San Francisco Supervisor Joel Engardio Trounced in Recall Vote Over Car-Free Highway Policy

San Francisco Recall Vote: Car-Free Highway Sparks Political Uproar

A controversial decision to create a car-free stretch of highway in San Francisco has ignited a political firestorm, culminating in a recall election for District Supervisor Joel Engardio. The move, initially implemented during the pandemic, transformed a section of the Great Highway into a pedestrian and cyclist haven, but sparked resentment among residents reliant on the artery for transportation.

The Origins of the Controversy

During the coronavirus pandemic, a four-lane highway along San Francisco’s Pacific Coast was closed to automobiles, becoming a popular space for recreation. As the city transitioned back to normal, frustration grew, particularly among those living in the Sunset District. Supervisor Joel Engardio, who championed the permanent closure and pushed for a citywide ballot measure, has become the target of a recall effort.

Engardio's Stance and the Divide

Engardio defends his actions, arguing for a forward-looking city that embraces innovation. "This recall is really about the future of our city," he stated. He believes the opposition seeks to revert to the past, hindering progress. The debate centers on the balance between creating public spaces and maintaining essential transportation infrastructure.

"Do we want to be a city that just preserves itself in amber and goes back in time? Or do we want to be a city that innovates, thinks ahead, is forward-looking and welcomes new people?" - Joel Engardio

Who is Joel Engardio?

Joel Engardio is a crime victims’ advocate who previously supported the recalls of the school board members and District Attorney Chesa Boudin. He represents the Sunset District, a residential neighborhood with a significant Chinese population. Last year, he supported placing a proposal to permanently ban cars from the Great Highway on the ballot. Although Measure K passed citywide, it failed in his district.

The Battle Over Sunset Dunes Park

The new park, named Sunset Dunes, is a popular destination, but many local residents feel betrayed by Engardio's actions. Recall supporters claim he reneged on a compromise to keep the highway open to vehicles during the week. Engardio argues he was always in favor of a park, supporting the compromise only as an alternative to a complete highway reopening. His supporters argue the oceanfront should be accessible to all and that traffic mitigation measures have been implemented.

Dueling Campaigns and Funding

The recall campaign has highlighted a significant funding disparity. While grassroots volunteers are working to garner support, the anti-recall campaign is backed by wealthy donors like Yelp co-founder Jeremy Stoppelman and Ripple cryptocurrency co-founder Chris Larsen. Supporters of Engardio emphasize his commitment to family-friendly policies like housing and schools. Alex Wong, a local father, supports Engardio because of his pro-family stance. He feels the recall is unwarranted given the citywide vote supporting the road closure.

Broader Implications and a Controversial Housing Proposal

This recall election comes as San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie faces a major challenge with a plan for taller, denser buildings to address the city's housing shortage. Engardio supports the plan, but it is strongly opposed in his district. Political scientist Jason McDaniel suggests this election sends a message to other politicians, potentially making them less likely to take difficult positions. The recall represents a complex blend of local concerns and broader political currents in San Francisco.

Live Election Results: Engardio Concedes

As of 8:45 p.m., the recall effort succeeded with 64.6 percent of the vote. The votes covered the 15,400 ballots returned as of Sept. 15. Joel Engardio conceded the election.