 |
 |
 |
|
Balboa Park SAVED! For residents and visitors alike, Balboa Park is highly regarded as San Diego's crown jewel. After nearly a decade of litigation, the battle to protect the park's historic character from a proposed $80+ million bridge-and-parking-garage boondoggle is still not over. The recent appellate judgment in the City of San Diego's favor did not resolve the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Addendum issue at the heart of SOHO's lawsuit. SOHO is raising funds now for the next phase of our legal efforts, and you can expect to hear about new filings in the weeks ahead. SOHO continues to urge the City to abandon this ill-conceived plan, which would bring more, not less, unwanted automobile traffic into the historic core. The new construction would decimate Palm Canyon, adversely impact the peace and tranquility of Alcazar Garden, and permanently alter the iconic Cabrillo Bridge—a picturesque landmark that has symbolized Balboa Park's beauty for over a century. Instead of wasting time, effort, and public money on pushing this disaster through hurdles, the City should be investing resources into the estimated $500 million needed for the park's critical repairs and safety upgrades, such as long overdue earthquake retrofits. Although the City is focused on implementing this destructive plan, there are still steps that will need to be re-evaluated. The construction bids will likely exceed $100 million, $20 million more than the City and donors expected. Revenues for the proposed parking garage must be reassessed in light of various dockless and alternative transit options for park visitors. And the City Council must approve the bond necessary for financing this misguided plan. That is unlikely as long as the bond is the center of another party's legal challenge. Our venerated Balboa Park will remain on SOHO's Most Endangered List until the City of San Diego's elected officials demonstrate that they understand and will protect its historical and cultural importance, respect its prestigious National Historic Landmark District status, and live up to their responsibilities as park stewards. Only then will we all be assured of continuing to enjoy and learn from its historic architecture, gardens, grand walkways, and cultural landscapes now and for generations to come. Read about the save
    
 Historic photos courtesy Coons Collection; current day photos by Sandé Lollis |
Newly Added Remaining from past years
Saved/Removed from the list 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001
|
 |
 |
 |
Mailing - PO Box 80788 · San Diego CA 92138 | Offices - 3525 Seventh Avenue · San Diego CA 92103
|