Committee advances resolution urging Rec & Park to remove Stow name from lake and boathouse

On May 10 the Public Safety & Neighborhood Services Committee voted to forward a resolution urging the Recreation and Park Commission to remove the name 'Stow' from Stow Lake, the boathouse, and the drive circling Strawberry Hill in Golden Gate Park. Sponsor Supervisor Melgard told the committee that William W. Stow served in the California State Assembly in the 1850s and described archival statements attributed to him, calling Stow's words and record 'despicable' and inconsistent with contemporary San Francisco's values.

Supervisor Melgard proposed a community engagement timeline required by Rec & Park guidelines: a Zoom town hall on June 1, a June 8 in‑person hearing at the County Fair Building, and a later hearing in the Richmond district; the meetings would solicit name nominations and community feedback. Speakers in support included Stephen Miller (Raoul Wallenberg Jewish Democratic organization), Jessica Troopovich (Jewish Community Relations Council Bay Area), Henry Mikulski (resident), Angus MacFarlane (who proposed 'Patrick Quigley' as an alternative), Omar Rincon (office of Senator Wiener on behalf of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus), and numerous other residents who urged renaming as an affirmative statement against antisemitism and hate.

Supervisor Melgard said her office will lead outreach including school and synagogue engagement; Chair Catherine Stephanie moved to send the resolution as a committee report with the committee's recommendation, and the motion passed without opposition. The resolution asks Rec & Park to begin the prescribed public hearing process to consider renaming and to solicit replacement suggestions.