San Diego trims trash fees and ends Balboa Park paid parking

San Diego approved a settlement to cut the controversial trash pickup fees and end paid parking in Balboa Park by year-end. The deal reduces the monthly trash fee to $38.75 with a phased rollout and a two-year rollback, avoids a potentially costly ballot measure, and includes an independent audit of trash costs. It lowers near-term city revenue but preserves park access as the council reviews timelines and funding for the changes.