Voters oust San Francisco supervisor who turned a coastal highway into a car-free park

"He conceded, saying in a statement that he accepts the outcome and still stands by his decision to help create a park called Sunset Dunes. Sunset Dunes is a success. It's good for the environment, good for our local economy, and it's bringing joy to people of all ages, Engardio wrote. Very soon, we will wonder why this was ever a controversy. We won't be able to imagine San Francisco without a coastal park and all the benefits it offers."

"The recall highlights a San Francisco in flux and a still cranky, even emboldened electorate as leaders prepare to make tough decisions about the city's future, such as how to build more housing. And while San Francisco prides itself on its environmental values and open public spaces, people still rely on cars to get around. That's especially true in the residential and more suburban-feeling Sunset neighborhood, which has a high population of Chinese families."

Joel Engardio lost a recall election after championing the conversion of a heavily used coastal highway into a car-free park called Sunset Dunes. He conceded the vote but affirmed his support for the park, calling it environmentally beneficial, good for the local economy, and joyful for residents. The recall marked the fifth elected official ousted in four years and underscored political tensions as leaders confront issues like housing. The outcome reflected a conflicted city where environmental and public-space priorities clash with residents' reliance on cars, notably in the Sunset neighborhood with many Chinese families.

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