Proposed Law Would Close Golden Gate Park Overnight
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- San Francisco's Golden Gate Park and McLaren Park would be closed to the public between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. under legislation proposed this week by Mayor Gavin Newsom. The measure is in response to growing complaints about crime and vandalism.
On Monday Phil Ginsberg, the General Manager of the Recreation and Parks Department, appeared at a supervisors committee on park safety and acknowledged the problem.
KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:
Since July, two murders, a sexual assault and the vandalism of the golf course and rose gardens have occurred at Golden Gate Park. Residents have called for more police patrols and park closures.
"Every big city in the world does this," said Mayor Gavin Newsom. "In fact, a lot of European cities literally fence off the parks, and they close them in the late afternoon and early evening, so this is not some draconian measure."
Anyone found in the parks would be ordered to leave, and could face misdemeanor charges if they don't. Newsom's proposal would also give the Recreation and Parks Commission the power to limit hours at other parks in San Francisco.
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