8th No on K Rally: Preserve the Chinese Community and the Great Highway

West Side Residents and Chinese Community Rally to Oppose Proposition K

When: Saturday, October 12, 2024, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Portsmouth Square, Chinatown

San Francisco, CA – This Saturday, over 1,000 residents will gather at Portsmouth Square in Chinatown for the 8th No on K rally, organized by Chinese American Democratic Club, Open the Great Highway, and other community organizations. The rally will focus on stopping Proposition K, which threatens to permanently close the Great Highway to private and commercial vehicles. If passed, Proposition K will have far-reaching consequences, not only for the West Side but also for the city as a whole, particularly impacting the Chinese community and working families.

Featured Speakers:

Louis Lam, Asian American Leader

Albert Chow, Owner, Great Wall Hardware

Richard Corriea, SFPD (retired) and President of Planning Association for the Richmond

Mel Lee, President of The Chinese 6 Companies

Matt Boschetto, Candidate for District 7 Supervisor

And more…

A Call to Protect the Lifeline of the West Side

For decades, the Great Highway has been a crucial north-south route, connecting the Richmond and Sunset Districts to the rest of the city. Since 1929, this two-mile stretch has provided essential access for thousands of daily commuters and businesses. Proposition K threatens to permanently close the Great Highway, limiting its use to only bicycles, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles. This radical change would cut off critical access for private and commercial vehicles, negatively impacting middle- and working-class families who depend on the road for commuting, business operations, and day-to-day transportation.

“Imagine if Stockton Street in Chinatown was permanently closed. How would families and businesses survive?” said Louis Lam, Asian American leader. “The Great Highway is the lifeline for the West Side, just like Stockton is for Chinatown. Proposition K puts that lifeline at risk.”

Community Impact

The Chinese community makes up a significant portion of the West Side population, and they are among those who will be hit hardest by Proposition K. Many families rely on vehicles to transport multiple generations to school, work, medical appointments, and family activities. Closing the Great Highway would force these families to navigate already congested streets like 19th Avenue and Sunset Boulevard, adding time and stress to their daily routines.

“Proposition K doesn’t just close a road; it closes off opportunities for families like mine,” said Albert Chow, owner of Great Wall Hardware. “Without access to the Great Highway, many families will be forced to make difficult choices—some may even have to consider relocating. This is more than a traffic issue; it’s about the survival of our community.”

No Funding, No Plan

Proponents of Proposition K claim the closure will create more recreational space, but the measure lacks funding for park construction or maintenance. The city already has ample recreational areas, including Golden Gate Park, which is just blocks away from the Great Highway. Without a clear plan or funding, this proposal risks turning a vital roadway into an unused space that could ultimately fall into disrepair.

“Why should we shut down a critical road when there is no plan or funding for what comes next?” asked Richard Corriea, President of Planning Association for the Richmond. “Proposition K is a gamble with our future—one that San Francisco can’t afford to take.”

A Citywide Issue

While the focus is on the Great Highway, the consequences of Proposition K could reach far beyond the West Side. A victory for Proposition K could set a precedent for future road closures in other parts of the city, including major streets on the East Side. The domino effect could lead to widespread restrictions on vehicle access, further isolating neighborhoods and hurting local businesses.

“This isn’t just about one road. If Proposition K passes, it sets a dangerous precedent that could lead to more road closures across the city. What happens when critical routes in Chinatown or elsewhere are next? Our communities can’t afford to lose access,” said Mel Lee, President of the Chinese 6 Companies. “We must fight this now to protect all of San Francisco from these short-sighted decisions.”

Join Us

The rally will bring together residents from every corner of San Francisco—from Chinatown to Richmond, the Sunset to Visitacion Valley. Over 1,000 neighbors have already committed to attending, standing united in their opposition to Proposition K. This event is a chance to send a powerful message: the community will not be silenced, and the West Side must remain accessible to everyone.