David Sjostedt

San Francisco was in the middle of a political dogfight over the deadly fentanyl epidemic when drug activist Nova Schultz entered the public eye in the summer of 2023.

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<p>San Francisco was in the middle of a political dogfight over the deadly fentanyl epidemic when drug activist Nova Schultz entered the public eye in the summer of 2023.</p>

People were dying of overdoses at a record rate. Drug markets engulfed many downtown sidewalks. And for the first time in years, police were arresting people for using drugs after a crackdown began in the spring.

<p>People were dying of overdoses at a record rate. Drug markets engulfed many downtown sidewalks. And for the first time in years, police were arresting people for using drugs after a crackdown began in the spring.</p>

By Aug. 31 of that year, International Overdose Awareness Day, the city’s ideological factions were fuming over the crisis. That day, Schultz stood on the steps of City Hall, flanked by progressive politicians and nonprofit leaders, holding a homemade sign.

<p>By Aug. 31 of that year, International Overdose Awareness Day, the city’s ideological factions were fuming over the crisis. That day, Schultz stood on the steps of City Hall, flanked by progressive politicians and nonprofit leaders, holding a homemade sign.</p>

“Downtown is for drug users,” it read.

<p>“Downtown is for drug users,” it read.</p>

Images of the placard immediately went viral. Tenderloin leaders and online critics <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/05/san-francisco-drug-users-tenderloin-posters/">seethed over the message</a>. But Schultz, always a provocateur, pressed on, hanging posters with the slogan around downtown and forming a coalition of like-minded activists, the Drug User Liberation Collective.&nbsp;

Posters promoting illegal drug use pop up in downtown San Francisco

<p>Images of the placard immediately went viral. Tenderloin leaders and online critics <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/05/san-francisco-drug-users-tenderloin-posters/">seethed over the message</a>. But Schultz, always a provocateur, pressed on, hanging posters with the slogan around downtown and forming a coalition of like-minded activists, the Drug User Liberation Collective.&nbsp;</p>

Nova Schultz holds up a sign that says “Downtown is for drug users” on the steps of City Hall during International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, 2023.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/53155008727_71e4f28418_o.jpg?w=1667" alt="A protester with teal hair and sunglasses holds a cardboard sign that reads &quot;DOWNTOWN is for DRUG USERS.&quot; Another colorful sign in the background reads &quot;NARCAN SAVES LIVES.&quot;" class="wp-image-388304"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nova Schultz on the steps of City Hall during International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31, 2023.</figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/53155008727_71e4f28418_o.jpg?w=1667" alt="A protester with teal hair and sunglasses holds a cardboard sign that reads &quot;DOWNTOWN is for DRUG USERS.&quot; Another colorful sign in the background reads &quot;NARCAN SAVES LIVES.&quot;" class="wp-image-388304"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nova Schultz on the steps of City Hall during International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31, 2023.</figcaption></figure>

Schultz, who used they/them pronouns, said they hoped to sway the city from its shift to anti-drug policies. Ultimately, the opposite happened.&nbsp;

<p>Schultz, who used they/them pronouns, said they hoped to sway the city from its shift to anti-drug policies. Ultimately, the opposite happened.&nbsp;</p>

City leaders have since introduced a slew of drug enforcement measures. And on Oct. 30, at age 42, Schultz fatally overdosed on methamphetamine, anti-anxiety meds, and three types of fentanyl in their apartment at Sacramento and Polk streets, according to the medical examiner&#8217;s office.&nbsp;

<p>City leaders have since introduced a slew of drug enforcement measures. And on Oct. 30, at age 42, Schultz fatally overdosed on methamphetamine, anti-anxiety meds, and three types of fentanyl in their apartment at Sacramento and Polk streets, according to the medical examiner's office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>City leaders have since introduced a slew of drug enforcement measures. And on Oct. 30, at age 42, Schultz fatally overdosed on methamphetamine, anti-anxiety meds, and three types of fentanyl in their apartment at Sacramento and Polk streets, according to the medical examiner&#8217;s office.&nbsp;</p>

They’re remembered by family and friends for their intelligence and generosity. But they were also known for their willingness to be controversial —&nbsp;a tendency that may have proved counterproductive in their campaign to win public sympathy for drug users.

<p>They’re remembered by family and friends for their intelligence and generosity. But they were also known for their willingness to be controversial —&nbsp;a tendency that may have proved counterproductive in their campaign to win public sympathy for drug users.</p>

“They liked shocking people,” said Andrea Schultz, Nova’s sister. “Sometimes that worked out really well for them. Other times it caused friction.”&nbsp;

<p>“They liked shocking people,” said Andrea Schultz, Nova’s sister. “Sometimes that worked out really well for them. Other times it caused friction.”&nbsp;</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-trailblazer">‘A trailblazer’</h2>


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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-trailblazer">‘A trailblazer’</h2>

Growing up in Kentucky, Nova was a talented piano player who graduated at the top of their high school class at 16, according to their father, Marvin Schultz. At 19, they moved to Cincinnati and were immersed in the anti-police riots of 2001. Later that year, they came out as gay and moved to San Francisco. 

<p>Growing up in Kentucky, Nova was a talented piano player who graduated at the top of their high school class at 16, according to their father, Marvin Schultz. At 19, they moved to Cincinnati and were immersed in the anti-police riots of 2001. Later that year, they came out as gay and moved to San Francisco. </p>

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<div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_5599-edited.jpg" alt="A family" class="wp-image-388310"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Schultz, middle, with family.</figcaption></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_5495-edited.jpg" alt="A photo of 3 little boys" class="wp-image-388309"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Schultz, middle, as a child.</figcaption></figure></div>

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<div class="wp-block-columns reduce-gutter"><div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_5599-edited.jpg" alt="A family" class="wp-image-388310"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Schultz, middle, with family.</figcaption></figure></div><div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_5495-edited.jpg" alt="A photo of 3 little boys" class="wp-image-388309"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Schultz, middle, as a child.</figcaption></figure></div></div>

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<div class="wp-block-group alignwide"><div class="wp-block-columns reduce-gutter"><div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_5599-edited.jpg" alt="A family" class="wp-image-388310"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Schultz, middle, with family.</figcaption></figure></div><div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_5495-edited.jpg" alt="A photo of 3 little boys" class="wp-image-388309"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Schultz, middle, as a child.</figcaption></figure></div></div></div>

They couch-surfed and attended a master&#8217;s program for social work at UC Berkeley in 2011, according to Andrea.

<p>They couch-surfed and attended a master's program for social work at UC Berkeley in 2011, according to Andrea.</p>

<p>They couch-surfed and attended a master&#8217;s program for social work at UC Berkeley in 2011, according to Andrea.</p>

They interned for the Drug Users Union, creating a healthcare guide for users. They appeared to be mostly sober at the time, said founding union member Isaac Jackson.

<p>They interned for the Drug Users Union, creating a healthcare guide for users. They appeared to be mostly sober at the time, said founding union member Isaac Jackson.</p>

“They were a trailblazer,” Jackson said. “And they were very proud of their work with us.”&nbsp;

<p>“They were a trailblazer,” Jackson said. “And they were very proud of their work with us.”&nbsp;</p>

Friends and family aren’t sure when Nova became addicted to drugs. But in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/05/san-francisco-drug-users-tenderloin-posters/">an interview with The Standard</a> last January, they said they were a “drug user in recovery.” For 20 years, they had cycled in and out of rehabs, they said, fighting their addiction and the stigma associated with it.

<p>Friends and family aren’t sure when Nova became addicted to drugs. But in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/05/san-francisco-drug-users-tenderloin-posters/">an interview with The Standard</a> last January, they said they were a “drug user in recovery.” For 20 years, they had cycled in and out of rehabs, they said, fighting their addiction and the stigma associated with it.</p>

They used their story to argue that many drug users are incapable of kicking their habit, and that legal persecution only worsens their condition.

<p>They used their story to argue that many drug users are incapable of kicking their habit, and that legal persecution only worsens their condition.</p>

“Our lives are inherently criminalized. It’s illegal to be us,” Nova said. “People who use drugs are not morally corrupt.”

<p>“Our lives are inherently criminalized. It’s illegal to be us,” Nova said. “People who use drugs are not morally corrupt.”</p>

Flyers aimed at fighting anti-drug stigma were posted on Willow Street in the Tenderloin.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/downtownfordrugs-3.jpg?w=2500" alt="Flyers aimed at fighting anti-drug stigma were posted on Willow Street in the Tenderloin." class="wp-image-388271"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Flyers aimed at fighting anti-drug stigma are posted on Willow Street in the Tenderloin.</figcaption></figure>


<div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/drugposter_01_77cda2.jpg?w=1600" alt="Posters advocating for harm reduction and admonishing punitive measures toward drug activity were posted in the Tenderloin." class="wp-image-388332"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Posters in the Tenderloin advocate for harm reduction.</figcaption></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-columns reduce-gutter"><div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/drugposter_01_77cda2.jpg?w=1600" alt="Posters advocating for harm reduction and admonishing punitive measures toward drug activity were posted in the Tenderloin." class="wp-image-388332"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Posters in the Tenderloin advocate for harm reduction.</figcaption></figure></div><div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/drugposter_02.jpg?w=1600" alt="Posters advocating for harm reduction and admonishing punitive measures toward drug activity were posted in the Tenderloin." class="wp-image-388333"/></figure></div></div>

<div class="wp-block-group alignwide"><div class="wp-block-columns reduce-gutter"><div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/drugposter_01_77cda2.jpg?w=1600" alt="Posters advocating for harm reduction and admonishing punitive measures toward drug activity were posted in the Tenderloin." class="wp-image-388332"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Posters in the Tenderloin advocate for harm reduction.</figcaption></figure></div><div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/drugposter_02.jpg?w=1600" alt="Posters advocating for harm reduction and admonishing punitive measures toward drug activity were posted in the Tenderloin." class="wp-image-388333"/></figure></div></div></div>

Even as a practicing psychologist, Andrea is unsure what the answer is for people like Nova with severe addictions. Attempts by family and friends to confront Nova on their drug use often drove them further apart.

<p>Even as a practicing psychologist, Andrea is unsure what the answer is for people like Nova with severe addictions. Attempts by family and friends to confront Nova on their drug use often drove them further apart.</p>

Nova severed relationships, cycling in and out of hospitals, rehabs, and housing. But still, they often told loved ones they thought they were immune to dying from drugs.&nbsp;

<p>Nova severed relationships, cycling in and out of hospitals, rehabs, and housing. But still, they often told loved ones they thought they were immune to dying from drugs.&nbsp;</p>

“I understood it wasn&#8217;t a decision I could make for them,” Andrea said. “Because if it was, I would have made them move home. I would have made them live in my basement. I would have said, ‘No fucking drugs.’”

<p>“I understood it wasn't a decision I could make for them,” Andrea said. “Because if it was, I would have made them move home. I would have made them live in my basement. I would have said, ‘No fucking drugs.’”</p>

<p>“I understood it wasn&#8217;t a decision I could make for them,” Andrea said. “Because if it was, I would have made them move home. I would have made them live in my basement. I would have said, ‘No fucking drugs.’”</p>

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That said, Andrea believes Nova’s radical understanding of harm reduction contributed to their demise. She said Nova was selectively leaning into certain principles in a way that was fueled by their own addiction.

<p>That said, Andrea believes Nova’s radical understanding of harm reduction contributed to their demise. She said Nova was selectively leaning into certain principles in a way that was fueled by their own addiction.</p>

“They didn’t want to stop. &#8230; It was almost like harm reduction gave them a license to use,” Andrea said. “I don&#8217;t think that from a policy standpoint, going back to abstinence-only and enforcing that alone is a good thing. But there has to be something between the form of harm reduction Nova practiced, and abstinence only.”

<p>“They didn’t want to stop. ... It was almost like harm reduction gave them a license to use,” Andrea said. “I don't think that from a policy standpoint, going back to abstinence-only and enforcing that alone is a good thing. But there has to be something between the form of harm reduction Nova practiced, and abstinence only.”</p>

<p>“They didn’t want to stop. &#8230; It was almost like harm reduction gave them a license to use,” Andrea said. “I don&#8217;t think that from a policy standpoint, going back to abstinence-only and enforcing that alone is a good thing. But there has to be something between the form of harm reduction Nova practiced, and abstinence only.”</p>


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/advocateending.jpg?w=1600" alt="A photo of a man" class="wp-image-388318"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Schultz was &#8220;an incredibly generous human being,” their sister said.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/advocateending.jpg?w=1600" alt="A photo of a man" class="wp-image-388318"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Schultz was "an incredibly generous human being,” their sister said.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/advocateending.jpg?w=1600" alt="A photo of a man" class="wp-image-388318"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Schultz was &#8220;an incredibly generous human being,” their sister said.</figcaption></figure>

Even Jackson, who has spent much of his life advocating for the rights of drug users, said he was concerned by Nova’s habit.&nbsp;

<p>Even Jackson, who has spent much of his life advocating for the rights of drug users, said he was concerned by Nova’s habit.&nbsp;</p>

“I thought fentanyl was extremely dangerous,” said Jackson, who only uses stimulants. “I kept asking them if they could somehow stop doing it.”

<p>“I thought fentanyl was extremely dangerous,” said Jackson, who only uses stimulants. “I kept asking them if they could somehow stop doing it.”</p>

A few months before their death, Nova was evicted from a group home due to their drug use, Jackson said. They moved into a studio apartment, often using drugs alone. Jackson believes if they had a safer place to use, such as a safe consumption site, they may still be alive.&nbsp;

<p>A few months before their death, Nova was evicted from a group home due to their drug use, Jackson said. They moved into a studio apartment, often using drugs alone. Jackson believes if they had a safer place to use, such as a safe consumption site, they may still be alive.&nbsp;</p>

“That was the beginning of the end,” Jackson said.&nbsp;

<p>“That was the beginning of the end,” Jackson said.&nbsp;</p>

In their last days, Nova’s body broke down, friends say. A final text message indicated they wanted to quit using. After they died, paperwork about a drug rehab was found in their apartment along with the body.

<p>In their last days, Nova’s body broke down, friends say. A final text message indicated they wanted to quit using. After they died, paperwork about a drug rehab was found in their apartment along with the body.</p>

“They were an incredibly generous human being,” Andrea said. “But they lived hard. They always did. I accepted many years ago that I was going to get this phone call.”

<p>“They were an incredibly generous human being,” Andrea said. “But they lived hard. They always did. I accepted many years ago that I was going to get this phone call.”</p>

Activist behind ‘Downtown is for drug users’ campaign dies of overdose

Astrid Kane

At San Francisco’s first-ever <a href="https://downtownsf.org/do/downtown-hoedown-on-front-street">Downtown Hoedown</a> on Thursday evening, denim-clad wannabe cowboys and cowgirls hooted and hollered as they rode the mechanical bull. Most fell on their butts after about 30 seconds and got up grinning. Yeehaw!

<p>At San Francisco’s first-ever <a href="https://downtownsf.org/do/downtown-hoedown-on-front-street">Downtown Hoedown</a> on Thursday evening, denim-clad wannabe cowboys and cowgirls hooted and hollered as they rode the mechanical bull. Most fell on their butts after about 30 seconds and got up grinning. Yeehaw!</p>

Country had come to the Financial District. A spinoff of <a href="https://www.dftsf.com/">Downtown First Thursdays</a>, the hoedown took place in the year-old alcohol-friendly <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/31/downtown-sf-entertainment-zones-outdoor-drinking/">Front Street Entertainment Zone</a>, a centerpiece of the city’s efforts to breathe new life into the Financial District.&nbsp;

‘The guinea pigs’: SF’s first entertainment zone hopes to make downtown fun again

<p>Country had come to the Financial District. A spinoff of <a href="https://www.dftsf.com/">Downtown First Thursdays</a>, the hoedown took place in the year-old alcohol-friendly <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/31/downtown-sf-entertainment-zones-outdoor-drinking/">Front Street Entertainment Zone</a>, a centerpiece of the city’s efforts to breathe new life into the Financial District.&nbsp;</p>

Local LGBTQ+ nightlife fixture Wild West hosted the event, bringing the giant fiberglass “disco bison” that propelled him to victory at the annual <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/20/hunky-jesus-dolores-park-easter-420-disco-queer-beyonce/">Hunky Jesus contest</a> on Easter in Dolores Park.&nbsp;

Photos: Beyoncé-inspired ‘Hunky Jesus’ rides to victory on fiberglass disco bison 

<p>Local LGBTQ+ nightlife fixture Wild West hosted the event, bringing the giant fiberglass “disco bison” that propelled him to victory at the annual <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/04/20/hunky-jesus-dolores-park-easter-420-disco-queer-beyonce/">Hunky Jesus contest</a> on Easter in Dolores Park.&nbsp;</p>

Downtown First Thursdays debuts the first-ever "Downtown Hoedown" on Thurs, 5/1 from 5-10pm at Front St. between Sacramento and California.. Photos by Alexa Treviño for the Standard

“San Francisco got the message: Country is cool again,” West said in his pronounced Tennessee drawl.

<p>“San Francisco got the message: Country is cool again,” West said in his pronounced Tennessee drawl.</p>

As patrons walked out of Harrington’s Bar &amp; Grill to play a game of horseshoes with $17 “Modeloritas” in hand, musicians Jose Canchola and Sofia Claire performed alt-country sets interspersed with drag performances by Curveball and Mahlae Balenciaga. A number of contestants entered the cowboy hat contest, and Harrington’s co-owner Lucia Camarda won it with a boost from her cowboy boot earrings. (She’d bought the hat earlier in the day at Polk Street thrift shop Out of the Closet.)

<p>As patrons walked out of Harrington’s Bar &amp; Grill to play a game of horseshoes with $17 “Modeloritas” in hand, musicians Jose Canchola and Sofia Claire performed alt-country sets interspersed with drag performances by Curveball and Mahlae Balenciaga. A number of contestants entered the cowboy hat contest, and Harrington’s co-owner Lucia Camarda won it with a boost from her cowboy boot earrings. (She’d bought the hat earlier in the day at Polk Street thrift shop Out of the Closet.)</p>

“We know there&#8217;s a gigantic country-western, bluegrass element in San Francisco that is just dying for options,” said Harrington’s co-owner Ben Bleiman, dressed for the occasion in a Stetson, leather vest, and bolo tie.

<p>“We know there's a gigantic country-western, bluegrass element in San Francisco that is just dying for options,” said Harrington’s co-owner Ben Bleiman, dressed for the occasion in a Stetson, leather vest, and bolo tie.</p>

<p>“We know there&#8217;s a gigantic country-western, bluegrass element in San Francisco that is just dying for options,” said Harrington’s co-owner Ben Bleiman, dressed for the occasion in a Stetson, leather vest, and bolo tie.</p>

These days, country is definitely cool — a cultural shift that last year’s country-heavy <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/10/outsidelands-2024-sanfrancisco-photo-highlights/">Outside Lands lineup</a> proved. And yet the crowd at the inaugural hoedown was notably smaller than at other First Thursday events, which have at times been visited by tens of thousands. Manny Yekutiel of the Civic Joy Fund, which co-produced the event with Katy Birnbaum of cultural production studio Into the Streets, said 8,000 people had registered to attend.

Off-the-wall covers, animal prints and Shaboozey: What we&#8217;ve seen at Outside Lands so far

<p>These days, country is definitely cool — a cultural shift that last year’s country-heavy <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/10/outsidelands-2024-sanfrancisco-photo-highlights/">Outside Lands lineup</a> proved. And yet the crowd at the inaugural hoedown was notably smaller than at other First Thursday events, which have at times been visited by tens of thousands. Manny Yekutiel of the Civic Joy Fund, which co-produced the event with Katy Birnbaum of cultural production studio Into the Streets, said 8,000 people had registered to attend. </p>

The drop in expected attendance was likely due to the fact that the hoedown was happening six blocks from the Downtown First Thursdays’ main event. Several hoedown attendees told The Standard they’d gone to the other event first by mistake. More than one assumed both events were the same.

<p>The drop in expected attendance was likely due to the fact that the hoedown was happening six blocks from the Downtown First Thursdays’ main event. Several hoedown attendees told The Standard they’d gone to the other event first by mistake. More than one assumed both events were the same.</p>

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Five more hoedowns are planned for the next five months. The broader First Thursdays project is set to expand further, with events like a symposium at Salesforce Park. Yekutiel and Birnbaum see this as part of a larger vision to turn every public space in and around downtown — from Front Street to the Ferry Building — into one big party.&nbsp;Preferably with lots of dancing.

<p>Five more hoedowns are planned for the next five months. The broader First Thursdays project is set to expand further, with events like a symposium at Salesforce Park. Yekutiel and Birnbaum see this as part of a larger vision to turn every public space in and around downtown — from Front Street to the Ferry Building — into one big party.&nbsp;Preferably with lots of dancing.</p>

Country music is “everybody&#8217;s music,&#8221; she said. Everybody gets to dance together<em>.”</em>

<p>Country music is “everybody's music," she said. Everybody gets to dance together<em>.”</em></p>

<p>Country music is “everybody&#8217;s music,&#8221; she said. Everybody gets to dance together<em>.”</em></p>

https://downtownsf.org/do/downtown-hoedown-on-front-street

Front Street between California and Sacramento streets, Financial District

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<div class="wp-block-sf-standard-infobox"><ul><li><a href="https://downtownsf.org/do/downtown-hoedown-on-front-street">Downtown Hoedown</a></li><li>First Thursday of the month, 5-10 p.m.</li><li><a href="https://maps.apple.com/?address=Front+Street+between+California+and+Sacramento+streets%2C+Financial+District">Front Street between California and Sacramento streets, Financial District</a></li><li>Free</li></ul></div>

Photos: Who knew SF had so many cute cowboys and cowgirls?

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<p>But he’s going to seek funds specifically for San Francisco, too.</p>

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

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

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