By Steve Anderson / Beach & Bay Press – Times of San Diego / April 30, 2026
Recently, Mayor Todd Gloria proposed major cuts to San Diego’s arts and culture funding. As the city faces an $118 million deficit, the proposed arts cuts alone would save $11.8 million. Like much of Gloria’s decisions as mayor, this was met with backlash, especially among the local arts community.
On top of that, it seems like the cuts will affect other beloved aspects of our community — street fairs and parades are also under threat of losing major funding. Within Point Loma and OB that would be annual events, like the OB Street Fair and Chili Cook Off.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the OB Street Fair will cease to exist, but it might raise attendance fees and the organizations that support the events may experience layoffs.
Obviously, the event is beloved within our community and major changes to its overall production and price increases would be disappointing to say the least. At least for me, it’s starting to feel like everything in the city costs money now. It’s hard to even spend a day at the park or beach without having to worry about a parking fee or an overpriced entrance fee.
I share the frustration of many San Diegans when it comes to these recent budget cuts and increased fees. Cutting events like the OB Street Fair also seems to ignore the economic boost that these events bring to their respective communities. People from other parts of San Diego want to enjoy Ocean Beach too, and events like this bring them in.
Alas, I know I’m not the only frustrated San Diegan. I work at a coffee shop and nearly every conversation I have with customers has something to do with them complaining about new parking fees and meters being put up around the city. So maybe, as Sam Cooke says, a change is gonna come.
Gloria’s arts cuts threaten more than museums — street fairs, parades and neighborhood fests are all on the line
See more here.
