Friday, July 31, 2020
Show HN: Sizle.io – React Presentation Builder https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24016998
Supporting Community Needs in the Tenderloin
By Chava Kronenberg
In the coming days, the SFMTA will implement a 4-block temporary project on Jones Street, from O’Farrell Street to Golden Gate Avenue for residents to have more pedestrian space in the Tenderloin while maintaining physical distance.
To accomplish this, parking on the east side of the street as well as one of the three travel lanes on Jones Street will be removed. These four blocks are a small but significant part of city efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The effort will support the local businesses by temporarily refashioning San Francisco streets.
COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted people who live and work in the Tenderloin. The SFMTA is working with our sister city agencies and community partners to be part of the solution.
The Tenderloin is a dense neighborhood with a high percentage of low-income people, people of color, seniors and transit-dependent San Franciscans who need more space for physical distancing and making essential trips. The SFMTA will be working on the following efforts within the Tenderloin to address community needs:
- Physical distancing lanes: These lanes will provide an additional 5 to 8 feet of walking space, adjacent to a sidewalk, and protected from moving vehicles with concrete barriers known as k-rail or parked vehicles. On Jones Street, to make this possible, the SFMTA is removing a parking lane and a travel lane on the east side of the street.
- Play Streets: With the loss of playgrounds and schoolyards, the thousands of children living in the Tenderloin have limited space to play and move around. The Play Streets effort will fully close entire blocks on Saturdays to give kids and adults a safe place to be.
- Outdoor dining streets: In coordination with the restaurants on blocks, the SFMTA will assist with developing a “Shared Spaces” plan to support the small businesses as identified with the Tenderloin Merchants Association.
Many people questioned why there are not more Slow Streets in this part of the city and we hear that concern. While Slow Streets have proven successful in creating more pedestrian space and calmer roads in some parts of the city, unfortunately the Tenderloin in general is not a good fit for the program due to its high number of streets with traffic signals, one-way streets, streets serving Muni lines, and emergency service corridors -- all of which limit our ability to implement a Slow Street. In addition, the neighborhood's taller, older buildings create unique conditions for Fire Department ladder trucks on each block. We had to invent an entirely new toolbox and are grateful for creativity of community-based organizations, the Fire Department, and other partners in helping us find creative solutions that work for the unique needs of Tenderloin residents in both the short-term and into the future.
We will continue to support emerging community needs, such as curb changes needed to support testing sites and, food pantries and other needs that arise. From the beginning of the crisis, we have supported the Tenderloin community through changes such as a parking lane closure at the pop-up test site on Ellis Street, daytime street closure in front of St. Anthony’s at 100 block of Golden Gate, and a parking lane removal for more pedestrian-queuing space at GLIDE on the 300 block of Ellis.
But as the COVID-19 crisis evolves and the recovery period lengthens, the SFMTA recognizes that we must do more. Every street in the Tenderloin is a high-injury network street, and the city’s Vision Zero plan has always included a specific focus on making it healthier and safer to walk and live in the neighborhood. For more than three years, the SFMTA has partnered with dozens of Tenderloin community groups focused on traffic safety, starting in with our Safer Taylor Street project. We are committed to its partnerships through this crisis and beyond.
Finally, we want to express sincere appreciation and acknowledge the Tenderloin community groups who have been tenacious in advocating for traffic safety and travel options in their neighborhood - Central City SRO Collaborative, Tenderloin Community Benefit District, Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation, Tenderloin People’s Congress and many others. The SFMTA is committed to being responsive and partnering with the community as we work through this crisis together.
Published July 31, 2020 at 05:08PM
https://www.sfmta.com/blog/supporting-community-needs%C2%A0%C2%A0-tenderloin
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Show HN: A bookmarking tool designed to help synthesize your web research https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24004588
Show HN: Deck for Reddit – A Reddit client optimized for desktop https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24004346
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Show HN: HN Mail – Topic-based HN newsletter service https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23994718
Show HN: A useful canvas drawing tool – PenTool https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23993318
In-person Lifeline Pass Sales to Resume in August
By Sophia Scherr
As in-person sales of the Lifeline pass are set to resume on August 21, 2020, changes to the Lifeline program are also underway. As the state of emergency persists, a new online application process has been launched and changes are being made to locations where the passes can be purchased.
Lifeline is a Muni-only monthly pass for customers with limited incomes. Lifeline customers get unlimited access to Muni service for a calendar month at a 50% discount off the standard adult monthly pass price. Individuals with a gross annual income, also known as income before taxes, at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty level are eligible to receive the Lifeline pass. Currently, Lifeline program applications and requests for replacement cards are still being accepted online or by mail, and expired Lifeline passes have been extended until April 2022.
Lifeline pass holders may also qualify Clipper’s START program, a new regional discount program that provides a 50% single ride fare discount to those who qualify for Lifeline. Clipper START is a great option if you qualify for Lifeline, but don't ride enough to need a monthly pass.
New Application Process
A new online application has been developed for people trying to get a Lifeline pass and those seeking replacement cards, that allows pass holders to securely upload necessary income certification. Once an application is approved, Lifeline pass holders receive a receipt via e-mail that may be used for proof of payment for two weeks (to allow time to mail the program card). The photo element of the Lifeline ID card is also being eliminated to allow online and by-mail applications.
In addition to existing eligibility options such as Medi-Cal or EBT cards, etc., proof of receipt of—or application for—unemployment insurance will also be accepted. For those unable to provide documentation, a self-certification of income will be accepted, with acknowledgement that the application may be subject to audit.
Customers whose eligibility is established through unemployment or self-certification will receive a one-year Lifeline pass. Self-certification will apply to all SFMTA low-income programs (boot, tow, payment plans, etc.).
Lifeline Sales Locations
There are changes to where you can buy your Lifeline pass. Lifeline passes are also now available for purchase via MuniMobile for those that have a valid Lifeline ID. However, due to capacity limitations, Lifeline pass sales will be discontinued at the Human Services Agency’s (170 Otis Street) office, as well as the SFMTA Customer Service Center (11 South Van Ness Ave).
Lifeline passes will be sold seven days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following SFMTA kiosk locations:
- Presidio Avenue and Geary Boulevard
- Powell and Market Streets
- Bay and Taylor Streets
Lifeline passes are also being sold at the locations listed below:
- EVS Enterprises, LLC (Photo Focus) - 1100 Stockton Street
- Visitacion Valley Pharmacy - 100 Leland Avenue
- Lucky Spot - 1944 Irving Street
Visit www.sfmta.com/lifeline for information on operating hours.
Published July 29, 2020 at 04:22PM
https://www.sfmta.com/blog/person-lifeline-pass-sales-resume-august
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Show HN: I rebuilt a web-based IDE https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23981813
Show HN: Cute tricks for SIMD vectorized binary encoding of nucleotides in Rust https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23981932
Monday, July 27, 2020
Show HN: A read-it-later app to solve Pocket/Instapaper's endless list problem https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23971676
Show HN: Would You Survive the Titanic? https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23971143
Clipper launching START Pilot Discount Program
By Sophia Scherr
Clipper is excited to launch the START Pilot Program in collaboration with the SFMTA and other Bay Area transportation agencies (BART, Caltrain and Golden Gate Transit and Ferry). Designed to make transportation more affordable for low-income residents, the Clipper START pilot program moves toward a consistent fare discount standard for the Bay Area region. The discount pilot program will last for 18 months while the program is evaluated. SFMTA has committed to continue to offer the discount after the pilot period ends.
To design, implement and evaluate this pilot program, the SFMTA is working with Clipper, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), BART and Golden Gate Transit—as well as community-based organizations, social services and public health sectors.
Am I eligible for the pilot Clipper START Program? How do I apply?
Adults ages 19 to 64 who have a household income of up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $50,000 per year for a family of four) can qualify for the Clipper START discount. Applicants will need to provide proof of eligibility in the form of copies of EBT cards, Medi-Cal cards or tax returns. Participants must also live in the 9-county San Francisco Bay Area. Income levels and eligibility are available online – see www.clipperstartcard.com for details.
Eligible participants will be able to apply online, mail or fax using a paper applicationOnce eligibility is verified, participants will be mailed a special Clipper card to use to receive the discount. This Clipper Card will show the participant’s name and will look like a regular Clipper Card.
What kind of discount will be offered?
Clipper START pilot participants will receive discounts for single rides on participating agencies. Participants riding Muni will receive a 50% discount each single ride purchased. Discounts vary by agency:
- MUNI: 50% discount; single rides
- Caltrain: 50% discount
- BART: 20% discount
- Golden Gate Transit and Ferry: 50% discount
If I am a Lifeline customer, should I get Clipper START?
For Lifeline customers who take fewer than 32 trips per month, this option is costs less than buying a monthly Lifeline pass.
What if I have a pass given to me by a social service program, such as Lifeline?
The discount will only apply to fares paid on single rides (including transfers). It does not apply to Muni passes. Our pass programs, including our free and reduced pass programs, are still available. However, the discount does not apply to them.
Where can I find more information?
More information is available online at www.clipperstartcard.com. The SFMTA is working with community-based organizations, social services and public health agencies to help sign up customers and spread the word about the program once it becomes available.
Published July 27, 2020 at 05:12PM
https://www.sfmta.com/blog/clipper-launching-start-pilot-discount-program
Show HN: resume.md: a Markdown resume https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23960562
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Show HN: Kardius – find people like you, near you – made with Rust and Rocket https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23959303
Show HN: Console Interface and Library to remove silent parts of a media file https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23960117
Show HN: Open-source isolated browser, free for journalists etc. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23955140
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Show HN: My first SaaS business (as an indie hacker) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23953740
Show HN: Journaling app where you can publish selected entries online as a blog https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23953413
Friday, July 24, 2020
Show HN: Twtxt v0.0.7 Your self-hosted, decentralised Twitter -like https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23945300
Show HN: Revolv – Create a complete cloud architecture in seconds https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23944806
Advocacy works! Recognizing the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
By Jonathan Cheng
This week marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In 1990, the ADA made clear that public transit must be fully accessible to persons with disabilities. The SFMTA continues its commitment to developing a more comprehensive accessible transportation network including improving accessible bus, rail and paratransit services. As we reflect on thirty years of the ADA creating a more accessible transportation system, we also recognize there are many opportunities that lie ahead.
The ADA clearly mandated that both transit service accessibility and paratransit were an obligation of all transit agencies in the nation and moved the needle forward in terms of accountability. However, Muni’s commitment to providing access for seniors and persons with disabilities accessibility predates the ADA. Muni started to purchase buses with wheelchair lifts and initiated a paratransit van and taxi program to for people not able to use bus and rail service in the late 70’s and early ‘80’s.
The ADA came out of the work of the Disability Rights movement and years of protests
Disabled advocates in the Bay Area have long been on the forefront of demanding civil rights for persons with disabilities. As we celebrate 30 years of the ADA and are in the midst of the Black Lives Matter civil rights movement, it’s important to remember how important advocacy and the participation of people with disabilities was to the, passage and implementation, of the ADA.
Congress passed the Rehabilitation Act in 1973. A section of that law, Section 504, stated that any entity that receives any federal money may not discriminate against persons with disabilities. However, by 1977, the rules and regulations to implement Section 504 had yet to be written, so for all intents and purposes, the law had not taken effect.
In April 1977, advocates with disabilities around the country organized demonstrations in frustration. The largest demonstration in the country occurred at the San Francisco Federal Building, with a sit-in lasting for 28 days. More than 100 people sat in at that demonstration. The success of these protests spurred the federal government to further define the Section 504 requirements.
In the following years, however, there was a lack of progress nationwide to make public transit accessible. During the 1980s, advocacy groups held protests at the American Public Transit Association conventions. This determined advocacy eventually led to the much more comprehensive Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Advocacy and prioritizing mobility and accessibility for those who have the fewest transportation choices has made the San Francisco Bay Area a leader both in advocating for and in delivering comprehensive transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Some of the accessibility-related projects completed at Muni and the SFMTA include:
- Constructed a network of accessible rail stops on the surface Muni Metro system
- 100% of Muni bus fleet accessible
- Innovative accessibility provided to Historic Streetcars, F and E lines
- First fully accessible T Third Metro line opened
- Accessible ramped taxis made available for wheelchair users
- Paratransit Taxi Debit Card introduced for easier payment
- Shop-a-Round - community grocery, and Van Gogh - cultural activity, Van Services introduced
- Launched Free Muni for Seniors and People with Disabilities who are low/moderate income
- Introduction of the Essential Trip Card to address mobility needs during pandemic for older adults and people with disabilities.
Accessibility and Equity – Striving to Do More for Those Who Need It Most
Photo of the SFMTA Paratransit Coordinating Council, advocates at work. Photo by Roland Wong
Amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic, equity and accessibility remain cornerstones of the SFMTA’s mission and guide the agency through these difficult and uncertain times. The SFMTA has been proactive in implementing and communicating practices and policies that address accessibility. For example, while we have implemented rear door boarding on Muni buses, we have clearly maintained front door boarding for those with disabilities or seniors needing the lift, ramp or kneeler.
When Muni bus and rail operations had to reduce service in response to the COVID-19 health crisis, the SFMTA recognized that older adults and those with disabilities would experience greater difficulty getting to the Core Service routes. The Essential Trip Card (ETC) program was developed to provided seniors and persons with disabilities with a subsidized $60 monthly allotment to use taxi service to complete their essential trips. As of July 24, more than 2,250 persons have enrolled.
As we continue through the COVID-19 pandemic, SF Paratransit continues to be fully operational and connect riders to the community, providing transportation to fulfill essential trip needs, such as for dialysis treatments, medical appointments, and grocery shopping. Much like Muni, SF Paratransit quickly implemented key preventative measures, ranging from increased cleaning of vehicles, providing personal protective equipment kits to van drivers, and limiting the number of individuals on an SF Paratransit van to maintain physical distancing.
SFMTA Taxi Services also worked to ensure taxi drivers were provided with, cleaning supplies, PPE kits, and taxi “bubbles” - a plastic shield between the front and back seat to serve as a physical barrier, to best serve taxi customers during the pandemic. As the current situation continues to evolve, the SFMTA and SF Paratransit will continue to prioritize mobility and accessibility for those with the fewest transportation choices.
As we celebrate the ADA’s 30th anniversary, the spirit of the law remains more important than ever. The current COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies the resilience of San Franciscans to collaborate and develop inventive solutions. The SFMTA continues to work on new projects and technologies, such as integrating the updated Clipper Card program to serve as a form of payment for the SF Paratransit program, improving the accessibility of new emerging mobility technologies such like transportation network companies, autonomous vehicles, and scooters. As we look forward to the future, the SFMTA will continue its mission to connect all San Franciscans through a safe, equitable and sustainable transportation system.
Published July 24, 2020 at 04:54PM
https://www.sfmta.com/blog/advocacy-works-recognizing-30th-anniversary-americans-disabilities-act
Advocacy works! Recognizing the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
By Annette Williams
This week marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In 1990, the ADA made clear that public transit must be fully accessible to persons with disabilities. The SFMTA continues its commitment to developing a more comprehensive accessible transportation network including improving accessible bus, rail and paratransit services. As we reflect on thirty years of the ADA creating a more accessible transportation system, we also recognize there are many opportunities that lie ahead.
The ADA clearly mandated that both transit service accessibility and paratransit were an obligation of all transit agencies in the nation and moved the needle forward in terms of accountability. However, Muni’s commitment to providing access for seniors and persons with disabilities accessibility predates the ADA. Muni started to purchase buses with wheelchair lifts and initiated a paratransit van and taxi program to for people not able to use bus and rail service in the late 70’s and early ‘80’s.
The ADA came out of the work of the Disability Rights movement and years of protests
Disabled advocates in the Bay Area have long been on the forefront of demanding civil rights for persons with disabilities. As we celebrate 30 years of the ADA and are in the midst of the Black Lives Matter civil rights movement, it’s important to remember how important advocacy and the participation of people with disabilities was to the, passage and implementation, of the ADA.
Congress passed the Rehabilitation Act in 1973. A section of that law, Section 504, stated that any entity that receives any federal money may not discriminate against persons with disabilities. However, by 1977, the rules and regulations to implement Section 504 had yet to be written, so for all intents and purposes, the law had not taken effect.
In April 1977, advocates with disabilities around the country organized demonstrations in frustration. The largest demonstration in the country occurred at the San Francisco Federal Building, with a sit-in lasting for 28 days. More than 100 people sat in at that demonstration. The success of these protests spurred the federal government to further define the Section 504 requirements.
In the following years, however, there was a lack of progress nationwide to make public transit accessible. During the 1980s, advocacy groups held protests at the American Public Transit Association conventions. This determined advocacy eventually led to the much more comprehensive Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Advocacy and prioritizing mobility and accessibility for those who have the fewest transportation choices has made the San Francisco Bay Area a leader both in advocating for and in delivering comprehensive transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Some of the accessibility-related projects completed at Muni and the SFMTA include:
- Constructed a network of accessible rail stops on the surface Muni Metro system
- 100% of Muni bus fleet accessible
- Innovative accessibility provided to Historic Streetcars, F and E lines
- First fully accessible T Third Metro line opened
- Accessible ramped taxis made available for wheelchair users
- Paratransit Taxi Debit Card introduced for easier payment
- Shop-a-Round - community grocery, and Van Gogh - cultural activity, Van Services introduced
- Launched Free Muni for Seniors and People with Disabilities who are low/moderate income
- Introduction of the Essential Trip Card to address mobility needs during pandemic for older adults and people with disabilities.
Accessibility and Equity – Striving to Do More for Those Who Need It Most
Photo of the SFMTA Paratransit Coordinating Council, advocates at work. Photo by Roland Wong
Amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic, equity and accessibility remain cornerstones of the SFMTA’s mission and guide the agency through these difficult and uncertain times. The SFMTA has been proactive in implementing and communicating practices and policies that address accessibility. For example, while we have implemented rear door boarding on Muni buses, we have clearly maintained front door boarding for those with disabilities or seniors needing the lift, ramp or kneeler.
When Muni bus and rail operations had to reduce service in response to the COVID-19 health crisis, the SFMTA recognized that older adults and those with disabilities would experience greater difficulty getting to the Core Service routes. The Essential Trip Card (ETC) program was developed to provided seniors and persons with disabilities with a subsidized $60 monthly allotment to use taxi service to complete their essential trips. As of July 24, more than 2,250 persons have enrolled.
As we continue through the COVID-19 pandemic, SF Paratransit continues to be fully operational and connect riders to the community, providing transportation to fulfill essential trip needs, such as for dialysis treatments, medical appointments, and grocery shopping. Much like Muni, SF Paratransit quickly implemented key preventative measures, ranging from increased cleaning of vehicles, providing personal protective equipment kits to van drivers, and limiting the number of individuals on an SF Paratransit van to maintain physical distancing.
SFMTA Taxi Services also worked to ensure taxi drivers were provided with, cleaning supplies, PPE kits, and taxi “bubbles” - a plastic shield between the front and back seat to serve as a physical barrier, to best serve taxi customers during the pandemic. As the current situation continues to evolve, the SFMTA and SF Paratransit will continue to prioritize mobility and accessibility for those with the fewest transportation choices.
As we celebrate the ADA’s 30th anniversary, the spirit of the law remains more important than ever. The current COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies the resilience of San Franciscans to collaborate and develop inventive solutions. The SFMTA continues to work on new projects and technologies, such as integrating the updated Clipper Card program to serve as a form of payment for the SF Paratransit program, improving the accessibility of new emerging mobility technologies such like transportation network companies, autonomous vehicles, and scooters. As we look forward to the future, the SFMTA will continue its mission to connect all San Franciscans through a safe, equitable and sustainable transportation system.
Published July 24, 2020 at 04:54PM
https://www.sfmta.com/blog/advocacy-works-recognizing-30th-anniversary-americans-disabilities-act