By John Ferrannini

At his swearing-in ceremony on Dec. 1, newly appointed San Francisco District 4 Supervisor Alan Wong said he will wait to hear from community stakeholders before committing to a policy decision on the future of the Upper Great Highway.

Voters’ citywide decision in last year’s vote on Proposition K to turn the highway into a park called Sunset Dunes led to the recall of elected Supervisor Joel Engardio, prompting the at-times chaotic search for a successor for the past two months.

Asked during a press gaggle about the highway, Wong said he, along with most Sunset residents, voted against the ballot measure.

Wong also added he supported the compromise that had allowed the highway to be used as a park on weekends and as a roadway on weekdays.

When asked if he supports a ballot measure to repeal Prop. K – something District 1 supervisor and congressional candidate Connie Chan has said she will explore – Wong said he would speak with both supporters and opponents of the permanent closure before committing to future policy specifics.

“I understand this community,” the Sunset District native said. “I can commit to be someone who listens to everybody, who is open minded.”

Engardio has stated that, “We need a supervisor who will consider Sunset Dunes settled. We don’t need a cynical ballot measure that uses the park as a political wedge issue. The park is popular, traffic is fine, and before long a majority everywhere will see how Sunset Dunes is good for the environment, local businesses and the well-being of everyone enjoying the coast in new ways.”

The choice of Wong, a former past president of the board of trustees for City College of San Francisco, was announced on Nov. 30, just in time for a board vote on Lurie’s family zoning proposal Dec. 2, though Wong explicitly denied Lurie demanded he support any particular policy decisions.

Nonetheless, he said he would vote for the plan, as the City’s failure to allow for denser housing might mean the state government would have control over future local policies.

“If we don’t offer our own solution, Sacramento will dictate a solution for us,” Wong said.

“That’s unacceptable. San Franciscans know our community best – not Sacramento.”

Wong said serving as supervisor “is the greatest honor of my life,” and said his priorities will include public safety and cutting red tape for small businesses. He promised he would devote half of his staff to addressing constituent concerns. Wong, who has served in the California Army National Guard for more than 15 years, said he will bring a “public servant’s heart” to the role.

Wong is the third supervisor for the district this year. Last month, Lurie appointed 29-year-old political novice Beya Alcaraz. She served for one week before resigning after a number of negative news reports tied to her questionable record of running a pet store.

Subsequently, Lurie apologized for what he said was a lack of proper vetting.

“This is not the first time that I have gotten something wrong,” the mayor said. “It won’t be the last.”

Wong only lived outside the Sunset when he was at the University of California, San Diego, from which he graduated at the age of 19 before pursuing a master’s degree at the University of San Francisco. During his remarks Monday, Wong paid tribute to his parents, who were immigrants from British Hong Kong, and became unionized hotel workers.

“Because of those wages, my family was able to build a life here, living in in-law units in the neighborhoods,” he said.

Wong is a former legislative aide to Gordon Mar, who was the District 4 supervisor before he was ousted by Engardio in 2022. Mar had crafted the Upper Great Highway compromise that was superseded by Prop. K.

Wong said he intends to run for the seat in the June 2026 election. Already there are at least two declared candidates he will be up against – Natalie Gee, chief of staff to District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton, and David Lee, an educator and the 20-year executive director of the Chinese American Voters Education Committee who unsuccessfully ran against then-Supervisor Catherine Stefani for State Assembly from District 19 last year.

Gee, who was reportedly considered by Lurie, stated that, “For me it was never about receiving the appointment, rather it was about demonstrating my willingness, desire and qualifications to serve as supervisor. Throughout this process, Sunset residents were clear that they believed in our message. I look forward to working tirelessly to earn the trust and vote of every one of my neighbors in June.”

Lee did not immediately return comment.