Han Li

It&#8217;s not easy for a sitting mayor to keep her job as the city is experiencing a serious image crisis, but London Breed wants to persuade voters that San Francisco is on track to recovery.

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It's not easy for a sitting mayor to keep her job as the city is experiencing a serious image crisis, but London Breed wants to persuade voters that San Francisco is on track to recovery.

It&#8217;s not easy for a sitting mayor to keep her job as the city is experiencing a serious image crisis, but London Breed wants to persuade voters that San Francisco is on track to recovery.

In a mayoral candidate forum hosted by The Standard, ABC7 News, and tech journalist Kara Swisher, Breed acknowledged that many outsiders may think San Francisco has a &#8220;bad rap&#8221; because of crime, homelessness, and open-air drug dealing but argued that she’s working to tackle the most vexing issues.&nbsp;

In a mayoral candidate forum hosted by The Standard, ABC7 News, and tech journalist Kara Swisher, Breed acknowledged that many outsiders may think San Francisco has a "bad rap" because of crime, homelessness, and open-air drug dealing but argued that she’s working to tackle the most vexing issues.&nbsp;

In a mayoral candidate forum hosted by The Standard, ABC7 News, and tech journalist Kara Swisher, Breed acknowledged that many outsiders may think San Francisco has a &#8220;bad rap&#8221; because of crime, homelessness, and open-air drug dealing but argued that she’s working to tackle the most vexing issues.&nbsp;

&#8220;We have to do more work above and beyond,&#8221; Breed said. &#8220;But we are starting to see improvement, and I&#8217;m excited about what that means for the future.&#8221;

"We have to do more work above and beyond," Breed said. "But we are starting to see improvement, and I'm excited about what that means for the future."

&#8220;We have to do more work above and beyond,&#8221; Breed said. &#8220;But we are starting to see improvement, and I&#8217;m excited about what that means for the future.&#8221;

Mayor London Breed during an ABC interview with Annie Gaus on October 1, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/san_francisco_standard_abc7_mayoral_candidate_interview_london_breed.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows a woman in a blue blazer, identified as London Breed, a candidate for San Francisco Mayor, during a television interview on ABC7." class="wp-image-317831"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed during an ABC interview with Annie Gaus on Tuesday. </figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/san_francisco_standard_abc7_mayoral_candidate_interview_london_breed.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows a woman in a blue blazer, identified as London Breed, a candidate for San Francisco Mayor, during a television interview on ABC7." class="wp-image-317831"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed during an ABC interview with Annie Gaus on Tuesday. </figcaption></figure>

Breed said crime rates are at historic lows, but people may not feel the difference. She pointed to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/29/san-francisco-cops-catchcar-burglars-drone-video/">new technology tools</a> for law enforcement officers to combat crime and said she has a plan to fully staff the San Francisco Police Department&nbsp;within two and a half years.

Cops show off new tech in flashy drone video of car break-in arrest

Breed said crime rates are at historic lows, but people may not feel the difference. She pointed to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/29/san-francisco-cops-catchcar-burglars-drone-video/">new technology tools</a> for law enforcement officers to combat crime and said she has a plan to fully staff the San Francisco Police Department&nbsp;within two and a half years.

Regarding homelessness, Breed said she has built more shelters and permanent supportive housing than any previous mayor, and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/28/supreme-court-san-francisco-homelessness-grants-pass/">latest Supreme Court ruling</a> allowed her to be more aggressive in placing people in shelters. She has also been working with state and federal government agencies to crack down on the drug crisis on city streets.

Homeless sweeps could ramp up in SF after major Supreme Court ruling

Regarding homelessness, Breed said she has built more shelters and permanent supportive housing than any previous mayor, and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/28/supreme-court-san-francisco-homelessness-grants-pass/">latest Supreme Court ruling</a> allowed her to be more aggressive in placing people in shelters. She has also been working with state and federal government agencies to crack down on the drug crisis on city streets.

Asked who she would list as her second choice on the city&#8217;s ranked-choice ballot, she demurred.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Asked who she would list as her second choice on the city's ranked-choice ballot, she demurred.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Asked who she would list as her second choice on the city&#8217;s ranked-choice ballot, she demurred.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&#8220;It&#8217;s hard to look at most of the candidates and think that they would be anyone that I would ever want to see serve as mayor of San Francisco,&#8221; Breed said. And she took particular aim at Daniel Lurie, the nonprofit founder and Levi&#8217;s heir who has never worked in government.

"It's hard to look at most of the candidates and think that they would be anyone that I would ever want to see serve as mayor of San Francisco," Breed said. And she took particular aim at Daniel Lurie, the nonprofit founder and Levi's heir who has never worked in government.

&#8220;It&#8217;s hard to look at most of the candidates and think that they would be anyone that I would ever want to see serve as mayor of San Francisco,&#8221; Breed said. And she took particular aim at Daniel Lurie, the nonprofit founder and Levi&#8217;s heir who has never worked in government.

&#8220;Would you get on a [Boeing] 737 with a pilot with no experience?&#8221; Breed said. &#8220;It&#8217;s dangerous to consider someone just because they have money and no experience.&#8221;

"Would you get on a [Boeing] 737 with a pilot with no experience?" Breed said. "It's dangerous to consider someone just because they have money and no experience."

&#8220;Would you get on a [Boeing] 737 with a pilot with no experience?&#8221; Breed said. &#8220;It&#8217;s dangerous to consider someone just because they have money and no experience.&#8221;

Breed also discussed how to revitalize the struggling downtown and leverage San Francisco’s massive budget to improve services, along with her plan to eradicate alleged corruption in city-funded nonprofits, revealed by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">The Standard&#8217;s investigative reporting</a>.

City official on leave after signing off on $1.5M in grants to man she shared home with

Breed also discussed how to revitalize the struggling downtown and leverage San Francisco’s massive budget to improve services, along with her plan to eradicate alleged corruption in city-funded nonprofits, revealed by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">The Standard's investigative reporting</a>.

Breed also discussed how to revitalize the struggling downtown and leverage San Francisco’s massive budget to improve services, along with her plan to eradicate alleged corruption in city-funded nonprofits, revealed by <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">The Standard&#8217;s investigative reporting</a>.

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Watch: Feeling down about San Francisco? London Breed begs to differ

Stephanie K. Baer

A San Francisco woman spent nearly 15 hours over two days waiting to pick up her stolen vehicle from an impound lot, highlighting inefficiencies in the city&#8217;s recovery process.

A San Francisco woman spent nearly 15 hours over two days waiting to pick up her stolen vehicle from an impound lot, highlighting inefficiencies in the city's recovery process.

A San Francisco woman spent nearly 15 hours over two days waiting to pick up her stolen vehicle from an impound lot, highlighting inefficiencies in the city&#8217;s recovery process.

Elizabeth Shipley discovered Tuesday morning that her 1994 Ford Ranger was missing from her Bernal Heights home and reported it stolen to the police. She didn&#8217;t realize it had been gone for two days as she rides BART to work. She was informed that the truck had been towed after the thief left it blocking a driveway in Potrero Hill.

Elizabeth Shipley discovered Tuesday morning that her 1994 Ford Ranger was missing from her Bernal Heights home and reported it stolen to the police. She didn't realize it had been gone for two days as she rides BART to work. She was informed that the truck had been towed after the thief left it blocking a driveway in Potrero Hill.

Elizabeth Shipley discovered Tuesday morning that her 1994 Ford Ranger was missing from her Bernal Heights home and reported it stolen to the police. She didn&#8217;t realize it had been gone for two days as she rides BART to work. She was informed that the truck had been towed after the thief left it blocking a driveway in Potrero Hill.

Shipley went to the 7th Street impound lot around 10 a.m., expecting a quick recovery. Instead, she waited until nearly 7 p.m., hoping for an officer to arrive and process the vehicle as recovered. No officer arrived that day.

Shipley went to the 7th Street impound lot around 10 a.m., expecting a quick recovery. Instead, she waited until nearly 7 p.m., hoping for an officer to arrive and process the vehicle as recovered. No officer arrived that day.

“I was required to be present at the impound lot &#8230; and wait in the hopes that an officer would become available,” she said.

“I was required to be present at the impound lot ... and wait in the hopes that an officer would become available,” she said.

“I was required to be present at the impound lot &#8230; and wait in the hopes that an officer would become available,” she said.

Fabric drapes over the fence of the City and County of San Francisco Impound on Friday August 2, 2024. A woman waits 2 days at impound lot to get her stolen 1994 Ford Ranger back.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240802-waitingdaysstolencar-tv0328.jpg?w=2479" alt="Exterior of City and County of San Francisco Impound" class="wp-image-297871"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shipley says she was unable to take her vehicle home from the city&#8217;s impound lot on Tuesday because an officer never arrived to log it as recovered.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240802-waitingdaysstolencar-tv0328.jpg?w=2479" alt="Exterior of City and County of San Francisco Impound" class="wp-image-297871"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shipley says she was unable to take her vehicle home from the city's impound lot on Tuesday because an officer never arrived to log it as recovered.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240802-waitingdaysstolencar-tv0328.jpg?w=2479" alt="Exterior of City and County of San Francisco Impound" class="wp-image-297871"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shipley says she was unable to take her vehicle home from the city&#8217;s impound lot on Tuesday because an officer never arrived to log it as recovered.</figcaption></figure>

On Thursday, Shipley returned to the lot and waited five hours before officers processed her vehicle and allowed her to take it home.

On Thursday, Shipley returned to the lot and waited five hours before officers processed her vehicle and allowed her to take it home.

Shipley believes the delay stemmed from a city policy requiring vehicle owners to be present while officers verify and process recovered stolen vehicles. A federal employee, she expressed frustration with the inflexibility of the process.&nbsp;

Shipley believes the delay stemmed from a city policy requiring vehicle owners to be present while officers verify and process recovered stolen vehicles. A federal employee, she expressed frustration with the inflexibility of the process.&nbsp;

“They need to be able to say, ‘OK, obviously, we can’t ask this person to spend an indefinite period of time here, so maybe we can make an appointment for somebody to come meet you to deal with this problem,’&nbsp;” Shipley said.

“They need to be able to say, ‘OK, obviously, we can’t ask this person to spend an indefinite period of time here, so maybe we can make an appointment for somebody to come meet you to deal with this problem,’&nbsp;” Shipley said.

Elizabeth Shipley’s 1994 Ford Ranger is parked on Coleridge Street near Virginia Avenue, one block from where it was stolen around July 28, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image000001.jpg?w=1600" alt="A white pickup truck is parked on the street beside a residential building with bay windows and trees around. Other cars and houses are visible in the background." class="wp-image-297846"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shipley’s 1994 Ford Ranger is parked on Coleridge Street near Virginia Avenue, one block from where it was stolen.</figcaption></figure>

While praising the efficiency of the staff at the impound lot, Shipley called for policy adjustments to prevent similar situations, especially given <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/22/sfpd-staffing-recruitment-problems/">police staffing challenges</a>.

SFPD’s ranks are thinning fast, and recruitment is lagging. Is the damage ‘permanent’?

While praising the efficiency of the staff at the impound lot, Shipley called for policy adjustments to prevent similar situations, especially given <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/22/sfpd-staffing-recruitment-problems/">police staffing challenges</a>.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency deferred questions to the police. A spokesperson for the San Francisco Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency deferred questions to the police. A spokesperson for the San Francisco Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

“The idea that I’m just going to have to every day get up and go to the tow impound yard and compete with whatever crisis is happening in San Francisco until they have time for me — that doesn’t make any sense to me,” Shipley said.

“The idea that I’m just going to have to every day get up and go to the tow impound yard and compete with whatever crisis is happening in San Francisco until they have time for me — that doesn’t make any sense to me,” Shipley said.

Woman waits 15 hours over 2 days at impound lot to get her stolen car back

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

If you’re a Muni rider heading downtown, you may have to hoof it — or hop another bus — to get to your final destination.

If you’re a Muni rider heading downtown, you may have to hoof it — or hop another bus — to get to your final destination.

In lieu of cutting bus lines across the city, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors directed staff in a 3-2 vote to shorten routes for buses headed downtown.

In lieu of cutting bus lines across the city, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors directed staff in a 3-2 vote to shorten routes for buses headed downtown.

From the Western Addition to the Mission, the Tenderloin to the Richmond, bus lines all over San Francisco were previously on the table for service cuts this summer.

From the Western Addition to the Mission, the Tenderloin to the Richmond, bus lines all over San Francisco were previously on the table for service cuts this summer.

Tina Martin, left wears a “Fund Transit” sticker in support of preserving Muni at the SFMTA (San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency) meeting at City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday March 18, 2025.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8717748561_municuts_00111_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people are wearing transit-themed attire. One has a black shirt with &quot;San Francisco Transit Riders&quot; and buttons; the other wears a blue hoodie featuring ticket designs." class="wp-image-379295"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">During public comment, Muni riders called on the board to protect service.</figcaption></figure>

Under the modified plan greenlit by the board, a bevy of bus lines that previously took riders from the west and south sides into downtown will now terminate at Market Street. The buses will turn around instead of carrying commuters deep into the city’s business and civic centers. Impacted buses include the 6-Haight/Parnassus, the 5-Fulton, the 9-San Bruno, and the 31-Balboa.

Under the modified plan greenlit by the board, a bevy of bus lines that previously took riders from the west and south sides into downtown will now terminate at Market Street. The buses will turn around instead of carrying commuters deep into the city’s business and civic centers. Impacted buses include the 6-Haight/Parnassus, the 5-Fulton, the 9-San Bruno, and the 31-Balboa.

While seemingly minor, the redirects could be significant. Transit officials noted riders tend to stop taking Muni when they have to take more than one bus.

While seemingly minor, the redirects could be significant. Transit officials noted riders tend to stop taking Muni when they have to take more than one bus.

SFMTA Board of Directors Chair Janet Tarlov warned her colleagues that slashing Muni comes with consequences.

SFMTA Board of Directors Chair Janet Tarlov warned her colleagues that slashing Muni comes with consequences.

“If we cut service it makes our job harder,” said Tarlov, who voted in favor of the modified plan. “The popularity of the agency takes a hit. Trust is eroded. These are real concerns that don’t go unnoticed.”

“If we cut service it makes our job harder,” said Tarlov, who voted in favor of the modified plan. “The popularity of the agency takes a hit. Trust is eroded. These are real concerns that don’t go unnoticed.”

Janet Tarlov, Board of Director, listens to public speakers at at the SFMTA (San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency) meeting discussing potential budget cuts to beginCity Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday March 18, 2025.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8717748561_municuts_00311_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person with short gray hair and glasses sits at a conference table with microphones and laptops, wearing a lanyard and a relaxed jacket over the chair." class="wp-image-379290"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Board chair Janet Tarlov warned that cutting service has consequences.</figcaption></figure>

The board technically didn’t vote on any budget plans, rather it merely directed staff on how to prepare the budget for future approval. Still, the vote was consequential. Ahead of the board’s meeting, more than a hundred people rallied to protect Muni service on the steps of City Hall. 

The board technically didn’t vote on any budget plans, rather it merely directed staff on how to prepare the budget for future approval. Still, the vote was consequential. Ahead of the board’s meeting, more than a hundred people rallied to protect Muni service on the steps of City Hall.

People of all ages, from children to seniors, chanted “Fund the bus!” One protester, Luca Despota, a 13-year-old, said he worried his grades would be negatively impacted if service cuts slowed his commute to school across the Mission.

People of all ages, from children to seniors, chanted “Fund the bus!” One protester, Luca Despota, a 13-year-old, said he worried his grades would be negatively impacted if service cuts slowed his commute to school across the Mission.

“I’d have to get up earlier, walk, or somehow find another way to get there,” Despota told The Standard.

“I’d have to get up earlier, walk, or somehow find another way to get there,” Despota told The Standard.

Supporters of Muni wait for the SFMTA (San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency) meeting discussing potential budget cuts to begin at City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday March 18, 2025.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8717748561_municuts_00408_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows a packed meeting room with people seated closely together, some holding papers or using phones. A person in a mask is prominent in the middle." class="wp-image-379294"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People of all ages rallied in support of Muni services ahead of the meeting Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>

The funding shortfall doesn’t just impact people who ride the bus. Muni’s fiscal cliff threatens San Francisco’s downtown recovery, too. Empty office buildings and subsequent shrinking tax revenue have spurred an $840 million budget deficit in the city’s coffers.&nbsp;

The funding shortfall doesn’t just impact people who ride the bus. Muni’s fiscal cliff threatens San Francisco’s downtown recovery, too. Empty office buildings and subsequent shrinking tax revenue have spurred an $840 million budget deficit in the city’s coffers.&nbsp;

San Francisco needs a functioning Muni system to make downtown thrive, Supervisor Bilal Mahmood said at the rally. Terminating some bus lines at Market could “cut vital direct links” between his district and the downtown, Mahmood said.

San Francisco needs a functioning Muni system to make downtown thrive, Supervisor Bilal Mahmood said at the rally. Terminating some bus lines at Market could “cut vital direct links” between his district and the downtown, Mahmood said.

The city’s transit funding woes are twofold: in the short term SFMTA needs $50 million for the summer, and looking ahead two years, it’s facing a roughly $320 million shortfall. The agency’s Chief Financial Officer Bree Mawhorter said the deficit is partly due to the agency spending big in 2023 based on expected revenue growth from a downtown revival that hasn’t yet materialized.

The city’s transit funding woes are twofold: in the short term SFMTA needs $50 million for the summer, and looking ahead two years, it’s facing a roughly $320 million shortfall. The agency’s Chief Financial Officer Bree Mawhorter said the deficit is partly due to the agency spending big in 2023 based on expected revenue growth from a downtown revival that hasn’t yet materialized.

“We built a hot girl summer budget,” she said. “That hot girl summer prediction didn’t come out quite as we hoped it would.”

“We built a hot girl summer budget,” she said. “That hot girl summer prediction didn’t come out quite as we hoped it would.”

San Francisco might cut these Muni routes to save $50M

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Muni and BART are on life support. Here are the taxes you might pay to save them

SFMTA names new director amid budget crisis, possible service cuts

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SFMTA’s financial woes come as city and state officials scramble to save public transit both in San Francisco and across the region.&nbsp;

SFMTA’s financial woes come as city and state officials scramble to save public transit both in San Francisco and across the region.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, state Sen. Jesse Arreguín and Assemblymember Mark González made a $2 billion state budget request to support transit shortfalls across California. State Sen. Scott Wiener has said he’s in favor of the measure. Gov. Gavin Newsom has not yet commented on the proposal.

Earlier this month, state Sen. Jesse Arreguín and Assemblymember Mark González made a $2 billion state budget request to support transit shortfalls across California. State Sen. Scott Wiener has said he’s in favor of the measure. Gov. Gavin Newsom has not yet commented on the proposal.

San Francisco meanwhile is rallying behind the idea: Supervisor Jackie Fielder authored a statement that, if passed, would record the city&#8217;s support for that budget request. Mayor Daniel Lurie has also written a letter in favor of it.&nbsp;

San Francisco meanwhile is rallying behind the idea: Supervisor Jackie Fielder authored a statement that, if passed, would record the city's support for that budget request. Mayor Daniel Lurie has also written a letter in favor of it.&nbsp;

San Francisco meanwhile is rallying behind the idea: Supervisor Jackie Fielder authored a statement that, if passed, would record the city&#8217;s support for that budget request. Mayor Daniel Lurie has also written a letter in favor of it.&nbsp;

But he’s going to seek funds specifically for San Francisco, too.

But he’s going to seek funds specifically for San Francisco, too.

On Tuesday, Lurie revealed he’s working on a ballot measure to help shore up SFMTA’s budget shortfall. But in his statement on the measure, he also hinted at a need to right-size the agency’s spending.

On Tuesday, Lurie revealed he’s working on a ballot measure to help shore up SFMTA’s budget shortfall. But in his statement on the measure, he also hinted at a need to right-size the agency’s spending.

“The pandemic and challenges downtown hit Muni particularly hard, but the funding crisis we face today had been anticipated for years and necessary changes were not made. That ends now,” Lurie said. “We are actively identifying the necessary reforms to bring a new era of accountability and reliability to Muni.”

“The pandemic and challenges downtown hit Muni particularly hard, but the funding crisis we face today had been anticipated for years and necessary changes were not made. That ends now,” Lurie said. “We are actively identifying the necessary reforms to bring a new era of accountability and reliability to Muni.”

Bilal Mahmood, Board of Supervisor for District 5, speaks in support for preserving Muni operations at City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday March 18, 2025.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8717748561_municuts_00365_tv.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man stands at a podium in focus, while a screen shows another man speaking at a meeting, with attendees seated. Captions display on the screen." class="wp-image-379297"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Bilal Mahmood says San Francisco needs a functioning Muni system to make downtown thrive.</figcaption></figure>

The structural changes needed may be murky.&nbsp;

The structural changes needed may be murky.&nbsp;

Transit use is down compared to pre-pandemic levels but rising. Ridership now sits at 74% of pre-pandemic levels. Perhaps counter-intuitively, a lack of bus ridership isn’t the only factor in Muni’s budget woes. There&#8217;s also a lack of drivers.&nbsp;

Transit use is down compared to pre-pandemic levels but rising. Ridership now sits at 74% of pre-pandemic levels. Perhaps counter-intuitively, a lack of bus ridership isn’t the only factor in Muni’s budget woes. There's also a lack of drivers.&nbsp;

Transit use is down compared to pre-pandemic levels but rising. Ridership now sits at 74% of pre-pandemic levels. Perhaps counter-intuitively, a lack of bus ridership isn’t the only factor in Muni’s budget woes. There&#8217;s also a lack of drivers.&nbsp;

SFMTA’s budget relies heavily on parking garage revenue. Work-from-home policies have reduced the number of people parking in city garages, and it isn’t clear if that revenue will ever return.

SFMTA’s budget relies heavily on parking garage revenue. Work-from-home policies have reduced the number of people parking in city garages, and it isn’t clear if that revenue will ever return.

It isn’t for a lack of trying — the board is even kicking around the idea of developing pickleball courts on top of the lesser-used garages.&nbsp;

It isn’t for a lack of trying — the board is even kicking around the idea of developing pickleball courts on top of the lesser-used garages.&nbsp;

SFMTA has scraped together most of the immediate $50 million shortfall by skipping some bus maintenance, reassigning some staffers who make street signs to other departments, increasing meter and garage rates, and spending less on certain contracts.&nbsp;

SFMTA has scraped together most of the immediate $50 million shortfall by skipping some bus maintenance, reassigning some staffers who make street signs to other departments, increasing meter and garage rates, and spending less on certain contracts.&nbsp;

Board director Steve Heminger told his colleagues they may have dealt with the short-term deficit, but the $320 million shortfall still looms. If Muni sees massive cuts, it could run downtown’s revival down under its wheels.&nbsp;

Board director Steve Heminger told his colleagues they may have dealt with the short-term deficit, but the $320 million shortfall still looms. If Muni sees massive cuts, it could run downtown’s revival down under its wheels.&nbsp;

“This is a small problem,&#8221; Heminger said. &#8220;The one behind it is killer.&#8221;

“This is a small problem," Heminger said. "The one behind it is killer."

“This is a small problem,&#8221; Heminger said. &#8220;The one behind it is killer.&#8221;

Bussing downtown? Good luck. Muni to snip routes to save money

David Lombardi

SANTA CLARA —&nbsp;It’s fitting that the 49ers, as they remodel their roster this offseason, are also renovating their facility.

SANTA CLARA —&nbsp;It’s fitting that the 49ers, as they remodel their roster this offseason, are also renovating their facility.

Construction crews are out in full force at both Levi’s Stadium, which will enjoy a big video board upgrade for the 2025 season, and the adjacent 49ers practice fields. By next month’s organized team activities (OTAs), the team will have two 100-yard practice fields — a significant upgrade over the two 80-yarders that came before. The extra room will come in particularly handy when the 49ers host the Denver Broncos for a joint practice during training camp in August.

Construction crews are out in full force at both Levi’s Stadium, which will enjoy a big video board upgrade for the 2025 season, and the adjacent 49ers practice fields. By next month’s organized team activities (OTAs), the team will have two 100-yard practice fields — a significant upgrade over the two 80-yarders that came before. The extra room will come in particularly handy when the 49ers host the Denver Broncos for a joint practice during training camp in August.

All the construction moved the 49ers&#8217; local pro day, an annual workout for prospects who attended either high school or college in the Bay Area, out of its usual home inside the stadium and onto the practice field. Prospects ran through a light workout Wednesday afternoon as a crew leveled dirt just a few yards away.

All the construction moved the 49ers' local pro day, an annual workout for prospects who attended either high school or college in the Bay Area, out of its usual home inside the stadium and onto the practice field. Prospects ran through a light workout Wednesday afternoon as a crew leveled dirt just a few yards away.

All the construction moved the 49ers&#8217; local pro day, an annual workout for prospects who attended either high school or college in the Bay Area, out of its usual home inside the stadium and onto the practice field. Prospects ran through a light workout Wednesday afternoon as a crew leveled dirt just a few yards away.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The 49ers are renovating their practice fields. Once new natural grass is in here, they’ll re-orient the fields and both will be 100 yards long. Used to be only 80 yards. This will make the joint practice with the Broncos much easier to run <a href="https://t.co/zqGMCMzyzg">pic.twitter.com/zqGMCMzyzg</a>&mdash; David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) <a href="https://twitter.com/LombardiHimself/status/1910065566758654400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The local pro day is neither a star-studded event nor an indicator of whom the 49ers might draft. Last year, for example, not a single one of the 44 attendees was drafted. But the 49ers did later sign one participant, wide receiver Terique Owens (son of Hall of Fame 49ers wideout Terrell Owens), and he&#8217;s still on the team.

The local pro day is neither a star-studded event nor an indicator of whom the 49ers might draft. Last year, for example, not a single one of the 44 attendees was drafted. But the 49ers did later sign one participant, wide receiver Terique Owens (son of Hall of Fame 49ers wideout Terrell Owens), and he's still on the team.

The local pro day is neither a star-studded event nor an indicator of whom the 49ers might draft. Last year, for example, not a single one of the 44 attendees was drafted. But the 49ers did later sign one participant, wide receiver Terique Owens (son of Hall of Fame 49ers wideout Terrell Owens), and he&#8217;s still on the team.

Might another diamond in the rough come from this year&#8217;s attendees?

Might another diamond in the rough come from this year's attendees?

Might another diamond in the rough come from this year&#8217;s attendees?

The most logical candidates may again be at receiver. Stanford&#8217;s Elic Ayomanor is a big, physical wideout who broke into a grin when asked about the 49ers&#8217; Jauan Jennings, a big receiver known for annoying defenders with his bruising blocking.

The most logical candidates may again be at receiver. Stanford's Elic Ayomanor is a big, physical wideout who broke into a grin when asked about the 49ers' Jauan Jennings, a big receiver known for annoying defenders with his bruising blocking.

The most logical candidates may again be at receiver. Stanford&#8217;s Elic Ayomanor is a big, physical wideout who broke into a grin when asked about the 49ers&#8217; Jauan Jennings, a big receiver known for annoying defenders with his bruising blocking.

&#8220;I was about to mention [Jennings] earlier, because he does get his head in there,&#8221; Ayomanor said. &#8220;I really take pride in being a pest out there. That was one of the mantras of our receiver room [at Stanford]. You get gratification from all that. That’s the game of football. It’s not just about catching touchdowns. It’s about hitting someone in the mouth, too.&#8221;

"I was about to mention [Jennings] earlier, because he does get his head in there," Ayomanor said. "I really take pride in being a pest out there. That was one of the mantras of our receiver room [at Stanford]. You get gratification from all that. That’s the game of football. It’s not just about catching touchdowns. It’s about hitting someone in the mouth, too."

&#8220;I was about to mention [Jennings] earlier, because he does get his head in there,&#8221; Ayomanor said. &#8220;I really take pride in being a pest out there. That was one of the mantras of our receiver room [at Stanford]. You get gratification from all that. That’s the game of football. It’s not just about catching touchdowns. It’s about hitting someone in the mouth, too.&#8221;

Ayomanor also caught his share of touchdowns at Stanford, especially during the marquee game of his college career. That came on a 2023 Friday night at Colorado, where he dominated cornerback and future Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter in a sensational 13-catch, 294-yard, three-touchdown performance. Stanford&#8217;s 46-43 double-overtime victory over the Buffaloes marked the largest comeback win —&nbsp;29 points — in school history.

Ayomanor also caught his share of touchdowns at Stanford, especially during the marquee game of his college career. That came on a 2023 Friday night at Colorado, where he dominated cornerback and future Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter in a sensational 13-catch, 294-yard, three-touchdown performance. Stanford's 46-43 double-overtime victory over the Buffaloes marked the largest comeback win —&nbsp;29 points — in school history.

Ayomanor also caught his share of touchdowns at Stanford, especially during the marquee game of his college career. That came on a 2023 Friday night at Colorado, where he dominated cornerback and future Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter in a sensational 13-catch, 294-yard, three-touchdown performance. Stanford&#8217;s 46-43 double-overtime victory over the Buffaloes marked the largest comeback win —&nbsp;29 points — in school history.

&#8220;I don’t think things changed that much for me, but the perception of who I was as a player changed a lot,&#8221; Ayomanor said of the impact of that nationally televised game. &#8220;But I approached everything the same way that I always have, from the beginning.&#8221;

"I don’t think things changed that much for me, but the perception of who I was as a player changed a lot," Ayomanor said of the impact of that nationally televised game. "But I approached everything the same way that I always have, from the beginning."

&#8220;I don’t think things changed that much for me, but the perception of who I was as a player changed a lot,&#8221; Ayomanor said of the impact of that nationally televised game. &#8220;But I approached everything the same way that I always have, from the beginning.&#8221;

The 49ers watched Ayomanor closely last month when they attended Stanford&#8217;s pro day. Wide receivers coach Leonard Hankerson ran him through specific routes. General manager John Lynch, who&#8217;s also a Stanford alumnus, talked to Ayomanor again at the 49ers&#8217; facility on Wednesday.

The 49ers watched Ayomanor closely last month when they attended Stanford's pro day. Wide receivers coach Leonard Hankerson ran him through specific routes. General manager John Lynch, who's also a Stanford alumnus, talked to Ayomanor again at the 49ers' facility on Wednesday.

The 49ers watched Ayomanor closely last month when they attended Stanford&#8217;s pro day. Wide receivers coach Leonard Hankerson ran him through specific routes. General manager John Lynch, who&#8217;s also a Stanford alumnus, talked to Ayomanor again at the 49ers&#8217; facility on Wednesday.

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https://twitter.com/LombardiHimself/status/1910063106178593065
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Two Stanford guys: 49ers GM John Lynch and WR Elic Ayomanor <a href="https://t.co/JHUD1M7XGt">pic.twitter.com/JHUD1M7XGt</a>&mdash; David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) <a href="https://twitter.com/LombardiHimself/status/1910063106178593065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Lynch&#8217;s son Jake — now a defensive quality control assistant on the 49ers&#8217; staff — was Ayomanor&#8217;s teammate at Stanford.

Lynch's son Jake — now a defensive quality control assistant on the 49ers' staff — was Ayomanor's teammate at Stanford.

Lynch&#8217;s son Jake — now a defensive quality control assistant on the 49ers&#8217; staff — was Ayomanor&#8217;s teammate at Stanford.

San Jose State prospect Nick Nash might also intrigue the 49ers, whose 11 picks are the most of any team in the 2025 NFL Draft, with a lower-round selection. Nash began his time with the Spartans as a quarterback before switching to wideout, where he won college football&#8217;s triple crown — he led the nation in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns —&nbsp;in 2024.

San Jose State prospect Nick Nash might also intrigue the 49ers, whose 11 picks are the most of any team in the 2025 NFL Draft, with a lower-round selection. Nash began his time with the Spartans as a quarterback before switching to wideout, where he won college football's triple crown — he led the nation in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns —&nbsp;in 2024.

San Jose State prospect Nick Nash might also intrigue the 49ers, whose 11 picks are the most of any team in the 2025 NFL Draft, with a lower-round selection. Nash began his time with the Spartans as a quarterback before switching to wideout, where he won college football&#8217;s triple crown — he led the nation in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns —&nbsp;in 2024.

Like Ayomanor, the 6-foot-2 Nash has plus size for the receiver position and, as his 2024 statistical surge suggested, significant potential upside.

Like Ayomanor, the 6-foot-2 Nash has plus size for the receiver position and, as his 2024 statistical surge suggested, significant potential upside.

&#8220;Teams like the fact that I’m still a raw receiver and I’m still new to the position,&#8221; Nash said. &#8220;They would have an opportunity to develop somebody.&#8221;

"Teams like the fact that I’m still a raw receiver and I’m still new to the position," Nash said. "They would have an opportunity to develop somebody."

&#8220;Teams like the fact that I’m still a raw receiver and I’m still new to the position,&#8221; Nash said. &#8220;They would have an opportunity to develop somebody.&#8221;

The 49ers are at a crossroads of sorts at receiver. They&#8217;ve traded away Deebo Samuel, a move in the direction of building a wideout room that separates more effectively against man coverage. They had no real choice but to keep Brandon Aiyuk, who&#8217;s working back from a torn ACL and MCL but might not be ready for the start of the season. Jennings and Ricky Pearsall, who excelled to close his rookie season, might be the centerpieces to begin 2025. Veteran signee Demarcus Robinson and perhaps even second-year man Jacob Cowing will support Jennings and Pearsall, but there&#8217;s certainly room for another body at the position —&nbsp;one the 49ers have drafted regularly since Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan have been in charge.

The 49ers are at a crossroads of sorts at receiver. They've traded away Deebo Samuel, a move in the direction of building a wideout room that separates more effectively against man coverage. They had no real choice but to keep Brandon Aiyuk, who's working back from a torn ACL and MCL but might not be ready for the start of the season. Jennings and Ricky Pearsall, who excelled to close his rookie season, might be the centerpieces to begin 2025. Veteran signee Demarcus Robinson and perhaps even second-year man Jacob Cowing will support Jennings and Pearsall, but there's certainly room for another body at the position —&nbsp;one the 49ers have drafted regularly since Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan have been in charge.

The 49ers are at a crossroads of sorts at receiver. They&#8217;ve traded away Deebo Samuel, a move in the direction of building a wideout room that separates more effectively against man coverage. They had no real choice but to keep Brandon Aiyuk, who&#8217;s working back from a torn ACL and MCL but might not be ready for the start of the season. Jennings and Ricky Pearsall, who excelled to close his rookie season, might be the centerpieces to begin 2025. Veteran signee Demarcus Robinson and perhaps even second-year man Jacob Cowing will support Jennings and Pearsall, but there&#8217;s certainly room for another body at the position —&nbsp;one the 49ers have drafted regularly since Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan have been in charge.

The team is also at a crossroads at linebacker, the position of Cal&#8217;s Teddye Buchanan —&nbsp;another local pro day participant. He&#8217;s expected to be a mid-round pick. After Dre Greenlaw&#8217;s departure to Denver in free agency, the 49ers want to restock help for superstar Fred Warner, and Buchanan is a mid-round candidate.

The team is also at a crossroads at linebacker, the position of Cal's Teddye Buchanan —&nbsp;another local pro day participant. He's expected to be a mid-round pick. After Dre Greenlaw's departure to Denver in free agency, the 49ers want to restock help for superstar Fred Warner, and Buchanan is a mid-round candidate.

The team is also at a crossroads at linebacker, the position of Cal&#8217;s Teddye Buchanan —&nbsp;another local pro day participant. He&#8217;s expected to be a mid-round pick. After Dre Greenlaw&#8217;s departure to Denver in free agency, the 49ers want to restock help for superstar Fred Warner, and Buchanan is a mid-round candidate.

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