Letter to the Editor

Dear Synapse:

UCSF students, faculty, and staff should be aware that they are about to lose a precious community resource  - free admission to the San Francisco Botanical Gardens at Strybing Arboretum.

The Recreation and Park Commission will vote soon whether to close entrances off and restrict access to those who can fork over a pricey $5 (locals) and $7 (those who can not show a SF ID).

The irony is that this will not actually bring any income to the City because gate modification and construction costs are estimated at $1.3 million and salaries for ticket takers and related staff will run in the hundreds of thousands each year. Taxpayers have already contributed $3 million towards the new pathways which we would have to pay to walk on! The gate closings and fees would happen this Fall.

However, it is still possible to stop this process. Your first step should be to first contact the Recreation and Park Commission (MargaretMcArthur@sfgov.org; fax 415-221-8034; information: 831-2750). Then, call the Mayor and your Supervisor. There’s still time to stop this. Future generations will thank us for it!

Harry S. Pariser