Yes on Props. A, B

Propositions A and B on the City of San Diego ballot Nov. 3 are designed to provide voters alternative levels of approving general obligation bonds for improvement of Balboa and Mission Bay parks. Proposition A would provide for the full range of renovations and improvements that city officials and park supporters believe are needed for the two parks, while Proposition B offers a shorter list of the most essential projects.

We recommend support for these two initiatives.

Proposition B, the smaller of the two plans, would provide nearly $74 million in capital improvements, including $25 million for a containment system to prevent sewage spills from flowing into the bay. It would also earmark $31.4 million for restoring publicly owned buildings in Balboa Park, such as the San Diego Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Man. It also would make $2 million available for building a Japanese garden near the Organ Pavilion.

If Proposition A passes, $93.5 million would be available, with the additional money going for projects such as building a new Municipal Gymnasium outside Balboa Park and beginning development of Fiesta Island.

It is important for those favoring approval of the larger bond issue to also vote for the smaller one so that, if the higher level of funding is not approved, the lower level is there as a fallback.

It goes without saying that Mission Bay and Balboa Park are recreational and cultural magnets for local residents and tourists. Their condition, which in both cases has deteriorated in the past decade, is indicative of how well the city is taking care of itself.

We recommend a “yes” vote on Propositions A and B.