Sausser Summers, PC

Providing U.S. trademark services throughout the U.S. and across the globe.

Lower Cost
Faster Process
Experienced Trademark Attorneys

File a Trademark for $399 + $250 Government Filing Fee

Trademark Attorney Working With Clients in San Diego, CA

If you're an entrepreneur, you know that protecting your intellectual property should be high on your list when it comes to safeguarding your company. However, as a successful business owner, you also know the steps and costs of filing a trademark in the U.S. can be expensive and arduous.

This conundrum can be even more overwhelming for new business owners who want to do everything possible to minimize the price of securing trademarks. They try to handle complicated tasks like trademark registration on their own, which can be a big mistake - especially when juggling the day-to-day tasks of running a business. You may be thinking, "But what about those set-it-and-forget-it services you can find online? All you have to do is plug in your info, and you're done." Using pre-made templates for trademark filing can be tempting, but doing so can leave you with inadequate protection and hurt you in the long run.

So, what is the easiest, most cost-effective route to consider that also minimizes legal risk? The truth is, before you spend money on an online filing service, it's best to consult with a trademark attorney working with clients in San Diego, CA.

At Sausser Summers, PC, our experienced trademark attorneys can help you understand the trademark process step by step. We can even help with U.S. trademark filing, U.S. trademark responses, and U.S. trademark renewals at a price you can actually afford. That way, you can make an informed decision regarding your business without having to break the bank.

Sausser Summers, PC: Simplifying the U.S. Trademark Process

Hiring an attorney can be a daunting task, but at Sausser Summers, PC, our goal is to make the process as simple and seamless as possible for you. That's why we offer a straightforward checkout service. First, you choose your flat fee trademark service and fill out a short questionnaire. Then, we will contact you within 24 hours to discuss the details of our service. From there, one of our experienced trademark attorneys will get to work on your behalf.

Using a trademark attorney for filing in San Diego, CA, can significantly increase your chances of a successful registration. The U.S. government recommends hiring a trademark attorney to help with your application, and our team of trademark lawyers is dedicated to meeting your needs. In fact, we help ensure your application is filed correctly the first time so you can get on with your life and avoid legal risks.

At Sausser Summers, PC, we work closely with our clients to understand their needs and provide them with sound professional advice. We never offer incomplete services, such as simply filing for registration, because that would leave you open to legal risks. You can rely on us to handle your intellectual property matters, and our flat fee services can help protect your business in a simple, straightforward, and affordable way. It's really that simple.

In terms of filing a U.S. trademark, we provide an easy three-step process to protect your intellectual property:

1. You provide your trademark info to our team via an online form.

2. Our team performs a comprehensive trademark search. This search ensures that no other marks will prevent you from registering your trademark in the U.S. Once performed, we'll send you a legal opinion letter that details our findings.

3. Sausser Summers, PC, files your U.S. trademark application. We are then listed as your Attorney of Record on file. From there, we'll provide ongoing updates regarding the status of your trademark as it works through the registration process.

The bottom line? At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.

The bottom line?

At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

Do I Really Need a Trademark Attorney for Protecting My Business in San Diego, CA?

It's not necessary to be a lawyer in order to apply for a trademark. Anyone can submit a trademark application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). However, registering a trademark involves more than just filling out a form. It's essential to conduct thorough research, accurately identify and clearly explain your trademark to ensure it receives adequate protection. And even after securing a trademark, you've got to monitor it consistently to make sure it's free from infringement.

The big takeaway here is that it's always a good idea to work with a trademark attorney to protect the intellectual property that you've worked so hard to establish. According to the Wall Street Journal, applicants are approximately 50% more likely to secure their trademark than people who file applications on their own. If your trademark application is rejected by the USPTO, you will need to revise and refile it, incurring additional filing fees. To avoid delays and extra costs, it is best to have a trademark lawyer help you get it right the first time.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

Call us (843) 654-0078

Additional Benefits of Using a Trademark Attorney

Great trademark attorneys (like those you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC) will help with every step of filing and enforcing your trademark. Some additional benefits include the following:

Check to see if your proposed trademark is registered by another entity.

Conduct research to see if another business is using the trademark for which you're applying.

Provide advice and guidance on the strength of your trademark.

Draft and submit your trademark applications and application revisions.

Advice and guidance regarding trademark maintenance and protection.

Monitor the market for unauthorized use of your trademark.

Trademark enforcement to protect you against infringement.

Curious whether our trademark attorney services are right for you and your business? Contact Sausser Summer, PC, today. Let's talk about what you need, and how we can help.

What About Online Filing Services?

Online services, can provide you with basic assistance in filing your trademark. However, they will never be a legitimate substitute for an experienced trademark attorney helping clients in San Diego, CA.

Although online filing services offer a step-by-step process, they take a one-size-fits-all approach to preparing legal documents. Even their advanced service only provides basic attorney assistance in completing your paperwork and helping with minor roadblocks. Online filing services' disclaimer highlights the many limitations of its services, including the fact that communications are not protected by attorney-client privilege. In addition, online filing services cannot provide advice, explanations, opinions, recommendations, or any kind of legal guidance on possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms or strategies.

In other words, online filing services can offer you the necessary forms and point you in the right direction, but they cannot customize their services to your specific needs or help you with serious complications that may arise.

For the most comprehensive trademark service and protection, it's always wise to work with highly rated trademark lawyers, like you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC.

Understanding Trademarks Over Time

Trademarks in the U.S. can last indefinitely, but did you know that clients in San Diego, CA can file a trademark online, only to lose protection in some circumstances? Trademarks differ from patents and copyrights in that they do not have an expiration date. However, to prevent the cancellation of a trademark, you must maintain it. To ensure that your trademark remains protected, you must actively use it in commerce and renew it with the USPTO every ten years.

The Lanham Act tells us that "use in commerce" is the legitimate use of a trademark in the ordinary course of trade. In other words, you cannot register a trademark solely to reserve the rights to it in the future. In most cases, a trademark must be used continuously in connection with the goods or services it is registered for.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

Call us (843) 654-0078

Steps to Renew Your Trademark

Trademarks are registered with the USPTO and generally need to be renewed every ten years. However, there is one crucial exception that you should be aware of. Within the first ten years of owning a trademark, you must file for renewal between the fifth and sixth year from the date of your initial registration.

During this renewal period, you are required to submit a Section 8 declaration, a specimen that shows how the mark is being used, and pay the required fee. You can also apply for Section 15 Incontestability status, which can strengthen your trademark rights. This application, although not mandatory, can make it harder for others to challenge your ownership of the mark.

After the first renewal, which falls between the fifth and sixth year of ownership, the next renewal filing is due between the ninth and tenth year, and then every tenth year thereafter. In the ninth year you will need to file a Section 8 declaration, attesting to your use of the mark or excusable nonuse. You've also got to file a Section 9 renewal application before the end of the tenth year to keep your registration active.

It is worth noting that the USPTO provides a six-month grace period if you fail to renew your mark within the required time frame, but it is best not to rely on it. If you don't file within the grace period time limits, the USPTO will cancel and expire your mark.

By hiring trademark attorneys helping clients in San Diego, CA, you can avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that can arise and cause you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it.

Losing Your Trademark Rights Through Abandonment

In the event that you stop using your trademark and have no plans to resume using it in commerce, it may be considered abandoned by the USPTO. This could result in the loss of your protective rights to the mark. Typically, a trademark is assumed to be abandoned if it has not been used for three years. However, you may be able to refute this presumption by providing evidence that you intend to use the mark again in the future.

Losing Your Trademark Rights Through Inappropriate Licensing

In addition to trademark abandonment, you should also be wary of improper licensing. It's important to remember that once you allow someone else to use your trademark, you must keep an eye on how they use it. You should monitor the products or services that feature your trademark to ensure that they meet consumers' expectations in terms of quality. Failure to do so can lead to a "naked" trademark license and the loss of your protective trademark rights.

How to Avoid Having to Refile Your Trademark

If you're wondering how you can avoid refiling your trademark, the answer is simple: file it correctly the first time around. Filing a trademark isn't inherently difficult, but when doing so, it's very important that certain aspects are filled out accurately in your application. If any information is missing or incorrect, the trademark application may be considered "void ab initio" or void from the beginning, requiring you to file again.

To avoid this, make sure that the information you provide in the application is accurate and complete, including the ownership of the trademark. For instance, if a corporation has multiple shareholders, it should not file under the President's personal name. The rightful owner should be the one/entity that ultimately controls the trademark and the associated goods/services.

It is also important to ensure that the goods and/or services description is precise. For example, if you sell electronic products, you should not file for research and development services despite having a research and development department. The goods/services description should reflect the goods/services you offer to customers, not the departments within your business.

Additionally, providing accurate dates of first use when filing for a trademark is crucial. The USPTO requires two dates to be specified - the date of first use anywhere and the date of first use in interstate commerce. Contact our trademark law office today to learn more about having accurate dates on your filing paperwork.

What Makes an Online Trademark Attorney Great?

At Sausser Summers, PC, we often get questions about how to distinguish run-of-the-mill consultants and others from great trademark attorneys. After all - when you're looking for an attorney to file or prosecute your business trademark, you should know their qualifications. Here are three ways you can separate the proverbial wheat from the chaff when it comes to trademark attorneys.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

It's crucial to seek legal advice from a licensed trademark lawyer rather than relying on advice from non-professionals like trademark consultants. The USPTO even recommends hiring an attorney to help with the trademark process. Although trademark consultants may provide advice on trademark availability or name marketability, they cannot file the trademark for you or offer legal advice. According to the Rules of Practicing in trademark cases, "Individuals who are not attorneys are not recognized to practice before the Office in trademark matters." This rule applies to individuals who assist trademark applicants.

When searching for a trademark attorney, it's important to find someone with a strong background in trademark law. Look for an attorney who specializes in this area and has significant experience handling trademark-related cases. Avoid lawyers who don't have expertise in this field, as they may not be able to provide the guidance and support you need.

Ensure your attorney provides updates throughout the trademark registration process to avoid missing deadlines, including responding to any Office actions within six months. Failure to do so can result in trademark abandonment. The USPTO will only correspond with the listed attorney of record, so make sure your attorney keeps you informed.

In summary:

Be sure you're using a licensed trademark attorney helping clients in San Diego, CA.
It's best to work with a trademark lawyer who has years of experience filing trademarks.
Ensure that your trademark lawyer is willing to provide ongoing notifications relating to your trademark application process.

Trademark Registration Lawyer San Diego, CA

Trademark Attorneys Working Hard for You

Building your brand and gaining recognition for it is a significant achievement, and it's important to protect it. However, there are certain pitfalls and mistakes that can arise, causing you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it. By working with knowledgeable trademark attorneys, you can avoid these issues and file your trademark successfully.

With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Sausser Summers, PC, offers comprehensive guidance, strategic advice, and reliable representation for a variety of trademark matters. Our attorneys have years of real-world experience and, having registered countless trademarks with the USPTO, provide our clients with individualized representation when they need it most.

If you're looking for skilled, adept, and experienced counsel, look no further than our trademark law firm. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn how we can help you safeguard your brand.

San Diego Breaks Ground On Expanded Pride Plaza

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria was joined by other community leaders Sunday to mark the beginning of construction on Pride Promenade.City News Service, News PartnerSAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria was joined by other community leaders Sunday to mark the beginning of construction on Pride Promenade, a project intended to make much of Normal Street in Hillcrest a pedestrian-friendly area."The begi...

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria was joined by other community leaders Sunday to mark the beginning of construction on Pride Promenade.

City News Service, News Partner

SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria was joined by other community leaders Sunday to mark the beginning of construction on Pride Promenade, a project intended to make much of Normal Street in Hillcrest a pedestrian-friendly area.

"The beginning of construction on the Pride Promenade is a historic moment for Hillcrest and our entire city. This project will create a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly destination that reflects the heart and soul of San Diego's LGBTQ community," Gloria said in a morning event held at the corner of Normal and Harvey Milk streets. "By investing in public spaces that celebrate our city's diversity and sense of community, we are creating a lasting legacy honoring Hillcrest's rich history while building a more welcoming and connected future for all of us."

The project is funded by the city and under the purview of the San Diego Association of Governments. It will convert traffic lanes on the west side of Normal Street, from University Avenue to Lincoln Avenue, to a pedestrian promenade and rainbow-colored bikeway. The eastern lanes will remain open to vehicular traffic.

According to the city, Pride Plaza, the area at the intersection of Normal Street and University Avenue that is home to the Pride flag monument and rainbow-colored crosswalk, will be expanded to include a children's play area, new lamp posts, seating and shade structures, along with dozens of new trees and a restored trolley car for commercial use, a nod to the history of the area as a main trolley line servicing the Hillcrest and University Heights neighborhoods.

"Today, we break ground on a project that will transform Normal Street into a vibrant, welcoming space for everyone," said City Councilman Stephen Whitburn, who represents District 3. "Pride Promenade will expand Pride Plaza, create safer walking and biking paths, and honor Hillcrest's rich history and culture. This is a project built by and for our community -- one that reflects our values of inclusivity, sustainability, and pride."

Find out what's happening in San Diegofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The project will also add 13 parking spaces, and the Promenade will also accommodate the weekly Hillcrest Farmers Market as well as other public events, such as the San Diego Pride Festival and Parade.

Officials said Pride Promenade is the latest in a series of actions that have uplifted San Diego's LGBTQ community, including dedicating Harvey Milk Street, creating Pride Plaza, raising the Pride Flag, establishing an LGBTQ cultural district and opening the city's AIDS Memorial.

The promenade will become part of the Eastern Hillcrest Bikeway, a 1.1- mile series of separated bikeways and buffered bike lanes on University Avenue and Normal Street, as well as on Lincoln Avenue, Herbert Street, Robinson Avenue and Park Boulevard.

"Pride Promenade is a testament to community vision and city commitment," said Benjamin Nicholls, executive director of the Hillcrest Business Association. "Once finished, Pride Promenade will become one of San Diego's great spaces that we can all be proud of."

The groundbreaking event was followed by a community celebration hosted by the Hillcrest Business Association.

The Eastern Hillcrest Bikeway and Pride Promenade projects are expected to be completed in late 2026.

Palomar Mountain State Park

For current fire restrictions, please call (760) 767-4037To keep your visit to Palomar Mountain State Park an enjoyable experience, please do not feed the wildlife and keep your campsite and picnic areas clean of trash and food. This will help protect you from diseases that can be transferred from wildlife to humans and will help make your outdoor experience a fun and safe time. For more information about the importance of keeping the wildlife's diet natural, click on the following link ...

For current fire restrictions, please call (760) 767-4037

To keep your visit to Palomar Mountain State Park an enjoyable experience, please do not feed the wildlife and keep your campsite and picnic areas clean of trash and food. This will help protect you from diseases that can be transferred from wildlife to humans and will help make your outdoor experience a fun and safe time. For more information about the importance of keeping the wildlife's diet natural, click on the following link "Please Don't Feed Park Wildlife".

Due to the threat of the Goldspotted Oak Borer spreading throughout San Diego County, OAK firewood will NOT be allowed into Palomar Mountain State Park. Wood sales ARE available at our kiosk when the we are open. Please be aware that wood sales will NOT be available while the kiosk is CLOSED. You ARE allowed to bring other species of firewood, such as pine or eucalyptus.

To find out more about this pest, please go to http://ucanr.edu/sites/gsobinfo/

The beautiful forest and mountain meadows of Palomar Mountain State Park are in northern San Diego County, high atop the west side of Palomar Mountain. Large pine, fir and cedar trees make the park one of the few areas in southern California with a Sierra Nevada-like atmosphere. The park features camping, picnicking, hiking, and fishing (trout) in Doane Pond. Coniferous forests cover much of the 1,862 acres, in contrast to the dry lowlands surrounding the mountain.

Elevation within the park averages 5,000 feet above sea level, making evenings cool even during the summer. A number of vista points offer spectacular panoramic views both westerly toward the ocean and inland toward the desert, particularly from Boucher Hill Summit, which has been listed in the Sierra Club's "Hundred Peaks Section" since first published in 1946. There, you'll also find the historic Boucher Hill Fire Lookout.

The park is open from dawn 'til dusk daily. Reservations are highly recommended for camping during peak season. Day use fees are $10.00 per vehicle, cash or check only. Trails are open to foot traffic only, and dogs and mountain bikes are not allowed on trails. Please note that there are no gas stations on Palomar Mountain. For more information, visit http://www.palomarsp.org/

San Diego Weekend Guide: Mardi Gras Celebrations; Barbie Truck Tour; Valentine's Day Run

SAN DIEGO, CA — To keep your weekend fun and lively, Patch has rounded up some entertaining events going on throughout the San Diego region — from the southern border, to East County, through beach towns, to the uppermost points of North County and communities in between.Whether you opt for an activity close to home or a mini day trip, see what's slated this weekend from Saturday, Feb. 15 to Sunday, Feb. 16....

Whether you opt for an activity close to home or a mini day trip, see what's slated this weekend from Saturday, Feb. 15 to Sunday, Feb. 16.

Barbie Sports Club Tour: Otay Ranch Town Center, Chula Vista

Black Comix Day: WorldBeat Cultural Center, San Diego

Candlelight: Valentine's Day Special: Kroc Center Ice, San Diego

Find out what's happening in San Diegofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Coronado Valentine's Day 10K, 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run: Tidelands Park, Coronado

Cursive, Pile: Music Box, San Diego

Galentine's Gang Paint and Sip: Local Roots, Vista

Historic Downtown Encinitas Walking Tour: Encinitas Historical Society and 1883 Schoolhouse, Encinitas

Kings of La Jolla Band: Valentine's Dance Party: Pit Stop Diner, Oceanside

Love is in the Air Tour: Wild Wonders, Bonsall

Mardi Gras: SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego

Mardi Gras Celebration: Sesame Place San Diego, Chula Vista

Peter Sprague Quartet: Fallbrook Mission Theater, Fallbrook

San Diego Valentine's Premier Brunch Cruise: City Cruises, San Diego

Steve Poltz 16th Annual 50th Birthday Bash: Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach

Steve Poltz: Music Box, San Diego

Volunteer Restoration Event: San Elijo Lagoon and Ecological Reserve, Cardiff

WNDR Museum: WNDR Museum, San Diego

Want to post your next neighborhood event on the Patch? No matter how big or small it may be, if it's local, it has a place on the Patch calendar. Posting an event is as simple as 1, 2, 3. Here's how to do it:

You can post your event for free to a single Patch, or if you really want to get the community's attention, you can feature your event for $2 per Patch per day. When an event is featured, it receives priority placement on the local calendar as well as on the homepage, article pages, our daily newsletter, and our weekly calendar events newsletter.

Blustery Winter Rainstorm Douses San Diego Region

A mild winter storm is moving out Friday but brought much-needed widespread rainfall along with high winds to the San Diego area.City News Service, News PartnerSAN DIEGO, CA — A mild winter storm is moving out Friday but brought much-needed widespread rainfall along with high winds to the San Diego area.As of late morning, the unsettled atmospheric system had dropped anywhere from a tenth of an inch or...

A mild winter storm is moving out Friday but brought much-needed widespread rainfall along with high winds to the San Diego area.

City News Service, News Partner

SAN DIEGO, CA — A mild winter storm is moving out Friday but brought much-needed widespread rainfall along with high winds to the San Diego area.

As of late morning, the unsettled atmospheric system had dropped anywhere from a tenth of an inch or less to nearly three inches of moisture across the county while generating air currents exceeding 50 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

The storm, which began moving over the drought-parched region on Tuesday, prompted the NWS to issue a wind advisory effective through 4 a.m. Saturday for local highland and desert communities and a flood watch through late Thursday night along the ocean coastline.

The heaviest showers out of the bands of dark clouds were expected Thursday evening into early Friday morning, forecasters advised.

To prepare for the spate of inclement conditions, the city of San Diego has been monitoring some 46,000 storm drains and will preemptively close flood-prone Mission Valley roads if deemed necessary, officials said.

Find out what's happening in San Diegofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"While we're taking proactive measures, we encourage residents to take steps in their own homes and neighborhoods to be prepared as well," city Stormwater Department Director Todd Snyder said. "Together we can help reduce flood risk in our community throughout this rainy season."

Residents can report weather-related problems, such as flooding or downed trees, by using the Get It Done app or by calling 619-527-7500. Anyone experiencing a life-threatening emergency should call 911, officials noted.

San Diego Gas & Electric, for its part, has been preparing for the stormy weather by increasing the number of its crews available in case of downed power lines, according to SDG&E public affairs.

"The company's meteorology team is also monitoring weather conditions minute by minute to help provide situational awareness to front-line crews working to maintain the infrastructure that serves the region," a statement from the utility asserted.

As of 10:30 a.m. Thursday, local two-day precipitation totals included 2.99 inches on Mount Palomar; 2.78 on Birch Hill; 1.93 in Mesa Grande; 1.72 in San Onofre; 1.51 in Pine Hills; 1.4 at Lake Cuyamaca; 1.22 in Descanso and at Henshaw Dam; 1.2 at Rainbow Camp and in Santa Ysabel; 1.18 at Lake Wohlford; 1.17 in Julian; 1.13 in Fallbrook; 1.11 in Skyline Ranch; 1.09 in Lower Oat Flats and on Volcan Mountain; and 1.07 in Fallbrook.

Also among the 48-hour moisture tallies were 0.99 of an inch in Escondido; 0.97 on Otay Mountain; 0.95 on Mount Woodson and in San Marcos; 0.86 in Bonsall; 0.84 in Oceanside; 0.81 in Valley Center; 0.79 at Miramar Lake; 0.76 on Mount Laguna; 0.75 in Carlsbad; 0.73 in Campo, Pine Valley and San Diego Country Estates; 0.72 in Couser Canyon; 0.71 in Goose Valley; 0.69 in Alpine and Harbison Canyon; 0.64 in Carlsbad; 0.63 in Rancho Bernardo; 0.6 in Valley Center; 0.59 at Cactus County Park and Dulzura Summit; 0.57 in Ramona; 0.56 in Barona; 0.54 in Kearny Mesa; 0.53 in Rincon Springs; 0.52 in Poway; 0.51 in La Mesa; and 0.5 in Santee.

Other rainfall accumulations for the period were 0.48 of an inch in Warner Springs; 0.47 in Vista; 0.42 in Flinn Springs; 0.39 in Serra Mesa; 0.38 in Granite Hills; 0.35 in Mission Valley; 0.34 in Encinitas; 0.27 in Point Loma; 0.26 in National City; 0.24 in Chula Vista; 0.21 at San Diego International Airport; 0.2 in Ranchita and San Miguel; and 0.1 at North Island Naval Air Station.

No precipitation was recorded in the local deserts, the weather service reported.

The storm also has delivered winds reaching speeds of 25 to 30 mph along the coast and across the inland valleys, and as high as 54 mph in the area of Mount Laguna, according to meteorologists.

On Friday, the rainfall is expected to weaken and become increasingly intermittent before dwindling away entirely late in the evening, the NWS advised. Fair conditions will return Saturday and prevail into much of next week, with average or slightly higher maximum temperatures for this time of year, forecasters said.

— City News Service

San Diegans could soon be paying more than $50 a month on trash services

More than 200,000 San Diego homeowners may soon have a new monthly payment: $53 per month for a 90-gallon trash can to be emptied by the city.SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — After more than 100 years since free trash pickup began in San Diego, residents are one step closer to tacking on a trash service fee to their monthly bills.Some homeowners say the proposed fee of $53 is more than they expected.“Where does the $53 come from? That's way too much in my eyes,” said Rachel Hayes.More than 200,000 San Diego ho...

More than 200,000 San Diego homeowners may soon have a new monthly payment: $53 per month for a 90-gallon trash can to be emptied by the city.

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — After more than 100 years since free trash pickup began in San Diego, residents are one step closer to tacking on a trash service fee to their monthly bills.

Some homeowners say the proposed fee of $53 is more than they expected.

“Where does the $53 come from? That's way too much in my eyes,” said Rachel Hayes.

More than 200,000 San Diego homeowners may soon have a new monthly payment: $53 per month for a 90-gallon trash can to be emptied by the city.

And a few dollars less for smaller trash cans.

Some say it's overdue.

“The City of San Diego is the only jurisdiction in California that does not recover the cost of solid waste collection and disposal. This must change,” said Corinne Wilson with the San Diego Municipal Employees Association.

And others aren’t excited about the potential price.

“There's no citizens that came to the city council and said, 'Please tax us,'” said John Royal, a San Diego resident.

While no one may have said that out loud, their votes spoke for them.

Measure B was passed back in 2022, replacing the 106-year-old ordinance preventing the city from charging residents for trash collection and disposal.

Since then, the city has been holding outreach meetings to show people how the funds will be allocated.

ABC 10News was there in November, as some residents’ minds were changed about the measure.

“If I was voting today, I would vote yes,” said Donna Myers, one of the attendees.

But there are still lots of people to get on board before it could go into effect.

“Now, the people that are actually going to be affected by this can stop it. All they have to do is pay attention to the notice that the city sends them and then just use a $0.50 stamp, or whatever it costs now, to send it back,” said Royal.

The Environmental Services Department is set to present its customer service study results in front of the full council towards the end of March.

Homeowners can submit their protests until the final vote in June.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.

Online Trademark Attorneys

Trademark Attorney Working With Clients in San Diego, CA