Editor:

Those who have recently moved to San Francisco may not be aware that the 55-acres of Strybing Arboretum were free to all comers until relatively recently, via four different gates from morning until evening. It was a great place where one could really relax and get away from urban life and meet a wide variety of people. Along with a UCSF library whose four floors were open until midnight, and a plethora of cheap food shops, this place was one of the reasons I moved to the Inner Sunset originally.

Unfortunately, wealthy people saw an opportunity for wealth and glory and, after paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to consultants such as BMWL’s Sam Lauter, privatized these 55 acres. As a result, non-residents can no longer get in without paying; none of us can bring guests without paying; and the San Francisco Botanical Garden Society (originally the Strybing Arboretum Society) complete controls who enters, how much we pay. and what ID we must show to prove we are genuine San Franciscans and not San Franciscans exiled by skyrocketing rents to other locales. No meetings with locals and the San Francisco Botanical Garden Society have ever been held.

Gardens have been destroyed, but new commercial spaces have been developed. Taxpayers forked out $1.1 million for an imperial new fence. The San Francisco Botanical Garden Society has been granted complete control of the Japanese Tea Garden and the Conservatory of Flowers as well.

Now we have the horrendous news that the San Francisco Botanical Garden Society is seeking quotes for a new anti-environmental “Winter Lights Show.” Another exciting opportunity to exploit formerly public space for private profit! If you feel otherwise, call CEO Stephanie Linder at 415-661-1316, ext. 415, contact your district supervisor and send RPD an email that they can trash without reading. But educate yourself first by searching for “dark sky.”

Harry S. Pariser