Elsa

My time as a city supervisor will be shorter than expected. I accept the election results. But we can still celebrate. We are on the right side of history. 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. The feared traffic “carmageddon” never came. We created something positive. 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. Change can be difficult, especially when it’s beyond our control. Severe coastal erosion meant the Great Highway was going to lose its greatest utility as a direct connection to Daly City — no matter what. Mother Nature gave us a lemon. The creation of Sunset Dunes is the lemonade. I inherited a contentious debate about the future of the Great Highway and met with advocates on both sides. I supported democracy by giving people a choice about what to do with their coast. Prop K allowed for more public debate in the most open, democratic, and transparent process possible. Every voter had an equal say because the coast belongs to everyone. As the park became more popular, the recall began to focus its anger on proposed new housing density. This raises some important questions about the future of San Francisco. Do we want to be a city that looks to the past and preserve it in amber? Or do we want to be a forward-looking and innovative city that welcomes new people and ideas? I support progress, whether it’s open spaces where people can connect with each other or the housing we need to accommodate newcomers and let our adult kids and essential workers stay in San Francisco. If we never changed anything in San Francisco, the Sunset would still be sand dunes. San Francisco will only realize its full potential if we let ourselves do bold things. We can’t be the most progressive city that fears change. We must be the most progressive city that embraces the future. The Golden Gate Bridge faced a lot of resistance when it was proposed. Detractors called it an "upside down rat trap.” Thankfully, forward-looking people had the courage to build it anyway and create the icon of our city. This is the story of Sunset Dunes, and I invite you to visit. Find new ways to connect with nature. Discover the food, art, and culture of the Sunset neighborhoods. Be inspired by your coast and your park. Read my full blog post: engardio.com/blog/history