Josh Koehn

San Francisco’s Municipal Transportation Agency on Wednesday laid off a dozen employees, including the chief strategy officer, as it approaches <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/22/muni-fiscal-cliff-daniel-lurie-transportation-bart/">a fiscal cliff</a> that threatens to decimate public transit services, The Standard has learned.

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

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<p>San Francisco’s Municipal Transportation Agency on Wednesday laid off a dozen employees, including the chief strategy officer, as it approaches <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/22/muni-fiscal-cliff-daniel-lurie-transportation-bart/">a fiscal cliff</a> that threatens to decimate public transit services, The Standard has learned.</p>

All who were let go were members of the San Francisco Municipal Executive Association, a union for top managers, and were at-will employees. The layoffs are part of an ongoing SFMTA restructuring of operations while trying to address what sources called an “existential” budget crisis.

<p>All who were let go were members of the San Francisco Municipal Executive Association, a union for top managers, and were at-will employees. The layoffs are part of an ongoing SFMTA restructuring of operations while trying to address what sources called an “existential” budget crisis.</p>

SFMTA was facing a $50 million shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year, which starts in July, and the deficit is projected to grow to $320 million for 2026-27. The SFMTA board this month <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/15/muni-lines-cuts-parking-meter-fee-hikes/">approved cuts in bus service</a> for several lines and a hike in parking meter fees to address the immediate deficit.

Muni lines cut, parking meters raised: Inside the MTA&#8217;s bad-news budget

<p>SFMTA was facing a $50 million shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year, which starts in July, and the deficit is projected to grow to $320 million for 2026-27. The SFMTA board this month <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/15/muni-lines-cuts-parking-meter-fee-hikes/">approved cuts in bus service</a> for several lines and a hike in parking meter fees to address the immediate deficit.</p>

SFMTA names new director amid budget crisis, possible service cuts

sf-standard/related-post

Muni lines cut, parking meters raised: Inside the MTA’s bad-news budget

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Jonathan Rewers, who has served as chief strategy officer since late 2020, confirmed in a text message that he was among those laid off. He started working for the agency in 2009 and steadily rose up the ladder, serving as chief financial officer for almost two years before moving to a role overseeing the design and management of major programs.

<p>Jonathan Rewers, who has served as chief strategy officer since late 2020, confirmed in a text message that he was among those laid off. He started working for the agency in 2009 and steadily rose up the ladder, serving as chief financial officer for almost two years before moving to a role overseeing the design and management of major programs.</p>

“As the chief financial officer during the pandemic years, I of all people understand that difficult decisions need to be made,” Rewers said in a statement. “It was an honor to serve as the SFMTA’s first chief strategy officer. I felt my team accomplished a lot in the areas of innovation, efficiency, and instituting best practices throughout the organization.”

<p>“As the chief financial officer during the pandemic years, I of all people understand that difficult decisions need to be made,” Rewers said in a statement. “It was an honor to serve as the SFMTA’s first chief strategy officer. I felt my team accomplished a lot in the areas of innovation, efficiency, and instituting best practices throughout the organization.”</p>

The transit agency has experienced a significant shakeup since last year’s mayoral election.

<p>The transit agency has experienced a significant shakeup since last year’s mayoral election.</p>

Jeffrey Tumlin, who served as SFMTA chief for five years under former Mayor London Breed, announced he was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/12/sfmta-chief-jeff-tumlin-to-step-down/">stepping down</a> in December. Mayor Daniel Lurie, who took office in January, appointed the acting director, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/18/sfmta-julie-kirschbaum-director/">Julie Kirschbaum</a>, the following month.

Embattled SF transit chief Jeff Tumlin to step down

<p>Jeffrey Tumlin, who served as SFMTA chief for five years under former Mayor London Breed, announced he was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/12/sfmta-chief-jeff-tumlin-to-step-down/">stepping down</a> in December. Mayor Daniel Lurie, who took office in January, appointed the acting director, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/18/sfmta-julie-kirschbaum-director/">Julie Kirschbaum</a>, the following month.</p>

Since taking over, Kirschbaum has reorganized the staff, including the division of the chief strategy officer, which was broken up and consolidated, according to sources.

<p>Since taking over, Kirschbaum has reorganized the staff, including the division of the chief strategy officer, which was broken up and consolidated, according to sources.</p>

SFMTA officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but Kirschbaum sent an email to staff Wednesday evening noting that the layoffs will “undoubtedly raise questions” for other agency employees.

<p>SFMTA officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but Kirschbaum sent an email to staff Wednesday evening noting that the layoffs will “undoubtedly raise questions” for other agency employees.</p>

“These changes are necessary to reduce duplicative roles and the confusion that comes from overlapping and unclear responsibilities,” Kirschbaum said. “The next step will be a reorganization to set us up to achieve our priorities. The initial phase of that work will be shared by the end of the week.”

<p>“These changes are necessary to reduce duplicative roles and the confusion that comes from overlapping and unclear responsibilities,” Kirschbaum said. “The next step will be a reorganization to set us up to achieve our priorities. The initial phase of that work will be shared by the end of the week.”</p>

SFMTA lays off staff, including chief strategy officer, in face of budget crisis

Han Li

Sharon Lai doesn’t consider herself a victim, but <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/how-a-victim-of-violence-on-sf-muni-became-one-of-the-citys-leading-advocates-of-public-transit-safety/">a survivor</a> of multiple harassment incidents on San Francisco’s public transportation system—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/teenager-arrested-in-attack-on-79-year-old-woman-on-muni/">many of them targeting Asian Americans</a>.

<p>Sharon Lai doesn’t consider herself a victim, but <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/how-a-victim-of-violence-on-sf-muni-became-one-of-the-citys-leading-advocates-of-public-transit-safety/">a survivor</a> of multiple harassment incidents on San Francisco’s public transportation system—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/teenager-arrested-in-attack-on-79-year-old-woman-on-muni/">many of them targeting Asian Americans</a>.</p>

“A lot of people don’t feel safe,” said Lai, who’s also a former board member of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). “But we don’t have the data.”

<p>“A lot of people don’t feel safe,” said Lai, who’s also a former board member of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). “But we don’t have the data.”</p>

In response to incidents targeting marginalized groups, one California lawmaker has introduced a bill to track them. “Public Transit for All: Improving Safety &amp; Increasing Ridership” will require the state’s top transit agencies to conduct surveys about public safety concerns.

<p>In response to incidents targeting marginalized groups, one California lawmaker has introduced a bill to track them. “Public Transit for All: Improving Safety &amp; Increasing Ridership” will require the state’s top transit agencies to conduct surveys about public safety concerns.</p>

“As we rebuild and reimagine a post-pandemic world, improving public transit should top our list of priorities,” said state Sen. Dave Min, who introduced the bill in partnership with Stop AAPI Hate coalition, a nonprofit that collects self-reported anti-Asian incidents.

<p>“As we rebuild and reimagine a post-pandemic world, improving public transit should top our list of priorities,” said state Sen. Dave Min, who introduced the bill in partnership with Stop AAPI Hate coalition, a nonprofit that collects self-reported anti-Asian incidents.</p>

Based on the 2019 ridership numbers, four Bay Area transit systems—SFMTA, BART, AC Transit and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)—are all on the list. Caltrain, which connects San Francisco and the South Bay, is not among them.

<p>Based on the 2019 ridership numbers, four Bay Area transit systems—SFMTA, BART, AC Transit and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)—are all on the list. Caltrain, which connects San Francisco and the South Bay, is not among them.</p>

Both Lai and Min said many women, elders, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ Californians experience harassment or worse while riding buses and transit, and it’s time that public transit agencies understand the gravity of the situation.

<p>Both Lai and Min said many women, elders, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ Californians experience harassment or worse while riding buses and transit, and it’s time that public transit agencies understand the gravity of the situation.</p>

Stop AAPI Hate told The Standard that it has also recorded many verbal assault incidents on San Francisco’s public transit. According to its <a href="https://stopaapihate.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Stop-AAPI-Hate-Year-2-Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two-year data report</a>, 9% of all the anti-Asian incidents reported happened on public transit.

<p>Stop AAPI Hate told The Standard that it has also recorded many verbal assault incidents on San Francisco’s public transit. According to its <a href="https://stopaapihate.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Stop-AAPI-Hate-Year-2-Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two-year data report</a>, 9% of all the anti-Asian incidents reported happened on public transit.</p>

Sharon Lai poses for a portrait on the T-Third Street line in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, July 1, 2022. | Juliana Yamada/The Standard


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/MTA-Board-Lai_INLINED.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-58240"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sharon Lai poses for a portrait on the T-Third Street line in San Francisco on July 1, 2022. | Juliana Yamada/The Standard</figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/MTA-Board-Lai_INLINED.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-58240"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sharon Lai poses for a portrait on the T-Third Street line in San Francisco on July 1, 2022. | Juliana Yamada/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Lai was a strong advocate for transit safety while serving on the SFMTA board, but she said it was so hard to pull data that could be used to design policies for potential violence intervention.

<p>Lai was a strong advocate for transit safety while serving on the SFMTA board, but she said it was so hard to pull data that could be used to design policies for potential violence intervention.</p>

The transit survey and the associated online tools will be developed by San Jose State University’s Mineta Transportation Institute, with community groups providing further input. The institute <a href="https://transweb.sjsu.edu/sites/default/files/Security%20Perspective%202022%20%2808.15%29_0.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published a report</a> last year showing the <a href="https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/us-leads-violent-transit-crimes-nyc-los-angeles-san-francisco-philadelphia/631738/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growing trend</a> of attacks and fatalities on public transportation passengers and employees in the U.S.

<p>The transit survey and the associated online tools will be developed by San Jose State University’s Mineta Transportation Institute, with community groups providing further input. The institute <a href="https://transweb.sjsu.edu/sites/default/files/Security%20Perspective%202022%20%2808.15%29_0.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published a report</a> last year showing the <a href="https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/us-leads-violent-transit-crimes-nyc-los-angeles-san-francisco-philadelphia/631738/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growing trend</a> of attacks and fatalities on public transportation passengers and employees in the U.S.</p>

The bill is part of a larger effort of the “<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/california-bills-aim-curb-anti-asian-attacks-women-vulnerable-groups-rcna16571" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">No Place for Hate</a>” campaign in the state Legislature, signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2022.

<p>The bill is part of a larger effort of the “<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/california-bills-aim-curb-anti-asian-attacks-women-vulnerable-groups-rcna16571" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">No Place for Hate</a>” campaign in the state Legislature, signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2022.</p>

“Hearing about this gives me hope,” Lai said. “The feeling of the community will finally be documented and validated.”

<p>“Hearing about this gives me hope,” Lai said. “The feeling of the community will finally be documented and validated.”</p>

One in 10 anti-Asian incidents happen on public transit. Now California’s agencies have to track them

After crossing seven countries, Yeniffer Bejarano and her three toddlers arrived in San Francisco from Colombia in July. Her first priority was finding a school for her Spanish-speaking kids.

<p>After crossing seven countries, Yeniffer Bejarano and her three toddlers arrived in San Francisco from Colombia in July. Her first priority was finding a school for her Spanish-speaking kids.</p>

&#8220;When I arrived, the children were very afraid to go to school,&#8221; Bejarano said in Spanish. &#8220;I went to the school district, and they recommended a transition school for newcomers.&#8221;

<p>"When I arrived, the children were very afraid to go to school," Bejarano said in Spanish. "I went to the school district, and they recommended a transition school for newcomers."</p>

<p>&#8220;When I arrived, the children were very afraid to go to school,&#8221; Bejarano said in Spanish. &#8220;I went to the school district, and they recommended a transition school for newcomers.&#8221;</p>

She was referred to Mission Education Center, a Noe Valley elementary school serving Spanish-speaking immigrants. The school provides a soft landing for newcomers from Spanish-speaking regions, offering special-needs support with social workers and nurses to help students recover from difficult immigration experiences.

<p>She was referred to Mission Education Center, a Noe Valley elementary school serving Spanish-speaking immigrants. The school provides a soft landing for newcomers from Spanish-speaking regions, offering special-needs support with social workers and nurses to help students recover from difficult immigration experiences.</p>

Yeniffer Bajarano speaks during a protest at the Mission Education Center in San Francisco on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Parents and staff at Mission Education Center, a public school serving Spanish-speaking immigrants, are holding a rally to protest the school cuts.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8715626720_latinokidimmigrants_010.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person speaks into a microphone at a rally, holding a sign about social workers. Others stand nearby with signs, and houses are visible in the background." class="wp-image-379349"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yeniffer Bejarano, a Colombian immigrant whose children attend the school, speaks out against the staffing cuts.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8715626720_latinokidimmigrants_010.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person speaks into a microphone at a rally, holding a sign about social workers. Others stand nearby with signs, and houses are visible in the background." class="wp-image-379349"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yeniffer Bejarano, a Colombian immigrant whose children attend the school, speaks out against the staffing cuts.</figcaption></figure>

With President Donald Trump’s rhetoric and early actions triggering widespread fear of immigration raids, and the San Francisco Unified School District <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/07/sfusd-central-office-school-site-staff-cut/">struggling with budget cuts</a>, immigrant community members are rallying around the need to defend and expand the educational services they rely on.

SFUSD prepares for &#8216;painful&#8217; cuts across schools, central office

<p>With President Donald Trump’s rhetoric and early actions triggering widespread fear of immigration raids, and the San Francisco Unified School District <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/07/sfusd-central-office-school-site-staff-cut/">struggling with budget cuts</a>, immigrant community members are rallying around the need to defend and expand the educational services they rely on.</p>

This week, more than 70 kids, parents, and staffers held a protest outside the MEC campus against planned cuts to the school. Specifically, the budget calls for reducing staffing from four to just two teachers for grades 1 through 5, which could mean three grades combined in one classroom. The cuts also would reduce a full-time social worker position to part-time and eliminate all nurses and paraeducators.

<p>This week, more than 70 kids, parents, and staffers held a protest outside the MEC campus against planned cuts to the school. Specifically, the budget calls for reducing staffing from four to just two teachers for grades 1 through 5, which could mean three grades combined in one classroom. The cuts also would reduce a full-time social worker position to part-time and eliminate all nurses and paraeducators.</p>

&#8220;We want to let everyone know how important our school is, how important this service is in a sanctuary district for our immigrant families,&#8221; a school staff member, who wished to remain anonymous due to concerns about retaliation, said at the rally.

<p>"We want to let everyone know how important our school is, how important this service is in a sanctuary district for our immigrant families," a school staff member, who wished to remain anonymous due to concerns about retaliation, said at the rally.</p>

<p>&#8220;We want to let everyone know how important our school is, how important this service is in a sanctuary district for our immigrant families,&#8221; a school staff member, who wished to remain anonymous due to concerns about retaliation, said at the rally.</p>

Kimberly Ruano, 32, arrived in the U.S. more than a year ago from Guatemala and has two children enrolled at MEC. She said many immigrants face challenges such as family separation and food, job, and housing insecurity. The children have often undergone trauma and need specialized support before transitioning to general education.

<p>Kimberly Ruano, 32, arrived in the U.S. more than a year ago from Guatemala and has two children enrolled at MEC. She said many immigrants face challenges such as family separation and food, job, and housing insecurity. The children have often undergone trauma and need specialized support before transitioning to general education.</p>

At MEC, specialized staff aim to “make the school environment feel like home,&#8221; Ruano said in Spanish through a translator. &#8220;With two teachers in one or two classrooms, how are they going to support each child with different needs?&#8221;

<p>At MEC, specialized staff aim to “make the school environment feel like home," Ruano said in Spanish through a translator. "With two teachers in one or two classrooms, how are they going to support each child with different needs?"</p>

<p>At MEC, specialized staff aim to “make the school environment feel like home,&#8221; Ruano said in Spanish through a translator. &#8220;With two teachers in one or two classrooms, how are they going to support each child with different needs?&#8221;</p>

Only 18 students are enrolled for next year, but numbers are expected to grow as immigrants arrive throughout the year.

<p>Only 18 students are enrolled for next year, but numbers are expected to grow as immigrants arrive throughout the year.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fears-of-closure">Fears of closure </h2>


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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fears-of-closure">Fears of closure </h2>

In early 2024, Edwin and Anita Lee Newcomer School in Chinatown, which serves Chinese immigrant newcomers, merged with a nearby school due to low enrollment, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/09/is-san-francisco-about-to-close-some-schools-chinatown-could-see-the-first-to-go/">becoming the first in the district to lose its campus in recent years</a>.

Is San Francisco about to close some schools? Chinatown could see the first to go

<p>In early 2024, Edwin and Anita Lee Newcomer School in Chinatown, which serves Chinese immigrant newcomers, merged with a nearby school due to low enrollment, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/09/is-san-francisco-about-to-close-some-schools-chinatown-could-see-the-first-to-go/">becoming the first in the district to lose its campus in recent years</a>.</p>

While the district has halted a school closure plan, and Superintendent Maria Su has stated that no schools will close in the coming year, families are worried.&nbsp;

<p>While the district has halted a school closure plan, and Superintendent Maria Su has stated that no schools will close in the coming year, families are worried.&nbsp;</p>

Kids chant and hold signs during a protest at the Mission Education Center in San Francisco on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Parents and staff at Mission Education Center, a public school serving Spanish-speaking immigrants, are holding a rally to protest the school cuts.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8715626720_latinokidimmigrants_003.jpg?w=2500" alt="Children hold protest signs about education beside a yellow school bus. The signs express demands for inclusive decision-making and support for immigrant families." class="wp-image-379351"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mission Education Center students at the protest.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8715626720_latinokidimmigrants_003.jpg?w=2500" alt="Children hold protest signs about education beside a yellow school bus. The signs express demands for inclusive decision-making and support for immigrant families." class="wp-image-379351"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mission Education Center students at the protest.</figcaption></figure>

Some parents believe SFUSD intends to redirect more students to other schools and phase out MEC’s K-5 programs.

<p>Some parents believe SFUSD intends to redirect more students to other schools and phase out MEC’s K-5 programs.</p>

&#8220;I think the district has a coordinated and hidden effort to eventually close the newcomer program at this school,&#8221; said parent Katie Geiger-Schuller. She said the removal of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten is an example of efforts to disincentivize immigrant families with multiple kids from attending MEC.

<p>"I think the district has a coordinated and hidden effort to eventually close the newcomer program at this school," said parent Katie Geiger-Schuller. She said the removal of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten is an example of efforts to disincentivize immigrant families with multiple kids from attending MEC.</p>

<p>&#8220;I think the district has a coordinated and hidden effort to eventually close the newcomer program at this school,&#8221; said parent Katie Geiger-Schuller. She said the removal of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten is an example of efforts to disincentivize immigrant families with multiple kids from attending MEC.</p>

SFUSD has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/17/sfusd-enrollment-surge-tk/">added two more transitional kindergarten classes</a> to MEC while offering no kindergarten this year. Geiger-Schuller speculated that this marked the beginning of an effort to slowly turn MEC into an early care center.

SF public schools get surprising surge in applications

<p>SFUSD has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/17/sfusd-enrollment-surge-tk/">added two more transitional kindergarten classes</a> to MEC while offering no kindergarten this year. Geiger-Schuller speculated that this marked the beginning of an effort to slowly turn MEC into an early care center.</p>

An SFUSD spokesperson said the district remains committed to serving newcomer students, and Spanish-speaking newcomer families have the option of enrolling at MEC or a school with general education and biliteracy programs.

<p>An SFUSD spokesperson said the district remains committed to serving newcomer students, and Spanish-speaking newcomer families have the option of enrolling at MEC or a school with general education and biliteracy programs.</p>

There are 13 elementary schools with more newcomer students enrolled than MEC, according to the district. While other schools might offer more options, MEC will remain open, at least for the next school year, district officials stress.

<p>There are 13 elementary schools with more newcomer students enrolled than MEC, according to the district. While other schools might offer more options, MEC will remain open, at least for the next school year, district officials stress.</p>

&#8220;There are no plans to close or co-locate Mission Education Center at another location next year,&#8221; an SFUSD statement said.

<p>"There are no plans to close or co-locate Mission Education Center at another location next year," an SFUSD statement said.</p>

<p>&#8220;There are no plans to close or co-locate Mission Education Center at another location next year,&#8221; an SFUSD statement said.</p>

But for Bejarano, the news isn’t reassuring. Her three children are anxious, affected by both the political climate and the prospect of transferring to general education schools that lack the specialized support MEC provides.

<p>But for Bejarano, the news isn’t reassuring. Her three children are anxious, affected by both the political climate and the prospect of transferring to general education schools that lack the specialized support MEC provides.</p>

&#8220;They&#8217;re nervous about being in a school where everyone speaks English and no one understands them,&#8221; she said.

<p>"They're nervous about being in a school where everyone speaks English and no one understands them," she said.</p>

<p>&#8220;They&#8217;re nervous about being in a school where everyone speaks English and no one understands them,&#8221; she said.</p>

Amid Trump’s threats, this SF school for immigrant kids feels on edge

Gabe Greschler

The mother of Daniel Baran, a 19-year-old who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/surfing-bart-trains-moms-beg-kids-stop-after-sons-deaths/">died last year while attempting to ride atop a BART</a> train, is suing the transit agency.&nbsp;

Two teens died &#8216;surfing&#8217; BART trains. Their grieving mothers are begging people to stop

<p>The mother of Daniel Baran, a 19-year-old who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/surfing-bart-trains-moms-beg-kids-stop-after-sons-deaths/">died last year while attempting to ride atop a BART</a> train, is suing the transit agency.&nbsp;</p>

The suit, filed Wednesday in San Francisco Superior Court, claims the trains lacked safety mechanisms that would have prevented his death.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>The suit, filed Wednesday in San Francisco Superior Court, claims the trains lacked safety mechanisms that would have prevented his death.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Marina Baran further alleges that the agency was aware that others had been climbing its trains to record “surfing” stunts and post the footage on social media.

<p>Marina Baran further alleges that the agency was aware that others had been climbing its trains to record “surfing” stunts and post the footage on social media. </p>

Daniel Baran graduated from Lowell High School and was a history student at Skyline College. He died Jan. 29 after climbing out of the BART train and falling on the tracks around Balboa Park Station.&nbsp;

<p>Daniel Baran graduated from Lowell High School and was a history student at Skyline College. He died Jan. 29 after climbing out of the BART train and falling on the tracks around Balboa Park Station.&nbsp;</p>

Marina Baran previously told The Standard that her son was last seen climbing between the two rubber spacers where the train carriages meet.

<p>Marina Baran previously told The Standard that her son was last seen climbing between the two rubber spacers where the train carriages meet.</p>

The break between BART train cars where people are known to exit through to climb atop cars to “surf” them is visible on a train stopped at the Daly City station on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240212_bartsurfingdeaths-26.jpg?w=2500" alt="A photo shows the space between two BART train carriages." class="wp-image-248975"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The gap between BART train cars is visible on a train at the Daly City station.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240212_bartsurfingdeaths-26.jpg?w=2500" alt="A photo shows the space between two BART train carriages." class="wp-image-248975"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The gap between BART train cars is visible on a train at the Daly City station.</figcaption></figure>

“The spacers allowed and encouraged riders to contact the train’s exterior, and to climb the spacers to the train’s roof,” the lawsuit states. “Indeed, before Daniel’s death, riders had used spacers to climb to the top of BART trains, a practice called ‘train surfing.’”&nbsp;

<p>“The spacers allowed and encouraged riders to contact the train’s exterior, and to climb the spacers to the train’s roof,” the lawsuit states. “Indeed, before Daniel’s death, riders had used spacers to climb to the top of BART trains, a practice called ‘train surfing.’”&nbsp;</p>

The lawsuit says the trains should be “equipped with monitors, sensors, or alarms” to prevent passengers from accessing the exterior.&nbsp;

<p>The lawsuit says the trains should be “equipped with monitors, sensors, or alarms” to prevent passengers from accessing the exterior.&nbsp;</p>

Marina Baran looks out the window of a BART train car on the way to the Daly City station on Monday, February. 12, 2024. Baran’s son, Daniel, is one of two individuals who have died within the span of two weeks after attempting to “surf” BART trains between the Balboa Park and Daly City stations. BART surfing is a dangerous social media trend that involves climbing out onto the top of BART trains to ride atop the train cars.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240212_bartsurfingdeaths-33.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman gazes out a train window, trees blur past. She wears a maroon jacket, holding onto a rail, seemingly lost in thought." class="wp-image-248978"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Baran is suing BART, claiming it failed to install safety mechanisms on trains that would have prevented her son&#8217;s death.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240212_bartsurfingdeaths-33.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman gazes out a train window, trees blur past. She wears a maroon jacket, holding onto a rail, seemingly lost in thought." class="wp-image-248978"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Baran is suing BART, claiming it failed to install safety mechanisms on trains that would have prevented her son's death.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240212_bartsurfingdeaths-33.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman gazes out a train window, trees blur past. She wears a maroon jacket, holding onto a rail, seemingly lost in thought." class="wp-image-248978"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Baran is suing BART, claiming it failed to install safety mechanisms on trains that would have prevented her son&#8217;s death.</figcaption></figure>

Less than two weeks after Baran’s death, a 15-year-old died while climbing a BART train. The boy, whose name was not shared publicly, was the owner of a popular social media account that featured videos of him atop the city’s skyscrapers and Muni buses.

<p>Less than two weeks after Baran’s death, a 15-year-old died while climbing a BART train. The boy, whose name was not shared publicly, was the owner of a popular social media account that featured videos of him atop the city’s skyscrapers and Muni buses.</p>

Baran&#8217;s lawsuit isn’t the first related to a death that occurred while surfing a city transit network. In 2021, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/muni-sfmta-surfing-lawsuit-18512852.php">the family of Todd Odnamar</a> sued the city after he was killed <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/news/bayarea/article/Man-Killed-After-Being-Ran-Over-Muni-Train-14974816.php">while placing himself between two Muni light-rail cars</a>.&nbsp;

<p>Baran's lawsuit isn’t the first related to a death that occurred while surfing a city transit network. In 2021, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/muni-sfmta-surfing-lawsuit-18512852.php">the family of Todd Odnamar</a> sued the city after he was killed <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/news/bayarea/article/Man-Killed-After-Being-Ran-Over-Muni-Train-14974816.php">while placing himself between two Muni light-rail cars</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Baran&#8217;s lawsuit isn’t the first related to a death that occurred while surfing a city transit network. In 2021, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/muni-sfmta-surfing-lawsuit-18512852.php">the family of Todd Odnamar</a> sued the city after he was killed <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/news/bayarea/article/Man-Killed-After-Being-Ran-Over-Muni-Train-14974816.php">while placing himself between two Muni light-rail cars</a>.&nbsp;</p>

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A San Francisco Chronicle <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/muni-sfmta-surfing-lawsuit-18512852.php">report</a> from 2023 pegs the number of people surfing Muni cars at 46 since 2015.

<p>A San Francisco Chronicle <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/muni-sfmta-surfing-lawsuit-18512852.php">report</a> from 2023 pegs the number of people surfing Muni cars at 46 since 2015.</p>

BART and Baran’s mother, who is representing herself pro se, declined to comment.

<p>BART and Baran’s mother, who is representing herself pro se, declined to comment. </p>

In July, Baran’s mother and her husband filed a claim for damages against BART. That claim was rejected in September, the lawsuit states. 

<p>In July, Baran’s mother and her husband filed a claim for damages against BART. That claim was rejected in September, the lawsuit states. </p>

Her son died ‘surfing’ BART trains. Now she’s suing the agency

Julie Zigoris

One of the Bay Area’s most glorious attributes—its natural beauty—can feel out of reach for anyone who lacks reliable access to a car.&nbsp;

<p>One of the Bay Area’s most glorious attributes—its natural beauty—can feel out of reach for anyone who lacks reliable access to a car.&nbsp;</p>

But it needn’t be this way. One local is trying to change the perception that you need a vehicle to get yourself to remote trails or other great hiking destinations.&nbsp;

<p>But it needn’t be this way. One local is trying to change the perception that you need a vehicle to get yourself to remote trails or other great hiking destinations.&nbsp;</p>

<a href="https://twitter.com/dotTsch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evan Tschuy</a> has <a href="https://hikingbytransit.com/map/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">put together a map</a> of hiking trails reachable by public transit from Mendocino National Forest all the way south to San Juan Bautista. It details how you can access both popular and lesser-known trails—all without a need for wheels.

<p><a href="https://twitter.com/dotTsch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evan Tschuy</a> has <a href="https://hikingbytransit.com/map/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">put together a map</a> of hiking trails reachable by public transit from Mendocino National Forest all the way south to San Juan Bautista. It details how you can access both popular and lesser-known trails—all without a need for wheels.</p>

Tschuy’s recommended hikes are divided into three categories—East Bay, Marin County and South Bay—though the map covers a much larger expanse. And while some require walking to or from a transit station, they never take more than 30 minutes or so to get to the trailhead.&nbsp;

<p>Tschuy’s recommended hikes are divided into three categories—East Bay, Marin County and South Bay—though the map covers a much larger expanse. And while some require walking to or from a transit station, they never take more than 30 minutes or so to get to the trailhead.&nbsp;</p>

Tschuy’s map includes his own assessments of trails and regions, some with pithy statements like “Lafayette is interesting” and “Siesta Valley is odd.” He has surveyed transit agencies from BART to SamTrans in San Mateo County to Caltrain.

<p>Tschuy’s map includes his own assessments of trails and regions, some with pithy statements like “Lafayette is interesting” and “Siesta Valley is odd.” He has surveyed transit agencies from BART to SamTrans in San Mateo County to Caltrain.</p>

“Our lands feature everything from cool, damp redwood forests to rolling oak savannas,” Tschuy writes on his website. “One of the most incredible parts of living here is how much of it is public land—<em>our</em> land—open for anyone to explore.”

<p>“Our lands feature everything from cool, damp redwood forests to rolling oak savannas,” Tschuy writes on his website. “One of the most incredible parts of living here is how much of it is public land—<em>our</em> land—open for anyone to explore.”</p>

Below, we’re including a few highlights from Tschuy&#8217;s map.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>Below, we’re including a few highlights from Tschuy's map.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Below, we’re including a few highlights from Tschuy&#8217;s map.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Black Diamond Mines: Clayton to Antioch&nbsp;


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-diamond-mines-clayton-to-antioch-nbsp">Black Diamond Mines: Clayton to Antioch&nbsp;</h2>


On this 10-mile trek deep in Contra Costa County, you’ll <a href="https://hikingbytransit.com/hikes/black-diamond-through-hike/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pass by former coal fields</a>—and it just so happens to be Tschuy’s favorite hike in the East Bay Regional Park District. Along with incredible views, you can also enjoy exploring a 200-foot-long prospecting tunnel and an atmospheric cemetery.&nbsp;

<p>On this 10-mile trek deep in Contra Costa County, you’ll <a href="https://hikingbytransit.com/hikes/black-diamond-through-hike/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pass by former coal fields</a>—and it just so happens to be Tschuy’s favorite hike in the East Bay Regional Park District. Along with incredible views, you can also enjoy exploring a 200-foot-long prospecting tunnel and an atmospheric cemetery.&nbsp;</p>

Mount Tamalpais State Park is stunned under a blanket of fog.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1548" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/FEATURED_FoggySummerPhotoEssay07062023-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="Distant mountains enveloped in low fog with a row of conifers in the foreground" class="wp-image-178991"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mount Tamalpais State Park is stunned under a blanket of fog.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/FEATURED_FoggySummerPhotoEssay07062023-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="Distant mountains enveloped in low fog with a row of conifers in the foreground" class="wp-image-178991"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mount Tamalpais State Park is stunned under a blanket of fog.</figcaption></figure>

Mount Tamalpais: Panoramic Highway to East Peak&nbsp;


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mount-tamalpais-panoramic-highway-to-east-peak-nbsp">Mount Tamalpais: Panoramic Highway to East Peak&nbsp;</h2>


There’s arguably no better view of the North Bay than from Mount Tamalpais, or as Tschuy notes, “Mt. Tam between friends.” There are multiple options for summiting the Sleeping Beauty—try the <a href="https://hikingbytransit.com/hikes/mt-tam-southern/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medium-hard version</a> that’s most accessible from San Francisco.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>There’s arguably no better view of the North Bay than from Mount Tamalpais, or as Tschuy notes, “Mt. Tam between friends.” There are multiple options for summiting the Sleeping Beauty—try the <a href="https://hikingbytransit.com/hikes/mt-tam-southern/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medium-hard version</a> that’s most accessible from San Francisco.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alum-rock-penitencia-creek-trail-nbsp">Alum Rock: Penitencia Creek Trail&nbsp;</h2>


<a href="https://hikingbytransit.com/hikes/alum-rock-penitencia-creek/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Start from the Berryessa-North San Jose BART Station</a> and go all the way to <a href="https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/2088/2028" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alum Rock Park</a>, one of California’s oldest municipal state parks. Old railways along this trail once carried San Jose residents to mineral water resorts that used to line the canyon. (Believe it or not, San Jose <a href="https://sjtoday.6amcity.com/alum-rock-park-mineral-spring-history-san-jose-ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">used to be known across the country</a> for its natural spring waters, which allegedly provided numerous health benefits.) You’ll find remnants of that past, as well as modern-day amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas, and you can make your hike through the park as long or as short—as challenging or as easy—as you’d like.

<p><a href="https://hikingbytransit.com/hikes/alum-rock-penitencia-creek/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Start from the Berryessa-North San Jose BART Station</a> and go all the way to <a href="https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/2088/2028" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alum Rock Park</a>, one of California’s oldest municipal state parks. Old railways along this trail once carried San Jose residents to mineral water resorts that used to line the canyon. (Believe it or not, San Jose <a href="https://sjtoday.6amcity.com/alum-rock-park-mineral-spring-history-san-jose-ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">used to be known across the country</a> for its natural spring waters, which allegedly provided numerous health benefits.) You’ll find remnants of that past, as well as modern-day amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas, and you can make your hike through the park as long or as short—as challenging or as easy—as you’d like.</p>

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Go take a hike—without a car—on these sweet Bay Area trails accessible by public transit