David Crane

So long as California is synonymous with poor governance by Democrats, the party will struggle to regain credibility — not to mention the White House. State Sen. Scott Wiener from San Francisco has an important opportunity to pioneer a new mode of competent Democratic governance with a bill he has introduced in Sacramento.

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So long as California is synonymous with poor governance by Democrats, the party will struggle to regain credibility — not to mention the White House. State Sen. Scott Wiener from San Francisco has an important opportunity to pioneer a new mode of competent Democratic governance with a bill he has introduced in Sacramento.

Senate Bill 63 proposes a new half-cent sales tax to bail out Bay Area transit systems. (The tax could be double that in San Francisco, Wiener proposes, “to provide additional support for MUNI.”) Advocates argue that the tax is needed to offset declines in revenue caused by lower ridership and cuts in federal funding. But in the case of BART, those are only two of the reasons for its $1 billion deficit. The third is excessive spending on employees.

Senate Bill 63 proposes a new half-cent sales tax to bail out Bay Area transit systems. (The tax could be double that in San Francisco, Wiener proposes, “to provide additional support for MUNI.”) Advocates argue that the tax is needed to offset declines in revenue caused by lower ridership and cuts in federal funding. But in the case of BART, those are only two of the reasons for its $1 billion deficit. The third is excessive spending on employees.

In 2015, BART spent $409 million on employees; the same year, it hosted 135 million rides, an employee cost of $3 per ride. <a href="https://www.bart.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/1.%20BART%20Annual%20Comprehensive%20Financial%20Report%20%28002%29.pdf">By 2024, BART was spending $734 million</a> on employees while hosting only 55 million rides, an employee cost of $13 per ride. (Despite the plummeting ridership, BART’s workforce also rose 28%, from 3,354 to 4,292 employees, in that time.)&nbsp;

In 2015, BART spent $409 million on employees; the same year, it hosted 135 million rides, an employee cost of $3 per ride. <a href="https://www.bart.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/1.%20BART%20Annual%20Comprehensive%20Financial%20Report%20%28002%29.pdf">By 2024, BART was spending $734 million</a> on employees while hosting only 55 million rides, an employee cost of $13 per ride. (Despite the plummeting ridership, BART’s workforce also rose 28%, from 3,354 to 4,292 employees, in that time.)&nbsp;

If BART had hosted the same number of boardings in 2024 as it did in 2015, the employee cost of each ride would have “only” been $2 more. So what’s to blame for the actual $10 increase? It’s not lower ridership. It’s a 79% increase in spending on employees.&nbsp;

If BART had hosted the same number of boardings in 2024 as it did in 2015, the employee cost of each ride would have “only” been $2 more. So what’s to blame for the actual $10 increase? It’s not lower ridership. It’s a 79% increase in spending on employees.&nbsp;

Why would BART boost its headcount 28% despite a 59% decrease in boardings? Why would it spend an average of $171,000 per employee?&nbsp;

Why would BART boost its headcount 28% despite a 59% decrease in boardings? Why would it spend an average of $171,000 per employee?&nbsp;

BART is governed by a board of directors who negotiate labor contracts with <a href="https://www.bart.gov/about/jobs/cba">five government unions</a> that make political contributions to candidates for the transit agency’s board. For example, the <a href="https://cal-access.sos.ca.gov/Campaign/Committees/Detail.aspx?id=1296948&amp;view=expenditures&amp;session=2023">political action committee</a> of one of those five unions provided <a href="https://public.netfile.com/Pub2/Default.aspx?focus=SearchName&amp;aid=COA">10 percent</a> of the funding raised in 2024 by three candidates for BART’s board. <a href="https://cal-access.sos.ca.gov/Campaign/Committees/Detail.aspx?id=1073520&amp;session=2023&amp;view=contributions">Another union</a> provided 15 percent of one candidate’s funding and 10 percent of another’s. <a href="https://cal-access.sos.ca.gov/Campaign/Committees/Detail.aspx?id=1413748&amp;session=2023&amp;view=contributions">Still another union</a> provided the same allotments. This kind of political giving inevitably leads to conflicts of interest, with directors becoming more responsive to the demands of employees and their unions than to demands for financial efficiency from taxpayers.&nbsp;

BART is governed by a board of directors who negotiate labor contracts with <a href="https://www.bart.gov/about/jobs/cba">five government unions</a> that make political contributions to candidates for the transit agency’s board. For example, the <a href="https://cal-access.sos.ca.gov/Campaign/Committees/Detail.aspx?id=1296948&amp;view=expenditures&amp;session=2023">political action committee</a> of one of those five unions provided <a href="https://public.netfile.com/Pub2/Default.aspx?focus=SearchName&amp;aid=COA">10 percent</a> of the funding raised in 2024 by three candidates for BART’s board. <a href="https://cal-access.sos.ca.gov/Campaign/Committees/Detail.aspx?id=1073520&amp;session=2023&amp;view=contributions">Another union</a> provided 15 percent of one candidate’s funding and 10 percent of another’s. <a href="https://cal-access.sos.ca.gov/Campaign/Committees/Detail.aspx?id=1413748&amp;session=2023&amp;view=contributions">Still another union</a> provided the same allotments. This kind of political giving inevitably leads to conflicts of interest, with directors becoming more responsive to the demands of employees and their unions than to demands for financial efficiency from taxpayers.&nbsp;

Opinion: Newsom is busting California’s budget as he does the bidding of special interests

sf-standard/related-post

Opinion: Bursting the balloon of Ezra Klein’s ‘Abundance’ theory

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Before taxpayers are asked to provide BART with more money, this dynamic needs to change. If not, voters should know in whose pockets the lion’s share of the new revenue will end up: the unions.

Before taxpayers are asked to provide BART with more money, this dynamic needs to change. If not, voters should know in whose pockets the lion’s share of the new revenue will end up: the unions.

Wiener has proposed that BART <a href="https://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/senators-wiener-and-arreguin-announce-bill-authorize-bay-area-public-transit-funding-measure#:~:text=SACRAMENTO%20%E2%80%93%20Senators%20Scott%20Wiener%20(D,AC%20Transit%2C%20and%20other%20systems.">take certain steps</a> to improve efficiency, but his prescriptions are not enough. So long as BART’s board is in thrall to public employee unions, taxpayers will not be safe. BART’s governing structure must be changed.

Wiener has proposed that BART <a href="https://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/senators-wiener-and-arreguin-announce-bill-authorize-bay-area-public-transit-funding-measure#:~:text=SACRAMENTO%20%E2%80%93%20Senators%20Scott%20Wiener%20(D,AC%20Transit%2C%20and%20other%20systems.">take certain steps</a> to improve efficiency, but his prescriptions are not enough. So long as BART’s board is in thrall to public employee unions, taxpayers will not be safe. BART’s governing structure must be changed.

One option would be to have board members appointed by the mayors of San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, and San Jose, a method that would provide a layer of accountability. Government unions can also contribute to those political officials, obviously, but mayors are much more visible to voters, who are already accustomed to holding them responsible for local transit systems.

One option would be to have board members appointed by the mayors of San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, and San Jose, a method that would provide a layer of accountability. Government unions can also contribute to those political officials, obviously, but mayors are much more visible to voters, who are already accustomed to holding them responsible for local transit systems.

In no event should taxpayers provide more revenue to BART while its board is more responsive to employees than taxpayers. With all due respect to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/03/26/bursting-the-balloon-of-ezra-kleins-abundance-theory/">Ezra Klein’s theory of abundance</a>, it’s not enough for California to demonstrate that it can build infrastructure — it must also demonstrate that it can manage infrastructure for the benefit of taxpayers who fund it.

Bursting the balloon of Ezra Klein&#8217;s ‘Abundance’ theory

In no event should taxpayers provide more revenue to BART while its board is more responsive to employees than taxpayers. With all due respect to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/03/26/bursting-the-balloon-of-ezra-kleins-abundance-theory/">Ezra Klein’s theory of abundance</a>, it’s not enough for California to demonstrate that it can build infrastructure — it must also demonstrate that it can manage infrastructure for the benefit of taxpayers who fund it.

Stop this train. Scott Wiener’s public transit bailout should be halted in its tracks

Opinion: Stop this train. Scott Wiener’s public transit bailout should be halted in its tracks

Jonah Owen Lamb

Bill Scott, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/05/07/police-chief-bill-scott-announces-resignation/">resigned</a> Wednesday as chief of the San Francisco Police Department, has been hired to head L.A. Metro’s new Public Safety Department, according to the agency.&nbsp;

SF Police Chief Bill Scott steps down

Bill Scott, who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/05/07/police-chief-bill-scott-announces-resignation/">resigned</a> Wednesday as chief of the San Francisco Police Department, has been hired to head L.A. Metro’s new Public Safety Department, according to the agency.&nbsp;

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Agency, which manages the county’s public transit network, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-06-27/metro-oks-plan-to-start-its-own-police-agency-and-end-contracts-with-sheriff-lapd">approved the creation of its own police force</a> last year. The agency is just beginning a multi-year process to launch the department and wind down contracts with the Los Angeles Police Department, Long Beach Police Department, and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Agency, which manages the county’s public transit network, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-06-27/metro-oks-plan-to-start-its-own-police-agency-and-end-contracts-with-sheriff-lapd">approved the creation of its own police force</a> last year. The agency is just beginning a multi-year process to launch the department and wind down contracts with the Los Angeles Police Department, Long Beach Police Department, and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

&#8220;We&#8217;re very excited to congratulate and welcome Chief Bill Scott back to Los Angeles,&#8221; Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Janice Hahn said Wednesday afternoon. Scott, who spent 27 years at the LAPD before moving to San Francisco, will start the job June 23.

"We're very excited to congratulate and welcome Chief Bill Scott back to Los Angeles," Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Janice Hahn said Wednesday afternoon. Scott, who spent 27 years at the LAPD before moving to San Francisco, will start the job June 23.

&#8220;We&#8217;re very excited to congratulate and welcome Chief Bill Scott back to Los Angeles,&#8221; Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Janice Hahn said Wednesday afternoon. Scott, who spent 27 years at the LAPD before moving to San Francisco, will start the job June 23.

San Francisco police chief won’t be lured away by top cop position in LA

Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins said the agency was seeking a chief who could start a new force, keep people safe, and maintain a healthy relationship with the community.

Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins said the agency was seeking a chief who could start a new force, keep people safe, and maintain a healthy relationship with the community.

&#8220;We were basically looking for a unicorn. And then I met Chief Scott,&#8221; Wiggins said. &#8220;Chief Scott understands the power of institutional culture; more importantly, how to shift it, how to build it, and how to make it best.&#8221;

"We were basically looking for a unicorn. And then I met Chief Scott," Wiggins said. "Chief Scott understands the power of institutional culture; more importantly, how to shift it, how to build it, and how to make it best."

&#8220;We were basically looking for a unicorn. And then I met Chief Scott,&#8221; Wiggins said. &#8220;Chief Scott understands the power of institutional culture; more importantly, how to shift it, how to build it, and how to make it best.&#8221;

Appearing at the agency&#8217;s press conference Wednesday in Los Angeles, Scott described his new role as &#8220;a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.&#8221;

Appearing at the agency's press conference Wednesday in Los Angeles, Scott described his new role as "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Appearing at the agency&#8217;s press conference Wednesday in Los Angeles, Scott described his new role as &#8220;a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.&#8221;

&#8220;This isn&#8217;t just about designing uniforms or writing policy; this is about creating something truly meaningful. It&#8217;s about building a department that reflects the values of Los Angeles: community, safety, and progress,&#8221; he said. &#8220;When I first learned about Metro&#8217;s vision to create this multi-layered safety model based on accountability and built around people, I saw something that felt ambitious and necessary. I knew that I wanted to be a part of it.&#8221;

"This isn't just about designing uniforms or writing policy; this is about creating something truly meaningful. It's about building a department that reflects the values of Los Angeles: community, safety, and progress," he said. "When I first learned about Metro's vision to create this multi-layered safety model based on accountability and built around people, I saw something that felt ambitious and necessary. I knew that I wanted to be a part of it."

&#8220;This isn&#8217;t just about designing uniforms or writing policy; this is about creating something truly meaningful. It&#8217;s about building a department that reflects the values of Los Angeles: community, safety, and progress,&#8221; he said. &#8220;When I first learned about Metro&#8217;s vision to create this multi-layered safety model based on accountability and built around people, I saw something that felt ambitious and necessary. I knew that I wanted to be a part of it.&#8221;

A Metro light rail train returns to service in Los Angeles, Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Officials say multiple people were hurt, and a few seriously, when a Metro light rail train and a University of Southern California shuttle bus collided in downtown Los Angeles.  (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ap24121846682512.jpg?w=2500" alt="Passengers are walking on a train platform alongside a yellow train. Signs for exits and platform numbers are above, with people heading towards the exit." class="wp-image-396863"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Metro police force will be created in three phases over five years.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ap24121846682512.jpg?w=2500" alt="Passengers are walking on a train platform alongside a yellow train. Signs for exits and platform numbers are above, with people heading towards the exit." class="wp-image-396863"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Metro police force will be created in three phases over five years.</figcaption></figure>

A 2023 feasibility study estimated that the agency, dubbed the Transit Community Public Safety Department, will have a budget of nearly $200 million, 386 sworn officers, 34 transit officers, and 673 ambassadors, according to the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-06-23/metro-looks-to-create-its-own-police-force-it-wont-be-easy">Los Angeles Times</a>.&nbsp;

A 2023 feasibility study estimated that the agency, dubbed the Transit Community Public Safety Department, will have a budget of nearly $200 million, 386 sworn officers, 34 transit officers, and 673 ambassadors, according to the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-06-23/metro-looks-to-create-its-own-police-force-it-wont-be-easy">Los Angeles Times</a>.&nbsp;

Scott said he expects to hire nearly 700 officers, but for the agency to work, other crucial pieces, such as community ambassadors, will have to come together in an ecosystem.

Scott said he expects to hire nearly 700 officers, but for the agency to work, other crucial pieces, such as community ambassadors, will have to come together in an ecosystem.

&#8220;Every single person in the system will matter,&#8221; he said.

"Every single person in the system will matter," he said.

&#8220;Every single person in the system will matter,&#8221; he said.

The force will be created in three phases over five years. Meanwhile, agencies that contract with Metro will remain in place.&nbsp;When fully staffed, the department will police a system that served more than 300 million riders in 2024.

The force will be created in three phases over five years. Meanwhile, agencies that contract with Metro will remain in place.&nbsp;When fully staffed, the department will police a system that served more than 300 million riders in 2024.

Scott will be tasked with enhancing safety across the transit system, which has been <a href="https://abc7.com/los-angeles-bus-stop-attack/14185464/#:~:text=Prosecutors%20say%2070%2Dyear%2Dold,Chavez%20Avenue%2C%20near%20Union%20Station">plagued with violent incidents</a> in recent years, including last month&#8217;s <a href="https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/metro-bus-sexual-assault-lapd/3688347/">sexual assault</a> of a woman on a Metro bus. The agency has installed protective barriers for buses and put in new technology to detect guns and knives.

Scott will be tasked with enhancing safety across the transit system, which has been <a href="https://abc7.com/los-angeles-bus-stop-attack/14185464/#:~:text=Prosecutors%20say%2070%2Dyear%2Dold,Chavez%20Avenue%2C%20near%20Union%20Station">plagued with violent incidents</a> in recent years, including last month's <a href="https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/metro-bus-sexual-assault-lapd/3688347/">sexual assault</a> of a woman on a Metro bus. The agency has installed protective barriers for buses and put in new technology to detect guns and knives.

Scott will be tasked with enhancing safety across the transit system, which has been <a href="https://abc7.com/los-angeles-bus-stop-attack/14185464/#:~:text=Prosecutors%20say%2070%2Dyear%2Dold,Chavez%20Avenue%2C%20near%20Union%20Station">plagued with violent incidents</a> in recent years, including last month&#8217;s <a href="https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/metro-bus-sexual-assault-lapd/3688347/">sexual assault</a> of a woman on a Metro bus. The agency has installed protective barriers for buses and put in new technology to detect guns and knives.

When asked what he would bring from his experience in San Francisco, Scott said that while there are always difficulties in making major transit systems safe, a big part of the challenge is knowing when to use police and when to turn to ambassadors or other methods of community outreach.

When asked what he would bring from his experience in San Francisco, Scott said that while there are always difficulties in making major transit systems safe, a big part of the challenge is knowing when to use police and when to turn to ambassadors or other methods of community outreach.

&#8220;Sometimes enforcement is the answer, sometimes it&#8217;s not, and I think any effective police department or public safety department has to balance both,&#8221; he said. &#8220;It has to be all about people. And that&#8217;s what we&#8217;ve done there, and that&#8217;s what I hope to do here.&#8221;

"Sometimes enforcement is the answer, sometimes it's not, and I think any effective police department or public safety department has to balance both," he said. "It has to be all about people. And that's what we've done there, and that's what I hope to do here."

&#8220;Sometimes enforcement is the answer, sometimes it&#8217;s not, and I think any effective police department or public safety department has to balance both,&#8221; he said. &#8220;It has to be all about people. And that&#8217;s what we&#8217;ve done there, and that&#8217;s what I hope to do here.&#8221;

Social justice advocates are opposed to the new police force and have been calling for more funding for social services rather than cops.&nbsp;

Social justice advocates are opposed to the new police force and have been calling for more funding for social services rather than cops.&nbsp;

Though Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has said she <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-06-27/metro-oks-plan-to-start-its-own-police-agency-and-end-contracts-with-sheriff-lapd">doesn’t expect</a> the new department to be fully online in time for the 2028 Olympics, Metro is expected to be key to the city’s goal of a successful Summer Games. Bass has said <a href="https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/los-angeles-2028-olympic-venues-accessible-by-public-transportation/3484866/">public transportation will be the only way to access</a> Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and Crypto.com Arena, among other venues.

Though Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has said she <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-06-27/metro-oks-plan-to-start-its-own-police-agency-and-end-contracts-with-sheriff-lapd">doesn’t expect</a> the new department to be fully online in time for the 2028 Olympics, Metro is expected to be key to the city’s goal of a successful Summer Games. Bass has said <a href="https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/los-angeles-2028-olympic-venues-accessible-by-public-transportation/3484866/">public transportation will be the only way to access</a> Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and Crypto.com Arena, among other venues.

During Wednesday&#8217;s press conference, Scott did not answer a key question on everyone’s mind: Which baseball team will he be rooting for?

During Wednesday's press conference, Scott did not answer a key question on everyone’s mind: Which baseball team will he be rooting for?

During Wednesday&#8217;s press conference, Scott did not answer a key question on everyone’s mind: Which baseball team will he be rooting for?

Hahn seemed to answer for him:&nbsp;&#8220;We know&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;a Dodgers fan.”

Hahn seemed to answer for him:&nbsp;"We know&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;a Dodgers fan.”

Hahn seemed to answer for him:&nbsp;&#8220;We know&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;a Dodgers fan.”

Bill Scott to run L.A. Metro’s new police force (it doesn’t exist yet)

Han Li

Finding a parking spot in San Francisco is challenging, but starting an argument about parking is easy.

Finding a parking spot in San Francisco is challenging, but starting an argument about parking is easy.

Fresh off the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/14/great-highway-closure-next-steps/">contentious battle over Proposition K</a>, which will close the Great Highway to car traffic, discussions about vehicular access and biking in the city have become increasingly heated. In an unusual move, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has taken to social media to combat what it characterizes as deliberate lies about its programs.

Voters closed the Great Highway to cars. Uh, now what?

Fresh off the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/14/great-highway-closure-next-steps/">contentious battle over Proposition K</a>, which will close the Great Highway to car traffic, discussions about vehicular access and biking in the city have become increasingly heated. In an unusual move, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has taken to social media to combat what it characterizes as deliberate lies about its programs.

Twice in late November, the agency posted on X that claims it planned to close more streets or charge residents of certain neighborhoods for parking were “misinformation.”

Twice in late November, the agency posted on X that claims it planned to close more streets or charge residents of certain neighborhoods for parking were “misinformation.”

&#8220;It&#8217;s false and seems to be designed to inflame tensions in our city,&#8221; SFMTA <a href="https://x.com/SFMTA_Muni/status/1858977894581813544">posted</a>, urging members of the public not to spread rumors.

"It's false and seems to be designed to inflame tensions in our city," SFMTA <a href="https://x.com/SFMTA_Muni/status/1858977894581813544">posted</a>, urging members of the public not to spread rumors.

&#8220;It&#8217;s false and seems to be designed to inflame tensions in our city,&#8221; SFMTA <a href="https://x.com/SFMTA_Muni/status/1858977894581813544">posted</a>, urging members of the public not to spread rumors.

The aggressive response was evidently directed at ConnectedSF, a moderate political group that has been circulating online forms and organizing opposition to SFMTA projects. Those include a citywide &#8220;Biking and Rolling Plan&#8221; and the &#8220;Pay or Permit Parking Expansion Project,&#8221; which would bring new payment stations to some residential neighborhoods.

The aggressive response was evidently directed at ConnectedSF, a moderate political group that has been circulating online forms and organizing opposition to SFMTA projects. Those include a citywide "Biking and Rolling Plan" and the "Pay or Permit Parking Expansion Project," which would bring new payment stations to some residential neighborhoods.

The aggressive response was evidently directed at ConnectedSF, a moderate political group that has been circulating online forms and organizing opposition to SFMTA projects. Those include a citywide &#8220;Biking and Rolling Plan&#8221; and the &#8220;Pay or Permit Parking Expansion Project,&#8221; which would bring new payment stations to some residential neighborhoods.

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https://twitter.com/ConnectedSF/status/1861202418626896356
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">URGENT: SFMTA is out of control, proposing parking meters on residential streets. Send an email ASAP and / or SPEAK UP in person Monday, December 2, 5 &#8211; 7pm, Moscone Park, 1800 Chestnut St. <a href="https://t.co/TcTtA9jDzT">https://t.co/TcTtA9jDzT</a>&mdash; ConnectedSF (@ConnectedSF) <a href="https://twitter.com/ConnectedSF/status/1861202418626896356?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&#8220;SFMTA is planning to close miles of driving lanes: SPEAK UP NOW!&#8221; ConnectedSF <a href="https://form.jotform.com/243218558676165?utm_campaign=SF+Standard+Power+Play&amp;utm_content=p-text&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=SF+Standard">proclaims in its online form</a>. Another form to <a href="https://form.jotform.com/243288802092156">oppose more parking meters says</a>, &#8220;Enough with the constant squeeze by SFMTA.&#8221;

"SFMTA is planning to close miles of driving lanes: SPEAK UP NOW!" ConnectedSF <a href="https://form.jotform.com/243218558676165?utm_campaign=SF+Standard+Power+Play&amp;utm_content=p-text&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=SF+Standard">proclaims in its online form</a>. Another form to <a href="https://form.jotform.com/243288802092156">oppose more parking meters says</a>, "Enough with the constant squeeze by SFMTA."

&#8220;SFMTA is planning to close miles of driving lanes: SPEAK UP NOW!&#8221; ConnectedSF <a href="https://form.jotform.com/243218558676165?utm_campaign=SF+Standard+Power+Play&amp;utm_content=p-text&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=SF+Standard">proclaims in its online form</a>. Another form to <a href="https://form.jotform.com/243288802092156">oppose more parking meters says</a>, &#8220;Enough with the constant squeeze by SFMTA.&#8221;

SFMTA said the Biking and Rolling Plan doesn’t involve additional street closures. While the proposal to add parking pay stations in the Marina and Cow Hollow/Union Street would eliminate some free parking for visitors, residents would remain eligible for long-term parking passes.

SFMTA said the Biking and Rolling Plan doesn’t involve additional street closures. While the proposal to add parking pay stations in the Marina and Cow Hollow/Union Street would eliminate some free parking for visitors, residents would remain eligible for long-term parking passes.

But the agency’s explanations have failed to quell the controversy.

But the agency’s explanations have failed to quell the controversy.

Marie Hurabiell, executive director of ConnectedSF and a vocal opponent of Proposition K, <a href="https://x.com/MHurabiell/status/1861794863194226961">accused the agency of dishonesty</a>, saying it “wants to charge everyone,” because not every resident has a permit to park. She called SFMTA the “biggest purveyor of confusing and misleading information of all.”

Marie Hurabiell, executive director of ConnectedSF and a vocal opponent of Proposition K, <a href="https://x.com/MHurabiell/status/1861794863194226961">accused the agency of dishonesty</a>, saying it “wants to charge everyone,” because not every resident has a permit to park. She called SFMTA the “biggest purveyor of confusing and misleading information of all.”

&#8220;San Franciscans are confused and anxious about SFMTA&#8217;s lack of transparency and questionable priorities,&#8221; she said. &#8220;So we provided a tool to help them be heard.&#8221;

"San Franciscans are confused and anxious about SFMTA's lack of transparency and questionable priorities," she said. "So we provided a tool to help them be heard."

&#8220;San Franciscans are confused and anxious about SFMTA&#8217;s lack of transparency and questionable priorities,&#8221; she said. &#8220;So we provided a tool to help them be heard.&#8221;

Hurabiell, a Republican turned Democrat and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/04/daniel-lurie-sfgop-briones-mayor/">ally of Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie</a>, said the department&#8217;s leadership needs a better vision to deal with its major budget deficit.

SF Republicans throw support behind surprising Democrat for mayor

Hurabiell, a Republican turned Democrat and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/04/daniel-lurie-sfgop-briones-mayor/">ally of Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie</a>, said the department's leadership needs a better vision to deal with its major budget deficit.

Hurabiell, a Republican turned Democrat and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/04/daniel-lurie-sfgop-briones-mayor/">ally of Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie</a>, said the department&#8217;s leadership needs a better vision to deal with its major budget deficit.

In the November election, Proposition K, which passed with 55% of the vote,&nbsp; was one of the city&#8217;s most divisive issues. Residents of the west side, where the Great Highway is located, overwhelmingly opposed the measure. Rhetoric around the proposal inflamed a long-brewing culture war between motorists and cyclists over <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/19/san-francisco-great-highway-closure-ballot-measure-cars/">issues</a> such as bike lanes and slow streets.

The new road rage: ‘Disrespect’ to drivers fuels an angry political movement

In the November election, Proposition K, which passed with 55% of the vote,&nbsp; was one of the city's most divisive issues. Residents of the west side, where the Great Highway is located, overwhelmingly opposed the measure. Rhetoric around the proposal inflamed a long-brewing culture war between motorists and cyclists over <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/19/san-francisco-great-highway-closure-ballot-measure-cars/">issues</a> such as bike lanes and slow streets.

In the November election, Proposition K, which passed with 55% of the vote,&nbsp; was one of the city&#8217;s most divisive issues. Residents of the west side, where the Great Highway is located, overwhelmingly opposed the measure. Rhetoric around the proposal inflamed a long-brewing culture war between motorists and cyclists over <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/19/san-francisco-great-highway-closure-ballot-measure-cars/">issues</a> such as bike lanes and slow streets.

SFMTA spokesperson Michael Roccaforte said the discourse around the agency’s efforts, especially on bike lanes, is unfortunate.

SFMTA spokesperson Michael Roccaforte said the discourse around the agency’s efforts, especially on bike lanes, is unfortunate.

“We hope to continue building trust with communities and maintain a clear and open dialogue,” he said, “absent of conspiracy theories that erode the trust our staff has been working so hard to build.”

“We hope to continue building trust with communities and maintain a clear and open dialogue,” he said, “absent of conspiracy theories that erode the trust our staff has been working so hard to build.”

The agency is hosting a community meeting Dec. 2 in the Marina and Cow Hollow to talk about parking payments on residential streets.

The agency is hosting a community meeting Dec. 2 in the Marina and Cow Hollow to talk about parking payments on residential streets.

SFMTA Commissioner Mike Chen plans to attend the meeting. He notes that transit debates have become more emotionally charged.

SFMTA Commissioner Mike Chen plans to attend the meeting. He notes that transit debates have become more emotionally charged.

&#8220;Stakeholders should sit down together to find solutions, not react to new proposals as [if] it’s inherently bad,&#8221; Chen said. &#8220;We should listen to the full proposal before drawing conclusions.&#8221;

"Stakeholders should sit down together to find solutions, not react to new proposals as [if] it’s inherently bad," Chen said. "We should listen to the full proposal before drawing conclusions."

&#8220;Stakeholders should sit down together to find solutions, not react to new proposals as [if] it’s inherently bad,&#8221; Chen said. &#8220;We should listen to the full proposal before drawing conclusions.&#8221;

SFMTA scrambles to fight ‘misinformation’ amid intensified transit debate

Despite a budget crisis and bad press, San Francisco public schools have received more than 15,000 applications for the coming year, the most in more than a decade.

Despite a budget crisis and bad press, San Francisco public schools have received more than 15,000 applications for the coming year, the most in more than a decade.

The demographic driving the surge is 4-year-olds, thanks to a state law mandating that schools provide universal &#8220;transitional kindergarten,&#8221; or TK, an early education program between pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, to eligible kids.

The demographic driving the surge is 4-year-olds, thanks to a state law mandating that schools provide universal "transitional kindergarten," or TK, an early education program between pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, to eligible kids.

The demographic driving the surge is 4-year-olds, thanks to a state law mandating that schools provide universal &#8220;transitional kindergarten,&#8221; or TK, an early education program between pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, to eligible kids.

On Monday, about 15,472 applicants are expected to receive first-round school assignments from the San Francisco Unified School District for the 2025-26 year. The number represents a 10% increase from the last school year.

On Monday, about 15,472 applicants are expected to receive first-round school assignments from the San Francisco Unified School District for the 2025-26 year. The number represents a 10% increase from the last school year.

&#8220;We are thrilled to see increased interest in SFUSD,&#8221; Superintendent Maria Su said. &#8220;We are excited to welcome families to the 2025-26 school year, whether they are changing schools or enrolling in our district for the first time.&#8221;

"We are thrilled to see increased interest in SFUSD," Superintendent Maria Su said. "We are excited to welcome families to the 2025-26 school year, whether they are changing schools or enrolling in our district for the first time."

&#8220;We are thrilled to see increased interest in SFUSD,&#8221; Superintendent Maria Su said. &#8220;We are excited to welcome families to the 2025-26 school year, whether they are changing schools or enrolling in our district for the first time.&#8221;

Because of the state law, SFUSD has received about 2,000 applications for TK programs, 600 more than last year. Elementary, middle, and high school applications also rose.

Because of the state law, SFUSD has received about 2,000 applications for TK programs, 600 more than last year. Elementary, middle, and high school applications also rose.

Children play and learn at Family Connections Centers, Early Childhood Program on August 3, 2022, in San Francisco. A proposition known as Baby Prop. C, is a local business tax to support San Francisco’s aims of providing early education and care for all children in San Francisco. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/FamilyConnectionsCenters-62.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two children wearing masks are playing with toys at a table in a classroom. Colorful artwork hangs on the wall behind them, and there are shelves with plastic bins." class="wp-image-174172"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">SFUSD received about 2,000 transitional kindergarten applications for the 2025-26 school year.</figcaption></figure>

Lauren Koehler, executive director of the district’s enrollment center, confirmed that this is the most applications for SFUSD since 2012. Even though some families may decline their assignments, she expects the coming year&#8217;s enrollment to be slightly higher than the current <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/about-sfusd/facts-about-sfusd-glance">50,000 students</a>.

Lauren Koehler, executive director of the district’s enrollment center, confirmed that this is the most applications for SFUSD since 2012. Even though some families may decline their assignments, she expects the coming year's enrollment to be slightly higher than the current <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/about-sfusd/facts-about-sfusd-glance">50,000 students</a>.

Lauren Koehler, executive director of the district’s enrollment center, confirmed that this is the most applications for SFUSD since 2012. Even though some families may decline their assignments, she expects the coming year&#8217;s enrollment to be slightly higher than the current <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/about-sfusd/facts-about-sfusd-glance">50,000 students</a>.

But the long-term trend is declining enrollment at SFUSD. Schools are down by more than 4,000 students since 2012-13 and are <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/resource-alignment-initiative/resource-alignment-initiative-frequently-asked-questions-faqs">projected to lose 4,600 more students by 2032</a>. These declines led to last year’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/school-closure-list-sfusd/">controversial proposal to close schools</a>.

13 SF public schools targeted for closure or mergers

But the long-term trend is declining enrollment at SFUSD. Schools are down by more than 4,000 students since 2012-13 and are <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/resource-alignment-initiative/resource-alignment-initiative-frequently-asked-questions-faqs">projected to lose 4,600 more students by 2032</a>. These declines led to last year’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/school-closure-list-sfusd/">controversial proposal to close schools</a>.

After the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/15/breed-demands-school-closures-plan-be-scrapped/">closure plan stalled</a>, the district switched gears, focusing on a workforce reduction to save $113 million. A popular early retirement incentive program has lessened the impact of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/25/sfusd-buyout-plan-layoff/">teacher layoffs</a>. Su has repeatedly stated that school closures are paused for 2025-26.

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Early retirements could spare SF public schools hundreds of painful layoffs

After the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/15/breed-demands-school-closures-plan-be-scrapped/">closure plan stalled</a>, the district switched gears, focusing on a workforce reduction to save $113 million. A popular early retirement incentive program has lessened the impact of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/25/sfusd-buyout-plan-layoff/">teacher layoffs</a>. Su has repeatedly stated that school closures are paused for 2025-26.

SFUSD this year rolled out a simplified enrollment process. Families must accept or decline their assignments by March 27, and a new waitlist system allows them to get results without reapplying for their preferred choice. The enrollment center will <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/schools/enroll/resources/enrollment-workshops">host workshops</a> to assist families with the process.&nbsp;

SFUSD this year rolled out a simplified enrollment process. Families must accept or decline their assignments by March 27, and a new waitlist system allows them to get results without reapplying for their preferred choice. The enrollment center will <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/schools/enroll/resources/enrollment-workshops">host workshops</a> to assist families with the process.&nbsp;

Phil Kim, president of the Board of Education, said that while the TK surge doesn&#8217;t make up for years of declining overall enrollment, it is an exciting development for the financially struggling district.

Phil Kim, president of the Board of Education, said that while the TK surge doesn't make up for years of declining overall enrollment, it is an exciting development for the financially struggling district.

Phil Kim, president of the Board of Education, said that while the TK surge doesn&#8217;t make up for years of declining overall enrollment, it is an exciting development for the financially struggling district.

“That will have a long-term effect on SFUSD,” Kim said <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RiG8XX2YW4">in an interview with The Standard</a>. “That [4-year-old] student ideally will stay within our system from K through 12. That&#8217;s 13 years of funding.”

“That will have a long-term effect on SFUSD,” Kim said <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RiG8XX2YW4">in an interview with The Standard</a>. “That [4-year-old] student ideally will stay within our system from K through 12. That's 13 years of funding.”

“That will have a long-term effect on SFUSD,” Kim said <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RiG8XX2YW4">in an interview with The Standard</a>. “That [4-year-old] student ideally will stay within our system from K through 12. That&#8217;s 13 years of funding.”

SF public schools get surprising surge in applications

Joe Burn

Gabe Greschler

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

San Francisco Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie named OpenAI boss Sam Altman on Monday to his transition team, pledging to build a government rooted in accountability and change.

San Francisco Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie named OpenAI boss Sam Altman on Monday to his transition team, pledging to build a government rooted in accountability and change.

&#8220;I&#8217;m excited to introduce this talented and diverse team who will help guide our transition and lay the groundwork for the change San Franciscans demand,&#8221; Lurie said.

"I'm excited to introduce this talented and diverse team who will help guide our transition and lay the groundwork for the change San Franciscans demand," Lurie said.

&#8220;I&#8217;m excited to introduce this talented and diverse team who will help guide our transition and lay the groundwork for the change San Franciscans demand,&#8221; Lurie said.

The transition team will counsel Lurie and his advisors as they build relationships with city agencies, develop partnerships, assemble leadership, and create 100-day plans with accountability metrics. The first mayor to have no governmental experience in more than a century, Lurie has promised to bring a &#8220;world-class&#8221; slate of leaders into City Hall.

The transition team will counsel Lurie and his advisors as they build relationships with city agencies, develop partnerships, assemble leadership, and create 100-day plans with accountability metrics. The first mayor to have no governmental experience in more than a century, Lurie has promised to bring a "world-class" slate of leaders into City Hall.

The transition team will counsel Lurie and his advisors as they build relationships with city agencies, develop partnerships, assemble leadership, and create 100-day plans with accountability metrics. The first mayor to have no governmental experience in more than a century, Lurie has promised to bring a &#8220;world-class&#8221; slate of leaders into City Hall.

Altman previously ran Y Combinator, a tech startup incubator, and lives in San Francisco. The campaign told The Standard that it hopes Altman contributes to the city&#8217;s downtown recovery and helps implement artificial intelligence technology at City Hall.

Altman previously ran Y Combinator, a tech startup incubator, and lives in San Francisco. The campaign told The Standard that it hopes Altman contributes to the city's downtown recovery and helps implement artificial intelligence technology at City Hall.

Altman previously ran Y Combinator, a tech startup incubator, and lives in San Francisco. The campaign told The Standard that it hopes Altman contributes to the city&#8217;s downtown recovery and helps implement artificial intelligence technology at City Hall.

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Earlier this year, Altman declined a pitch from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/26/san-francisco-pandas-china-zoo-sam-altman-marc-benioff-london-breed/">sitting Mayor London Breed to help fund</a> the city&#8217;s $25 million project to bring pandas from China.

SF mayor asked Sam Altman, Marc Benioff to fund $25M &#8216;panda smart home&#8217;

Earlier this year, Altman declined a pitch from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/26/san-francisco-pandas-china-zoo-sam-altman-marc-benioff-london-breed/">sitting Mayor London Breed to help fund</a> the city's $25 million project to bring pandas from China.

Earlier this year, Altman declined a pitch from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/26/san-francisco-pandas-china-zoo-sam-altman-marc-benioff-london-breed/">sitting Mayor London Breed to help fund</a> the city&#8217;s $25 million project to bring pandas from China.

Other co-chairs on the team have governmental and private-sector experience.

Other co-chairs on the team have governmental and private-sector experience.

Mayoral Candidate Daniel Lurie walks down Grant Street while visiting business owners in San Francisco on Friday, January, 2024. Lurie, the founder of anti-poverty nonprofit Tipping Point and an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, is one of the most prominent challengers to Mayor London Breed in this year’s election.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20240130-asianvotemayorrace-43_cd2148.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a white shirt stands on a bustling street decorated with red lanterns, likely in a Chinatown. People walk by, and signs advertise gifts and Shanghai." class="wp-image-331533"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie announced a transition team on Monday that includes OpenAI chief Sam Altman.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20240130-asianvotemayorrace-43_cd2148.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a white shirt stands on a bustling street decorated with red lanterns, likely in a Chinatown. People walk by, and signs advertise gifts and Shanghai." class="wp-image-331533"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie announced a transition team on Monday that includes OpenAI chief Sam Altman.</figcaption></figure>

Joanne Hayes-White was San Francisco&#8217;s first female fire chief, from 2004 to 2019. She increased diversity, improved community safety programs, and served on national public safety boards.

Joanne Hayes-White was San Francisco's first female fire chief, from 2004 to 2019. She increased diversity, improved community safety programs, and served on national public safety boards.

Joanne Hayes-White was San Francisco&#8217;s first female fire chief, from 2004 to 2019. She increased diversity, improved community safety programs, and served on national public safety boards.

José A. Quiñonez, Mission Asset Fund&#8217;s founding CEO, who has been recognized with a MacArthur Fellowship, has developed financial inclusion programs for marginalized communities.

José A. Quiñonez, Mission Asset Fund's founding CEO, who has been recognized with a MacArthur Fellowship, has developed financial inclusion programs for marginalized communities.

José A. Quiñonez, Mission Asset Fund&#8217;s founding CEO, who has been recognized with a MacArthur Fellowship, has developed financial inclusion programs for marginalized communities.

Ned Segal, who co-chaired Lurie&#8217;s mayoral campaign, served as Twitter&#8217;s CFO. He began his career at Goldman Sachs.

Ned Segal, who co-chaired Lurie's mayoral campaign, served as Twitter's CFO. He began his career at Goldman Sachs.

Ned Segal, who co-chaired Lurie&#8217;s mayoral campaign, served as Twitter&#8217;s CFO. He began his career at Goldman Sachs.

Search Results for: transit

Opinion: Stop this train. Scott Wiener’s public transit bailout should be halted in its tracks

Bill Scott to run L.A. Metro’s new police force (it doesn’t exist yet)

SFMTA scrambles to fight ‘misinformation’ amid intensified transit debate

SF public schools get surprising surge in applications

Sam Altman tapped for Lurie’s transition team