Editor:

I am a Chinese American immigrant and proud resident of San Francisco’s Sunset District. Like many others, I chose this neighborhood to raise my children because of its access to schools, safe streets and nearby parks. I believed in the promise of representation. I believed I had a voice. That’s why I volunteered for Joel Engardio and supported him in his campaign to become our District 4 Supervisor.

He told us he listened. He said he understood our community’s struggles – stories like mine, from settling in Chinatown, graduating from George Washington High School, and working hard to give my children a better life here in the Sunset. I stood by him, even attending redistricting meetings until nearly 4 a.m., showing up at school board discussions about Lowell High School when he didn’t, and working for years to restore eighth grade Algebra – long before he decided to support it, and he did only after being asked by SF Guardians.

Joel Engardio promised an “Asian Night Market.” Instead, we got a “Sunset Night Market.” It could have been a disaster, but organizations, staff and volunteers came together just two weeks before the first event to save him from embarrassment. That success was a collective effort, yet Joel Engardio claimed the credit for himself. Later, he shared with us there would be no more night markets – until he needed one again to promote his Yes on K campaign.

These aren’t distant memories. They are recent and clear betrayals – reminders that his campaign promises were hollow and his loyalty fleeting.

He knew the Sunset’s demographics well. After failing three times in District 7, he studied us and promised support for the compromise to get elected. But once in office, he shut out the community. No town halls. No input. Just a permanent plan forced on us, confident that our votes gave him a blank check.

Now, he blames others for our frustrations, positioning himself as a savior while silencing the very people who put their faith in him. This is not leadership. This is not accountability. This is not democracy.

Let’s be clear: Signing the petition for recall is not a waste of time or money. It is our right. It is the democratic process working as it should, giving power back to the people when an elected official breaks trust.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about honesty. It’s about holding someone accountable who ran on our pain and hopes, only to turn his back once elected. We deserve better. We deserve a voice. We deserve the chance to vote on whether he still deserves to represent us.

Sign the petition. Let the recall be on the ballot. Let the Sunset community decide.

Democracy is not just about elections. It’s about participation, and it starts with us.

Selena Chu

D4 resident, a mom and a volunteer with Recall Engardio.