Reader Rant: ‘San Diego’s ‘Daylighting’ Parking Enforcement Functions as a Trap’

By Anonymous OBcean

Dear representatives of Councilmember Campbell and Mayor Gloria,

I am writing to express my outrage after receiving a citation under San Diego’s “daylighting” parking enforcement near an unmarked crosswalk.

This law, as currently enforced, functions as a trap. There are no signs, no painted curbs, and no visible warnings to alert drivers that parking is prohibited. Residents and visitors are expected to somehow know they must remain 20 feet from an invisible, unmarked crosswalk. That is not reasonable governance — it is punitive and predatory.

Public safety should never be implemented through gotcha enforcement. If pedestrian visibility is truly the priority, then the City should first ensure that every affected curb is clearly marked and properly signed. Instead, the City appears to be issuing tickets in areas where no ordinary driver would have any idea they are in violation. That creates the unavoidable impression that this is less about safety and more about revenue.

I supported both of you in past elections because I believed in your leadership. Policies like this — enforced without adequate notice — severely damage that trust. I cannot in good conscience continue supporting elected officials who allow residents to be cited under rules that are neither clearly communicated nor visibly marked.

The City should immediately suspend enforcement until proper signage and curb painting are installed. Failing to do so not only undermines public confidence but invites serious legal scrutiny, including the potential for a class action challenge based on lack of fair notice.

San Diego residents deserve transparency and fairness — not hidden enforcement zones.

Standing 20 feet back from future support.

Ocean Beach resident and proud contributor to the city’s unmarked crosswalk awareness fund