Why charge for parking at park when businesses aren’t open?

I have seen the signs going up all over Balboa Park and Park Avenue about visitors having to pay for parking in the park starting Jan. 5. My question to the mayor and City Council: Why make the time for paid parking so long (8 a.m. to  8 p.m.)? There are no services open at 8 a.m. and none stay open until 8 p.m. Why not make the paid parking time from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., when most businesses in the park open and close? Now I’ll have to pay to walk my dog, stroll in the park on a nice day, go to the Old Globe, play bridge and/or go to one of the restaurants.

Why do I feel that city leaders are punishing San Diegans by making us pay for parking?  At least meet us halfway and not make the parking so punitive.

— Jay Warren, North Park