Vehicles on JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park and the Great Highway

Shall the City allow private motor vehicles on John F. Kennedy Drive and connector streets in Golden Gate Park at all times except from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays and legal holidays year-round, as well as on Saturdays in April through September, allow motor vehicles in both directions at all times on the Great Highway and not allow the City to remove the Great Highway between Sloat and Skyline boulevards as proposed?

Digest by the Ballot Simplification Committee

The Way It Is Now: The City has closed certain public streets to private motor vehicles, reserving the streets as open space for recreational purposes. These closures were enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In May 2022, the Board of Supervisors (Board) adopted the Golden Gate Park Access and Safety Program that closed portions of John F. Kennedy Drive (JFK Drive) and certain connector streets in Golden Gate Park seven days a week to private motor vehicles, reserving the streets as open space for recreational uses. These closures do not apply to emergency vehicles, official government vehicles, intra-park transit shuttle buses and similar vehicles authorized to transport people, and vehicles making deliveries to the de Young Museum.

The Great Highway between Lincoln Way and Sloat Boulevard is closed to motor vehicles, with limited exceptions, from noon Fridays to 6 a.m. Mondays and on holidays. The City proposes to remove the Great Highway between Sloat Boulevard and Skyline Boulevard to protect City infrastructure from damage caused by sea level rise. The City would redirect vehicles along Skyline, Sunset and Sloat boulevards.

The Proposal: Proposition I would restrict the City’s ability to limit private vehicle use of JFK Drive and certain connector streets in Golden Gate Park and the Great Highway.

Proposition I would repeal the Board’s May 2022 ordinance and require the City to allow private motor vehicles to use JFK Drive and certain connector streets in Golden Gate Park at all times except from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays and legal holidays year-round, as well as on Saturdays in April through September.

Proposition I would require the City to allow motor vehicle use in both directions at all times on the Great Highway and would not allow the City to remove the Great Highway between Sloat and Skyline boulevards as proposed.

For both the Great Highway and JFK Drive along with the other affected streets in Golden Gate Park, the City could temporarily limit access to these roads to respond to emergencies, for street repairs and for community events.

If Proposition I passes, the Board may later amend this ordinance by a two-thirds vote, only if the amendments are either consistent with the measure’s purposes or required by a court.

If Proposition I passes with more votes than Proposition J, then Proposition J would have no legal effect.

A "YES" Vote Means: If you vote "yes," you want to require the City to allow private motor vehicles on John F. Kennedy Drive and connector streets in Golden Gate Park at all times except from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays and legal holidays year-round, as well as on Saturdays in April through September. You also want to require the City to allow motor vehicles in both directions at all times on the Great Highway and not allow the City to remove the Great Highway between Sloat and Skyline boulevards as proposed.

A "NO" Vote Means: If you vote "no," you do not want to make these changes.

Controller's Statement on "I"

City Controller Ben Rosenfield has issued the following statement on the fiscal impact of Proposition I:

The cost of the proposed ordinance, should it be approved by the voters, is dependent on decisions that the Mayor and Board of Supervisors make through the budget process, as an ordinance cannot bind future Mayors and Boards of Supervisors to provide funding for this or any other purpose. In my opinion, the cost of implementing the proposed measure, should future policymakers do so, is likely to be significant. If approved and funded, the ordinance would require changes to the City’s current plans to address erosion and climate change impacts to the Great Highway. While lower-cost interim measures could likely be put in place to maintain the use of the roadway for vehicular traffic in the shorter-term, more significant investments would likely be required in the future as erosion occurs. The City is currently assessing a number of these project alternatives, with estimated costs ranging to as much as $80 million in increased project costs over the coming 20 years.

The proposed ordinance would require private motor vehicle traffic portions of both John F. Kennedy Drive (“JFK Drive”) in Golden Gate Park and the Great Highway along Ocean Beach during specified times and would prohibit the use of the Great Highway as open space for recreational purposes.

The Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project (“Project”) is a multi-agency initiative led by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to implement a comprehensive shoreline management and protection plan to address sea level rise, remove shoreline armoring, improve public access and recreation, and construct a low-profile seawall to protect critical wastewater infrastructure. The City’s current preferred Project to meet these goals, subject to additional review and approvals, requires the closure of a portion of the Great Highway to vehicular traffic.

The proposed ordinance would likely require a different project approach, to permit the long-term use of the roadway for vehicular traffic. While several alternatives are currently under review, the most likely alternative requires construction of a conventional seawall along the South Ocean Beach shoreline. This alternative is estimated to cost approximately $80 million more than the current preferred Project. This estimate is based on current planning assumptions and may change due to future policy and funding decisions by future Mayors and Boards of Supervisors.

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department currently manages the Great Highway and maintains the multi-use recreational trail along the Upper Great Highway. The proposed ordinance would require the Department of Public Works to manage the Great Highway. Depending on the implementation decisions made by the Department of Public Works, the cost to maintain the Great Highway may increase, however any increase would be determined by the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors through the normal budget process.

The proposed ordinance may require changes to future capital improvement projects planned for JFK Drive including access improvements, long term planning, and traffic engineering improvements which could result in moderate cost savings, starting at approximately $400,000 in one-time costs. Additionally, the proposed ordinance would likely reduce the frequency of the Golden Gate Park Free Shuttle service from 7 days to 1 day per week, resulting in ongoing cost savings of approximately $250,000 annually.

How "I" Got on the Ballot

On July 15, 2022, the Department of Elections certified that the initiative petition calling for Proposition I to be placed on the ballot had a sufficient number of valid signatures to qualify the measure for the ballot.

8,979 signatures were required to place an initiative ordinance on the ballot. This number is equal to 5% of the total number of people who voted for Mayor in 2019. A random check of the signatures submitted by the proponents of the initiative petition prior to the July 11, 2022, submission deadline showed that the total number of valid signatures was greater than the number required.

This measure requires 50%+1 affirmative votes to pass.

Proponent’s Argument in Favor of Proposition I

Prop I is the only measure that ensures access for all to Golden Gate Park and prevents the permanent closure of the Great Highway.

The city closed JFK Drive and the Great Highway to cars during the pandemic as a temporary measure, but these closures have hurt people with disabilities, seniors, and families. The closures have also pushed traffic into our neighborhoods, turning small local streets into high-traffic roads.

Prop I will move cars back to major roadways and off local streets that are not designed for high-volume traffic, reducing accidents and pollution, and improving pedestrian and bicycle safety.

Prop I will ensure that people with disabilities, seniors, families, and those who do not live close by have access to Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach.

Prop I allows for shared and equitable access of Golden Gate Park, with JFK Drive remaining closed to cars on Sundays, holidays and some Saturdays, as pre-pandemic.

The closure of JFK Drive has eliminated nearly 1,000 free public parking spaces in Golden Gate Park, including ADA parking spaces closest to beloved destinations, such as the Conservatory of Flowers, de Young Museum, and California Academy of Sciences.

Driving is the only realistic choice for San Franciscans from further neighborhoods such as Bayview, Hunters Point, Excelsior, and Crocker-Amazon, especially families with seniors, disabled people, and children. The car ban has effectively shut many of them out of Golden Gate Park without a viable alternative.

The Great Highway also faces the risk of permanent closure that voters never agreed to. Nearly 20,000 drivers per day used the Great Highway to commute to and from work, school, the VA Hospital, and more. Prop I guarantees it will remain open as an essential roadway in San Francisco.

It’s time to restore access for all. Prop I reopens the Great Highway and restores Sunday, holiday, and partial Saturday closures of JFK Drive to allow for equitable access to Golden Gate Park.

Howard Chabner, Disability Rights Advocate

Richard Corriea, Retired SF Police Commander

San Francisco Labor Council

Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods

Anni Chung, President, Self-Help for the Elderly*

Frank Noto, President, SHARP*

Fiona Ma, California State Treasurer

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

Arguments are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Arguments are published as submitted. Spelling and grammatical errors have not been corrected.

Rebuttal to Proponent’s Argument in Favor of Proposition I

Prop I will cost San Francisco Taxpayers $80 million.

Prop I, the Dede Wilsey-funded measure, blocks the Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Plan adopted by the City ten years ago to protect the westside's sewage treatment facilities that are at risk of falling into the sea from climate change-induced coastal erosion.

According to the City Controller's report on the fiscal impact of Proposition I, taxpayers will be on the hook for $80 million in additional costs over 20 years to pay for a new plan to stop the coastal erosion.

Prop I will force the City to change a multi-agency comprehensive shoreline management and protection plan to address sea level rise, improve public access and recreation, and construct a low-profile seawall to protect critical wastewater infrastructure.

Dede Wilsey's ill-conceived measure irresponsibly overturns critical climate change-indiced and essential infrastructure improvements that are meant to protect westside residents and visitors from coastal erosion.

Prop I would also overturn the current Great Highway compromise, which provides for use of the roadway by cars Monday through Friday, and safe, protected use by people on the weekends, requiring the city to allow cars every day of the week. Our City needs more safe, protected open space, not less.

We urge you to vote NO on Prop I, NO to $80 million more in taxes.

Supervisor Matt Dorsey

Supervisor Gordon Mar

Supervisor Myrna Melgar

Supervisor Dean Preston

Supervisor Hilary Ronen

Arguments are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Arguments are published as submitted. Spelling and grammatical errors have not been corrected.

Opponent's Argument Against Proposition I

Vote No on Prop I — Keep JFK Promenade Safe and Accessible for All!

The JFK Promenade was a consensus measure introduced by Mayor London Breed and passed by seven members of the Board of Supervisors in April 2022.

One person, Dede Wilsey, funded signatures to place on the ballot a measure that would overturn legislation that created the JFK Promenade in Golden Gate Park, a protected, safe open space for recreational use by all visitors. The Promenade is an incredibly popular space for walkers, runners, dog walkers, roller skaters —especially the Church of 8 wheels! — tai chi, and children learning to ride a bike.

Prop I, the Wilsey-funded measure, would return what is now permanently safe open space for people of all ages and abilities, the De Young Museum, the Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, and other civic institutions, back into a dangerous road choked with traffic.

Prop I, the Wilsey-funded measure, also contains a serious flaw that will cost taxpayers millions and endangers our city's critical infrastructure by halting the Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Plan adopted a decade ago to protect the Westside's sewage treatment facilities that are at risk of falling into the sea from climate change-induced coastal erosion. Prop I will force the City to reverse course at the 11th hour, threatening critical infrastructure at enormous cost to taxpayers instead of following our long-established resilience plan to address the impacts of climate change.

Don't allow one person to dictate how we use our parks and open spaces. Vote No on Prop I.

Supervisor Matt Dorsey

Supervisor Gordon Mar

Supervisor Myrna Melgar

Supervisor Dean Preston

Supervisor Hilary Ronen

Arguments are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Arguments are published as submitted. Spelling and grammatical errors have not been corrected.

Rebuttal to Opponent’s Argument Against Proposition I

Everyone deserves access to Golden Gate Park and the Great Highway. Permanent closure of these roads makes it harder for seniors, people with disabilities and families to access the park or get to work, school or home.

We urge you to support Prop I to bring back the compromise that has existed for decades — JFK Drive opened to cars on weekdays with protected bike and pedestrian lanes, and closed on Sundays, some Saturdays, and holidays.

This compromise came about for a reason — it's the best way we can protect open space for all, ensure access to Golden Gate Park, and support families, seniors and persons with disabilities.

Both roads have safety measures for bicyclists and pedestrians with extensive protected bike paths and walkways.

The Great Highway had more than 20,000 commuters daily before its closure. Where are those drivers supposed to go? The closure has pushed vehicle traffic onto small, residential streets not intended for thousands of vehicles a day, creating congestion and unsafe conditions.

The City does not need to close any part of the Great Highway to respond to coastal erosion, and closure costs us far more in traffic delays, congestion and air pollution.

Restoring these streets to pre-pandemic conditions and returning the Great Highway back to its intended use will make surrounding streets safer, and return access to people with disabilities, families, and seniors so that everyone can enjoy the park and can commute safely.

We urge you to Vote Yes on Prop I.

Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods (CSFN)

District 11 Council

Concerned Residents of the Sunset (CRS)

East Mission Improvement Association (EMIA)

Save Our Amazing Richmond (SOAR)

OMI Cultural Participation Project

OMI Neighbors in Action

Richard Corriea

Arguments are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Arguments are published as submitted. Spelling and grammatical errors have not been corrected.

Paid Arguments in Favor of Proposition I

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition I

Seniors for Inclusion

The closures have made it impossible for many seniors to visit Golden Gate Park and its museums and other attractions. Vote Yes on Prop I to ensure JFK Drive and the Great Highway are accessible to all.

Closing JFK Drive and the Great Highway has shut out many seniors, many of whom must rely on cars to get around. Many can't use public transportation or don't have access to reliable public transportation, cannot walk long distances, and cannot ride bicycles.

The Great Highway is an essential access route needed by emergency responders. It's also the fastest way for senior veterans to reach the VA Hospital. Seniors need the Great Highway to be open 24/7.

The closure of JFK Drive has eliminated nearly 1,000 free parking spaces in Golden Gate Park, including dozens of ADA parking spaces nearby the most popular attractions. The car ban hurts seniors and makes Golden Gate Park far less accessible to them. For example, it's impossible for many older San Franciscans to get to the Dahlia Dell, Rose Garden, Conservatory of Flowers and Winter Lights shows when the road is closed all the time. The car ban isn't right or fair.

While being outdoors is critical for everyone, it's especially essential for seniors. Research shows that spending time in green, outdoor spaces greatly improves seniors' health and wellbeing. It is already challenging for seniors to live and thrive in San Francisco. Many live in apartments and depend on our open spaces for recreation.

Prop I will restore access to Golden Gate Park to everyone, especially seniors who need it most. On behalf of San Francisco's seniors, we urge you to vote Yes on I.

Anni Chung, Self-Help for the Elderly*

John L. Molinari, Former President of the Board of Supervisors

Honorable Judge Ina Gyemant (retired)

Older Women's League (OWL) - Political Action Committee

San Francisco Gray Panthers

Carlos Carvajal, Former Director, SF Ethnic Dance Festival

Carolyn Carvajal

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Access For All.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Diane Wilsey, 2. Corp. of Fine Arts Museums, 3. Jason Moment.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition I

People with Disabilities Come Together in Support of Prop I

One in ten San Franciscans has a disability.

Many people with disabilities cannot walk or roll far, walk precariously and need assistance, and don't do well in chilly and windy weather. Public transportation isn't feasible for many, and public transportation to Golden Gate Park and the beach is limited. So many people with disabilities rely on cars.

The closures of JFK Drive and other park roads has eliminated nearly 1,000 free public parking spaces in the park, including many blue zones and van accessible spaces. This has prohibited people from driving along JFK Drive and has made it difficult for some and impossible for others to access key attractions including the de Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, the Dahlia Dell, the Conservatory of Flowers, the Rose Garden, and the Winter Lights shows.

Excluding over 80,000 San Franciscans from easily accessing our parks and beaches is unacceptable and does not align with San Francisco's proud history of inclusivity.

When JFK Drive was open as before, everybody had access to the park. Vote yes on Prop I!

Howard Chabner, Disability Rights Advocate

The Arc San Francisco

Access Advisory Support Group of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

Patricia Arack, Disability Advocate

Victoria Bruckner

Carlos Carvajal, Former Director, SF Ethnic Dance Festival

Carolyn Carvajal

Alyse Ceirante

Muriel Parentau, Retired Chair, Disabled Students Programs and Services CCSF

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Access For All.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Diane Wilsey, 2. Corp. of Fine Arts Museums, 3. Jason Moment.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition I

Neighborhood Groups will Vote No on Prop J

Our neighborhoods have been flooded with traffic, cars take up our parking spaces, and our streets are less safe.

The road closures in Golden Gate Park have removed nearly 1,000 free public parking spaces. Where are those people supposed to park now? We know firsthand that they are parking in our neighborhoods and on our streets. Just because Golden Gate Park is inaccessible to private vehicle traffic doesn't mean people stopped driving to the park. It just means people stopped parking there. Now they are in our neighborhoods and on our local streets. Prop J is hurting our neighborhoods. We deserve safe streets.

Please vote no on Prop J to restore safe streets.

Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods (CSFN)

Concerned Residents of the Sunset

District 11 Council

East Mission Improvement Association (EMIA)

Sunset Heights Association of Responsible People (SHARP)

Save Our Amazing Richmond (SOAR)

OMI Neighbors in Action

OMI Cultural Participation Project

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Access For All.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Diane Wilsey, 2. Corp. of Fine Arts Museums, 3. Jason Moment.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition I

Asian Community Leaders Support Access for All

The closures of JFK Drive and the Great Highway ignores the needs of Asian residents. It is detrimental to vulnerable communities such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and underserved populations across the city.

Asian residents living far away from Golden Gate Park — like in Chinatown, Visitacion Valley and the Bayview neighborhoods — are completely excluded from what should be all of our park. Asian families living between the Sunset and Richmond Districts have lost essential access through JFK Drive and the Great Highway. The closures are also hurting local Asian owned businesses who need these roads for workers and customers.

The closure of these roads is actually making our neighborhoods less safe for bicyclists and pedestrians. It has turned small residential streets into high-traffic roads and put people at risk.

Proposition I will restore access for all in our community.

Fiona Ma, California State Treasurer

Anni Chung, Self-Help for the Elderly*

Anita Lau

Jill Yee

Quincy Yu

Lindsay Lam

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Access For All.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Diane Wilsey, 2. Corp. of Fine Arts Museums, 3. Jason Moment.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition I

Organized Labor Supports Access for All

Working families in San Francisco are struggling to make ends meet and now the city has made it harder with the closures of JFK Drive and the Great Highway.

The closure of JFK Drive has reduced access to Golden Gate Park for many working families. Working families from distant neighborhoods and outlying Bay Area communities are detrimentally affected by the no-car policy. The closure greatly hinders their ability when bringing family members and all their belongings to enjoy the various elements of Golden Gate Park. With the elimination of nearly 1,000 free public parking spaces, the park is less affordable and less accessible. Many employees working and volunteering at the park institutions have also suffered trying to carry out their work duties with the closure.

The Great Highway is an essential roadway for workers in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Its closure creates great hardship for workers who rely on their vehicles to get to and from work.

The city closed JFK Drive and the Great Highway to cars during the pandemic as a temporary measure, but now it's time to restore access for all. We must reopen the Great Highway to help workers throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area. We must also reopen JFK Drive (with Sunday, holiday, and some Saturday closures) to allow for equitable access and use of Golden Gate Park.

Vote Yes on Prop I.

San Francisco Labor Council

San Francisco Labor Council for Latin American Advancement

San Francisco Living Wage Coalition

Cynthia Inaba, Museum educator

Bobbi Marshall, Museum staff

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Access For All.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Diane Wilsey, 2. Corp. of Fine Arts Museums, 3. Jason Moment.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition I

Our Museums Need Access To Survive

We must recognize that the closing of JFK Drive is hurting the disabled community, seniors, and young families. It also negatively impacts many of the cultural institutions inside of Golden Gate Park, such as the de Young Museum.

The closures of JFK Drive and other park roads has resulted in the removal of nearly 1,000 public parking spaces, including hundreds closest to the de Young. Amongst those are dozens of ADA spaces that were used by our visitors with disabilities. These were the closest free ADA parking spaces to the de Young entrance. The road closure has also barred access from the park entrance at 8th Ave and Fulton Drive, making drop-offs and pick-ups extremely difficult. The closure of JFK Drive and elimination of these parking spaces has created a hardship for many visitors trying to access the de Young.

The de Young proudly offers free admission and discounted membership to people with disabilities. We offer a variety of tailored programming that serves people with varying disabilities, for example, programs for veterans, individuals with dementia, and those with vision impairments. With limited access to the museum, people with disabilities have struggled to get here and take part in these unique and very valuable programs.

Those living in Bayview, Mission Bay, Bernal Heights, and on the city's outskirts having limited and difficult transit connections deserve to access these attractions equally, and with ease. The removal of nearly 1,000 free public parking spaces makes access extremely challenging for both San Franciscans and the many visitors to our city. The closure of JFK Drive and loss of essential parking is deeply damaging to our cultural institutions, as they suffer with low attendance and a long road to recovery post-pandemic.

Corporation of the Fine Arts Museums

Access Advisory Support Group of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Access For All.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Diane Wilsey, 2. Corp. of Fine Arts Museums, 3. Jason Moment.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition I

Golden Gate Park Volunteers Support Prop I

JFK Drive is the only way to access the city's world famous Dahlia Dell. The dahlia is San Francisco's official flower. The Dahlia Dell has provided joy and respite to San Franciscans and visitors for over 100 years. With the road closure, it is no longer accessible for seniors and people with disabilities.

The volunteers who care for the dell, many in their 70s and 80s, are also not able to care for the dahlias as before without road access. We have heavy gardening gear that we are unable to carry to the Dell. We used to be able to drive up but now we cannot with the road closed. Many of our volunteers can no longer care for the dahlias, as they loved doing for so many years.

Our volunteers have taken care of the dahlias for over 30 years at no cost. We donate our time, energy and plants; while we share gardening tips with the public; while we answer hundreds of dahlia questions; while we make our City more beautiful with San Francisco's official flower (since 1926). We only ask that we can continue doing so and serving our vibrant community as before.

The Dahlia Dell belongs to everyone. We urge you to support Prop I so that the park can be accessed by all.

Deborah Dietz, Dahlia Dell Grower*

Margaret Ziman, Dahlia Member*

Nicholas Gaeusler, Dahlia Volunteer*

Patricia Hunter, Dahlia Board Member*

Aubrey Kaiser, Dahlia Volunteer*

Shelley Marks, Dahlia Volunteer*

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Access For All.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Diane Wilsey, 2. Corp. of Fine Arts Museums, 3. Jason Moment.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition I

The Arc San Francisco Supports Prop I

The Arc San Francisco is a nonprofit organization serving individuals with developmental disabilities in San Francisco for over 70 years. Through our programs, we help find employment for individuals with autism, Down syndrome and other disabilities. Many of our clients work in Golden Gate Park, including at the Conservatory of Flowers and the California Academy of Sciences.

The closure of JFK Drive has prevented many of our clients from visiting and working in Golden Gate Park. With the road closure, it has been impossible to reach many of the destinations located on JFK Drive, especially the Conservatory of Flowers. Many of our clients have been forced to end their employment because they cannot get there any longer. This isn't fair or equitable.

Please vote Yes on Prop I so everyone has the opportunity to visit and work in Golden Gate Park.

The Arc San Francisco

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Access For All.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Diane Wilsey, 2. Corp. of Fine Arts Museums, 3. Jason Moment.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition I

Merchants Support Access for All

Small business owners have been hurt by the closures of JFK Drive and the Great Highway. We urge you to vote Yes on Prop I to restore access and help local small businesses.

The road closures in Golden Gate Park have eliminated nearly 1,000 public parking spaces and closed off essential road access. Park visitors are now forced to drive and park in nearby merchant corridors, using already limited street parking. This is making it harder for customers to find parking spots and it's hurting local businesses.

Running a small business in San Francisco is already very challenging. These street closures were done without our input or consideration of the impact on local businesses. The closure of the Great Highway has also hurt local businesses who rely on the major roadway for business operations, and access for workers and customers.

Please help the local small businesses impacted by these closures. Vote Yes on Prop I to restore access for all.

David Heller, Long-Time Merchant

Henry Karnilowicz, Small Business Advocate

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Access For All.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Diane Wilsey, 2. Corp. of Fine Arts Museums, 3. Jason Moment.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition I

The JFK Drive Monday-to-Friday closure was a worthwhile experiment. Unfortunately, closing the roadway during the week when most people are either working or at school did not result in a successful outcome.

If our decision makers and pro-Closure advocates took the time to truly assess the impact of their decision, they'd discover the public having less accessibility to the DeYoung Museum, Academy of Sciences, Conservatory, etc. (during the week when they need people to attend) and locals limited to navigating increased traffic on Highway 1/Crossover Drive in order to "get through the park" while a low number of people access JFK Drive.

JFK Drive is a roadway. The public, specifically walkers, that are able to enjoy the park during the week, stay on the safe and green-lined sidewalks while cyclists (who already have a dedicated lane) and very few skaters use the wide open roadway. The JFK Drive closure primarily benefits cyclists.

The low number of people accessing JFK Drive during the week no longer warrant its closure at the expense of the greater number of people who would utilize the roadway — for multiple reasons. Let's be fair to our local populace — Keep JFK Drive closed on the weekends but open during the week.

Vote Yes on Prop I.

Curt Cournale

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Access For All.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Diane Wilsey, 2. Corp. of Fine Arts Museums, 3. Jason Moment.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition I

Yes on I for Access, Inclusion, and Fairness

During the pandemic, the City closed JFK Drive to cars 24/7, promising it was a temporary measure that would end when the shelter-in-place order expired. That decision effectively closed much of Golden Gate Park to many residents and visitors. The City has reopened and is returning to normal, yet the ban remains. It has an exclusionary impact on thousands who deserve access.

There is no compassion in the decision to keep JFK Drive closed. It makes access impossible for people with disabilities, seniors, working families and communities of color who live far from Golden Gate Park. Everyone deserves to experience the beauty, respite and joy that Golden Gate Park has to offer. Everyone should be able to see the flowers at the Dahlia Dell, walk through the Rose Garden, and reflect at the AIDS Memorial Grove.

It's time to balance the needs of all San Francisco residents and visitors and provide Access for All. Vote Yes on Prop I.

Reverend Glenda Hope

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Access For All.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Diane Wilsey, 2. Corp. of Fine Arts Museums, 3. Jason Moment.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition I

Open the Great Highway

Prop I will restore access to the 20,000 drivers who used the Great Highway every day before closing during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Great Highway served as an essential route for those living in San Francisco, especially those in the Sunset and Richmond districts commuting between the North and South bay, not just for work but to take their children to school, attend doctor's appointments, and visit family.

The Great Highway is a major arterial roadway necessary for emergency responders. It is also essential for veterans needing to access the VA Hospital.

Now that businesses and schools have reopened, maintaining car access to the Great Highway is critical. The Great Highway closure has significantly hindered the surrounding neighborhoods as traffic congestion has increased the risk of accidents and turned quiet streets into unsafe, high-traffic roads.

Additionally, the Great Highway already has plenty of bike paths and walkways for people to enjoy. Those unable to walk long distances or ride a bike are excluded from the Great Highway, its beaches, and the zoo.

The City is proposing keeping the current closure of the Great Highway till 2025 while looking into plans for permanent closure. They are not considering the impact on workers, families, and neighbors who need this road to stay open.

We must pass Prop I to return and maintain access to the 20,000 San Franciscans who rely on the Great Highway for their daily activities and help make surrounding residential streets safer for children and families.

Open the Great Highway, Vin Budhai, Founder

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Access For All.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Diane Wilsey, 2. Corp. of Fine Arts Museums, 3. Jason Moment.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition I

You will get old ... if you are lucky. Someday, you may be disabled - perhaps when you least expect it.

Our neighborhood association represents many disabled and senior citizens in the Inner Sunset, adjacent to Golden Gate Park. Closure of JFK and MLK Drive hurts our people with disabilities and frail seniors and discourages access to our park.

How are 90-year-olds or disabled children supposed to get to the waterfall, Dahlia or Rose Gardens, Conservatory of Flowers, picnic areas and outdoor theater/holiday shows, when cars/parking are forbidden every day of the year? Permanent closure to cars removes nearly 1,000 parking spaces and makes access difficult for some, impossible for others. An expensive, hard-to-navigate parking garage nearly half-mile away is no solution.

While cars have been banned on Sundays since the 1960s, city government has yet to provide disabled parking solutions on JFK. Don't trust them to do it now after 50 years of failure! While healthy seniors are merely inconvenienced, access is terrible in many places for elders with walkers or canes (walking up to 2,500 feet), with zero wheelchair access nearby.

Our neighborhood association is 111-years old, but SFMTA couldn't be bothered to consult with us before permanently banning cars and increasing congestion and accidents on our nearby neighborhood streets, including cut-through traffic. Removing parking also means more cars driving around looking for spaces on neighborhood streets.

Sure, effectively banning the disabled from portions of Golden Gate Park benefits some. Should those who benefit have absolute priority over the neighborhood and the disabled?

Vote Yes on Proposition I.

Sunset Heights Association (SHARP)

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Frank Noto, Wes Dere, Dennis Minnic, John Barry.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition I

San Francisco Needs Access For All

I join with many of my fellow San Franciscans in expressing my deep concerns about the closures of The Great Highway and JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park.

The move to prevent cars from having access to JFK Drive is clearly a move by those who have made the decision not to care about the elderly, the disabled and those who simply can not ride a bike or jog through Golden Gate Park. My concern is shared by many who simply choose to identify or sympathize with those who, for whatever reason, simply do not grasp the genuine and sincere need to provide access to all as we share a great community resource.

Equally wrong is the removal of parking places and access by emergency vehicles to hospitals and emergency rooms that are part of the area encompassing the neighborhoods adjoining Golden Gate Park.

Access through The Great Highway is also critical for emergency access and for our veterans who use the VA Hospital. Working families need this highway to get to and from work. The closure has pushed 20,000 cars who rely on this major roadway into small residential streets.

This should not be a divisive issue. It ought to be an issue that unites all citizens of San Francisco. We must do all that we can to make sure that an injustice is not done to too many members of our community.

Vote yes on Proposition I.

John F. Rothmann, Radio Talk Show Host, KGO 810 AM

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Access For All.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Diane Wilsey, 2. Corp. of Fine Arts Museums, 3. Jason Moment.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition I

Planning Association for the Richmond urges a YES vote on Proposition I that will restore JFK Drive, all other roads in Golden Gate Park and the Great Highway to pre-pandemic status.

These closures, authorized under the Mayor's pandemic emergency orders, were meant to be temporary. Permanent closure is an afront to our democratic principles and must not continue.

These closed roads, limiting access to public areas, snarling traffic and degrading living conditions must now be reopened.

The Great Highway is a major throughfare that is now closed from Fridays to Monday mornings and on holidays, forcing thousands of motorists onto nearby quiet neighborhoods. Speeding cars spew greenhouse gasses in stop and go traffic, access to nearby small businesses and job sites is limited, commute times are increased, and emergency vehicles do not have life-saving access. Currently people must drive miles out of their way to attend to daily activities and business, endure horrendous traffic congestion and fashion new routes that are dangerous for motorists and pedestrians.

Additionally, Golden Gate Park has been walled off from people who must rely on motor vehicles for transportation. People with disabilities, the elderly, families with infants and young children, and others are denied access to large areas of the park, including the DeYoung Museum, the Academy of Sciences, the Conservatory of Flowers and the Rose Garden. One-thousand parking spaces that ensure access for all have been removed. And walling off the Park excludes people who live in the Mission, Bayview and Visitation Valley or who live in San Francisco's suburbs, who must drive to access the Park.

Vote Yes on Proposition I and assure access for all to the Great Highway and Golden Gate Park.

Planning Association for the Richmond

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Planning Association for the Richmond.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition I

Latino Leaders Support Prop I

The closures of JFK Drive and the Great Highway impacts thousands of Latino families in San Francisco, whose voices have been diminished and ignored. It has created significant hardships for working families and communities of color, who want to enjoy all the attractions along JFK Drive. Instead, they are blocked from accessing art, culture and nature inside Golden Gate Park.

It is not possible for a multi-generational family with parents, children and grandparents to all get on a bus with strollers, toys, and picnic gear for a visit to Golden Gate Park. With the road closed 24/7, we can no longer drive our elders to see the evening light show at the Conservatory of Flowers. And we have never been able to take our elders to see the Entwined Winter Lights show during the holidays. The closures have also eliminated nearly 1,000 free public parking spaces which help make the park affordable and accessible for all to enjoy.

The closure of the Great Highway also hurts our community. The Great Highway is used by 20,000 vehicles a day for people to commute to and from work, school, the VA Hospital, and other essential locations. It is also important for local Latino owned businesses located in the Richmond and Sunset districts.

We can have more open space without closing roads that tens of thousands of San Franciscans depend on. The decision by the city to close these roads without voter approval has denied equity and inclusion to Latino residents, families, and seniors across the city.

Please join us and vote Yes on Prop l to restore access for all.

San Francisco Latinx Democratic Club

Brigette Davila, City College Trustee*

Anabel Ibáñez, San Francisco County Democratic Committee Recording Secretary

Roberto Y. Hernández, CEO

Rosario Cervantez, Disability Advocate

Kevin Ortiz, San Francisco Latinx Democratic Club Vice President*

Nicky Trasviña, Officer SF LCLAA*

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Access For All.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Diane Wilsey, 2. Corp. of Fine Arts Museums, 3. Jason Moment.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition I

Black Community Leaders Endorse Prop I

The closure of JFK Drive and the Great Highway hurts communities of color and working families, and creates hardship for those who live in the eastern and southern parts of the city. Golden Gate Park belongs to all San Francisco residents, not just to people who live around the park or who have certain means and opportunities.

The decision by the City to close these roads has completely isolated communities of color from certain areas of the park and told them they are not welcome there. Given what is happening in our country right now, it's unacceptable that San Francisco would support policies that exclude entire populations of people.

Many Black residents live in places in the city where public transportation to Golden Gate Park is not only challenging — it's not possible. A trip from Third Street in the Bayview to the Japanese Tea Garden takes nearly an hour on Muni. Taking multiple buses across town shouldn't be the only option for residents who want to visit the Park and enjoy the city's museums and cultural institutions.

There are differences between being environmentally friendly and just being completely tone deaf to the needs of the broader community, and particularly communities of color. There is nothing "progressive" about excluding working families and families of color from Golden Gate Park. The closures of JFK Drive and the Great Highway also hurt local Black owned businesses who need these roads for workers and customers.

We urge you to restore access to Golden Gate Park for everyone. Vote Yes on Prop I.

Maurice Rivers, OMI Cultural Participation Project Executive Director*

Gloria Berry, San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee Member*

Adrienne Simms, SF Firefighter*

Shanell Williams, Board of CCSF Trustees*

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Access For All.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Diane Wilsey, 2. Corp. of Fine Arts Museums, 3. Jason Moment.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition I

Firefighters Support Prop I Because Access and Safety Matter

JFK Drive and the Great Highway are key passages used by first-responders to quickly respond to emergencies and transport patients to hospitals across the City. These closures have made it harder for San Francisco firefighters and paramedics to access these roads in emergencies when seconds can mean life or death. Passing Prop I will reopen these essential streets and restore the access we need.

Small residential streets have also become more dangerous with the closures of JFK Drive and the Great Highway. The traffic from these major roadways has been pushed into the neighborhoods. Passing Prop I will reopen these essential roads and reduce vehicle traffic on these surrounding streets.

There are protected bicycle lanes and pedestrian pathways on JFK Drive and the Great Highway. We can share these roads and give all San Franciscans the access they need.

Vote yes on Prop I to restore safety on our streets.

Adrienne Simms, SF Firefighter*

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Access For All.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Diane Wilsey, 2. Corp. of Fine Arts Museums, 3. Jason Moment.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition I

VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION I — It's Inclusive.

Proposition I stands for lnclusivity!

It's the intelligent proposal for the use of our Great Highway and JFK Drive by EVERYONE!

We need a common sense approach to the use of our beautiful landmark Golden Gate Park and the Beach and Prop I is that solution.

The roadways everywhere in our City are maintained from the gas tax from every gallon of gas we purchase. Skateboards and bicycles pay zero for upkeep of these roadways. We welcome the latter to enjoy them, but not to the exclusion of the vast majority who drive motor vehicles and "pay the freight" to maintain the roads and highways.

Prop I is the right solution. Don't close our great park and beach highway to exclude the elderly, mobility-limited and motoring public.

John McLaren envisioned Golden Gate Park for the use of all, not some.

Support the common sense approach and Vote YES on I, the intelligent, inclusive solution.

San Francisco Taxpayers Association

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: San Francisco Taxpayers Association.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Paul Scott, 2. Diane Wilsey, 3. S.F. Board of Realtors.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition I

Prop I Allows Seniors to Live Independently

Bottom line, this really isn't about closing streets. It's all about respect for locals as they age and become less capable of getting around, and needing canes, walkers and wheelchairs. It's all about respect for the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Making the city more accessible should be the goal, not limiting access. Closing streets such as JFK and Great Highway is all about limiting, and even preventing access. Many of us grew up here and some are even natives. So we are very used to getting everywhere in SF whenever we need to be somewhere. Preventing that access is disrespectful.

Our City is no longer for everyone — is only for the young, athletic, and those who can ride bicycles. Those of us who have no options are being left out. The Park shuttles are few and far between, unreliable, and impossible to access.

Living independently is important for many of us as we get older. That includes the ability to take ourselves where we want to go when we want to go there. Closing roads takes away our independence.

Vote Yes on Prop I and ensure access for all!

Claire Zvanski

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Access For All.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Diane Wilsey, 2. Corp. of Fine Arts Museums, 3. Jason Moment.

End of Paid Arguments IN FAVOR of Proposition I

Arguments are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Arguments are published as submitted. Spelling and grammatical errors have not been corrected.

Paid Arguments Against Proposition I

Paid Argument AGAINST Proposition I

The San Francisco Democratic Party says NO on Proposition I

The consensus measure backed by the Mayor and Board of Supervisors is the result of nearly two years of public process and the participation of over 10,000 San Franciscans to reach a compromise plan for our City's parks. Now just one person, Dede Wilsey, is spending big money to overturn that carefully-reached consensus plan and turn the safe and carefree oasis into a dangerous traffic clogged artery in the heart of Golden Gate Park.

Prop I would block the City's longstanding Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Plan to prevent the Westside's critical sewage treatment infrastructure from falling into the sea and to protect and revitalize Ocean Beach from the effects of climate change-induced sea level rise and coastal erosion. Canceling our climate change plan now will put our critical infrastructure at risk and will cost taxpayers $80 million additional dollars.

With 5,000 parking spaces inside Golden Gate Park, the City's 21-measure park accessibility program, and free accessible shuttle service on JFK Promenade seven days a week, we know the park welcomes everyone no matter how they choose to travel.

Reject Dede Wilsey's big money politics. Don't let one person control our park; stand with the 70% of San Franciscans who support JFK Promenade.

Vote No on Proposition I.

San Francisco Democratic Party

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Save John F Kennedy Promenade.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Emmett Shear, 2. Zack Rosen, 3. Kid Safe SF.

Paid Argument AGAINST Proposition I

To protect our safety, vote NO on Proposition I.

Every 14 hours on average, someone is sent to San Francisco General Hospital with injuries sustained in a traffic crash. Some of these victims will not survive; around 30 people are killed in traffic crashes each year in San Francisco. The majority of victims are pedestrians, and half of these are older adults.

Proposition I would take away the city's only significant street space without dangerous traffic. The hundreds of thousands of people using these spaces have shown how needed they are.

Before vehicle traffic was removed from the 1.5-mile section of JFK Drive, most vehicles used it as a cut-through, leading to dangerous speeds and conditions in our biggest park. JFK Drive was on the list of the city's most dangerous streets due to frequent traffic crashes. We can't return to that, so please: for our safety, vote NO on Proposition I.

Walk San Francisco

KidSafe SF

San Francisco Bicycle Coalition

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Save John F Kennedy Promenade.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Emmett Shear, 2. Zack Rosen, 3. Kid Safe SF.

Paid Argument AGAINST Proposition I

On behalf of the many seniors and people with disabilities who use and love carfree space, we urge you to vote NO on Proposition I and do not take away the safe, accessible space that we need.

For many seniors and people with disabilities, getting around in San Francisco can feel like gambling for our lives. We know we are the most at-risk people in our city in terms of being hit or killed while simply crossing the street. Many of us don't drive or own cars. And let's just say that using a wheelchair, mobility scooter, or walker on most sidewalks isn't exactly relaxing.

But finally, as a silver lining in the horrific pandemic, there are some places we can go in our city where we are truly safe, and can stroll or roll without fear of traffic, and be part of things. Proposition I would take these spaces away.

We've seen many good changes happening to make Golden Gate Park friendlier and more accessible for seniors and people with disabilities. The free shuttle service is much improved and now connects to transit, there are more benches for resting, a huge new ADA lot by the museums, and more. We need this safe, accessible space for all, so please don't take it away from us and vote NO on Proposition I!

Signed by Ruth Malone and Albert Ward on behalf of seniors and people with disabilities in support of JFK Promenade

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Save John F Kennedy Promenade.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Emmett Shear, 2. Zack Rosen, 3. Kid Safe SF.

Paid Argument AGAINST Proposition I

As health professionals who care deeply for the people of San Francisco, please vote NO on Proposition I. Do NOT take away healthy, safe space for people.

We have seen the importance of having designated safe spaces for people of all ages and abilities to be active. Space in our parks without dangerous traffic has provided people from San Francisco and beyond significant physical and mental health benefits during the pandemic. We would be short-sighted to throw these benefits away, especially when hundreds of thousands of people are using these spaces each month.

Among many lessons the pandemic has taught us is that investing in the health of our communities makes us all better off. While change is always challenging, San Francisco has a proud tradition of leadership in medicine and public health. So please: health care professionals urge you to vote NO on Proposition I for our city's health.

Susan George, MD

Christian Rose, MD

Vincent Tamariz, MD

San Francisco Marin Medical Society

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Save John F Kennedy Promenade.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Emmett Shear, 2. Zack Rosen, 3. Kid Safe SF.

Paid Argument AGAINST Proposition I

Proposition I takes away San Franciscans' freedom to reimagine our coastal and park spaces, mandates pollution in our most sensitive natural environments, and forever removes a unique community space.

One of the silver linings to emerge from the pandemic is the creative use of the Great Highway. People love walking and socializing on a roomy paved promenade to the sound of the ocean.

• Over two million visits to Great Highway Park have already been logged;

• Businesses in the Outer Sunset are thriving because of the increased foot traffic;

• Our coast is finally accessible and enjoyable to all, from kids on bikes to people with limited mobility who cannot easily navigate through sand;

• Proposition I would take this all away forever, leaving no room to adapt over time. San Franciscans reimagined Crissy Field's abandoned airfield and Embarcadero's double decker freeway into what they are today; Proposition I would make it illegal for us to reimagine our coast in the future.

Proposition I is also bad for our coast. Due to coastal erosion, the Pacific Ocean has been encroaching on one of the City's main water treatment plants for years. The adjacent Great Highway is falling into the Sea, and Proposition I would undo the careful restoration project that is underway on the Great Highway south of Sloat Blvd.

Protect San Francisco's Open Space: Vote NO on Prop I

Friends of Great Highway Park

Stephanie Linder, Chief Executive Officer, Gardens of Golden Gate Park

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Save John F Kennedy Promenade.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Emmett Shear, 2. Zack Rosen, 3. Kid Safe SF.

Paid Argument AGAINST Proposition I

No $80 million wall on Ocean Beach. No on Proposition I

Proposition I is bad for our health and for our environment. Proposition I reverses course on the Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Program adopted by the City to protect the Westside's wastewater treatment infrastructure from coastal erosion. This last-minute reversal would force all San Francisco taxpayers to pay $80 million for a new ecologically-harmful wall on our Ocean Beach waterfront.

After SPUR led environmental organizations, community stakeholders, and public agencies to develop this landmark community-led, comprehensive vision to address sea level rise, protect infrastructure, restore coastal ecosystems, and improve public access, Proposition I would throw away this vision and millions of dollars of already completed work.

Spending $80 million on just one obsolete road is bad, but spending $80 million to build a massive seawall that will cause irreparable damage to Ocean Beach is far worse.

Supporting active transportation — walking and cycling — makes us healthier and happier and is a key strategy of our City's Climate Action Plan. If we can't even keep JFK Promenade as a safe and popular place for people to walk and bike instead of one of our most dangerous streets, how will we meet any of our other climate change targets?

Vote No on Proposition I to:

• Invest in our future that address our changing climate

• Reduce our impact on sensitive ecosystems

• Make active, sustainable transportation a reality in San Francisco

SPUR

Greenbelt Alliance

San Francisco League of Conservation Voters

Livable City

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Save John F Kennedy Promenade.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Emmett Shear, 2. Zack Rosen, 3. Kid Safe SF.

Paid Argument AGAINST Proposition I

Prop I is bad for our parks, our wallets, and our city.

Prop I is bad for our parks: it will shut down two brand new parks created through a community process:

• The weekend-only Great Highway Park, which is popular with Westside families

• JFK Promenade in Golden Gate Park, which used to be a dangerous road and is now enjoyed by families, children learning to ride bikes, young couples on dates, and seniors going for a safe evening stroll

Prop I is bad for our wallets: it will force the city to spend $80 million dollars on an obsolete road that is already scheduled to close next year due to coastal erosion and crumbling, century-old infrastructure.

Prop I is bad for our city: it is a power grab by one wealthy person who doesn't think the community should be able to create new parks. If Prop I wins, it shows everyone that the people are not really in charge — money is.

Vote No on Prop I —for better parks, for better budgets, and for a better city.

GrowSF

SF YIMBY

Urban Environmentalists

Grow the Richmond

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Save John F Kennedy Promenade.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Emmett Shear, 2. Zack Rosen, 3. Kid Safe SF.

Arguments are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Arguments are published as submitted. Spelling and grammatical errors have not been corrected.

Legal Text

Be it ordained by the People of the City and County of San Francisco:

Section 1. Title.

This ordinance shall be known as the “Access for All Ordinance.”

Section 2. Background.

A. John F. Kennedy (“JFK”) Drive provides critical access to the east end of Golden Gate Park (the “Park”), which houses the de Young Museum, California Academy of Sciences, Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, Botanical Garden, Golden Gate Park Tennis Center, Dahlia Dell and other beloved gardens. It is surrounded by ample bike paths and walkways. Since 1967, several compromises have been made to balance the needs of those who wish to recreate in the Park without vehicles with those who need vehicular access to visit Park destinations.

B. JFK Drive, between Kezar Drive and Transverse, has been closed to cars on Sundays and holidays since 1967. In November 2000, San Francisco voters rejected two ballot propositions, Propositions F and G, which would have extended Sunday and holiday closures of JFK Drive to include Saturdays. In April 2007, Park stakeholders reached a compromise agreement for a Saturday closure of JFK Drive agreeing that JFK Drive would be closed to vehicular traffic west of Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive to Transverse Drive on Saturdays, 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM, from the first Saturday of April through the last Saturday of September each year.

C. The full and permanent closure of JFK Drive places a disproportionate burden on people with disabilities, seniors, families and those who live far from the Park. It is time to return to earlier agreements to allow for all to equitably access and use the Park.

D. The full and permanent closure of Martin Luther King, Jr. (“MLK”) Drive between Lincoln Way and Middle Drive, and of Bernice Rogers Drive, also places a disproportionate burden on people with disabilities, seniors, families and those who live far from the Park, and also must be reopened in order to allow for all to equitably access and use the Park.

E. The Upper Great Highway and Great Highway Extension (hereinafter referred to collectively as “The Great Highway”) comprise a major arterial road in the Sunset District for commuting and accessing regional cities. It is surrounded by ample bike paths and walkways. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, it was used by approximately 20,000 drivers per day -- to commute to and from work, school, doctor’s appointments, soccer practice, the Zoo, shopping, the Veterans Administration, and many other essential places. This high volume of traffic has now been diverted to smaller streets in the surrounding neighborhood, turning these small, neighborhood streets into unsafe, high traffic roads.

F. As we return to pre-pandemic life and normal traffic patterns, car access through the Great Highway is essential. The closure is an unnecessary burden on working people, families and on neighborhoods that are absorbing the diverted traffic.

G. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the City shut down nonessential businesses, schools, parks, restaurants, bars, gyms, theaters, stadiums, and other public venues as a health precaution. The City also shut down a number of streets, stating that, with all public venues shut down, these closed streets would be places for people to exercise, recreate and socially gather in a safe manner. These street closures were intended to be temporary measures.

H. More than two years later, even though gyms and exercise facilities are now reopened, providing the public with places to exercise, and even though parks have been reopened, providing the public with places to recreate, and restaurants, bars, clubs, theaters and stadiums have been reopened, providing places for the public to socially gather, and schools and government buildings have been reopened, many streets remain closed. To the dismay of most San Franciscans, the City has now taken steps to permanently shut down some streets. People with physical disabilities, seniors with limited mobility, families with small children, and many others not capable of riding a bicycle, walking far distances, or walking at all, others who have limited access to public transit, and others who can not afford a bicycle, are being excluded from these permanently closed streets and the public and private places to which they provide access. These permanently closed streets are also key passages for emergency responders.

I. Unsurprisingly, there has been a huge outcry across the City, with everyday San Franciscans demanding that their leaders restore these closed streets to their pre-pandemic conditions. The people of San Francisco have petitioned their leaders, written thousands of protest letters and emails, attended public hearings, held rallies, and overwhelmingly protested this unfair and bad faith attempt by elected officials to ignore the clear will of the people. Despite the outcry and pleas from San Franciscans concerned over the actions of City officials, the Board of Supervisors voted in April 2022 to permanently close JFK Drive, and continues to consider the permanent closure of the Great Highway.

Section 3. Purposes, Intent and Findings.

A. In enacting this Ordinance, the People of the City and County of San Francisco have the following purposes and intentions:

1. To exercise their legal authority to pass an ordinance to revert back to the previously negotiated compromise on JFK Drive, to reopen MLK Drive and Bernice Rogers Way, and to reopen the Upper Great Highway, to the condition and status as they were before the Covid-19 pandemic, and keep those roads properly maintained and open to vehicles as they were before the closures put in place because of the Covid-19 pandemic, so that all members of the public have access and can enjoy their use. All residents and visitors should be able to access and share all City streets equitably; that is the fair and right thing to do. All residents and visitors must have access to all City streets; no streets should be reserved for the exclusive use of those who have the physical capacity to ride a bicycle or motorized scooter, to those who have the physical capacity and convenience to walk, or to those who can afford a bicycle, while vehicles are banned.

2. To reopen JFK Drive and the Great Highway to the condition and status they were before the Covid-19 pandemic, and keep those roads properly maintained and open to vehicles as they were before the closures put in place because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

3. To define and limit the reasons for any future temporary closures on JFK Drive, MLK Drive, Bernice Rogers Way or the Great Highway to cases of emergency, for construction and maintenance, or for permitted community or special events, and so that such temporary closure continue for no longer than is necessary for the specific activity or task. Temporary closures of these streets for other reasons or under other circumstances can result in disparate impacts on persons with disabilities, seniors, people with limited mobility, families with children, or communities of color.

4. To clarify the wording of City law, specifically the Park Code, which has been misused and misinterpreted to justify closures of JFK Drive and the Upper Great Highway.

5. To transfer authority over the Great Highway from the Recreation and Park Department (“RPD”) to the Department of Public Works, which is already responsible for maintenance of these two roadways.

6. To allow RPD, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority (“SFMTA”) and other City departments to implement those portions of the Golden Gate Park Access and Safety Program (“the Program”) which are consistent, and do not conflict, with reopening JFK Drive and the Upper Great Highway to vehicles as they were before the closures put in place because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

B. In enacting this Ordinance, the People of the City and County of San Francisco find that:

1. The portions of JFK Drive, MLK Drive, Bernice Rogers Way and the Upper Great Highway which are currently closed to vehicles and subject to vehicular restrictions are needed for two-way vehicular access.

2. These current street closures and vehicular restrictions have a negative impact on the surrounding areas.

3. These current street closures and vehicular restrictions, beyond those in effect before the closures put in place because of the Covid-19 pandemic, are not necessary for the safety or protection of residents or visitors.

4. The Great Highway Extension is needed for vehicular access.

5. Despite any statutory language implying otherwise, reopening JFK Drive, MLK Drive and Bernice Rogers Way to vehicles and limiting the temporary closures of these streets, are consistent with City policies relating to the use of Golden Gate Park as set forth in the Charter, the Golden Gate Master Plan, 1998 Proposition J, and other City laws and policies.

6. Despite any statutory language implying otherwise, reopening the Upper Great Highway to vehicles, keeping the Great Highway Extension open to vehicles, limiting the temporary closures of these streets, and placing the Great Highway under the jurisdiction and management of Public Works, are consistent with City laws and policies relating to the use of these streets.

7. Reopening JFK Drive, MLK Drive, Bernice Rogers Way and the Upper Great Highway to vehicles, keeping the Great Highway Extension open to vehicles, and limiting the temporary closures of these streets would restore and enhance equitable access to Golden Gate Park and the Great Highway.

Section 4. New Transportation Code section. Section 1010, titled “Certain Golden Gate Park Roadways and the Great Highway,” is hereby added to Article 1000 of the Transportation Code.

Section 1010. Certain Golden Gate Park Roadways and the Great Highway.

(a) Definitions. The following definitions shall apply for the purposes of this section:

1. “Vehicle” shall be defined as provided in section 2.07 of the Park Code.

2. “The Great Highway” shall be defined as including the Upper Great Highway from Lincoln Boulevard to Sloat Boulevard and the Great Highway Extension from Sloat Boulevard to Skyline Boulevard.

3. “On a temporary basis” shall be defined as including only: (1) in cases of emergency; (2) for construction, maintenance and street repairs; or (3) for a permitted parade, celebration, concert, athletic event, community event or similar activity, including long-standing institutional events and programming such as Outside Lands and Bay to Breakers, in accordance with Article 6 of the Transportation Code and Article 7 of the Park Code.

4. “City” shall refer to the government and government officials of the City and County of San Francisco.

(b) Reopening and Keeping Open Streets in Golden Gate Park and the Great Highway.

1. John F. Kennedy (“JFK”) Drive shall be reopened and shall remain open to vehicles, in both directions, from Stanyan Street through Transverse Drive, with the exception of Sunday, holiday and Saturday closures as provided in the Park Code. This street shall be reinstated to the condition and status as it was before the closures put in place because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and shall be kept properly maintained and open to vehicles as it was at that time.

2. Martin Luther King, Jr. (“MLK”) Drive shall be reopened and shall remain open to vehicles, in both directions, from Lincoln Way to Kezar Drive. This street shall be reinstated to the condition and status as it was before the closures put in place because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and shall be kept properly maintained and open to vehicles as it was at that time.

3. Bernice Rogers Way shall be reopened and shall remain open to vehicles, in both directions. This street shall be reinstated to the condition and status as it was before the closures put in place because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and shall be kept properly maintained and open to vehicles as it was at that time.

4. The Upper Great Highway shall be reopened and shall remain open to vehicles, in both directions, from Lincoln Way through Sloat Boulevard. This street shall be reinstated to the condition and status as it was before the closures put in place because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and shall be kept properly maintained and open to vehicles as it was at that time.

5. The Great Highway Extension shall remain open to vehicles, in both directions, from Sloat Boulevard to Skyline Boulevard.

1. With the exception of Sunday, holiday and Saturday closures as provided in the Park Code, the City shall not ban vehicles on JFK Drive from Stanyan Street through Transverse Drive, except on a temporary basis.

2. The City shall not ban vehicles on MLK Drive, Bernice Rogers Way or the Great Highway except on a temporary basis.

3. The City shall only approve such temporary bans on vehicles on JFK Drive, MLK Drive, Bernice Rogers Way or the Great Highway: (1) when the closure is necessary for the safety and protection of persons who are to use that portion of the street during the temporary closure; and (2) for the minimum amount of time necessary to respond to the emergency, to conduct the construction, maintenance or street repair, or for the permitted event.

Section 5. New Public Works Code section. New Article 28, titled “Management of the Great Highway,” is hereby added to the Public Works Code.

Section 2800. Management of the Great Highway. The Great Highway, including the Upper Great Highway from Lincoln Boulevard to Sloat Boulevard, and the Great Highway Extension from Sloat Boulevard to Skyline Boulevard, shall be under the jurisdiction and management of the Department of Public Works.

Section 6. Amendment to Transportation Code. Section 1.3 of the Transportation Code is hereby amended to read as follows. Unchanged statutory text is in plain font. Additions are underlined and deletions are crossed-out. Asterisks indicate the omission of unchanged sections.

Section 1.3. Applicability of Vehicle Code.

(a) The provisions of the San Francisco Transportation Code shall be construed in a manner consistent with the Vehicle Code. Nothing in this Code is intended to narrow or limit any authority granted to the City by the Vehicle Code, except to the extent that City law restricts the ability of the City to ban or restrict vehicles on John F. Kennedy Drive, Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Bernice Rogers Way, the Great Highway, or the Great Highway Extension.

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Section 7. Amendments to Park Code.

1. Section 6.12 of the Park Code is hereby amended to read as follows. Unchanged statutory text is in plain font. Additions are underlined and deletions are crossed-out. Asterisks indicate the omission of unchanged sections.

Section SEC. 6.12. GOLDEN GATE PARK ACCESS AND SAFETY PROGRAM AND ROAD CLOSURES IN GOLDEN GATE PARK.

(a) Findings and Purpose.

(1) Golden Gate Park was created more than 100 years ago to provide a sanctuary from the pressures of urban life. Golden Gate Park remains an irreplaceable resource of open space for visitors to and residents of San Francisco, especially those families for whom it is difficult to travel out of the City for recreation.

(2) For more than 30 years, Sunday and holiday closure to motor vehicles of a portion of John F. Kennedy Drive, approximately 1.5 miles in length, between Kezar Drive and Transverse Drive, and closure of portions of adjacent roads connecting with that portion of John F. Kennedy Drive, has have been one of the most popular attractions in Golden Gate Park, attracting hundreds of thousands of people each year from every neighborhood, racial/ethnic group, age category, and income level been closed to vehicles on Sundays and holidays year round, 6 AM – 6 PM, Pacific Standard Time and Pacific Daylight Time.

(3) Proposition J, the Golden Gate Park Revitalization Act of 1998, adopted by San Francisco voters on June 2, 1998, has as one of its primary purposes to take steps to reduce the impact of automobiles in Golden Gate Park while still providing long-term assurance of safe, reliable, and convenient access for visitors to the Park. This goal remains of paramount importance in ensuring that Golden Gate Park is scenically beautiful, environmentally sensitive, culturally diverse, and accessible to all.

(4) Concerns about ensuring automobile access to the cultural institutions in the Golden Gate Park Concourse area, including the M.H. de Young Memorial Museum and the California Academy of Sciences (“CAS”), have been partially addressed by the construction of an underground parking garage in the Concourse area pursuant to the aforementioned Proposition J.

(5) In November 2000, San Francisco voters rejected two ballot propositions, Propositions F and G, which would have extended Sunday and holiday closures of John F. Kennedy Drive to include Saturdays.

(6) In April 2007, Park stakeholders discussed a compromise agreement for a Saturday closure of John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park. Parties agreed that John F. Kennedy Drive would be closed to vehicular traffic west of Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive to Transverse Drive on Saturdays from the first Saturday of April though the last Saturday of September each year, to allow for shared use of the Park. This Saturday road closure would be operative from 6 AM – 6 PM, Pacific Standard Time and Pacific Daylight Time. This compromise was previously enumerated in Section 6.13 of the Park Code; it shall now be enumerated in Section 6.12 of the Park Code.

(7) The People of the City and County of San Francisco hereby affirm that the closure of John F. Kennedy Drive shall be in effect for every Sunday and holiday, and for Saturdays six (6) months of the year, as described in subsections (a)(2) and (a)(6) and in accordance with subsection (b), and amend the Golden Gate Park Access and Safety Program accordingly.

(5) In 2007, with the enactment of Ordinance No. 271-07, the City extended this program of Sunday road closures to also cover Saturdays, to provide more opportunities for the public to engage in recreation and due to the need to ensure the safety and protection of persons who would use these roads during the closures.

(68) In 2022, following the temporary closure of portions of John F. Kennedy Drive and other connecting streets due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and on recommendation of the Recreation and Park Commission and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors, the Board of Supervisors adopted the Golden Gate Park Access and Safety Program, and approved the road closures described herein, finding that it would be appropriate to permanently restrict private vehicles from portions of John F. Kennedy Drive and certain other street segments in Golden Gate Park, due to the need to ensure the safety and protection of persons who are to use those streets, and because those streets are no longer needed for private vehicle traffic, and because the restrictions would leave a sufficient portion of the streets in the surrounding area for other public uses including vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic.

(b) Sunday, Saturday and Holiday Closures of John F. Kennedy Drive.

(1) John F. Kennedy Drive, between Kezar Drive and Transverse Drive, shall be closed to motor vehicles on Sundays and holidays year round, 6 AM – 6 PM Pacific Standard Time and Pacific Daylight Time.

(2) John F. Kennedy Drive shall be closed to vehicular traffic west of Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive to Transverse Drive on Saturdays from the first Saturday of April through the last Saturday of September each year, from 6 AM – 6 PM Pacific Standard Time and Pacific Daylight Time.

(3) Private vehicle access through John F. Kennedy Drive and to public parking spaces located on this roadway and adjacent roads shall be available during non-closure days and times.

(4) Sunday, Saturday and holiday road closures shall not be in effect on days with inclement weather conditions.

(5) The Recreation and Park Department, with assistance as needed of other City departments, shall arrange for appropriate barriers to be placed within Golden Gate Park so as to effectuate the aforementioned street closures.

(bc) Restrictions on Private Vehicles Bicycle Lanes on Other Golden Gate Park Roads. The Board of Supervisors authorizes the Recreation and Park Department to restrict private vehicles from the following streets in Golden Gate Park: JFK Drive, between Kezar Drive and Transverse Drive; Conservatory Drive East, between Arguello Boulevard and JFK Drive; Pompeii Circle, entire length of street; Conservatory Drive West, between JFK Drive and 500’ northeast of JFK Drive; 8th Avenue, between Fulton Street and JFK Drive; Music Concourse Drive, between JFK Drive and Bowl Drive; Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, between JFK Drive and Bowl Drive; Stow Lake Drive, between JFK Drive and Stow Lake Drive East; Middle Drive West, between Overlook Drive and a gate 200 feet west of Overlook Drive; Middle Drive West, between Metson Road and a gate 675 feet east of Metson Road; Bernice Rodgers Way, between JFK Drive and MLK Drive; and MLK Drive, between Lincoln Way and Chain of Lakes Road. The Board of Supervisors also authorizes the Recreation and Park Department to convert MLK Drive from Chain of Lakes Drive to Sunset Boulevard from two-way traffic to one-way traffic in the eastbound direction; and Middle Drive West from Metson Road to MLK Drive from two-way traffic to one-way traffic in the westbound direction. The Board of Supervisors also establishes a A protected two-way bicycle lane (Class IV) is established on the east side of Transverse Drive from JFK Drive to Overlook Drive, and a one-way westbound bicycle lane (Class II) on the north side of MLK Drive between Middle Drive and Sunset Boulevard. A map depicting these street closures and traffic restrictions bicycle lanes is on file with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors in File No. 220261, the file for the ordinance amending this Section 6.12 in April 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference. The Recreation and Park Department’s temporary closure of the streets in Golden Gate Park due to the COVID-19 pandemic is hereby ratified.

(cd) The Recreation and Park Department shall include on its website a map depicting the streets subject to the street closures and traffic restrictions authorized in subsection (b), and such other information as it may deem appropriate to assist the public; and shall provide advance notice of any changes to these street closures or traffic restrictions to residents and owners of property abutting those streets.

(de) The Board of Supervisors urges the Recreation and Park Department is authorized to pursue the remaining aspects of the Golden Gate Park Access and Safety Program, including but not limited to the associated parking, loading, and traffic modifications, improved shuttle service, paratransit van service, accessible parking spots, delivery access for the De Young Museum, and bicycle connectivity, except to the extent that they conflict with provisions in the Park Code and Transportation Code relating to reopening and keeping open John F. Kennedy Drive and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive to vehicles, and authorizes the Recreation and Park Department to implement the Program with adjustments as it deems necessary.

(ef) Disability Access Standards. The following disability access standards shall apply to the Sunday, Saturday and holiday road closures of John F. Kennedy Drive and related roads as set forth above in subsection (b).

(l) Disability access to Golden Gate Park shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Golden Gate Park Revitalization Act of 1998.

(2) All vehicular access points to the areas of closure shall contain directional signage that describes all access points and accessible surface parking areas for people with disabilities and provides directions to the underground parking facility in the Music Concourse. Signage also shall include telephone and TTY/TDD contact numbers where callers can obtain information on disability access.

(3) The Department, in consultation with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, Fine Arts Museums, California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority, and Mayor’s Office on Disability, shall maintain at least the following disability access measures.

(A) A total of at least 118 92 accessible parking spaces east of Transverse Drive, of which 20 spaces shall be in the Bandshell parking lot and 26 shall be the parking spaces on JFK Drive, Pompeii Circle and Stow Lake Drive which existed before the street closures put in place because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

(B) Assigned passenger loading zones for people with disabilities and others, in the Music Concourse in front of the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum.

(C) An authorized intra-park transit shuttle that is accessible and operates frequently on the closed sections of John F. Kennedy Drive, additional accessible parking spaces, and additional signed drop-off zones for people with disabilities outside of the area of closure.

(fg) Exempt Motor Vehicles. The following motor vehicles are exempt from the restrictions in this section subsection (b):

(1) Emergency vehicles, including but not limited to police and fire vehicles.

(2) Official City, State, or federal vehicles, or any other authorized vehicle, being used to perform official City, State, or federal business pertaining to Golden Gate Park or any property or facility therein, including but not limited to public transit vehicles, vehicles of the Recreation and Park Department and construction vehicles authorized by the Recreation and Park Department.

(3) Authorized intra-park transit shuttle buses, paratransit vehicles vans, or similar authorized vehicles used to transport persons within, or to and from, Golden Gate Park.

(4) Private vehicles accessing assigned passenger loading zones in the Music Concourse in front of the California Academy of Sciences and the De Young Museum through the 8 Avenue entrance to Golden Gate Park on Fulton Street.

(45) Vehicles authorized by the Recreation and Park Department in connection with permitted events.

(56) Vehicle deliveries to the DeYoung Museum loading dock. Such vehicles shall have unimpeded access to the Museum’s loading dock from John F. Kennedy Drive through the road closure area. The DeYoung Museum may use the existing closure protocols, and update them as necessary, to provide for unencumbered delivery access to its loading dock and maintain safety of individuals within the road closure area. The Museum and the Recreation and Park Department shall evaluate such protocols and delivery activities on a regular basis to ensure that adequate delivery access and public safety are maintained, and if necessary, shall institute additional or modified methods that ensure adequate delivery access to the Museum and public safety.

(gh) Emergency Authority. The General Manager of the Recreation and Park Department shall have the authority to allow traffic on roads that would otherwise be closed in accordance with this Section 6.12 in circumstances which in the General Manager’s judgment constitute an emergency such that the benefit to the public from the street closure is outweighed by the traffic burden or public safety hazard created by the emergency circumstances.

(h) Promotion of the General Welfare. In enacting and implementing this Section 6.12, the City is assuming an undertaking only to promote the general welfare. It is not assuming, nor is it imposing on its officers and employees, an obligation for breach of which it is liable in money damages to any person who claims that such breach proximately caused injury.

(i) Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this Section 6.12 or any application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions or applications of Section 6.12. The Board of Supervisors hereby declares it would have passed this Section 6.12 and each and every section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, and word not declared invalid or unconstitutional without regard to whether any other portions of Section 6.12 or application thereof would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.

2. Section 3.03 of the Park Code is hereby amended to read as follows. Unchanged statutory text is in plain font. Additions are underlined and deletions are crossed-out. Asterisks indicate the omission of unchanged sections.

Section 3.03. PUBLIC MAY BE EXCLUDED.

In case of an emergency, or when in the judgment of the Recreation and Park Commission or the General Manager the public interest demands it, any portion of any park or park building therein may be closed to the public until such park area or building is reopened to the public by the Recreation and Park Commission or the General Manager; provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall authorize the General Manager or the Commission to close any portion of any park or park building because of the content or viewpoint of expressive activities, existing or anticipated, to the extent such expressive activities are protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Notwithstanding the above, any temporary or permanent closure of John F. Kennedy Drive, Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Bernice Rogers Way, the Great Highway, or the Great Highway Extension must comply with section 1010 of the Transportation Code.

Section 8. Earliest Possible Election.

The People of the City and County of San Francisco hereby expressly request that, if not adopted by the Board of Supervisors, this measure be submitted to the voters at a regular or special election at the earliest time allowable by law.

Section 9. Competing Measures.

This measure is intended to be comprehensive. It is the intent of the People of the City and County of San Francisco that, in the event this measure and one or more measures relating to John F. Kennedy Drive, Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Bernice Rogers Way and/or the Great Highway shall appear on the same ballot, the provisions of the other measure or measures shall be deemed in conflict with this measure. In the event that this measure receives a greater number of affirmative votes, the provisions of this measure shall prevail in their entirety, and all provisions of the other measure or measures shall be null and void. If this measure is approved by a majority of the voters but does not receive a greater number of affirmative votes than any other measure or measures appearing on the same ballot relating to John F. Kennedy Drive, Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Bernice Rogers Way and/or the Great Highway, then this measure shall take effect to the extent not in conflict with said other measure or measures.

Section 10. Amendment and Repeal.

This measure shall not be amended or repealed except by a vote of the People of the City and County of San Francisco, except the Board of Supervisors may amend the relevant Code sections with the approval of two-thirds of the membership concurring under only the following, limited circumstances: (1) the amendment is consistent with, and furthers the purposes of, the measure; or (2) the amendment is required to cure a legal or constitutional infirmity specifically identified in a final adjudication issued by court of competent jurisdiction. Any such amendments by the Board of Supervisors shall be as minimal and specific as possible.

Section 11. Effective Date.

This measure shall be effective at the earliest date allowable by law.

Section 12. Severability.

If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this measure is for any reason held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases of this article. The voters of the City and County of San Francisco declare that they would have independently adopted each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this measure irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases of this measure is declared invalid or unenforceable.

Section 13. Liberal Construction.

This measure is an exercise of the initiative power of the People of the City and County of San Francisco to keep John F. Kennedy Drive, Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Bernice Rogers Way and the Great Highway open to vehicles, restrict the temporary closure of these streets, and place the Great Highway under the authority of the Department of Public Works, and shall be liberally construed to effectuate these purposes and intentions.

Section 14. Legal Defense.

The purpose of this section is to ensure that the People’s right of initiative cannot be improperly annulled by politicians who refuse to defend the will of the voters. Therefore, if this measure is approved by the voters of the City and County of San Francisco and thereafter subjected to a legal challenge which attempts to limit the scope or application of this measure in any way, or alleges this measure violates any local, state, or federal law in whole or in part, and the City refuses to defend this measure, the City brings the legal challenge, or the City supports the legal challenge in any way, then the following actions shall be taken:

A. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in state or local law, the City Attorney shall appoint independent counsel to faithfully and vigorously defend this measure on behalf of the City and County of San Francisco.

B. Before appointing or thereafter substituting independent counsel, the City Attorney shall exercise due diligence in determining the qualifications of independent counsel and shall obtain written affirmation from independent counsel that it will faithfully and vigorously defend this measure. The written affirmation shall be a public document.

C. A continuous appropriation is hereby made from City funds, without regard to fiscal years, in an amount necessary to cover the costs of retaining independent counsel to faithfully and vigorously defend this measure on behalf of the People of the City and County of San Francisco.