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Homeless Advocates Balk At Plan To Close SF Parks At Night

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)—Supervisor Scott Wiener will introduce a bill on Tuesday that would close San Francisco City Parks at night. The city's homeless advocates, however, say that the measure would criminalize park dwellers.

The legislation would make the city's 220 parks off-limits during the hours the of midnight and 5 a.m. Weiner said about 80 parks currently don't allow sleeping but the lack of signage hampers enforcement by park security and police.

Weiner's bill would require the city to install signage and set criteria for fines.

SF Supervisor Introduces Measure To Close Parks At Night

Vandalism was cited as major reason for the city to take action. The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department claims the theft of copper and other metal objects costs the city about $1 million each year for repairs and replacement.

Homeless advocates argue that any curfew in the city's park will lead to harassment and possible arrests. They said that between 50 and 200 people camp out in the parks, especially in the Golden Gate Park near Haight Street. Wiener denies that this is his intention.

The proposal will go before the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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