San Diego Council members slated to debate paid parking in Balboa Park on Wednesday

San Diego City Councilmembers are scheduled to discuss Wednesday a ballot measure to make parking free in Balboa Park on Sundays – their first discussion related to Balboa Park paid parking since it took effect Jan. 5.

Some critics of the new parking fees, which are highly unpopular with residents and Balboa Park leaders, say Wednesday’s meeting is an opportunity for council members to signal support for repeal.

While the proposed ballot measure would only prohibit parking fees on Sunday in the park, council members could broaden it to cover every day of the week before the measure is finalized and placed on the June ballot.

Council members could also reject the proposed ballot measure, but express support instead for repealing or adjusting the fees by city ordinance or in some other way.

Mayor Todd Gloria has repeatedly said he has no plans to repeal or reconsider the fees, so it appears that action either by the council or voters will be necessary for the fees to be adjusted or repealed.

The ballot measure, which will be discussed at 9 a.m. Wednesday by the council’s Rules Committee, is being proposed by Shane Harris, a community organizer and activist who made a brief run for council in 2023.

Harris said Monday that he will follow through with presenting the pro...