When San Francisco Supervisor David Campos proposed renaming SFO the Harvey Milk San Francisco International Airport, he faced widespread support and criticism. Milk is a revered gay rights icon, sure. But does his legacy merit an entire international airport rebranding? Well, today a compromise has been reached. In lieu of renaming the airport after the Mayor of Castro Street, a terminal will be christened in Milk's honor.
In part of an exclusive report, Matthew Bajko of The Bay Area Reporter notes:
Facing such criticism and division, Campos has worked with [Mayor Ed] Lee to come up with a compromise. Under the new proposal, a committee would be appointed to recommend which of the airport's terminals should be named after Milk, the city's first gay elected official who was killed inside City Hall in 1978 along with then-Mayor George Moscone by disgruntled former supervisor Dan White.The board would name four people to the panel and the mayor would name five members. It would be given three months to present its recommendation to the board and could also recommend names for all of the airport's terminals, as well as boarding areas and control towers. There are three domestic terminals and an international terminal.
As for terminal selection, Campos doesn't care which one. Fellow Supervisor Scott Wiener, however, pointed out that Terminal 1 would be ideal since it's now being remodeled.
Also of note, this coming November 27 marks the 35th anniversary of Harvey Milk's and Mayor George Moscone's assassinations at City Hall. And May 22 (Harvey's birthday) is Harvey Milk Day, a global holiday celebrating the slain leader.
Previously: Comprehensive Harvey Milk San Francisco International Airport coverage.
[B.A.R.]