SAN FRANCISCO
Lee Heidhues 5.29.2026
A drizzly Friday morning in the Richmond District the blogger set off to the Sunset District for Arizmendi Bakery to purchase fresh scones and muffins. Hoping it would be an uneventful journey. It turned out to be another chaotic experience on the San Francisco Municipal Railway (SFMTA).
The chaos began when the blogger transferred from the 38R Geary line at 6th Avenue. Site of the now two year pavement construction project which has disrupted traffic and infuriated merchants. Seemingly this public works project will never end. At 6th Avenue a 44 Shaughnessy bus sat a block away on Clement Street for nearly 15 minutes. Finally the bus poked its way down 6th Avenue and stopped to pick up a load of passengers.
The blogger inquired of the driver as to why she sat so long before continuing on her route. Obviously, the driver didn’t appreciate the question nor the blogger’s attitude, “I have a break” was her pithy response.
By the time the bus reached Golden Gate park the bus was stuffed with riders. Including a group of Special Needs students who were enroute to the De Young Museum.
Disembarking at 9th Avenue and Irving Street the blogger walked up the street to Arizmendi. For the first time the blogger could remember the bakery was nearly devoid of customers. The blogger’s Trader Joe’s bag was quickly full of scones and muffins and he hustled back to the bus stop. Shortly thereafter the 44 bus came and it was just as stuffed as before.
When the blogger got off at 6th Avenue, again, he crossed the street and was, again tossed into the chaotic street scene waiting for the 38 bus.
San Franciscans crowd onto the bus
Finally, the blogger was heading home. But, there was one more stop. Bill’s Place on Clement Street where he picked up a take out order of an omelet, hash brown potatoes and headed home where he can enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean just blocks away.
Top photo: 6th Avenue and Geary Blvd. with the KFC restaurant looming above it all.
Text and photos: Lee Heidhues
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