Sunset Supervisor Joel Engardio Remembers

The Recall of Supervisor Joel Engardio

Supervisor Joel Engardio of San Francisco was recalled on Tuesday, with early returns showing 64.65% of ballots in favor of his removal. This decision marks the end of a protracted political struggle that began over a year ago and has sparked intense debate across the city.

The controversy started in June 2024 when Engardio, along with four other supervisors, placed a measure on the November ballot to permanently ban vehicles from a two-mile stretch of the city's westernmost coastal boulevard, known as the Upper Great Highway. This area runs between Lincoln Way and Sloat Boulevard. The proposal aimed to transform this section into a park, but it faced significant opposition from local residents who relied on the highway for daily travel.

Residents argued that the measure represented a "betrayal" of their needs, claiming that the proposed changes would disrupt their routines and worsen traffic congestion. Engardio, however, maintained that his record should be evaluated holistically rather than solely based on this single policy disagreement.

The recall campaign transformed the Sunset District into a focal point for broader discussions about urban planning and land use in San Francisco. Issues such as the so-called "war on cars" and efforts to increase housing density through rezoning have become central to the debate. Engardio and his supporters believed that the closure of the highway would lead to the creation of a new public space, which they envisioned as a community park.

The southern section of the Great Highway was already scheduled for permanent closure to vehicles by early 2026 due to worsening coastal erosion. Engardio argued that this closure diminished the highway’s primary function of connecting San Francisco to the Peninsula. However, many of his constituents remained unconvinced, stating that they depended on the highway for daily commutes and feared that the closure would negatively impact their quality of life.

Proposition K, the measure that led to the closure, passed with a majority of citywide votes during the November 2024 election. However, 64% of voters in District 4, where Engardio had previously won, opposed the measure. A recent analysis by the Chronicle highlighted that the precincts most supportive of Engardio in his 2022 victory were also the most opposed to Proposition K.

Following the election, residents launched a recall campaign, gathering the required 10,000 signatures from eligible voters. They claimed that Engardio had misled them during his 2022 campaign, particularly regarding his stance on road closures. Engardio denied these allegations, stating that he had consistently supported the idea of an oceanside park and that he had only backed the status quo at the time.

Some residents have also taken legal action, challenging the legality of Proposition K. The case is still pending in court. Meanwhile, Supervisor Connie Chan has suggested the possibility of putting the issue back on the ballot, though it remains unclear if she could secure enough support to do so.

A data analysis by the Chronicle found that the closure of the highway led to minor increases in commute times during rush hour, particularly through Golden Gate Park. However, some areas experienced no noticeable delays. Despite concerns from some residents, the new park, named Sunset Dunes, has been well-received by others. In the spring, the city reported that it was the third-most visited park in San Francisco.