Study Notes on San Francisco's Recall Politics and Direct Democracy

Overview of San Francisco's Political Climate

  • The article discusses the political tensions in San Francisco, particularly in the Sunset District, regarding a recall election targeting county supervisor Joel Engardio.

San Francisco's Recall Election

  • Date: September 16, 2025

  • Key Figure: Joel Engardio, county supervisor

    • Residents labeled him negatively, calling him “a wuss”, “a dictator”, and “a liar”.

    • He was compared to former President Donald Trump.

    • The recall effort is largely fueled by opposition to his support for turning part of a coastal highway into a park.

  • Protesting Citizens and Pets:

    • Citizens engaged in protests, illustrated by an anecdote involving a pet dog (Kayla) adorned with a “Recall Engardio” sticker, symbolizing widespread dissatisfaction.

    • The dog's actions during the rally humorously highlighted the intensity of local sentiments.

Public Reaction and Dissatisfaction

  • Reasons for Dissent:

    • Concerns about increased traffic in their neighborhoods due to the closure of the highway.

    • Debates among residents about whether the traffic closure will negatively impact their daily lives.

    • Perceived neglect of residents' opinions regarding local governance and urban development.

Direct Democracy and Its Consequences

  • Historical Context:

    • California's political history has seen an embrace of direct democracy, originating in the early 20th century among progressive reformers.

    • These mechanisms were intended as checks against powerful institutions like the Southern Pacific Railroad.

  • Current Usage:

    • Direct democracy tools—such as ballot initiatives, referendums, and recalls—have been increasingly used for political maneuvering.

    • The recall process has evolved since the infamous recall of Governor Gray Davis in 2003, which led to Arnold Schwarzenegger's election.

Recent Trends in Recall Elections

  • Partisan Dynamics:

    • Past recalls, such as the attempt against Gavin Newsom in 2021, have been seen as reflections of increasing partisan strategies.

    • The recalls of school-board members and the district attorney in 2022 show a trend of using recalls for political leverage.

  • Influence of Local Experts:

    • Political-science expert Jason McDaniel describes recalls as a “behavioural contagion” within the political landscape of San Francisco.

Engardio’s Support for Direct Democracy

  • Engardio's Political Stance:

    • Advocated for the use of direct democracy, believing the inclusion of more public votes would fairly address the highway issues.

    • Despite majority support for the highway park idea city-wide, a significant number of his own district opposed it.

Opposition and Calls for Change

  • Participatory Democracy:

    • Citizens are not merely seeking more democracy but want participatory democracy, with increased opportunities for input on local issues.

    • A pushback against proposals to increase housing density indicates a community wrestling with change and the implications of urban development.

  • The term "Upzoning":

    • Refers to changing land use regulations to allow for greater building density; often perceived negatively by the community.

    • Engardio is positioned as a member of the YIMBY (Yes In My Back Yard) movement, suggesting a pro-development agenda.

Community Sentiments Toward Development

  • Fear of Gentrification:

    • Lisa Arjes, a leader in the recall campaign, accuses Engardio of promoting “politically motivated gentrification.”

  • Community Insights:

    • Local pastor Jake Woodfin's expression of feelings about the highway matter reflects broader sentiments of betrayal.

    • Engardio himself acknowledges the difficulties of governance, suggesting that in certain contexts, political decisions may be universally unpopular.