Yesterday, the Board of Supes approved by a 7-4 vote a measure to close off part of Kennedy Drive on Saturdays just as it is on Sundays. Well, for a "six-month" trial run at least. The measure was passed without rancor, with serious intellectual debate, and a strict adherence to democratic principles.

Nah, not really. It actually involved dueling rallies, people shouting each other down with bullhorns and the use of fresh-faced children and decrepit old people in wheel chairs as props.

Several years ago, a similar measure was voted on by the general populace in an election. It lost. Actually, there were two measures at the same time about the park closure saying differing things and proposed by different groups of people. Both lost. Since, we the voters were too "confused" to vote properly on the measure, the Board of Supervisors decided to set us straight and take matters unto themselves. They were so sure of themselves and our inability to see matters closely, in fact, that they decided to just vote for it instead of putting it up for another ballot measure. Also too confused to see clearly about the measure were neighborhood groups, disabled groups, elderly groups, and the people behind the new DeYoung Museum who all fought against it.

Meanwhile, the people behind the new Dede Wilsey Shrine to Her Wilsey-ness stepped up to fight the measure using all sorts of chicanery and circulated a letter claiming all sorts of nasty, evil things that would befall the world if the street were closed. Like traffic. And the oppression of those who refuse to get out of their cars. Not to mention global warming, Iran's nuclear energy program, and Ben Kingsley turning down Christopher's movie project. Except the letter wasn't really sent by the board of the Shrine, but by Dede herself. And has been disowned by most of the people involved. And is being discovered to be completely wrong.

Word on the street has it that if the measure goes through, a measure will be quickly placed on the ballot rescinding the Board's measure. In which case, the Board will just say we were once again confused and rescind the rescind.

That is if it gets that far. All eyes now turn to Gavin to see if he'll veto the measure. How or what will sway him nobody knows-- we're guessing it'll be whatever gets him another photo spread.