San Diego, February 11, 2026
The San Diego Police Department is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information on the vandalism of 52 parking pay stations in Balboa Park, causing $77,000 in damages. This incident involved spray-painting and smashing glass screens, rendering the machines inoperable. The vandalism occurred during a critical period after the city’s new paid parking program was implemented to fund improvements in the park. Authorities are calling for public assistance in identifying those responsible for the damage.
San Diego Offers $1,000 Reward for Information on Balboa Park Parking Meter Vandalism
San Diego, CA – The San Diego Police Department is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for vandalizing 52 parking pay stations in Balboa Park, resulting in approximately $77,000 in damages. The vandalism occurred between December 24, 2025, and February 6, 2026, rendering the machines inoperable. The suspects spray-painted the machines, shattered their glass screens, and/or placed a sticky substance on the keypads. The damaged pay stations were located in the 2700 to 3200 blocks of Balboa Drive; 1900 block of Eighth Avenue; 600 block of Juniper Street; 2800 and 3300 blocks of Park Boulevard; 1800 to 2900 blocks of Sixth Avenue; and 1800 block of Village Place. Anyone with information is urged to contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477 or visit sdcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
Background on Balboa Park’s Paid Parking Program
In January 2026, the City of San Diego implemented a paid parking program in Balboa Park to fund maintenance and improvements. The program includes parking meters on roads within the park and adjacent areas, with rates set at $2.50 per hour, up to $10 per day, enforced from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The program also offers discounted rates for verified city residents and preserves some free parking options, including for park employees and volunteers.
Public Response and Vandalism
The introduction of paid parking has faced criticism from some residents and visitors, leading to a series of vandalism incidents targeting the new pay stations. The damage has not only disrupted the parking system but also sparked discussions about the implementation and impact of the paid parking program in Balboa Park.
City’s Response
City officials are actively investigating the vandalism and have urged the public to come forward with any information that could assist in identifying the perpetrators. The reward is part of the city’s efforts to address the issue and ensure the continued functionality of the parking system in Balboa Park.
Contact Information
Individuals with information about the vandalism are encouraged to contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477 or visit sdcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
FAQ
What is the reward amount offered for information on the Balboa Park parking meter vandalism?
The San Diego Police Department is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for vandalizing 52 parking pay stations in Balboa Park, resulting in approximately $77,000 in damages.
When did the vandalism incidents occur?
The vandalism occurred between December 24, 2025, and February 6, 2026, rendering the machines inoperable.
How can I report information about the vandalism?
Anyone with information is urged to contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477 or visit sdcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
What is the paid parking program in Balboa Park?
In January 2026, the City of San Diego implemented a paid parking program in Balboa Park to fund maintenance and improvements. The program includes parking meters on roads within the park and adjacent areas, with rates set at $2.50 per hour, up to $10 per day, enforced from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The program also offers discounted rates for verified city residents and preserves some free parking options, including for park employees and volunteers.
How can I contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers?
Individuals with information about the vandalism are encouraged to contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477 or visit sdcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
Key Features of the Balboa Park Paid Parking Program
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Meter Rates | $2.50 per hour, up to $10 per day, enforced from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. |
| Discounts for Residents | Discounted rates for verified city residents. |
| Free Parking Options | Some free parking options, including for park employees and volunteers. |
| Implementation Date | January 2026. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Balboa Park Parking Fee Protests Lead to Policy Revisions
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
