Kevin Truong

If you want to play a fun game, ask people in the know to describe the fiscal state of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.&nbsp;

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<p>If you want to play a fun game, ask people in the know to describe the fiscal state of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.&nbsp;</p>

You’ll get a sharp inhale. An “incredibly dire.” An “extremely concerning.” Maybe even a “clusterfuck” or two.

<p>You’ll get a sharp inhale. An “incredibly dire.” An “extremely concerning.” Maybe even a “clusterfuck” or two.</p>

The agency’s revenue was in decline before the pandemic, and Covid pressed the accelerator. Add the expiration of state and federal funding meant as a backstop, and you’re hit with some pretty big, pretty bad numbers that could spell the end of the system as we know it.

<p>The agency’s revenue was in decline before the pandemic, and Covid pressed the accelerator. Add the expiration of state and federal funding meant as a backstop, and you’re hit with some pretty big, pretty bad numbers that could spell the end of the system as we know it.</p>

During the next fiscal year, the agency’s deficit is tagged at $15 million, but that could balloon to $322 million the year after.&nbsp;

<p>During the next fiscal year, the agency’s deficit is tagged at $15 million, but that could balloon to $322 million the year after.&nbsp;</p>

The L-Taraval arrives at Embarcadero Station in San Francisco, on September 30, 2024.The L-Taraval line has recently reopened following a five-year renovation.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241119-muniwtf-25.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person boards a modern train at a station. The train's destination sign reads &quot;SF ZOO.&quot; The platform has a yellow safety edge and overhead lights." class="wp-image-334808"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Even as ridership on Muni buses and trains has steadily recovered, the agency faces a massive budget shortfall that only looks to grow.</figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241119-muniwtf-25.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person boards a modern train at a station. The train's destination sign reads &quot;SF ZOO.&quot; The platform has a yellow safety edge and overhead lights." class="wp-image-334808"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Even as ridership on Muni buses and trains has steadily recovered, the agency faces a massive budget shortfall that only looks to grow.</figcaption></figure>

The scale of that gap might surprise Muni riders who recently gave the system its <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/blog/2024-muni-rider-survey-shows-big-improvements">highest satisfaction score</a> in 20 years. Moreover, ridership has recovered to 78% of 2019 levels, in the top tier of transit systems nationally. Another sign of Muni’s popularity? Some items in its merch store that <a href="https://themunistore.com/">launched this month</a> have already sold out.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>The scale of that gap might surprise Muni riders who recently gave the system its <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/blog/2024-muni-rider-survey-shows-big-improvements">highest satisfaction score</a> in 20 years. Moreover, ridership has recovered to 78% of 2019 levels, in the top tier of transit systems nationally. Another sign of Muni’s popularity? Some items in its merch store that <a href="https://themunistore.com/">launched this month</a> have already sold out.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

But Muni is only part of the story, and fares make up only 8% of the MTA’s budget. Revenue from parking (particularly at formerly packed downtown lots) has dropped 31% from before the pandemic, dragging down the agency’s fiscal outlook while costs continue to increase.&nbsp;

<p>But Muni is only part of the story, and fares make up only 8% of the MTA’s budget. Revenue from parking (particularly at formerly packed downtown lots) has dropped 31% from before the pandemic, dragging down the agency’s fiscal outlook while costs continue to increase.&nbsp;</p>

Conversations with lawmakers, SFMTA staff and board members, and transit policy wonks reveal a big shrug on what’s next. Meanwhile, a new mayor prepares to take office amid furious efforts to throw a life-raft tax on the ballot in 2026 to keep Muni, BART, and Caltrain afloat.

<p>Conversations with lawmakers, SFMTA staff and board members, and transit policy wonks reveal a big shrug on what’s next. Meanwhile, a new mayor prepares to take office amid furious efforts to throw a life-raft tax on the ballot in 2026 to keep Muni, BART, and Caltrain afloat.</p>

“I don&#8217;t have any answers right now; I have a lot of questions,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who serves as chair of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority. “The odd piece about these Muni funding conversations we&#8217;re having is that in some ways, the most important actor is not in the room yet.”

<p>“I don't have any answers right now; I have a lot of questions,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who serves as chair of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority. “The odd piece about these Muni funding conversations we're having is that in some ways, the most important actor is not in the room yet.”</p>

<p>“I don&#8217;t have any answers right now; I have a lot of questions,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who serves as chair of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority. “The odd piece about these Muni funding conversations we&#8217;re having is that in some ways, the most important actor is not in the room yet.”</p>

If one thing is clear, it’s that prospects for another rescue package from Sacramento are dim. And President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House will presumably kill the possibility of a federal bailout. That means instead of waiting for a white knight, the region needs to help itself.&nbsp;

<p>If one thing is clear, it’s that prospects for another rescue package from Sacramento are dim. And President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House will presumably kill the possibility of a federal bailout. That means instead of waiting for a white knight, the region needs to help itself.&nbsp;</p>

Jeffrey Tumlin the San Francisco Director of  Transportation speaks during the official opening of the new Bus Rapid Transit corridor on Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco on Friday, April 1, 2022.  


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/FEATURE_TransitFiscalCLiff-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man speaks at a podium with a blue logo, gesturing upward. A crowd of diverse people, some with masks, listens. Vehicles and a city street are in the background." class="wp-image-106575"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">SFMTA Director Jeffrey Tumlin led the organization through the pandemic. His contract expires at the end of the year.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/FEATURE_TransitFiscalCLiff-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man speaks at a podium with a blue logo, gesturing upward. A crowd of diverse people, some with masks, listens. Vehicles and a city street are in the background." class="wp-image-106575"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">SFMTA Director Jeffrey Tumlin led the organization through the pandemic. His contract expires at the end of the year.</figcaption></figure>

“There’s a sense that the ball is back in our court,” said Sebastian Petty, a senior transportation policy advisor for urban planning nonprofit SPUR. “Maybe the state can step in and get us to a presidential year, but we all need to be part of the solution.”

<p>“There’s a sense that the ball is back in our court,” said Sebastian Petty, a senior transportation policy advisor for urban planning nonprofit SPUR. “Maybe the state can step in and get us to a presidential year, but we all need to be part of the solution.”</p>

One attempt on the ballot this month was Proposition L, which would have taxed rideshare companies to pay for Muni. But a poison-pill provision in business tax reform measure Proposition M negated the effort.&nbsp;

<p>One attempt on the ballot this month was Proposition L, which would have taxed rideshare companies to pay for Muni. But a poison-pill provision in business tax reform measure Proposition M negated the effort.&nbsp;</p>

Although Prop. M backers insist they weren’t trying to spoil Prop. L, critics are dubious. Kat Siegal, a member of the county Transportation Authority’s community advisory committee who co-authored Prop. L, said when her campaign reached out to the other side for discussions, the response was essentially “Lose my number.”

<p>Although Prop. M backers insist they weren’t trying to spoil Prop. L, critics are dubious. Kat Siegal, a member of the county Transportation Authority’s community advisory committee who co-authored Prop. L, said when her campaign reached out to the other side for discussions, the response was essentially “Lose my number.”</p>

Prop. L advocates say their idea to tax rideshare companies would have raised around $25 million for public transit, enough to head off next year’s Muni deficit. But little use crying over spilled taxes.&nbsp;

<p>Prop. L advocates say their idea to tax rideshare companies would have raised around $25 million for public transit, enough to head off next year’s Muni deficit. But little use crying over spilled taxes.&nbsp;</p>

Now, all eyes are on an effort by the regional Metropolitan Transportation Commission to put some sort of transit-saving tax before voters in 2026. At its next meeting, set for Dec. 9, the MTC intends to hammer out a framework for a ballot measure.

<p>Now, all eyes are on an effort by the regional Metropolitan Transportation Commission to put some sort of transit-saving tax before voters in 2026. At its next meeting, set for Dec. 9, the MTC intends to hammer out a framework for a ballot measure.</p>

This is no simple matter. First, a majority of the commission must agree on a concept for the measure. Then state lawmakers need to introduce legislation to allow a regional ballot measure. Then comes the campaign, which would probably include a signature-gathering effort to get a measure on the ballot with a 50% threshold for passage.

<p>This is no simple matter. First, a majority of the commission must agree on a concept for the measure. Then state lawmakers need to introduce legislation to allow a regional ballot measure. Then comes the campaign, which would probably include a signature-gathering effort to get a measure on the ballot with a 50% threshold for passage.</p>

The central question, particularly from counties like Marin and Santa Clara, is: Why should we pay for a transit system that benefits mostly other parts of the region?

<p>The central question, particularly from counties like Marin and Santa Clara, is: Why should we pay for a transit system that benefits mostly other parts of the region?</p>

A cable car travels past the historical 119-year Westin St. Francis in San Francisco on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. With APEC approaching, tourists are looking for local hotels and other ways to secure short-term room and board.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/APECHotelInsights-5845.jpg?w=2500" alt="A historic Muni cable car rides by a building" class="wp-image-210039"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Muni officials have raised the prospect of cutting cable car lines as a cost-saving measure, but few believe that&#8217;s a real possibility.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/APECHotelInsights-5845.jpg?w=2500" alt="A historic Muni cable car rides by a building" class="wp-image-210039"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Muni officials have raised the prospect of cutting cable car lines as a cost-saving measure, but few believe that's a real possibility.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/APECHotelInsights-5845.jpg?w=2500" alt="A historic Muni cable car rides by a building" class="wp-image-210039"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Muni officials have raised the prospect of cutting cable car lines as a cost-saving measure, but few believe that&#8217;s a real possibility.</figcaption></figure>

State Sens. Scott Wiener and Aisha Wahab <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/18/bay-area-transit-ballot-measure-wiener-wahab-sb1031/">co-authored a bill last year</a> to allow for a ballot measure that would’ve raised taxes to fund transit agencies in nine Bay Area counties, but internal squabbling sank it. Little has changed since then. But the fiscal cliff is getting close enough to peer off the edge.

Warning of &#8216;death spiral,&#8217; lawmakers seek $2B tax hike for transit

<p>State Sens. Scott Wiener and Aisha Wahab <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/18/bay-area-transit-ballot-measure-wiener-wahab-sb1031/">co-authored a bill last year</a> to allow for a ballot measure that would’ve raised taxes to fund transit agencies in nine Bay Area counties, but internal squabbling sank it. Little has changed since then. But the fiscal cliff is getting close enough to peer off the edge.</p>

“Considering the parties, I would imagine we see the lowest-common-denominator solution,” said Tom Radulovich, senior policy fellow at urban planning nonprofit Liveable City. “At some point, nobody wants to watch the puppy drown.”

<p>“Considering the parties, I would imagine we see the lowest-common-denominator solution,” said Tom Radulovich, senior policy fellow at urban planning nonprofit Liveable City. “At some point, nobody wants to watch the puppy drown.”</p>

The greatest amount of political support, according to sources at the MTC meetings, is for a middle-ground taxation path that would raise around $560 million annually, mainly from San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, and Contra Costa counties.

<p>The greatest amount of political support, according to sources at the MTC meetings, is for a middle-ground taxation path that would raise around $560 million annually, mainly from San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, and Contra Costa counties.</p>

But there’s not a clear consensus on some basic policy points, such as how long the tax would be in effect; whether it would be a sales tax, parcel tax, or some combination; and how much each county would be expected to cough up. Potential scenarios can be <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/better-mta-presentation.pdf">viewed here</a>.

<p>But there’s not a clear consensus on some basic policy points, such as how long the tax would be in effect; whether it would be a sales tax, parcel tax, or some combination; and how much each county would be expected to cough up. Potential scenarios can be <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/better-mta-presentation.pdf">viewed here</a>.</p>

Complexity adds legal risk, which could mean money being held up by the courts, as well as a more pedestrian challenge: There’s concern that summaries of all the carveouts wouldn&#8217;t fit on the ballot page.

<p>Complexity adds legal risk, which could mean money being held up by the courts, as well as a more pedestrian challenge: There’s concern that summaries of all the carveouts wouldn't fit on the ballot page.</p>

<p>Complexity adds legal risk, which could mean money being held up by the courts, as well as a more pedestrian challenge: There’s concern that summaries of all the carveouts wouldn&#8217;t fit on the ballot page.</p>

Vision Zero is a bust, and traffic crash victims are fed up

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I rode Muni’s new, free on-demand shuttle — and it was magical

This guy racked up $33,159 in parking tickets. In San Francisco, he’s hardly alone

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But even if all goes well on the regional measure, Muni would be left with a massive budget hole.

<p>But even if all goes well on the regional measure, Muni would be left with a massive budget hole.</p>

“I suspect there’s no single source that will bring in enough to close our gap by itself,” SFMTA Director Jeffrey Tumlin told The Standard. “We’re thinking of everything from all of the ways voters might approve new taxes to rethinking parking to bake sales.”

<p>“I suspect there’s no single source that will bring in enough to close our gap by itself,” SFMTA Director Jeffrey Tumlin told The Standard. “We’re thinking of everything from all of the ways voters might approve new taxes to rethinking parking to bake sales.”</p>

Much has been made of the prospect of <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/s-f-muni-faces-possible-cable-car-closures-due-19911292.php">shutting cable car lines</a>, icons of the city. Few believe that will actually happen. The real solutions are likely to be less dramatic but still impactful: increasing nighttime and weekend metered parking, cutting back on pedestrian safety projects, lowering the frequency of popular lines, and cutting duplicate and less-trafficked buses.&nbsp;

<p>Much has been made of the prospect of <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/s-f-muni-faces-possible-cable-car-closures-due-19911292.php">shutting cable car lines</a>, icons of the city. Few believe that will actually happen. The real solutions are likely to be less dramatic but still impactful: increasing nighttime and weekend metered parking, cutting back on pedestrian safety projects, lowering the frequency of popular lines, and cutting duplicate and less-trafficked buses.&nbsp;</p>

In February, <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/feb-service-cuts.pdf">marginal service changes</a> will take place on the 30 Stockton, 24 Divisadero, and 38 Geary lines. Additional shift changes will likely come in the summer, but no firm policies have been presented. 

<p>In February, <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/feb-service-cuts.pdf">marginal service changes</a> will take place on the 30 Stockton, 24 Divisadero, and 38 Geary lines. Additional shift changes will likely come in the summer, but no firm policies have been presented. </p>

San Francisco mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie talks with a voter during a campaign meet and greet event on October 30, 2024 in San Francisco. With less than a week until election day, San Francisco mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie continues to campaign across the city as he faces a tight race with incumbent San Francisco mayor London Breed.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/gettyimages-21819862731.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a white shirt and blue tie looks attentively at another person with a shaved head. In the blurred background, another person wears a cap and glasses." class="wp-image-331544"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Incoming Mayor Daniel Lurie will face tough choices as he tries to balance preserving Muni service with the city&#8217;s dire budget situation.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/gettyimages-21819862731.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a white shirt and blue tie looks attentively at another person with a shaved head. In the blurred background, another person wears a cap and glasses." class="wp-image-331544"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Incoming Mayor Daniel Lurie will face tough choices as he tries to balance preserving Muni service with the city's dire budget situation.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/gettyimages-21819862731.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a white shirt and blue tie looks attentively at another person with a shaved head. In the blurred background, another person wears a cap and glasses." class="wp-image-331544"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Incoming Mayor Daniel Lurie will face tough choices as he tries to balance preserving Muni service with the city&#8217;s dire budget situation.</figcaption></figure>

Incoming Mayor Daniel Lurie will have to decide how much of the city budget to dedicate to Muni <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/07/daniel-lurie-wins-san-francisco-mayor/">amid years of nine-figure budget deficits</a>.&nbsp;

Congrats, Daniel Lurie. Your new job is going to suck

<p>Incoming Mayor Daniel Lurie will have to decide how much of the city budget to dedicate to Muni <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/07/daniel-lurie-wins-san-francisco-mayor/">amid years of nine-figure budget deficits</a>.&nbsp;</p>

“Does he want to be known as the mayor that saves Muni, or the Muni-service-cut mayor?” transit activist Chris Arvin asked. “I think that&#8217;s a big question for him.”

<p>“Does he want to be known as the mayor that saves Muni, or the Muni-service-cut mayor?” transit activist Chris Arvin asked. “I think that's a big question for him.”</p>

<p>“Does he want to be known as the mayor that saves Muni, or the Muni-service-cut mayor?” transit activist Chris Arvin asked. “I think that&#8217;s a big question for him.”</p>

Since transportation policy was not a key pillar of Lurie’s mayoral campaign, observers are trying to read the tea leaves. Although Lurie opposed Prop. K, which will close a portion of the Great Highway, he backed the taxes proposed by Prop. L.

<p>Since transportation policy was not a key pillar of Lurie’s mayoral campaign, observers are trying to read the tea leaves. Although Lurie opposed Prop. K, which will close a portion of the Great Highway, he backed the taxes proposed by Prop. L.</p>

In a survey by the San Francisco Transit Riders, Lurie wrote that if new funds don’t materialize to close the budget, he supports making focused cuts.

<p>In a survey by the San Francisco Transit Riders, Lurie wrote that if new funds don’t materialize to close the budget, he supports making focused cuts.</p>

One signal of where Lurie would try to steer Muni is whether he makes a change in leadership. Tumlin, whose contract expires at the end of the year, said conversations about his future at the agency are ongoing.&nbsp;

<p>One signal of where Lurie would try to steer Muni is whether he makes a change in leadership. Tumlin, whose contract expires at the end of the year, said conversations about his future at the agency are ongoing.&nbsp;</p>

Lurie didn’t respond to a request for comment on Tumlin’s future.

<p>Lurie didn’t respond to a request for comment on Tumlin’s future.</p>

‘No one wants to watch the puppy drown’: Inside Muni’s furious race to save itself

Michael Barba

A judge rejected arguments this week that San Francisco police violated the law by using a Union Square security camera network to monitor in real time protests over the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd during the summer of 2020.

<p>A judge rejected arguments this week that San Francisco police violated the law by using a Union Square security camera network to monitor in real time protests over the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd during the summer of 2020.</p>

San Francisco Superior Court Judge Richard Ulmer ruled against civil liberties groups Wednesday in their lawsuit alleging the police department violated a local surveillance ordinance prohibiting city agencies from acquiring new surveillance technologies without first submitting a usage policy for approval from the Board of Supervisors.

<p>San Francisco Superior Court Judge Richard Ulmer ruled against civil liberties groups Wednesday in their lawsuit alleging the police department violated a local surveillance ordinance prohibiting city agencies from acquiring new surveillance technologies without first submitting a usage policy for approval from the Board of Supervisors.</p>

The case <a href="https://sfstandard.com/breed-backs-more-cops-more-surveillance-as-public-safety-concerns-reach-fever-pitch/">found itself at the center of a citywide debate over crime</a> in San Francisco last December, when Mayor London Breed announced she wanted police to have the tools they need to combat mass retail thefts in Union Square and drug dealing in the Tenderloin—including live access to surveillance cameras. Police say they’re “hamstrung” by the ordinance.

<p>The case <a href="https://sfstandard.com/breed-backs-more-cops-more-surveillance-as-public-safety-concerns-reach-fever-pitch/">found itself at the center of a citywide debate over crime</a> in San Francisco last December, when Mayor London Breed announced she wanted police to have the tools they need to combat mass retail thefts in Union Square and drug dealing in the Tenderloin—including live access to surveillance cameras. Police say they’re “hamstrung” by the ordinance.</p>

The lawsuit stems from police requesting access to the camera network, which is run by the Union Square Business Improvement District, after a day of protests against police brutality was followed by a night of looting at the shopping district in May 2020. Court records show an officer said she looked at a feed from the camera network several times to “ensure there were no crowds forming in Union Square,” but no further looting materialized.

<p>The lawsuit stems from police requesting access to the camera network, which is run by the Union Square Business Improvement District, after a day of protests against police brutality was followed by a night of looting at the shopping district in May 2020. Court records show an officer said she looked at a feed from the camera network several times to “ensure there were no crowds forming in Union Square,” but no further looting materialized.</p>

The Electronic Frontier Foundation and the ACLU of Northern California, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of three protesters in October 2020, said the usage had a chilling effect on protesters who could no longer demonstrate without fear of police secretly “spying” on them.

<p>The Electronic Frontier Foundation and the ACLU of Northern California, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of three protesters in October 2020, said the usage had a chilling effect on protesters who could no longer demonstrate without fear of police secretly “spying” on them.</p>

<a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/07982009.pdf">In a three-page written ruling</a>, Ulmer found that the ordinance didn’t prevent police from watching the camera network because the department had already accessed it once to monitor the June 2019 Pride Parade—a month before the ordinance went into effect.

<p><a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/07982009.pdf">In a three-page written ruling</a>, Ulmer found that the ordinance didn’t prevent police from watching the camera network because the department had already accessed it once to monitor the June 2019 Pride Parade—a month before the ordinance went into effect.</p>

“Thus, the police’s prior use of USBID’s surveillance technology allowed the department to continue its use,” wrote Ulmer, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health-safety/lawsuit-sureveillance-san-francisco-police-protesters/">heard arguments in the case</a> last month.

<p>“Thus, the police’s prior use of USBID’s surveillance technology allowed the department to continue its use,” wrote Ulmer, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health-safety/lawsuit-sureveillance-san-francisco-police-protesters/">heard arguments in the case</a> last month.</p>

The decision disappointed EFF attorney Saira Hussain, who might appeal the ruling.

<p>The decision disappointed EFF attorney Saira Hussain, who might appeal the ruling.</p>

“The question at the heart of our lawsuit is whether SFPD will be held accountable for refusing to submit to democratic controls on police surveillance,” Hussain said in an email. “The police sidestepped the ordinance, and the court ruled on a technicality.”

<p>“The question at the heart of our lawsuit is whether SFPD will be held accountable for refusing to submit to democratic controls on police surveillance,” Hussain said in an email. “The police sidestepped the ordinance, and the court ruled on a technicality.”</p>

Jen Kwart, a spokesperson for the City Attorney’s Office, which represented the police department in the case, said the office appreciated how the judge “evaluated this case based on the facts and the plain language of the City’s ordinance.”

<p>Jen Kwart, a spokesperson for the City Attorney’s Office, which represented the police department in the case, said the office appreciated how the judge “evaluated this case based on the facts and the plain language of the City’s ordinance.”</p>

Ulmer’s ruling allows SFPD to continue using the security camera network in Union Square in real time. Whether the department will be allowed to live-monitor other camera networks is still up for debate at City Hall.

<p>Ulmer’s ruling allows SFPD to continue using the security camera network in Union Square in real time. Whether the department will be allowed to live-monitor other camera networks is still up for debate at City Hall.</p>

On Monday, a Board of Supervisors committee will discuss two competing ballot measures over the issue from Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Aaron Peskin.

<p>On Monday, a Board of Supervisors committee will discuss two competing ballot measures over the issue from Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Aaron Peskin.</p>

Last month, Breed put a measure on the June ballot that would amend the surveillance ordinance to allow police to use cameras in real time under certain circumstances, including when there is an imminent threat of serious property damage or physical injury.

<p>Last month, Breed put a measure on the June ballot that would amend the surveillance ordinance to allow police to use cameras in real time under certain circumstances, including when there is an imminent threat of serious property damage or physical injury.</p>

The measure would also allow Police Chief Bill Scott to use cameras in real time by declaring a “public safety crisis area” in places where there is an open-air drug market or a “documented increase in violent crimes over a period of time 14 days or longer.”

<p>The measure would also allow Police Chief Bill Scott to use cameras in real time by declaring a “public safety crisis area” in places where there is an open-air drug market or a “documented increase in violent crimes over a period of time 14 days or longer.”</p>

The competing measure from Peskin would strengthen the existing surveillance ordinance and streamline the process for approving usage policies.

<p>The competing measure from Peskin would strengthen the existing surveillance ordinance and streamline the process for approving usage policies.</p>

Ahead of the hearing Monday, dozens of groups, including the ACLU, <a href="https://www.aclunc.org/sites/default/files/2022.02.10%20SF%20Surveillance%20Ballot%20Measures%20Coalition%20Ltr.pdf">sent a letter to supervisors</a> saying the mayor’s measure would “gut” the ordinance. They blasted the measure for being too broad, in part because the proposal would apply to surveillance technologies beyond cameras.

<p>Ahead of the hearing Monday, dozens of groups, including the ACLU, <a href="https://www.aclunc.org/sites/default/files/2022.02.10%20SF%20Surveillance%20Ballot%20Measures%20Coalition%20Ltr.pdf">sent a letter to supervisors</a> saying the mayor’s measure would “gut” the ordinance. They blasted the measure for being too broad, in part because the proposal would apply to surveillance technologies beyond cameras.</p>

Brian Hofer, an Oakland-based privacy advocate who helped author the original ordinance and whose group Secure Justice signed onto the letter, said Breed’s measure would allow the police to have “unfettered use of surveillance technology.”

<p>Brian Hofer, an Oakland-based privacy advocate who helped author the original ordinance and whose group Secure Justice signed onto the letter, said Breed’s measure would allow the police to have “unfettered use of surveillance technology.”</p>

“She’s essentially allowing the police department to unilaterally declare these public safety threat zones,” Hofer said.

<p>“She’s essentially allowing the police department to unilaterally declare these public safety threat zones,” Hofer said.</p>

Critics have pointed out that all police have to do to live monitor surveillance under the existing ordinance is submit a usage policy to the Board of Supervisors for approval.

<p>Critics have pointed out that all police have to do to live monitor surveillance under the existing ordinance is submit a usage policy to the Board of Supervisors for approval.</p>

Breed has signaled she is willing to withdraw her measure and make changes to the ordinance through the legislative process, so long as the Board of Supervisors are willing to reach a compromise that “better balances public safety.”

<p>Breed has signaled she is willing to withdraw her measure and make changes to the ordinance through the legislative process, so long as the Board of Supervisors are willing to reach a compromise that “better balances public safety.”</p>

On Friday, Peskin said the SFPD has finally shared a draft policy with his office.

<p>On Friday, Peskin said the SFPD has finally shared a draft policy with his office.</p>

&#8220;I&#8217;m cautiously optimistic that cooler heads are prevailing and that we can work it out under the dome and not at the ballot,&#8221; he said.

<p>"I'm cautiously optimistic that cooler heads are prevailing and that we can work it out under the dome and not at the ballot," he said.</p>

<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m cautiously optimistic that cooler heads are prevailing and that we can work it out under the dome and not at the ballot,&#8221; he said.</p>

Judge sides with SFPD in lawsuit alleging cops spied on George Floyd protesters

David Sjostedt

San Francisco is offering awards of up to $100,000 for individuals who report information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in criminal rings that fuel auto burglaries, a type of crime common to many of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-to-deploy-additional-police-officers-tourist-areas/">the city’s tourist areas</a>.&nbsp;

<p>San Francisco is offering awards of up to $100,000 for individuals who report information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in criminal rings that fuel auto burglaries, a type of crime common to many of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-to-deploy-additional-police-officers-tourist-areas/">the city’s tourist areas</a>.&nbsp;</p>

Mayor London Breed and Police Chief Bill Scott presented the initiative in Fisherman’s Wharf on Tuesday as part of an ongoing effort to assure tourists of the city&#8217;s safety amid a national media focus on crime in San Francisco. Privately-owned businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors are funding the award program, which has accrued $225,000 so far.&nbsp;

<p>Mayor London Breed and Police Chief Bill Scott presented the initiative in Fisherman’s Wharf on Tuesday as part of an ongoing effort to assure tourists of the city's safety amid a national media focus on crime in San Francisco. Privately-owned businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors are funding the award program, which has accrued $225,000 so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mayor London Breed and Police Chief Bill Scott presented the initiative in Fisherman’s Wharf on Tuesday as part of an ongoing effort to assure tourists of the city&#8217;s safety amid a national media focus on crime in San Francisco. Privately-owned businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors are funding the award program, which has accrued $225,000 so far.&nbsp;</p>

A broken car window in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2021. | Camille Cohen/The Standard


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/breakins-21.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12223"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A shattered window of a car on Folsom Street in the Mission District on October 19, 2021.</figcaption></figure>


“I’ll be honest, one of my car break–ins, I didn’t even bother to report it,” Breed said. “We don’t want you to put yourself in harm’s way. But if you’re paying attention and you see any information, and you’re able to share that information with us — that’s important.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>“I’ll be honest, one of my car break–ins, I didn’t even bother to report it,” Breed said. “We don’t want you to put yourself in harm’s way. But if you’re paying attention and you see any information, and you’re able to share that information with us — that’s important.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

An increase in reports of theft — a crime that is believed to be widely underreported — would enable SFPD to build a more cohesive data set when pursuing organized criminal fencing organizations. In September, Scott said that SFPD plans to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/s-f-launches-new-initiative-to-battle-retail-crime/">upgrade its online reporting system, Coplogic,</a> potentially triggering an increase in theft reports.&nbsp;

<p>An increase in reports of theft — a crime that is believed to be widely underreported — would enable SFPD to build a more cohesive data set when pursuing organized criminal fencing organizations. In September, Scott said that SFPD plans to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/s-f-launches-new-initiative-to-battle-retail-crime/">upgrade its online reporting system, Coplogic,</a> potentially triggering an increase in theft reports.&nbsp;</p>

“We weren’t as accurate as we felt we should be in our reporting and data collection,” Scott said on Tuesday. “Today’s announcement adds a promising new tool to the coordinated efforts of public and private sector partners to fight auto burglaries in San Francisco.”&nbsp;

<p>“We weren’t as accurate as we felt we should be in our reporting and data collection,” Scott said on Tuesday. “Today’s announcement adds a promising new tool to the coordinated efforts of public and private sector partners to fight auto burglaries in San Francisco.”&nbsp;</p>

Less than 3% of reported larceny theft cases in 2021 have resulted in an arrest, according to Data SF.&nbsp; Breed reiterated a message that perpetrators must be held accountable, at times addressing thieves directly.&nbsp;

<p>Less than 3% of reported larceny theft cases in 2021 have resulted in an arrest, according to Data SF.&nbsp; Breed reiterated a message that perpetrators must be held accountable, at times addressing thieves directly.&nbsp;</p>

Mayor Breed at the press conference on October 19, 2021. | Photo by Camille Cohen


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/breakins-05.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12205"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor Breed at the press conference on October 19, 2021.</figcaption></figure>


“San Francisco has afforded so many people an extraordinary opportunity to make a decent and honest living,” Breed said, noting open positions at SFMTA and at businesses across the city. “You don’t have to do this…But once you&#8217;ve crossed that line, we have a responsibility to the public to make sure that people feel safe.”

<p>“San Francisco has afforded so many people an extraordinary opportunity to make a decent and honest living,” Breed said, noting open positions at SFMTA and at businesses across the city. “You don’t have to do this…But once you've crossed that line, we have a responsibility to the public to make sure that people feel safe.”</p>

<p>“San Francisco has afforded so many people an extraordinary opportunity to make a decent and honest living,” Breed said, noting open positions at SFMTA and at businesses across the city. “You don’t have to do this…But once you&#8217;ve crossed that line, we have a responsibility to the public to make sure that people feel safe.”</p>

The initiative comes three months after the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-to-deploy-additional-police-officers-tourist-areas/">deployment of 26 additional patrol officers</a> in tourist-centric districts, including Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square. Scott touted the increased patrols as the reason for a 37% decrease in auto break–ins since July 4.&nbsp;

<p>The initiative comes three months after the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-to-deploy-additional-police-officers-tourist-areas/">deployment of 26 additional patrol officers</a> in tourist-centric districts, including Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square. Scott touted the increased patrols as the reason for a 37% decrease in auto break–ins since July 4.&nbsp;</p>

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“Just last week we had Fleet Week, we had the Giants playoff games and we had events at the Chase Center,” Scott said. “People came here and enjoyed themselves, and that’s what we want. That’s why we’re doing this work.”&nbsp;

<p>“Just last week we had Fleet Week, we had the Giants playoff games and we had events at the Chase Center,” Scott said. “People came here and enjoyed themselves, and that’s what we want. That’s why we’re doing this work.”&nbsp;</p>

Sharky Laguana, president of the Small Business Commission, suggested at the press conference that most cases of car break–ins are a result of organized fencing operations, pointing to an Oct. 2020 bust that uncovered over $8 million worth of stolen goods across multiple warehouses. Operators of that fencing operation were allegedly reselling the goods on eBay, Amazon and other marketplaces. &nbsp;

<p>Sharky Laguana, president of the Small Business Commission, suggested at the press conference that most cases of car break–ins are a result of organized fencing operations, pointing to an Oct. 2020 bust that uncovered over $8 million worth of stolen goods across multiple warehouses. Operators of that fencing operation were allegedly reselling the goods on eBay, Amazon and other marketplaces. &nbsp;</p>

“I first met the mayor when we were working together on auto burglary issues. I&#8217;ll never forget what she said to me: ‘Sharky, we&#8217;re going to throw everything and the kitchen sink at this,’” Laguana said. “Well, here comes the kitchen sink.”&nbsp;

<p>“I first met the mayor when we were working together on auto burglary issues. I'll never forget what she said to me: ‘Sharky, we're going to throw everything and the kitchen sink at this,’” Laguana said. “Well, here comes the kitchen sink.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I first met the mayor when we were working together on auto burglary issues. I&#8217;ll never forget what she said to me: ‘Sharky, we&#8217;re going to throw everything and the kitchen sink at this,’” Laguana said. “Well, here comes the kitchen sink.”&nbsp;</p>

In addition to incentivizing victims to report instances of theft, Scott presented the initiative as part of a comprehensive effort to educate motorists and visitors on the dangers of leaving valuables in their cars.&nbsp;

<p>In addition to incentivizing victims to report instances of theft, Scott presented the initiative as part of a comprehensive effort to educate motorists and visitors on the dangers of leaving valuables in their cars.&nbsp;</p>

“Don’t leave valuables in your car, particularly visible, because these are the folks that are being victimized the most,” Scott said. “When people are resilient and vigilant about not making themselves easy targets, we’ve seen these crimes go down because there’s nothing to steal.”

<p>“Don’t leave valuables in your car, particularly visible, because these are the folks that are being victimized the most,” Scott said. “When people are resilient and vigilant about not making themselves easy targets, we’ve seen these crimes go down because there’s nothing to steal.”</p>

San Francisco offers $100,000 cash rewards to bust criminal fencing rackets

Jonah Owen Lamb

Prosecutors cast him as an armed anti-vaxxer who threatened to kill a California lawmaker over a bill that would allow teens to get Covid vaccinations without parental permission. The defense painted him as a father of three who made a mistake that he deeply regrets.&nbsp;

<p>Prosecutors cast him as an armed anti-vaxxer who threatened to kill a California lawmaker over a bill that would allow teens to get Covid vaccinations without parental permission. The defense painted him as a father of three who made a mistake that he deeply regrets.&nbsp;</p>

Those were the two characterizations presented in court Wednesday of Erik Triana, a 51-year-old San Ramon resident who allegedly issued a death threat against state Sen. Scott Wiener in January while hoarding a cache of illegal weapons that authorities say he planned to use.

<p>Those were the two characterizations presented in court Wednesday of Erik Triana, a 51-year-old San Ramon resident who allegedly issued a death threat against state Sen. Scott Wiener in January while hoarding a cache of illegal weapons that authorities say he planned to use.</p>

Triana—whose trial opened Wednesday morning in Martinez—is charged with eight felony counts, including threatening a state official and possessing assault weapons.&nbsp;

<p>Triana—whose trial opened Wednesday morning in Martinez—is charged with eight felony counts, including threatening a state official and possessing assault weapons.&nbsp;</p>

The trial comes at a time of heightened fear over violence aimed at politicians after the Jan. 6 occupation of the U.S. Capitol and ongoing backlash against public officials over Covid-19 vaccinations and pandemic regulations.&nbsp;

<p>The trial comes at a time of heightened fear over violence aimed at politicians after the Jan. 6 occupation of the U.S. Capitol and ongoing backlash against public officials over Covid-19 vaccinations and pandemic regulations.&nbsp;</p>

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https://twitter.com/Scott_Wiener/status/1564998864125317120
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We’re close but a couple votes short on our teen vaccine bill (SB 866) on the Assembly floor. We’re thus moving the bill to inactive.<br><br>The anti-vaxxer harassment campaign worked this time, at the expense of teen health. We lost this round but aren’t going anywhere.<br><br>My statement: <a href="https://t.co/lITSEujXPJ">pic.twitter.com/lITSEujXPJ</a></p>&mdash; Senator Scott Wiener (@Scott_Wiener) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scott_Wiener/status/1564998864125317120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2022</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It also came less than a month after Wiener reported another threat by someone who said there was a bomb in his home. And it came on the same day he withdrew his vaccination bill, SB 866.&nbsp;

<p>It also came less than a month after Wiener reported another threat by someone who said there was a bomb in his home. And it came on the same day he withdrew his vaccination bill, SB 866.&nbsp;</p>

“The anti-vaxxer harassment campaign worked this time, at the expense of teen health,” <a href="https://twitter.com/Scott_Wiener/status/1564998864125317120">Wiener wrote on Twitter</a> Wednesday. “We lost this round but aren’t going anywhere.”&nbsp;

<p>“The anti-vaxxer harassment campaign worked this time, at the expense of teen health,” <a href="https://twitter.com/Scott_Wiener/status/1564998864125317120">Wiener wrote on Twitter</a> Wednesday. “We lost this round but aren’t going anywhere.”&nbsp;</p>

The bill would have allowed kids aged 15 and up <a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-san-francisco-misinformation-scott-wiener-394e55ed292f16b900343c5e6ada64f8">to get vaccinated without parental consent</a>.&nbsp;

<p>The bill would have allowed kids aged 15 and up <a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-san-francisco-misinformation-scott-wiener-394e55ed292f16b900343c5e6ada64f8">to get vaccinated without parental consent</a>.&nbsp;</p>

‘No one wants to watch the puppy drown’: Inside Muni’s furious race to save itself

Judge sides with SFPD in lawsuit alleging cops spied on George Floyd protesters

San Francisco offers $100,000 cash rewards to bust criminal fencing rackets

Armed anti-vaxxer who allegedly threatened Sen. Scott Wiener says he never planned to hurt anyone

SF Board of Supes in 3 mins: An apology to Chinese Americans, police settlement kicked down the road, Gotham Hotel gets the Project Homekey treatment

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‘No one wants to watch the puppy drown’: Inside Muni’s furious race to save itself

Judge sides with SFPD in lawsuit alleging cops spied on George Floyd protesters

San Francisco offers $100,000 cash rewards to bust criminal fencing rackets

Armed anti-vaxxer who allegedly threatened Sen. Scott Wiener says he never planned to hurt anyone

SF Board of Supes in 3 mins: An apology to Chinese Americans, police settlement kicked down the road, Gotham Hotel gets the Project Homekey treatment