Pro-car Great Highway group faces ethics fine for skirting S.F. campaign laws

The San Francisco Ethics Commission is expected to fine the group Open the Great Highway $2,400 for failing to register as a political committee while campaigning against Proposition K, which restricts vehicle access to the Upper Great Highway. Despite raising $12,785 for their anti-Prop K efforts, the group did not adhere to the necessary state regulations for political fundraising. The commission described the violations as "inadvertent," which significantly reduced the fine from potentially tens of thousands of dollars. This case has emerged amidst heightened community tensions, with residents seeking to recall District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio due to the highway's closure. Additionally, District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan is exploring options to reverse Proposition K.

The group's founder, Vin Budhai, has a history in political organizing, raising questions about the transparency of their fundraising efforts. The Ethics Commission's findings emphasize the need for compliance with campaign finance laws to ensure accountability in political action. As the Great Highway project officially transitions to a park, the discussions around its future usage continue to evolve.