On October 12, nearly a thousand people gathered at the Garden Corner Plaza in San Francisco’s Chinatown to voice their strong opposition to Proposition K, which seeks to permanently close the Great Highway. Protesters argue that this road serves as a vital artery for the western neighborhoods of San Francisco. Closing it would drastically alter the demographic landscape of the area, making it less hospitable for middle and lower-income families and paving the way for gentrification. This proposed change could have devastating effects on the predominantly Asian American community in the western district. This marks the eighth community meeting held in protest.
Local leader Lin Zhisi emphasized the significance of the Great Highway, comparing it to Stockton Street, the lifeblood of Chinatown. “If someone were to close Stockton Street, would you support that?” he asked.
Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell stated that the city’s leadership needs to better listen to the voices of residents from Chinatown to the Sunset and Richmond districts. “We support improved Muni and better public transportation, but we cannot wage war against those who drive in San Francisco. This highway is an essential part of the lives of residents in the Richmond and Sunset districts, and it’s wrong for those who have never used it to be the ones voting on its fate.”
Josephine Zhao, president of the Chinese American Democratic Club, argued that the scenic Great Highway is crucial for connecting the Richmond and Sunset districts. “Established in 1929, this road was meant to bring people into the Sunset, which at the time was largely uninhabited. Making it permanently off-limits for cars and trucks would irreversibly change the demographic fabric of the western area, making it less suitable for middle and lower-income families, leading to further urbanization — a particularly devastating prospect for the Chinese community that predominantly resides there.”
Supporters of the proposition contend that the Great Highway is closed an average of 65 days per year, with traffic volumes down by nearly 40% compared to pre-pandemic levels, and a 30% decrease on Sunset Boulevard. They argue that this indicates a low frequency of use. Zhao, however, challenged these figures, calling them misleading, as many closures occur overnight and only last a few hours, totaling around 14 days a year.
Retired San Francisco police officer and Richmond Planning Association chair Richard Corriea warned that closing the road would force 14,000 cars to seek alternative routes, disrupting local traffic patterns and encroaching on residents’ property and driving space. He raised concerns over the lack of funding for the proposed “Ocean Park” that would replace the road, suggesting that the bill would contribute to a decline in public safety in the West District. “Supporters claim that businesses will move in, but those businesses are food trucks, not actual local establishments,” he stated.
Fire Chief Sherman Tillman added that the closure would significantly increase commute times, with trips that previously took 5 to 10 minutes ballooning to 30 to 40 minutes. “There’s already a large park next to the highway. The idea of creating another park is nonsense.”
Attendees of the gathering included District 11 candidate Chen Xiaoyan, District 7 candidate Matt Boschetto, City College Board candidate Leanna Louie, and community leaders Mel Lee, and Li Dianbang, highlighting the broad coalition of voices opposing the measure.
