Advocates Launched San Diego Climate Week

The city kicked off its second annual climate series with a paddle-out event at Glorietta Bay.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Civic Engagement

A lone kayak and paddleboard floating on calm, clear water in Glorietta Bay with the distant San Diego coastline visible. — Activists gathered at Glorietta Bay in San Diego on Monday to launch the city's second annual Climate Week with a paddle-out protest. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you support a local sales tax increase to fund environmental infrastructure in your area?

More than 100 people gathered at Glorietta Bay Park to initiate the second annual San Diego Climate Week. Participants used kayaks and paddleboards to protest the ongoing Tijuana River pollution crisis and offshore drilling.

Why it matters

The event serves as a platform for activists seeking permanent solutions to regional environmental issues. It also draws attention to Measure B, which proposes new tax funding for local infrastructure and pollution mitigation.

Measure B proposes a 0.5% sales tax increase to generate up to $450 million annually for infrastructure, with 22.5% of revenue earmarked for the Tijuana River pollution crisis.

The players

Measure B

This is a proposed local ballot measure seeking to implement a half-cent sales tax increase to fund regional infrastructure projects.

The details

Attendees wore hazmat suits and held signs during the paddle-out to visually protest environmental contamination in the area. The week-long program includes five themed summits and over 200 events scheduled across the region.

October 2, 2026: The opening ceremony and paddle-out event occurred at Glorietta Bay Park.
October 2, 2026 to October 8, 2026: San Diego Climate Week will feature programming throughout the city.

Utilities
Sept. 25
San Diego Community Power Added Coronado as Member
National Parks
Sept. 23
Mission Trails Brush Cleared to Reduce Wildfire Risk
Remote Work
Sept. 29
District 2 Candidates Debated City Policy

Political Context

Opponents of Measure B have expressed concerns regarding the tax burden on residents and the allocation of funds toward the Tijuana River cleanup project. These groups argue that current city revenues should be prioritized for infrastructure before seeking new tax streams.

If passed, Measure B would increase the local sales tax by 0.5%, directly impacting the daily cost of goods and services for San Diego residents. The initiative aims to provide significant annual funding for critical infrastructure repairs and regional pollution control.

The takeaway

The paddle-out reflects a growing trend of using organized public demonstrations to link local ecological concerns with upcoming ballot measures. Residents should review the full text of Measure B to understand its potential impact on their household budget and regional infrastructure.