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September 5, 2008 6:18:20 PM CDT

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SF Voters Nix Plan to Tear Down Alcatraz

Posted Feb 7, 08 5:16 PM CST in US 

(Newser) – Alcatraz Island shouldn't be transformed into a global peace center, San Franciscan voters decided in rejecting a measure on Tuesday's ballot. Only 28% backed the non-binding proposal to convert the one-time penitentiary and tourist hotspot into a peace dome, the New York Times reports. But DaVid, the measure's main sponsor, says he's about to throw in the towel.

The island across from the Golden Gate Bridge may have housed A-list criminals like Al Capone, yet DaVid calls it "a sacred spot." The city's Republican Party calls his measure ludicrous and a needless expense for taxpayers. Alcatraz was a federal prison in 1936-63, and became a national park in 1972 following an 18-month takeover by Native American activists.

Source New York Times

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Da Vid, director of the Global Peace Foundation, walks through a sallyport toward the ruins of an officer's club on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008. Also known as The Rock, the...   (Associated Press)
In this drawing, provided by the Global Peace Foundation, is what a proposed new peace center would look like on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco. Also known as The Rock, the rough-edged hunk of land...   (Associated Press)
Da Vid, director of the Global Peace Foundation, gestures while visualizing a new peace center on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008. Also known as The Rock, the rough-edged hunk...   (Associated Press)
Da Vid, director of the Global Peace Foundation stands near a guard tower on Alcatraz Island and looks out at the bay in San Francisco, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008. Also known as The Rock, the rough-edged...   (Associated Press)
Seagulls fly over San Francisco Bay with Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, Tuesday, April 24, 2007. The former Federal penitentiary and visitor destination on San Francisco Bay, has just benefited from...   (Associated Press)
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California  • San Francisco  • prison  • peace  • Golden Gate Bridge  • Alcatraz


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