Proposition K will appear on the San Francisco ballot in the 2024 election year. Surfrider San Francisco has officially endorsed Prop K — read on for our explanation of our position.
If you are unfamiliar with Prop K, it is a response to the future challenges ahead for Ocean Beach including climate change & sea level rise, dune restoration, and accessibility. As you may recall, when the pandemic restrictions were in place, San Francisco temporarily closed car access on the Great Highway between Lincoln and Sloat. As pandemic restrictions were scaled back in 2021, the Great Highway closure schedule was shifted, with the highway being closed to cars from Fridays at noon to Mondays at 6am. This trial closure led to greater access to the beach, improved walkability and bikeability, community gatherings, and ultimately, it made Ocean Beach more accessible for San Francisco residents of all ages and abilities.
In addition to these access benefits, climate change is impacting and will continue to threaten our treasured beach. Sea level rise remains a foreboding threat to Ocean Beach, and our coastal dunes have been severely degraded as well. These dune ecosystems act as an important natural barrier to protect our coastal community from the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise. More space to restore the dune ecosystem will allow San Francisco to be proactive in its preparations against coastal sea level rise and provide an opportunity for Surfrider and other local stakeholders to properly restore our dunes and protect the habitats for our local species.
Because Surfrider San Francisco’s core values include beach access for all and protecting our coasts and ocean from the impacts of climate change, we have endorsed Prop K. When it is passed, we are committed to implementing plans for the Great Highway that prioritize the local community of San Francisco (from humans to plants to animals) and protect our shared natural environment.
Our official statement is attached in this blog. We are also including information about Prop K and San Francisco's Estuary Institute's report on the future opportunities for the Great Highway, so you can evaluate, research, and vote this November on the future of Ocean Beach.
The deadline to register to vote is October 21. Mail in your ballots by November 5.
Statement of Support for Prop K