Sophie Bearman

Chinatown is lagging behind every other San Francisco neighborhood in terms of vaccinating its senior population, according to an analysis conducted by Here/Say Media and affirmed by the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

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Chinatown is lagging behind every other San Francisco neighborhood in terms of vaccinating its senior population, according to an analysis conducted by Here/Say Media and affirmed by the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

“I’m shocked,” Jian Zhang, CEO of Chinese Hospital, said in response to Here/Say’s reporting, which shows Chinatown is the only neighborhood in San Francisco to have vaccinated fewer residents than the estimated number of seniors eligible.

“I’m shocked,” Jian Zhang, CEO of Chinese Hospital, said in response to Here/Say’s reporting, which shows Chinatown is the only neighborhood in San Francisco to have vaccinated fewer residents than the estimated number of seniors eligible.

“Chinatown is the <a href="https://patch.com/california/san-francisco/densely-populated-chinatown-struggles-social-distancing-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">second</a> most densely populated area in the nation. So it&#8217;s very important that we vaccinate [residents] as soon as possible,” Zhang said.

“Chinatown is the <a href="https://patch.com/california/san-francisco/densely-populated-chinatown-struggles-social-distancing-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">second</a> most densely populated area in the nation. So it's very important that we vaccinate [residents] as soon as possible,” Zhang said.

“Chinatown is the <a href="https://patch.com/california/san-francisco/densely-populated-chinatown-struggles-social-distancing-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">second</a> most densely populated area in the nation. So it&#8217;s very important that we vaccinate [residents] as soon as possible,” Zhang said.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large svg-full-width"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/dumbbell_chart_allsat-12.svg" alt="" class="wp-image-2549"/><figcaption>Visualization by Ijeamaka Anyene</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large svg-full-width"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/dumbbell_chart_allsat-12.svg" alt="" class="wp-image-2549"/><figcaption>Visualization by Ijeamaka Anyene</figcaption></figure>

San Francisco’s Department of Public Health (SFDPH) provides <a href="https://data.sfgov.org/stories/s/COVID-19-Vaccinations/a49y-jeyc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neighborhood-level data</a> on vaccinations, including the total number and percent of residents by neighborhood that have received at least one dose of the vaccine. In Chinatown, 32% of residents are at least partially vaccinated. In comparison, 47% of Japantown residents have received one or more doses, and 13% of Treasure Island’s residents have gotten at least one shot.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s Department of Public Health (SFDPH) provides <a href="https://data.sfgov.org/stories/s/COVID-19-Vaccinations/a49y-jeyc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neighborhood-level data</a> on vaccinations, including the total number and percent of residents by neighborhood that have received at least one dose of the vaccine. In Chinatown, 32% of residents are at least partially vaccinated. In comparison, 47% of Japantown residents have received one or more doses, and 13% of Treasure Island’s residents have gotten at least one shot.&nbsp;

At first glance, Japantown would appear to be the best-performing neighborhood in vaccination rates and Treasure Island seems to be doing poorly. But these figures don’t tell the full story. The percentages can reflect neighborhood demographics, said Dr. Albert Yu, SFDPH’s chief health information officer.

At first glance, Japantown would appear to be the best-performing neighborhood in vaccination rates and Treasure Island seems to be doing poorly. But these figures don’t tell the full story. The percentages can reflect neighborhood demographics, said Dr. Albert Yu, SFDPH’s chief health information officer.

At this stage of the vaccine rollout, a neighborhood with a lot of young people is likely “going to show very low saturation” of vaccinations, he said, which is actually a good sign as the vaccine is not yet widely available to people under 65. Otherwise, “it would be line cutting.” For example, while Treasure Island has only vaccinated 13% of residents, just 5% are 60 or older.&nbsp;

At this stage of the vaccine rollout, a neighborhood with a lot of young people is likely “going to show very low saturation” of vaccinations, he said, which is actually a good sign as the vaccine is not yet widely available to people under 65. Otherwise, “it would be line cutting.” For example, while Treasure Island has only vaccinated 13% of residents, just 5% are 60 or older.&nbsp;

Chinatown’s vaccination rate (32%) seems to put the neighborhood inconspicuously in the middle of the pack. But when you take into account that 35% of Chinatown’s population is elderly, it reveals that the community has fallen behind, a finding that has been largely left out of the conversation.

Chinatown’s vaccination rate (32%) seems to put the neighborhood inconspicuously in the middle of the pack. But when you take into account that 35% of Chinatown’s population is elderly, it reveals that the community has fallen behind, a finding that has been largely left out of the conversation.

SFDPH says it’s been monitoring the situation since mid-February. “We are absolutely aware of Chinatown,” said Yu, though the department doesn’t have enough data yet to explain why Chinatown has slipped, including whether seniors are choosing to wait to be vaccinated, are being overlooked or some combination of the two.

SFDPH says it’s been monitoring the situation since mid-February. “We are absolutely aware of Chinatown,” said Yu, though the department doesn’t have enough data yet to explain why Chinatown has slipped, including whether seniors are choosing to wait to be vaccinated, are being overlooked or some combination of the two.

“Right now, we don’t have that level of granularity in our data. We want to get there,” Yu said.

“Right now, we don’t have that level of granularity in our data. We want to get there,” Yu said.

As densely populated as it is, Chinatown was able to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/17/us/san-francisco-coronavirus-chinese-hospital.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stave off</a> significant spread of the coronavirus this past year. Health experts <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/news/editorspicks/article/Chinatown-San-Francisco-low-cases-high-death-rate-15454491.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theorize</a> that residents strictly followed the city’s shelter-in-place order and embraced masks early.

As densely populated as it is, Chinatown was able to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/17/us/san-francisco-coronavirus-chinese-hospital.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stave off</a> significant spread of the coronavirus this past year. Health experts <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/news/editorspicks/article/Chinatown-San-Francisco-low-cases-high-death-rate-15454491.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theorize</a> that residents strictly followed the city’s shelter-in-place order and embraced masks early.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/shutterstock_1934137469-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2380"/><figcaption>Empty street in Chinatown during the pandemic | Shutterstock</figcaption></figure>

But when it comes to vaccines, one theory is that the same behavior that helped prevent the spread of COVID-19—staying home—might now be hindering vaccine rollout.

But when it comes to vaccines, one theory is that the same behavior that helped prevent the spread of COVID-19—staying home—might now be hindering vaccine rollout.

“The 65 and up… they&#8217;re not working,” said Zhang. “Some of them are saying that [they don&#8217;t need the vaccine] because they&#8217;re not going out.”

“The 65 and up… they're not working,” said Zhang. “Some of them are saying that [they don't need the vaccine] because they're not going out.”

“The 65 and up… they&#8217;re not working,” said Zhang. “Some of them are saying that [they don&#8217;t need the vaccine] because they&#8217;re not going out.”

Another theory is that misinformation about vaccines is spreading over social media platforms like WeChat. “If there’s misinformation, then it’s really fixing our public health messaging to make sure we can shift people’s behavior to receive a vaccine,” said Yu.

Another theory is that misinformation about vaccines is spreading over social media platforms like WeChat. “If there’s misinformation, then it’s really fixing our public health messaging to make sure we can shift people’s behavior to receive a vaccine,” said Yu.

Zhang emphasized that accessibility isn’t likely the barrier to vaccination. Chinese Hospital alone offers vaccinations five days a week at multiple locations. In addition to other providers, pharmacies offer the vaccine and SFDPH runs a community clinic in the neighborhood.

Zhang emphasized that accessibility isn’t likely the barrier to vaccination. Chinese Hospital alone offers vaccinations five days a week at multiple locations. In addition to other providers, pharmacies offer the vaccine and SFDPH runs a community clinic in the neighborhood.

Meanwhile, Yu said SFDPH is working to identify seniors who may have been missed.

Meanwhile, Yu said SFDPH is working to identify seniors who may have been missed.

“We have a list of senior housing facilities and SROs in Chinatown and are in the process of connecting with the building operators to ensure we reach every eligible resident and encourage them to get vaccinated or, in some cases, arrange to bring our mobile [vaccine] team to them,” he wrote in an email.

“We have a list of senior housing facilities and SROs in Chinatown and are in the process of connecting with the building operators to ensure we reach every eligible resident and encourage them to get vaccinated or, in some cases, arrange to bring our mobile [vaccine] team to them,” he wrote in an email.

But with the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/mar/18/san-francisco-chinatown-atlanta-spa-shooting-anti-asian-violence" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spate of high-profile attacks</a> on Asian Americans this week, Yu, Zhang and city officials fear Chinatown’s seniors won’t want to leave their homes and may fall even further behind.

But with the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/mar/18/san-francisco-chinatown-atlanta-spa-shooting-anti-asian-violence" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spate of high-profile attacks</a> on Asian Americans this week, Yu, Zhang and city officials fear Chinatown’s seniors won’t want to leave their homes and may fall even further behind.

On a personal level, Yu can relate. “I usually like to do a night walk. But my wife, she was like, ‘Don’t go out so late,’” he said. “So I can only imagine how a 65-year-old or 75-year-old might feel.”

On a personal level, Yu can relate. “I usually like to do a night walk. But my wife, she was like, ‘Don’t go out so late,’” he said. “So I can only imagine how a 65-year-old or 75-year-old might feel.”

This week, Yu was shocked to see the bruised face of one of his patients, Xiao Zhen Xie, on T.V. “The <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/The-most-viewed-GoFundMe-right-now-is-for-S-F-16036503.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">woman that was punched</a> and ended up beating up the other guy and sending him to the hospital the other day? She’s my patient. I didn’t realize it, and then I saw it on the news.”

This week, Yu was shocked to see the bruised face of one of his patients, Xiao Zhen Xie, on T.V. “The <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/The-most-viewed-GoFundMe-right-now-is-for-S-F-16036503.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">woman that was punched</a> and ended up beating up the other guy and sending him to the hospital the other day? She’s my patient. I didn’t realize it, and then I saw it on the news.”

“We really need to take action to help our community,” said Zhang. “To give people a sense of security. The hate crimes have to stop so we can work together and get out of this pandemic.”

“We really need to take action to help our community,” said Zhang. “To give people a sense of security. The hate crimes have to stop so we can work together and get out of this pandemic.”

Statistics for San Francisco’s neighborhoods were pulled from two data sources: DataSF’s <a href="https://data.sfgov.org/stories/s/COVID-19-Vaccinations/a49y-jeyc">COVID-19 Vaccinations dashboard</a> and the San Francisco Planning Department’s <a href="https://default.sfplanning.org/publications_reports/SF_NGBD_SocioEconomic_Profiles/2012-2016_ACS_Profile_Neighborhoods_Final.pdf">Neighborhoods Socio-Economic Profiles report</a> on March 16, 2021.

Statistics for San Francisco’s neighborhoods were pulled from two data sources: DataSF’s <a href="https://data.sfgov.org/stories/s/COVID-19-Vaccinations/a49y-jeyc">COVID-19 Vaccinations dashboard</a> and the San Francisco Planning Department’s <a href="https://default.sfplanning.org/publications_reports/SF_NGBD_SocioEconomic_Profiles/2012-2016_ACS_Profile_Neighborhoods_Final.pdf">Neighborhoods Socio-Economic Profiles report</a> on March 16, 2021.

DataSF provides the percentage of neighborhood residents who received at least one dose of the vaccine and the Neighborhoods Socio-Economic Profiles report provides a percentage of the number of individuals 60 and up. We use the latter as a proxy for estimating the number of individuals eligible by neighborhood. As of publication of our data analysis, residents of long-term care facilities, like nursing homes, and people over 65 are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and were among the first groups able to receive the shot.

DataSF provides the percentage of neighborhood residents who received at least one dose of the vaccine and the Neighborhoods Socio-Economic Profiles report provides a percentage of the number of individuals 60 and up. We use the latter as a proxy for estimating the number of individuals eligible by neighborhood. As of publication of our data analysis, residents of long-term care facilities, like nursing homes, and people over 65 are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and were among the first groups able to receive the shot.

This proxy metric is inherently an underestimation of eligibility; when the data was collected and analyzed, individuals who are healthcare workers, education and childcare workers, emergency services workers and food and agriculture workers were also eligible.

This proxy metric is inherently an underestimation of eligibility; when the data was collected and analyzed, individuals who are healthcare workers, education and childcare workers, emergency services workers and food and agriculture workers were also eligible.

DataSF uses the 2018 Five-Year American Community Survey for its population statistics and the San Francisco Neighborhoods Socio-Economic Profiles uses the 2016 Five-Year American Community Survey. Numbers from the American Community Survey are estimates and are subject to sampling errors.

DataSF uses the 2018 Five-Year American Community Survey for its population statistics and the San Francisco Neighborhoods Socio-Economic Profiles uses the 2016 Five-Year American Community Survey. Numbers from the American Community Survey are estimates and are subject to sampling errors.

Chinatown trails rest of San Francisco in vaccinations

Meaghan Mitchell

Christina Campodonico

Editor&#8217;s note: This article has been updated to include an announcement by city officials on Feb. 3 regarding traffic calming measures for the Lower Great Highway and Outer Sunset.

Editor's note: This article has been updated to include an announcement by city officials on Feb. 3 regarding traffic calming measures for the Lower Great Highway and Outer Sunset.

Editor&#8217;s note: This article has been updated to include an announcement by city officials on Feb. 3 regarding traffic calming measures for the Lower Great Highway and Outer Sunset.

A trio of senior women power walks down the <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/How-the-Great-Highway-has-become-San-Francisco-s-15597659.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Highway</a>, swiftly moving their arms back and forth. Engaged in conversation, they laugh as the sun reflects on their visors.&nbsp;

A trio of senior women power walks down the <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/How-the-Great-Highway-has-become-San-Francisco-s-15597659.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Highway</a>, swiftly moving their arms back and forth. Engaged in conversation, they laugh as the sun reflects on their visors.&nbsp;

Several feet ahead, a &#8220;critical mass&#8221; of bicyclists rolls down the walkway in the opposite direction in multicolored wigs, with strings of lights flashing on their bikes—the cyclist leading the ride blasts <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEeaS6fuUoA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8220;Lovely Day&#8221; by Bill Withers</a> from a speaker in the basket of his bike.&nbsp;

Several feet ahead, a "critical mass" of bicyclists rolls down the walkway in the opposite direction in multicolored wigs, with strings of lights flashing on their bikes—the cyclist leading the ride blasts <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEeaS6fuUoA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">"Lovely Day" by Bill Withers</a> from a speaker in the basket of his bike.&nbsp;

Several feet ahead, a &#8220;critical mass&#8221; of bicyclists rolls down the walkway in the opposite direction in multicolored wigs, with strings of lights flashing on their bikes—the cyclist leading the ride blasts <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEeaS6fuUoA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8220;Lovely Day&#8221; by Bill Withers</a> from a speaker in the basket of his bike.&nbsp;

And following them—a family of five in dinosaur costumes shuffles down the steps from the Great Highway onto the beach. Trying to keep up, the youngest face plants into the sand, and his siblings run to his aide.

And following them—a family of five in dinosaur costumes shuffles down the steps from the Great Highway onto the beach. Trying to keep up, the youngest face plants into the sand, and his siblings run to his aide.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/DINOFAMILY_PHO_MEAGHANMITCHELL-1-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1725"/><figcaption>A family of five in dinosaur costumes spends time at Ocean Beach. | Meaghan Mitchell for Here/Say Media</figcaption></figure>

For a moment, it looks like the old San Francisco. A sense of normalcy and community lingers in the ocean air.

For a moment, it looks like the old San Francisco. A sense of normalcy and community lingers in the ocean air.

However, it is not all about &#8220;having fun in the fog&#8221; for everyone. While the city&#8217;s decision to close the Upper Great Highway to vehicles has transformed the roadway into a temporary promenade for stir-crazy San Franciscans, it has also created a traffic problem for those living on neighboring streets. A debate over the Great Highway&#8217;s partial closure—and whether it should reopen to cars—is underway.

However, it is not all about "having fun in the fog" for everyone. While the city's decision to close the Upper Great Highway to vehicles has transformed the roadway into a temporary promenade for stir-crazy San Franciscans, it has also created a traffic problem for those living on neighboring streets. A debate over the Great Highway's partial closure—and whether it should reopen to cars—is underway.

However, it is not all about &#8220;having fun in the fog&#8221; for everyone. While the city&#8217;s decision to close the Upper Great Highway to vehicles has transformed the roadway into a temporary promenade for stir-crazy San Franciscans, it has also created a traffic problem for those living on neighboring streets. A debate over the Great Highway&#8217;s partial closure—and whether it should reopen to cars—is underway.

But even more pressing is the fact that, in the next few years, the roadway will be transformed. Not by any policy or political choice, but by climate change and coastal erosion.

But even more pressing is the fact that, in the next few years, the roadway will be transformed. Not by any policy or political choice, but by climate change and coastal erosion.

Great Highway’s Temporary Closure Sparks Broad Debate Over Roadway’s Future

Great Highway’s Temporary Closure Sparks Broad Debate Over Roadway’s Future

Last April, when Supervisor Gordon Mar <a href="https://twitter.com/D4GordonMar/status/1247938537678233600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1247938537678233600%7Ctwgr%5E&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsanfrancisco.cbslocal.com%2F2020%2F04%2F09%2Fgreat-highway-close-to-cars-shelter-in-place-supervisor-gordon-mar%2F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced</a> the Upper Great Highway&#8217;s temporary closure to cars (which spans from Lincoln Way to Sloat Boulevard) he intended to mitigate the impact of sand on the roadway to oncoming vehicles. The Upper Great Highway closure is nothing new. In pre-Covid times, it closed on average <a href="https://sfrichmondreview.com/2020/12/06/sunset-residents-debate-best-use-of-upper-great-highway/#:~:text=It%20was%20noted%20by%20officials,along%20Ocean%20Beach%20for%20decades." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">at least 27 times every year</a> for cleanups.&nbsp;

Last April, when Supervisor Gordon Mar <a href="https://twitter.com/D4GordonMar/status/1247938537678233600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1247938537678233600%7Ctwgr%5E&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsanfrancisco.cbslocal.com%2F2020%2F04%2F09%2Fgreat-highway-close-to-cars-shelter-in-place-supervisor-gordon-mar%2F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced</a> the Upper Great Highway's temporary closure to cars (which spans from Lincoln Way to Sloat Boulevard) he intended to mitigate the impact of sand on the roadway to oncoming vehicles. The Upper Great Highway closure is nothing new. In pre-Covid times, it closed on average <a href="https://sfrichmondreview.com/2020/12/06/sunset-residents-debate-best-use-of-upper-great-highway/#:~:text=It%20was%20noted%20by%20officials,along%20Ocean%20Beach%20for%20decades." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">at least 27 times every year</a> for cleanups.&nbsp;

Last April, when Supervisor Gordon Mar <a href="https://twitter.com/D4GordonMar/status/1247938537678233600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1247938537678233600%7Ctwgr%5E&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsanfrancisco.cbslocal.com%2F2020%2F04%2F09%2Fgreat-highway-close-to-cars-shelter-in-place-supervisor-gordon-mar%2F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced</a> the Upper Great Highway&#8217;s temporary closure to cars (which spans from Lincoln Way to Sloat Boulevard) he intended to mitigate the impact of sand on the roadway to oncoming vehicles. The Upper Great Highway closure is nothing new. In pre-Covid times, it closed on average <a href="https://sfrichmondreview.com/2020/12/06/sunset-residents-debate-best-use-of-upper-great-highway/#:~:text=It%20was%20noted%20by%20officials,along%20Ocean%20Beach%20for%20decades." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">at least 27 times every year</a> for cleanups.&nbsp;

However, Mar opted to keep the roadway shut this time around as part of San Francisco&#8217;s <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/projects/slow-streets-program" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Slow Streets</a> initiative to create more space for District 4 residents to socially distance. Since then, the Upper Great Highway has remained off limits to cars and open to thousands of people of different ages, races, genders and abilities.&nbsp;

However, Mar opted to keep the roadway shut this time around as part of San Francisco's <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/projects/slow-streets-program" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Slow Streets</a> initiative to create more space for District 4 residents to socially distance. Since then, the Upper Great Highway has remained off limits to cars and open to thousands of people of different ages, races, genders and abilities.&nbsp;

However, Mar opted to keep the roadway shut this time around as part of San Francisco&#8217;s <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/projects/slow-streets-program" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Slow Streets</a> initiative to create more space for District 4 residents to socially distance. Since then, the Upper Great Highway has remained off limits to cars and open to thousands of people of different ages, races, genders and abilities.&nbsp;

&#8220;It has been a backdrop for <a href="https://twitter.com/D4GordonMar/status/1269701866830491648?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marches of racial justice</a>,&#8221; said Mar during a <a href="https://twitter.com/D4GordonMar/status/1330249105285795844?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">town hall</a> meeting last November that drew more than 500 participants, a mixture of community groups advocating to keep the closure and frustrated residents asking for the highway to reopen. &#8220;It is also a training ground for kids learning to ride bikes and a new iconic space for San Franciscans to maintain their physical and mental health in these trying times.&#8221;

"It has been a backdrop for <a href="https://twitter.com/D4GordonMar/status/1269701866830491648?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marches of racial justice</a>," said Mar during a <a href="https://twitter.com/D4GordonMar/status/1330249105285795844?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">town hall</a> meeting last November that drew more than 500 participants, a mixture of community groups advocating to keep the closure and frustrated residents asking for the highway to reopen. "It is also a training ground for kids learning to ride bikes and a new iconic space for San Franciscans to maintain their physical and mental health in these trying times."

&#8220;It has been a backdrop for <a href="https://twitter.com/D4GordonMar/status/1269701866830491648?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marches of racial justice</a>,&#8221; said Mar during a <a href="https://twitter.com/D4GordonMar/status/1330249105285795844?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">town hall</a> meeting last November that drew more than 500 participants, a mixture of community groups advocating to keep the closure and frustrated residents asking for the highway to reopen. &#8220;It is also a training ground for kids learning to ride bikes and a new iconic space for San Franciscans to maintain their physical and mental health in these trying times.&#8221;

While this new use of the Upper Great Highway has been tremendously successful in meeting that goal, it has also presented real and severe challenges resulting from the traffic diverted onto the Outer Sunset&#8217;s residential streets, specifically the Lower Great Highway. Through a series of virtual meetings with Supervisor Mar, residents, and members of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), it was determined that the Lower Great Highway had experienced an <a href="https://twitter.com/D4GordonMar/status/1327304875177197568" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increased traffic volume</a> of over 5,000 cars a day, with a significant percentage of those cars driving at unsafe speeds.

While this new use of the Upper Great Highway has been tremendously successful in meeting that goal, it has also presented real and severe challenges resulting from the traffic diverted onto the Outer Sunset's residential streets, specifically the Lower Great Highway. Through a series of virtual meetings with Supervisor Mar, residents, and members of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), it was determined that the Lower Great Highway had experienced an <a href="https://twitter.com/D4GordonMar/status/1327304875177197568" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increased traffic volume</a> of over 5,000 cars a day, with a significant percentage of those cars driving at unsafe speeds.

While this new use of the Upper Great Highway has been tremendously successful in meeting that goal, it has also presented real and severe challenges resulting from the traffic diverted onto the Outer Sunset&#8217;s residential streets, specifically the Lower Great Highway. Through a series of virtual meetings with Supervisor Mar, residents, and members of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), it was determined that the Lower Great Highway had experienced an <a href="https://twitter.com/D4GordonMar/status/1327304875177197568" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increased traffic volume</a> of over 5,000 cars a day, with a significant percentage of those cars driving at unsafe speeds.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/https___www.estately.com_listings_info_1924-great-highway-hwyUGH1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1727"/><figcaption>The difference between Lower Great Highway and Upper Great Highway. | <a href="https://www.estately.com/listings/info/1924-great-highway-hwy">Estately</a></figcaption></figure>

The SFMTA has since <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/projects/great-highway-and-outer-sunset-traffic-management-project" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taken steps</a> to address these safety and traffic concerns, such as adding detour signs and new turn restrictions to redirect Sunset Boulevard&#8217;s traffic. Meanwhile, several neighborhood groups are advocating to maintain the roadway’s closure. One such group, the <a href="https://www.greathighwaypark.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Highway Park Initiative</a>, has collected thousands of signatures to date.&nbsp;

The SFMTA has since <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/projects/great-highway-and-outer-sunset-traffic-management-project" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taken steps</a> to address these safety and traffic concerns, such as adding detour signs and new turn restrictions to redirect Sunset Boulevard's traffic. Meanwhile, several neighborhood groups are advocating to maintain the roadway’s closure. One such group, the <a href="https://www.greathighwaypark.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Highway Park Initiative</a>, has collected thousands of signatures to date.&nbsp;

The SFMTA has since <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/projects/great-highway-and-outer-sunset-traffic-management-project" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taken steps</a> to address these safety and traffic concerns, such as adding detour signs and new turn restrictions to redirect Sunset Boulevard&#8217;s traffic. Meanwhile, several neighborhood groups are advocating to maintain the roadway’s closure. One such group, the <a href="https://www.greathighwaypark.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Highway Park Initiative</a>, has collected thousands of signatures to date.&nbsp;

<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Upper-Great-Highway-1-2500x1932.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1751"/><figcaption>Sunset residents air their concerns over the Great Highway’s partial closure. | Facebook</figcaption></figure></div>

Regardless of what happens in the coming weeks, months, or however long the temporary closure continues, District 4 residents also have an opportunity to weigh in on the highway&#8217;s long-term future. This conversation will not be in response to COVID-19 but rather to climate change.&nbsp;

Regardless of what happens in the coming weeks, months, or however long the temporary closure continues, District 4 residents also have an opportunity to weigh in on the highway's long-term future. This conversation will not be in response to COVID-19 but rather to climate change.&nbsp;

Regardless of what happens in the coming weeks, months, or however long the temporary closure continues, District 4 residents also have an opportunity to weigh in on the highway&#8217;s long-term future. This conversation will not be in response to COVID-19 but rather to climate change.&nbsp;

&#8220;We didn&#8217;t decide that—the planet did,” Mar said. “Nature has decided that for us.”&nbsp;

"We didn't decide that—the planet did,” Mar said. “Nature has decided that for us.”&nbsp;

&#8220;We didn&#8217;t decide that—the planet did,” Mar said. “Nature has decided that for us.”&nbsp;

Climate Change Threatens San Francisco’s Coastline

Climate Change Threatens San Francisco’s Coastline

Over the years, erosion along the famous strip has been exacerbated by global warming and sea level rise (abbreviated as SLR).&nbsp;

Over the years, erosion along the famous strip has been exacerbated by global warming and sea level rise (abbreviated as SLR).&nbsp;

&#8220;Ever since the Great Highway was carved out of the sand dunes, there has been a struggle to protect the road from the powerful surf of the North Pacific,&#8221; observed a 2012 Surfrider Foundation <a href="http://public.surfrider.org/files/a_history_of_coastal_erosion_at_ocean_beach_0412.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">history of coastal erosion at Ocean Beach</a>.&nbsp;

"Ever since the Great Highway was carved out of the sand dunes, there has been a struggle to protect the road from the powerful surf of the North Pacific," observed a 2012 Surfrider Foundation <a href="http://public.surfrider.org/files/a_history_of_coastal_erosion_at_ocean_beach_0412.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">history of coastal erosion at Ocean Beach</a>.&nbsp;

&#8220;Ever since the Great Highway was carved out of the sand dunes, there has been a struggle to protect the road from the powerful surf of the North Pacific,&#8221; observed a 2012 Surfrider Foundation <a href="http://public.surfrider.org/files/a_history_of_coastal_erosion_at_ocean_beach_0412.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">history of coastal erosion at Ocean Beach</a>.&nbsp;

A 2020 SF Planning Department <a href="https://default.sfplanning.org/plans-and-programs/planning-for-the-city/sea-level-rise/SLRVCA_Report_Full_Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">assessment</a> of sea level rise vulnerability and consequences predicts that temporary coastal flooding will impact &#8220;the entire length of the Ocean Beach/Fort Funston Shoreline trail&#8221; and that 98 percent, or 4.6 miles, of Ocean Beach will be inundated if sea level rises to 4.3 feet or above. The Great Highway itself could be inundated anywhere from 10 to 22 percent (.4 to .8 miles) depending on the degree of sea level rise, with coastal floodwaters and SLR projected to overwhelm parts of its beachside trail as well. (According to an August 2020 <a href="https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4261#:~:text=Scientific%20estimates%20suggest%20the%20magnitude,water%20levels%20than%20SLR%20alone." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> by California&#8217;s Legislative Analyst&#8217;s Office, SLR in the state could rise at least a half foot by 2030 and &#8220;as much as seven feet by 2100,&#8221; with storm surges, &#8220;king tides&#8221; and El Niño-like events able to &#8220;produce notably higher water levels than SLR alone&#8221;).&nbsp;

A 2020 SF Planning Department <a href="https://default.sfplanning.org/plans-and-programs/planning-for-the-city/sea-level-rise/SLRVCA_Report_Full_Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">assessment</a> of sea level rise vulnerability and consequences predicts that temporary coastal flooding will impact "the entire length of the Ocean Beach/Fort Funston Shoreline trail" and that 98 percent, or 4.6 miles, of Ocean Beach will be inundated if sea level rises to 4.3 feet or above. The Great Highway itself could be inundated anywhere from 10 to 22 percent (.4 to .8 miles) depending on the degree of sea level rise, with coastal floodwaters and SLR projected to overwhelm parts of its beachside trail as well. (According to an August 2020 <a href="https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4261#:~:text=Scientific%20estimates%20suggest%20the%20magnitude,water%20levels%20than%20SLR%20alone." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> by California's Legislative Analyst's Office, SLR in the state could rise at least a half foot by 2030 and "as much as seven feet by 2100," with storm surges, "king tides" and El Niño-like events able to "produce notably higher water levels than SLR alone").&nbsp;

A 2020 SF Planning Department <a href="https://default.sfplanning.org/plans-and-programs/planning-for-the-city/sea-level-rise/SLRVCA_Report_Full_Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">assessment</a> of sea level rise vulnerability and consequences predicts that temporary coastal flooding will impact &#8220;the entire length of the Ocean Beach/Fort Funston Shoreline trail&#8221; and that 98 percent, or 4.6 miles, of Ocean Beach will be inundated if sea level rises to 4.3 feet or above. The Great Highway itself could be inundated anywhere from 10 to 22 percent (.4 to .8 miles) depending on the degree of sea level rise, with coastal floodwaters and SLR projected to overwhelm parts of its beachside trail as well. (According to an August 2020 <a href="https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4261#:~:text=Scientific%20estimates%20suggest%20the%20magnitude,water%20levels%20than%20SLR%20alone." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> by California&#8217;s Legislative Analyst&#8217;s Office, SLR in the state could rise at least a half foot by 2030 and &#8220;as much as seven feet by 2100,&#8221; with storm surges, &#8220;king tides&#8221; and El Niño-like events able to &#8220;produce notably higher water levels than SLR alone&#8221;).&nbsp;

“The wave hazards along the Pacific Ocean shoreline are much larger than within the sheltered Bay, with wave heights exceeding 20 feet along some stretches of shoreline. As sea levels rise, the potential for wave hazards and coastal erosion will increase, because deeper ocean waters allow for the generation of larger waves,” the SF Planning Department&#8217;s assessment warns. “Coastal erosion of the oceanfront beaches and bluffs will continue to change the Westside shoreline over the coming century.”

“The wave hazards along the Pacific Ocean shoreline are much larger than within the sheltered Bay, with wave heights exceeding 20 feet along some stretches of shoreline. As sea levels rise, the potential for wave hazards and coastal erosion will increase, because deeper ocean waters allow for the generation of larger waves,” the SF Planning Department's assessment warns. “Coastal erosion of the oceanfront beaches and bluffs will continue to change the Westside shoreline over the coming century.”

“The wave hazards along the Pacific Ocean shoreline are much larger than within the sheltered Bay, with wave heights exceeding 20 feet along some stretches of shoreline. As sea levels rise, the potential for wave hazards and coastal erosion will increase, because deeper ocean waters allow for the generation of larger waves,” the SF Planning Department&#8217;s assessment warns. “Coastal erosion of the oceanfront beaches and bluffs will continue to change the Westside shoreline over the coming century.”

According to the report, the Great Highway has already lost parking areas to coastal erosion, and the extension south of Sloat Boulevard <a href="https://sfplanning.org/ocean-beach" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">will have to be closed</a> to cars permanently in the coming years because the city cannot maintain it as a roadway. Parts of the city&#8217;s wastewater infrastructure are also under threat from coastal erosion.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the report, the Great Highway has already lost parking areas to coastal erosion, and the extension south of Sloat Boulevard <a href="https://sfplanning.org/ocean-beach" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">will have to be closed</a> to cars permanently in the coming years because the city cannot maintain it as a roadway. Parts of the city's wastewater infrastructure are also under threat from coastal erosion.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the report, the Great Highway has already lost parking areas to coastal erosion, and the extension south of Sloat Boulevard <a href="https://sfplanning.org/ocean-beach" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">will have to be closed</a> to cars permanently in the coming years because the city cannot maintain it as a roadway. Parts of the city&#8217;s wastewater infrastructure are also under threat from coastal erosion.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/MrBrej8tDqLAkZBY7yIXNIjFgCaeUBm_egSt7fq-ZnaLS_9IbcRLbv35YTkXw7d4-R7y1anGfJbWkb09OGShviaYSLwCsnqQlCmGcL4xNYSThJjm6QU7pptxe307yrc7g-NEHfqb" alt=""/><figcaption>Anywhere from .4 to .8 miles of the Great Highway could be inundated depending on the severity of sea level rise | SF Planning Department Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Consequence Assessment</figcaption></figure>

<a href="https://esassoc.com/about/employees/bob-battalio-pe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bob Battalio</a>, a civil engineer and vice president at <a href="https://esassoc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>, an environmental services firm, has been surfing at and studying Ocean Beach for 30 years. He project-managed a collaboration with the San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR) to develop the <a href="https://www.spur.org/sites/default/files/migrated/anchors/Ocean_Beach_Master_Plan052012.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean Beach Master Plan</a>, which is currently being implemented and aims to mitigate the impacts of coastal erosion, climate change and sea level rise on the westside of San Francisco.&nbsp;

<a href="https://esassoc.com/about/employees/bob-battalio-pe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bob Battalio</a>, a civil engineer and vice president at <a href="https://esassoc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>, an environmental services firm, has been surfing at and studying Ocean Beach for 30 years. He project-managed a collaboration with the San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR) to develop the <a href="https://www.spur.org/sites/default/files/migrated/anchors/Ocean_Beach_Master_Plan052012.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean Beach Master Plan</a>, which is currently being implemented and aims to mitigate the impacts of coastal erosion, climate change and sea level rise on the westside of San Francisco.&nbsp;

According to Battalio, the greatest environmental threats to the Great Highway are the reduction of the shoreline and coastal flooding.

According to Battalio, the greatest environmental threats to the Great Highway are the reduction of the shoreline and coastal flooding.

“We&#8217;re going to see the beach getting narrower,” he said. As part of the Ocean Beach Master Plan, Battalio’s team recommended widening the beach with extra sand “to compensate for the effect of sea level rise” and reducing the width of the Upper Great Highway.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We're going to see the beach getting narrower,” he said. As part of the Ocean Beach Master Plan, Battalio’s team recommended widening the beach with extra sand “to compensate for the effect of sea level rise” and reducing the width of the Upper Great Highway.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We&#8217;re going to see the beach getting narrower,” he said. As part of the Ocean Beach Master Plan, Battalio’s team recommended widening the beach with extra sand “to compensate for the effect of sea level rise” and reducing the width of the Upper Great Highway.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We talked a lot about narrowing the Upper Great Highway to two lanes to provide more space for these coastal processes, but in the public planning process that was strongly resisted,” Battalio said. “It wasn&#8217;t the final adopted plan. I think there&#8217;s a lot of people that like having a highway.”

“We talked a lot about narrowing the Upper Great Highway to two lanes to provide more space for these coastal processes, but in the public planning process that was strongly resisted,” Battalio said. “It wasn't the final adopted plan. I think there's a lot of people that like having a highway.”

“We talked a lot about narrowing the Upper Great Highway to two lanes to provide more space for these coastal processes, but in the public planning process that was strongly resisted,” Battalio said. “It wasn&#8217;t the final adopted plan. I think there&#8217;s a lot of people that like having a highway.”

Ultimately, Battalio believes it’s really a “societal decision” whether cars should figure into the future of the Great Highway. But he hasn’t forgotten something a Surfrider Foundation representative said in 1999.&nbsp;

Ultimately, Battalio believes it’s really a “societal decision” whether cars should figure into the future of the Great Highway. But he hasn’t forgotten something a Surfrider Foundation representative said in 1999.&nbsp;

“A Surfrider guy just came up [and said] we have over 40 avenues, but we only have one beach,” Battalio recalled. “I just thought that was profound because he really gets to the point of how many roads do you need, really?”

“A Surfrider guy just came up [and said] we have over 40 avenues, but we only have one beach,” Battalio recalled. “I just thought that was profound because he really gets to the point of how many roads do you need, really?”

It’s a question that San Franciscans are having to confront as they consider the future of the Great Highway during the pandemic and beyond, observed Mar.&nbsp;

It’s a question that San Franciscans are having to confront as they consider the future of the Great Highway during the pandemic and beyond, observed Mar.&nbsp;

&#8220;When <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/loma-prieta-earthquake-30-years-later-anniversary/1914018/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Loma Prieta</a> struck and damaged the Embarcadero freeway, the city had a choice,” Mar said. &#8220;They could either repair and rebuild and try to maintain a road and car way on the eastern waterfront or choose a different path and <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/2014/10/loma-prieta-quake-san-francisco-waterfront-photo.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reimagine</a> that waterfront for generations to come.”&nbsp;

"When <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/loma-prieta-earthquake-30-years-later-anniversary/1914018/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Loma Prieta</a> struck and damaged the Embarcadero freeway, the city had a choice,” Mar said. "They could either repair and rebuild and try to maintain a road and car way on the eastern waterfront or choose a different path and <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/2014/10/loma-prieta-quake-san-francisco-waterfront-photo.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reimagine</a> that waterfront for generations to come.”&nbsp;

&#8220;When <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/loma-prieta-earthquake-30-years-later-anniversary/1914018/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Loma Prieta</a> struck and damaged the Embarcadero freeway, the city had a choice,” Mar said. &#8220;They could either repair and rebuild and try to maintain a road and car way on the eastern waterfront or choose a different path and <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/2014/10/loma-prieta-quake-san-francisco-waterfront-photo.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reimagine</a> that waterfront for generations to come.”&nbsp;

&#8220;I believe we have a similar choice in front of us now to decide the future of our western waterfront,&#8221; Mar continued. &#8220;The slow and steady of the erosion on the coastline may not be as dramatic as an earthquake, but the earth beneath parts of these roads are shifting the same.&#8221;

"I believe we have a similar choice in front of us now to decide the future of our western waterfront," Mar continued. "The slow and steady of the erosion on the coastline may not be as dramatic as an earthquake, but the earth beneath parts of these roads are shifting the same."

&#8220;I believe we have a similar choice in front of us now to decide the future of our western waterfront,&#8221; Mar continued. &#8220;The slow and steady of the erosion on the coastline may not be as dramatic as an earthquake, but the earth beneath parts of these roads are shifting the same.&#8221;

Building a Long-Term Plan for the Great Highway

Building a Long-Term Plan for the Great Highway

Since Mar’s November town hall, the San Francisco County Transportation Authority (<a href="https://www.sfcta.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SFCTA</a>), which has already done extensive outreach with a <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/sites/default/files/2020-05/D4%20Mobility%20Study%20-%20D4%20Town%20Hall%205-23-2020_1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">D4 mobility study</a>, has created an SMS-based survey asking residents for their input on four “ideas” for the future of the Great Highway. The proposals pitched to survey takers included: 1) maintaining the Great Highway as a four-lane roadway with two vehicle lanes in each direction, no pedestrians allowed on the roadway and bicyclists allowed to share the roadway, 2) reducing the Great Highway to one lane per direction and creating a promenade in the current southbound lanes, 3) closing the Great Highway completely to vehicle traffic and opening it to pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized transportation and 4) keeping the Great Highway open to vehicles on weekdays and holidays and reserved for walking, biking and other non-motorized use on the weekends.&nbsp;

Since Mar’s November town hall, the San Francisco County Transportation Authority (<a href="https://www.sfcta.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SFCTA</a>), which has already done extensive outreach with a <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/sites/default/files/2020-05/D4%20Mobility%20Study%20-%20D4%20Town%20Hall%205-23-2020_1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">D4 mobility study</a>, has created an SMS-based survey asking residents for their input on four “ideas” for the future of the Great Highway. The proposals pitched to survey takers included: 1) maintaining the Great Highway as a four-lane roadway with two vehicle lanes in each direction, no pedestrians allowed on the roadway and bicyclists allowed to share the roadway, 2) reducing the Great Highway to one lane per direction and creating a promenade in the current southbound lanes, 3) closing the Great Highway completely to vehicle traffic and opening it to pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized transportation and 4) keeping the Great Highway open to vehicles on weekdays and holidays and reserved for walking, biking and other non-motorized use on the weekends.&nbsp;

According to the survey, Idea 2 “requires reconstruction of the road at a higher cost than other options” while Idea 3 “requires major traffic calming and diversions to address increased traffic on local streets.” Idea 4 opens the highway to more pedestrian and bicyclist activity without reconfiguration while Idea 1 maintains the Great Highway as a four-lane roadway with no pedestrians allowed.&nbsp;

According to the survey, Idea 2 “requires reconstruction of the road at a higher cost than other options” while Idea 3 “requires major traffic calming and diversions to address increased traffic on local streets.” Idea 4 opens the highway to more pedestrian and bicyclist activity without reconfiguration while Idea 1 maintains the Great Highway as a four-lane roadway with no pedestrians allowed.&nbsp;

SFCTA Executive Director Tilly Chang told Here/Say that their office is still tabulating the results, but they are hoping to present this phase of outreach by spring of this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SFCTA Executive Director Tilly Chang told Here/Say that their office is still tabulating the results, but they are hoping to present this phase of outreach by spring of this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&#8220;It&#8217;s a lot of work, and more than we anticipated,” said Chang. &#8220;So the rest of the study will focus on other aspects of what needs to be done in District 4. We&#8217;re looking to give a more holistic network assessment of how the Great Highway decision will play out. Hopefully, this will develop a more sustainable transportation network.&#8221;

"It's a lot of work, and more than we anticipated,” said Chang. "So the rest of the study will focus on other aspects of what needs to be done in District 4. We're looking to give a more holistic network assessment of how the Great Highway decision will play out. Hopefully, this will develop a more sustainable transportation network."

&#8220;It&#8217;s a lot of work, and more than we anticipated,” said Chang. &#8220;So the rest of the study will focus on other aspects of what needs to be done in District 4. We&#8217;re looking to give a more holistic network assessment of how the Great Highway decision will play out. Hopefully, this will develop a more sustainable transportation network.&#8221;

<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/opRJBZHTojOTFZxoD9GoyGxOjx0Tt7_4v3Nzcsa9InmGB9YSHhJtxCC6RMU7WAZnjxccs5WU1R6xD-6LjPzqsYjr0I0rqeo-_DIryD9UftDV6on0vzT7WV0bZtmCT5MCoHm_vbcm" alt=""/><figcaption>According to the SCFTA’s SMS-based survey, Idea 1 “maintains the Great Highway as a four-lane roadway with two vehicle lanes in each direction” with bicyclists allowed to share the road but no pedestrians allowed on the roadway. Idea 2 “reduces the Great Highway to one lane per direction and creates a promenade in the current southbound lanes.” | SFCTA</figcaption></figure>

Tom Radulovich, executive director of environmental group <a href="https://www.livablecity.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Livable City</a>, is hopeful that the SFCTA’s findings will show the environment has been taken into consideration.

Tom Radulovich, executive director of environmental group <a href="https://www.livablecity.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Livable City</a>, is hopeful that the SFCTA’s findings will show the environment has been taken into consideration.

“To just focus solely on trying to stabilize the highway would also compromise the quality of life that is brought to people by the shore,” Radulovich said. “I think you can approach the environment from two ways. There’s climate change where sea level will rise—which we’ll have to deal with—and then biodiversity and habitat. The current Great Highway configuration doesn&#8217;t leave a lot of room for nature, so not rethinking it might mean you end up with a seawall on the highway and no beach dunes. That would feel like a disaster because it would destroy our coastline, and all the qualities that people and critters come here for, which is to experience the beach.”

“To just focus solely on trying to stabilize the highway would also compromise the quality of life that is brought to people by the shore,” Radulovich said. “I think you can approach the environment from two ways. There’s climate change where sea level will rise—which we’ll have to deal with—and then biodiversity and habitat. The current Great Highway configuration doesn't leave a lot of room for nature, so not rethinking it might mean you end up with a seawall on the highway and no beach dunes. That would feel like a disaster because it would destroy our coastline, and all the qualities that people and critters come here for, which is to experience the beach.”

“To just focus solely on trying to stabilize the highway would also compromise the quality of life that is brought to people by the shore,” Radulovich said. “I think you can approach the environment from two ways. There’s climate change where sea level will rise—which we’ll have to deal with—and then biodiversity and habitat. The current Great Highway configuration doesn&#8217;t leave a lot of room for nature, so not rethinking it might mean you end up with a seawall on the highway and no beach dunes. That would feel like a disaster because it would destroy our coastline, and all the qualities that people and critters come here for, which is to experience the beach.”

<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/JdUcOdcmjouS7lFyFKtzkV9MKemQDcwiMu6N3zph67nLbENvraHm1Qz3qUKZfDdnjHJl-0ALuawWdLS_3VctddU-lFrgHz1WLFoHJ3AzmoiXk_UK2EW24KoSg6XCiMUClO56Z2_a" alt=""/><figcaption>Idea 3 “closes the Great Highway completely to vehicle traffic… for walking, biking, and other non-motorized use” but “requires major traffic calming measures and diversions,” according to SCFTA. Idea 4 opens the Great Highway to pedestrians and bikers on weekends only. | SFCTA&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>

But on the local level, some Sunset residents are weighing quality of life against the advantages of a peaceful place to walk. Accessibility is top of mind for longtime resident Seymore Grant, who says that the Great Highway’s closure hasn’t made it easier for him to get around. Grant said that since the Great Highway closed, he can&#8217;t seem to find parking anywhere near his house. &#8220;I&#8217;m old, and I just can&#8217;t walk long distances from my car to my house anymore,&#8221; he said. &#8220;If we can figure a way around that, maybe I&#8217;ll change my mind, but for now, it&#8217;s a ‘no’ for me.&#8221;

But on the local level, some Sunset residents are weighing quality of life against the advantages of a peaceful place to walk. Accessibility is top of mind for longtime resident Seymore Grant, who says that the Great Highway’s closure hasn’t made it easier for him to get around. Grant said that since the Great Highway closed, he can't seem to find parking anywhere near his house. "I'm old, and I just can't walk long distances from my car to my house anymore," he said. "If we can figure a way around that, maybe I'll change my mind, but for now, it's a ‘no’ for me."

But on the local level, some Sunset residents are weighing quality of life against the advantages of a peaceful place to walk. Accessibility is top of mind for longtime resident Seymore Grant, who says that the Great Highway’s closure hasn’t made it easier for him to get around. Grant said that since the Great Highway closed, he can&#8217;t seem to find parking anywhere near his house. &#8220;I&#8217;m old, and I just can&#8217;t walk long distances from my car to my house anymore,&#8221; he said. &#8220;If we can figure a way around that, maybe I&#8217;ll change my mind, but for now, it&#8217;s a ‘no’ for me.&#8221;

Maureen Sullivan, who also lives in the Outer Sunset, has concerns about increases in traffic, but has been walking the Great Highway daily to support her knee replacement. &#8220;It&#8217;s really serene,&#8221; she said. &#8220;I get the concerns, but there is a real sense of community here,&#8221; she added. &#8220;It&#8217;s healing, and it&#8217;s helping.&#8221;

Maureen Sullivan, who also lives in the Outer Sunset, has concerns about increases in traffic, but has been walking the Great Highway daily to support her knee replacement. "It's really serene," she said. "I get the concerns, but there is a real sense of community here," she added. "It's healing, and it's helping."

Maureen Sullivan, who also lives in the Outer Sunset, has concerns about increases in traffic, but has been walking the Great Highway daily to support her knee replacement. &#8220;It&#8217;s really serene,&#8221; she said. &#8220;I get the concerns, but there is a real sense of community here,&#8221; she added. &#8220;It&#8217;s healing, and it&#8217;s helping.&#8221;

No matter what the community and city decide, the waves of the Pacific will continue to lap on.&nbsp;

No matter what the community and city decide, the waves of the Pacific will continue to lap on.&nbsp;

UPDATE: Since publication, SFMTA, SFCTA, Supervisor Mar and other stakeholders have <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/press-releases/comprehensive-great-highway-traffic-calming-strategy-announced-outer-sunset" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced</a> a strategic plan for traffic calming measures around the Lower Great Highway, including 24 new speed cushions, one speed table, six new changeable message signs to help move traffic away from residential streets to thoroughfares like Sunset Boulevard and 12 new stop signs along the Lower Great Highway, La Playa Street, Irving Street, 48th Avenue, 47th Avenue and 46th Avenue. Implementation is expected to start in March and be completed by the end of April. The plan does not impact the car-free status of the Upper Great Highway, according to reporting from the <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/new-traffic-plan-announced-to-make-streets-near-car-free-great-highway-safer/?fbclid=IwAR0zCOXdVASsnCA9TuKls98CiCJVty41Ks_ekk78R7H9iadPJcL_5DAFcr4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SF Examiner</a>. The SFCTA will vote on funding for the mitigation strategy at its <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/events/transportation-authority-board-21" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">board meeting</a> on Tuesday, Feb. 9, and traffic calming devices will be presented at upcoming SFMTA public hearings.&nbsp;

UPDATE: Since publication, SFMTA, SFCTA, Supervisor Mar and other stakeholders have <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/press-releases/comprehensive-great-highway-traffic-calming-strategy-announced-outer-sunset" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced</a> a strategic plan for traffic calming measures around the Lower Great Highway, including 24 new speed cushions, one speed table, six new changeable message signs to help move traffic away from residential streets to thoroughfares like Sunset Boulevard and 12 new stop signs along the Lower Great Highway, La Playa Street, Irving Street, 48th Avenue, 47th Avenue and 46th Avenue. Implementation is expected to start in March and be completed by the end of April. The plan does not impact the car-free status of the Upper Great Highway, according to reporting from the <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/new-traffic-plan-announced-to-make-streets-near-car-free-great-highway-safer/?fbclid=IwAR0zCOXdVASsnCA9TuKls98CiCJVty41Ks_ekk78R7H9iadPJcL_5DAFcr4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SF Examiner</a>. The SFCTA will vote on funding for the mitigation strategy at its <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/events/transportation-authority-board-21" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">board meeting</a> on Tuesday, Feb. 9, and traffic calming devices will be presented at upcoming SFMTA public hearings.&nbsp;

Visit the SFCTA’s website for updates on the <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/projects/district-4-mobility-study" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">D4 Mobility Survey</a> and <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/events/transportation-authority-board-21" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">call-in information</a> for the board’s Feb. 9 meeting.

Visit the SFCTA’s website for updates on the <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/projects/district-4-mobility-study" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">D4 Mobility Survey</a> and <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/events/transportation-authority-board-21" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">call-in information</a> for the board’s Feb. 9 meeting.

Like it or not: The Great Highway will change

Erika Foots is a single mother raising five children, including her niece and nephew, in Bayview-Hunters Point. Her eldest child is enrolled in private school and has been attending in-person classes since November, but the other four—ages 11, 9, 9 and 6—are in public school, part of the<a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> San Francisco Unified School District</a>, or SFUSD. They haven&#8217;t set foot in a classroom since last March, and according to a Jan. 26 Board of Education meeting, it’s unlikely that they will before summer.

Erika Foots is a single mother raising five children, including her niece and nephew, in Bayview-Hunters Point. Her eldest child is enrolled in private school and has been attending in-person classes since November, but the other four—ages 11, 9, 9 and 6—are in public school, part of the<a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> San Francisco Unified School District</a>, or SFUSD. They haven't set foot in a classroom since last March, and according to a Jan. 26 Board of Education meeting, it’s unlikely that they will before summer.

Erika Foots is a single mother raising five children, including her niece and nephew, in Bayview-Hunters Point. Her eldest child is enrolled in private school and has been attending in-person classes since November, but the other four—ages 11, 9, 9 and 6—are in public school, part of the<a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> San Francisco Unified School District</a>, or SFUSD. They haven&#8217;t set foot in a classroom since last March, and according to a Jan. 26 Board of Education meeting, it’s unlikely that they will before summer.

For parents like Foots, this week&#8217;s school board decision to <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/education/article/Washington-and-Lincoln-are-out-S-F-school-board-15900963.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rename 44 public schools</a> in San Francisco has her questioning the district’s priorities.

For parents like Foots, this week's school board decision to <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/education/article/Washington-and-Lincoln-are-out-S-F-school-board-15900963.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rename 44 public schools</a> in San Francisco has her questioning the district’s priorities.

For parents like Foots, this week&#8217;s school board decision to <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/education/article/Washington-and-Lincoln-are-out-S-F-school-board-15900963.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rename 44 public schools</a> in San Francisco has her questioning the district’s priorities.

“Why are you guys trying to rename schools when we have children who are failing or who are not adjusting correctly to the pandemic?” asked Foots. “Why aren’t we talking about those things?”

“Why are you guys trying to rename schools when we have children who are failing or who are not adjusting correctly to the pandemic?” asked Foots. “Why aren’t we talking about those things?”

Foots, a native San Franciscan, is a full-time student herself, majoring in criminal justice at San Francisco State University. Between studying for her own classes (which she does once the kids are in bed) and helping her children with remote learning and homework, Foots says she gets about 4 to 5 hours of sleep a night.

Foots, a native San Franciscan, is a full-time student herself, majoring in criminal justice at San Francisco State University. Between studying for her own classes (which she does once the kids are in bed) and helping her children with remote learning and homework, Foots says she gets about 4 to 5 hours of sleep a night.

“Being cooped up in the house is very stressful. Sometimes I go out in my backyard and I scream, just to get it out,” she said.

“Being cooped up in the house is very stressful. Sometimes I go out in my backyard and I scream, just to get it out,” she said.

Ten months into the pandemic, San Francisco’s schools remain closed, and there is no firm timetable for when students can return. The debate around reopening schools has been a controversial issue for parents, children and educators for months, but has become more intense since vaccines were added to the equation. The opacity surrounding school reopening has led to frustration and confusion with the SFUSD.&nbsp;

Ten months into the pandemic, San Francisco’s schools remain closed, and there is no firm timetable for when students can return. The debate around reopening schools has been a controversial issue for parents, children and educators for months, but has become more intense since vaccines were added to the equation. The opacity surrounding school reopening has led to frustration and confusion with the SFUSD.&nbsp;

“As far as my children go, I feel that the school district is pretty much failing them,” Foots said.

“As far as my children go, I feel that the school district is pretty much failing them,” Foots said.

<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Erika-Foots.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1652"/><figcaption>Erika Foots | Jarami Bond for Here/Say Media</figcaption></figure></div>

Community Learning Hubs Offer Pathway Forward For Some&nbsp;

Community Learning Hubs Offer Pathway Forward For Some&nbsp;

Foots got some relief in January when all four of her SFUSD-enrolled children began attending a city-run community learning hub, one of 78 spread across San Francisco.&nbsp;

Foots got some relief in January when all four of her SFUSD-enrolled children began attending a city-run community learning hub, one of 78 spread across San Francisco.&nbsp;

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Chinatown trails rest of San Francisco in vaccinations

Like it or not: The Great Highway will change

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