Six years ago today, I struck up a conversation with Therese as we walked through the fare gates into Powell Station to wait for the N-Judah. I’d seen her there before, since we both regularly took the train after our late-night retail shifts in Union Square through the holiday shopping season. Last weekend, while waiting for the N at the same place on nearly the same day, I asked her to marry me, and she said yes. She still has the Muni transfer from the day we met (pictured right).

Obviously, we’re really excited, and I wanted to share it with our readers. But I also think our story is a testament to the social connections and opportunities that are fostered by using public transit, walking, and biking. Therese and I would have never met if we commuted by car.

In fact, one of the main reasons Therese and I both happened to move to SF from the Los Angeles area is because it’s a relatively easy place to live car-free. The chance for everyday social interactions while traveling is one of the greatest benefits of living in a walkable city. I’m sure you all can share countless stories of coincidental run-ins while making your way around on Muni or walking down the street.

A bit more introduction: Therese and I earned our degrees together at SF State, and today she still takes the N to her office job in SoMa. (She says she would take her bike, as she has to other jobs, but getting to South Beach is a bit far and feels pretty dangerous.) We share an Inner Sunset studio with our cat George (who is actually a girl).

That’s all for my little personal announcement. I also wanted to thank everyone who’s donated to keep Streetsblog going, both in our current fundraising drive and in the past few years. (And that reminds me — please give if you haven’t already!) Here’s to a bright new year ahead.

— Aaron