/city council's own fault.

Work a deal with the Chargers, MAKE MONEY, apply that towards your budget def...

Turn Fiesta Island into a 'state park'... charge $5 fee for admission/daily parking. Setup primative camping for $xx.xx a night, or $xxx.xx a night for RVs. 100-200 people a night camping at Fiesta Island, plus 100-200 cars a day for daily parking nets ~$5k-$15k a day... The area could bring in $125-200k+ revenue per month. Covering the expense of the staff, maint, vehicles... But that's less than what a multimega hotel would bring the city. They don't care...

Good Bye to the good times San Diego.

December 11, 2008 9:39 AM

Anonymous said...

The fire rings have been part fo the SD beach experiance since I came to SD over 45 years ago. It is a shame to remove them when there are organizations trying to get the $ to support there use. Is this another part of the ban on alchol - to reduce the beach experiance?

December 11, 2008 9:43 AM

Kevin Chavarria said...

My family has a tradition of holding a bonfire party once a year at the beginning of every summer once school ends. We just had our 11th consecutive one. All the family and many friends attend, making it a sizable and memorable event every year.

Everyone who comes enjoys it, and some say it is the highlight of their summer. The bonfire serves as a reunion and party where everyone eats, plays sports/games, and relaxes together. I could go on and on but the point is that the occasion is a very, very special one.

I was appalled upon hearing that they are going to remove the pits, and I implore the community to consider the importance of the pits to our bays and beaches, and recall their own memories of how they have contributed to their lives.

It would be hugely disappointing and painful if the pits go, and at least one fantastic and beneficial tradition will be lost.

December 11, 2008 9:47 AM

Amy said...

Keep them! Find a way, they are wrapped around too many good memories for too many residents to remove them! Its something we want our children to enjoy doing. They need to stay!

December 11, 2008 10:21 AM

Rachele said...

Every summer friends & I go down to Coronado for bonfires - do you realize how much use they get? It's a struggle to get one. In order to have a bonfire at night, one must go to the beach early in the morning & reserve it all day. San Diego is a large city with a small-town vibe. The bon-fires are a part of that. San Diego is a beach community and by taking away the pits, it is diminishing what we are most identified with. We have a 43 million shortfall & you really think that cutting $259k over 2 years is really going to make a dent it that? It's like pocket change in comparison. KEEP THE PITS!

December 11, 2008 10:24 AM

Anonymous said...

I grew up with late night fires on the beach. We didn't commit crimes or make noise, just enjoyed the beauty of nature at night.

Why not just enforce peaceful behavior and let people carry on?

December 11, 2008 10:46 AM

Tom Paine said...

Just like the long-standing San Diego tradition of having a beer on the sand, taking away beach bonfires is the next step in keeping people off the beaches. Say good-bye for good, because just like drinking beer at the beach, we will never see the fire pits again. This is all about Kevin Faulconer paying back wealthy beachfront property owners and big business who want to cleanse the beaches of the lower classes. They will push their plans to create Miami Beach or Malibu right here in San Diego and there is absolutely nothing anyone can do about it. They want restricted beach access for their planned vacation resorts for the wealthy. The citizens of San Diego took Faulconer's bait hook, line, and sinker with the alcohol ban. This is the next logical step. Until people in San Diego wake up and realize that they are being taken for suckers, they will be controlled and managed by a municipal government that has become the enemy of the people and the tool of developers and big business. Put on the glasses and see what is really going on.

December 11, 2008 10:50 AM

T.A. said...

*there are more logical alternatives than simple removal*

December 11, 2008 10:50 AM

Betty said...

It was my 26th birthday and I wanted a bon-fire on Crown Point--well, I got there SUPER early on a late June morning to reserve my pit. You see, in the summer, so many people gather for pit fires that you have to get there early enough to save one. to finish my story, my buddy forgot the wood and we were without fire and the sun was setting. Another group was walking around looking for an empty pit to use ALL of their wood in....so we merged. That night was one of my most favorite birthday parties because I went home having a grip of more friends than what I woke up with. Firepits are a necessity here in San Diego...they hold us together, they bring us together, they hold SAN DIEGO together. The city needs to look at the long term effects: tourism is going to drop the more you take away...KEEP THE PITS HERE AND WE WILL KEEP THEM CLEAN. There are other solutions to save that money than taking away our identity, our culture, our fun!!!
Thank you,
Jessica Lyn Dykes

December 11, 2008 10:52 AM

Anonymous said...

I have lived in OB since 1980, have used "a fire ring" maybe half a dozen times in all these years, but I have to say: Those times were always STAND-OUT SPECIAL.
We had boom boxes & percussion instruments & blankets. We sang, laughed & danced. Really fun!!!
...til' the cops would "bring the mood to a low squeal duhh" with interrogative questions about "cup contents", wood choices, etc... I guess it is their job, BUT...
I'm saying this loud & clear:
WHERE CAN AN ADULT (53)... HELLO?!?
have a simple good time without GOVERNMENT WHOEVERS sticking their "get a life" noses into other people's freedom loving business(es)!?!
We are supposedly all adults here.
Who made them b-o-s-s ?
I say:
Somehow, we've got to get our "life's little pleasures" back...
or all I can think of is:
METROPOLIS; or
1984; or
MINORITY REPORT;
and that's more than scary!!!

THE FIRE PITS are part of the beach community. Visitors enjoy them as well.
Hate to say this, but I hope this affects our tourism negatively. Maybe THEN we will get the fire pits back!

psss.... I'm discusted & ashamed of our "Finest City" for this whole debacle.

FREEDOM!!! ~ss

December 11, 2008 10:54 AM

Anonymous said...

this is ridiculous.

December 11, 2008 11:04 AM

Scott said...

I moved here in 1979.

Taxes and crime were low, community colleges were pratically free, traffic was light, you were allowed to grab a six pack and head to the beach, build a fire and hang out with friends to the sounds of the Pacific..and life was great.

30 years later, the population has quadrupled, years of liberal politically correct governmental programs have chipped away at our traditional basic values and way of life, illegal immigration has decimated our health and education systems, and overloaded our prison system, local jails and law enforcement, and we are now being told that the State of California and City of San Diego is broke, and as our Governor puts it, facing "financial Armageddon".

Along with population growth, logically also should tax revenue grow...significantly. Right? Where the hell did all of the money go? Where did our incredible Southern California way of life go? It's time to ask those politicians who have been in charge of this city and state, along with their respective political parties and whacked out liberal policies that are directly responsible for the mismanagement of the growth of our great city and State to explain and act or be run out of town in disgrace. Explain why they continue to waste our hard earned tax money on stupid labor deals and wasteful programs, studies and policies, while continuing to allow an all out invasion of our state by illegal aliens to the point where they feel that this is the place they need to cut to compensate for their do good, ridiculous and consistent destruction up of our great Southern California traditions

Can anyone explain to me how in the hell could it possibly cost even a fraction of $259,000 to "maintain" these fire rings for 18 months? I'm, evidently in the wrong line of work!! Can anyone ever justify raising one penny of my taxes when these kinds of examples of government waste go on and on and on, day in and day out, unfettered?

Jerry Sanders,and any Council member signing on to this ridiculous idea.. keep your hands off of my fire rings, and allow me to have a beer on my beach, or you will never receive another vote from me and neither will any politician responsible for this kind of nonsense. Enough is enough!!!!

December 11, 2008 11:46 AM

DM said...

So what? Now that we can't drink on the beach they have to find other ways to limit our fun? I am sick of the city focusing on such menial issues while bigger problems like violence, drugs, and public transportation are never confronted.

Dave Meservey, San Diego, CA

December 11, 2008 11:48 AM

Lane Tobias said...

this is one of the dumbest cost cutting measures imaginable...it probably costs at least 50K just to remove them, let alone the manpower and transportation of said fire pits.

this city is really headed in the wrong direction in its attempt to balance the budget.

December 11, 2008 11:52 AM

Anonymous said...

Dump the fire pits.

Two Words: Air quality.

Three more: Grow up already.

December 11, 2008 11:58 AM

Anonymous said...

Excuse me, but has anyone else noticed the super-frilly upgrades in Law Enforcement vehicles in the last few years?... and that includes "high-end" road bike & xtras; all-terrain vehicles, beautiful horses, brand new SUVs; top of the line !!!
I absolutely have nothing against our Police, its just so blatantly obvious that a HUGE AMOUNT of $$$ was recently spent on NEW & SHINY equipment. I also noticed Jerry Sander's bodyguards, I believe drive a top-of-the-line BLACK SUV, just to accompany The Mayor, wherever he goes!?!
The reason for mentioning my observations is:
It hasn't looked "tight" (as far as budget concerns) at the top.

~also: Somewhere I read Kevin Faulkner is backing us up by relaying our offers of:
getting $$$ backers; funding through donations; and just good ole' community volunteer work. We do this kind of thing all over the city as it is. The citizens of communities want to take care of their own stuff! ...get it Sanders? You are NOT OUR CARETAKER!!! We can handle it Jerry. We will care for the pits. Take the whole matter off your hands, off "your books"...

BUT NO? Unless we come up with $---,---.-- (MONEY, HONEY)
YOU WILL NOT GIVE US OUR FIRE RINGS
hmm-mm-mmm... sounds like EXTORTION to me !!!!!!!!

Come on Mr. Mayor, let us have fun & go out & play.

You could join us.
Have a little fun.
See what the GOOD PART of San Diego is all about.

Wadda ya say!?!?!

PAN

December 11, 2008 12:45 PM

Jennifer Van Grove said...

As a lifetime resident, I'm personally offended that the City feels it can just wipe out our fire pits with out consulting the people who make this city great. The fire pits not only add to our beaches (which bring in important tourism dollars), but offer a way to connect with family and friends in a fun and safe environment. My childhood memories include many a bonfire with some of the most important people in my life. It is absurd and obnoxious to think that removing the fire pits will actually help our city.

There's so much more I could say in anger and frustration, but I'm hoping better judgment will prevail and the powers at be (especially the Mayor) will realize the error of their tragically flawed logic.

December 11, 2008 1:40 PM

Kevin Poore said...

Please consider all aspects removing the beach fire pits will have on the beach communities. I don't know if you've taken time to notice but the beach has already become pretty vacant due to the alcohol ban. How much more money do you want to take from local business such as myself? The dollar trickles down to effect everyone within and outside the payroll. I’m sure the big-money politicians that rarely visit the beach communities (or those effected by this) will push to have this passed and it’s a shame.

December 11, 2008 2:35 PM

Ryan said...

Ryan, San Diego

I was shocked when I heard a decision was made to remove the fire pits in all of the beach areas. They must be one of the best wholesome attractions our city has to offer. I have spent countless evenings w/ friends and family by the side of the bay, just soaking up the scenery next to the comforting warmth of the fire. Surely there must be a variety of ways which this San Diego treasure can remain part of our cities personality...and an avenue for our communities to spend quality time together. Not to mention, the cost of upkeep isn't even a blip on the radar of our cities financial situation. It may be argued that the firepits removal may actual hurt neighboring businesses and community appeal.
I can't help but feel that our government hasn't put forth much effort in saving the fire pits and has taken their existence for granted. I sincerely hope a resolution is created by either our local government or independent sponsors that understand the value of such entities within our community.

December 11, 2008 3:21 PM

laura, pacific beach said...

Fire pits keep fires safe and contained, and they prevent people from stepping in hot ashes after the fire has gone out. It seems unsafe to remove them - I feel safer with them there.

December 11, 2008 3:21 PM

Sparky said...

what are we hoping to accomplish by removing them?

December 11, 2008 5:56 PM

Anonymous said...

The image and experience of enjoying time at these city institutions cannot be sacrificed! The benefit (budget savings) would be so incredibly small compared to the cost to the city and its residents of their removal.

December 11, 2008 7:36 PM

Catherine Lasota said...

We as a family have enjoyed the Fire Pits for many years! I am really sad about the City of San Diego taking away a very low cost amenity for thousands of Residents and Visitors that enjoy our Coastlines. Let it be known I am not in favor of removing or destroying these icons for all of us who appreciate our Beaches. Tourism is our Number ONE commerce in San Diego. We cannot let our shortsighted government leave us in the dark! Write your Councilmember and/or Mayor! San Diego County governing members should be helping us too!!! Catherine Lasota San Diego

December 11, 2008 8:05 PM

Anonymous said...

The fire rings serve uncountable purposes for hundreds, if not thousands, of people in San Diego. Sure, some crowds get drunk and rowdy and that can blemish the value of the rings, but I'm confident in saying that by far the rings are an appreciated asset for many beach/bay goers. Maybe the City could do a little efficiency analysis on the way some services are performed - I'd hazard a guess there are some efficiency and monetary gains to be made in streamlining how works are done... what do you think?

December 11, 2008 8:16 PM

ElopeSanDiego.com said...

Dear Mister Mayor:
Please don't remove anymore fire pits from our beaches.

It is one really cool thing in San Diego. And a very romantic way to spend an evening

Please don't be a beach grinch !

christine

December 11, 2008 8:24 PM

Seisen said...

There is something so fishy about this. Why can volunteers clean the highways but it's not safe to clean the fire pits? Why are the fire pits being removed so quickly before the new budgeting even starts? Why is there so little interest in exploring any solution other than 1/4 million dollars? Our lives are getting more and more safe and homogenized. Being in nature, enjoying each others company, watching a beautiful sunset (like tonight's) with a warm cheery fire. That's what it's about. This is so destructive to San Diego and the San Diego life style.

December 11, 2008 9:51 PM

Anonymous said...

Tony - San Diego

Let's take back our city people! Save the pits! I am tired of BAN Diego!

December 11, 2008 10:59 PM

Joan said...

Joan Connolly
San Diego

PLEASE DON'T!

December 11, 2008 11:59 PM

Anonymous said...

is this not how burning man was started?
if you do plan to burn at the beach you simply need to put it in a portable BBQ and take it home with you at the end of the evening...embers included please.

December 12, 2008 8:42 AM

Anonymous said...

Where am I supposed to burn all the plastic grocery bags now?

December 12, 2008 8:48 AM

Anonymous said...

Please don't take away the fire pits. They are a safe. fun part of the beach.

December 12, 2008 9:07 AM

Anonymous said...

Christine
Chula Vista

Just gonna say what eveybody else is saying. KEEP THE FIRE PITS!!!! How else are people gonna have fun at the beaches at night time?! Think about that!!!

December 12, 2008 10:39 AM

Anonymous said...

The fire pits are part of the San Diego beach culture! What next? No palm trees at the beach? THIS IS NUTS! Don't let them take the fire pits!!!!!

December 12, 2008 11:26 AM

josh trent said...

the fact that the city would even think about taking them away is down right disrespectful to the citizens that this is an out rage!! don't you people remember what it was like to enjoy the beach? one by one our right are taken away.........not the pits. they are a source of joy for years and years. if you are looking to reduce the city debt, just write more parking tickets, lord knows we can always get more of those done.

this is absolutely insane and our city is showing that they don't care about it's citizens or it's tourists!


a disgusted san diegan

December 12, 2008 12:14 PM

SDSailor said...

Is it necessary to remove ALL the fire pits? Can't they just be removed from areas that have low usage and save $$? We use them multiple times a year and it is a huge mistake to remove them all!

December 12, 2008 12:32 PM

Anonymous said...

Bonfires on the beach are a tradition in San Diego. It's an inexpensive, fun experience for family and friends. The expense to clean them doesn't fit the type of cuts this City Government needs to make with the current deficit. Take a better look at the choices you're making.

December 12, 2008 2:53 PM

Anonymous said...

Why don't we start a fund. Everyone donate 5 to ten bucks and hopefully we can get enough supporters to "adopt" a fire pit. That's what the city said would work.

December 12, 2008 5:25 PM

Save the Fire Rings said...

I am meeting with a few community groups this weekend to discuss our options. Unfortunately the city requires that we raise at least $173,000 to keep the rings for 2009. This would be tough to do in small amounts...but this is still on the table. I'll update the blog as I learn more.
Save the Fire Pits!

December 12, 2008 5:37 PM

Anonymous said...

PLEASE KEEP THE FIRE RINGS
WE ENJOY THEM WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
ALL PEOPLE CAN AFFORD TO ENJOY A GET TOGETHER
AROUND A FIRE RING
GOOD TIMES FOR ALL AGES

LET IT GLOW LET IT GLOW LET IT GLOW!!!
Sue H.
Bay Park

December 12, 2008 6:20 PM

Anonymous said...

Didn't the city just pass a proposition where a percent of it goes directly back to Mission Bay Park?


Bay Park Families
that watch the fire pits at Fiesta Island every night
LOVE IT!!!!

December 12, 2008 6:24 PM

Anne said...

Is there nothing we can do to save the fire pits? So many of my best memories from college and beyond are from around those warm, glowing meeting places!

December 12, 2008 7:04 PM

John said...

The fire pits are essential to san diego's surf and youth culture. Recently graduating from college, I can't pick a single person in my phone, or that i vaguely knew on campus, that didn't partake in a beach bonfire at least once. It's one of the best ways for a bunch of people to have a lot of fun.

Also, just last night I was enjoying the largest full moon in recent history and joining an in progress bonfire was the perfect way to end an outstanding night.

Smore's on the beach, group ice breakers, bonding, and sweet dates are a few reasons to spend a drop in the bucket on fire pits and shave some fat off of some of the useless city workers and mayor appointed positions.

San Diegans Love The Pits!

December 13, 2008 2:12 PM

Anonymous said...

Keep the fire pits !
We have great time at the beach with them especially in the winter

December 13, 2008 2:20 PM

Phong Nguyen said...

san diego is not san diego without our fire pits. i lived in the bay area (redwood city) for 6 month a few years back and one thing i missed most about san diego was coming out to the fire pits with friends and family and just hanging out. first people ban beer on the beach and now the fire pits. it's like they don't want us to have any fun on the beach any more. what's next?? no food because of trash. how about a ban on people on the beach?? the more we take out of the beach the less tourist want to come. i know my friends from the bay area will be very upset if they come down here and didn't see the fire pits. that's one of the things they really look forward to when they come down here.

December 13, 2008 4:45 PM

Jill Kennedy said...

I am a student at UCSD and having beach bonfires has been an integral part of my experience at university. The atmosphere is relaxed, without worrying about papers, tests, etc. Its great to just sit, roast some marshmallows and enjoy the company of some good friends on a beautiful beach. A lot of clubs on campus host beach bonfires for the opportunity to socialize and meet new people. I've always seen these clubs, as well as at private bonfires with my own friends, keep the area cleaned up and as non-disruptive as possible. Removing the pits is a tremendous loss to the city as the experience of a bonfire on the beach isn't available everywhere. We have a unique experience available to the people in San Diego. It should be kept that way.

December 14, 2008 2:12 AM

KELSEYgurl said...

San Diego isn't San Diego without the fire pits. The fire pits are a big part of everyones life, there has been so many memories. I think that not onlh will faithful San Diegans not be able to have a bon fire, but the businesses around the beaches will be hurt, like for example, "OH my i forgot the lighter fluid, i have to go get some, im going to the liquor store right on the corner." (true story) Things like that will be happening, EVERYONE will be loosing money.

Why don't the people who have to do community service go and clean out the pits for their time.

It shouldn't even be a question or a problem... this should be the least of peoples worries.

It's also going to cause more danger because people will start fires anywhere and then leave all the shrapinal on the beach and someone will walk a long and step on a nail, or better yet go into the ocean and KILL everything in it. The ocean already has enough peoblems trying to keep itself clean.

What is this WORLD comming to?

PEOPLE ARE TIRED OF PAYING THE PRICE OF THE DUMB GOVERNMENT AND THEIR ECONOMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

December 15, 2008 2:13 PM

KELSEYgurl said...

San Diego isn't San Diego without the fire pits. The fire pits are a big part of everyones life, there has been so many memories. I think that not onlh will faithful San Diegans not be able to have a bon fire, but the businesses around the beaches will be hurt, like for example, "OH my i forgot the lighter fluid, i have to go get some, im going to the liquor store right on the corner." (true story) Things like that will be happening, EVERYONE will be loosing money.

Why don't the people who have to do community service go and clean out the pits for their time.

It shouldn't even be a question or a problem... this should be the least of peoples worries.

It's also going to cause more danger because people will start fires anywhere and then leave all the shrapinal on the beach and someone will walk a long and step on a nail, or better yet go into the ocean and KILL everything in it. The ocean already has enough peoblems trying to keep itself clean.

What is this WORLD comming to?

December 15, 2008 2:13 PM

Anonymous said...

My boyfriend and I can't afford much right now...we don't get to go to fancy restaurants or out to movies. What we really enjoy is a nice romantic fire at the bay. Losing the fire pits would be such a huge loss!!! There is something so magical about standing in front of a big bonfire!! Especially when your with the one you love.

I was born in San Diego and have always enjoyed having bonfires. It is a fun experience for all ages and really brings people together. Best of all it is free!!

It is bad enough that they had to ban drinking and smoking because of certain people not being able to handle themselves. Too lose the fire pits as well would really be a shame. PLEASE DON"T TAKE AWAY THE FIRE PITS!!!!!

December 16, 2008 1:35 PM

Anonymous said...

Twice a year, my friends and buy lobsters from the local beach grocery stores and cook them in big pots in the fire pits.
Without these fire pits, I am afraid our tradition will be lost.

There has got to be more solutions and compromises than an "all the pits or none" approach. This kind of digging in the heels when it comes to the budget is what is causing the mess in Sacramento. We elect and pay our city council and Mayor to represent our interests. It is time that they think about the community's interests rather than their own.
I am sure that they can tighten the budget in their own offices a little more before they take away a part of San Diego pride.

July 12, 2009 12:26 PM

HiddenTreasures said...

When is the next city council meeting to discuss this?

August 27, 2009 2:51 PM

Anonymous said...

I use the fire rings every weekend in Ocean Beach. They are a great way to spend an inexpensive weekend in San Diego and I believe are important to many. I find it hard to believe that by eliminating the fire pits and two jobs that the City of San Diego is going to save money. I know the fire rings are good for the local business and must bring revenue from taxes. I believe it to be shameful that the City of San Diego has passed the buck off to us when our taxes we pay are supposed to pay for these services. Effectively they have raised my taxes with the word donation. The City Council's inability to manage funds and contracts has led to this and in most companies I have been associated with their performance would grounds for dismissal.

September 27, 2009 9:27 AM

LaPlaya said...

1. We heard that the high cost was for a city employee. A way to save the firepits and allow volunteers to clean the pits would be for the City of San Diego to apply for National Marine Sanctuary status. Then the volunteers would be trained by NOAA on proper protocol.

http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/letters/article_cb1a5415-4472-520d-935f-a72a199dec51.html

2. For the Point Loma Association, they hire the Urban Corps to work on landscaping and brush clearance for a very low amount of money. The Urban Corps of San Diego County already has the liability insurance to work on public sites for the City of San Diego.

http://www.urbancorpssd.org/

December 5, 2009 1:47 AM

Anonymous said...

The people that control the finances in San Diego are politicians, not businessmen. If they were businessmen, they would look at the WHOLE picture. As a financial person, I would be willing to bet that the revenues generated by people who use the firepits exceeds the $120,000 it costs to maintain them. The people who use them need to drive to the beach, they buy food and beverages, they go out in OB after to eat and drink. They generate tax dollars for our city. They also get parking tickets, another source of revenue. These over zealous watchdogs of San Diego's finances need to pay attention to the city employees that are robbing the city blind. Does CCDC ring a bell? How can the most beautiful costal city in California, with our tourist trade and attractions, be in financial trouble? My dad told me to watch the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves. Accountability city workers, accountability. Mr Mayor, do the job we elected you to do. Take care of our city. If you don't we will elect a new one.

December 7, 2009 11:11 PM