San Francisco's 33 speed cameras have led to a nearly 80% reduction in the share of drivers traveling at least 10 mph above the speed limit since launching last March, new SFMTA data shows.

Why it matters: Critics have long expressed concern over privacy, surveillance and racial equity issues. But now that the numbers are in, some are shifting the debate from whether the cameras should exist to how fast they can scale.

Driving the news: Incidents of dangerous speeding fell from roughly 45,000 in the months before the launch to about 5,700 in February.

• 65% of vehicle owners who received notice of a violation didn't receive a second one.
• Just 2% of drivers at the 33 locations are exceeding the speed limit by 10 mph, SFMTA's analysis shows.

The most drastic declines were seen at:

• Columbus Avenue from Lombard Street to Greenwich Street, near North Beach Library (98% drop against a 20 mph speed limit).
• Alemany Boulevard from Farragut Avenue to Naglee Avenue, near Cayuga Playground (96% drop against a 30 mph speed limit).
• Geneva Avenue from Prague Street to Brookdale Avenue, in front of Crocker Amazon Park (94% drop against a 30 mph speed limit).

What they're saying: Proponents, including Mayor Daniel Lurie, Supervisor Matt Dorsey and SFMTA transportation director Julie Kirschbaum, say the numbers show real progress and are urging the state to authorize broader use.

• "You can really feel the difference on SoMa streets," Rudy Corpuz, executive director of the violence prevention and youth development organization United Playaz, said at a press conference yesterday.

Threat level: Speeding is the leading cause of severe injuries and fatalities on the city's streets, said Walk San Francisco executive director Jodie Medeiros.

What's next: Dorsey is introducing legislation next week to reaffirm the city's commitment to strengthening the program, which will require state approval.

👀 What's your experience with San Francisco's speed cameras? Do you support or oppose the push for more?

• Hit reply to let us know and potentially be featured in an upcoming story.

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People who aren't flying can now go through security at SFO.

State of play: Under a new program launched this week, the airport is allowing visitors without boarding passes to access post-security terminal areas.

• As part of the SFO Gate Explorer program, visitors can pass through standard TSA checkpoints and move around the airport as if they were ticketed passengers.
• The program, modeled after similar initiatives at about 20 other airports including Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, allows people to accompany travelers to their gates, meet them on arrival or spend time shopping and dining.

How it works: Applications can be submitted online up to 30 days in advance or the same day. Applicants are vetted under TSA requirements and must provide their reason for visiting and personal information such as their name, date of birth and sex.

• Approvals are sent after midnight on the day of the visit.
• At the airport, visitors must show their Gate Explorer pass and a Real ID or passport, then go through standard security screening. TSA PreCheck and expedited lanes are not included.

Yes, but: The program only applies to domestic arrivals and departures and some pre-cleared international flights from Canada and Ireland. Most international arrivals remain off-limits to visitors.

• Passes are also capped at 200 passes daily to avoid congesting security lines.

👉 Interested? Apply here.

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🚧 The Twin Peaks Crestline Trail will close in early May through the end of the year as the city builds a new pedestrian-friendly walkway to replace the car-free side of Twin Peaks Boulevard. (SF Chronicle)

🏡 For the first time since being built, the Russian Hill home of Robert and Ann Fisher at 888 Francisco St. is up for sale for $17.25 million. (SF Standard)

🚨 Steven Betz, the city's assistant chief of public safety, has been promoted to public safety chief. He'll lead the department's drug and crime reduction efforts. (KTVU)

🌉 The Golden Gate Bridge would be "exceptionally safe" from collapsing if it were to be struck by a massive ship, per a new report. (SF Chronicle)

Climb some of the city's best-kept secrets this Saturday as part of Walk San Francisco's annual SF Stair Challenge.

• Participants will wind their way up mosaic steps, traverse through tucked-away garden paths and explore historic staircases.

We got a first look at this year's route, which includes:

• A 5-mile, self-guided trek starting at Alta Plaza Park.
• Roughly 2,000 steps, mostly in Pac Heights.
• 3.5–4 hour timeline to finish (yes, your legs will feel it).

The intrigue: In addition to signature stairways, this year's tour will also include scenic stops like the Swedenborgian Church on Lyon Street and the view at the top of Normandie Terrace.

• Start windows run every 30 minutes from 8–11am.

Behind the scenes: Since 2023, Walk SF has hosted the Stair Challenge every spring, allowing participants to discover hidden gems while supporting the pedestrian safety nonprofit.

• Each year, volunteers map out a new route that pairs familiar stairways with lesser-known spots and sweeping city views.

What's next: Tickets start at $100, with special rates available for groups of 10 or more.

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🇮🇹 Meet Gnocchi, a steadfast and hardworking 5-year-old Bernedoodle who reports to the office daily.

• He has his own badge and a strong understanding of the company mission: nonstop pets. So far, excellent execution across teams.

🧀 Fun fact: Gnocchi is a highly discerning cheese critic. His rankings are not up for debate. Parmesan always comes first, then provolone, with mozzarella in third.

• When he's off the clock, you'll find him at Marina Green playing fetch.
• His wisdom extends beyond his looks — his owner Fiorella R. says he's essentially a 60-year-old Italian man trapped in the body of a doodle. But officially, she calls him "the best dog ever."

📸 Got a pet that deserves the spotlight? Hit reply and send us their name, some cute pics and what they most like and dislike. They might just become our next featured star!