The State - News from May 20, 1988

A new plan would open up all of Alcatraz Island to visitors, not just the prison area seen each year by about a million tourists. “It’s almost mystical to be there at night,” said Brian O’Neill, general superintendent of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. “We want the public to be able to experience that.” Officials said visitors don’t get to see spectacular 360-degree views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Area. Largely unnoticed are nesting sea birds, acres of flower gardens gone wild, rocky beaches, tide pools and old military fortifications. The first public hearing on the plan will be held in about a year.