San Francisco Supes Take On Golden Gate Park Crime, Vandalism
SAN FRANCISCO, (KCBS) --- San Francisco is looking for new ways to combat crime and vandalism in Golden Gate Park. Proposals include stiffer penalties for trespassing and camping in the park, and closing the park entirely at night.
Supervisor Carmen Chu opened the hearing at the city operations committee saying the public is concerned.
"Many residents of the Sunset have brought to our office previously concerns about safety," she said.
KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:
Phil Ginsberg, the general manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, ticked off the problems during a hearing at the Supervisors' City Operations Committee.
"Since July in Golden Gate Park we've had two homicides, a stabbing, a pit bull attack and a sexual assault," he said.
He blamed the crime on illegal campers, saying they're the most frequent perpetrators and victims.
Mayor Gavin Newsom is interested in closing Golden Gate Park all night and will likely introduce a ban before he leaves office. There is also a push to improve lighting, remove dense foliage and increase fines for trespassing in the park when it's closed.
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