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  • Bay Area voters could see sales tax measure for regional transit on 2026 ballot

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    The California Legislature passed a bill that would give Bay Area voters in 2026 the power to pass a sales tax, which would fund regional transit, Sen. Scott Wiener announced Saturday.

    Senate Bill 63, named the Connect Bay Area Act, allows for a regional funding measure to be placed on the November 2026 ballot. The sales tax would be .5% with the possibility for San Francisco to increase it to 1% to help fund Muni, according to Wiener and Sen. Jesse Arreguin’s bill.

    Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Mateo and San Francisco counties would be included in the measure. And it would help fund AC Transit, BART, Caltrain, Muni, San Francisco Bay Ferry, Alameda and Contra Costa small bus operators and Golden Gate Transit.

    The bill still needs to go to Gov. Gavin Newsom, and he has until Oct. 12 to either sign or veto the bill. If voters pass the measure in 2026, it would be in place for 14 years.   

    “Keeping our trains and buses running frequently and reliably is essential for the future of the Bay Area,” said Wiener. “The risks to our essential transit systems are real, and we have a long road ahead to securing this long-term funding and stabilizing our transit systems. I’m confident that in spite of these challenges, with partnership from leaders across the region we can ensure our public transportation systems remain vibrant and reliable.”

    According to Wiener, the bill requires transit agencies to improve their financial efficiency in order to get the funding.

    The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency released a statement on lawmakers passing the bill.

    “Transit is a public necessity, connecting people to jobs, students to schools, healthcare professionals to hospitals, and all of us to the places we love most in our neighborhoods. In San Francisco, the passage of SB 63 is a step towards protecting essential Muni service and will equip us with resources to continue investing in our infrastructure, safety, and accessibility, all of which are critical to meeting the growing needs of San Francisco.  

    The SFMTA faces a significant budget deficit of $307 million beginning in 2026, despite recovering ridership. We are tackling this fiscal crisis from every angle and taking action, bringing our deficit down from over $440 million. Our work to find savings internally and becoming more financially efficient has resulted in $130 million in savings. We know more is needed to keep Muni service and programs, and move boldly towards a faster, cleaner, and more connected transit system that our customers count on.”

    BART also released a statement on SB63’s passing.

    “Senate Bill (SB) 63 is a historic opportunity to allow voters in five counties of the Bay Area to consider a 14-year sales tax measure in November 2026 to preserve and improve transit. BART, and the entire transit network that keeps the Bay Area moving, stand to benefit from this bill. 

    The legislation is needed because remote work has caused a decline in operating revenue for various operators and deficits are too large to solve through cuts alone.  Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been clear that BART’s outdated funding model no longer works. BART is facing annual operating deficits of $350-400 million once the emergency assistance we have been provided runs out at the end of Fiscal Year 2026.”

    As for funding in the meantime, Newsom has said he would work with the Bay Area to help secure funding for transit.

    Jose Fabian

    Jose Fabian is a web producer for CBS Bay Area where he reports on local crime, politics and breaking news. He studied political science and journalism at Sacramento State and was born and raised in Northern California.

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    Jose Fabian

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  • S.F. merchants demand SFMTA director’s resignation over bike lane controversy

    S.F. merchants demand SFMTA director’s resignation over bike lane controversy

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    SAN FRANCISCO — A group of Mission District merchants have formed Valencia Association of Merchants, Artists, Neighbors and Organizations (VAMANOS) dedicated to fighting a controversial center bike lane on Valencia Street.

    “The reason why we created VAMANOS is because we were never invited to the round tables to actually talk to the city and they kind of forced us to create this organization,” said Sahar Milani who owns Rossi, a Valencia art gallery.

    Their first big push has a clear goal: the removal of Jeff Tumlin, director of the San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency.

    “We started a petition to get Tumlin out because every project he’s created in the city has been a complete failure. Look at Golden Gate Park, the Valencia bike lane — it’s just terrible. You can keep going. We need him to resign,” Milani said.

    S.F. Cycling
    A cyclist rides along the center bike lane on Valencia Street in San Francisco. 

    KPIX


    The petition already has more than 800 signatures. Jim Quadra, an attorney representing the newly created organization, plans to present this document along with a new bike lane proposal at City Hall within the next few weeks.

    “The impact would be to change that leadership completely and have somebody else lead that. Someone that’s qualified and is looking for the interest of everybody in San Francisco,” Quadra explained.

    SFMTA officials responded, emphasizing the need for collaboration. They say they don’t agree with the authors of the petition.

    In a statement, SFMTA stated: “We see street safety and thriving businesses as complementary and not a zero-sum game. Instead of pitting us against each other, let’s come together and collaborate on solutions that will move us forward.”

    In February, SFMTA explained that they are revisiting the option to replace Valencia Street’s center bike lane with side-running bike lanes.

    Despite this response, Milani and the other members of VAMANOS are determined to make their voices heard.

    “There needs to be accountability. I mean, they wasted so much money on this project … It’s ridiculous! So much funding has gone on to all these projects and it could help the city in other ways … what about Muni? The buses? Increase those,” Milani said.

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    Jose Martinez

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  • Amid SF Market Street struggles, some propose reversing ban on private vehicles

    Amid SF Market Street struggles, some propose reversing ban on private vehicles

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    With Market Street struggling, some are proposing to reverse the ban on private vehicles on the corridor. But SFMTA officials are concerned a change would make the street more dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians.

    When Mohammad Zughaiyer walks down Market Street, it’s still hard for him to see the transformation of a once bustling area of San Francisco.

    “It’s empty. It’s like abandoned. If you compare from before, it’s like nobody is in town,” said Zughaiyer.

    A decade-long planning effort banned privately-owned cars from traveling on the corridor two months before the onset of the pandemic in 2020.

    Buses, bicycles, taxis, and commercial trucks now have the green light.

    “Before it was live, you saw a lot of traffic, you see activity in the city. You felt like you were in New York,” said Zughaiyer. 

    The effort to revitalize downtown San Francisco has garnered a wide range of ideas from politicians, to residents, and retailers.

    For lease signs and empty storefronts abound. Some banners even solicit ideas to reshape the city. 

    Some, including Zughaiyer, are calling for Market Street to reopen to cars, arguing it would bring the corridor back to life.

    Zughaiyer opened Oasis Grill’s Market Street location in 2014 and has several years left on his lease. The owner says his restaurant is ringing up only 30% of the revenue it used to generate.

    He believes reopening Market to all vehicles is an initial step to bring in more people.

    “The more visibility for your business. When people drive around, they will see you more,” said Zughaiyer. 

    San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency executive director Jeffrey Tumlin has concerns about a push to reopen Market Street to private cars.

    “The current configuration of Market Street is extremely beneficial for safety and for people walking and biking,” said Tumlin.

    SFMTA data shows since closing Market in January 2020, collisions have dropped by 40%, while travel times on public transportation along the route were reduced by 14%.

    “Economic recovery requires bringing people to the downtown. That’s what’s really needed.  The challenge with putting cars back on Market Street is it displaces some of the people who are already there,” said Tumlin. 

    Like Fernando Gambaroni, who now cycles to work along the stretch.

    He also believes investments besides reopening the thoroughfare, can be made to attract more people to the area.

    “We have seen that when we allow people to walk and make it walkable those areas do very well.  I think it’s about investing in that and not necessarily allowing cars in,” said Gambaroni. 

    SFMTA says it has added more than 100 loading zones on cross streets to facilitate getting people close to Market Street.

    Despite the ongoing struggle to fill seats and tables, Zughaiyer remains hopeful for a revitalization.

    “We don’t know when but I’m sure, 100%, it’s coming back,” said Zughaiyer. 

    But it’s unclear how long Oasis Grill can keep its doors open.

    Kenny Choi


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    When Kenny Choi jumped into the backseat, he never thought he would be introducing his ride share driver to National Public Radio. The hour-long ride to the airport turned into a conversation that included politics, the economic divide, and the cultural differences between the East Coast and the West Coast.

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    Kenny Choi

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  • Merchants file claims against SF demanding removal of controversial Valencia St. bike lane

    Merchants file claims against SF demanding removal of controversial Valencia St. bike lane

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    SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — New developments in the battle over a controversial “center bike lane” that runs nearly a mile along San Francisco’s Valencia street.

    A group of business owners has filed claims against the city. They say the presence of the bike lane violates their rights, and hurts the economic vitality of the area.

    The center bike lane was finalized 6 months ago, but the actual construction began in April. For over 10 months, many business owners say they’ve been struggling and on Tuesday, three of them filed complaints against the city. The group said at least 20 others are set to file in the coming days and weeks.

    “Violates not only our clients’ civil rights but also the city’s charter which mandates that the city protect the economic welfare of its business. The center bike lane has been a catastrophic failure to the businesses on Valencia Street,” said Nile Vignoles, attorney.

    The claim seeks immediate removal of the bike lane and compensation for financial losses caused by the bike lane. One of those business owners said the bike lane contributed to the closure of his music venue in November.

    MORE: SF supervisors explore offering bounties for reporting of drivers blocking bike lanes

    “We are declaring here today that we are incredibly inspired and motivated by how many citizens are rising up, speaking up and filing claims against the city right along with us,” said David Quinby, Amado’s Owner.

    Kevin Ortiz represents multiple businesses on Valencia. He said Tuesday’s claims are the first of a wave of many others.

    “This is one of the few times communities and businesses are fighting back,” said Ortiz, “We’ve had multiple businesses shut down as a result of the bike lane. For folks this is their last option.”

    The Valencia Corridor Merchants Association which represents 200 businesses on Valencia took a stance against the bike lane. In a letter they sent to the SFMTA, they detailed their concerns and suggestions for a different bike lane design.

    “We want it gone immediately,” said David White, wwner of Yellow Moto Pizzeria and member of the Valencia Corridor Merchants Association, “People are not happy. It’s a terrible design and it doesn’t work. It hasn’t worked. We don’t feel it’s safer. It’s anecdotal. We see a lot more accidents. We see a lot of frustrated drivers driving over or in the bike lane.”

    RELATED: SF restaurant owners say Valencia St. will ‘die’ if controversial bike lane is not revised

    White confirmed they met with SFMTA multiple times before sending the letter.

    “Timing is really important. We want people to pay attention at what is going on here and treat this as the emergency that it is. We have lost a lot of merchants and we are continuing to lose merchants,” said White, “We are just trying to have a seat at the table. We are just trying to represent our community and give the feedback because MTA has its own way of gathering data but it’s not necessarily reflective of what is happening. “

    On Tuesday, SFMTA Board of Directors met to discuss the three-month evaluation of the bike lane. Last Thursday ahead of their official board meeting, they released the evaluation where a side-running bikeway design is considered.

    Some cyclists don’t want SFMTA to change the center bike lane.

    “I feel safer. I ride with my 1-year-old. I see middle school-aged people riding the bike lane which I had never seen before on Valencia. I feel like I can see what is happening because I’m not worried about getting doored or ran over,” said Leif Bansner, a cyclist who frequently rides on Valencia.

    RELATED: Officials consider design change of SF’s controversial Valencia St. bike lane after evaluation

    Sustainable transportation advocate Luke Bornehimer started “The Better Valencia Campaign” about a year ago before the center bike lane was approved.

    “I’m really happy to see MTA coming forward with two designs for side-protected bike lanes and really talking about changing this center bikeway to a curb side protected bike lane design. Especially after over 1,000 people have been calling for them to created curb side protected bike lanes designs for about a year now,” said Bornehimer.

    According to business owners, the removal of 70 parking spots that SFMTA says they turned into loading zones to build the bike lane has led to a decline in business.

    During the pilot, SFMTA has made multiple changes around the bike lane including bringing back 58 parking spaces in the evenings.

    The city has 45 days to investigate and decide if the claims are denied business owners have six months to file a lawsuit against the city.

    For a better experience, click here to view the letter in a new window

    If you’re on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live

    Copyright © 2024 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.

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    Luz Pena

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  • Officials consider design change of SF’s controversial Valencia St. bike lane after evaluation

    Officials consider design change of SF’s controversial Valencia St. bike lane after evaluation

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    SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — SFMTA released its three-month pilot report this week, and it looks like the controversial San Francisco Valencia Street center bike lane could potentially be replaced with a different design.

    It’s been over six months since the Valencia Street Center bike lane opened. This week SFMTA released its first evaluation of the controversial bike lane.

    “Biking on Valencia has become a little more comfortable. Prior to the project we saw that there was a number of blockages in our bike lanes that means that if you are someone on a bike trying to get down Valencia you were constantly having to veer out the bike lane into the vehicle travel lane,” said Kimberly Leung, SFMTA Acting livable streets director.

    SFMTA’s 42-page report says the bike lane has met “its objective in improving traffic safety.” But on Thursday, during a meeting with merchants and SFMTA, the sentiment was a bit different, according to several business owners.

    RELATED: SFMTA’s exec. director responds to Valencia Street bike lane concerns

    “The overwhelming feeling is that folks feel like the bike lane is not working,” said Kevin Ortiz, co-president of the SF Latinx Democratic Club and a small business consultant.

    Ortiz represents multiple businesses on the corridor and is also a cyclist.

    “I don’t think it has actually made things safer. I think it’s more confusing for cyclists. As a cyclist, I don’t feel safe making a left turn, right turn from the center of the lane, and it’s made it confusing for drivers,” Ortiz said.

    Luis Rodriguez is the owner of Los Amigos Restaurant. He is blaming the center bike lane for contributing to the decline in business. Two doors down from him his neighbor recently closed.

    “If you see right there how many bicycles there were right now? Like pretty much none,” said Rodriguez. “People don’t want to come to this area. The first thing people say is we don’t have parking.”

    RELATED: SF delays action on controversial bike lane despite many reporting it’s ‘killing’ business

    In the construction of the bike lane, SFMTA removed at least 70 parking spots, turning them into loading zones. After complaints from merchants, it turned 58 of those spaces into regular parking in the evenings. But even with that change, Luis Rodriguez says many like him are struggling.

    “We are so behind in everything. I cut my servers. We have only two. They work only two to four hours a day, four days only in the week,” Rodriguez said.

    We took these concerns to Mayor London Breed.

    Luz Pena: “Merchants are saying it is not working for them. Have you talked to SFMTA what is the plan here?”

    Mayor London Breed: “Well, nothing is final. Because, I hear mixed messages from cyclists too, as well as a lot of the businesses, and we need to do something. I think that is what this first process is. We are still doing a lot of community engagement.”

    RELATED: SF restaurant owners say Valencia St. will ‘die’ if controversial bike lane is not revised

    Kimberly Leung was the Project Manager of the Valencia Street center bikeway from 2017-2023 and is now livable streets director.

    “The three-month evaluation has a lot of information about traffic safety, but we are taking steps to do additional analysis. So looking into the economic analysis, as well as doing surveys where we are actually talking to people out here using the roadway,” Leung said.

    SFMTA confirmed it is considering a change to the center bike lane.

    “There is interest in doing a ‘side-running bikeway.’ If you go to Valencia north of 15th, between Market and 15th, you can get an example of what a ‘side-running bikeway’ looks like,” Leung said. “There is interest in bringing that design to this stretch of Valencia. While we are continuing through the pilot for the center running bikeway we are also taking the steps to further explore what a side running bikeway could look like so that we can talk more with everyone on what those tradeoffs.”

    RELATED: SF’s new bike lane faces mixed reviews from cyclists, drivers but will it actually be safer?

    Since August, SFMTA has made multiple changes around the center bike lane. One of the changes is happening next week.

    “We are actually going to adjust all the parking meters on the corridor,” Leung said. “We are going back and putting in single parking meters for every stall. And as part of those changes, we are also putting in new and improved signage to really help make it a little clear about what the parking regulations are out here.”

    SFMTA’s Board of Directors is meeting on Tuesday to discuss the three-month evaluation.

    If you’re on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live

    Copyright © 2024 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.

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    Luz Pena

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