SF Supervisor Faces a Recall Campaign Over Great Highway Closure
Dec 9, 2024
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Ezra David Romero, a KQED climate reporter, discusses the Great Highway's transformation into a public space and the fallout from Prop K's approval. He highlights community divides, detailing local opposition, particularly from the Sunset neighborhood, against the road closure. The recall campaign against Supervisor Joel Engardio uncovers feelings of betrayal among residents over promises made. Romero emphasizes the environmental impacts and safety concerns surrounding the proposed changes, showcasing a rich tapestry of community voices in this heated debate.
The passage of Prop K aims to transform a segment of the Great Highway into a public park, while generating significant controversy among local residents regarding its impact on traffic and accessibility.
Supervisor Joel Engardio's support for Prop K has led to a recall campaign by dissatisfied constituents, highlighting the political complexities of urban planning decisions in the face of community division.
Deep dives
The Great Highway's Transformation
The Great Highway, a significant roadway in San Francisco adjacent to Ocean Beach, is undergoing a transformation prompted by the successful passage of Prop K, which will close the upper portion of the highway to create a park. Originally repurposed during the pandemic to allow for social distancing, the space was embraced by the community, sparking interest in a permanent closure for recreational use. Proponents see this as an opportunity to develop a vibrant public space that could offer amenities like dune restoration and scenic areas for the community. This initiative aims not only to enhance public enjoyment but also to address environmental concerns related to coastal erosion and climate change.
Community Division Over Prop K
The approval of Prop K has highlighted a notable division within the San Francisco community regarding urban planning and traffic management. While supporters celebrate the potential for increased public space and environmental benefits, opponents express concerns about the impact on local traffic and accessibility. Critics, especially from neighborhoods relying on the Great Highway for daily travel, fear congestion and reduced convenience for families, many of whom manage with limited transportation options. This contention illustrates the complex dynamics of urban development, where the benefits for some can lead to significant challenges for others.
Political Implications Post-Prop K
The passage of Prop K has also prompted political ramifications, particularly for Supervisor Joel Engardio, who now faces a recall campaign initiated by constituents unhappy with the decision. Voters in certain districts expressed strong opposition to the measure, creating a 'tale of two cities' scenario within the broader voter body, as many city residents supported the measure. Engardio argues that the initiative was born from community demand rather than his own policies, leading to conflicting expectations among residents. The impending recall effort underscores the challenges elected officials face when balancing community needs and broader environmental objectives.
The Great Highway is the last road in San Francisco before you hit Ocean Beach. And in this past election, voters passed Prop. K, which permanently closes a portion of it. Supporters hope the highway will become a beachfront park, open to the entire city.
But a majority of people living near the Great Highway voted against Prop. K — particularly those in the city's Sunset neighborhood. Now, a group of residents have filed papers to recall District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio, who led the effort to close the road.
This episode was produced by Jessica Kariisa and Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.