Comments so far on this story:

1. My Goodness . . . wrote on May 2, 2008 6:01 PM:
"Really, Frances? Do you really think a despondent soul who has decided to kill him or herself will be detered by a fence on the bridge? Oh, sure, he might not jump off the bridge (although some still would), but he'll jump off something - the nearest bridge or building without such a barrier. We need to do more (families, teachers, doctors)to notice and address problems our loved ones, students, and patients are having. We can't suicide-proof our city and more than we could baby-proof a whole neighborhood. You nanny-staters need to step back and reassess . . . everything. Best, Ronald"

2. Sparky wrote on May 2, 2008 8:27 PM:
"The movie has been on TV several times Fran. It was a documentary on the Golden Gate Bridge and those who use it to commit suicide. You might view it and digest what they found from the study. Barriers while a deterrent to some, will not stop those hell bent on suicide. San Francisco has implemented some safety barriers for the Golden Gate Bridge and it has not slowed the numbers of people using this means to end their lives. Putting money into public health and Mental Health would go much further in preventing deaths; not just suicides but those deaths from the hands of people who's mental health was not treated."

3. C. Darwin wrote on May 2, 2008 10:03 PM:
"Let's put up a diving board."

4. FO'NZ wrote on May 4, 2008 2:01 PM:
"I agree with Ronald about needing to understand and recognize signs of depression and despair among those within our circles of influence or affection. But suggesting it might be good to establish physical barriers to suicide at such magnets as bridges is not dismissable "nanny-statism:" maybe it's called loving your neighbor. I certainly second Sparky's call for more public and mental health services as suicide deterrents. My admittedly anecdotal information on this topic is that "despondent souls" who attempt suicide, but are interrupted, prevented, saved -- I'm not sure what term to use -- do not repeat the gestures; rather, their extreme focus on ending life is broken and they rejoin us in living. Not always, maybe; but more often than not. I think that is worth something -- including a little mesh screening that might offer a second chance."

5. Mark Schaeffer wrote on May 5, 2008 9:33 AM:
"For those who have not seen the Golden Gate Bridge suicide barrier, it is a bent cyclone fencing that covers the small arched segment on the San Francisco side. It is painted the same color as the main span. It is designed only to protect visitors to Fort Point, not deter suicides in general."

6. Fred wrote on May 5, 2008 10:50 AM:
"I agree with C. Darwin. I'd add a wind indicator to show prospective high divers approximately where they'll land and maybe some pix of former helldivers of fame at the end of the whistledown and splatter extravaganza. No doubt that should make a few think twice about it."

7. Ann wrote on May 5, 2008 8:42 PM:
"Jumpers will just find a more convenient place if Coronado goes away. How about the City parkade? Anyone know how many have jumped off it?"

8. FO'NZ wrote on May 6, 2008 10:04 AM:
"C. Darwin and Fred's remarks illustrate just how much education needs to be done about suicide, a terrifying subject that eludes control or easy remedy. Ann, referring to "jumpers," is not as outrageous, but she's close. Have you never known anyone affected by the suicide of someone they loved? If you had, I doubt you would respond so callously. Randy Dotinga wrote these articles because of a searing personal experience as a university student: I think he has done a huge public service, even if it also reveals the profound ignorance (and cruelty) of some voice readers. Thanks, Randy."

9. Fred wrote on May 7, 2008 10:57 AM:
"How presumptuous, FO'NZ, to assume that I'm cruel. Given that Dotinga's articles will change nothing in cash-strapped SD and that jumpers will continue to jump over the sides of bridges alone, with no one to prevent them, it may be worth a tough-love approach to rid victims of notions of a pleasant death and make them understand that their final choice may be anything but. If that saves a life, it's worth it. And until you go walking the Coronado Bridge alone in the dark in search of lives to save, you can at least save your judgements for your audience of one, too."

10. FO'NZ wrote on May 7, 2008 2:52 PM:
"Last time I checked, Fred, the Coronado Bridge is not a City of San Diego obligation. Indeed, if it were, I would be hesitant to cross it in my car. And you are quite right, it doesn't suffice to call somebody "cruel" who worries about being "cash-strapped" and taking a "tough-love approach" to people who are contemplating suicide."

11. Fred wrote on May 8, 2008 1:17 PM:
"FO'NZ: Don't trip up over the mess caused by your bleeding heart."