San Francisco used to be called “the city that knows how.” We put on international expositions and tamed the sand dunes. We had good, smart politicians who worked together for the greater good. We were a destination for fortune hunters, bohemians and entrepreneurs.
The November election is over and the final results have been certified. From now on, the eastern end of John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park will be closed to vehicle traffic, except for deliveries to the de Young Museum, first responders and the park shuttle. The Upper Great Highway will also be closed on weekends starting at noon on Fridays, per a vote of the SF Board of Supervisors in December, until a study can be completed and final action taken.
A lot of issues on the ballot are being driven by political ideologues and organizations that have a narrow point of view. There is betrayal, the violation of ethical and moral standards, public giveaways and poison pills.
Progressives are on the far left ideological spectrum, bordering on socialism where city policy dictates what’s best for everyone and it’s their way or the highway. The progressives got organized in the late ’90s and took control of the DCCC, which gives the official endorsements for Democratic Party and supplies money to its candidates and propositions. That, coupled with district elections and the abomination that is ranked-choice voting, gave us what we have – a mayor and a majority of supervisors who couldn’t find their way out of a corn maze.
The race to represent the Sunset District at City Hall is in full sprint mode, with incumbent Gordon Mar hoping to fend off challenger Joel Engardio in the Nov. 8 election.
Lately, newsracks that used to carry numerous newspapers and magazines have been removed from city streets – putting a serious dent in the distribution of those publications, including the Richmond Review and Sunset Beacon newspapers.
The process of closing park roads was done with the verbal order of Phil Ginsburg, the general manager of the SF Recreation and Park Department, who was granted that authority under the city charter in the late 1800s.
About 15 years ago, a longtime Richmond District resident named Pat Swendsen sent me a column written by syndicated columnist Ann Landers. She said: “Dear Paul, this is so important it should not be lost in the archives. Hope you can use it.”
When politicians go sideways, due to corruption, malfeasance or gross incompetence, the people have a right to recall them. That right was established and incorporated into the State Constitution more than 100 years ago.
The plot thickens as those with few ethical standards and a lack of a moral compass seize the reins of government to exploit and undermine the democratic process. Oh, and there’s treachery too.
In January, the San Francisco Sunshine Ordinance Task Force determined that Rec. and Park’s, and its General Manager Phil Ginsburg’s, actions were in violation of numerous laws concerning governmental transparency and the release of public documents.
Wow, I’ve never seen the residents of the Sunset District so fired up as they are over the continuing closure of the Upper Great Highway.
Paul Kozakiewicz, former editor and publisher of the Richmond Review and Sunset Beacon newspapers, created the first issue of the Sunset Beacon with co-founder Christopher B. Rivers 30 years ago this month.
Our merchants provide the products and services we need to live good and fulfilling lives. They are the lifeblood of our community.
Paul Kozakiewicz urges residents to patronize local businesses now that San Francisco has flattened the curve.
Richmond Review/Sunset Beacon 