Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

OpenAI’s revenue <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/27/technology/openai-chatgpt-investors-funding.html">has almost tripled</a> over the last year. Its valuation is ballooning by billions.&nbsp;

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OpenAI’s revenue <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/27/technology/openai-chatgpt-investors-funding.html">has almost tripled</a> over the last year. Its valuation is ballooning by billions.&nbsp;

At the same time, it repeatedly lobbied the city for a tax break, records reviewed by The Standard show. Mayor London Breed’s administration didn’t give the company what it wanted.

At the same time, it repeatedly lobbied the city for a tax break, records reviewed by The Standard show. Mayor London Breed’s administration didn’t give the company what it wanted.

That was then. Now, it doesn’t take advanced artificial intelligence to compute the golden opportunity gift-wrapped for OpenAI by San Francisco’s mayor-elect.

That was then. Now, it doesn’t take advanced artificial intelligence to compute the golden opportunity gift-wrapped for OpenAI by San Francisco’s mayor-elect.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is the star addition to Daniel Lurie’s transition team, even as his company lobbies the city to tweak its taxes. OpenAI’s lobbyist, longtime City Hall insider Alex Tourk, is still on the payroll.&nbsp;

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is the star addition to Daniel Lurie’s transition team, even as his company lobbies the city to tweak its taxes. OpenAI’s lobbyist, longtime City Hall insider Alex Tourk, is still on the payroll.&nbsp;

Altman will not only have Lurie’s ear on policy issues germane to San Francisco and its business climate, but the arrangement puts him in a position to recommend mayoral staffers who may agree to a more tech-friendly tax environment.&nbsp;

Altman will not only have Lurie’s ear on policy issues germane to San Francisco and its business climate, but the arrangement puts him in a position to recommend mayoral staffers who may agree to a more tech-friendly tax environment.&nbsp;

Breed said no to Altman’s company. Will Lurie?&nbsp;

Breed said no to Altman’s company. Will Lurie?&nbsp;

Sam Altman tapped for Lurie’s transition team

sf-standard/related-post

Photos: The charmed life of Daniel Lurie, San Francisco’s new mayor

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“We have not discussed any tax breaks,” Lurie told The Standard in an interview Tuesday. “We talked about their investment in arts and culture, investing in the city. He’s all in on our city, just like every co-chair on the transition team.”

“We have not discussed any tax breaks,” Lurie told The Standard in an interview Tuesday. “We talked about their investment in arts and culture, investing in the city. He’s all in on our city, just like every co-chair on the transition team.”

Former San Francisco Ethics Commission president Paul Melbostad said Altman’s presence in Lurie’s transition team is a red flag.&nbsp;

Former San Francisco Ethics Commission president Paul Melbostad said Altman’s presence in Lurie’s transition team is a red flag.&nbsp;

“I think it would be wise not to include him on the transition team if the company is currently lobbying for a tax break,” Melbostad said. “It creates an appearance of undue influence and special access, even if Mayor Lurie and Sam Altman have the best of intentions.”

“I think it would be wise not to include him on the transition team if the company is currently lobbying for a tax break,” Melbostad said. “It creates an appearance of undue influence and special access, even if Mayor Lurie and Sam Altman have the best of intentions.”

OpenAI is a San Francisco darling. Artificial intelligence is one of the few glimmering stars in the city’s otherwise dim economic outlook, and OpenAI signed a lease for 350,000 square feet in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/20/open-ai-expands-in-mission-bay/">former Old Navy site in September</a>. That brings the company&#8217;s office presence in San Francisco to nearly 1 million square feet, a sorely needed anchor as businesses exit the city.

With SF&#8217;s biggest lease of the year, OpenAI now occupies nearly 1 million square feet

OpenAI is a San Francisco darling. Artificial intelligence is one of the few glimmering stars in the city’s otherwise dim economic outlook, and OpenAI signed a lease for 350,000 square feet in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/20/open-ai-expands-in-mission-bay/">former Old Navy site in September</a>. That brings the company's office presence in San Francisco to nearly 1 million square feet, a sorely needed anchor as businesses exit the city.

OpenAI is a San Francisco darling. Artificial intelligence is one of the few glimmering stars in the city’s otherwise dim economic outlook, and OpenAI signed a lease for 350,000 square feet in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/20/open-ai-expands-in-mission-bay/">former Old Navy site in September</a>. That brings the company&#8217;s office presence in San Francisco to nearly 1 million square feet, a sorely needed anchor as businesses exit the city.

That star power didn’t bring OpenAI a sweeter tax deal, however.&nbsp;

That star power didn’t bring OpenAI a sweeter tax deal, however.&nbsp;

Instead, voters may take more blood from OpenAI and similar companies with the approval of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/31/sf-election-2024-prop-m/">Proposition M</a>. The measure reforms business taxes to lessen the burden on the city’s largest and smallest companies, in hopes of stimulating the economy.&nbsp;But someone’s got to make up the lost revenue: Midsize companies, which may pay more under Prop. M. The overhaul may also reduce how much taxes are calculated on business payrolls, and weigh them far more toward sales.

San Francisco voters approve business-friendly overhaul of city tax system

Instead, voters may take more blood from OpenAI and similar companies with the approval of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/31/sf-election-2024-prop-m/">Proposition M</a>. The measure reforms business taxes to lessen the burden on the city’s largest and smallest companies, in hopes of stimulating the economy.&nbsp;But someone’s got to make up the lost revenue: Midsize companies, which may pay more under Prop. M. The overhaul may also reduce how much taxes are calculated on business payrolls, and weigh them far more toward sales.

So if a middle-size company is about to skyrocket — say, a tech firm expecting a boost in revenue — it will pay higher tax rates than under the previous scheme.

So if a middle-size company is about to skyrocket — say, a tech firm expecting a boost in revenue — it will pay higher tax rates than under the previous scheme.

Enter Tourk, OpenAI’s San Francisco lobbyist. In March, he met with the city’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development and chief fiscal officer to discuss tax reforms, lobbyist filings at the Ethics Commission show. He came into City Hall for the first meeting with Breed, then hopped on Microsoft Teams with her staffers in April, May, and September to discuss tax reform. In October, he met with the Office of Economic and Workforce Development yet again.

Enter Tourk, OpenAI’s San Francisco lobbyist. In March, he met with the city’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development and chief fiscal officer to discuss tax reforms, lobbyist filings at the Ethics Commission show. He came into City Hall for the first meeting with Breed, then hopped on Microsoft Teams with her staffers in April, May, and September to discuss tax reform. In October, he met with the Office of Economic and Workforce Development yet again.

Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie greets supporters at St. MaryÕs Square Friday, November 8, 2024. Daniel Lurie gave a speech after beating incumbent Mayor London Breed.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241108_mayorlurieannouncement_jason_-0852_ea68c1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit is shaking hands in a crowd outdoors. He is surrounded by people taking photos and smiling, with tall buildings in the background." class="wp-image-331522"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie pledged to build a &#8220;world-class&#8221; team, starting with his transition advisors. </figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241108_mayorlurieannouncement_jason_-0852_ea68c1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit is shaking hands in a crowd outdoors. He is surrounded by people taking photos and smiling, with tall buildings in the background." class="wp-image-331522"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie pledged to build a "world-class" team, starting with his transition advisors. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241108_mayorlurieannouncement_jason_-0852_ea68c1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit is shaking hands in a crowd outdoors. He is surrounded by people taking photos and smiling, with tall buildings in the background." class="wp-image-331522"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie pledged to build a &#8220;world-class&#8221; team, starting with his transition advisors. </figcaption></figure>

Prop. M is done. Why are they still lobbying? Still in question is how to figure out what a San Francisco sale means for a company that sells something intangible, like software. It’s a complicated rule-making process going through the Treasurer &amp; Tax Collector’s office.&nbsp;

Prop. M is done. Why are they still lobbying? Still in question is how to figure out what a San Francisco sale means for a company that sells something intangible, like software. It’s a complicated rule-making process going through the Treasurer &amp; Tax Collector’s office.&nbsp;

The tax office is less easily lobbied. Treasurer Jose Cisneros was reelected breezily, and it&#8217;s well-known that lobbyists have little sway in the department.

The tax office is less easily lobbied. Treasurer Jose Cisneros was reelected breezily, and it's well-known that lobbyists have little sway in the department.

The tax office is less easily lobbied. Treasurer Jose Cisneros was reelected breezily, and it&#8217;s well-known that lobbyists have little sway in the department.

But another way a lobbyist can negotiate a tax benefit is by going to the Board of Supervisors or mayor’s office to seek a carveout. One carveout that may ring bells is the “Twitter Tax Break,” which was seen as a sweetheart deal for tech companies in mid-Market that failed to improve the area in the long term.&nbsp;

But another way a lobbyist can negotiate a tax benefit is by going to the Board of Supervisors or mayor’s office to seek a carveout. One carveout that may ring bells is the “Twitter Tax Break,” which was seen as a sweetheart deal for tech companies in mid-Market that failed to improve the area in the long term.&nbsp;

As Twitter goes, so goes a revival of the neighborhood it helped transform

This real estate startup beat everyone to OpenAI. Now, it’s getting gobbled up

Lurie tried to dispel any whiffs of impropriety, circulating a code of ethical conduct for all members of the transition team to sign, which notes, “I will take all steps reasonably necessary to avoid abusing or misusing my position with the Transition Team for personal gain.”

Lurie tried to dispel any whiffs of impropriety, circulating a code of ethical conduct for all members of the transition team to sign, which notes, “I will take all steps reasonably necessary to avoid abusing or misusing my position with the Transition Team for personal gain.”

In a statement, an OpenAI spokesperson said, “Sam has not discussed tax reform with Mayor-elect Lurie and will comply with the ethics pledge required by the transition team. San Francisco is where OpenAI got started and we’ll continue to advocate for policies that ensure the city remains a hub for innovation.”

In a statement, an OpenAI spokesperson said, “Sam has not discussed tax reform with Mayor-elect Lurie and will comply with the ethics pledge required by the transition team. San Francisco is where OpenAI got started and we’ll continue to advocate for policies that ensure the city remains a hub for innovation.”

Melbostad called that ethical pledge “meaningless” in a legal sense. He served on a transition team for Mayor Art Agnos in 1988 and knows how influential the position can be. The shape of the new administration flows from such a team, he said.&nbsp;

Melbostad called that ethical pledge “meaningless” in a legal sense. He served on a transition team for Mayor Art Agnos in 1988 and knows how influential the position can be. The shape of the new administration flows from such a team, he said.&nbsp;

“The people appointed to the transition team know people who have skills that would be helpful to the incoming mayor,” Melbostad said. “The purpose of the transition committee is not to allow persons or entities seeking influence to obtain tax breaks to have an inside track.”

“The people appointed to the transition team know people who have skills that would be helpful to the incoming mayor,” Melbostad said. “The purpose of the transition committee is not to allow persons or entities seeking influence to obtain tax breaks to have an inside track.”

OpenAI’s Altman is lobbying City Hall — and advising its new boss

Stephanie K. Baer

Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol will temporarily close multiple off-ramps along Highway 101 and Interstate 280 in San Francisco following the 49ers playoff game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday evening.

Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol will temporarily close multiple off-ramps along Highway 101 and Interstate 280 in San Francisco following the 49ers playoff game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday evening.

The off-ramps are <a href="https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2024-01-26-off-ramp-closures" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scheduled</a> to be closed from 7 p.m. until midnight, Caltrans said in a statement Friday. The closures will impact the following off-ramps:

The off-ramps are <a href="https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2024-01-26-off-ramp-closures" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scheduled</a> to be closed from 7 p.m. until midnight, Caltrans said in a statement Friday. The closures will impact the following off-ramps:

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>US-101 Southbound, Cesar Chavez Street</li>



<li>US-101 Northbound, Cesar Chavez Street</li>



<li>US-101 Northbound, Mission Street/Duboce Street</li>



<li>I-280 Northbound, San Jose Avenue</li>



<li>I-280 Northbound, Geneva Avenue</li>



<li>I-280 Southbound, Geneva Avenue</li>
</ul>

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<li>US-101 Southbound, Cesar Chavez Street</li>

<li>US-101 Northbound, Cesar Chavez Street</li>

US-101 Northbound, Mission Street/Duboce Street

<li>US-101 Northbound, Mission Street/Duboce Street</li>

<li>I-280 Northbound, San Jose Avenue</li>

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<ul><li>US-101 Southbound, Cesar Chavez Street</li><li>US-101 Northbound, Cesar Chavez Street</li><li>US-101 Northbound, Mission Street/Duboce Street</li><li>I-280 Northbound, San Jose Avenue</li><li>I-280 Northbound, Geneva Avenue</li><li>I-280 Southbound, Geneva Avenue</li></ul>

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/24/sfo-airport-road-closure-traffic/">San Francisco Airport Traffic Warning Issued Due to Road Closures</a>

San Francisco airport traffic warning issued due to road closures

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/24/sfo-airport-road-closure-traffic/">San Francisco Airport Traffic Warning Issued Due to Road Closures</a>

Caltrans said the closures were &#8220;necessary to enhance public safety due to an anticipated increase traffic and pedestrian congestion,&#8221; as a result of the NFL game.

Caltrans said the closures were "necessary to enhance public safety due to an anticipated increase traffic and pedestrian congestion," as a result of the NFL game.

Caltrans said the closures were &#8220;necessary to enhance public safety due to an anticipated increase traffic and pedestrian congestion,&#8221; as a result of the NFL game.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has also <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/san-francisco-49ers-conference-championship-game-sunday-january-28-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">made plans to possibly close some streets</a> and change bus service in the Mission District, depending on the public reaction to the game&#8217;s outcome.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has also <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/san-francisco-49ers-conference-championship-game-sunday-january-28-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">made plans to possibly close some streets</a> and change bus service in the Mission District, depending on the public reaction to the game's outcome.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has also <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/san-francisco-49ers-conference-championship-game-sunday-january-28-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">made plans to possibly close some streets</a> and change bus service in the Mission District, depending on the public reaction to the game&#8217;s outcome.

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https://twitter.com/sf_emergency/status/1751674319204458740?s=46&amp;t=3r_TnjTT8pSfWty4r7vf1Q
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Due to the NFC Conference Championship playoff game this Sunday, January 28, 24th Street between Potrero and Valencia and Mission Street between Cesar Chavez and 21st Street may be closed from approximately 5:30 to 10 p.m. <a href="https://t.co/5q9nTrCXSl">https://t.co/5q9nTrCXSl</a>&mdash; San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (@SF_emergency) <a href="https://twitter.com/SF_emergency/status/1751674319204458740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Transit officials may close 24th Street between Potrero and Valencia streets as well as Mission Street between Cesar Chavez and 21st streets from about 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.—&#8221;or until the streets clear,&#8221; the SFMTA said. The agency may also redirect buses on the following routes: <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/routes/14-mission">14 Mission</a>, <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/routes/14r-mission-rapid">14R Mission Rapid</a>, <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/routes/27-bryant">27 Bryant</a>, <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/routes/48-quintara24th-street">48 Quintara/24th Street</a>, <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/routes/49-van-nessmission">49 Van Ness/Mission</a>, and <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/routes/67-bernal-heights">67 Bernal Heights</a>.

Transit officials may close 24th Street between Potrero and Valencia streets as well as Mission Street between Cesar Chavez and 21st streets from about 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.—"or until the streets clear," the SFMTA said. The agency may also redirect buses on the following routes: <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/routes/14-mission">14 Mission</a>, <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/routes/14r-mission-rapid">14R Mission Rapid</a>, <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/routes/27-bryant">27 Bryant</a>, <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/routes/48-quintara24th-street">48 Quintara/24th Street</a>, <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/routes/49-van-nessmission">49 Van Ness/Mission</a>, and <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/routes/67-bernal-heights">67 Bernal Heights</a>.

Transit officials may close 24th Street between Potrero and Valencia streets as well as Mission Street between Cesar Chavez and 21st streets from about 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.—&#8221;or until the streets clear,&#8221; the SFMTA said. The agency may also redirect buses on the following routes: <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/routes/14-mission">14 Mission</a>, <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/routes/14r-mission-rapid">14R Mission Rapid</a>, <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/routes/27-bryant">27 Bryant</a>, <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/routes/48-quintara24th-street">48 Quintara/24th Street</a>, <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/routes/49-van-nessmission">49 Van Ness/Mission</a>, and <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/routes/67-bernal-heights">67 Bernal Heights</a>.

More details about the potential bus route changes are available on the <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/san-francisco-49ers-conference-championship-game-sunday-january-28-2024">SFMTA&#8217;s website</a>.

More details about the potential bus route changes are available on the <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/san-francisco-49ers-conference-championship-game-sunday-january-28-2024">SFMTA's website</a>.

More details about the potential bus route changes are available on the <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/san-francisco-49ers-conference-championship-game-sunday-january-28-2024">SFMTA&#8217;s website</a>.

Caltrans to close San Francisco off-ramps after 49ers game

Han Li

San Francisco&#8217;s transit agency has chosen a new boss amid a worsening budget crisis and the possibility of major cuts to Muni service.

San Francisco's transit agency has chosen a new boss amid a worsening budget crisis and the possibility of major cuts to Muni service.

San Francisco&#8217;s transit agency has chosen a new boss amid a worsening budget crisis and the possibility of major cuts to Muni service.

Julie Kirschbaum, acting director of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, has been named permanent director, in charge of public transit and services related to driving and parking.

Julie Kirschbaum, acting director of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, has been named permanent director, in charge of public transit and services related to driving and parking.

“I’m incredibly honored by this opportunity to serve the city I love,” Kirschbaum said in a statement. “Having a world-class transportation system is key to San Francisco’s economic recovery, and I’m going to make sure we maintain the incredible improvements we’ve made to the Muni system, despite the SFMTA’s daunting financial challenges.&#8221;

“I’m incredibly honored by this opportunity to serve the city I love,” Kirschbaum said in a statement. “Having a world-class transportation system is key to San Francisco’s economic recovery, and I’m going to make sure we maintain the incredible improvements we’ve made to the Muni system, despite the SFMTA’s daunting financial challenges."

“I’m incredibly honored by this opportunity to serve the city I love,” Kirschbaum said in a statement. “Having a world-class transportation system is key to San Francisco’s economic recovery, and I’m going to make sure we maintain the incredible improvements we’ve made to the Muni system, despite the SFMTA’s daunting financial challenges.&#8221;

SF’s most controversial bike lane is dead. Feelings still run hot

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

Kirschbaum joined the SFMTA in 2007 to lead a study on transit effectiveness. She became director of transit, a management position overseeing Muni services, in 2018.

Kirschbaum joined the SFMTA in 2007 to lead a study on transit effectiveness. She became director of transit, a management position overseeing Muni services, in 2018.

The SFMTA, like other local agencies, faces a fiscal crisis, with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/30/sfmta-muni-routes-service-cuts-budget/">a $322 million</a> shortfall and looming service cuts. Kirschbaum said she will fight for transportation funding and hopes to rebuild trust between the agency and communities.

The SFMTA, like other local agencies, faces a fiscal crisis, with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/30/sfmta-muni-routes-service-cuts-budget/">a $322 million</a> shortfall and looming service cuts. Kirschbaum said she will fight for transportation funding and hopes to rebuild trust between the agency and communities.

Former SFMTA chief Jeff Tumlin <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/12/sfmta-chief-jeff-tumlin-to-step-down/">stepped down</a> in December after serving five years under former Mayor London Breed. Over the years, Tumlin and the agency faced a torrent of criticism over major projects like the Central Subway and initiatives like bike lanes and car-free spaces.

Embattled SF transit chief Jeff Tumlin to step down

Former SFMTA chief Jeff Tumlin <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/12/sfmta-chief-jeff-tumlin-to-step-down/">stepped down</a> in December after serving five years under former Mayor London Breed. Over the years, Tumlin and the agency faced a torrent of criticism over major projects like the Central Subway and initiatives like bike lanes and car-free spaces.

Mayor Daniel Lurie praised Kirschbaum, saying she can deliver change for Muni riders.

Mayor Daniel Lurie praised Kirschbaum, saying she can deliver change for Muni riders.

&#8220;With her commitment to collaborating with residents and businesses, Julie Kirschbaum is the right leader to tackle the significant challenges facing our transportation system and bring it forward into a new era,” Lurie said in a statement.

"With her commitment to collaborating with residents and businesses, Julie Kirschbaum is the right leader to tackle the significant challenges facing our transportation system and bring it forward into a new era,” Lurie said in a statement.

&#8220;With her commitment to collaborating with residents and businesses, Julie Kirschbaum is the right leader to tackle the significant challenges facing our transportation system and bring it forward into a new era,” Lurie said in a statement.

The SFMTA board approved Kirschbaum&#8217;s appointment in a 6-0 vote, according to member Mike Chen.

The SFMTA board approved Kirschbaum's appointment in a 6-0 vote, according to member Mike Chen.

The SFMTA board approved Kirschbaum&#8217;s appointment in a 6-0 vote, according to member Mike Chen.

SFMTA names new director amid budget crisis, possible service cuts

Julie Zigoris

One Book One BART, the San Francisco Bay Area’s new <a href="https://bartable.bart.gov/featured/one-book-one-bart-thank-you-reading-along-us-stay-tuned-our-fall-23-club" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transit-centric book club</a>, has much of what you’d expect if you’ve ever gathered around a living room coffee table: a title picked in advance, a lively group discussion and lots of bibliophiles.&nbsp;

One Book One BART, the San Francisco Bay Area’s new <a href="https://bartable.bart.gov/featured/one-book-one-bart-thank-you-reading-along-us-stay-tuned-our-fall-23-club" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transit-centric book club</a>, has much of what you’d expect if you’ve ever gathered around a living room coffee table: a title picked in advance, a lively group discussion and lots of bibliophiles.&nbsp;

Yet there’s a key distinction: Members meet on a moving train, united not only by a love of memoirs and novels but also by their love of a regional transit system that has finally begun to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/12/san-francisco-downtown-doom-loop-bart-stations-ridership-spike/">see an uptick in ridership after years of near-empty trains</a>.&nbsp;

BART bucks downtown decline with ridership spikes at central San Francisco stations

Yet there’s a key distinction: Members meet on a moving train, united not only by a love of memoirs and novels but also by their love of a regional transit system that has finally begun to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/12/san-francisco-downtown-doom-loop-bart-stations-ridership-spike/">see an uptick in ridership after years of near-empty trains</a>.&nbsp;

This season’s pick? On the Rooftop by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton.

This season’s pick? On the Rooftop by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton.

Book club members engage in discussion during BART's first book club. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Read-In_06172023_MJA_33-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-214808"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Strangers engage in a literary discussion during BART&#8217;s first book club. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Read-In_06172023_MJA_33-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-214808"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Strangers engage in a literary discussion during BART's first book club. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Read-In_06172023_MJA_33-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-214808"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Strangers engage in a literary discussion during BART&#8217;s first book club. </figcaption></figure>

Club members meet at a designated station at a designated time and board the train together, breaking into small groups for discussion so it’s easier to hear. The first read-in was such a success that the fall installment doubled the length of train time to around an hour—with members riding the Red Line end-to-end, all the way from Richmond to Daly City. Hanging onto a pole with one hand while keeping a book open with the other can be a challenge in its own right.

Club members meet at a designated station at a designated time and board the train together, breaking into small groups for discussion so it’s easier to hear. The first read-in was such a success that the fall installment doubled the length of train time to around an hour—with members riding the Red Line end-to-end, all the way from Richmond to Daly City. Hanging onto a pole with one hand while keeping a book open with the other can be a challenge in its own right.

“It’s really nice to be around other people for whom BART is very important,” said middle school librarian John Evans, a club member since its beginning. Evans lives in the East Bay and travels mostly by BART and bike; he doesn’t own a car.&nbsp;

“It’s really nice to be around other people for whom BART is very important,” said middle school librarian John Evans, a club member since its beginning. Evans lives in the East Bay and travels mostly by BART and bike; he doesn’t own a car.&nbsp;

“We already share something in common,” he added.&nbsp;

“We already share something in common,” he added.&nbsp;

For others, it&#8217;s the curation that’s most appealing. Member Susanna Chau appreciates that the One Book One BART focuses on Bay Area themes and authors—the club’s first selection was the 2022 memoir Stay True by New Yorker staff writer Hua Hsu, which is set in Berkeley in the 1990s.&nbsp;

For others, it's the curation that’s most appealing. Member Susanna Chau appreciates that the One Book One BART focuses on Bay Area themes and authors—the club’s first selection was the 2022 memoir Stay True by New Yorker staff writer Hua Hsu, which is set in Berkeley in the 1990s.&nbsp;

For others, it&#8217;s the curation that’s most appealing. Member Susanna Chau appreciates that the One Book One BART focuses on Bay Area themes and authors—the club’s first selection was the 2022 memoir Stay True by New Yorker staff writer Hua Hsu, which is set in Berkeley in the 1990s.&nbsp;

The first ever BART read-in featured the memoir Stay True by Hua Hsu. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Read-In_06172023_MJA_37.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-214810"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The first-ever BART read-in featured the memoir &#8220;Stay True&#8221; by Hua Hsu. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Read-In_06172023_MJA_37.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-214810"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The first-ever BART read-in featured the memoir "Stay True" by Hua Hsu. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Read-In_06172023_MJA_37.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-214810"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The first-ever BART read-in featured the memoir &#8220;Stay True&#8221; by Hua Hsu. </figcaption></figure>

“I’m finding this new way of connecting with my community,” said Chau, an avid reader and transit rider.&nbsp;

“I’m finding this new way of connecting with my community,” said Chau, an avid reader and transit rider.&nbsp;

That’s exactly what Michelle Robertson, BART’s senior marketing representative, who launched the club, has in mind.&nbsp;

That’s exactly what Michelle Robertson, BART’s senior marketing representative, who launched the club, has in mind.&nbsp;

“The goal is community engagement and to get people excited about transit,” Robertson said.&nbsp;

“The goal is community engagement and to get people excited about transit,” Robertson said.&nbsp;

Last weekend’s read-in—which began at the Richmond station and ended in Daly City—featured Margaret Wilkerson Sexton’s On the Rooftop. The novel takes place in San Francisco’s Fillmore district in the 1950s, and members said the discussion meandered from the book to life in the Bay Area more generally.&nbsp;

Last weekend’s read-in—which began at the Richmond station and ended in Daly City—featured Margaret Wilkerson Sexton’s On the Rooftop. The novel takes place in San Francisco’s Fillmore district in the 1950s, and members said the discussion meandered from the book to life in the Bay Area more generally.&nbsp;

The club’s next event will be on Nov. 1, when Sexton will appear in person for an <a href="https://bartable.bart.gov/featured/one-book-one-bart-read-us-fall" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">author talk </a>moderated by another Bay Area writer, Vanessa Hua, at BART headquarters in Downtown Oakland.

The club’s next event will be on Nov. 1, when Sexton will appear in person for an <a href="https://bartable.bart.gov/featured/one-book-one-bart-read-us-fall" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">author talk </a>moderated by another Bay Area writer, Vanessa Hua, at BART headquarters in Downtown Oakland.

Evans and Chau both highlighted the diversity of the club’s members, who are of a variety of ages and from numerous backgrounds.&nbsp;

Evans and Chau both highlighted the diversity of the club’s members, who are of a variety of ages and from numerous backgrounds.&nbsp;

“They were people you might not run into in your day-to-day,” Evans said. “But we were all connected by the book.”&nbsp;

“They were people you might not run into in your day-to-day,” Evans said. “But we were all connected by the book.”&nbsp;

One Book One BART book club members gathered on a moving train for a moving read-in in June 2023. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Read-In_06172023_MJA_13.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-214806"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">One Book One BART book club members gathered on a moving train for a moving read-in in June. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Read-In_06172023_MJA_13.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-214806"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">One Book One BART book club members gathered on a moving train for a moving read-in in June. </figcaption></figure>

BART ridership took a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/22/bart-edges-closer-to-fiscal-disaster-as-it-hopes-for-a-savior/">steep dive</a> after the pandemic, when people stopped going into the office regularly. Robertson hopes that the club will help public transit and also spotlight indie bookstores, small presses and public libraries, many of which are accessible by BART. The Bartable newsletter includes local bookstores like Moe’s Books and Revolution Books—also noting their respective BART stations—where members can pick up the selected title.&nbsp;

BART edges closer to fiscal disaster as it hopes for a savior

BART ridership took a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/22/bart-edges-closer-to-fiscal-disaster-as-it-hopes-for-a-savior/">steep dive</a> after the pandemic, when people stopped going into the office regularly. Robertson hopes that the club will help public transit and also spotlight indie bookstores, small presses and public libraries, many of which are accessible by BART. The Bartable newsletter includes local bookstores like Moe’s Books and Revolution Books—also noting their respective BART stations—where members can pick up the selected title.&nbsp;

One Book One BART is not the only creative initiative Robertson has spearheaded to get riders back onto platforms—she also runs a program with Jennifer Easton that includes short story dispensers in selected stations. Passengers can wave their hand over the machines and receive a free story printed on receipt-like paper by a Bay Area author to read on their trip. The dispensers are currently located at the Downtown Berkeley, Balboa Park, Fruitvale and Pleasant Hill stations.&nbsp;

One Book One BART is not the only creative initiative Robertson has spearheaded to get riders back onto platforms—she also runs a program with Jennifer Easton that includes short story dispensers in selected stations. Passengers can wave their hand over the machines and receive a free story printed on receipt-like paper by a Bay Area author to read on their trip. The dispensers are currently located at the Downtown Berkeley, Balboa Park, Fruitvale and Pleasant Hill stations.&nbsp;

The book club activities include a raffle and giveaways of BART swag, which is highly coveted in the Bay Area, Robertson said. A holiday-themed BART sweater once <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11955433/bart-ugly-holiday-sweater-available-presale-now#:~:text=In%202021%2C%20BART%20ordered%20only,1%2C500%20are%20up%20for%20grabs.&amp;text=The%20sweaters%20are%20priced%20at,in%20adult%20sizes%20S%E2%80%934XL." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sold out online</a> in 40 minutes. It all goes to show how deep the love runs for the transit system, with its retro-futuristic trains and robotic-sounding announcements.&nbsp;

The book club activities include a raffle and giveaways of BART swag, which is highly coveted in the Bay Area, Robertson said. A holiday-themed BART sweater once <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11955433/bart-ugly-holiday-sweater-available-presale-now#:~:text=In%202021%2C%20BART%20ordered%20only,1%2C500%20are%20up%20for%20grabs.&amp;text=The%20sweaters%20are%20priced%20at,in%20adult%20sizes%20S%E2%80%934XL." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sold out online</a> in 40 minutes. It all goes to show how deep the love runs for the transit system, with its retro-futuristic trains and robotic-sounding announcements.&nbsp;

“It’s so much more than just public transportation,” Evans said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It’s so much more than just public transportation,” Evans said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

‘One Book One BART’ club connects literary riders with lively discussions on trains

Ella Chakarian

At 4:04 p.m. each weekday over the past school year, a rhythmic honking blared outside Willie L. Brown Jr. Middle School in Bayview. It was the 44 O’Shaughnessy pulling up to the bus stop, but it was more than that. The sound was Mc “Mack” Allen’s signature arrival tune, a playful greeting for the swarm of kids he picked up every day like clockwork.

At 4:04 p.m. each weekday over the past school year, a rhythmic honking blared outside Willie L. Brown Jr. Middle School in Bayview. It was the 44 O’Shaughnessy pulling up to the bus stop, but it was more than that. The sound was Mc “Mack” Allen’s signature arrival tune, a playful greeting for the swarm of kids he picked up every day like clockwork.

The 60 or so who took his bus home learned to listen for the tune. But it wasn’t just the honking that made Allen a beloved bus driver. He’d ask the kids how their day had been and make chitchat as they boarded. He’d call out each stop, reminding students lost in conversation that it was their turn to get off.

The 60 or so who took his bus home learned to listen for the tune. But it wasn’t just the honking that made Allen a beloved bus driver. He’d ask the kids how their day had been and make chitchat as they boarded. He’d call out each stop, reminding students lost in conversation that it was their turn to get off.

Allen became like a secret guardian to the middle schoolers. “He always made sure we got off at our stops,” said Sam Sullivan, an incoming seventh grader. “I thought it was really sweet. Normally bus drivers don’t do that.”

Allen became like a secret guardian to the middle schoolers. “He always made sure we got off at our stops,” said Sam Sullivan, an incoming seventh grader. “I thought it was really sweet. Normally bus drivers don’t do that.”

When Allen started driving the 44 O&#8217;Shaughnessy line last August, he was nervous, knowing that the middle school was one of his stops.&nbsp;

When Allen started driving the 44 O'Shaughnessy line last August, he was nervous, knowing that the middle school was one of his stops.&nbsp;

When Allen started driving the 44 O&#8217;Shaughnessy line last August, he was nervous, knowing that the middle school was one of his stops.&nbsp;

“It can be very difficult,” he said. “It can be very trying. A lot of times middle schoolers are in a kind of an anti sweet spot of not having a lot of necessarily good self-control or emotional maturity.”

“It can be very difficult,” he said. “It can be very trying. A lot of times middle schoolers are in a kind of an anti sweet spot of not having a lot of necessarily good self-control or emotional maturity.”

But eventually, Allen came to think of the 20 or so minutes he spent dropping off the middle schoolers as the best part of his day. “They were more interested in taking care of each other, having more fun,” Allen said.

But eventually, Allen came to think of the 20 or so minutes he spent dropping off the middle schoolers as the best part of his day. “They were more interested in taking care of each other, having more fun,” Allen said.

Mc Allen strolls Salesforce Park while waiting to begin his shift driving the 25 Treasure Island Muni bus, through Treasure Island and the Transbay Transit Center at the Salesforce Terminal. at 425 Mission Street in Downtown San Francisco on Friday, September 9, 2022. In a culmination of his love of local transit and his desire to make it better, Mc Allen has been a Muni operator since August of 2021 and writes poetry regarding San Francisco’s bus lines. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

Usually, Muni drivers get reassigned over the months, but Allen drove the 44 line consistently for the last school year. His run finished last week with the end of the school year. Allen was reassigned to the 29 Sunset in the afternoons, though he’ll stay on the 44 O’Shaughnessy in the mornings. He’s not sure which line he’ll be on once school starts up again, so last week he gave his students a heartfelt goodbye.

Usually, Muni drivers get reassigned over the months, but Allen drove the 44 line consistently for the last school year. His run finished last week with the end of the school year. Allen was reassigned to the 29 Sunset in the afternoons, though he’ll stay on the 44 O’Shaughnessy in the mornings. He’s not sure which line he’ll be on once school starts up again, so last week he gave his students a heartfelt goodbye.

As each child got on the bus, he handed them a poem.

As each child got on the bus, he handed them a poem.

“My kids are on the bus now,” it read, “and I don’t want to let them off at San Bruno or Mission or Glen Park / I want to take them to the beach / and buy them ice cream. Of course I can’t, so I’ll do the one thing I can, / like I always do.” It continues, “I’ll take them home.”

“My kids are on the bus now,” it read, “and I don’t want to let them off at San Bruno or Mission or Glen Park / I want to take them to the beach / and buy them ice cream. Of course I can’t, so I’ll do the one thing I can, / like I always do.” It continues, “I’ll take them home.”

“I was struck by getting to hear his voice,” said Chi-En Yu, parent of a Willie Brown student. “He has really loved and cared for these students.”

“I was struck by getting to hear his voice,” said Chi-En Yu, parent of a Willie Brown student. “He has really loved and cared for these students.”

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