Missing bench at Sunset Cliffs.
by Anthony Gentile / Peninsula Beacon / August 6, 2009
With city staff members present at Monday’s Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Council meeting, the two sides agreed to disagree when it comes to the safety and relocation of popular cliffside benches. The result of the deliberation between the two sides was a temporary hold on further removal of Sunset Cliffs benches until the park’s council meets again in September – the latest twist in what has been a contentious issue since the city ordered the removal of the benches in June.
“I strongly support the community and I think they’ve set up a good process where we’re going to have neighbors involved in the new benches and sites,” said District 2 City Councilmember Kevin Faulconer. “I think that’s what should have happened from the very beginning.”
Dan Danieri, the district manager for shoreline parks, and the park council’s city staff representative Michael Ruiz came to the meeting with proposed bench locations and three design types for the council to choose from. Their goal was to move forward with the process – that is, the removal of benches by the end of this week. The goal, however, will have to go unmet.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I still can’t believe so much time, energy, political intervention and money is wasted on something so petty when there are serious problems of pollution and vandalism blocks away. Get your priorities straight people. bring a chair to watch the sunset. dammit!
jon, let me try to expand on this issue of the benches. they were put in place by citizens – not the city – and people, oldsters, youngsters, surfers, walkers used them. some of the benches were even hand-crafted. and they were there for years. in other words the people put up some resources for themselves/ ourselves, okay? and the city took them out – without any input from the citizenry – even the citizens who are supposed to give the city feedback, the park council, were not even consulted. this was a travesty. all under the heading of “liability”.
so, stepping back for a moment, the cliffs represent numerous issues for numerous people.
I get it Bob. I know the history, and I’m not saying people don’t have a right to be upset over the benches removal. I just wish they would put that same energy, action and debate into more serious problems that are happening in the same neighborhood just blocks away. But I guess everyone has the right to pick and choose their own battles, like you said. I’m obviously no exception.
love yur ‘stache – hear it’s fake. i told my gf that i wanted an avatar with bodysurfing and see what i got.
Let’s see if I get this right. The people put in the benches and the city took them out. Other people leave trash – and the city doesn’t take them out. Hmmmm
Thanks Molly, that’s an excellent observation! Although, they did take out the trash CANS! WTF?!
Bob, thanks for the compliment. It’s my top-secret blogger disguise. Got tired of the paparazzi always chasing me around OB!