Garrett Leahy

A car-free block of San Francisco could see the time for pedestrians and diners to take over the streets cut short by a new plan from the city.

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A car-free block of San Francisco could see the time for pedestrians and diners to take over the streets cut short by a new plan from the city.

Hayes Street between Gough and Octavia streets has been closed to cars on weekends since August 2020 as a way to boost customer traffic to local merchants along the bustling corridor. But the city transit agency that runs the street closure program, called Shared Streets, has <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/blog/whats-next-hayes-street-weekend-street-closure">recommended cutting back</a> the blocks’ car-free hours.

Hayes Street between Gough and Octavia streets has been closed to cars on weekends since August 2020 as a way to boost customer traffic to local merchants along the bustling corridor. But the city transit agency that runs the street closure program, called Shared Streets, has <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/blog/whats-next-hayes-street-weekend-street-closure">recommended cutting back</a> the blocks’ car-free hours.

Currently, the block of Hayes Street is closed to cars from 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Under the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s plan, the street would only be closed from 1 to 10 p.m. on Saturday.

Currently, the block of Hayes Street is closed to cars from 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Under the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s plan, the street would only be closed from 1 to 10 p.m. on Saturday.

People walk near shops on Hayes Street, a business corridor that goes car-free three days a week, on July 24, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20230724_151643_HDR.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-210529"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People walk near shops on Hayes Street, a business corridor that goes car-free three days a week.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20230724_151643_HDR.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-210529"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People walk near shops on Hayes Street, a business corridor that goes car-free three days a week.</figcaption></figure>

To back up the idea, SFMTA, which didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, pointed to results from a survey of local merchants they conducted showing 66% of respondents support a one-day Saturday closure.

To back up the idea, SFMTA, which didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, pointed to results from a survey of local merchants they conducted showing 66% of respondents support a one-day Saturday closure.

The agency also says the road closure confuses travelers and is recommending more cones, barricades and signs to prevent double-parking on the closed block of Hayes Street.

The agency also says the road closure confuses travelers and is recommending more cones, barricades and signs to prevent double-parking on the closed block of Hayes Street.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-businesses">Local Businesses</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-businesses">Local Businesses</h2>

Aether Apparel manager Chelsea Keaton said she isn’t worried about the proposed change.

Aether Apparel manager Chelsea Keaton said she isn’t worried about the proposed change.

“The street closure has only been for a little while, and we’ve been here 10 years,” she said.

“The street closure has only been for a little while, and we’ve been here 10 years,” she said.

Adam Fremier, who has waited tables at Chez Maman for 10 years, said his restaurant will be impacted by the street closure.

Adam Fremier, who has waited tables at Chez Maman for 10 years, said his restaurant will be impacted by the street closure.

“It’ll hurt us for sure,” he said.&nbsp;

“It’ll hurt us for sure,” he said.&nbsp;

A Chez Maman waiter said bringing back car traffic on Fridays and Sundays would hurt the restaurant.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20230605_164248.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-210527"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A Chez Maman waiter said bringing back car traffic on Fridays and Sundays would hurt the restaurant.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20230605_164248.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-210527"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A Chez Maman waiter said bringing back car traffic on Fridays and Sundays would hurt the restaurant.</figcaption></figure>

Chez Maman takes advantage of the car-free streets by adding more outdoor tables during the weekends, fitting up to 25 tables outdoors with no cars on Hayes Street instead of 19 outdoor tables with car traffic.

Chez Maman takes advantage of the car-free streets by adding more outdoor tables during the weekends, fitting up to 25 tables outdoors with no cars on Hayes Street instead of 19 outdoor tables with car traffic.

“It brings so many people,” Frimer said. “Last weekend, when the weather was nice, everyone was walking around.”

“It brings so many people,” Frimer said. “Last weekend, when the weather was nice, everyone was walking around.”

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/21/hayes-valley-san-francisco-recovery/">Boom Loop: San Francisco’s Hayes Valley Is Riding Arts to Recovery</a>

Boom loop: San Francisco&#8217;s Hayes Valley is riding arts to recovery

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/21/hayes-valley-san-francisco-recovery/">Boom Loop: San Francisco’s Hayes Valley Is Riding Arts to Recovery</a>

Amanda Nicklow, manager at Christopher Elbow Chocolates, said she has not noticed a significant impact on foot traffic in her restaurant following the Hayes Street closure to cars, but generally supports the idea.&nbsp;

Amanda Nicklow, manager at Christopher Elbow Chocolates, said she has not noticed a significant impact on foot traffic in her restaurant following the Hayes Street closure to cars, but generally supports the idea.&nbsp;

Nicklow added that the city should address apparent confusion she sees from pedestrians and motorists regarding the closure. She often sees delivery scooters driving onto the closed street or even onto the sidewalk. Nicklow said she’d like the city to have better signs about the closure.

Nicklow added that the city should address apparent confusion she sees from pedestrians and motorists regarding the closure. She often sees delivery scooters driving onto the closed street or even onto the sidewalk. Nicklow said she’d like the city to have better signs about the closure.

Lloyd Silverstein, head of the Hayes Valley Merchants Council, said his group surveyed 175 businesses in Hayes Valley and that among the between 30 and 40 respondents, seven out of 10 businesses on the car-free block of Hayes support keeping the same Friday-to-Sunday closure.

Lloyd Silverstein, head of the Hayes Valley Merchants Council, said his group surveyed 175 businesses in Hayes Valley and that among the between 30 and 40 respondents, seven out of 10 businesses on the car-free block of Hayes support keeping the same Friday-to-Sunday closure.

Jennifer Laska, head of the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association, said the city should make the street closure permanent, not cut it back.

Jennifer Laska, head of the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association, said the city should make the street closure permanent, not cut it back.

Jennifer Laska, head of the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/20230724_135506_HDR.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-185151"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jennifer Laska, head of the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association, said the city should make car-free Hayes Street permanent.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/20230724_135506_HDR.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-185151"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jennifer Laska, head of the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association, said the city should make car-free Hayes Street permanent.</figcaption></figure>

“I am befuddled and disappointed,” Laska said about the city’s plans to scale it back. “This car-free program has been wildly popular.”

“I am befuddled and disappointed,” Laska said about the city’s plans to scale it back. “This car-free program has been wildly popular.”

Supervisor Dean Preston, who represents Hayes Valley, came out against the proposed changes in a written statement Wednesday.

Supervisor Dean Preston, who represents Hayes Valley, came out against the proposed changes in a written statement Wednesday.

“It makes no sense to gut this program by limiting it to a handful of hours on a single day,” Preston said. “If anything, we need to be talking about expansion.”

“It makes no sense to gut this program by limiting it to a handful of hours on a single day,” Preston said. “If anything, we need to be talking about expansion.”

In July, the city <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/25/san-franciscos-hayes-street-is-reopening-to-cars-merchants-worry-what-that-means-for-business/">decided to not renew</a> the permit allowing the street closure, threatening to end the program, but later <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/25/san-franciscos-car-free-hayes-street-not-closing/">postponed the cutoff date</a> until a longer-term plan on car-free Hayes Street was hashed out.

San Francisco’s Hayes Street is reopening to cars. Merchants worry what that means for business

Car-free Hayes Street to continue for now as San Francisco walks back reopening plan

In July, the city <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/25/san-franciscos-hayes-street-is-reopening-to-cars-merchants-worry-what-that-means-for-business/">decided to not renew</a> the permit allowing the street closure, threatening to end the program, but later <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/25/san-franciscos-car-free-hayes-street-not-closing/">postponed the cutoff date</a> until a longer-term plan on car-free Hayes Street was hashed out.

The SFMTA’s recommendations are slated to be voted on during its Oct. 17 board meeting.

The SFMTA’s recommendations are slated to be voted on during its Oct. 17 board meeting.

San Francisco wants to cut back car-free Hayes Street

Max Harrison-Caldwell

Working in the city’s eternally chaotic trauma ward is hard.&nbsp;

Working in the city’s eternally chaotic trauma ward is hard.&nbsp;

But landing a coveted employee parking pass at Zuckerberg San Francisco General? Even harder.&nbsp;

But landing a coveted employee parking pass at Zuckerberg San Francisco General? Even harder.&nbsp;

According to doctors, medical technicians, fellows, and residents interviewed by The Standard, it takes about five years to get a monthly permit for one of approximately 850 spots in the SF General parking garage. The hospital said the waitlist, introduced several years ago in response to rising parking demand from patients and staff, has around 600 people.&nbsp;

According to doctors, medical technicians, fellows, and residents interviewed by The Standard, it takes about five years to get a monthly permit for one of approximately 850 spots in the SF General parking garage. The hospital said the waitlist, introduced several years ago in response to rising parking demand from patients and staff, has around 600 people.&nbsp;

Employees who live outside the city and away from BART stations said none of their alternatives — gambling on sparse neighborhood parking, parking in offsite lots in Mission Bay and catching a shuttle, or shelling out $580 a month for daily parking in the garage — are ideal.

Employees who live outside the city and away from BART stations said none of their alternatives — gambling on sparse neighborhood parking, parking in offsite lots in Mission Bay and catching a shuttle, or shelling out $580 a month for daily parking in the garage — are ideal.

“It breaks the bank. It really hurts,” said J., a clinical lab scientist who asked to be identified by only her first initial. “I work at 5 a.m., so transit doesn’t really work for me.”

“It breaks the bank. It really hurts,” said J., a clinical lab scientist who asked to be identified by only her first initial. “I work at 5 a.m., so transit doesn’t really work for me.”

J., 27, says she spent five years on the waitlist and now pays $170 for a monthly parking permit, as opposed to $29 for day passes. She added that she could park in the neighborhood but doesn’t like walking through Potrero Hill alone in the dark.

J., 27, says she spent five years on the waitlist and now pays $170 for a monthly parking permit, as opposed to $29 for day passes. She added that she could park in the neighborhood but doesn’t like walking through Potrero Hill alone in the dark.

A sign points to public parking at the San Francisco General Hospital Medical Center Garage in San Francisco on Friday, March 28, 2025.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8809403438_zsfgparking_111.jpg?w=2500" alt="A white sign on a railing reads &quot;Public Parking, Enter on 24th Street&quot; with an arrow. Below are street signs for Utah and 23rd St." class="wp-image-385852"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Day passes for the hospital parking garage cost $29, while a monthly permit ranges from $120 to $170.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8809403438_zsfgparking_111.jpg?w=2500" alt="A white sign on a railing reads &quot;Public Parking, Enter on 24th Street&quot; with an arrow. Below are street signs for Utah and 23rd St." class="wp-image-385852"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Day passes for the hospital parking garage cost $29, while a monthly permit ranges from $120 to $170.</figcaption></figure>

Chris, a 41-year-old radiology fellow who lives in Pacifica, called the cost of a daily pass “insane,” adding that he and other fellows and residents have advocated for better options — to no avail.

Chris, a 41-year-old radiology fellow who lives in Pacifica, called the cost of a daily pass “insane,” adding that he and other fellows and residents have advocated for better options — to no avail.

“The residents’ union has pushed hard for this, but [parking] is called ‘the third rail of negotiations,’” he said, adding that residents do not receive a parking subsidy.&nbsp;

“The residents’ union has pushed hard for this, but [parking] is called ‘the third rail of negotiations,’” he said, adding that residents do not receive a parking subsidy.&nbsp;

Representatives of the <a href="https://www.cirseiu.org/san-francisco-general-hospital/">SEIU Committee of Interns and Residents</a> declined to comment, explaining that a new round of bargaining will begin soon. They noted that the union bargains with UCSF, which runs resident programs at numerous local hospitals, not with SF General itself.

Representatives of the <a href="https://www.cirseiu.org/san-francisco-general-hospital/">SEIU Committee of Interns and Residents</a> declined to comment, explaining that a new round of bargaining will begin soon. They noted that the union bargains with UCSF, which runs resident programs at numerous local hospitals, not with SF General itself.

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Some workers said members of different unions pay different prices for monthly passes, ranging from $120 to $170. A hospital spokesperson said the rates are the same for all staff members, but some unions have negotiated parking stipends.

Some workers said members of different unions pay different prices for monthly passes, ranging from $120 to $170. A hospital spokesperson said the rates are the same for all staff members, but some unions have negotiated parking stipends.

Psychiatric social worker Jennifer Wahr was one of several hospital workers who was too daunted by the five-year wait to apply for a monthly pass.

Psychiatric social worker Jennifer Wahr was one of several hospital workers who was too daunted by the five-year wait to apply for a monthly pass.

“I’m not even on the list,” said Wahr, who alternately uses public transit or eats the daily rate in the garage. “I spent $1,000 in a two-month period.”

“I’m not even on the list,” said Wahr, who alternately uses public transit or eats the daily rate in the garage. “I spent $1,000 in a two-month period.”

Wahr’s union, University Professional and Technical Employees, asked the University of California to give all members a $100 monthly parking subsidy, but the university has not responded to the request, according to UPTE’s <a href="https://upte.org/sidebyside">website</a>. A UC spokesperson said negotiations are ongoing.

Wahr’s union, University Professional and Technical Employees, asked the University of California to give all members a $100 monthly parking subsidy, but the university has not responded to the request, according to UPTE’s <a href="https://upte.org/sidebyside">website</a>. A UC spokesperson said negotiations are ongoing.

“I’m paying out-of-pocket, post-tax dollars to come to work at the general hospital,” Wahr said. “It adds to a slow avalanche of reasons why attrition has been high.”

“I’m paying out-of-pocket, post-tax dollars to come to work at the general hospital,” Wahr said. “It adds to a slow avalanche of reasons why attrition has been high.”

A view of Bernal Heights hill from the San Francisco General Hospital Medical Center Garage in San Francisco on Friday, March 28, 2025.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8809403438_zsfgparking_041.jpg?w=2500" alt="A parking lot filled with cars is in the foreground, while a grassy hill and a residential area with houses are visible in the background under a cloudy sky." class="wp-image-385854"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Psychiatric social worker Jennifer Wahr says she spent $1,000 over two months to park at the garage.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8809403438_zsfgparking_041.jpg?w=2500" alt="A parking lot filled with cars is in the foreground, while a grassy hill and a residential area with houses are visible in the background under a cloudy sky." class="wp-image-385854"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Psychiatric social worker Jennifer Wahr says she spent $1,000 over two months to park at the garage.</figcaption></figure>

While the hospital attributed the need for a waitlist to&nbsp;staff expansion and a rise in patient visits, its advent also coincided with a city-wide shift from transit to personal driving during the pandemic. The spokesperson said management does what it can to “ensure that patients, staff, and visitors can get to the campus to work and receive care,” adding that garage rates are set by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. The spokesperson said the hospital encourages people to use public transportation “when feasible.”

While the hospital attributed the need for a waitlist to&nbsp;staff expansion and a rise in patient visits, its advent also coincided with a city-wide shift from transit to personal driving during the pandemic. The spokesperson said management does what it can to “ensure that patients, staff, and visitors can get to the campus to work and receive care,” adding that garage rates are set by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. The spokesperson said the hospital encourages people to use public transportation “when feasible.”

That would be well and good, but dermatology resident Garrett Patrick has to drop off his child at daycare before he commutes from Daly City, so he has no choice but to drive.

That would be well and good, but dermatology resident Garrett Patrick has to drop off his child at daycare before he commutes from Daly City, so he has no choice but to drive.

“The story we always get is that the state of California wants to encourage alternative transit,” Patrick said. “We’ve always been asking for parking.”

“The story we always get is that the state of California wants to encourage alternative transit,” Patrick said. “We’ve always been asking for parking.”

Hospital employees board a shuttle near the San Francisco General Hospital Medical Center Garage in San Francisco on Friday, March 28, 2025.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8809403438_zsfgparking_027_71605c.jpg?w=2500" alt="A small white shuttle bus with &quot;Transmetro&quot; is parked on a street. People are boarding it near a crosswalk and a yellow pedestrian sign." class="wp-image-385857"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hospital employees board a shuttle.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8809403438_zsfgparking_027_71605c.jpg?w=2500" alt="A small white shuttle bus with &quot;Transmetro&quot; is parked on a street. People are boarding it near a crosswalk and a yellow pedestrian sign." class="wp-image-385857"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hospital employees board a shuttle.</figcaption></figure>

According to an SFMTA spokesperson, the SF General garage generated $6 million in revenue in fiscal 2023-24. Half the revenue covers garage expenses; the rest goes toward the Muni budget.

According to an SFMTA spokesperson, the SF General garage generated $6 million in revenue in fiscal 2023-24. Half the revenue covers garage expenses; the rest goes toward the Muni budget.

The agency outsources management to a contractor, LAZ Parking, which operates garages across the country and describes itself as one of the biggest parking companies in the world. SFMTA paid LAZ Parking $1.73 million in fiscal 2023-24 to operate the hospital’s garage.

The agency outsources management to a contractor, LAZ Parking, which operates garages across the country and describes itself as one of the biggest parking companies in the world. SFMTA paid LAZ Parking $1.73 million in fiscal 2023-24 to operate the hospital’s garage.

LAZ Parking declined a request for comment.

LAZ Parking declined a request for comment.

While parking is a perennial complaint for many employees, some hospital workers who enjoy monthly passes don’t know how lucky they are.

While parking is a perennial complaint for many employees, some hospital workers who enjoy monthly passes don’t know how lucky they are.

Nick, 57, has been a diagnostic imaging technologist in the radiology department for 30 years and has held a parking permit pretty much the whole time. He said that when he started, passes were awarded through a lottery system, and he got his almost immediately.

Nick, 57, has been a diagnostic imaging technologist in the radiology department for 30 years and has held a parking permit pretty much the whole time. He said that when he started, passes were awarded through a lottery system, and he got his almost immediately.

Nick was astonished to learn of the length of the waitlist.

Nick was astonished to learn of the length of the waitlist.

“Five years?” he said. “Really?”

Even doctors can’t get parking at SF General Hospital

As the upcoming state budget deadline looms over California, state policymakers warned Gov. Gavin Newsom that his ambitious climate targets will crumble without adequate funding for public transportation.

As the upcoming state budget deadline looms over California, state policymakers warned Gov. Gavin Newsom that his ambitious climate targets will crumble without adequate funding for public transportation.

On Tuesday, a coalition of state lawmakers, labor leaders, environmental activists and transit officials stressed that public transportation will go over a &#8220;fiscal cliff&#8221; if it does not receive more state dollars. And if public transportation is not saved, it can cause lasting harm to the state&#8217;s economy and people&#8217;s quality of life.

On Tuesday, a coalition of state lawmakers, labor leaders, environmental activists and transit officials stressed that public transportation will go over a "fiscal cliff" if it does not receive more state dollars. And if public transportation is not saved, it can cause lasting harm to the state's economy and people's quality of life.

On Tuesday, a coalition of state lawmakers, labor leaders, environmental activists and transit officials stressed that public transportation will go over a &#8220;fiscal cliff&#8221; if it does not receive more state dollars. And if public transportation is not saved, it can cause lasting harm to the state&#8217;s economy and people&#8217;s quality of life.

Last week the <a href="https://caltransit.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Transit Association</a>, a group of transit agencies and public transit proponents, issued a $5.15 billion budget proposal for the next five years for transit agencies to stay afloat. For the upcoming fiscal year, the budget calls for another $213 million from the general fund and to utilize excess federal highway funds and cap-and-trade profits.

Last week the <a href="https://caltransit.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Transit Association</a>, a group of transit agencies and public transit proponents, issued a $5.15 billion budget proposal for the next five years for transit agencies to stay afloat. For the upcoming fiscal year, the budget calls for another $213 million from the general fund and to utilize excess federal highway funds and cap-and-trade profits.

The numbers come in response to many agencies&#8217; dwindling ridership numbers post Covid, federal pandemic relief funds drying up and public outcry for safer rides on buses and rail systems.

The numbers come in response to many agencies' dwindling ridership numbers post Covid, federal pandemic relief funds drying up and public outcry for safer rides on buses and rail systems.

The numbers come in response to many agencies&#8217; dwindling ridership numbers post Covid, federal pandemic relief funds drying up and public outcry for safer rides on buses and rail systems.

Though numerous proposals are in the works throughout the state Legislature that could provide more funding for public transit operations, the coalition says it&#8217;s nowhere near enough to make up for the proposed $2 billion cut in transit infrastructure that Newsom is considering, and would only use transit capital funds for non-capital purposes.

Though numerous proposals are in the works throughout the state Legislature that could provide more funding for public transit operations, the coalition says it's nowhere near enough to make up for the proposed $2 billion cut in transit infrastructure that Newsom is considering, and would only use transit capital funds for non-capital purposes.

Though numerous proposals are in the works throughout the state Legislature that could provide more funding for public transit operations, the coalition says it&#8217;s nowhere near enough to make up for the proposed $2 billion cut in transit infrastructure that Newsom is considering, and would only use transit capital funds for non-capital purposes.

Michael Pimentel, executive director of the California Transit Association, stressed that these funds are a &#8220;hand up and a bridge forward,&#8221; not a handout. He said challenges in recent years pushed agencies to reinvent their services and find funding elsewhere.

Michael Pimentel, executive director of the California Transit Association, stressed that these funds are a "hand up and a bridge forward," not a handout. He said challenges in recent years pushed agencies to reinvent their services and find funding elsewhere.

Michael Pimentel, executive director of the California Transit Association, stressed that these funds are a &#8220;hand up and a bridge forward,&#8221; not a handout. He said challenges in recent years pushed agencies to reinvent their services and find funding elsewhere.

Now the association is asking for additional support from largely, non-general fund sources, recognizing the situation in which the state has found itself, Pimentel said.

Now the association is asking for additional support from largely, non-general fund sources, recognizing the situation in which the state has found itself, Pimentel said.

State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), a key player in the call for more transit funds, said that as public transportation adjusts to changes in ridership patterns, the state must ensure that the systems can survive.

State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), a key player in the call for more transit funds, said that as public transportation adjusts to changes in ridership patterns, the state must ensure that the systems can survive.

&#8220;You cannot reform a system that has fallen apart,&#8221; Wiener said. &#8220;Left unchecked, these budget shortfalls will cause devastating and possibly permanent damage to our public transportation systems.&#8221;

"You cannot reform a system that has fallen apart," Wiener said. "Left unchecked, these budget shortfalls will cause devastating and possibly permanent damage to our public transportation systems."

&#8220;You cannot reform a system that has fallen apart,&#8221; Wiener said. &#8220;Left unchecked, these budget shortfalls will cause devastating and possibly permanent damage to our public transportation systems.&#8221;

Wiener said he&#8217;s already heard of potential major service cuts in the Bay Area, like Muni eliminating 20 bus lines, or BART ending weekend rides entirely.

Wiener said he's already heard of potential major service cuts in the Bay Area, like Muni eliminating 20 bus lines, or BART ending weekend rides entirely.

Wiener said he&#8217;s already heard of potential major service cuts in the Bay Area, like Muni eliminating 20 bus lines, or BART ending weekend rides entirely.

And with those service cuts comes a &#8220;transit death spiral,&#8221; he said—with less frequent service, transit becomes less accessible, so people choose not to take public transit at all. Which only leads to more budget cuts that come at a cost for the disproportionate levels of seniors, low-income people and students who depend on transit systems to get around.

And with those service cuts comes a "transit death spiral," he said—with less frequent service, transit becomes less accessible, so people choose not to take public transit at all. Which only leads to more budget cuts that come at a cost for the disproportionate levels of seniors, low-income people and students who depend on transit systems to get around.

And with those service cuts comes a &#8220;transit death spiral,&#8221; he said—with less frequent service, transit becomes less accessible, so people choose not to take public transit at all. Which only leads to more budget cuts that come at a cost for the disproportionate levels of seniors, low-income people and students who depend on transit systems to get around.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/uncategorized/san-francisco-lawmakers-rally-for-transit-funds-putting-assemblymember-phil-ting-in-the-hot-seat/">San Francisco Lawmaker in the Hot Seat Over Muni, BART Bailout</a>

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/uncategorized/san-francisco-lawmakers-rally-for-transit-funds-putting-assemblymember-phil-ting-in-the-hot-seat/">San Francisco Lawmaker in the Hot Seat Over Muni, BART Bailout</a>

&#8220;This is a do-or-die moment for public transportation in California,&#8221; he said.

"This is a do-or-die moment for public transportation in California," he said.

&#8220;This is a do-or-die moment for public transportation in California,&#8221; he said.

East Bay Assemblymember Buffy Wicks said a lack of transit funding would not only affect the commuters and schoolchildren who depend on public transportation to get around, but could also affect the state&#8217;s climate and housing goals.

East Bay Assemblymember Buffy Wicks said a lack of transit funding would not only affect the commuters and schoolchildren who depend on public transportation to get around, but could also affect the state's climate and housing goals.

East Bay Assemblymember Buffy Wicks said a lack of transit funding would not only affect the commuters and schoolchildren who depend on public transportation to get around, but could also affect the state&#8217;s climate and housing goals.

&#8220;Our housing policy is predicated on the idea of our transit and our housing working together, so that could be undermined,&#8221; Wicks said.

"Our housing policy is predicated on the idea of our transit and our housing working together, so that could be undermined," Wicks said.

&#8220;Our housing policy is predicated on the idea of our transit and our housing working together, so that could be undermined,&#8221; Wicks said.

&#8220;Yes, we need accountability and reforms, but funding must come first,&#8221; she said.

"Yes, we need accountability and reforms, but funding must come first," she said.

&#8220;Yes, we need accountability and reforms, but funding must come first,&#8221; she said.

BART Director Rebecca Saltzman said new funding is needed to keep BART&#8217;s operating budget stable, or else severe cuts in service and staff could take place as early as this year, which also affects its relationships with its labor partners. Trains may run only once an hour, or entire lines could be shuttered, she said.

BART Director Rebecca Saltzman said new funding is needed to keep BART's operating budget stable, or else severe cuts in service and staff could take place as early as this year, which also affects its relationships with its labor partners. Trains may run only once an hour, or entire lines could be shuttered, she said.

BART Director Rebecca Saltzman said new funding is needed to keep BART&#8217;s operating budget stable, or else severe cuts in service and staff could take place as early as this year, which also affects its relationships with its labor partners. Trains may run only once an hour, or entire lines could be shuttered, she said.

&#8220;These devastating service cuts would turn away riders and send transit into a death spiral that would dramatically impact the quality of life in the Bay Area for everyone, not just transit riders,&#8221; Saltzman said. &#8220;Traffic would worsen across our already congested roadways and bridges, and greenhouse gas emissions would increase further fueling climate change.&#8221;

"These devastating service cuts would turn away riders and send transit into a death spiral that would dramatically impact the quality of life in the Bay Area for everyone, not just transit riders," Saltzman said. "Traffic would worsen across our already congested roadways and bridges, and greenhouse gas emissions would increase further fueling climate change."

&#8220;These devastating service cuts would turn away riders and send transit into a death spiral that would dramatically impact the quality of life in the Bay Area for everyone, not just transit riders,&#8221; Saltzman said. &#8220;Traffic would worsen across our already congested roadways and bridges, and greenhouse gas emissions would increase further fueling climate change.&#8221;

Melissa Romero of California Environmental Voters said that public transit investments are not just a matter of finances or climate metrics, they&#8217;re also a matter of social justice.

Melissa Romero of California Environmental Voters said that public transit investments are not just a matter of finances or climate metrics, they're also a matter of social justice.

Melissa Romero of California Environmental Voters said that public transit investments are not just a matter of finances or climate metrics, they&#8217;re also a matter of social justice.

&#8220;It&#8217;s a matter of justice and fairness,&#8221; she said. &#8220;We cannot afford to overlook the transformative power that public transit holds in promoting social and economic equality.&#8221;&nbsp;

"It's a matter of justice and fairness," she said. "We cannot afford to overlook the transformative power that public transit holds in promoting social and economic equality."&nbsp;

&#8220;It&#8217;s a matter of justice and fairness,&#8221; she said. &#8220;We cannot afford to overlook the transformative power that public transit holds in promoting social and economic equality.&#8221;&nbsp;

‘Do-or-die moment’: Coalition calls for state bailout of public transit

Santa Rosa police said Monday they found the decapitated head of a woman killed Thursday, allegedly by her grandson, 23-year-old Luis Gustavo Aroyo-Lopez of Santa Rosa.

Santa Rosa police said Monday they found the decapitated head of a woman killed Thursday, allegedly by her grandson, 23-year-old Luis Gustavo Aroyo-Lopez of Santa Rosa.

The head was found around 7:30 p.m. near Santa Rosa Creek.

The head was found around 7:30 p.m. near Santa Rosa Creek.

The Sonoma County Coroner&#8217;s Office identified the victim as 64-year-old Elvia Lopez-Arroyo of Santa Rosa.

The Sonoma County Coroner's Office identified the victim as 64-year-old Elvia Lopez-Arroyo of Santa Rosa.

The Sonoma County Coroner&#8217;s Office identified the victim as 64-year-old Elvia Lopez-Arroyo of Santa Rosa.

Luis Gustavo Aroyo-Lopez was arrested Saturday morning at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/02/san-francisco-transit-center-boss-fires-back-elon-musk/">San Francisco&#8217;s Transbay Transit Center</a> when a police officer recognized him from law enforcement bulletins. He was detained without incident and held until he could be transferred to Santa Rosa police.

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Luis Gustavo Aroyo-Lopez was arrested Saturday morning at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/02/san-francisco-transit-center-boss-fires-back-elon-musk/">San Francisco's Transbay Transit Center</a> when a police officer recognized him from law enforcement bulletins. He was detained without incident and held until he could be transferred to Santa Rosa police.

Luis Gustavo Aroyo-Lopez was arrested Saturday morning at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/02/san-francisco-transit-center-boss-fires-back-elon-musk/">San Francisco&#8217;s Transbay Transit Center</a> when a police officer recognized him from law enforcement bulletins. He was detained without incident and held until he could be transferred to Santa Rosa police.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/03/bay-area-beheading-woman-santa-rosa/">Santa Rosa Beheading Suspect Arrested in San Francisco After 2-Day Manhunt</a>

Santa Rosa beheading suspect arrested in San Francisco after 2-day manhunt

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/03/bay-area-beheading-woman-santa-rosa/">Santa Rosa Beheading Suspect Arrested in San Francisco After 2-Day Manhunt</a>

Santa Rosa detectives found Elvia Lopez-Arroyo&#8217;s head on the south bank of Santa Rosa Creek, adjacent to the Prince Memorial Greenway, just east of A Street, in Santa Rosa.

Santa Rosa detectives found Elvia Lopez-Arroyo's head on the south bank of Santa Rosa Creek, adjacent to the Prince Memorial Greenway, just east of A Street, in Santa Rosa.

Santa Rosa detectives found Elvia Lopez-Arroyo&#8217;s head on the south bank of Santa Rosa Creek, adjacent to the Prince Memorial Greenway, just east of A Street, in Santa Rosa.

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