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Proposition K, which proposed to permanently close the 2-mile Upper Great Highway for vehicles in Sunset District to transform it into a coastal park, was strongly opposed by the westside communities in November 2024 election. Photo by Wind Newspaper

Opinion: Political betrayal warrants recall

For almost a year I’ve been in conversations and debates concerning how the safety and quality of neighborhood life impacts of closing the Upper Great Highway (UGH), and the need for mitigation, planning and financing before any closure.

  • After 5 years as the head of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), Director Jeff Tumlin did not renew his contract last December. Director Tumlin is undoubtedly well-intentioned in his efforts to address San Francisco's transportation challenges.

    Proposition K, which proposed the closure of the Great Highway and was passed by San Francisco voters in the November 2024 election, sparked significant anger, particularly in the Western and Southern parts of the city, where the Chinese community is most concentrated. Photo by Wind Newspaper

  • The Chinese American community has had a long and fractured history of political organizing in San Francisco. When building from within our own community we've produced highlights like Betty Yee and Fiona Ma. Unfortunately, we've also produced lowlights like Leland Yee and Ed Jew.

    District 3 covers Chinatown, North Beach, Nob Hill, Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhoods. Courtesy the SF Department of Elections

  • As a fifth-generation San Francisco-born Asian American and someone who has known Daniel

    Mark Young (first from far left), Daniel Lurie (fifth from far left) and classmates from grammar school had a reunion gathering in San Francisco. Courtesy Mark Young

  • The wise philosopher Confucius taught that honesty is a virtue that builds trust, not only in personal relationships––but also in society at large.

    Chinese philosopher Confucius praised the significance of honesty which was also a foundation for managing a government.

  • Why do I support Daniel Lurie for mayor? Because Daniel is like "a blank piece of paper", uncontaminated. He has his own political views to make San Francisco a better city for all.

    Mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie visits Lily Lii at her Ten Ren Tea Shop in San Francisco Chinatown. Lii has founded and managed her tea shop for over 40 years. Courtesy Lily Lii

  • The effort to permanently close an important highway connecting San Francisco's west side residents, businesses, students, patients, veterans and tourists, designated as Prop K, seeks to solve an imaginary problem. The Upper Great Highway debate, now dividing voters of the City, should not even be an issue of concern, and certainly not one for the ballot.

    The Great Highway is a 3.8-mile-long roadway running along Ocean Beach in SF. The Upper Great Highway is a 2-mile segment of this roadway, between Lincoln Way and Sloat Blvd. Courtesy SF Recreation and Parks Department

  • One of the problems with Prop K is the way it got on the Ballot. Five supervisors put Prop K on the Ballot, unannounced and at the last minute leaving no time for an opposing ballot measure to be submitted.

    It is estimated that 20,000 drivers commute daily along the Upper Great Highway on the westernmost side of San Francisco. Courtesy Gregory Leung

  • I have been part of the Oakland Chinatown community, living and doing business here for many years.

    Oakland voters will decide in the November 5 election if their mayor Sheng Thao will be recalled. Screenshot

  • Imagine if one day, the lifeline of Chinatown, Stockton Street, was suddenly and permanently closed to private and commercial vehicles. What would happen to Chinatown?

    If Proposition K is passed, traffic will be severely congested, with 19th Avenue and Sunset Boulevard experiencing multiple times the usual volume, leading to extended delays of over an hour. Courtesy Josephine Zhao