Latest news with #vonWilpert
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ambulance rides in San Diego just got more expensive — this is why
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — For the fifth year in a row, the City of San Diego is raising its ambulance transport fees — this time by 18% over the next three years. But city leaders insist: most patients won't be impacted. The San Diego City Council approved the increase unanimously Tuesday, pushing the total hike since 2021 to just over 32%, according to reporting from The San Diego Union-Tribune. The cost for the most advanced level of ambulance service will rise from $3,151 to $3,717. Despite the eye-popping numbers, city officials say the increase will mostly impact insurance companies, not patients. Only about 11% of ambulance patients — those with private insurance — may be affected, The San Diego Union-Tribune also reported. Patients with Medicare, Medi-Cal or no insurance won't see any change, thanks to a state law — AB 716 — that caps those charges at fixed rates. Celebrities spotted running in San Diego's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Councilmember Marni von Wilpert emphasized the hikes are tied to increasing costs from the city's private ambulance providers — Falck USA and American Medical Response (AMR) — who are billing the city $4.7 million more this coming fiscal year. 'We need to make sure we are doing the most competitive cost containment for our residents and delivering the best service,' von Wilpert said. The rising fees come as the city reconsiders how it runs emergency medical services. While a recent partnership with Falck and AMR has been financially successful, city leaders are exploring whether to bring ambulance services in-house — something cities like Los Angeles and, more locally, Chula Vista have already done. The San Diego Union-Tribune noted that Fire Chief Robert Logan said any move toward a city-run ambulance service would start slowly, possibly beginning with low-level emergency calls, while private companies continue handling life-threatening situations. In a twist, this year's rate hike — like last year's — skipped a required committee review before heading to the full council. That move appears to violate council policy, though no council member appeared to raise concerns during the vote. As the debate over who should run San Diego's ambulances continues, one thing's clear: the cost of care is rising — even if most patients won't see the bill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
San Diego councilmember rallies to keep lakes fully open as budget deadline looms
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Public support is growing to keep San Diego's city lakes fully accessible as officials consider cutting hours to help close the city's roughly quarter-of-a-billion-dollar budget gap. In his final budget proposal, Mayor Todd Gloria restored funding for some services. The lakes program was not one of them, but District 5 Councilmember Marni von Wilpert said it's not too late to save it from cuts. 'With the cost of living being so punishing in San Diego, we have to make sure we preserve these open, freely accessible spaces for our citizens to use,' said von Wilpert. She's pushing back against reduced hours at lakes and reservoirs citywide. 'Live at the Lake' concert series returns this summer in San Marcos By doing so, the mayor is looking to save roughly $622,000 next fiscal year. Lake Miramar and Lake Murray would see the biggest change—only open Saturdays and Sundays if the proposed budget is passed as is. 'To close it down would really, I think, kind of change people's lives,' said Alma Magadal, a local resident who frequents Lake Murray. Magadal said she and her husband visit Lake Murray every day. She said, 'Right now, during everything that's happening in the world, I think people need a place to just go and walk and get their thoughts together.' A petition launched at the beginning of the month to keep Lake Murray open seven days a week has nearly 6,000 signatures. 'I just signed it last week,' said local resident Marty Winger, who also frequents Lake Murray. Winger is hoping his name makes a difference but worries at the same time. He said, 'People will still come here. They'll just park in the neighborhoods and then it becomes a nuisance for the neighbors because when they close like one Tuesday a month there are still a lot of people that come.' With reduced hours, parking lots and restrooms would be inaccessible on closed days, although porta potties would stay unlocked. Councilmember von Wilpert acknowledged the city could've reconsidered past investments. 'I voted against purchasing the 101 Ash building for example, and I'm very glad we've made changes to the way we do real estate negotiations. So there are things we could've done better,' she stated. She also believes there are other ways to address the budget gap. 'Duplicative contracts for homeless outreach for example,' said von Wilpert. The councilmember is urging San Diegans who care about the lakes to speak up. 'I can elevate our voices, but I need your voices to be heard,' she said. For now, residents will wait to see if their push succeeds. 'I just hope they keep this open,' said Winger. Public comment is welcome at the next Budget Review Committee meeting on Friday, June 6 beginning at 9 a.m. A final budget will be adopted on June 10. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
