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Alcatraz Peace Makeover

Bill Machon
Alcatraz250.jpg

There is a proposal on the ballot in San Francisco on February 5 which will ask voters to decide if the city should support the transformation of Alcatraz Island into a Global Peace Center. The Alcatraz Conversion Project involves getting rid of the prison, and in it's place constructing an International Conference Center For Non-Violent Conflict Resolution. Also, a geodesic dome, the Harmonium, is being planned. The dome will feature holographic sound technologies, with the intention of assisting meditation. The project includes several other interesting features, including some that focus on promoting sustainable energy technologies, and other progressive concepts.

More information can be found on the Global Peace Foundation's website.

 

Comments

As I understand it, the

Submitted by cucurbit on Tue, 02/05/2008 - 23:46.
As I understand it, the measure (which I voted YES on) is essentially insubstantial. It only says that the city should 'explore and facilitate the acquisition of Alcatraz Island from the US govt to transform it into a Global Peace Center." It represents no commitment whatsoever on the part of the city of SF, in terms of funding or launching such an enterprise. Nevertheless, some local progressives have opposed the measure on the grounds that it would shift the financial burden of maintaining the site (not to mention the costs of constructing an ambitious facility like the GPC) from the federal govt to the city. I voted YES anyway. It encourages government and citizens to develop a laudable and harmonious intention, certainly better than the current state of Alcatraz which glorifies a former federal penitentiary as a tourist attraction.

ghosts of alcatraz

Submitted by Bill Ottman on Fri, 02/08/2008 - 00:09.
i feel like paranormal activity might be high on that island. i went there once, as a dopey tourist, and you can definitely sense the depth of history on the site. with this in mind, some sort of spiritual peace center would be a great thing to incorporate there. and i wouldn't demolish all of the old buildings. some of the architecture is pretty interesting. itd be cool to fuse it with much more modern and sustainable design. peace everyone, bill