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Richard Bailey

@RichardPBailey_ • 5,083 subscribers

53rd Mayor, City of Coronado 🏃🏼‍♂️🏊🏼‍♂️🚴🏼⛰

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In response to business owners expressing concerns that increasing the minimum wage to $25/HR will force them to automate certain positions, a SD City Councilmember responded, “do not dare…I will have a policy for that too.” The city then voted to exempt themselves from the $25/HR minimum wage.

In response to business owners expressing concerns that increasing the minimum wage to $25/HR will force them to automate certain positions, a SD City Councilmember responded, “do not dare…I will have a policy for that too.” The city then voted to exempt themselves from the $25/HR minimum wage.

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$The City is planning to rebuild the dilapidated Mission Beach Lifeguard station for $25M which is a cost of nearly $6,000/ sqft. Built over 45 years ago, the city failed to adequately maintain the current structure or save for its eventual replacement. The lifeguards need a new facility, but it’ll take years to save up the $25M for replacement considering the city is broke. When it is cheaper to buy multiple beachfront mansions, it should raise serious concerns about why the city is spending so much on this project when comparable structures are built in the private sector for a fraction of the cost. If the cost of construction was closer to market rates, it would allow the city to build the new facility much quicker which would be better for the lifeguards and taxpayers.$

The City is planning to rebuild the dilapidated Mission Beach Lifeguard station for $25M which is a cost of nearly $6,000/ sqft. Built over 45 years ago, the city failed to adequately maintain the current structure or save for its eventual replacement. The lifeguards need a new facility, but it’ll take years to save up the $25M for replacement considering the city is broke. When it is cheaper to buy multiple beachfront mansions, it should raise serious concerns about why the city is spending so much on this project when comparable structures are built in the private sector for a fraction of the cost. If the cost of construction was closer to market rates, it would allow the city to build the new facility much quicker which would be better for the lifeguards and taxpayers.

16,834 views • 9 days ago

The Clairemont pool was scheduled to be closed six months for repairs beginning in 2024 and reopening early 2025. More than two years later, the pool is still closed. Community members have been left without a place to swim, teams without a place to practice, and kids without a place to learn how to swim. According to city emails, much of the delay is due to an internal contracting and procurement issue. Public pressure has now forced the city to come up with a plan to reopen the pool sometime next year, but this is yet another example of public facilities being closed due to poor planning, budgeting, and management practices. Will anyone be held accountable for the delay?

The Clairemont pool was scheduled to be closed six months for repairs beginning in 2024 and reopening early 2025. More than two years later, the pool is still closed. Community members have been left without a place to swim, teams without a place to practice, and kids without a place to learn how to swim. According to city emails, much of the delay is due to an internal contracting and procurement issue. Public pressure has now forced the city to come up with a plan to reopen the pool sometime next year, but this is yet another example of public facilities being closed due to poor planning, budgeting, and management practices. Will anyone be held accountable for the delay?

26,904 views • 23 days ago

I think most of us would agree that San Diego is the best place to call “home.” Unfortunately, the city is poorly managed. From structural deficits to failing infrastructure to reduced service levels at our parks, libraries, and rec centers, San Diego deserves better. I can’t promise you’ll agree with me on every issue, but I can promise to approach every issue with the best practices learned from both the public and private sector, a sincere desire to hear competing points of view, high standards for city performance, and a level of accountability that is sorely lacking at City Hall. If you think the City needs new leadership focused on better policies, please spread the word to your friends, family, and network that live in San Diego D2 (Clairemont, Point Loma, Mission Beach, and Ocean Beach).

I think most of us would agree that San Diego is the best place to call “home.” Unfortunately, the city is poorly managed. From structural deficits to failing infrastructure to reduced service levels at our parks, libraries, and rec centers, San Diego deserves better. I can’t promise you’ll agree with me on every issue, but I can promise to approach every issue with the best practices learned from both the public and private sector, a sincere desire to hear competing points of view, high standards for city performance, and a level of accountability that is sorely lacking at City Hall. If you think the City needs new leadership focused on better policies, please spread the word to your friends, family, and network that live in San Diego D2 (Clairemont, Point Loma, Mission Beach, and Ocean Beach).

24,573 views • 1 month ago

The City of San Diego issued 12K tickets totaling $1.3M to unsuspecting drivers for parking within 20’ of an intersection - even if the curbs are unmarked. Although California’s daylighting law applies statewide, cities have discretion on whether to issue citations before or after curbs are painted red. San Diego is issuing tickets regardless of the curb is red or not. If this was truly about improved sight lines and pedestrian safety, San Diego would paint the curbs red before issuing tickets.

The City of San Diego issued 12K tickets totaling $1.3M to unsuspecting drivers for parking within 20’ of an intersection - even if the curbs are unmarked. Although California’s daylighting law applies statewide, cities have discretion on whether to issue citations before or after curbs are painted red. San Diego is issuing tickets regardless of the curb is red or not. If this was truly about improved sight lines and pedestrian safety, San Diego would paint the curbs red before issuing tickets.

100,268 views • 1 year ago

Public records show the city spent $6M to rebuild two Mission Bay Park restrooms in the past 18 months that are now closed as part of the city’s decision to close 13 restrooms indefinitely to save $550K annually and help close the $100M structural deficit. As bad as the restroom closures are, the bigger question is why is the city spending millions to build new facilities when it can’t afford to keep existing facilities open? From the OB Pier to the Mission Beach lifeguard tower to these Mission Bay Park restrooms, the city has a pattern of letting facilities fall into a state of disrepair. This lack of planning is both unacceptable and an egregious waste of tax dollars.

Public records show the city spent $6M to rebuild two Mission Bay Park restrooms in the past 18 months that are now closed as part of the city’s decision to close 13 restrooms indefinitely to save $550K annually and help close the $100M structural deficit. As bad as the restroom closures are, the bigger question is why is the city spending millions to build new facilities when it can’t afford to keep existing facilities open? From the OB Pier to the Mission Beach lifeguard tower to these Mission Bay Park restrooms, the city has a pattern of letting facilities fall into a state of disrepair. This lack of planning is both unacceptable and an egregious waste of tax dollars.

25,460 views • 3 months ago

How to close San Diego’s $610 million spending gap without cutting services, raising taxes, or nickel-and-diming residents: Return staffing to 2015 levels (population is basically the same) → $220M 12% productivity gain from software/systems since 2015 → $95M Right-size staffing → pension contribution savings → $130M Completely reform the homeless services model that’s been enabling the problem → $35M Use managed competition for all city services (trash, parks, etc.) → $50M Reduce firefighter & police overtime through staffing, policy & priority call reforms → $25M Optimize real estate (sell/repurpose 101 Ash St + consolidate empty offices) → $25M Shift misdemeanor prosecutions to the DA’s office like every other city in the county → $20M Total = $600M+

How to close San Diego’s $610 million spending gap without cutting services, raising taxes, or nickel-and-diming residents: Return staffing to 2015 levels (population is basically the same) → $220M 12% productivity gain from software/systems since 2015 → $95M Right-size staffing → pension contribution savings → $130M Completely reform the homeless services model that’s been enabling the problem → $35M Use managed competition for all city services (trash, parks, etc.) → $50M Reduce firefighter & police overtime through staffing, policy & priority call reforms → $25M Optimize real estate (sell/repurpose 101 Ash St + consolidate empty offices) → $25M Shift misdemeanor prosecutions to the DA’s office like every other city in the county → $20M Total = $600M+

49,989 views • 8 months ago

Should beach volleyball before 8am be a crime? The city has a rule that playing beach volleyball on city-owned courts before 8am is not allowed. Presumably this is because of potential noise concerns. However, there are planes flying overhead, city tractors maintaining the beach, and garbage trucks, all operating as early as 6am. Also, the 8am rule only applies to the city courts. Anyone can bring their own net and set up right next to the city courts to play at anytime…even before 8am. Although the rule has never been enforced, yesterday the city threatened to ticket anyone playing volleyball on city courts before 8am. Today, the park rangers came by, took a look, and just walked away without enforcement. Of all the issues facing the city, morning beach volleyball probably shouldn’t be one of them.

Should beach volleyball before 8am be a crime? The city has a rule that playing beach volleyball on city-owned courts before 8am is not allowed. Presumably this is because of potential noise concerns. However, there are planes flying overhead, city tractors maintaining the beach, and garbage trucks, all operating as early as 6am. Also, the 8am rule only applies to the city courts. Anyone can bring their own net and set up right next to the city courts to play at anytime…even before 8am. Although the rule has never been enforced, yesterday the city threatened to ticket anyone playing volleyball on city courts before 8am. Today, the park rangers came by, took a look, and just walked away without enforcement. Of all the issues facing the city, morning beach volleyball probably shouldn’t be one of them.

28,948 views • 5 months ago

13 of the 28 restrooms at Mission Bay Park are closing indefinitely. Why? To save $550K/yr and help close the city’s $100M+ structural deficit. Despite generating over $40M annually, Mission Bay Park is only guaranteed about 33% of the funds which can only be used for capital projects. The rest of the funds go to other regional parks (17%) and the city’s general fund (50%). So the city could’ve used a portion of the general fund allocation to keep all of the restrooms open, but instead chose to continue floating a very bureaucratic organization with excessive personnel. There’s no greater example of this than city council office staffing which increased approx 40 X faster than population growth over the past five years and now represents an additional $10M in annually expenditures. If the council would’ve reduced their staff to 2021 levels, all of the restrooms could’ve remained, arts funding gap fully funded and filled a pot hole or two. It simply comes down to priorities.

13 of the 28 restrooms at Mission Bay Park are closing indefinitely. Why? To save $550K/yr and help close the city’s $100M+ structural deficit. Despite generating over $40M annually, Mission Bay Park is only guaranteed about 33% of the funds which can only be used for capital projects. The rest of the funds go to other regional parks (17%) and the city’s general fund (50%). So the city could’ve used a portion of the general fund allocation to keep all of the restrooms open, but instead chose to continue floating a very bureaucratic organization with excessive personnel. There’s no greater example of this than city council office staffing which increased approx 40 X faster than population growth over the past five years and now represents an additional $10M in annually expenditures. If the council would’ve reduced their staff to 2021 levels, all of the restrooms could’ve remained, arts funding gap fully funded and filled a pot hole or two. It simply comes down to priorities.

16,810 views • 3 months ago

In 2025, the City of San Diego spent $7M to clear tent encampments. However, since the city rarely issues citations or makes arrests for violations, there is little accountability for violating the law so encampments come right back - often within hours of being cleared. The result is that some city blocks were cleared over 100 times last year. The sad reality is that, according to the State of California’s 2023 study on homelessness, most of the chronically homeless are suffering from addiction. Without meaningful consequences for their actions, it’s unlikely they’ll ever get help on their own. Allowing tent encampments is not compassionate to those living on the streets and it’s not fair to the rest of the general public who deserve clean and safe public spaces.

In 2025, the City of San Diego spent $7M to clear tent encampments. However, since the city rarely issues citations or makes arrests for violations, there is little accountability for violating the law so encampments come right back - often within hours of being cleared. The result is that some city blocks were cleared over 100 times last year. The sad reality is that, according to the State of California’s 2023 study on homelessness, most of the chronically homeless are suffering from addiction. Without meaningful consequences for their actions, it’s unlikely they’ll ever get help on their own. Allowing tent encampments is not compassionate to those living on the streets and it’s not fair to the rest of the general public who deserve clean and safe public spaces.

23,881 views • 5 months ago

How much does the City of San Diego spend on pensions? It turns out, it’s a lot. A new forecast from the city just predicted the annual pension contribution will be $410M - 20% of the City’s entire general fund budget. That means approx 20 cents for every dollar of general fund taxes, will go to pay retirement costs. According to the city report, the combination of record high staffing and generous pay increases is causing this large increase. It’s not the fault of city employees for accepting a generous pay package, but it is the fault of city leaders making unsustainable management decisions, especially while city performance decreases. Without a major organizational restructuring, the City will likely be forced to dip into GF reserves in FY 2027 and be out of money by FY 2028.

How much does the City of San Diego spend on pensions? It turns out, it’s a lot. A new forecast from the city just predicted the annual pension contribution will be $410M - 20% of the City’s entire general fund budget. That means approx 20 cents for every dollar of general fund taxes, will go to pay retirement costs. According to the city report, the combination of record high staffing and generous pay increases is causing this large increase. It’s not the fault of city employees for accepting a generous pay package, but it is the fault of city leaders making unsustainable management decisions, especially while city performance decreases. Without a major organizational restructuring, the City will likely be forced to dip into GF reserves in FY 2027 and be out of money by FY 2028.

32,308 views • 9 months ago

Two restrooms, two different standards. Both restrooms are owned by the city and both restrooms are open to the public. But one restroom is maintained by the city while the other restroom is maintained by a private company. Can you guess which one is maintained by the city?

Two restrooms, two different standards. Both restrooms are owned by the city and both restrooms are open to the public. But one restroom is maintained by the city while the other restroom is maintained by a private company. Can you guess which one is maintained by the city?

23,142 views • 6 months ago

A few days ago, a bartender at Moe’s Steakhouse in Mission Beach was stabbed 7 times and nearly killed by a repeat criminal that was supposed to be in prison until 2027 but had been released 18 months early due to California’s Proposition 57. Despite a lengthy rap sheet, the alleged attacker served just half of a 3 year prison sentence. According to the state of California, nearly 2/3 of all convicts are arrested again within 3 years of release but just 17% actually return back to prison.

A few days ago, a bartender at Moe’s Steakhouse in Mission Beach was stabbed 7 times and nearly killed by a repeat criminal that was supposed to be in prison until 2027 but had been released 18 months early due to California’s Proposition 57. Despite a lengthy rap sheet, the alleged attacker served just half of a 3 year prison sentence. According to the state of California, nearly 2/3 of all convicts are arrested again within 3 years of release but just 17% actually return back to prison.

38,354 views • 1 year ago

The City of SD just released its latest budget numbers and….it isn’t looking good. Despite all of the new fee increases, the City just posted a $23M deficit for Q1. The latest report confirms, the City does not have a revenue problem, it continues to have a spending and management problem that can only be solved through organizational reforms and a renewed focus on prioritizing the City’s core responsibilities.

The City of SD just released its latest budget numbers and….it isn’t looking good. Despite all of the new fee increases, the City just posted a $23M deficit for Q1. The latest report confirms, the City does not have a revenue problem, it continues to have a spending and management problem that can only be solved through organizational reforms and a renewed focus on prioritizing the City’s core responsibilities.

29,144 views • 10 months ago

The new paid parking at Balboa Park starts today and is expected to generate barely 1/10th of 1% of the City of San Diego's entire budget for FY 2026. Although most San Diegans do not regularly visit Balboa Park, the vast majority are opposed to paid parking as it represents the latest example of a mismanaged City that is out of touch with the people it represents.

The new paid parking at Balboa Park starts today and is expected to generate barely 1/10th of 1% of the City of San Diego's entire budget for FY 2026. Although most San Diegans do not regularly visit Balboa Park, the vast majority are opposed to paid parking as it represents the latest example of a mismanaged City that is out of touch with the people it represents.

27,275 views • 9 months ago

I’m excited to share that I’m planning to run for San Diego City Council 🙌 Campaigns are a team sport and I need your help 🤝 If you want to see a nonpartisan, commonsense, back to basics approach to local government then please visit to sign up and pledge your support. If we get enough support, we’ll launch our campaign in a few days to make a difference for San Diego!

I’m excited to share that I’m planning to run for San Diego City Council 🙌 Campaigns are a team sport and I need your help 🤝 If you want to see a nonpartisan, commonsense, back to basics approach to local government then please visit to sign up and pledge your support. If we get enough support, we’ll launch our campaign in a few days to make a difference for San Diego!

20,850 views • 7 months ago

Does San Diego have a revenue problem or a spending problem? Last year the city took in record tax revenue of nearly $2.1B. But spending, fueled by excessive staffing increases, is rising even faster which created the $240M structural deficit. Even with the record spending and staffing, the city’s own metrics show that performance for core city responsibilities is worse now than before. Taxpayers are paying more for less.

Does San Diego have a revenue problem or a spending problem? Last year the city took in record tax revenue of nearly $2.1B. But spending, fueled by excessive staffing increases, is rising even faster which created the $240M structural deficit. Even with the record spending and staffing, the city’s own metrics show that performance for core city responsibilities is worse now than before. Taxpayers are paying more for less.

30,501 views • 1 year ago

The City of san Diego only has about $200M in GF reserves which is enough to fund just five weeks of city operations. Despite record high tax revenue of $2.1 billion last fiscal year, the city failed to put any additional funds in the reserves which leaves the city increasingly vulnerable to unforeseen revenue decreases and expense increases. In 2019, the City had about 19% of annual revenues in reserves but that number has now dropped to 11% - below the City established policy of 16.7%. The City has some one-time funds it can tap before using reserves, but at the current burn rate, the city is likely to be completely out of money within just 18-24 months.

The City of san Diego only has about $200M in GF reserves which is enough to fund just five weeks of city operations. Despite record high tax revenue of $2.1 billion last fiscal year, the city failed to put any additional funds in the reserves which leaves the city increasingly vulnerable to unforeseen revenue decreases and expense increases. In 2019, the City had about 19% of annual revenues in reserves but that number has now dropped to 11% - below the City established policy of 16.7%. The City has some one-time funds it can tap before using reserves, but at the current burn rate, the city is likely to be completely out of money within just 18-24 months.

19,100 views • 8 months ago

An “affordable housing” project at San Diego City College is costing taxpayers $900K+ per unit while nearby market-rate developments cost just $350-$450K per unit. This is the latest in a series of “affordable housing” projects built by government agencies, at taxpayer expense, that are costing taxpayers 2X what higher quality units cost to build. To learn why affordable housing projects costs more to build than market rate projects, follow along.

An “affordable housing” project at San Diego City College is costing taxpayers $900K+ per unit while nearby market-rate developments cost just $350-$450K per unit. This is the latest in a series of “affordable housing” projects built by government agencies, at taxpayer expense, that are costing taxpayers 2X what higher quality units cost to build. To learn why affordable housing projects costs more to build than market rate projects, follow along.

20,356 views • 10 months ago

The City of SD approved a $2.8M contract for extended tram service and an on-demand shuttle for Balboa Park visitors, volunteers, and workers. The service is meant to transport visitors parking further away from their destination because of the new parking fees. The City is funding the two year, $2.8M contract using the same Balboa Park parking fees that are causing visitors to park further away.

The City of SD approved a $2.8M contract for extended tram service and an on-demand shuttle for Balboa Park visitors, volunteers, and workers. The service is meant to transport visitors parking further away from their destination because of the new parking fees. The City is funding the two year, $2.8M contract using the same Balboa Park parking fees that are causing visitors to park further away.

15,047 views • 9 months ago