KQED's Forum San Francisco Voters Decide, Once Again, Whether to Recall an Elected Official
Sep 3, 2025
Sydney Johnson, a KQED reporter, Joe Eskenazi, a local politics expert from Mission Local, and Jason McDaniel, a political science professor, dive into the heated recall of Supervisor Joel Engardio in San Francisco. They discuss the controversial closure of the Great Highway and the creation of Sunset Dunes Park, sparking fierce local debate. Insights into voter sentiment reveal a city divided over representation and accountability, with the complexities of political recalls shedding light on the evolving dynamics of community interests and governance.
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From Slow Street To Permanent Park
- The Great Highway closure started as a pandemic 'slow street' and evolved into a bid to make a permanent oceanside park.
- Supporters argued erosion made permanent change inevitable and a park was a greener lemonade from a coastal problem.
Ballot Measure As A Political Tool
- Measure K was placed on the ballot to codify the closure and also to mobilize urbanist voters in a mayoral contest.
- The measure passed citywide but was deeply unpopular inside Joel Engardio's own district.
Misjudging Your Base
- Joel Engardio narrowly won his supervisor seat and built a brand as an earnest moderate who supported recalls.
- Pushing Measure K misread his district's tolerance and created a sense of betrayal among voters.
