Officials Set to Vote on Golden Gate Bridge Suicide Net

Wed, Jun 25, 2014 -- 9:00 AM

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link: http://www.kqed.org/a/forum/R201406250900

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

A sign for an emergency crisis phone on the Golden Gate Bridge.

Since it opened in 1937, over 1,600 people have committed suicide by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. There has long been a debate over whether to build a physical suicide deterrent on the structure. The state budget, recently signed by Gov. Jerry Brown, includes $7 million toward such a barrier, estimated to cost $75 million. On Friday, bridge officials will vote on whether or not to approve a final $20 million, which will mean the project can move forward. We'll discuss the proposed barrier and its funding. Will a net prevent suicides at the iconic bridge?

Host: Michael Krasny

Guests:

• Clark Hinderleider, secretary of Clinician-Scientists for the Public's Weal, an advocacy group for health care and health care reform in Marin County and San Francisco
• Denis Mulligan, general manager and CEO of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District
• Tom Ammiano, member of the California state Assembly (D-San Francisco)

More info:

• Funding Nearly Lined Up for Golden Gate Bridge Suicide Barrier

Proposed Suicide Barrier (rendering provided by the Golden Gate Bridge District)