As you take your seat within the arena, loud chatter starts to fill the Cow Palace. Voices echo throughout the building, waiting almost impatiently for the show to begin.

The Cow Palace has been home to many events since its construction in 1941. Now, residents of Daly City are choosing to support State Senator Leland Yee and his proposal in allowing the city to buy the Cow Palace. Under Senate Bill 1527, Daly City is able to buy the arena at fair market value.

According to an article titled “The Cow Palace may be history” dated February 28th, 2008 at sfgate.com, the 68-acre property will be used to build a grocery store, bank, housing and other projects to benefit people in underprivileged areas that border the Cow Palace.

In the same article, it is reported that: “He [Leland Yee] wants to fix up the neighborhoods near the Cow Palace and put more money in state coffers.”

While some argue to keep it for its sentimental value, other people rally behind Yee and agree to the Cow Palace’s demolition. Regardless of the outcome, the Cow Palace’s fate impacts not only Daly City, but the SLz community as well.

“Tearing it down is progress of change,” World History teacher Eugene Santillan said. “It’d bring jobs, more wealth. People in the community will work, and students here can get jobs.”

The positive side of the arena’s demolition brings many suggestions as to what should be done to the area for future purposes to make more funds. Many years have passed and the Cow Palace hasn’t improved much in terms of making enough money for the community [sfgate.com].

“Daly City needs money, hanging onto the Cow Palace for sentimental reasons doesn’t get you too far,” SLz substitute teacher Bill Reagan said.

Others aren’t too sure about the possibility of selling the Cow Palace, as it might cause an inconvenience to some.

“There would be limited choices of arenas for events. People would have to go to another arena, causing traffic,” Sophomore Christine Nguyen said.

Opinions continue to be split; however some students see what the Cow Palace still has to offer. Its all-around convenience as a multi-purpose theater gives reason to students who don’t agree with the possible bulldozing.

“They need to keep it around to hold concerts and events,” Senior Donald Duarte said. “Everyone knows where it’s at, it’s accessible.”



Others remember the Cow Palace and cherish the memories that took place within the arena.



“My wife and I used to go every year to the Kennel Club dog show. We took a day off work,” Psychology teacher Wayne Reel said. “I had great memories… To me it was very sentimental.”

Some also see the positive side of other possible plans in place of the Cow Palace if it were to be sold to provide for the community.

“San Francisco and Daly City needs more affordable housing because rent is expensive,” English teacher Vandana Makker said. “It’s important to make sure areas have a lot of support for residents.”

Whether or not the Cow Palace’s fate appears to be grim, it’s still hard to say. Many people will remember the arena’s significance and the big part it played within the Daly City/San Francisco community, and only time will tell what will become of the historical venue.