At Celia’s by the Beach on Judah Street, a Mexican restaurant in the Sunset, the room erupted in cheers as early results were posted.
Quentin Copp grabbed the microphone, telling the crowd the Sunset “can’t be bought” and warning that the next fight would be over Mayor Daniel Lurie’s zoning plan. Campaign organizer Otto Pippenger credited the Chinese community for driving what he called a “successful recall.”
Glasses clinked, margaritas sloshed and the energy was electric as supporters toasted the moment.
Roughly 50,000 residents were eligible to vote in the recall, and 16,278 ballots had been submitted as of Tuesday night, according to the Department of Elections.
Engardio continues to support the park. He and his supporters note that the lower portion of the Great Highway is already closed because of coastal erosion. They argue the park is both necessary to adapt to the changing landscape and valuable as a recreation space for residents across the region.
Henry Flynn, a fourth-generation San Franciscan, called the recall “democracy 101,” focusing on the Great Highway closure as a sign that city leaders ignored residents’ wishes. “If a majority votes you in and wants a vital roadway open, ignoring them isn’t democratic,” he said.
Flynn, who grew up in the Richmond District, criticized the weekend-only closure and dismissed coastal erosion and maintenance costs as a “scapegoat,” noting the park has created new problems like trash and human waste. On recalls, he said officials who turn their backs on constituents should face consequences.
In a statement Tuesday night, Lurie thanked Engardio for his service and District 4 residents “who made their voices heard.” He said many westside families feel that “their government is doing things to them, not with them,” and pledged to continue communicating openly on issues such as public safety, housing and public space.
“As votes are still being counted and the election will be certified in the coming weeks, our team is evaluating next steps for the District 4 supervisor seat,” Lurie said.
CC Sofronas said she voted early and against the recall. She sympathized with Sunset residents frustrated by the closure of the Great Highway but preferred to accept the city’s decision and move forward.
“I in fact voted to keep it open for transit and closed for weekends last fall,” Sofronas said. “But because it passed to close, I just felt let’s just go with it. I didn’t want to spend resources on a recall. People could just vote him out the next time.”
