The San Francisco City Council meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on the contentious issue of a coastal zone permit issued for the upper Great Highway, which allows for a temporary restriction of automobile access to create a car-free promenade for bicycles and pedestrians on weekends and holidays until December 25, 2025. The permit, granted to the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, has faced significant challenges from community members and environmental advocates.

Eileen Bogan, president of the Sunset Parkside Education and Action Committee (SPEAK), presented a detailed argument against the permit, claiming it is fundamentally flawed. She asserted that the permit lacks necessary findings of fact to demonstrate compliance with the San Francisco local coastal program, which is essential for its approval. Bogan emphasized that the permit was issued retroactively, which she argued is not permitted under the local coastal program guidelines. She highlighted that the project does not align with the objectives of the Western Shoreline area plan, particularly regarding maintaining the Great Highway as a four-lane highway.

Other appellants echoed Bogan's concerns, raising issues about environmental impacts and public access. Mr. Moore, another community member, criticized the lack of transparency in the permit process and called for a comprehensive review of environmental impacts, particularly regarding coastal erosion and sewage infrastructure. He argued that the project could lead to increased vehicle emissions and negatively affect the coastal ecosystem.

Charles Perkins, another appellant, focused on the legal aspects of the permit, stating that it does not conform to the local coastal program as required by planning code. He pointed out that closing the Great Highway to vehicles impedes public access to the beach, contradicting the Coastal Act's emphasis on maximizing public access.

The meeting underscored the community's concerns about the balance between recreational use and environmental protection along the coast. As discussions continue, the city faces pressure to ensure that any developments in the coastal zone adhere strictly to established guidelines and prioritize public access and environmental integrity. The outcome of this appeal could set a significant precedent for future coastal development projects in San Francisco.