SF Democratic party neutral in Supervisor Joel Engardio recall election over Great Highway closure

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- In just a few weeks, voters in San Francisco will decide whether or not to recall District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio.

After an hours-long meeting Wednesday night, the San Francisco Democratic party decided to remain neutral on the whole issue.

There were cheers from supporters of Supervisor Joel Engardio at Wednesday night's meeting of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee. The San Francisco Chronicle was one of the first to report that the committee was split on deciding whether to vote for no endorsement of the recall election, or to back opposition to the recall.

This all comes after Engardio's role in passing the measure that closed part of the Great Highway to vehicle traffic.

San Francisco voters approved the closure of the two-mile stretch in November when Measure K passed.

RELATED: Petition to recall San Francisco Supervisor Joel Engardio qualifies for ballot: elections office

But many, in the Outer Sunset specifically, rejected the measure. The primary concern from them has been the cutting off a major commuter road and sending traffic into local neighborhoods. Some neighbors at the meeting said Engardio betrayed them.

"Our neighborhood has been changed. Our people have been factionalized. Who would vote for someone like this? If you had knew this is what the what the person would be. I have to say Joel Engardio has to go," said one speaker at the meeting.

Others said the park, called Sunset Dunes, has improved since the closure.

"A reminder that the Sunset belongs to everyone and not just a few in loud and angry voices. The recall claimed that Joel's support of Sunset Dune hurts working class families simply isn't true," said another speaker.

ABC7 News spoke with Engardio the morning after the committee's vote.

RELATED: SF Supervisor Joel Engardio facing possible recall over support closing down Great Highway

"Every month that goes by, this park becomes more popular. Sunset Dunes has proven to be a place that's good for the environment," Engardio said. "It's good for people to experience their coast, and even local businesses are reporting an increase in sales because of the increased foot traffic in the area."

He said he was encouraged by support in the committee meeting, including that of Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who had a vote. Still, his work is cut out for him ahead of the upcoming Sept. 16 recall election.

"I'm out there knocking on doors and talking to constituents directly. That's the most effective way to get my message across," he said.

Mail in-ballots for the Sept. 16 election have already gone out. Engardio's term, otherwise, ends in 2026.