SAN FRANCISCO OCEAN BEACH PARK
Liz and Lee Heidhues 7.27.2024
During a gathering to launch the campaign Liz and I, decades long outer Richmond District residents, life long bicyclists who have never owned a car, were asked to share our thoughts about the upcoming ballot measure which, if passed, will result in creation of Ocean Beach Park.
It was an enthusiastic crowd which gathered on a drizzly Saturday afternoon to kick off the campaign to make the Ocean Beach Park a reality in the November election. http://www.oceanbeachpark.org
Supervisor Joel Engardio, four of his companions on the Board of Supervisors and Mayor London Breed, placed the measure on the ballot. If the initiative passes citywide the Ocean Beach Park at the edge of San Francisco by the Pacific will become a permanent park.
Should the measure pass San Francisco will have flipped the switch on the motorists. First, it was the eyesore Embarcadero Freeway which was torn down after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Second was the motorists freeway which ruined Golden Gate Park for decades. The voters, by a 63 percent margin in November 2022, banned cars and now JFK Promenade is a pedestrian and cyclist oasis.
Approval of Ocean Beach Park by the voters on November 3rd will complete the San Francisco environmental triple play.
Supervisor Engardio faces a sandstorm of criticism from some constituents for his advocacy.
Motorists are engaged in a never ending fight to preserve what they feel is their birthright to drive their cars anywhere, anytime.
The Supervisor, at risk to his political career, refuses to be bullied and intimidated. Should the measure prevail Joel will be considered an environmental leader who stood up for the environment.
Top photo: Cycling along on Ocean Beach Park
Lee's Perspective 