Open Letter to San Francisco

Previously addressed to Sunset District Supervisor Wong.

Since San Francisco will thrice now be asked to vote on the opening of the Great Highway, I thought I would be more vocal about my ever-humble opinions on the matter. Though I realize this is a hyper-local issue, the sentiments are ones that affect us all as we grapple with the onslaught of climate change. We might be distracted from this topic as of late, given (waves at everything) all of what we are enduring as a nation, but as those on the East Coast can attest, it is still very much happening. Denial won’t save us, and it doesn’t change facts.

We still live in a democracy, and I for one am keen to maintain that. For any paying attention, we are seeing how involvement in our government at the local level has exponential impact at the Federal. We are seeing in real time how much grease those squeaky wheels get. So, if you don’t like the direction things are heading, say something, write the letter, make your voice heard.

Dear Mr. Wong,

I implore you to stop this nonsense of indulging the consideration of re-opening the Great Highway.

Firstly, the residents of this great city have voted TWICE to close the highway. It syphons our tax dollars, and is a losing battle. The folks who are up in arms over the creation of a park are folks who will kvetch about any change to the neighborhood, whether or not it is in their—and the community’s—best interest. Give in now, and pay later.

Secondly, a park is not only for human visitors, and it doesn’t only have value when in total and complete use by said humans at all times. We have only to look to our world famous Golden Gate park for evidence. Many of the spaces have rewilded, creating habitat for all varieties of critters, and adding interest for the humans at the same time. Our Great Highway park has the potential for the same, but it will not happen with re-opening to cars even one day a week. Currently, the Snowy Plover is an endangered species. By closing the park to automobiles and focussing on habitat restoration, that is one of the major boons we could receive as a community.

Speaking fiscally, the beautification of the landscape increases desirability. If you have traveled to foreign lands, think of the places you have enjoyed. I know for me, I have loved sights in Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Scotland, Greece, and more, where the streets were walkable and mostly or completely closed to car traffic. The shops were varied and vibrant. You could sit al fresco at a cafe and take in the beauty.

This is the promise of the current park. But, this transformation takes time.

We can argue all day about Climate Change and who is responsible, but the facts are clear that it is happening. For how many more years will that drive even be possible? The last projection I heard was seven years. Instead of placating sore losers(as is behavior rampant in our country lately, and look where that has landed us), let’s use this time to restore the natural landscape, continue to invest in artists and the arts, incentivize landlords and small business owners along the L and N corridors, as well as permitting shops and restaurants to open ocean-facing.

We need strong leadership who will compassionately uphold long-term vision of a vibrant economy AND landscape. Keeping the Great Highway a full-time park, and continued investment in its vitalization, is part of that far-sighted strategy for our world class city, both culturally and financially.

-Jenevie

This article was originally published on Substack. You can read the original here.