Muni Diaries

Update (4:46 p.m.): From SFGate: “Based on the findings of the medical examiner, at this time we believe he was fatally wounded by a .380-caliber bullet,” [SFPD Commander Mike] Biel told reporters this afternoon. “We believe the fatal wound to Mr. Harding’s body was self-inflicted.”

Original post: The victim of last Saturday’s Bayview killing, Kenneth Harding, possibly died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound according to the San Francisco Medical Examiner. SF Appeal (via BCN) has the story.

It was originally reported that SFPD fired on Harding after he fired at them. The altercation took place following a fare inspection that Harding fled from.

We’ll update here as we learn more.

Photo by Franciscophile

We got word from the interns at SFMTA that they are conducting a research survey for people age 18 and up on their experience and opinion about transitioning to adult fares.

My memories of paying for youth prices for anything has faded far back in the recess of my mind, but if you are a young person who just started paying adult fare, or if you just have something to say about Muni (and we know you always do), you can give SFMTA a piece of your mind.

The deadline for the survey is Tuesday, July 26. The survey is anonymous and the interns promise it takes less than two minutes to complete.

Take the SFMTA summer survey.

Photo by SFBC Operations

Current Public Works Director Ed Reiskin is the new executive director of SFMTA, the agency that oversees Muni. Reiskin steps into the job recently vacated by the infamous Nat Ford, everyone’s favorite Muni punching bag. We’re not envious of the task ahead for Reiskin, but what we’ve read about him bodes well.

Here’s what Streetsblog SF has to say about Ed:

Reiskin, a bicyclist and Muni rider who is widely respected by his staff, supervisors and transit advocates, was first appointed to head the SFDPW in 2008 by former Mayor Gavin Newsom, and current Mayor Ed Lee, who was city administrator.

Did you catch that? Dude actually rides Muni. Wise people held this as a prime criteria for the next Muni director.

Other coverage of Reiskin: Examiner, SF Weekly, SFGate, SF Appeal.

What do you think? Are you pleased with this pick for the next Muni chief?