A KQED series exploring the creative extremes and quiet compromises we make to continue living in the Bay Area and California. Follow along with our newsletter.
Saws, Sewing Machines and Telescopes: The Surprising Things on Loan From Your Library
Didn’t Save Enough for Retirement? Here’s How to Afford Aging in the Bay Area
California Gubernatorial Candidates Try to Distinguish Themselves on Housing Policies
How to Find the Best Deals at Bay Area Thrift Stores
Artist Housing Advocates Eye a ‘Once-in-100-Year’ Opportunity
Where to Find Free Parking for Shows in San Francisco
Community Child Care Centers on Shaky Ground After Transitional Kindergarten Expansion
The 8 Best Free Concerts in the Bay Area This Summer
Here’s How the Candidates for Governor Would Make California More Affordable
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">\u003cem>How We Get By\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, a KQED series exploring how people are coping with rising costs in the Bay Area and California. Find the \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">\u003cem>full series here\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>An Arturia DrumBrute is a sleek analog drum machine with buttons, pads and a sequencer capable of producing electronic beats, which retails for around $300.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And Jericho Saria and his family recently borrowed one from their local public library – for free.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Saria was surprised to find professional-grade music equipment available at his local library in San Mateo County.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“My brother-in-law is an electronic musician, and he has the same gear,” he said. “I’m like, wow, this is a legit instrument.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Saria originally checked out the drum machine for his 5-year-old daughter, who had become fascinated with the music of German electronic band Kraftwerk. They wanted to show her how electronic music gets made.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While the instrument ultimately proved a little too advanced for a kindergartner,\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“\u003cem>I\u003c/em> had fun with it,” Saria said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>His experience wasn’t a one-off. Across the Bay Area, libraries are lending out far more than books. Patrons can check out musical instruments, home-improvement tools, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/2000962/how-bay-area-libraries-are-helping-residents-switch-from-gas-to-induction-cooking\">induction cooktops\u003c/a>, sewing machines, telescopes, bicycles, toys, gardening kits, Wi-Fi hotspots and even\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11910495/how-to-get-free-entry-to-california-state-parks-with-your-library-card\"> passes to state parks\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085359\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085359\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-24-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1313\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-24-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-24-KQED-160x105.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-24-KQED-1536x1008.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Patrons work on tasks in the Mill Valley Public Library in Mill Valley on May 27, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Many of these collections fall under what libraries commonly call\u003ca href=\"https://smcl.org/libraryofthings/\"> a “Library of Things”\u003c/a> — a growing movement that allows patrons to borrow everyday objects, technology, tools and experiences. While offerings vary by library system, the goal is to expand access while reducing the burden of purchasing items outright.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As Bay Area residents \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080889/with-cost-of-living-rising-cuts-to-housing-programs-put-san-francisco-on-edge\">navigate rising costs\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080289/700-a-month-sleeping-pods-make-sf-more-affordable-but-at-what-cost\">smaller living spaces\u003c/a> and a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12078915/in-east-oakland-a-store-where-1-item-is-always-free\">growing desire to buy less and share more\u003c/a>, libraries are increasingly becoming places where people can try new hobbies, learn new skills and access experiences they might otherwise be unable to afford — all through these free rentals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The diverse offerings and their availability at no cost are a testament to the services a public library provides, said Anji Brenner, a city librarian at Mill Valley Public Library. Whether a library card holder is checking out a book, a tool or a sewing machine — or gathering with others under the bookstacks — it all speaks to the larger public library mission.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what you look like.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“All of those things don’t matter — you’re welcome here.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#HowdoIfindoutwhatsavailabletoloanatmylocallibrary\"> How do I find out what’s available to loan at my local library?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Creativity: Where to find musical instruments, karaoke machines, sewing machines, craft kits and more\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The drum machine was just one of many surprising things Saria’s family had checked out from the library. “It almost feels like a secret,” he said. “People should know more about this.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They’ve also rented ukuleles and experimented with Makey Makey kits: electronic sets that can turn \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1mYalegtdI\">bananas and other objects into musical instruments\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085222\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085222\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02832_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02832_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02832_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02832_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The San Mateo Public Library stands on 55 W 3rd Ave in San Mateo on April 17, 2026. \u003ccite>(Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It makes the library way more interesting,” Saria said. “It’s fun to see what’s available to bring home.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Libraries across the Bay Area offer collections built around creative experimentation: musical instruments, art tools, karaoke machines, record players, sewing machines and hobby equipment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Karaoke machines are available to loan out at the Belvedere-Tiburon Public Library, San Mateo County Libraries, Santa Clara County Library District and Sunnyvale Public Library, among others.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the Mill Valley Public Library, Brenner said many people use the library as a place to experiment before committing to an expensive purchase.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A resident recently borrowed a weaving loom as they considered whether to pursue weaving long-term. “Before you fork over $600, you might want to see how something works and if it works for you,” Brenner said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That same thinking extends to sewing machines, which are among the library’s most popular items. “Maybe I want to check it out, buy a simple pattern and see if I can even make it \u003cem>through \u003c/em>a simple pattern,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085215\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085215\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-05-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-05-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-05-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-05-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Power tools line shelves at the Oakland Tool Lending Library in Oakland on May 21, 2026. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In response to demand, sewing machines have become increasingly common to find for loan across Bay Area library systems, including the Marin County Free Library, the Mill Valley Public Library, the Santa Clara County Library District, the Sunnyvale Public Library, the San Mateo County Libraries and the Redwood City Public Library.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some libraries allow residents to take the machine home, while others will ask you to use it at the library itself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Besides weaving looms and sewing machines, the Marin County Free Library offers kits for embroidery, crochet and knitting, jewelry making and quilting.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>DIY: Where to find home improvement and gardening tools and supplies\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>For Oakland homeowner and DIY enthusiast Isaac Kelly, his local public library has been essential. “If it’s something I’m going to use once a year or less, I’ll absolutely check the library first,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Kelly regularly borrows tools from Oakland Public Library’s renowned tool-lending collection. The program traces its roots to \u003ca href=\"https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/01/20/oaklands-community-toolbox/\">rebuilding efforts following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake\u003c/a> and the 1991 Oakland Hills firestorm, in response to community demand.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085212\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085212\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-02-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-02-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-02-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-02-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Isaac Kelly uses a tamper checked out from the Oakland Tool Lending Library at his home in Oakland on May 20, 2026. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Recently, Kelly took home an SDS drill — a heavy-duty concrete drill roughly the size of a carry-on suitcase. Next on his list: a soil compactor for a paving project. The alternative would be spending hundreds of dollars on tools he expects to use only once.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Housing is scarce. Space is scarce,” Kelly said. But borrowing tools, he said, is also about more than affordability. “Being able to do things yourself is empowering,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Oakland residents Rosa and Aralya Yee-Phinith discovered the same thing while building a backyard deck at their home. The project stretched across several months and required rotary hammer drills, shovels and concrete-breaking tools — many of which they borrowed from Oakland’s tool lending library.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It saved a huge chunk of money,” Rosa Yee-Phinith said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The couple had already spent heavily on construction materials and didn’t want to spend even more on tools they might rarely use again. (This author, who is friends with the Yee-Phiniths, can attest that their deck turned out very nicely.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Oakland’s tool lending program includes all types of saws — including circular, pruning and reciprocating ones — along with drills, sledgehammers and caulking guns, among others.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085214\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085214\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-04-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-04-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-04-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-04-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rosendo Molina works checking in tools at the Oakland Tool Lending Library in Oakland on May 21, 2026. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>As for other cities around the Bay, the Berkeley public library offers a similar tool lending program to Oakland’s. And while not as extensive, the Sunnyvale Public Library has a manual lawn mower, orbital sanders, screwdrivers, hex-key sets and a collapsible hand truck available to residents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Gardening enthusiasts can find tools like soil block presses, fruit pickers and weeding tools at libraries, including those in Oakland, Berkeley, Sunnyvale and Marin County. Residents can also \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12079852/want-to-save-on-groceries-you-can-grow-your-own-garden\">obtain seeds to start their own vegetable garden \u003c/a>at libraries, including Marin, Fremont and Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Outdoors: Where to find bicycles, telescopes, hiking, camping, picnic kits and park passes\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At libraries throughout the Bay Area, patrons can check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11910495/how-to-get-free-entry-to-california-state-parks-with-your-library-card\">California State Parks passes\u003c/a> along with gear like hiking backpacks and stargazing kits.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jean Walker, a reference librarian with Oakland Public Library, said the goal is to help remove barriers that keep people from getting into nature. “We know how impactful it is on people’s mental health to just get outside,” Walker said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some libraries loan out hiking gear like trekking poles, baby carriers, camping gear like tents, bear canisters, foldable tables and portable power stations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085216\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085216\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-06-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-06-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-06-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-06-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Yard tools are arranged at the Oakland Public Library Tool Lending Library on May 21, 2026. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Mill Valley Public Library created “experience backpacks” designed around local exploration. One kit includes bird guides, trail maps and binoculars for self-guided walks through nearby marshes. Another includes a wildflower guide.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For Haniza Zainal Abidin, a longtime San Jose resident and homeschooling parent, those programs became essential for her family. As a single-income household, she regularly relied on libraries for books, science programming and museum passes while raising her children.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One of \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Zainal \u003c/span>Abidin’s favorite discoveries was a park pass she borrowed from the library, which allowed her family free entry to county parks.[aside postID=news_12084761 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/IMG_1522.jpg']It helped them discover Joseph D. Grant County Park, where the family spotted wild boars crossing nearby trails. “We could hear them snorting in the bushes,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Residents can find California park passes at most public libraries in the Bay Area. Some libraries, such as the San Mateo Public Library, include them in their backpack kits, which include hiking essentials like a water bottle, first aid kit and headlamp.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For those wanting to take a two-wheeled adventure, San Mateo County Libraries offer a number of bicycles through the system’s Book-A-Bike program.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bikes come equipped with a helmet, bike lock, cargo basket, first aid kit, headlight, two tail lights and a charger for the lights. Some libraries also loan out bike racks, like at the Sunnyvale Public Library.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And for skywatchers and stargazers alike, you can borrow a telescope at Oakland Public Library, Mill Valley Public Library and other libraries in Marin County, as well as Sunnyvale Public Library.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Cooking: Where to find Instant Pots, food dehydrators, sous vides and other culinary tools\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Libraries have also expanded their offerings into kitchen equipment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Berkeley Tool Lending Library also offers a wide selection of culinary and kitchen tools, including Instant Pots, air fryers, blenders and portable induction cooktops.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085220\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085220\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02262_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02262_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02262_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02262_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An induction stove available for check out at the San Mateo Public Library in San Mateo on April 17, 2026. \u003ccite>(Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Culinary equipment like sous vides, ice cream makers, dehydrators and cake pans is available in both Berkeley and at the Sunnyvale Public Library.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Sunnyvale, residents can also borrow a rice cooker, hot pot, grill, dehydrator, popcorn maker, baking pans, cookie cutters and knife sharpeners.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Kids: Where to find children’s toys and activities\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Libraries also provide kid-focused collections, from rotating toy libraries to educational kits and science activities. Walker said children at Oakland libraries often return toys after storytime and immediately check out something new.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The toys are “the highlight of a lot of those kids’ weeks,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Oakland Public Library has a large toy-lending program aimed at children ages 0 to 6. They can borrow train sets, toy cars, sensory toys and more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Libraries in San Mateo, Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara and other cities also offer play spaces for small children. For older kids, activities and resources related to coding, robotics, science and engineering, like STEAM kits, are readily available too.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"HowdoIfindoutwhatsavailabletoloanatmylocallibrary\">\u003c/a>How do I find out what kinds of items are available at my local public library?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>To find out what’s available in the “Library of Things” at your local library, staff advise checking their branch’s website or calling to learn more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most libraries have an updated online catalog of items and offer the option to place holds online, while others require you to call to place your hold.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085355\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085355\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-6-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-6-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-6-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-6-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hannah Waldschmidt, Library Assistant, holds trail and plant guides, part of the “Family Scavenger Hunt” kit, available for checkout at Mill Valley Public Library’s “Library of Things” on May 27, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Calling the library directly would get you the most recent updates on descriptions and availability.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some libraries allow nonresidents of that city to borrow certain items, as long as you’re a California resident. Others, like the tool lending libraries, require you to actually be a resident of that library’s city.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">\u003cem>How We Get By\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, a KQED series exploring how people are coping with rising costs in the Bay Area and California. Find the \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">\u003cem>full series here\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>An Arturia DrumBrute is a sleek analog drum machine with buttons, pads and a sequencer capable of producing electronic beats, which retails for around $300.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And Jericho Saria and his family recently borrowed one from their local public library – for free.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Saria was surprised to find professional-grade music equipment available at his local library in San Mateo County.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“My brother-in-law is an electronic musician, and he has the same gear,” he said. “I’m like, wow, this is a legit instrument.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Saria originally checked out the drum machine for his 5-year-old daughter, who had become fascinated with the music of German electronic band Kraftwerk. They wanted to show her how electronic music gets made.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While the instrument ultimately proved a little too advanced for a kindergartner,\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“\u003cem>I\u003c/em> had fun with it,” Saria said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>His experience wasn’t a one-off. Across the Bay Area, libraries are lending out far more than books. Patrons can check out musical instruments, home-improvement tools, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/2000962/how-bay-area-libraries-are-helping-residents-switch-from-gas-to-induction-cooking\">induction cooktops\u003c/a>, sewing machines, telescopes, bicycles, toys, gardening kits, Wi-Fi hotspots and even\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11910495/how-to-get-free-entry-to-california-state-parks-with-your-library-card\"> passes to state parks\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085359\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085359\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-24-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1313\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-24-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-24-KQED-160x105.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-24-KQED-1536x1008.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Patrons work on tasks in the Mill Valley Public Library in Mill Valley on May 27, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Many of these collections fall under what libraries commonly call\u003ca href=\"https://smcl.org/libraryofthings/\"> a “Library of Things”\u003c/a> — a growing movement that allows patrons to borrow everyday objects, technology, tools and experiences. While offerings vary by library system, the goal is to expand access while reducing the burden of purchasing items outright.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As Bay Area residents \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080889/with-cost-of-living-rising-cuts-to-housing-programs-put-san-francisco-on-edge\">navigate rising costs\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080289/700-a-month-sleeping-pods-make-sf-more-affordable-but-at-what-cost\">smaller living spaces\u003c/a> and a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12078915/in-east-oakland-a-store-where-1-item-is-always-free\">growing desire to buy less and share more\u003c/a>, libraries are increasingly becoming places where people can try new hobbies, learn new skills and access experiences they might otherwise be unable to afford — all through these free rentals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The diverse offerings and their availability at no cost are a testament to the services a public library provides, said Anji Brenner, a city librarian at Mill Valley Public Library. Whether a library card holder is checking out a book, a tool or a sewing machine — or gathering with others under the bookstacks — it all speaks to the larger public library mission.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what you look like.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“All of those things don’t matter — you’re welcome here.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#HowdoIfindoutwhatsavailabletoloanatmylocallibrary\"> How do I find out what’s available to loan at my local library?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Creativity: Where to find musical instruments, karaoke machines, sewing machines, craft kits and more\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The drum machine was just one of many surprising things Saria’s family had checked out from the library. “It almost feels like a secret,” he said. “People should know more about this.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They’ve also rented ukuleles and experimented with Makey Makey kits: electronic sets that can turn \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1mYalegtdI\">bananas and other objects into musical instruments\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085222\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085222\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02832_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02832_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02832_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02832_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The San Mateo Public Library stands on 55 W 3rd Ave in San Mateo on April 17, 2026. \u003ccite>(Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It makes the library way more interesting,” Saria said. “It’s fun to see what’s available to bring home.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Libraries across the Bay Area offer collections built around creative experimentation: musical instruments, art tools, karaoke machines, record players, sewing machines and hobby equipment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Karaoke machines are available to loan out at the Belvedere-Tiburon Public Library, San Mateo County Libraries, Santa Clara County Library District and Sunnyvale Public Library, among others.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the Mill Valley Public Library, Brenner said many people use the library as a place to experiment before committing to an expensive purchase.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A resident recently borrowed a weaving loom as they considered whether to pursue weaving long-term. “Before you fork over $600, you might want to see how something works and if it works for you,” Brenner said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That same thinking extends to sewing machines, which are among the library’s most popular items. “Maybe I want to check it out, buy a simple pattern and see if I can even make it \u003cem>through \u003c/em>a simple pattern,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085215\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085215\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-05-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-05-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-05-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-05-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Power tools line shelves at the Oakland Tool Lending Library in Oakland on May 21, 2026. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In response to demand, sewing machines have become increasingly common to find for loan across Bay Area library systems, including the Marin County Free Library, the Mill Valley Public Library, the Santa Clara County Library District, the Sunnyvale Public Library, the San Mateo County Libraries and the Redwood City Public Library.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some libraries allow residents to take the machine home, while others will ask you to use it at the library itself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Besides weaving looms and sewing machines, the Marin County Free Library offers kits for embroidery, crochet and knitting, jewelry making and quilting.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>DIY: Where to find home improvement and gardening tools and supplies\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>For Oakland homeowner and DIY enthusiast Isaac Kelly, his local public library has been essential. “If it’s something I’m going to use once a year or less, I’ll absolutely check the library first,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Kelly regularly borrows tools from Oakland Public Library’s renowned tool-lending collection. The program traces its roots to \u003ca href=\"https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/01/20/oaklands-community-toolbox/\">rebuilding efforts following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake\u003c/a> and the 1991 Oakland Hills firestorm, in response to community demand.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085212\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085212\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-02-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-02-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-02-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-02-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Isaac Kelly uses a tamper checked out from the Oakland Tool Lending Library at his home in Oakland on May 20, 2026. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Recently, Kelly took home an SDS drill — a heavy-duty concrete drill roughly the size of a carry-on suitcase. Next on his list: a soil compactor for a paving project. The alternative would be spending hundreds of dollars on tools he expects to use only once.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Housing is scarce. Space is scarce,” Kelly said. But borrowing tools, he said, is also about more than affordability. “Being able to do things yourself is empowering,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Oakland residents Rosa and Aralya Yee-Phinith discovered the same thing while building a backyard deck at their home. The project stretched across several months and required rotary hammer drills, shovels and concrete-breaking tools — many of which they borrowed from Oakland’s tool lending library.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It saved a huge chunk of money,” Rosa Yee-Phinith said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The couple had already spent heavily on construction materials and didn’t want to spend even more on tools they might rarely use again. (This author, who is friends with the Yee-Phiniths, can attest that their deck turned out very nicely.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Oakland’s tool lending program includes all types of saws — including circular, pruning and reciprocating ones — along with drills, sledgehammers and caulking guns, among others.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085214\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085214\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-04-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-04-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-04-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-04-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rosendo Molina works checking in tools at the Oakland Tool Lending Library in Oakland on May 21, 2026. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>As for other cities around the Bay, the Berkeley public library offers a similar tool lending program to Oakland’s. And while not as extensive, the Sunnyvale Public Library has a manual lawn mower, orbital sanders, screwdrivers, hex-key sets and a collapsible hand truck available to residents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Gardening enthusiasts can find tools like soil block presses, fruit pickers and weeding tools at libraries, including those in Oakland, Berkeley, Sunnyvale and Marin County. Residents can also \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12079852/want-to-save-on-groceries-you-can-grow-your-own-garden\">obtain seeds to start their own vegetable garden \u003c/a>at libraries, including Marin, Fremont and Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Outdoors: Where to find bicycles, telescopes, hiking, camping, picnic kits and park passes\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At libraries throughout the Bay Area, patrons can check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11910495/how-to-get-free-entry-to-california-state-parks-with-your-library-card\">California State Parks passes\u003c/a> along with gear like hiking backpacks and stargazing kits.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jean Walker, a reference librarian with Oakland Public Library, said the goal is to help remove barriers that keep people from getting into nature. “We know how impactful it is on people’s mental health to just get outside,” Walker said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some libraries loan out hiking gear like trekking poles, baby carriers, camping gear like tents, bear canisters, foldable tables and portable power stations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085216\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085216\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-06-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-06-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-06-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-06-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Yard tools are arranged at the Oakland Public Library Tool Lending Library on May 21, 2026. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Mill Valley Public Library created “experience backpacks” designed around local exploration. One kit includes bird guides, trail maps and binoculars for self-guided walks through nearby marshes. Another includes a wildflower guide.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For Haniza Zainal Abidin, a longtime San Jose resident and homeschooling parent, those programs became essential for her family. As a single-income household, she regularly relied on libraries for books, science programming and museum passes while raising her children.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One of \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Zainal \u003c/span>Abidin’s favorite discoveries was a park pass she borrowed from the library, which allowed her family free entry to county parks.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>It helped them discover Joseph D. Grant County Park, where the family spotted wild boars crossing nearby trails. “We could hear them snorting in the bushes,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Residents can find California park passes at most public libraries in the Bay Area. Some libraries, such as the San Mateo Public Library, include them in their backpack kits, which include hiking essentials like a water bottle, first aid kit and headlamp.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For those wanting to take a two-wheeled adventure, San Mateo County Libraries offer a number of bicycles through the system’s Book-A-Bike program.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bikes come equipped with a helmet, bike lock, cargo basket, first aid kit, headlight, two tail lights and a charger for the lights. Some libraries also loan out bike racks, like at the Sunnyvale Public Library.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And for skywatchers and stargazers alike, you can borrow a telescope at Oakland Public Library, Mill Valley Public Library and other libraries in Marin County, as well as Sunnyvale Public Library.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Cooking: Where to find Instant Pots, food dehydrators, sous vides and other culinary tools\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Libraries have also expanded their offerings into kitchen equipment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Berkeley Tool Lending Library also offers a wide selection of culinary and kitchen tools, including Instant Pots, air fryers, blenders and portable induction cooktops.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085220\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085220\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02262_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02262_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02262_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02262_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An induction stove available for check out at the San Mateo Public Library in San Mateo on April 17, 2026. \u003ccite>(Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Culinary equipment like sous vides, ice cream makers, dehydrators and cake pans is available in both Berkeley and at the Sunnyvale Public Library.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Sunnyvale, residents can also borrow a rice cooker, hot pot, grill, dehydrator, popcorn maker, baking pans, cookie cutters and knife sharpeners.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Kids: Where to find children’s toys and activities\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Libraries also provide kid-focused collections, from rotating toy libraries to educational kits and science activities. Walker said children at Oakland libraries often return toys after storytime and immediately check out something new.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The toys are “the highlight of a lot of those kids’ weeks,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Oakland Public Library has a large toy-lending program aimed at children ages 0 to 6. They can borrow train sets, toy cars, sensory toys and more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Libraries in San Mateo, Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara and other cities also offer play spaces for small children. For older kids, activities and resources related to coding, robotics, science and engineering, like STEAM kits, are readily available too.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"HowdoIfindoutwhatsavailabletoloanatmylocallibrary\">\u003c/a>How do I find out what kinds of items are available at my local public library?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>To find out what’s available in the “Library of Things” at your local library, staff advise checking their branch’s website or calling to learn more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most libraries have an updated online catalog of items and offer the option to place holds online, while others require you to call to place your hold.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085355\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085355\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-6-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-6-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-6-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-6-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hannah Waldschmidt, Library Assistant, holds trail and plant guides, part of the “Family Scavenger Hunt” kit, available for checkout at Mill Valley Public Library’s “Library of Things” on May 27, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Calling the library directly would get you the most recent updates on descriptions and availability.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some libraries allow nonresidents of that city to borrow certain items, as long as you’re a California resident. Others, like the tool lending libraries, require you to actually be a resident of that library’s city.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "retiring-savings-retirement-planning-california-bay-area",
"title": "Didn’t Save Enough for Retirement? Here’s How to Afford Aging in the Bay Area",
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"headTitle": "Didn’t Save Enough for Retirement? Here’s How to Afford Aging in the Bay Area | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">\u003cem>How We Get By\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, a KQED series exploring how people are coping with rising costs in the Bay Area and California. Find the \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">\u003cem>full series here\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At 74, Teresa Chan is still working.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When she started thinking about retirement about a decade ago, Chan realized that financially, she still didn’t feel ready to live without a regular income. “I did not prepare,” she said. “I had no money. If I had money, I would have bought a home, but that was not possible.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For more than 30 years, Chan has worked in various administrative jobs in San Francisco — most recently in a remote data entry role. Through it all, paying rent and healthcare — for her family, as well as herself— were always her biggest expenses.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I had nothing to save after paying my bills,” she said, even with her Social Security benefits, which she began receiving at 66 after she reached full retirement age.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Last year, Chan moved from San Francisco to an apartment in Contra Costa County to save on housing costs. And she doesn’t plan to ever stop working. It’s her best way to support herself and hopefully save enough to one day visit her mother — who is now in her 90s — in Hong Kong, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“While I can still have the job, then I want to work,” Chan said, although she said that she wishes she had another option. “Maybe I’ll quit if I win the lottery.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11953002\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11953002\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66300_230613-SFMarinFoodPantry-11-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"A woman with white hair and a warm coat picks through a huge box of ears of corn in a paved outdoor area where lots of other people are also circulating.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66300_230613-SFMarinFoodPantry-11-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66300_230613-SFMarinFoodPantry-11-BL-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66300_230613-SFMarinFoodPantry-11-BL-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66300_230613-SFMarinFoodPantry-11-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66300_230613-SFMarinFoodPantry-11-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66300_230613-SFMarinFoodPantry-11-BL-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Volunteers distribute food items at a San Francisco-Marin Food Bank pop-up pantry in the Richmond District of San Francisco on June 13, 2023. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Chan is not alone. According to federal data from the \u003ca href=\"https://www.gao.gov/financial-security-older-americans\">Government Accountability Office\u003c/a> (GAO), about half of households nationwide with a worker aged 55 or older had no retirement savings. And like her, more seniors are \u003ca href=\"https://www.gao.gov/blog/older-americans-are-working-longer-how-do-we-support-them\">staying in the workforce longer\u003c/a>, downsizing and depending more than ever on family and social services to meet essential needs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you’re already approaching your 60s and don’t have much saved, what options are available for potentially changing that?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>KQED reached out to financial advisers and groups that serve seniors to better understand what older adults with fewer savings in the Bay Area are doing to make retirement possible.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>In the Bay Area, inequalities before and after retirement\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Planning for retirement is even more difficult for low-income older adults — \u003ca href=\"https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-23-105342.pdf\">only 15%\u003c/a> of this group report having anything saved at all.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The GAO also found that \u003ca href=\"https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-23-105342.pdf\">lower-income workers are effectively shut out\u003c/a> from workplace retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s. By contrast, higher earners consistently have greater access to these kinds of accounts and usually receive larger employer contributions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And the Bay Area’s high cost of living makes preparing for retirement even more complicated, said Vanessa Merlano Sittauer, director of Santa Clara County’s Department of Aging and Adult Services. “We need to talk about retirement [in] the greater context of what it’s like to live in a place like the Bay Area,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11986980\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11986980 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/PXL_20240520_185856861_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1446\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/PXL_20240520_185856861_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/PXL_20240520_185856861_qut-800x603.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/PXL_20240520_185856861_qut-1020x768.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/PXL_20240520_185856861_qut-160x121.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/PXL_20240520_185856861_qut-1536x1157.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">People gathered at a rally on May 20, 2024, in support of a San Francisco proposal to expand funding for affordable housing for seniors and others with low incomes. \u003ccite>(Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Sittauer points to data from the research publication \u003ca href=\"https://jointventure.org/images/stories/pdf/index2026-jvsv.pdf\">Silicon Valley Index\u003c/a> that shows that more that 40% of renters ages 18-64 across the South Bay and the Peninsula are severely rent burdened — meaning that at least half of their monthly income pays housing costs. For residents older than 65, that number climbs to 67%.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if living in the Bay Area means spending more on housing — along with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12075761/when-child-care-costs-half-a-paycheck-bay-area-parents-must-choose-kids-or-career\">childcare\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12081471/driving-in-the-bay-area-is-essential-for-many-its-only-gotten-more-expensive\">transportation\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082251/after-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-free-clinics-are-stepping-up\">healthcare\u003c/a> and almost everything else — younger people \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/AskSF/comments/1t5or0s/retirement_in_sf_as_a_lifelong_renter_whats_the\">are asking\u003c/a> if it’s even \u003cem>possible \u003c/em>to retire here when not much is left over at the end of every month.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What does retirement planning with less time look like?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Starting to plan for retirement in your 50s can feel overwhelming, said Matt Gellene, head of Specialized Consumer Client Solutions for Bank of America. “But the first and most important step is to be honest about your full financial picture,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Take a full inventory: what you have saved, what you owe, what you expect from Social Security, and what you want retirement to look like,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Plan out your spending — and debt payments\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Think carefully about the debt you have \u003cem>now\u003c/em>, Gellene said. “High-interest debt can erode retirement readiness faster than many people realize,” he said. “Paying down that debt in the years before retirement reduces the monthly income you’ll need to cover fixed costs once you stop working.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even setting a realistic monthly budget now that limits lifestyle expenses can help down the road. Many Bay Area public libraries offer \u003ca href=\"https://advisersgiveback.org/sf-library/\">free workshops with financial advisers\u003c/a> who can help you figure out what you can start cutting back on now.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11946480\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11946480 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/GettyImages-1400799758-scaled-e1779405949186.jpg\" alt=\"A woman sits at her kitchen table and sifts through documents, looking concerned. Next to her is her opened laptop.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">According to federal data from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), about half of households nationwide with a worker aged 55 or older had no retirement savings. \u003ccite>(MoMo Productions/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>United Way Bay Area, known by many in the region for its\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11909786/how-to-find-free-tax-help-near-you-and-prepare-everything-you-need-for-your-appointment\"> free tax filing services\u003c/a>, also runs a network of free financial coaching centers known as \u003ca href=\"https://uwba.org/what-we-do/sparkpoint-program/\">SparkPoint\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are centers in San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Marin counties, where financial coaches can help with making plans to achieve long-term goals like reducing debt and growing savings.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Know your options if you need to continue working\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Seniors who feel they are not ready to leave the workforce but are looking for a job with more flexibility can also contact \u003ca href=\"https://www.selfhelpelderly.org/\">Self-Help for the Elderly\u003c/a>, a nonprofit organization that provides seniors in San Francisco, Santa Clara and San Mateo counties with housing, food and other social services.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We train older workers as home health aides, housekeepers and restaurant workers,” CEO Anni Chung said. Seniors who are trained as housekeepers, for example, can work a few hours a week for several different clients. Multiple trainings for \u003ca href=\"https://www.selfhelpelderly.org/our-services/employment-services/job-placements-and-employment-training\">this older worker program\u003c/a> are held throughout the year.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Remember healthcare costs\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Another huge retirement expense to consider is healthcare costs. Seniors with Medicare may still have to pay monthly premiums and deductibles, depending on what coverage plan they sign up for. Medicare Part A, which does not charge monthly premiums and covers major hospital bills, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-parts-b-premiums-deductibles\">still comes with deductibles\u003c/a> that beneficiaries pay if they are admitted to the hospital.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Other Medicare options can cover additional medical expenses, like lab tests and medication, but those plans come with monthly premiums. And researchers have found that out-of-pocket healthcare expenses increase significantly \u003ca href=\"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3614143/\">for Medicare recipients\u003c/a> in the last years of life, and most individuals are considered \u003ca href=\"https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2686318\">high-need, high-cost patients\u003c/a> prior to death.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12058933\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1829px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12058933 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/125841436_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1829\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/125841436_qed.jpg 1829w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/125841436_qed-160x117.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/125841436_qed-1536x1119.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1829px) 100vw, 1829px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Protestors carry signs as they demonstrate against proposed cuts to Medi-Cal and Medicare outside San Francisco city hall on Sept. 21, 2011, in San Francisco, California. \u003ccite>(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>You can start preparing for medical expenses now with a health savings account, or HSA. This kind of savings account “offers what we call triple tax savings,” said Gellene from Bank of America. “Your money goes in pre-tax, it can grow tax-free if you invest it and you can withdraw it tax-free for qualified medical expenses.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you can save a little more in the next few years, there may still be some options to make what you have grow. If you have one, Gellene recommends maxing out your 401(k) — that is, contributing as much as the IRS allows you to — especially if your employer offers a match.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“That’s essentially free money, and you don’t want to leave any of it on the table,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Think about where you’ll live\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At a recent \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DWlMAlHFX9N/\">affordable housing fair\u003c/a> in San Francisco, several seniors had the same question for Anni Chung, from Self-Help for the Elderly. “Either their spouse or other family members have passed away, and they can’t keep up with the rent just on their own.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When the biggest expense is housing, Chung and her team help seniors apply for affordable housing via \u003ca href=\"https://housing.sfgov.org/\">San Francisco’s Dahlia portal\u003c/a>, where eligible residents can enter different lotteries for affordable apartments or studios. The available units listed can sometimes be smaller than where seniors lived when they had a full-time job, Chung said.[aside postID=news_12082251 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_012_qed.jpg']Some financial advisers shared with KQED that often, clients are able to bring their living expenses way down when they plan for retirement far from California. The state consistently ranks as one of the most expensive places for long-term care services. For example, the \u003ca href=\"https://assets.carescout.com/x/5c90319b6a/298701.pdf\">median monthly price\u003c/a> for a private room in a nursing home in California is about $15,000 — compared to roughly $10,000 in Ohio and $7,600 in Texas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another option for some seniors is moving in with their adult children. In many circumstances, this is an ideal arrangement for all parties. “They take care of each other, and it’s one big happy family,” Chung said. But even in these cases, she said it’s important to set up clear expectations about living together — especially if a family is already living in a smaller Bay Area apartment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And even if actual cohabitation isn’t on the table, it’s still important to maintain family connections and support, Chung said. “If living with family is complicated, then the seniors would rather have their own place but still have a good relationship with the family,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If someone has little savings in the bank but was able to buy a home earlier in their life, they can also look into home-sharing programs like \u003ca href=\"https://frontporch.net/live/home-match/#request-info\">Home Match\u003c/a>. This program in San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa and Marin counties connects homeowners with folks looking to rent a room or an accessory dwelling unit on their property.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As they figure out next steps, Bay Area seniors should remember they can consult — and lean on — groups like Self-Help for the Elderly, Chung said. “We need our seniors. We don’t want to see them have to move,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They worked hard here. They should enjoy their golden years here.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">\u003cem>How We Get By\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, a KQED series exploring how people are coping with rising costs in the Bay Area and California. Find the \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">\u003cem>full series here\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At 74, Teresa Chan is still working.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When she started thinking about retirement about a decade ago, Chan realized that financially, she still didn’t feel ready to live without a regular income. “I did not prepare,” she said. “I had no money. If I had money, I would have bought a home, but that was not possible.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For more than 30 years, Chan has worked in various administrative jobs in San Francisco — most recently in a remote data entry role. Through it all, paying rent and healthcare — for her family, as well as herself— were always her biggest expenses.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I had nothing to save after paying my bills,” she said, even with her Social Security benefits, which she began receiving at 66 after she reached full retirement age.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Last year, Chan moved from San Francisco to an apartment in Contra Costa County to save on housing costs. And she doesn’t plan to ever stop working. It’s her best way to support herself and hopefully save enough to one day visit her mother — who is now in her 90s — in Hong Kong, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“While I can still have the job, then I want to work,” Chan said, although she said that she wishes she had another option. “Maybe I’ll quit if I win the lottery.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11953002\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11953002\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66300_230613-SFMarinFoodPantry-11-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"A woman with white hair and a warm coat picks through a huge box of ears of corn in a paved outdoor area where lots of other people are also circulating.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66300_230613-SFMarinFoodPantry-11-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66300_230613-SFMarinFoodPantry-11-BL-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66300_230613-SFMarinFoodPantry-11-BL-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66300_230613-SFMarinFoodPantry-11-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66300_230613-SFMarinFoodPantry-11-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66300_230613-SFMarinFoodPantry-11-BL-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Volunteers distribute food items at a San Francisco-Marin Food Bank pop-up pantry in the Richmond District of San Francisco on June 13, 2023. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Chan is not alone. According to federal data from the \u003ca href=\"https://www.gao.gov/financial-security-older-americans\">Government Accountability Office\u003c/a> (GAO), about half of households nationwide with a worker aged 55 or older had no retirement savings. And like her, more seniors are \u003ca href=\"https://www.gao.gov/blog/older-americans-are-working-longer-how-do-we-support-them\">staying in the workforce longer\u003c/a>, downsizing and depending more than ever on family and social services to meet essential needs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you’re already approaching your 60s and don’t have much saved, what options are available for potentially changing that?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>KQED reached out to financial advisers and groups that serve seniors to better understand what older adults with fewer savings in the Bay Area are doing to make retirement possible.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>In the Bay Area, inequalities before and after retirement\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Planning for retirement is even more difficult for low-income older adults — \u003ca href=\"https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-23-105342.pdf\">only 15%\u003c/a> of this group report having anything saved at all.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The GAO also found that \u003ca href=\"https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-23-105342.pdf\">lower-income workers are effectively shut out\u003c/a> from workplace retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s. By contrast, higher earners consistently have greater access to these kinds of accounts and usually receive larger employer contributions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And the Bay Area’s high cost of living makes preparing for retirement even more complicated, said Vanessa Merlano Sittauer, director of Santa Clara County’s Department of Aging and Adult Services. “We need to talk about retirement [in] the greater context of what it’s like to live in a place like the Bay Area,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11986980\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11986980 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/PXL_20240520_185856861_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1446\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/PXL_20240520_185856861_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/PXL_20240520_185856861_qut-800x603.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/PXL_20240520_185856861_qut-1020x768.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/PXL_20240520_185856861_qut-160x121.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/PXL_20240520_185856861_qut-1536x1157.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">People gathered at a rally on May 20, 2024, in support of a San Francisco proposal to expand funding for affordable housing for seniors and others with low incomes. \u003ccite>(Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Sittauer points to data from the research publication \u003ca href=\"https://jointventure.org/images/stories/pdf/index2026-jvsv.pdf\">Silicon Valley Index\u003c/a> that shows that more that 40% of renters ages 18-64 across the South Bay and the Peninsula are severely rent burdened — meaning that at least half of their monthly income pays housing costs. For residents older than 65, that number climbs to 67%.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if living in the Bay Area means spending more on housing — along with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12075761/when-child-care-costs-half-a-paycheck-bay-area-parents-must-choose-kids-or-career\">childcare\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12081471/driving-in-the-bay-area-is-essential-for-many-its-only-gotten-more-expensive\">transportation\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082251/after-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-free-clinics-are-stepping-up\">healthcare\u003c/a> and almost everything else — younger people \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/AskSF/comments/1t5or0s/retirement_in_sf_as_a_lifelong_renter_whats_the\">are asking\u003c/a> if it’s even \u003cem>possible \u003c/em>to retire here when not much is left over at the end of every month.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What does retirement planning with less time look like?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Starting to plan for retirement in your 50s can feel overwhelming, said Matt Gellene, head of Specialized Consumer Client Solutions for Bank of America. “But the first and most important step is to be honest about your full financial picture,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Take a full inventory: what you have saved, what you owe, what you expect from Social Security, and what you want retirement to look like,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Plan out your spending — and debt payments\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Think carefully about the debt you have \u003cem>now\u003c/em>, Gellene said. “High-interest debt can erode retirement readiness faster than many people realize,” he said. “Paying down that debt in the years before retirement reduces the monthly income you’ll need to cover fixed costs once you stop working.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even setting a realistic monthly budget now that limits lifestyle expenses can help down the road. Many Bay Area public libraries offer \u003ca href=\"https://advisersgiveback.org/sf-library/\">free workshops with financial advisers\u003c/a> who can help you figure out what you can start cutting back on now.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11946480\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11946480 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/GettyImages-1400799758-scaled-e1779405949186.jpg\" alt=\"A woman sits at her kitchen table and sifts through documents, looking concerned. Next to her is her opened laptop.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">According to federal data from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), about half of households nationwide with a worker aged 55 or older had no retirement savings. \u003ccite>(MoMo Productions/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>United Way Bay Area, known by many in the region for its\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11909786/how-to-find-free-tax-help-near-you-and-prepare-everything-you-need-for-your-appointment\"> free tax filing services\u003c/a>, also runs a network of free financial coaching centers known as \u003ca href=\"https://uwba.org/what-we-do/sparkpoint-program/\">SparkPoint\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are centers in San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Marin counties, where financial coaches can help with making plans to achieve long-term goals like reducing debt and growing savings.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Know your options if you need to continue working\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Seniors who feel they are not ready to leave the workforce but are looking for a job with more flexibility can also contact \u003ca href=\"https://www.selfhelpelderly.org/\">Self-Help for the Elderly\u003c/a>, a nonprofit organization that provides seniors in San Francisco, Santa Clara and San Mateo counties with housing, food and other social services.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We train older workers as home health aides, housekeepers and restaurant workers,” CEO Anni Chung said. Seniors who are trained as housekeepers, for example, can work a few hours a week for several different clients. Multiple trainings for \u003ca href=\"https://www.selfhelpelderly.org/our-services/employment-services/job-placements-and-employment-training\">this older worker program\u003c/a> are held throughout the year.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Remember healthcare costs\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Another huge retirement expense to consider is healthcare costs. Seniors with Medicare may still have to pay monthly premiums and deductibles, depending on what coverage plan they sign up for. Medicare Part A, which does not charge monthly premiums and covers major hospital bills, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-parts-b-premiums-deductibles\">still comes with deductibles\u003c/a> that beneficiaries pay if they are admitted to the hospital.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Other Medicare options can cover additional medical expenses, like lab tests and medication, but those plans come with monthly premiums. And researchers have found that out-of-pocket healthcare expenses increase significantly \u003ca href=\"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3614143/\">for Medicare recipients\u003c/a> in the last years of life, and most individuals are considered \u003ca href=\"https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2686318\">high-need, high-cost patients\u003c/a> prior to death.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12058933\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1829px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12058933 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/125841436_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1829\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/125841436_qed.jpg 1829w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/125841436_qed-160x117.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/125841436_qed-1536x1119.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1829px) 100vw, 1829px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Protestors carry signs as they demonstrate against proposed cuts to Medi-Cal and Medicare outside San Francisco city hall on Sept. 21, 2011, in San Francisco, California. \u003ccite>(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>You can start preparing for medical expenses now with a health savings account, or HSA. This kind of savings account “offers what we call triple tax savings,” said Gellene from Bank of America. “Your money goes in pre-tax, it can grow tax-free if you invest it and you can withdraw it tax-free for qualified medical expenses.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you can save a little more in the next few years, there may still be some options to make what you have grow. If you have one, Gellene recommends maxing out your 401(k) — that is, contributing as much as the IRS allows you to — especially if your employer offers a match.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“That’s essentially free money, and you don’t want to leave any of it on the table,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Think about where you’ll live\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At a recent \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DWlMAlHFX9N/\">affordable housing fair\u003c/a> in San Francisco, several seniors had the same question for Anni Chung, from Self-Help for the Elderly. “Either their spouse or other family members have passed away, and they can’t keep up with the rent just on their own.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When the biggest expense is housing, Chung and her team help seniors apply for affordable housing via \u003ca href=\"https://housing.sfgov.org/\">San Francisco’s Dahlia portal\u003c/a>, where eligible residents can enter different lotteries for affordable apartments or studios. The available units listed can sometimes be smaller than where seniors lived when they had a full-time job, Chung said.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Some financial advisers shared with KQED that often, clients are able to bring their living expenses way down when they plan for retirement far from California. The state consistently ranks as one of the most expensive places for long-term care services. For example, the \u003ca href=\"https://assets.carescout.com/x/5c90319b6a/298701.pdf\">median monthly price\u003c/a> for a private room in a nursing home in California is about $15,000 — compared to roughly $10,000 in Ohio and $7,600 in Texas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another option for some seniors is moving in with their adult children. In many circumstances, this is an ideal arrangement for all parties. “They take care of each other, and it’s one big happy family,” Chung said. But even in these cases, she said it’s important to set up clear expectations about living together — especially if a family is already living in a smaller Bay Area apartment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And even if actual cohabitation isn’t on the table, it’s still important to maintain family connections and support, Chung said. “If living with family is complicated, then the seniors would rather have their own place but still have a good relationship with the family,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If someone has little savings in the bank but was able to buy a home earlier in their life, they can also look into home-sharing programs like \u003ca href=\"https://frontporch.net/live/home-match/#request-info\">Home Match\u003c/a>. This program in San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa and Marin counties connects homeowners with folks looking to rent a room or an accessory dwelling unit on their property.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As they figure out next steps, Bay Area seniors should remember they can consult — and lean on — groups like Self-Help for the Elderly, Chung said. “We need our seniors. We don’t want to see them have to move,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They worked hard here. They should enjoy their golden years here.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"title": "How to Find the Best Deals at Bay Area Thrift Stores",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\" target=\"_blank\">How We Get By\u003c/a>, a KQED series exploring how people are coping with rising costs in the Bay Area and California. Find the full series \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For bargain-minded shoppers in the Bay Area, Goodwill, Savers and Salvation Army constitute the big trifecta of chain thrift stores. Depending on each individual store’s location, though, finding quality items at affordable prices can be hit-or-miss.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>My favorite thrifting finds usually come from smaller, local thrift shops. Luckily, the Bay Area has no shortage of them – especially stores that support a good cause.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re an avid thrifter like me, you have patience. You know the best bargains come from hoping that the treasure you saw last week went unsold long enough to enter the sale rotation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While prices at “curated” thrift stores and vintage resale shops seem to only go up, below you’ll find Bay Area thrift stores with great finds — and ways to spend smart while you’re there.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/treasurepawsthrift/\">Treasure Paws Rescue Thrift\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1127 Chula Vista Ave., Burlingame \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you need any more reason to love Fridays, Treasure Paws in Burlingame holds a “Final Friday Fiesta” on the last Friday of every month, where all merchandise is 40% off. Other notable deals at Treasure Paws are offered for seniors and students, who get 25% off on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, respectively. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For those who regularly spend more than $30, I recommend the loyalty program, which also enters you into a monthly giveaway. Every $30 spent equals one entry, and winners get to choose between a $500 Treasure Paws gift card or the bag of the month.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DW69xfVCUuJ/\">Born Again Thrift\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>2287 Mission St., San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Open since 2022, Born Again has quickly become a second-hand staple in the Mission District. You can expect storewide deals for major holidays, but what keeps me coming back is the $1.99 rack. It’s in high demand, too, so make sure to go early in the day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260513-THRIFTSTORES-12-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13989820\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260513-THRIFTSTORES-12-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260513-THRIFTSTORES-12-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260513-THRIFTSTORES-12-BL-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260513-THRIFTSTORES-12-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A yellow tag item for sale at the Joybound Thrift Store, Cat Lounge & Adoption Center in Concord on May 13, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://joybound.org/adopt/thrift-store/#thrift\">Joybound Thrift Store, Cat Lounge and Adoption Center\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>950 Market St., Suite I Concord\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This thrift store earns its namesake, combining my two favorite things: thrifting and cats. If the opportunity to see some furry friends isn’t enticing enough to visit, how about the words “50% off”?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Joybound utilizes a three-color pricing system, rotating between blue, yellow and orange. Each month, any item with a specific color price tag is 50% off all through the month. Joybound also offers seniors a 20% discount every Tuesday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/nearlynewshopsunnyvale/\">Nearly New Shop\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>225 E. Maude Ave., Sunnyvale\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A beloved thrift store in Sunnyvale for almost 70 years now, the Nearly New Shop donates all profits to scholarships for women. To get the best deal on clothing, household items or anything else you can find, watch for the color tag of the month, which discounts an item by 50%. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If something catches your eye and you want to take the risk to get it at a cheaper price, wait until the 16th of the month, when all items with the monthly color tag drop to 75% off.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260515-THRIFTSTORES-07-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13989832\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260515-THRIFTSTORES-07-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260515-THRIFTSTORES-07-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260515-THRIFTSTORES-07-BL-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260515-THRIFTSTORES-07-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A customer looks at knickknacks at Community Thrift in San Francisco on May 15, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/communitythriftsf/\">Community Thrift Store\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>623 Valencia St., San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Thrifting veterans in the city already know and love Community Thrift, not just for the deals, but because it supports over 200 local charities. (Its mesmerizing “chair corner” runs a close third.) The store runs two sales each month that last between three to five days each, with discounts starting at 25% off. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/happydragonthriftshop/\">\u003ch2>Happy Dragon Thrift Shop\u003c/h2>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>245 W. Main St., Los Gatos\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In an unassuming building just a couple blocks off of Santa Cruz Avenue, Happy Dragon Thrift Shop and its unbeatable prices recently earned the title of Silicon Valley’s best thrift spot by readers of \u003cem>The Mercury News\u003c/em>. Following the practice of many other thrift stores, its 50% off discount cycles between red, yellow, and green tags.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The best deals, though, come during the famous bag sale, usually announced on Instagram. For $25 per paper bag (sometimes bag prices drop on the last days of the sale), you can take home whatever fits inside.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DWrfrNnDz4r/\">Uptown Vintage\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1320 Industrial Ave., Petaluma\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>I’ll admit, Uptown Vintage is definitely on the pricer side of secondhand stores. You can still expect a good bargain for the brand, but the real treasure here — and why it merits inclusion in this list — is the $5 bin. Not only is it high on quality, it gets restocked everyday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/img_3091.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13989912\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/img_3091.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/img_3091-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/img_3091-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/img_3091-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pick of the Litter recently moved into a former Joann Fabrics store in north Santa Rosa. (Gabe Meline)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.forgottenfelines.com/pol\">\u003ch2>Pick of the Litter Thrift and Gift\u003c/h2>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>3620 Industrial Drive, Santa Rosa \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now in a new, larger location, this Santa Rosa thrift store funds the Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County, a trap-neuter-return organization. Everyday a different clothing color will be marked 50% off — so if you’re in need of a green sweater, say, make sure to check in and see the color of the day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Additionally, a specific tagged color (yellow, green, orange or purple) will be 50% off. Shoes are priced $19 and under every Tuesday, and shoppers over the age of 55 get 10% off on Wednesdays. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://outofthecloset.org/locations/\">\u003ch2>Out of the Closet\u003c/h2>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Various locations\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With four locations in the East Bay and San Francisco, each individual Out of the Closet store has its own set of sales. The deals that stay consistent are the color tags that cycle between 30%, 50% and $1.50 off. If one color tag is 30% off, it rotates to 50% off the next week — and the week after that, the item is just $1.50.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While I’m the type of person who’s hesitant to give out my phone number for promotional messages, Out of the Closet’s rewards system is the best way to stay on top of the big storewide deals. \u003c/p>\n\n",
"blocks": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\" target=\"_blank\">How We Get By\u003c/a>, a KQED series exploring how people are coping with rising costs in the Bay Area and California. Find the full series \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\" target=\"_blank\">How We Get By\u003c/a>, a KQED series exploring how people are coping with rising costs in the Bay Area and California. Find the full series \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For bargain-minded shoppers in the Bay Area, Goodwill, Savers and Salvation Army constitute the big trifecta of chain thrift stores. Depending on each individual store’s location, though, finding quality items at affordable prices can be hit-or-miss.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>My favorite thrifting finds usually come from smaller, local thrift shops. Luckily, the Bay Area has no shortage of them – especially stores that support a good cause.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>For bargain-minded shoppers in the Bay Area, Goodwill, Savers and Salvation Army constitute the big trifecta of chain thrift stores. Depending on each individual store’s location, though, finding quality items at affordable prices can be hit-or-miss.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>My favorite thrifting finds usually come from smaller, local thrift shops. Luckily, the Bay Area has no shortage of them – especially stores that support a good cause.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re an avid thrifter like me, you have patience. You know the best bargains come from hoping that the treasure you saw last week went unsold long enough to enter the sale rotation.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you’re an avid thrifter like me, you have patience. You know the best bargains come from hoping that the treasure you saw last week went unsold long enough to enter the sale rotation.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While prices at “curated” thrift stores and vintage resale shops seem to only go up, below you’ll find Bay Area thrift stores with great finds — and ways to spend smart while you’re there.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>While prices at “curated” thrift stores and vintage resale shops seem to only go up, below you’ll find Bay Area thrift stores with great finds — and ways to spend smart while you’re there.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/treasurepawsthrift/\">Treasure Paws Rescue Thrift\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/treasurepawsthrift/\">Treasure Paws Rescue Thrift\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1127 Chula Vista Ave., Burlingame \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1127 Chula Vista Ave., Burlingame \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you need any more reason to love Fridays, Treasure Paws in Burlingame holds a “Final Friday Fiesta” on the last Friday of every month, where all merchandise is 40% off. Other notable deals at Treasure Paws are offered for seniors and students, who get 25% off on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, respectively. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you need any more reason to love Fridays, Treasure Paws in Burlingame holds a “Final Friday Fiesta” on the last Friday of every month, where all merchandise is 40% off. Other notable deals at Treasure Paws are offered for seniors and students, who get 25% off on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, respectively. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For those who regularly spend more than $30, I recommend the loyalty program, which also enters you into a monthly giveaway. Every $30 spent equals one entry, and winners get to choose between a $500 Treasure Paws gift card or the bag of the month.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>For those who regularly spend more than $30, I recommend the loyalty program, which also enters you into a monthly giveaway. Every $30 spent equals one entry, and winners get to choose between a $500 Treasure Paws gift card or the bag of the month.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DW69xfVCUuJ/\">Born Again Thrift\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DW69xfVCUuJ/\">Born Again Thrift\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>2287 Mission St., San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>2287 Mission St., San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Open since 2022, Born Again has quickly become a second-hand staple in the Mission District. You can expect storewide deals for major holidays, but what keeps me coming back is the $1.99 rack. It’s in high demand, too, so make sure to go early in the day.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Open since 2022, Born Again has quickly become a second-hand staple in the Mission District. You can expect storewide deals for major holidays, but what keeps me coming back is the $1.99 rack. It’s in high demand, too, so make sure to go early in the day.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260513-THRIFTSTORES-12-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260513-THRIFTSTORES-12-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260513-THRIFTSTORES-12-BL-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260513-THRIFTSTORES-12-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260513-THRIFTSTORES-12-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13989820\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260513-THRIFTSTORES-12-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260513-THRIFTSTORES-12-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260513-THRIFTSTORES-12-BL-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260513-THRIFTSTORES-12-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A yellow tag item for sale at the Joybound Thrift Store, Cat Lounge & Adoption Center in Concord on May 13, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260513-THRIFTSTORES-12-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13989820\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A yellow tag item for sale at the Joybound Thrift Store, Cat Lounge & Adoption Center in Concord on May 13, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://joybound.org/adopt/thrift-store/#thrift\">Joybound Thrift Store, Cat Lounge and Adoption Center\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://joybound.org/adopt/thrift-store/#thrift\">Joybound Thrift Store, Cat Lounge and Adoption Center\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>950 Market St., Suite I Concord\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>950 Market St., Suite I Concord\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This thrift store earns its namesake, combining my two favorite things: thrifting and cats. If the opportunity to see some furry friends isn’t enticing enough to visit, how about the words “50% off”?\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>This thrift store earns its namesake, combining my two favorite things: thrifting and cats. If the opportunity to see some furry friends isn’t enticing enough to visit, how about the words “50% off”?\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Joybound utilizes a three-color pricing system, rotating between blue, yellow and orange. Each month, any item with a specific color price tag is 50% off all through the month. Joybound also offers seniors a 20% discount every Tuesday.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Joybound utilizes a three-color pricing system, rotating between blue, yellow and orange. Each month, any item with a specific color price tag is 50% off all through the month. Joybound also offers seniors a 20% discount every Tuesday.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/nearlynewshopsunnyvale/\">Nearly New Shop\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/nearlynewshopsunnyvale/\">Nearly New Shop\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>225 E. Maude Ave., Sunnyvale\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>225 E. Maude Ave., Sunnyvale\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A beloved thrift store in Sunnyvale for almost 70 years now, the Nearly New Shop donates all profits to scholarships for women. To get the best deal on clothing, household items or anything else you can find, watch for the color tag of the month, which discounts an item by 50%. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A beloved thrift store in Sunnyvale for almost 70 years now, the Nearly New Shop donates all profits to scholarships for women. To get the best deal on clothing, household items or anything else you can find, watch for the color tag of the month, which discounts an item by 50%. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If something catches your eye and you want to take the risk to get it at a cheaper price, wait until the 16th of the month, when all items with the monthly color tag drop to 75% off.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If something catches your eye and you want to take the risk to get it at a cheaper price, wait until the 16th of the month, when all items with the monthly color tag drop to 75% off.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260515-THRIFTSTORES-07-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260515-THRIFTSTORES-07-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260515-THRIFTSTORES-07-BL-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260515-THRIFTSTORES-07-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260515-THRIFTSTORES-07-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13989832\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260515-THRIFTSTORES-07-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260515-THRIFTSTORES-07-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260515-THRIFTSTORES-07-BL-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260515-THRIFTSTORES-07-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A customer looks at knickknacks at Community Thrift in San Francisco on May 15, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260515-THRIFTSTORES-07-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13989832\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A customer looks at knickknacks at Community Thrift in San Francisco on May 15, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/communitythriftsf/\">Community Thrift Store\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/communitythriftsf/\">Community Thrift Store\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>623 Valencia St., San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>623 Valencia St., San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Thrifting veterans in the city already know and love Community Thrift, not just for the deals, but because it supports over 200 local charities. (Its mesmerizing “chair corner” runs a close third.) The store runs two sales each month that last between three to five days each, with discounts starting at 25% off. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Thrifting veterans in the city already know and love Community Thrift, not just for the deals, but because it supports over 200 local charities. (Its mesmerizing “chair corner” runs a close third.) The store runs two sales each month that last between three to five days each, with discounts starting at 25% off. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/happydragonthriftshop/\">\u003ch2>Happy Dragon Thrift Shop\u003c/h2>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/happydragonthriftshop/\">\u003ch2>Happy Dragon Thrift Shop\u003c/h2>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>245 W. Main St., Los Gatos\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>245 W. Main St., Los Gatos\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In an unassuming building just a couple blocks off of Santa Cruz Avenue, Happy Dragon Thrift Shop and its unbeatable prices recently earned the title of Silicon Valley’s best thrift spot by readers of \u003cem>The Mercury News\u003c/em>. Following the practice of many other thrift stores, its 50% off discount cycles between red, yellow, and green tags.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In an unassuming building just a couple blocks off of Santa Cruz Avenue, Happy Dragon Thrift Shop and its unbeatable prices recently earned the title of Silicon Valley’s best thrift spot by readers of \u003cem>The Mercury News\u003c/em>. Following the practice of many other thrift stores, its 50% off discount cycles between red, yellow, and green tags.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The best deals, though, come during the famous bag sale, usually announced on Instagram. For $25 per paper bag (sometimes bag prices drop on the last days of the sale), you can take home whatever fits inside.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The best deals, though, come during the famous bag sale, usually announced on Instagram. For $25 per paper bag (sometimes bag prices drop on the last days of the sale), you can take home whatever fits inside.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DWrfrNnDz4r/\">Uptown Vintage\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DWrfrNnDz4r/\">Uptown Vintage\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1320 Industrial Ave., Petaluma\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>I’ll admit, Uptown Vintage is definitely on the pricer side of secondhand stores. You can still expect a good bargain for the brand, but the real treasure here — and why it merits inclusion in this list — is the $5 bin. Not only is it high on quality, it gets restocked everyday. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>I’ll admit, Uptown Vintage is definitely on the pricer side of secondhand stores. You can still expect a good bargain for the brand, but the real treasure here — and why it merits inclusion in this list — is the $5 bin. Not only is it high on quality, it gets restocked everyday. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Now in a new, larger location, this Santa Rosa thrift store funds the Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County, a trap-neuter-return organization. Everyday a different clothing color will be marked 50% off — so if you’re in need of a green sweater, say, make sure to check in and see the color of the day.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Additionally, a specific tagged color (yellow, green, orange or purple) will be 50% off. Shoes are priced $19 and under every Tuesday, and shoppers over the age of 55 get 10% off on Wednesdays. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://outofthecloset.org/locations/\">\u003ch2>Out of the Closet\u003c/h2>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://outofthecloset.org/locations/\">\u003ch2>Out of the Closet\u003c/h2>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>With four locations in the East Bay and San Francisco, each individual Out of the Closet store has its own set of sales. The deals that stay consistent are the color tags that cycle between 30%, 50% and $1.50 off. If one color tag is 30% off, it rotates to 50% off the next week — and the week after that, the item is just $1.50.\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Brush up on red-tag Thursdays, 50% off specials, senior discounts and more.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\" target=\"_blank\">How We Get By\u003c/a>, a KQED series exploring how people are coping with rising costs in the Bay Area and California. Find the full series \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For bargain-minded shoppers in the Bay Area, Goodwill, Savers and Salvation Army constitute the big trifecta of chain thrift stores. Depending on each individual store’s location, though, finding quality items at affordable prices can be hit-or-miss.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>My favorite thrifting finds usually come from smaller, local thrift shops. Luckily, the Bay Area has no shortage of them – especially stores that support a good cause.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re an avid thrifter like me, you have patience. You know the best bargains come from hoping that the treasure you saw last week went unsold long enough to enter the sale rotation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While prices at “curated” thrift stores and vintage resale shops seem to only go up, below you’ll find Bay Area thrift stores with great finds — and ways to spend smart while you’re there.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/treasurepawsthrift/\">Treasure Paws Rescue Thrift\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1127 Chula Vista Ave., Burlingame \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you need any more reason to love Fridays, Treasure Paws in Burlingame holds a “Final Friday Fiesta” on the last Friday of every month, where all merchandise is 40% off. Other notable deals at Treasure Paws are offered for seniors and students, who get 25% off on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, respectively. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For those who regularly spend more than $30, I recommend the loyalty program, which also enters you into a monthly giveaway. Every $30 spent equals one entry, and winners get to choose between a $500 Treasure Paws gift card or the bag of the month.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DW69xfVCUuJ/\">Born Again Thrift\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>2287 Mission St., San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Open since 2022, Born Again has quickly become a second-hand staple in the Mission District. You can expect storewide deals for major holidays, but what keeps me coming back is the $1.99 rack. It’s in high demand, too, so make sure to go early in the day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260513-THRIFTSTORES-12-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13989820\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260513-THRIFTSTORES-12-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260513-THRIFTSTORES-12-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260513-THRIFTSTORES-12-BL-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260513-THRIFTSTORES-12-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A yellow tag item for sale at the Joybound Thrift Store, Cat Lounge & Adoption Center in Concord on May 13, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://joybound.org/adopt/thrift-store/#thrift\">Joybound Thrift Store, Cat Lounge and Adoption Center\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>950 Market St., Suite I Concord\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This thrift store earns its namesake, combining my two favorite things: thrifting and cats. If the opportunity to see some furry friends isn’t enticing enough to visit, how about the words “50% off”?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Joybound utilizes a three-color pricing system, rotating between blue, yellow and orange. Each month, any item with a specific color price tag is 50% off all through the month. Joybound also offers seniors a 20% discount every Tuesday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/nearlynewshopsunnyvale/\">Nearly New Shop\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>225 E. Maude Ave., Sunnyvale\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A beloved thrift store in Sunnyvale for almost 70 years now, the Nearly New Shop donates all profits to scholarships for women. To get the best deal on clothing, household items or anything else you can find, watch for the color tag of the month, which discounts an item by 50%. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If something catches your eye and you want to take the risk to get it at a cheaper price, wait until the 16th of the month, when all items with the monthly color tag drop to 75% off.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260515-THRIFTSTORES-07-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13989832\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260515-THRIFTSTORES-07-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260515-THRIFTSTORES-07-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260515-THRIFTSTORES-07-BL-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260515-THRIFTSTORES-07-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A customer looks at knickknacks at Community Thrift in San Francisco on May 15, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/communitythriftsf/\">Community Thrift Store\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>623 Valencia St., San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Thrifting veterans in the city already know and love Community Thrift, not just for the deals, but because it supports over 200 local charities. (Its mesmerizing “chair corner” runs a close third.) The store runs two sales each month that last between three to five days each, with discounts starting at 25% off. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/happydragonthriftshop/\">\u003ch2>Happy Dragon Thrift Shop\u003c/h2>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>245 W. Main St., Los Gatos\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In an unassuming building just a couple blocks off of Santa Cruz Avenue, Happy Dragon Thrift Shop and its unbeatable prices recently earned the title of Silicon Valley’s best thrift spot by readers of \u003cem>The Mercury News\u003c/em>. Following the practice of many other thrift stores, its 50% off discount cycles between red, yellow, and green tags.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The best deals, though, come during the famous bag sale, usually announced on Instagram. For $25 per paper bag (sometimes bag prices drop on the last days of the sale), you can take home whatever fits inside.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DWrfrNnDz4r/\">Uptown Vintage\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1320 Industrial Ave., Petaluma\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>I’ll admit, Uptown Vintage is definitely on the pricer side of secondhand stores. You can still expect a good bargain for the brand, but the real treasure here — and why it merits inclusion in this list — is the $5 bin. Not only is it high on quality, it gets restocked everyday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/img_3091.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13989912\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/img_3091.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/img_3091-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/img_3091-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/img_3091-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pick of the Litter recently moved into a former Joann Fabrics store in north Santa Rosa. (Gabe Meline)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.forgottenfelines.com/pol\">\u003ch2>Pick of the Litter Thrift and Gift\u003c/h2>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>3620 Industrial Drive, Santa Rosa \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now in a new, larger location, this Santa Rosa thrift store funds the Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County, a trap-neuter-return organization. Everyday a different clothing color will be marked 50% off — so if you’re in need of a green sweater, say, make sure to check in and see the color of the day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Additionally, a specific tagged color (yellow, green, orange or purple) will be 50% off. Shoes are priced $19 and under every Tuesday, and shoppers over the age of 55 get 10% off on Wednesdays. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://outofthecloset.org/locations/\">\u003ch2>Out of the Closet\u003c/h2>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Various locations\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With four locations in the East Bay and San Francisco, each individual Out of the Closet store has its own set of sales. The deals that stay consistent are the color tags that cycle between 30%, 50% and $1.50 off. If one color tag is 30% off, it rotates to 50% off the next week — and the week after that, the item is just $1.50.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While I’m the type of person who’s hesitant to give out my phone number for promotional messages, Out of the Closet’s rewards system is the best way to stay on top of the big storewide deals. \u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "artist-housing-advocates-eye-a-once-in-100-year-opportunity",
"title": "Artist Housing Advocates Eye a ‘Once-in-100-Year’ Opportunity",
"publishDate": 1779138508,
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"headTitle": "Artist Housing Advocates Eye a ‘Once-in-100-Year’ Opportunity | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">\u003cem>How We Get By\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, a KQED series exploring how people are coping with rising costs in the Bay Area and California. Find the \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">\u003cem>full series here\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jaelynn Walls thought it would take years of saving before they could buy their own \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/housing\">home\u003c/a> in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/oakland\">Oakland\u003c/a>. But after seeing an Instagram post from \u003ca href=\"https://www.artistspacetrust.org/\">Artist Space Trust\u003c/a>, home ownership went from dream to reality for the 27-year-old fiction writer, curator and visual artist.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Artist Space Trust, a new Bay Area organization that helps artists secure affordable housing, helped Walls secure $168,000 in downpayment assistance from CalHOME, a state program for first-time homebuyers. After a whirlwind three months of compiling financial paperwork and spending their free time at open houses, Walls and their wife got the keys to a cozy East Oakland three-bedroom.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Just having a place to land, and not feeling like I could have the rug pulled out from under me at any moment by the greater powers that be, such as a landlord or a housing company, is very assuring,” Walls said during a video call from their fabric- and plant-filled home studio.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Walls used to live in a cramped Tenderloin studio apartment where most of their income went to rent. Now, a much smaller portion of their paycheck goes to their mortgage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They have more space to focus on their next young-adult novel and quilting projects, and can even set aside some savings. Walls’ wife has a music studio where friends collaborate. Out-of-town artists sometimes crash with the couple when they’re in the Bay Area for gigs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This is pretty much the greatest thing that has ever happened to me in terms of my creative practice,” Walls said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989670\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989670\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-11-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-11-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-11-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-11-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-11-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jaelynn Walls, fiction writer and artist, holds their book “The Queer Girl is Going to be Okay” at their home in Oakland on May 11, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Bay Area artists have always been resilient, but in recent years, economic upheaval, the worldwide pandemic and federal funding cuts have put a financial strain on artists, and forced some to leave the region altogether.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As housing costs continue to rise, artists, policymakers and nonprofit leaders are testing new models to make sure the people who give the Bay Area its creative identity can afford to stay. Artist Space Trust uses a community land trust model to take homes off the for-profit real estate market and make them permanently affordable for artists. It’s part of a larger movement to create artist housing throughout the Bay Area, including projects underway in San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989671\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989671\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-17-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-17-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-17-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-17-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-17-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jaelynn Walls’ handmade quilt at their home in Oakland on May 11, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Walls sees the Bay Area as their long-term home, and they’re relieved they can remain here. “I’m surrounded by artists who have unstable housing, who are not sure of \u003cem>where\u003c/em> they’re going to create, or \u003cem>how\u003c/em> they’re gonna create their work,” Walls said, “and even beyond that, where they’re going to live.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Meg Shiffler, the director of Artist Space Trust, said her organization is looking generations ahead.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you lift up and look down at the Bay Area, 10, 20, 50, 100 years from now, there are gonna be artists permanently embedded all over the Bay Area,” Shiffler said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The Great Wealth Transfer creates an opening for artist housing\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>While there isn’t enough recent data available to paint a complete picture of Bay Area artists as a workforce, it’s safe to say they’re struggling to get by.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/10960748/survey-confirms-market-forces-pushing-artists-out-of-san-francisco\">last large-scale survey of artists in San Francisco\u003c/a>, from 2015, found that 70% had been or were being displaced from their home, workspace or both. A \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/Berkeley%20Affordable%20Housing%20for%20Artists.pdf\">2021 survey of artists in Berkeley\u003c/a> found that the majority were low-income, and 77% were either “rent burdened” or “severely rent burdened.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989668\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989668\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260514_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-19-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1354\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260514_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-19-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260514_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-19-KQED-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260514_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-19-KQED-768x520.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260514_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-19-KQED-1536x1040.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">From left, Artist Space Trust team, Qiana Ellis, Programs Manager, and Meg Shiffler, Director, pose for a photo in Berkeley on May 14, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In the past decade, Bay Area artists have faced setback after setback. In 2016, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/ghostshipmemorial\">Ghost Ship fire\u003c/a> at a live-work artist warehouse in Oakland, during which 36 people died, prompted a wave of evictions from makeshift dwellings where artists lived because they couldn’t afford anything else.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then came the 2020 pandemic shutdowns, which cut off performance income, and another wave of displacement when state and city governments lifted eviction moratoriums. In more recent years, surging gas, food and rent prices have kept artists and other workers stuck in financial precarity.[aside postID=arts_13989622 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260512-FREE-PARKING-AT-MUSIC-VENUES-MD-03-KQED.jpg']Advocates say that securing permanently affordable housing for artists is key to ensuring that the Bay Area can remain a cultural hub. Qiana Ellis, Artist Space Trust’s programs manager, sees a rare opportunity for artists to secure a permanent place in the region. “They’re calling it the Great Wealth Transfer,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Over the next two decades, an estimated $124 trillion will change hands nationally as Baby Boomers and members of the Silent Generation die and pass on their assets, according to the consulting firm Cerulli Associates. “We’re really in this point that may not happen for another 100 years,” Ellis said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s mostly members of these generations who are bequeathing their homes to Artist Space Trust. Some of them are artists and most aren’t wealthy themselves; they bought their homes decades ago, when \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12078615/how-skyrocketing-housing-costs-and-policy-choices-reshaped-the-bay-area\">houses in the Bay Area went for around $23,000\u003c/a>. Today’s average home price is over $700,000 in Oakland and over $1.3 million in San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They’re looking back on their lives and saying, ‘Wow, I see how difficult it’s gotten for artists,’” Ellis said. “‘I’m in conversation with younger generations, and I know that they cannot make their work in the same way that I could and be able to afford housing anymore.’”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Assessing artists’ needs\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Artist Space Trust is the first organization in the nation to use a community land trust model to create permanently affordable housing specifically for artists.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Berkeley nonprofit takes properties off the for-profit real-estate market and sells them well below market rate. Prices are set so that an individual making 60% to 80% of the area median income — roughly $65,000 to $87,000 — would spend no more than 30% of their monthly income on housing expenses. The organization is also working to create other home ownership opportunities, such as tiny homes and condos, for artists making below 60% of the area’s median income.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989663\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 1333px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989663\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-2-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1333\" height=\"2000\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-2-KQED.jpg 1333w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-2-KQED-160x240.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-2-KQED-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-2-KQED-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1333px) 100vw, 1333px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sharmi Basu, Vital Arts director, poses for a portrait in downtown Oakland on May 11, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Artist Space Trust has $15 million in properties that have either been donated or will be in the coming years. Some are single-family homes while others are more unconventional, including a property with a house, a warehouse and enough room to build another unit. So far, in partnership with the Northern California Land Trust (NCLT), the organization has helped artists purchase homes by helping them take advantage of the CalHOME downpayment-assistance program. This year, Artist Space Trust will sell the first property from its own portfolio: a duplex in San Francisco’s Mission District that will go to two artist households.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The nonprofit is currently doing outreach at community events to educate local artists on different pathways to affordable housing; their \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holding-ground-models-for-artist-housing-in-a-time-of-displacement-tickets-1987660345600\">next resource fair\u003c/a> is on May 19. “The idea is that we start to get individuals, families and cooperatives ready for the opportunities that are coming,” Shiffler said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Artist Space Trust is a partnership of NCLT and Vital Arts, an economic justice organization for artists that formed after the Ghost Ship fire. Vital Arts Director Sharmi Basu lost over a dozen friends in the tragedy; in the aftermath, they poured themself into organizing mutual aid for survivors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Today, Vital Arts tackles affordability at several different levels. The organization helps artists cover basic living expenses through its \u003ca href=\"https://www.vitalarts.org/adpg\">Artist Displacement Prevention Grant\u003c/a>, which gives out $3,000 in emergency assistance to artists facing eviction, homelessness and sudden rent increases. At its free \u003ca href=\"https://www.vitalarts.org/alc\">Artist Legal Cafe\u003c/a>, next happening on May 19, lawyers advise artists on tenants’ rights and other issues.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For Basu, helping artists get permanent housing through Artist Space Trust is a crucial part of the solution. While Artist Space Trust helps artists navigate the complicated financial logistics, Vital Arts will come in when it’s time to select potential homeowners for each housing opportunity.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are the features of the property to consider — ceramicists will be prioritized for a home with a pottery studio, for example — but Basu also sees this as an opportunity to address inequality. They want to make sure these housing opportunities don’t just reach people from well-off backgrounds, but go to people from Black and brown communities who have historically been locked out of homeownership because of redlining and other racist policies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“[We’re] making sure that equity is built from the foundation up in that selection process,” Basu said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>A movement for artist housing grows\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The need for artist housing is inspiring efforts across the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Artists Hub on Market and Mercy Housing of California, two nonprofits, will soon begin construction on an 100% affordable \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13957645/100-million-gift-affordable-artist-housing-mcroskey-mattress-san-francisco\">San Francisco apartment building for artists\u003c/a> that will include nearly 100 units, plus workspaces, a community center and a theater. Another nonprofit, Unity Council, has plans to develop the former Ghost Ship site in East Oakland into affordable housing, with 10% of the units set aside for artists.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989667\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989667\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260514_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-18-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1307\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260514_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-18-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260514_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-18-KQED-160x105.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260514_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-18-KQED-768x502.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260514_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-18-KQED-1536x1004.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rashida Chase, board chair of Vital Arts and cultural strategist for the city of Oakland, poses for a portrait in downtown Oakland on May 11, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Artists Hub on Market is slated for completion in 2028, and the Unity Council building is projected to begin construction that year. But building from the ground up is a lengthy process, so arts advocates are also exploring how to create affordable artist housing in existing properties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rashida Chase, board chair of Vital Arts, is a cultural strategist in Oakland City Councilmember Carroll Fife’s office. Chase lobbied the state to designate downtown Oakland’s Black Arts Movement and Business District as a California Cultural District, which opens up more housing opportunities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Thanks to the 2023 state law AB 812, city governments can set aside 10% of locally required affordable housing units for artists within and around state-designated cultural districts, as well as within local cultural districts.[aside postID=arts_13988685 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/jewelry-making-1536x1024.jpg']The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12016292/berkeley-wants-to-create-cultural-district-where-artists-afford-to-live\">city of Berkeley is using AB 812\u003c/a> to pursue similar strategies. Artist Space Trust is currently advising multiple housing developers building in cultural districts, with the goal of holding the master lease for the units designated for artists.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This summer, Chase is spearheading a survey to find out whether there are city-owned properties, foreclosed homes or vacant lots that could be converted into affordable housing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chase, who grew up in West Oakland, namechecks born-and-raised Oaklanders Ryan Coogler, Zendaya and Alysa Liu when she talks about the importance of creating policy that makes it easier for artists to stay in Oakland. “Culture is our main export,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We can hope [the Bay Area] won’t keep skyrocketing, but prices typically don’t come down,” Chase said. “And so we just wanna make sure that there’s enough housing available for the artists who are still here, but also artists who wanna come back.”\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Experts from Artist Space Trust and other nonprofits are hosting \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holding-ground-models-for-artist-housing-in-a-time-of-displacement-tickets-1987660345600\">\u003cem>Holding Ground\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, a panel discussion and resource fair, on May 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Root Division (1131 Mission St., San Francisco). Also on May 19, Vital Arts has its free \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.theselc.org/legalcafe_20260519\">\u003cem>Artist Legal Cafe\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Bandaloop Studios (1601 18th St., Oakland).\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">\u003cem>How We Get By\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, a KQED series exploring how people are coping with rising costs in the Bay Area and California. Find the \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">\u003cem>full series here\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jaelynn Walls thought it would take years of saving before they could buy their own \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/housing\">home\u003c/a> in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/oakland\">Oakland\u003c/a>. But after seeing an Instagram post from \u003ca href=\"https://www.artistspacetrust.org/\">Artist Space Trust\u003c/a>, home ownership went from dream to reality for the 27-year-old fiction writer, curator and visual artist.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Artist Space Trust, a new Bay Area organization that helps artists secure affordable housing, helped Walls secure $168,000 in downpayment assistance from CalHOME, a state program for first-time homebuyers. After a whirlwind three months of compiling financial paperwork and spending their free time at open houses, Walls and their wife got the keys to a cozy East Oakland three-bedroom.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Just having a place to land, and not feeling like I could have the rug pulled out from under me at any moment by the greater powers that be, such as a landlord or a housing company, is very assuring,” Walls said during a video call from their fabric- and plant-filled home studio.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Walls used to live in a cramped Tenderloin studio apartment where most of their income went to rent. Now, a much smaller portion of their paycheck goes to their mortgage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They have more space to focus on their next young-adult novel and quilting projects, and can even set aside some savings. Walls’ wife has a music studio where friends collaborate. Out-of-town artists sometimes crash with the couple when they’re in the Bay Area for gigs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This is pretty much the greatest thing that has ever happened to me in terms of my creative practice,” Walls said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989670\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989670\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-11-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-11-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-11-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-11-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-11-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jaelynn Walls, fiction writer and artist, holds their book “The Queer Girl is Going to be Okay” at their home in Oakland on May 11, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Bay Area artists have always been resilient, but in recent years, economic upheaval, the worldwide pandemic and federal funding cuts have put a financial strain on artists, and forced some to leave the region altogether.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As housing costs continue to rise, artists, policymakers and nonprofit leaders are testing new models to make sure the people who give the Bay Area its creative identity can afford to stay. Artist Space Trust uses a community land trust model to take homes off the for-profit real estate market and make them permanently affordable for artists. It’s part of a larger movement to create artist housing throughout the Bay Area, including projects underway in San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989671\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989671\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-17-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-17-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-17-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-17-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-17-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jaelynn Walls’ handmade quilt at their home in Oakland on May 11, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Walls sees the Bay Area as their long-term home, and they’re relieved they can remain here. “I’m surrounded by artists who have unstable housing, who are not sure of \u003cem>where\u003c/em> they’re going to create, or \u003cem>how\u003c/em> they’re gonna create their work,” Walls said, “and even beyond that, where they’re going to live.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Meg Shiffler, the director of Artist Space Trust, said her organization is looking generations ahead.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you lift up and look down at the Bay Area, 10, 20, 50, 100 years from now, there are gonna be artists permanently embedded all over the Bay Area,” Shiffler said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The Great Wealth Transfer creates an opening for artist housing\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>While there isn’t enough recent data available to paint a complete picture of Bay Area artists as a workforce, it’s safe to say they’re struggling to get by.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/10960748/survey-confirms-market-forces-pushing-artists-out-of-san-francisco\">last large-scale survey of artists in San Francisco\u003c/a>, from 2015, found that 70% had been or were being displaced from their home, workspace or both. A \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/Berkeley%20Affordable%20Housing%20for%20Artists.pdf\">2021 survey of artists in Berkeley\u003c/a> found that the majority were low-income, and 77% were either “rent burdened” or “severely rent burdened.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989668\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989668\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260514_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-19-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1354\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260514_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-19-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260514_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-19-KQED-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260514_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-19-KQED-768x520.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260514_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-19-KQED-1536x1040.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">From left, Artist Space Trust team, Qiana Ellis, Programs Manager, and Meg Shiffler, Director, pose for a photo in Berkeley on May 14, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In the past decade, Bay Area artists have faced setback after setback. In 2016, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/ghostshipmemorial\">Ghost Ship fire\u003c/a> at a live-work artist warehouse in Oakland, during which 36 people died, prompted a wave of evictions from makeshift dwellings where artists lived because they couldn’t afford anything else.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then came the 2020 pandemic shutdowns, which cut off performance income, and another wave of displacement when state and city governments lifted eviction moratoriums. In more recent years, surging gas, food and rent prices have kept artists and other workers stuck in financial precarity.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Advocates say that securing permanently affordable housing for artists is key to ensuring that the Bay Area can remain a cultural hub. Qiana Ellis, Artist Space Trust’s programs manager, sees a rare opportunity for artists to secure a permanent place in the region. “They’re calling it the Great Wealth Transfer,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Over the next two decades, an estimated $124 trillion will change hands nationally as Baby Boomers and members of the Silent Generation die and pass on their assets, according to the consulting firm Cerulli Associates. “We’re really in this point that may not happen for another 100 years,” Ellis said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s mostly members of these generations who are bequeathing their homes to Artist Space Trust. Some of them are artists and most aren’t wealthy themselves; they bought their homes decades ago, when \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12078615/how-skyrocketing-housing-costs-and-policy-choices-reshaped-the-bay-area\">houses in the Bay Area went for around $23,000\u003c/a>. Today’s average home price is over $700,000 in Oakland and over $1.3 million in San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They’re looking back on their lives and saying, ‘Wow, I see how difficult it’s gotten for artists,’” Ellis said. “‘I’m in conversation with younger generations, and I know that they cannot make their work in the same way that I could and be able to afford housing anymore.’”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Assessing artists’ needs\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Artist Space Trust is the first organization in the nation to use a community land trust model to create permanently affordable housing specifically for artists.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Berkeley nonprofit takes properties off the for-profit real-estate market and sells them well below market rate. Prices are set so that an individual making 60% to 80% of the area median income — roughly $65,000 to $87,000 — would spend no more than 30% of their monthly income on housing expenses. The organization is also working to create other home ownership opportunities, such as tiny homes and condos, for artists making below 60% of the area’s median income.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989663\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 1333px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989663\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-2-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1333\" height=\"2000\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-2-KQED.jpg 1333w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-2-KQED-160x240.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-2-KQED-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260511_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-2-KQED-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1333px) 100vw, 1333px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sharmi Basu, Vital Arts director, poses for a portrait in downtown Oakland on May 11, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Artist Space Trust has $15 million in properties that have either been donated or will be in the coming years. Some are single-family homes while others are more unconventional, including a property with a house, a warehouse and enough room to build another unit. So far, in partnership with the Northern California Land Trust (NCLT), the organization has helped artists purchase homes by helping them take advantage of the CalHOME downpayment-assistance program. This year, Artist Space Trust will sell the first property from its own portfolio: a duplex in San Francisco’s Mission District that will go to two artist households.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The nonprofit is currently doing outreach at community events to educate local artists on different pathways to affordable housing; their \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holding-ground-models-for-artist-housing-in-a-time-of-displacement-tickets-1987660345600\">next resource fair\u003c/a> is on May 19. “The idea is that we start to get individuals, families and cooperatives ready for the opportunities that are coming,” Shiffler said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Artist Space Trust is a partnership of NCLT and Vital Arts, an economic justice organization for artists that formed after the Ghost Ship fire. Vital Arts Director Sharmi Basu lost over a dozen friends in the tragedy; in the aftermath, they poured themself into organizing mutual aid for survivors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Today, Vital Arts tackles affordability at several different levels. The organization helps artists cover basic living expenses through its \u003ca href=\"https://www.vitalarts.org/adpg\">Artist Displacement Prevention Grant\u003c/a>, which gives out $3,000 in emergency assistance to artists facing eviction, homelessness and sudden rent increases. At its free \u003ca href=\"https://www.vitalarts.org/alc\">Artist Legal Cafe\u003c/a>, next happening on May 19, lawyers advise artists on tenants’ rights and other issues.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For Basu, helping artists get permanent housing through Artist Space Trust is a crucial part of the solution. While Artist Space Trust helps artists navigate the complicated financial logistics, Vital Arts will come in when it’s time to select potential homeowners for each housing opportunity.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are the features of the property to consider — ceramicists will be prioritized for a home with a pottery studio, for example — but Basu also sees this as an opportunity to address inequality. They want to make sure these housing opportunities don’t just reach people from well-off backgrounds, but go to people from Black and brown communities who have historically been locked out of homeownership because of redlining and other racist policies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“[We’re] making sure that equity is built from the foundation up in that selection process,” Basu said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>A movement for artist housing grows\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The need for artist housing is inspiring efforts across the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Artists Hub on Market and Mercy Housing of California, two nonprofits, will soon begin construction on an 100% affordable \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13957645/100-million-gift-affordable-artist-housing-mcroskey-mattress-san-francisco\">San Francisco apartment building for artists\u003c/a> that will include nearly 100 units, plus workspaces, a community center and a theater. Another nonprofit, Unity Council, has plans to develop the former Ghost Ship site in East Oakland into affordable housing, with 10% of the units set aside for artists.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989667\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989667\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260514_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-18-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1307\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260514_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-18-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260514_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-18-KQED-160x105.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260514_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-18-KQED-768x502.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/20260514_ARTISTHOUSING_GC-18-KQED-1536x1004.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rashida Chase, board chair of Vital Arts and cultural strategist for the city of Oakland, poses for a portrait in downtown Oakland on May 11, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Artists Hub on Market is slated for completion in 2028, and the Unity Council building is projected to begin construction that year. But building from the ground up is a lengthy process, so arts advocates are also exploring how to create affordable artist housing in existing properties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rashida Chase, board chair of Vital Arts, is a cultural strategist in Oakland City Councilmember Carroll Fife’s office. Chase lobbied the state to designate downtown Oakland’s Black Arts Movement and Business District as a California Cultural District, which opens up more housing opportunities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Thanks to the 2023 state law AB 812, city governments can set aside 10% of locally required affordable housing units for artists within and around state-designated cultural districts, as well as within local cultural districts.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12016292/berkeley-wants-to-create-cultural-district-where-artists-afford-to-live\">city of Berkeley is using AB 812\u003c/a> to pursue similar strategies. Artist Space Trust is currently advising multiple housing developers building in cultural districts, with the goal of holding the master lease for the units designated for artists.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This summer, Chase is spearheading a survey to find out whether there are city-owned properties, foreclosed homes or vacant lots that could be converted into affordable housing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chase, who grew up in West Oakland, namechecks born-and-raised Oaklanders Ryan Coogler, Zendaya and Alysa Liu when she talks about the importance of creating policy that makes it easier for artists to stay in Oakland. “Culture is our main export,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We can hope [the Bay Area] won’t keep skyrocketing, but prices typically don’t come down,” Chase said. “And so we just wanna make sure that there’s enough housing available for the artists who are still here, but also artists who wanna come back.”\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Experts from Artist Space Trust and other nonprofits are hosting \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holding-ground-models-for-artist-housing-in-a-time-of-displacement-tickets-1987660345600\">\u003cem>Holding Ground\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, a panel discussion and resource fair, on May 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Root Division (1131 Mission St., San Francisco). Also on May 19, Vital Arts has its free \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.theselc.org/legalcafe_20260519\">\u003cem>Artist Legal Cafe\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Bandaloop Studios (1601 18th St., Oakland).\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "heres-how-the-candidates-for-governor-would-make-california-more-affordable",
"title": "Here’s How the Candidates for Governor Would Make California More Affordable",
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"headTitle": "Here’s How the Candidates for Governor Would Make California More Affordable | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">\u003cem>How We Get By\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, a KQED series exploring how people are coping with rising costs in the Bay Area and California. Find the \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">\u003cem>full series here\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California’s next governor will inherit an affordability crisis that defies easy fixes: housing costs that have outpaced incomes for years, electricity rates among the highest in the nation, and gas prices nearly $2 above the national average — all in a state whose economy remains the envy of the country.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074132/xavier-becerra-on-why-his-upbringing-and-career-give-him-an-edge-over-other-gubernatorial-candidates\">Xavier Becerra\u003c/a>, the former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary and a Democratic candidate for governor, rattled off some of the biggest cost pressures as he spoke to more than 300 people in a high school gym in Concord last month.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The cost of affording a home, your health care, groceries, gasoline,” he said. “That cost of living crisis that we face here — it becomes existential.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The price of housing and energy has been unaffordable for Californians long before a post-pandemic surge in inflation made the cost of living the top concern for voters across America — and a potent political cudgel for politicians from President Donald Trump to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So it’s no surprise that, in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082125/inside-californias-billionaire-tax-fight-and-the-wide-open-governors-race\">most competitive primary\u003c/a> for California governor in a generation, candidates from both parties are making affordability central to their campaigns, vowing to ease a cost crunch fueled in part by the state’s top-heavy economy, strict land-use policies and complicated transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“California is often leading the nation — most of the time, that’s for good,” said Neale Mahoney, director of the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research. “But on some of these issues, we’ve been the canary in the coal mine for some of the problems.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082334\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12082334 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260423_-XAVIERBECERRA_EG_004-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260423_-XAVIERBECERRA_EG_004-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260423_-XAVIERBECERRA_EG_004-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260423_-XAVIERBECERRA_EG_004-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mark Murphy, center-left, and friend Kimberley J. Rodler, hold handmade signs in support of Xavier Becerra’s gubernatorial bid during a campaign event at Mount Diablo High School in Concord on Thursday, April 23, 2026. \u003ccite>(Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The challenge: affordability has come to encompass such a wide range of cost pressures that the next governor could struggle to even define success.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While leading candidates in both parties agree that housing costs are the greatest strain on residents’ budgets, other affordability proposals run the gamut.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Among the Democrats, Becerra is vowing to freeze utility rates and home insurance premiums; investor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12075769/tom-steyer-lays-out-vision-for-a-more-affordable-california-in-run-for-governor\">Tom Steyer\u003c/a> wants to return windfall oil profits to residents; San José Mayor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12075490/san-jose-mayor-matt-mahan-positions-himself-as-a-change-candidate-in-governors-race\">Matt Mahan\u003c/a> would pause the gas tax, and former congressmember \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12078450/katie-porters-run-for-governor-centers-tax-cuts-corporate-accountability\">Katie Porter\u003c/a> is promising free child care.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On the Republican side, former Fox News commentator \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12071133/former-fox-news-host-steve-hilton-lays-out-vision-for-california-governorship\">Steve Hilton\u003c/a> wants to cut taxes and car registration fees, while Riverside County Sheriff \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12081096/riverside-county-sheriff-chad-bianco-on-his-faith-cutting-taxes-and-ballot-seizure\">Chad Bianco\u003c/a> vows to bring down gas prices by encouraging oil production in the state.[aside label=\"From the 2026 Voter Guide\" link1='https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/governor,Learn about the California Governor Election' hero=https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/80/2026/04/Aside-California-Governor-2026-Primary-Election-1200x1200@2x.png]The specifics may differ, but the political upside of running a campaign focused on affordability is undeniable. Trump hammered former Vice President Kamala Harris over inflation on his way to victory in 2024. The following year, Mamdani made the cost of rent and transit a centerpiece of his successful campaign for mayor — while fellow Democrats won governor’s races in New Jersey and Virginia on affordability platforms.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the California governor’s race, candidates have leaned into their own personal histories as they attempt to connect with voters struggling with rising costs. Becerra has shared stories of his immigrant parents saving up to buy a house.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mahan has recounted his working-class upbringing in the farming town of Watsonville. Hilton has pointed to his humble beginnings as the son of Hungarian refugees in London, and Porter has openly discussed the struggle of raising a family in the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I’m the single mom of three teenagers who believe they will not be able to buy houses here in California,” Porter said at a debate hosted by CBS in April.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Voters like Luis Hernandez, who attended Becerra’s event in Concord, are looking for more than just campaign rhetoric. Hernandez is self-employed and buys health insurance through the Covered California exchange. He bemoaned rising premiums that are eating into his earnings and wants to know how the former attorney general plans to lower costs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Home insurance, car insurance and the worst is health insurance,” Hernandez said. “Everything is going up, so it’s tough.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Traditional metrics for measuring affordability don’t neatly capture voter angst about cost pressures.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082354\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082354\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260504_KATIEPORTERTOWNHALL_GC-11-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1307\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260504_KATIEPORTERTOWNHALL_GC-11-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260504_KATIEPORTERTOWNHALL_GC-11-KQED-160x105.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260504_KATIEPORTERTOWNHALL_GC-11-KQED-1536x1004.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter (D) speaks during a town hall at KQED on May 4, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>A longstanding gauge of purchasing power is real income, which measures pay after taking into account price increases. Real personal income \u003ca href=\"https://www.bea.gov/data/income-saving/real-personal-income-states\">increased by\u003c/a> 5.5% in California between 2023 and 2024 — the largest jump in the nation, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. And real income for the median household in the state has \u003ca href=\"https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MEHOINUSCAA672N\">risen to new highs\u003c/a> after a post-pandemic decline.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yet a UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies \u003ca href=\"https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8dj134w8\">survey\u003c/a> last month found a whopping 40% of likely voters picked “reducing the cost of living” as a top priority of California’s next governor. No other issue came close — and voters also prioritized specific cost-related solutions, such as building affordable housing (12%), lowering gas prices (10%), reducing health care costs (7%) and cutting utility rates (4%).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What the macroeconomic statistics miss is that the most acute price pressures are on essential goods and services that are hardest for Californians to substitute, Mahoney said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Maybe the price of a flat screen TV has decreased, and that’s great,” Mahoney said. “But the price for health care, the price for housing … these are really essentials and price increases there hit in a really inescapable way.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12081062\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1999px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12081062\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/FTP_9P3A3852_1_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/FTP_9P3A3852_1_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/FTP_9P3A3852_1_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/FTP_9P3A3852_1_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chad Bianco, Republican gubernatorial candidate for California, speaks during a gubernatorial debate at KRON Studios in San Francisco, California, US, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. California will hold its primary election on June 2, where the top two finishers advance to the general election in November regardless of party affiliation. \u003ccite>(Jason Henry/Nexstar/Bloomberg)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Nowhere is that more evident than the cost of housing. The median home value in California is more than twice the national average, putting homeownership, long a key pathway to middle-class financial security, increasingly out of reach.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A \u003ca href=\"https://lao.ca.gov/LAOEconTax/Article/Detail/793\">new report\u003c/a> from the state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office found that a mid-tier home in California (a house with a value in the 35th to 65th percentile) costs about $775,000. Since 2020, the income needed to qualify for a mortgage on a mid-tier home has increased far more quickly than median household income.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“While home prices have stabilized, housing has become less affordable for most Californians in recent years,” the report found.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The leading contenders for governor share a focus on the supply side of the housing equation: finding ways to increase development and construction by streamlining or removing regulations and easing local zoning restrictions.[aside label=\"2026 California Voter Guide\" link1='https://www.kqed.org/voterguide,Learn everything you need to cast an informed ballot for the 2026 primary election' hero=https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/80/2026/04/Aside-California-Voter-Guide-2026-Primary-Election-1200x1200@2x.png]While Democrats Becerra, Porter and Steyer said they will focus their efforts on promoting denser housing near transit, Republicans Bianco and Hilton have argued for extending the growth of single-family neighborhoods.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We do not have a land problem in California,” Bianco said in an April debate hosted by Nexstar. “We have a management problem, we have a government problem that we absolutely must take away.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But affordability concerns in the state extend beyond the price of renting or buying a home, said Evan White, executive director of the California Policy Lab at the University of California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“On average, Californians pay about twice as much for housing as the average American, they pay 60% more for utilities than the average American, they pay 40% more for gas than the average American, they pay 11% more for groceries than the average American,” he said. “We’re the most expensive state by far.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many of those cost pressures reflect California’s perilous position in the midst of a complicated transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. Californians are being hit with the costs of damaging wildfires fueled by years of climate pollution, while the state’s carbon-intensive oil and gas industry faces an uncertain future.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Gas prices in the state currently average $6.16 a gallon, per AAA — the highest in the nation. The gap between California and the national average is due in part to the cost of state fuel blend requirements, environmental regulations and what UC Berkeley professor Severin Borenstein has \u003ca href=\"https://energyathaas.wordpress.com/2023/01/09/whats-the-matter-with-californias-gasoline-prices/\">dubbed\u003c/a> the “mystery gasoline surcharge.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bianco has proposed eliminating the state’s 61-cent-per-gallon gas tax, which funds road repair and transit. Hilton wants to reduce the gas tax and suspend the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which adds about eight to 10 cents per gallon. Steyer, by contrast, said he would seek to impose a cap on refinery profits and return any profits above the cap to residents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then there are electricity prices, which have increased dramatically in recent years — in large part due to investments made by investor-owned utilities to prevent future wildfires. The costs of those mitigation measures, such as undergrounding wires and trimming trees, were passed along to customers of PG&E, SoCal Edison and SDG&E.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082331\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12082331 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/043006TOMSTEYER_GH_007-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/043006TOMSTEYER_GH_007-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/043006TOMSTEYER_GH_007-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/043006TOMSTEYER_GH_007-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer speaks during a town hall event on April 30, 2026, in San José. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Steyer has proposed cutting the utilities’ guaranteed rate of return for capital projects and making it easier for cities and counties to form publicly owned power providers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re going to have a different rule at the Public Utilities Commission about how they get paid,” Steyer told KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjXvKfldFlI&t=346s\">Political Breakdown\u003c/a>. “And we’re going to introduce local competition.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Hilton is also a supporter of locally-owned utilities. He is proposing to reclassify hydropower from large dams as “renewable energy,” which he argues will reduce what utilities need to spend on wind and solar power to meet the state’s climate goals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While the next governor has the ability to make progress on reducing these cost burdens, White cautioned that the challenges won’t be fixed overnight — or alone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078808\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12078808\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Steve Hilton speaks during the California gubernatorial candidate debate on Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Laure Andrillon/AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“The governor could do a lot to improve not only housing costs, but utility costs and other high costs in the state,” he said. “But they do need to be able to work with the Legislature effectively to do that.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And even before polls close in the June 2 primary, many Californians struggling to afford life in the state have already voted with their feet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>White \u003ca href=\"https://capolicylab.org/priced-out-relocation-amidst-californias-affordability-crisis/\">studied the migration trends\u003c/a> of California households over the past decade. Forty-two states send fewer people to California than they did 10 years ago. And families who decided to leave California are improving their financial conditions and becoming more likely to own a home in the years after their relocation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s clear that when they move,” White said. “They’re moving to much, much, much more affordable places.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "With the cost of living ranking high on the list of concerns for Californians heading into the June 2 primary, gubernatorial candidates from both parties are centering their campaigns on affordability.",
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"title": "Here’s How the Candidates for Governor Would Make California More Affordable | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">\u003cem>How We Get By\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, a KQED series exploring how people are coping with rising costs in the Bay Area and California. Find the \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">\u003cem>full series here\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California’s next governor will inherit an affordability crisis that defies easy fixes: housing costs that have outpaced incomes for years, electricity rates among the highest in the nation, and gas prices nearly $2 above the national average — all in a state whose economy remains the envy of the country.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074132/xavier-becerra-on-why-his-upbringing-and-career-give-him-an-edge-over-other-gubernatorial-candidates\">Xavier Becerra\u003c/a>, the former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary and a Democratic candidate for governor, rattled off some of the biggest cost pressures as he spoke to more than 300 people in a high school gym in Concord last month.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The cost of affording a home, your health care, groceries, gasoline,” he said. “That cost of living crisis that we face here — it becomes existential.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The price of housing and energy has been unaffordable for Californians long before a post-pandemic surge in inflation made the cost of living the top concern for voters across America — and a potent political cudgel for politicians from President Donald Trump to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So it’s no surprise that, in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082125/inside-californias-billionaire-tax-fight-and-the-wide-open-governors-race\">most competitive primary\u003c/a> for California governor in a generation, candidates from both parties are making affordability central to their campaigns, vowing to ease a cost crunch fueled in part by the state’s top-heavy economy, strict land-use policies and complicated transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“California is often leading the nation — most of the time, that’s for good,” said Neale Mahoney, director of the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research. “But on some of these issues, we’ve been the canary in the coal mine for some of the problems.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082334\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12082334 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260423_-XAVIERBECERRA_EG_004-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260423_-XAVIERBECERRA_EG_004-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260423_-XAVIERBECERRA_EG_004-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260423_-XAVIERBECERRA_EG_004-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mark Murphy, center-left, and friend Kimberley J. Rodler, hold handmade signs in support of Xavier Becerra’s gubernatorial bid during a campaign event at Mount Diablo High School in Concord on Thursday, April 23, 2026. \u003ccite>(Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The challenge: affordability has come to encompass such a wide range of cost pressures that the next governor could struggle to even define success.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While leading candidates in both parties agree that housing costs are the greatest strain on residents’ budgets, other affordability proposals run the gamut.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Among the Democrats, Becerra is vowing to freeze utility rates and home insurance premiums; investor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12075769/tom-steyer-lays-out-vision-for-a-more-affordable-california-in-run-for-governor\">Tom Steyer\u003c/a> wants to return windfall oil profits to residents; San José Mayor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12075490/san-jose-mayor-matt-mahan-positions-himself-as-a-change-candidate-in-governors-race\">Matt Mahan\u003c/a> would pause the gas tax, and former congressmember \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12078450/katie-porters-run-for-governor-centers-tax-cuts-corporate-accountability\">Katie Porter\u003c/a> is promising free child care.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On the Republican side, former Fox News commentator \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12071133/former-fox-news-host-steve-hilton-lays-out-vision-for-california-governorship\">Steve Hilton\u003c/a> wants to cut taxes and car registration fees, while Riverside County Sheriff \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12081096/riverside-county-sheriff-chad-bianco-on-his-faith-cutting-taxes-and-ballot-seizure\">Chad Bianco\u003c/a> vows to bring down gas prices by encouraging oil production in the state.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>The specifics may differ, but the political upside of running a campaign focused on affordability is undeniable. Trump hammered former Vice President Kamala Harris over inflation on his way to victory in 2024. The following year, Mamdani made the cost of rent and transit a centerpiece of his successful campaign for mayor — while fellow Democrats won governor’s races in New Jersey and Virginia on affordability platforms.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the California governor’s race, candidates have leaned into their own personal histories as they attempt to connect with voters struggling with rising costs. Becerra has shared stories of his immigrant parents saving up to buy a house.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mahan has recounted his working-class upbringing in the farming town of Watsonville. Hilton has pointed to his humble beginnings as the son of Hungarian refugees in London, and Porter has openly discussed the struggle of raising a family in the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I’m the single mom of three teenagers who believe they will not be able to buy houses here in California,” Porter said at a debate hosted by CBS in April.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Voters like Luis Hernandez, who attended Becerra’s event in Concord, are looking for more than just campaign rhetoric. Hernandez is self-employed and buys health insurance through the Covered California exchange. He bemoaned rising premiums that are eating into his earnings and wants to know how the former attorney general plans to lower costs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Home insurance, car insurance and the worst is health insurance,” Hernandez said. “Everything is going up, so it’s tough.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Traditional metrics for measuring affordability don’t neatly capture voter angst about cost pressures.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082354\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082354\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260504_KATIEPORTERTOWNHALL_GC-11-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1307\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260504_KATIEPORTERTOWNHALL_GC-11-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260504_KATIEPORTERTOWNHALL_GC-11-KQED-160x105.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260504_KATIEPORTERTOWNHALL_GC-11-KQED-1536x1004.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter (D) speaks during a town hall at KQED on May 4, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>A longstanding gauge of purchasing power is real income, which measures pay after taking into account price increases. Real personal income \u003ca href=\"https://www.bea.gov/data/income-saving/real-personal-income-states\">increased by\u003c/a> 5.5% in California between 2023 and 2024 — the largest jump in the nation, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. And real income for the median household in the state has \u003ca href=\"https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MEHOINUSCAA672N\">risen to new highs\u003c/a> after a post-pandemic decline.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yet a UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies \u003ca href=\"https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8dj134w8\">survey\u003c/a> last month found a whopping 40% of likely voters picked “reducing the cost of living” as a top priority of California’s next governor. No other issue came close — and voters also prioritized specific cost-related solutions, such as building affordable housing (12%), lowering gas prices (10%), reducing health care costs (7%) and cutting utility rates (4%).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What the macroeconomic statistics miss is that the most acute price pressures are on essential goods and services that are hardest for Californians to substitute, Mahoney said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Maybe the price of a flat screen TV has decreased, and that’s great,” Mahoney said. “But the price for health care, the price for housing … these are really essentials and price increases there hit in a really inescapable way.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12081062\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1999px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12081062\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/FTP_9P3A3852_1_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/FTP_9P3A3852_1_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/FTP_9P3A3852_1_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/FTP_9P3A3852_1_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chad Bianco, Republican gubernatorial candidate for California, speaks during a gubernatorial debate at KRON Studios in San Francisco, California, US, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. California will hold its primary election on June 2, where the top two finishers advance to the general election in November regardless of party affiliation. \u003ccite>(Jason Henry/Nexstar/Bloomberg)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Nowhere is that more evident than the cost of housing. The median home value in California is more than twice the national average, putting homeownership, long a key pathway to middle-class financial security, increasingly out of reach.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A \u003ca href=\"https://lao.ca.gov/LAOEconTax/Article/Detail/793\">new report\u003c/a> from the state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office found that a mid-tier home in California (a house with a value in the 35th to 65th percentile) costs about $775,000. Since 2020, the income needed to qualify for a mortgage on a mid-tier home has increased far more quickly than median household income.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“While home prices have stabilized, housing has become less affordable for most Californians in recent years,” the report found.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The leading contenders for governor share a focus on the supply side of the housing equation: finding ways to increase development and construction by streamlining or removing regulations and easing local zoning restrictions.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>While Democrats Becerra, Porter and Steyer said they will focus their efforts on promoting denser housing near transit, Republicans Bianco and Hilton have argued for extending the growth of single-family neighborhoods.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We do not have a land problem in California,” Bianco said in an April debate hosted by Nexstar. “We have a management problem, we have a government problem that we absolutely must take away.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But affordability concerns in the state extend beyond the price of renting or buying a home, said Evan White, executive director of the California Policy Lab at the University of California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“On average, Californians pay about twice as much for housing as the average American, they pay 60% more for utilities than the average American, they pay 40% more for gas than the average American, they pay 11% more for groceries than the average American,” he said. “We’re the most expensive state by far.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many of those cost pressures reflect California’s perilous position in the midst of a complicated transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. Californians are being hit with the costs of damaging wildfires fueled by years of climate pollution, while the state’s carbon-intensive oil and gas industry faces an uncertain future.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Gas prices in the state currently average $6.16 a gallon, per AAA — the highest in the nation. The gap between California and the national average is due in part to the cost of state fuel blend requirements, environmental regulations and what UC Berkeley professor Severin Borenstein has \u003ca href=\"https://energyathaas.wordpress.com/2023/01/09/whats-the-matter-with-californias-gasoline-prices/\">dubbed\u003c/a> the “mystery gasoline surcharge.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bianco has proposed eliminating the state’s 61-cent-per-gallon gas tax, which funds road repair and transit. Hilton wants to reduce the gas tax and suspend the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which adds about eight to 10 cents per gallon. Steyer, by contrast, said he would seek to impose a cap on refinery profits and return any profits above the cap to residents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then there are electricity prices, which have increased dramatically in recent years — in large part due to investments made by investor-owned utilities to prevent future wildfires. The costs of those mitigation measures, such as undergrounding wires and trimming trees, were passed along to customers of PG&E, SoCal Edison and SDG&E.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082331\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12082331 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/043006TOMSTEYER_GH_007-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/043006TOMSTEYER_GH_007-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/043006TOMSTEYER_GH_007-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/043006TOMSTEYER_GH_007-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer speaks during a town hall event on April 30, 2026, in San José. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Steyer has proposed cutting the utilities’ guaranteed rate of return for capital projects and making it easier for cities and counties to form publicly owned power providers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re going to have a different rule at the Public Utilities Commission about how they get paid,” Steyer told KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjXvKfldFlI&t=346s\">Political Breakdown\u003c/a>. “And we’re going to introduce local competition.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Hilton is also a supporter of locally-owned utilities. He is proposing to reclassify hydropower from large dams as “renewable energy,” which he argues will reduce what utilities need to spend on wind and solar power to meet the state’s climate goals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While the next governor has the ability to make progress on reducing these cost burdens, White cautioned that the challenges won’t be fixed overnight — or alone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078808\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12078808\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Steve Hilton speaks during the California gubernatorial candidate debate on Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Laure Andrillon/AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“The governor could do a lot to improve not only housing costs, but utility costs and other high costs in the state,” he said. “But they do need to be able to work with the Legislature effectively to do that.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And even before polls close in the June 2 primary, many Californians struggling to afford life in the state have already voted with their feet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>White \u003ca href=\"https://capolicylab.org/priced-out-relocation-amidst-californias-affordability-crisis/\">studied the migration trends\u003c/a> of California households over the past decade. Forty-two states send fewer people to California than they did 10 years ago. And families who decided to leave California are improving their financial conditions and becoming more likely to own a home in the years after their relocation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s clear that when they move,” White said. “They’re moving to much, much, much more affordable places.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "best-cheap-affordable-restaurant-meals-bay-area-oakland-sf",
"title": "25 Great Bay Area Meals for $12 or Less",
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"headTitle": "25 Great Bay Area Meals for $12 or Less | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003ci>This story is part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">How We Get By\u003c/a>, a KQED series exploring how people are coping with rising costs in the Bay Area and California. Find the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">full series here\u003c/a>.\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You don’t need to sit down at one of the Bay Area’s posh and trendy temples of fine dining to know that eating out in the year 2026 is too damn expensive. These days, even the most generic fast food might cost $50 or $60 to feed a family of four, and buying groceries to cook at home is an increasingly fraught and overwhelming expense.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Thankfully, the high-end California cuisine restaurant isn’t the \u003ci>only\u003c/i> hallmark of the Bay Area food scene — there’s also the neighborhood taco truck, noodle counter, bánh mì shop and casual takeout dim sum deli. In every city in the Bay, these essential restaurants are still feeding the people, often at a shockingly inexpensive price point. You just need to know which ones are actually delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here, then, is my guide to eating well on a budget: 25 of my favorite affordable Bay Area restaurants where you can get a full, satisfying meal for $12 or less.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#CheapEatsinSanFrancisco\">Cheap eats in San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#CheapEatsintheSouthBayandPeninsula\">Cheap eats in the South Bay and Peninsula\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#CheapEatsintheNorthBay\">Cheap eats in the North Bay\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch1>\u003cb>EAST BAY\u003c/b>\u003c/h1>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989352\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989352\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/universal-bakery-pan-con-todo.jpg\" alt=\"Breakfast sandwich with sausage, scrambled egg and queso fresco.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/universal-bakery-pan-con-todo.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/universal-bakery-pan-con-todo-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/universal-bakery-pan-con-todo-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/universal-bakery-pan-con-todo-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The pan con todo with Guatemalan sausage at Universal Bakery, which has locations in San Pablo, San Francisco and Daly City. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Universal Bakery\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1946 23rd St., San Pablo\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This bustling Guatemalan bakery is the king of the delicious, inexpensive breakfast sandwich, serving at least seven different varieties of its pan con todo. The baseline sandwich ($6.55) comes with fluffy scrambled eggs, refried beans, crema and a wedge of fresh cheese — the staples of a traditional Guatemalan breakfast, all piled onto a good, crusty French roll. My favorite version adds well-charred longaniza (Guatemalan pork sausage) to the mix; others feature sweet plantains or carne asada. The bakery has additional locations in \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Universal+Bakery+on+Mission/@37.741405,-122.4228077,3291m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x808f7e5d405c2f8b:0xb24e30761070f266!8m2!3d37.741405!4d-122.4228077!16s%2Fg%2F1vlqqfmk?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">San Francisco’s Mission District\u003c/a> and in \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Universal+Bakery+on+Geneva/@37.7070028,-122.4146378,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x808f7ec563977c09:0x63c23ad1f3300324!8m2!3d37.7070028!4d-122.4146378!16s%2Fg%2F11bx9t7vrz?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDMyNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">Daly City\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989373\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989373\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/aqua-terra_branzino_credit-luketsai.jpg\" alt=\"Seared fish fillet on a bed of noodles, with grilled vegetables on the side.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/aqua-terra_branzino_credit-luketsai.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/aqua-terra_branzino_credit-luketsai-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/aqua-terra_branzino_credit-luketsai-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/aqua-terra_branzino_credit-luketsai-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Even the most expensive items on the menu at Aqua Terra, like this seared branzino, only cost $16. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Aqua Terra Grill at Contra Costa College\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>2600 Mission Bell Dr. SAB-130, San Pablo\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Located on the Contra Costa College campus, \u003ca href=\"https://linktr.ee/ccc_order?fbclid=IwY2xjawRlx6JleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFEWHBmMlhCam1JYk1ZTjdRc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkJtQLftRhaphc9HVpBM1Pr9EdNirfRNdN9VR35XQrQKyp3Rsl1ce1jrD45w_aem_5GeBZRKVmdFI7Kideqc3EA\">Aqua Terra\u003c/a> functions as a training facility for students in the school’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/ccc_culinaryacademy\">culinary academy\u003c/a>, but it it’s also fully open to the public for lunch service, three days a week (Tuesday–Thursday). The bonus with getting a meal prepared and served by students still learning their trade is that it’s an extraordinary value — say, a cool $9 for braised beef shank ravioli or a portobello focaccia sandwich with fries. (It’s just $16 to splurge on grilled branzino with garlic noodles.) The food can be a little uneven, with a throwback-to-’90s-New-American vibe. But it’s a solid meal — slightly fancy, even! — with sweet, earnest service for fast food prices. Note: the restaurant follows the school calendar, which means it’s already wrapping up for the semester. The last hurrah is a big Mother’s Day buffet on May 12–13; \u003ca href=\"https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=SmlUw-XMn0iyo6Kp0m4MP3XtfkM2ShJPnQ6gSMwaMQJUNE5WMTdVR05WQldHUTJDNEFWUEFKM1M2MC4u&route=shorturl\">reservations\u003c/a> are highly recommended.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989374\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989374\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/la-selva_credit-luketsai_2.jpg\" alt=\"Whole grilled chicken in a takeout container, with rice, refried beans and various salsas on the side.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/la-selva_credit-luketsai_2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/la-selva_credit-luketsai_2-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/la-selva_credit-luketsai_2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/la-selva_credit-luketsai_2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The whole chicken meal at Richmond’s La Selva is an affordable way to feed the whole family. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>La Selva Taqueria\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1049 23rd St., Richmond\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The house specialty at this rainforest-themed taqueria near the end of \u003ca href=\"https://eastbayexpress.com/a-richmond-taco-crawl-2-1/\">Richmond’s 23rd Street taco corridor\u003c/a> is pollo al carbon — whole spatchcocked chickens slow-grilled over charcoal until the skin is deeply charred and the flesh is smoky, tender and delicious. You can get your chicken either on tacos or in a burrito, but my preference is the $30 family meal, which comes with a whole bird, tortillas, rice, refried beans, chips and as many tubs of salsa as you want from the restaurant’s excellent serve-yourself salsa bar. It’s enough to feed my family of four with leftovers — just $7.50 per person.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Grand Cafe\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>4250 Macdonald Ave., Richmond\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This under-the-radar Hong Kong cafe tucked inside a Target shopping plaza isn’t notable for any single standout dish, but instead for its overall dedication to affordability: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13986256/cheap-cantonese-restaurant-richmond-east-bay-grand-cafe-dim-sum-claypot-rice\">Nothing on the menu costs more than $10.75\u003c/a>, and most dishes come with free soy milk and a bowl of hot soup on the side. My favorite is the claypot rice with spare ribs and preserved sausage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13923368\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13923368\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/antojitos-exterior.jpg\" alt=\"Exterior of the Antojitos Guatemaltecos restaurant with a yellow facade and a handful of outdoor tables on the sidewalk.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/antojitos-exterior.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/antojitos-exterior-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/antojitos-exterior-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/antojitos-exterior-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/antojitos-exterior-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/antojitos-exterior-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tamales are the staple dish at Antojitos Guatemaltecos in El Cerrito. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Antojitos Guatemaltecos\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>11252 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Tamales are the staple dish at this \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13923359/antojitos-guatemaltecos-guatemalan-restaurant-el-cerrito-tamales-pollo-campero\">homestyle Guatemalan restaurant\u003c/a> — and at $5 a pop, they’re also its most affordable offering. Two of these, mixed and matched between about a half-dozen available varieties, make for a hearty breakfast, lunch or dinner. I especially love the wonderfully jiggly and custard-like Guatemalan-style corn-masa tamales and the harder-to-find \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13913355/guatemalan-rice-tamales-antojitos-guatemaltecos-richmond\">rice tamales\u003c/a>, which are like a soupy Central American cousin to Chinese zongzi. The restaurant has a great deal on its extraordinarily flavorful \u003ca href=\"https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-04-14/pollo-campero-central-america-los-angeles\">Pollo Campero–style\u003c/a> fried chicken — a whole leg, fries and a handmade tortilla for $11.95.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Top Dog\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>2534 Durant Ave., Berkeley\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The original, and only remaining, location of Top Dog is a Berkeley \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13954597/top-dog-late-night-hot-dogs-berkeley-midnight-diners\">late-night institution\u003c/a> for good reason. The hot dogs, served on the shop’s signature toasty French rolls, are simply the best. One of them makes for a solid lunch (the garlic frankfurter is my favorite); two in one sitting feels like a downright feast. Note well: Most of the dogs are priced at $4.75, but the shop has a $5 credit card minimum. If you don’t feel like buying a soda, the mild, creamy potato salad is a nice add-on.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989377\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989377\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/alems-coffee-shihan-ful_credit-luketsai.jpg\" alt=\"Dark red fava bean stew, with two crusty rolls on the side.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/alems-coffee-shihan-ful_credit-luketsai.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/alems-coffee-shihan-ful_credit-luketsai-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/alems-coffee-shihan-ful_credit-luketsai-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/alems-coffee-shihan-ful_credit-luketsai-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The shihan ful at Alem’s Coffee in Oakland. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Alem’s Coffee\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>5353 Claremont Ave., Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Strictly speaking, my favorite dishes at this classic Eritrean cafe are \u003ci>just \u003c/i>above this roundup’s $12 threshold — the oniony egg frittata ($12.50) and the spice-redolent fava bean stew known as shihan ful ($13), both served with excellent crusty bread for dipping. On a hot day, though, it’s tough to beat the value on the $9 umbotito, a quirky, refreshing potato sandwich of sorts — slices of cold, al dente boiled potato topped with lettuce, tomatoes and onions in a light vinaigrette. The cafe’s location, across from the Oakland DMV parking lot, has made it the one bright spot in many otherwise dreary mornings.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989378\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989378\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/souk-savanh_rice-plate_credit-luketsai.jpg\" alt=\"Sticky rice, sausage balls and fried egg on a metal tray.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/souk-savanh_rice-plate_credit-luketsai.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/souk-savanh_rice-plate_credit-luketsai-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/souk-savanh_rice-plate_credit-luketsai-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/souk-savanh_rice-plate_credit-luketsai-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The $10 Lao sausage rice plate at the newly opened Souk Savanh 2.0 in Oakland. The fried egg is a $2 add-on. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Soukh Savanh 2.0\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1707 Telegraph Ave., Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Recently reborn in a prime Uptown location, the new, counter-service incarnation of this \u003ca href=\"https://eastbayexpress.com/paradise-deferred-2-1/\">much-loved Lao-Thai restaurant\u003c/a> has one of the most affordable menus in the neighborhood. The headliner is the selection of $10 rice plates, which are available all day long. I especially love the fermented Lao sausage, which Souk Savanh serves as crisp-edged meatballs — absurdly delicious when dunked in a runny-yolked fried egg (a $2 add-on); dipped in funky-sweet jeow som; and then scooped up, Lao-style, with a clump of sticky rice. Pro tip: For a near-perfect meal, two diners can split one rice plate and an order of nam khao (crispy rice ball salad) — one of the best versions in the Bay — for about $12 a person. \u003cem>\u003cstrong>Editor’s note: Souk Savanh is now \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DYN4ropPhGb/\">closed indefinitely,\u003c/a> but the owners continue to run an \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/pais.eatery/\">active pop-up in Richmond\u003c/a> that serves many of the same dishes.\u003c/strong>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989379\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989379\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/banh-mi-ba-le_credit-luketsai_1.jpg\" alt=\"Hand holding what's left of a banh mi sandwich with ground pork and egg.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/banh-mi-ba-le_credit-luketsai_1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/banh-mi-ba-le_credit-luketsai_1-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/banh-mi-ba-le_credit-luketsai_1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/banh-mi-ba-le_credit-luketsai_1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A view of a half-eaten #13 meatball and egg bánh mì from Banh Mi Ba Le. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Banh Mi Ba Le\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1909 International Blvd., Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ba Le’s #13 meatball-and-egg bánh mì shot to the top of my bánh mì rankings the first time I tried it, some 15 years ago — just an exquisite combination of juicy, peppery ground pork; a jammy-yolked fried egg; a big smear of buttery Vietnamese mayo; and both fresh and pickled vegetables. It’s still my favorite to this day. The only things that have changed is that the shop now keeps super-limited hours (Friday–Sunday only) and no longer has a dine-in area. The prices have crept up too, but at $6.30 a pop for most sandwiches on the menu ($7.25 for the #13), it’s still as good a bang for your buck as you can find in the East Bay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989380\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989380\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/taqueria-el-paisa_credit-luketsai.jpg\" alt=\"Two tacos, radishes, grilled onions and nopales on a paper plate.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/taqueria-el-paisa_credit-luketsai.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/taqueria-el-paisa_credit-luketsai-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/taqueria-el-paisa_credit-luketsai-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/taqueria-el-paisa_credit-luketsai-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A two-taco plate at Taqueria El Paisa in Oakland’s Fruitvale District. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Taqueria El Paisa\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>4610 International Blvd., Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The beauty of Fruitvale is that you can get amazing, inexpensive tacos up and down International Boulevard, but this no-frills taqueria is the \u003ca href=\"https://eastbayexpress.com/taqueria-el-paisa-at-com-serves-the-best-tacos-in-town-2-1/\">best of the best\u003c/a>. Favorites include the decadent tripa (a divine combination of soft, squishy and crunchy textures) and the exquisitely tender, juicy suadero. These days, El Paisa tacos will run you $4.50 a pop — by no means the cheapest in the neighborhood — but they’re so rich and meaty that a two-taco lunch is usually all I want. A three-taco lunch? That’s cause for celebration (and maybe a short nap).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp> \u003c/p>\n\u003ch1>\u003ca id=\"CheapEatsinSanFrancisco\">\u003c/a>\u003cb>SAN FRANCISCO\u003c/b>\u003c/h1>\n\u003ch2>Freddie’s Sandwiches\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>300 Francisco St., San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Freddie’s is the very definition of the low-key neighborhood deli that’s always there when you need it. I got lunch here at least once a week when I worked near North Beach, alternating between the Italian combo and the egg salad, both excellent, always on Dutch Crunch. Most sandwiches are priced at $10.95 for the small (but generously stuffed) 6-inch size — I never wanted anything bigger.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989385\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989385\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/lung-fung_credit-luketsai_2.jpg\" alt=\"The interior of a Chinese bakery, with a fully stocked display case and old-fashioned signage visible.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/lung-fung_credit-luketsai_2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/lung-fung_credit-luketsai_2-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/lung-fung_credit-luketsai_2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/lung-fung_credit-luketsai_2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lung Fung Bakery serves some of the best baked pork buns and egg custard tarts in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Lung Fung Bakery\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1823 Clement St., San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chinese bakeries are some of the best places to cobble together an S-tier struggle meal — to, for instance, drop $5 on a couple of barbecue pork buns and fill your daily meat and carb allowance. At Lung Fung in the Outer Richmond, the baked char siu buns aren’t just inexpensive, at $2.50 apiece; they’re also my very favorite version of this treat — beautifully golden-brown with a super-lush and meaty filling. If you’ve got a couple bucks to spare on dessert, Lung Fung’s egg custard tarts ($2.38) are also some of the best around. Cash only.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989390\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989390\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/yo-yo_credit-luketsai_2.jpg\" alt=\"Takeout containers of soba and curry chicken against a concrete backdrop.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/yo-yo_credit-luketsai_2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/yo-yo_credit-luketsai_2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/yo-yo_credit-luketsai_2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/yo-yo_credit-luketsai_2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The curry chicken special and a half order of cold soba from Yo Yo’s. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Yo Yo’s\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>318 Pacific Ave., San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This tiny, utterly unpretentious Japanese takeout shop feels like a miracle in the Financial District. Udon for $9? Six-piece unagi rolls for $3.25? Almost everything on the menu available as a (still-substantial) half portion? All in all, I’m hard-pressed to think of a more affordable lunch in the city. On days when I’m particularly cash-strapped, my go-to is the half order of cold soba ($5), which comes loaded with spinach, tofu puffs and crispy puffed rice, plus a refreshing hit of wasabi by request. But it’s hard to pass up on the curry chicken special ($12) when it’s available: two tender chicken legs, a hard-boiled egg and big chunks of carrot and potato in a spicy-sweet sauce that tastes more like home-cooked Thai massaman curry than your standard Japanese roux. It’s delicious, and enough food to stretch the leftovers into another meal. Cash only.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989251\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989251\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050526BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_002-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"Siu mai dumplings in a metal steamer.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050526BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_002-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050526BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_002-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050526BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_002-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050526BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_002-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Beef siu mai dumplings at Good Mong Kok. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Good Mong Kok\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1039 Stockton St., San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s easy to understand why this popular takeout dim sum spot draws some of the longest lines in Chinatown: The shop sells a huge assortment of extremely tasty, conveniently portable buns and dumplings for bargain-basement prices. Most items are between $2 and $4, perfect for sampling a good mix. The steamed buns here are especially great: uncommonly juicy and savory pork-and-vegetable buns (three for $3.80) and, my favorite, the truly enormous big (or “combination”) chicken bun ($2.80), which comes jam-packed with thigh meat, shiitakes, preserved sausage and hard-boiled egg — a whole meal unto itself. Cash only.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989392\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989392\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/yamo-2.jpg\" alt=\"A bowl of beef noodles with Burmese tea leaf salad on the side.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/yamo-2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/yamo-2-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/yamo-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/yamo-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Yuma’s beef noodles with an order of tea leaf salad on the side. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Yamo\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>3406 18th St., San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This narrow, eight-seat Burmese noodle counter in the heart of the Mission seems almost too charming to be real, with its older proprietress working three hot woks at a time while her daughter greets the shop’s diverse cast of twenty- and thirtysomething regular customers by name. Oh, and every single item on the menu costs $9 or less. The headliner here is the house noodles ($9), a simple and satisfying oil-slicked stir-fry topped with crispy garlic and your protein of choice. But everything I’ve tried has been tasty: the blazing-hot, shatteringly crispy potato samusas ($5) and the tea leaf salad ($9), which has a wonderful zip of heat that cuts through the funk of the fermented tea. Cash only.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989393\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989393\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/basa-seafood-shoyu-salmon-poke_credit-luketsai.jpg\" alt=\"A container of salmon poke and a side of white rice, shown on a park bench.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/basa-seafood-shoyu-salmon-poke_credit-luketsai.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/basa-seafood-shoyu-salmon-poke_credit-luketsai-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/basa-seafood-shoyu-salmon-poke_credit-luketsai-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/basa-seafood-shoyu-salmon-poke_credit-luketsai-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An order of shoyu salmon poke from Basa Seafood Express is best enjoyed on a nearby park bench. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Basa Seafood Express\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>3064 24th St., San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This bare-bones Mission District seafood counter is a neighborhood staple for affordable sushi rolls, sashimi and fried seafood dishes. My go-to lunch order is the shoyu salmon poke ($8.50) with a small side of rice — the combination of raw fish, seasoned soy sauce and hot rice is such a simple, exquisite pleasure in the middle of the workday. Also great: the impeccably fried, poboy-adjacent soft-shell crab burger ($11.50). There’s no dine-in seating, so you can bring your food home or find a park bench a couple blocks away for a nice al fresco meal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp> \u003c/p>\n\u003ch1>\u003ca id=\"CheapEatsintheSouthBayandPeninsula\">\u003c/a>\u003cb>SOUTH BAY AND PENINSULA\u003c/b>\u003c/h1>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989395\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989395\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/fil-am_credit-luketsai_2.jpg\" alt=\"To-go container of barbecue skewers over white rice.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/fil-am_credit-luketsai_2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/fil-am_credit-luketsai_2-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/fil-am_credit-luketsai_2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/fil-am_credit-luketsai_2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Filipino BBQ skewers over rice from Fil-Am Cuisine in Daly City. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Fil-Am Cuisine\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>66 School St., Daly City\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I don’t know if there’s such a thing as a perfect lunch, but two Filipino barbecue meat sticks over rice from Fil-Am Cuisine comes pretty close to my Platonic ideal — especially since it only costs $9.99. The sweet smell of the shop’s well-charred pork and chicken skewers ($3.75 each a la carte) is irresistible. Add a couple more to your order plus a large carton of pancit ($9), and you can feed the whole family. Cash only.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989396\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989396\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/keiths-chicken_credit-luketsai.jpg\" alt=\"A waffle and three chicken wings on a paper plate.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/keiths-chicken_credit-luketsai.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/keiths-chicken_credit-luketsai-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/keiths-chicken_credit-luketsai-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/keiths-chicken_credit-luketsai-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Three chicken wings and a Belgian waffle — one of the discounted daily specials at Keith’s Chicken & Waffles in Daly City. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Keith’s Chicken & Waffles\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>270 San Pedro Rd., Daly City\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The best thing about Keith’s is that it sells some of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13979460/keiths-chicken-waffles-crunchiest-fried-chicken-daly-city-late-night\">crunchiest, most exceptionally well seasoned fried chicken\u003c/a> you can find in the Bay Area, along with several varieties of crisp-edged, airy-light waffles. The second-best thing? The prices are so reasonable that they put even fast food chicken chains like Popeyes and Raising Cane’s to shame. Combo meals, which come with a waffle or side dish, start at $12, and there’s always a daily special — say, three wings and a Belgian waffle — for around $10.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989261\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989261\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050626BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_031-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"Hand holding a salmon musubi.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050626BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_031-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050626BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_031-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050626BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_031-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050626BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_031-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The luscious salmon musubi from Takahashi Market in San Mateo. The 120-year-old market’s musubis are one of the Bay Area’s best lunch deals. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Takahashi Market\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>221 S. Claremont St., San Mateo\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The wonderfully varied assortment of musubis at this 120-year-old Japanese-Hawaiian market aren’t just one of the best lunch deals in town; they’re one of my favorite things to eat in the Bay Area, flat out. Just one of these hefty, seven-inch beauties will fill you up — the Spam musubi ($6.95) is a classic for good reason, but my personal favorite is the decadent, tobiko-topped salmon-and-crawfish musubi.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Taiwan Porridge\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>20956 Homestead Rd., Cupertino\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For Taiwanese immigrants, this strip mall spot’s format is deeply nostalgic: a dazzling array of hot and cold dishes all meant to accompany big tureens of velvety sweet potato congee. Value-wise, the highlight is the $12.83 three-item lunch special (available until 4 p.m.), which puts the average Chinese takeout joint’s combo plate to shame with cozy, home-style options like cold lotus root salad, twice-cooked pork belly, anchovies stir-fried with peanuts, and loofah with scrambled eggs. If budget allows, you should absolutely pay an extra $1.83 to upgrade from regular steamed rice to congee — or better yet, get the four-item combo ($15.58) and split it with a friend. Taiwan Porridge also has locations in Milpitas and Fremont.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989256\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989256\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050526BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_015-KQED.jpg\" alt='An Indian supermarket lit up at night. The sign above reads, \"Apni Mandi.\"' width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050526BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_015-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050526BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_015-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050526BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_015-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050526BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_015-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The exterior of Apni Mandi in Sunnyvale. The Indian market sells hot food 24/7. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Apni Mandi\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1111 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Not only is the hot food counter at Sunnyvale’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13955884/sunnyvale-late-night-food-24-hour-indian-grocery-apni-mandi-apna-bazar\">24-hour Indian grocery store\u003c/a> open all day and night, its $10.99 vegetarian thali platter is one of best deals around — a three-compartment foil clamshell container crammed full of rice, onion salad and your choice of two curries (I especially love the paneer makhani and the fritter-studded kadhi pakora), with a couple rounds of chapati on the side.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989400\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989400\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/duc-huong_grilled-pork-egg_luketsai.jpg\" alt=\"Hand holding a small banh mi in a parking lot.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/duc-huong_grilled-pork-egg_luketsai.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/duc-huong_grilled-pork-egg_luketsai-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/duc-huong_grilled-pork-egg_luketsai-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/duc-huong_grilled-pork-egg_luketsai-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The option to order a budget-friendly half-size bánh mì at Duc Huong also allows diners to try multiple varieties. Pictured here is the grilled pork and egg bánh mì. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Duc Huong\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1020 Story Rd. Ste. C, San José\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>My favorite South Bay bánh mì mini-chain is especially good for budget-minded diners because it offers a half-size sandwich option ($4.50 for most varieties), allowing lighter eaters to save some money — and giving heartier eaters the chance to sample two different sandwiches for the price of one. I love the classic #2 cold-cut combo the best, but the #8 (grilled pork topped with a fluffy egg omelette) is also pretty great, especially on garlic bread. Why not get both? Apart from its very busy original Story Road location, Duc Huong has \u003ca href=\"https://duchuongsandwiches.com/#locations\">three other shops\u003c/a> around San José, plus one in Sacramento.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp> \u003c/p>\n\u003ch1>\u003ca id=\"CheapEatsintheNorthBay\">\u003c/a>\u003cb>NORTH BAY\u003c/b>\u003c/h1>\n\u003ch2>Guerneville Taco Truck\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>16632 Main St., Guerneville\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Amidst all of Sonoma County’s frou-frou dining options, this taco truck — parked in a Safeway parking lot — is an oasis for locals and daytrippers looking for something more casual and inexpensive. Tacos are $3; the excellent (massive, totally shareable) breakfast burrito is $14. My favorite, the $12.50 fry-stuffed California burrito, has enough calories to keep you going all day. This is a must-stop for my family on our way to an Armstrong Woods hike, or on our way back from a day of Russian River Valley wine tasting.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13907215\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13907215\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/WhataChicken.jpg\" alt=\"A man in a flannel and hat tends to chicken on a grill on an overcast day\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/WhataChicken.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/WhataChicken-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/WhataChicken-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/WhataChicken-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/WhataChicken-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/WhataChicken-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">What a Chicken’s outdoor grill, seen here at the Santa Rosa Flea Market. \u003ccite>(Gabe Meline/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>What a Chicken\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>706 E. Washington St., Petaluma\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This gem of a pollo asado shop sits near the gateway to wine country, slinging hearty portions of its exceptionally juicy and crisp-skinned char-grilled chicken at a good value in one of the Bay Area’s most expensive regions. The prices especially work in your favor if you come with a crowd: My standard order is a half ($18.99) or whole chicken plate ($34.99), which comes with rice, salsa and piping-hot handmade tortillas — plenty of food to feed two or four adults, respectively, at under $10 per person. Pro tip: I always add one of the shop’s meaty, slow-cooked pork ribs ($4.99) to my order. It’s just as good as the chicken.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989401\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989401\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/pupuseria-blankita_credit-luketsai.jpg\" alt=\"A pupusa on a white plate, with a small tub of curtido and a bowl of salsa on the side.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/pupuseria-blankita_credit-luketsai.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/pupuseria-blankita_credit-luketsai-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/pupuseria-blankita_credit-luketsai-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/pupuseria-blankita_credit-luketsai-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">One of Pupuseria Blankita’s toasty, well-griddled pupusas. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Pupuseria Blankita\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>48 N. San Pedro Rd., San Rafael\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Two of Blankita’s toasty, well-griddled pupusas make for the ideal post–Marin Farmers Market lunch — say, the revuelta ($5.50), with its classic pork, bean and cheese filling, and maybe the green-flecked zucchini and cheese ($4.50), both topped with a generous heap of bright, crunchy curtido. To mix it up, sometimes I’ll order just one pupusa and add a gooey, sugar-dusted fried plantain empanada ($5) for dessert.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"title": "The Best Cheap Meals in the Bay Area | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003ci>This story is part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">How We Get By\u003c/a>, a KQED series exploring how people are coping with rising costs in the Bay Area and California. Find the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">full series here\u003c/a>.\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You don’t need to sit down at one of the Bay Area’s posh and trendy temples of fine dining to know that eating out in the year 2026 is too damn expensive. These days, even the most generic fast food might cost $50 or $60 to feed a family of four, and buying groceries to cook at home is an increasingly fraught and overwhelming expense.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Thankfully, the high-end California cuisine restaurant isn’t the \u003ci>only\u003c/i> hallmark of the Bay Area food scene — there’s also the neighborhood taco truck, noodle counter, bánh mì shop and casual takeout dim sum deli. In every city in the Bay, these essential restaurants are still feeding the people, often at a shockingly inexpensive price point. You just need to know which ones are actually delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here, then, is my guide to eating well on a budget: 25 of my favorite affordable Bay Area restaurants where you can get a full, satisfying meal for $12 or less.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#CheapEatsinSanFrancisco\">Cheap eats in San Francisco\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#CheapEatsintheSouthBayandPeninsula\">Cheap eats in the South Bay and Peninsula\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#CheapEatsintheNorthBay\">Cheap eats in the North Bay\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch1>\u003cb>EAST BAY\u003c/b>\u003c/h1>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989352\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989352\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/universal-bakery-pan-con-todo.jpg\" alt=\"Breakfast sandwich with sausage, scrambled egg and queso fresco.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/universal-bakery-pan-con-todo.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/universal-bakery-pan-con-todo-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/universal-bakery-pan-con-todo-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/universal-bakery-pan-con-todo-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The pan con todo with Guatemalan sausage at Universal Bakery, which has locations in San Pablo, San Francisco and Daly City. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Universal Bakery\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1946 23rd St., San Pablo\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This bustling Guatemalan bakery is the king of the delicious, inexpensive breakfast sandwich, serving at least seven different varieties of its pan con todo. The baseline sandwich ($6.55) comes with fluffy scrambled eggs, refried beans, crema and a wedge of fresh cheese — the staples of a traditional Guatemalan breakfast, all piled onto a good, crusty French roll. My favorite version adds well-charred longaniza (Guatemalan pork sausage) to the mix; others feature sweet plantains or carne asada. The bakery has additional locations in \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Universal+Bakery+on+Mission/@37.741405,-122.4228077,3291m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x808f7e5d405c2f8b:0xb24e30761070f266!8m2!3d37.741405!4d-122.4228077!16s%2Fg%2F1vlqqfmk?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">San Francisco’s Mission District\u003c/a> and in \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Universal+Bakery+on+Geneva/@37.7070028,-122.4146378,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x808f7ec563977c09:0x63c23ad1f3300324!8m2!3d37.7070028!4d-122.4146378!16s%2Fg%2F11bx9t7vrz?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDMyNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">Daly City\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989373\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989373\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/aqua-terra_branzino_credit-luketsai.jpg\" alt=\"Seared fish fillet on a bed of noodles, with grilled vegetables on the side.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/aqua-terra_branzino_credit-luketsai.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/aqua-terra_branzino_credit-luketsai-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/aqua-terra_branzino_credit-luketsai-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/aqua-terra_branzino_credit-luketsai-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Even the most expensive items on the menu at Aqua Terra, like this seared branzino, only cost $16. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Aqua Terra Grill at Contra Costa College\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>2600 Mission Bell Dr. SAB-130, San Pablo\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Located on the Contra Costa College campus, \u003ca href=\"https://linktr.ee/ccc_order?fbclid=IwY2xjawRlx6JleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFEWHBmMlhCam1JYk1ZTjdRc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkJtQLftRhaphc9HVpBM1Pr9EdNirfRNdN9VR35XQrQKyp3Rsl1ce1jrD45w_aem_5GeBZRKVmdFI7Kideqc3EA\">Aqua Terra\u003c/a> functions as a training facility for students in the school’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/ccc_culinaryacademy\">culinary academy\u003c/a>, but it it’s also fully open to the public for lunch service, three days a week (Tuesday–Thursday). The bonus with getting a meal prepared and served by students still learning their trade is that it’s an extraordinary value — say, a cool $9 for braised beef shank ravioli or a portobello focaccia sandwich with fries. (It’s just $16 to splurge on grilled branzino with garlic noodles.) The food can be a little uneven, with a throwback-to-’90s-New-American vibe. But it’s a solid meal — slightly fancy, even! — with sweet, earnest service for fast food prices. Note: the restaurant follows the school calendar, which means it’s already wrapping up for the semester. The last hurrah is a big Mother’s Day buffet on May 12–13; \u003ca href=\"https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=SmlUw-XMn0iyo6Kp0m4MP3XtfkM2ShJPnQ6gSMwaMQJUNE5WMTdVR05WQldHUTJDNEFWUEFKM1M2MC4u&route=shorturl\">reservations\u003c/a> are highly recommended.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989374\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989374\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/la-selva_credit-luketsai_2.jpg\" alt=\"Whole grilled chicken in a takeout container, with rice, refried beans and various salsas on the side.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/la-selva_credit-luketsai_2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/la-selva_credit-luketsai_2-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/la-selva_credit-luketsai_2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/la-selva_credit-luketsai_2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The whole chicken meal at Richmond’s La Selva is an affordable way to feed the whole family. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>La Selva Taqueria\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1049 23rd St., Richmond\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The house specialty at this rainforest-themed taqueria near the end of \u003ca href=\"https://eastbayexpress.com/a-richmond-taco-crawl-2-1/\">Richmond’s 23rd Street taco corridor\u003c/a> is pollo al carbon — whole spatchcocked chickens slow-grilled over charcoal until the skin is deeply charred and the flesh is smoky, tender and delicious. You can get your chicken either on tacos or in a burrito, but my preference is the $30 family meal, which comes with a whole bird, tortillas, rice, refried beans, chips and as many tubs of salsa as you want from the restaurant’s excellent serve-yourself salsa bar. It’s enough to feed my family of four with leftovers — just $7.50 per person.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Grand Cafe\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>4250 Macdonald Ave., Richmond\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This under-the-radar Hong Kong cafe tucked inside a Target shopping plaza isn’t notable for any single standout dish, but instead for its overall dedication to affordability: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13986256/cheap-cantonese-restaurant-richmond-east-bay-grand-cafe-dim-sum-claypot-rice\">Nothing on the menu costs more than $10.75\u003c/a>, and most dishes come with free soy milk and a bowl of hot soup on the side. My favorite is the claypot rice with spare ribs and preserved sausage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13923368\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13923368\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/antojitos-exterior.jpg\" alt=\"Exterior of the Antojitos Guatemaltecos restaurant with a yellow facade and a handful of outdoor tables on the sidewalk.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/antojitos-exterior.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/antojitos-exterior-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/antojitos-exterior-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/antojitos-exterior-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/antojitos-exterior-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/antojitos-exterior-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tamales are the staple dish at Antojitos Guatemaltecos in El Cerrito. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Antojitos Guatemaltecos\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>11252 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Tamales are the staple dish at this \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13923359/antojitos-guatemaltecos-guatemalan-restaurant-el-cerrito-tamales-pollo-campero\">homestyle Guatemalan restaurant\u003c/a> — and at $5 a pop, they’re also its most affordable offering. Two of these, mixed and matched between about a half-dozen available varieties, make for a hearty breakfast, lunch or dinner. I especially love the wonderfully jiggly and custard-like Guatemalan-style corn-masa tamales and the harder-to-find \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13913355/guatemalan-rice-tamales-antojitos-guatemaltecos-richmond\">rice tamales\u003c/a>, which are like a soupy Central American cousin to Chinese zongzi. The restaurant has a great deal on its extraordinarily flavorful \u003ca href=\"https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-04-14/pollo-campero-central-america-los-angeles\">Pollo Campero–style\u003c/a> fried chicken — a whole leg, fries and a handmade tortilla for $11.95.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Top Dog\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>2534 Durant Ave., Berkeley\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The original, and only remaining, location of Top Dog is a Berkeley \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13954597/top-dog-late-night-hot-dogs-berkeley-midnight-diners\">late-night institution\u003c/a> for good reason. The hot dogs, served on the shop’s signature toasty French rolls, are simply the best. One of them makes for a solid lunch (the garlic frankfurter is my favorite); two in one sitting feels like a downright feast. Note well: Most of the dogs are priced at $4.75, but the shop has a $5 credit card minimum. If you don’t feel like buying a soda, the mild, creamy potato salad is a nice add-on.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989377\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989377\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/alems-coffee-shihan-ful_credit-luketsai.jpg\" alt=\"Dark red fava bean stew, with two crusty rolls on the side.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/alems-coffee-shihan-ful_credit-luketsai.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/alems-coffee-shihan-ful_credit-luketsai-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/alems-coffee-shihan-ful_credit-luketsai-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/alems-coffee-shihan-ful_credit-luketsai-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The shihan ful at Alem’s Coffee in Oakland. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Alem’s Coffee\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>5353 Claremont Ave., Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Strictly speaking, my favorite dishes at this classic Eritrean cafe are \u003ci>just \u003c/i>above this roundup’s $12 threshold — the oniony egg frittata ($12.50) and the spice-redolent fava bean stew known as shihan ful ($13), both served with excellent crusty bread for dipping. On a hot day, though, it’s tough to beat the value on the $9 umbotito, a quirky, refreshing potato sandwich of sorts — slices of cold, al dente boiled potato topped with lettuce, tomatoes and onions in a light vinaigrette. The cafe’s location, across from the Oakland DMV parking lot, has made it the one bright spot in many otherwise dreary mornings.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989378\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989378\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/souk-savanh_rice-plate_credit-luketsai.jpg\" alt=\"Sticky rice, sausage balls and fried egg on a metal tray.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/souk-savanh_rice-plate_credit-luketsai.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/souk-savanh_rice-plate_credit-luketsai-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/souk-savanh_rice-plate_credit-luketsai-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/souk-savanh_rice-plate_credit-luketsai-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The $10 Lao sausage rice plate at the newly opened Souk Savanh 2.0 in Oakland. The fried egg is a $2 add-on. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Soukh Savanh 2.0\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1707 Telegraph Ave., Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Recently reborn in a prime Uptown location, the new, counter-service incarnation of this \u003ca href=\"https://eastbayexpress.com/paradise-deferred-2-1/\">much-loved Lao-Thai restaurant\u003c/a> has one of the most affordable menus in the neighborhood. The headliner is the selection of $10 rice plates, which are available all day long. I especially love the fermented Lao sausage, which Souk Savanh serves as crisp-edged meatballs — absurdly delicious when dunked in a runny-yolked fried egg (a $2 add-on); dipped in funky-sweet jeow som; and then scooped up, Lao-style, with a clump of sticky rice. Pro tip: For a near-perfect meal, two diners can split one rice plate and an order of nam khao (crispy rice ball salad) — one of the best versions in the Bay — for about $12 a person. \u003cem>\u003cstrong>Editor’s note: Souk Savanh is now \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DYN4ropPhGb/\">closed indefinitely,\u003c/a> but the owners continue to run an \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/pais.eatery/\">active pop-up in Richmond\u003c/a> that serves many of the same dishes.\u003c/strong>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989379\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989379\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/banh-mi-ba-le_credit-luketsai_1.jpg\" alt=\"Hand holding what's left of a banh mi sandwich with ground pork and egg.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/banh-mi-ba-le_credit-luketsai_1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/banh-mi-ba-le_credit-luketsai_1-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/banh-mi-ba-le_credit-luketsai_1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/banh-mi-ba-le_credit-luketsai_1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A view of a half-eaten #13 meatball and egg bánh mì from Banh Mi Ba Le. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Banh Mi Ba Le\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1909 International Blvd., Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ba Le’s #13 meatball-and-egg bánh mì shot to the top of my bánh mì rankings the first time I tried it, some 15 years ago — just an exquisite combination of juicy, peppery ground pork; a jammy-yolked fried egg; a big smear of buttery Vietnamese mayo; and both fresh and pickled vegetables. It’s still my favorite to this day. The only things that have changed is that the shop now keeps super-limited hours (Friday–Sunday only) and no longer has a dine-in area. The prices have crept up too, but at $6.30 a pop for most sandwiches on the menu ($7.25 for the #13), it’s still as good a bang for your buck as you can find in the East Bay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989380\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989380\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/taqueria-el-paisa_credit-luketsai.jpg\" alt=\"Two tacos, radishes, grilled onions and nopales on a paper plate.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/taqueria-el-paisa_credit-luketsai.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/taqueria-el-paisa_credit-luketsai-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/taqueria-el-paisa_credit-luketsai-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/taqueria-el-paisa_credit-luketsai-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A two-taco plate at Taqueria El Paisa in Oakland’s Fruitvale District. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Taqueria El Paisa\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>4610 International Blvd., Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The beauty of Fruitvale is that you can get amazing, inexpensive tacos up and down International Boulevard, but this no-frills taqueria is the \u003ca href=\"https://eastbayexpress.com/taqueria-el-paisa-at-com-serves-the-best-tacos-in-town-2-1/\">best of the best\u003c/a>. Favorites include the decadent tripa (a divine combination of soft, squishy and crunchy textures) and the exquisitely tender, juicy suadero. These days, El Paisa tacos will run you $4.50 a pop — by no means the cheapest in the neighborhood — but they’re so rich and meaty that a two-taco lunch is usually all I want. A three-taco lunch? That’s cause for celebration (and maybe a short nap).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp> \u003c/p>\n\u003ch1>\u003ca id=\"CheapEatsinSanFrancisco\">\u003c/a>\u003cb>SAN FRANCISCO\u003c/b>\u003c/h1>\n\u003ch2>Freddie’s Sandwiches\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>300 Francisco St., San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Freddie’s is the very definition of the low-key neighborhood deli that’s always there when you need it. I got lunch here at least once a week when I worked near North Beach, alternating between the Italian combo and the egg salad, both excellent, always on Dutch Crunch. Most sandwiches are priced at $10.95 for the small (but generously stuffed) 6-inch size — I never wanted anything bigger.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989385\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989385\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/lung-fung_credit-luketsai_2.jpg\" alt=\"The interior of a Chinese bakery, with a fully stocked display case and old-fashioned signage visible.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/lung-fung_credit-luketsai_2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/lung-fung_credit-luketsai_2-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/lung-fung_credit-luketsai_2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/lung-fung_credit-luketsai_2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lung Fung Bakery serves some of the best baked pork buns and egg custard tarts in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Lung Fung Bakery\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1823 Clement St., San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chinese bakeries are some of the best places to cobble together an S-tier struggle meal — to, for instance, drop $5 on a couple of barbecue pork buns and fill your daily meat and carb allowance. At Lung Fung in the Outer Richmond, the baked char siu buns aren’t just inexpensive, at $2.50 apiece; they’re also my very favorite version of this treat — beautifully golden-brown with a super-lush and meaty filling. If you’ve got a couple bucks to spare on dessert, Lung Fung’s egg custard tarts ($2.38) are also some of the best around. Cash only.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989390\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989390\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/yo-yo_credit-luketsai_2.jpg\" alt=\"Takeout containers of soba and curry chicken against a concrete backdrop.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/yo-yo_credit-luketsai_2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/yo-yo_credit-luketsai_2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/yo-yo_credit-luketsai_2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/yo-yo_credit-luketsai_2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The curry chicken special and a half order of cold soba from Yo Yo’s. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Yo Yo’s\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>318 Pacific Ave., San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This tiny, utterly unpretentious Japanese takeout shop feels like a miracle in the Financial District. Udon for $9? Six-piece unagi rolls for $3.25? Almost everything on the menu available as a (still-substantial) half portion? All in all, I’m hard-pressed to think of a more affordable lunch in the city. On days when I’m particularly cash-strapped, my go-to is the half order of cold soba ($5), which comes loaded with spinach, tofu puffs and crispy puffed rice, plus a refreshing hit of wasabi by request. But it’s hard to pass up on the curry chicken special ($12) when it’s available: two tender chicken legs, a hard-boiled egg and big chunks of carrot and potato in a spicy-sweet sauce that tastes more like home-cooked Thai massaman curry than your standard Japanese roux. It’s delicious, and enough food to stretch the leftovers into another meal. Cash only.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989251\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989251\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050526BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_002-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"Siu mai dumplings in a metal steamer.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050526BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_002-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050526BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_002-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050526BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_002-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050526BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_002-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Beef siu mai dumplings at Good Mong Kok. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Good Mong Kok\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1039 Stockton St., San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s easy to understand why this popular takeout dim sum spot draws some of the longest lines in Chinatown: The shop sells a huge assortment of extremely tasty, conveniently portable buns and dumplings for bargain-basement prices. Most items are between $2 and $4, perfect for sampling a good mix. The steamed buns here are especially great: uncommonly juicy and savory pork-and-vegetable buns (three for $3.80) and, my favorite, the truly enormous big (or “combination”) chicken bun ($2.80), which comes jam-packed with thigh meat, shiitakes, preserved sausage and hard-boiled egg — a whole meal unto itself. Cash only.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989392\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989392\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/yamo-2.jpg\" alt=\"A bowl of beef noodles with Burmese tea leaf salad on the side.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/yamo-2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/yamo-2-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/yamo-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/yamo-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Yuma’s beef noodles with an order of tea leaf salad on the side. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Yamo\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>3406 18th St., San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This narrow, eight-seat Burmese noodle counter in the heart of the Mission seems almost too charming to be real, with its older proprietress working three hot woks at a time while her daughter greets the shop’s diverse cast of twenty- and thirtysomething regular customers by name. Oh, and every single item on the menu costs $9 or less. The headliner here is the house noodles ($9), a simple and satisfying oil-slicked stir-fry topped with crispy garlic and your protein of choice. But everything I’ve tried has been tasty: the blazing-hot, shatteringly crispy potato samusas ($5) and the tea leaf salad ($9), which has a wonderful zip of heat that cuts through the funk of the fermented tea. Cash only.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989393\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989393\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/basa-seafood-shoyu-salmon-poke_credit-luketsai.jpg\" alt=\"A container of salmon poke and a side of white rice, shown on a park bench.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/basa-seafood-shoyu-salmon-poke_credit-luketsai.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/basa-seafood-shoyu-salmon-poke_credit-luketsai-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/basa-seafood-shoyu-salmon-poke_credit-luketsai-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/basa-seafood-shoyu-salmon-poke_credit-luketsai-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An order of shoyu salmon poke from Basa Seafood Express is best enjoyed on a nearby park bench. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Basa Seafood Express\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>3064 24th St., San Francisco\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This bare-bones Mission District seafood counter is a neighborhood staple for affordable sushi rolls, sashimi and fried seafood dishes. My go-to lunch order is the shoyu salmon poke ($8.50) with a small side of rice — the combination of raw fish, seasoned soy sauce and hot rice is such a simple, exquisite pleasure in the middle of the workday. Also great: the impeccably fried, poboy-adjacent soft-shell crab burger ($11.50). There’s no dine-in seating, so you can bring your food home or find a park bench a couple blocks away for a nice al fresco meal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp> \u003c/p>\n\u003ch1>\u003ca id=\"CheapEatsintheSouthBayandPeninsula\">\u003c/a>\u003cb>SOUTH BAY AND PENINSULA\u003c/b>\u003c/h1>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989395\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989395\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/fil-am_credit-luketsai_2.jpg\" alt=\"To-go container of barbecue skewers over white rice.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/fil-am_credit-luketsai_2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/fil-am_credit-luketsai_2-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/fil-am_credit-luketsai_2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/fil-am_credit-luketsai_2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Filipino BBQ skewers over rice from Fil-Am Cuisine in Daly City. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Fil-Am Cuisine\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>66 School St., Daly City\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I don’t know if there’s such a thing as a perfect lunch, but two Filipino barbecue meat sticks over rice from Fil-Am Cuisine comes pretty close to my Platonic ideal — especially since it only costs $9.99. The sweet smell of the shop’s well-charred pork and chicken skewers ($3.75 each a la carte) is irresistible. Add a couple more to your order plus a large carton of pancit ($9), and you can feed the whole family. Cash only.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989396\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989396\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/keiths-chicken_credit-luketsai.jpg\" alt=\"A waffle and three chicken wings on a paper plate.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/keiths-chicken_credit-luketsai.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/keiths-chicken_credit-luketsai-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/keiths-chicken_credit-luketsai-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/keiths-chicken_credit-luketsai-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Three chicken wings and a Belgian waffle — one of the discounted daily specials at Keith’s Chicken & Waffles in Daly City. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Keith’s Chicken & Waffles\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>270 San Pedro Rd., Daly City\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The best thing about Keith’s is that it sells some of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13979460/keiths-chicken-waffles-crunchiest-fried-chicken-daly-city-late-night\">crunchiest, most exceptionally well seasoned fried chicken\u003c/a> you can find in the Bay Area, along with several varieties of crisp-edged, airy-light waffles. The second-best thing? The prices are so reasonable that they put even fast food chicken chains like Popeyes and Raising Cane’s to shame. Combo meals, which come with a waffle or side dish, start at $12, and there’s always a daily special — say, three wings and a Belgian waffle — for around $10.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989261\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989261\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050626BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_031-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"Hand holding a salmon musubi.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050626BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_031-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050626BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_031-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050626BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_031-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050626BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_031-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The luscious salmon musubi from Takahashi Market in San Mateo. The 120-year-old market’s musubis are one of the Bay Area’s best lunch deals. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Takahashi Market\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>221 S. Claremont St., San Mateo\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The wonderfully varied assortment of musubis at this 120-year-old Japanese-Hawaiian market aren’t just one of the best lunch deals in town; they’re one of my favorite things to eat in the Bay Area, flat out. Just one of these hefty, seven-inch beauties will fill you up — the Spam musubi ($6.95) is a classic for good reason, but my personal favorite is the decadent, tobiko-topped salmon-and-crawfish musubi.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Taiwan Porridge\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>20956 Homestead Rd., Cupertino\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For Taiwanese immigrants, this strip mall spot’s format is deeply nostalgic: a dazzling array of hot and cold dishes all meant to accompany big tureens of velvety sweet potato congee. Value-wise, the highlight is the $12.83 three-item lunch special (available until 4 p.m.), which puts the average Chinese takeout joint’s combo plate to shame with cozy, home-style options like cold lotus root salad, twice-cooked pork belly, anchovies stir-fried with peanuts, and loofah with scrambled eggs. If budget allows, you should absolutely pay an extra $1.83 to upgrade from regular steamed rice to congee — or better yet, get the four-item combo ($15.58) and split it with a friend. Taiwan Porridge also has locations in Milpitas and Fremont.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989256\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989256\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050526BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_015-KQED.jpg\" alt='An Indian supermarket lit up at night. The sign above reads, \"Apni Mandi.\"' width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050526BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_015-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050526BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_015-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050526BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_015-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050526BEST-MEALS-UNDER-10_GH_015-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The exterior of Apni Mandi in Sunnyvale. The Indian market sells hot food 24/7. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Apni Mandi\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1111 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Not only is the hot food counter at Sunnyvale’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13955884/sunnyvale-late-night-food-24-hour-indian-grocery-apni-mandi-apna-bazar\">24-hour Indian grocery store\u003c/a> open all day and night, its $10.99 vegetarian thali platter is one of best deals around — a three-compartment foil clamshell container crammed full of rice, onion salad and your choice of two curries (I especially love the paneer makhani and the fritter-studded kadhi pakora), with a couple rounds of chapati on the side.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989400\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989400\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/duc-huong_grilled-pork-egg_luketsai.jpg\" alt=\"Hand holding a small banh mi in a parking lot.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/duc-huong_grilled-pork-egg_luketsai.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/duc-huong_grilled-pork-egg_luketsai-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/duc-huong_grilled-pork-egg_luketsai-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/duc-huong_grilled-pork-egg_luketsai-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The option to order a budget-friendly half-size bánh mì at Duc Huong also allows diners to try multiple varieties. Pictured here is the grilled pork and egg bánh mì. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Duc Huong\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>1020 Story Rd. Ste. C, San José\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>My favorite South Bay bánh mì mini-chain is especially good for budget-minded diners because it offers a half-size sandwich option ($4.50 for most varieties), allowing lighter eaters to save some money — and giving heartier eaters the chance to sample two different sandwiches for the price of one. I love the classic #2 cold-cut combo the best, but the #8 (grilled pork topped with a fluffy egg omelette) is also pretty great, especially on garlic bread. Why not get both? Apart from its very busy original Story Road location, Duc Huong has \u003ca href=\"https://duchuongsandwiches.com/#locations\">three other shops\u003c/a> around San José, plus one in Sacramento.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp> \u003c/p>\n\u003ch1>\u003ca id=\"CheapEatsintheNorthBay\">\u003c/a>\u003cb>NORTH BAY\u003c/b>\u003c/h1>\n\u003ch2>Guerneville Taco Truck\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>16632 Main St., Guerneville\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Amidst all of Sonoma County’s frou-frou dining options, this taco truck — parked in a Safeway parking lot — is an oasis for locals and daytrippers looking for something more casual and inexpensive. Tacos are $3; the excellent (massive, totally shareable) breakfast burrito is $14. My favorite, the $12.50 fry-stuffed California burrito, has enough calories to keep you going all day. This is a must-stop for my family on our way to an Armstrong Woods hike, or on our way back from a day of Russian River Valley wine tasting.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13907215\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13907215\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/WhataChicken.jpg\" alt=\"A man in a flannel and hat tends to chicken on a grill on an overcast day\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/WhataChicken.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/WhataChicken-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/WhataChicken-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/WhataChicken-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/WhataChicken-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/WhataChicken-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">What a Chicken’s outdoor grill, seen here at the Santa Rosa Flea Market. \u003ccite>(Gabe Meline/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>What a Chicken\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>706 E. Washington St., Petaluma\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This gem of a pollo asado shop sits near the gateway to wine country, slinging hearty portions of its exceptionally juicy and crisp-skinned char-grilled chicken at a good value in one of the Bay Area’s most expensive regions. The prices especially work in your favor if you come with a crowd: My standard order is a half ($18.99) or whole chicken plate ($34.99), which comes with rice, salsa and piping-hot handmade tortillas — plenty of food to feed two or four adults, respectively, at under $10 per person. Pro tip: I always add one of the shop’s meaty, slow-cooked pork ribs ($4.99) to my order. It’s just as good as the chicken.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989401\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989401\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/pupuseria-blankita_credit-luketsai.jpg\" alt=\"A pupusa on a white plate, with a small tub of curtido and a bowl of salsa on the side.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/pupuseria-blankita_credit-luketsai.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/pupuseria-blankita_credit-luketsai-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/pupuseria-blankita_credit-luketsai-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/pupuseria-blankita_credit-luketsai-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">One of Pupuseria Blankita’s toasty, well-griddled pupusas. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Pupuseria Blankita\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>48 N. San Pedro Rd., San Rafael\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Two of Blankita’s toasty, well-griddled pupusas make for the ideal post–Marin Farmers Market lunch — say, the revuelta ($5.50), with its classic pork, bean and cheese filling, and maybe the green-flecked zucchini and cheese ($4.50), both topped with a generous heap of bright, crunchy curtido. To mix it up, sometimes I’ll order just one pupusa and add a gooey, sugar-dusted fried plantain empanada ($5) for dessert.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"title": "Escaping the Surveillance Pricing Trap",
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"headTitle": "Escaping the Surveillance Pricing Trap | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"#episode-transcript\">\u003ci>View the full episode transcript.\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">When JetBlue replied to an angry customer on X that they should clear their cookies for a better flight price, it seemed to confirm a long-held consumer belief: companies use your personal data to \u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">determine what you should pay in real-time based on your urgency, habits and identity\u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">. It’s what’s known as \u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">surveillance pricing. \u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">According to economic sociologist Lindsay Owens, \u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">the practice is rampant. She says companies have been investing for years in sophisticated tools meant to squeeze every last dollar out of consumers — and for the most part, it’s legal. Lindsay joins Morgan to \u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">talk about how we got here, the U.S. laws designed to fight back against surveillance pricing and what you can personally do to sidestep the practice.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"200\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https://playlist.megaphone.fm?e=KQINC8058124943\" width=\"100%\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Guest:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://groundworkcollaborative.org/person/lindsay-owens/\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lindsay Owens\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, executive director of \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://groundworkcollaborative.org/\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Groundwork Collaborative\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Further Reading/Listening:\u003c/b>\u003ci>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.propublica.org/article/asians-nearly-twice-as-likely-to-get-higher-price-from-princeton-review\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Tiger Mom Tax: Asians Are Nearly Twice as Likely to Get a Higher Price from Princeton Review\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> — Julia Angwin, Surya Mattu and Jeff Larson, \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pro Publica\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/10/18/starbucks-loyalty-program-surveillance-pricing/\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The hidden way using a rewards card can cost you more\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> — Geoffrey A. Fowler, \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Washington Post\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/sp6b-issue-spotlight.pdf\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Issue Spotlight: The Rise of Surveillance Pricing\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> — FTC Staff, \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Federal Trade Commission\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/economy/technology/2026/05/why-surveillance-pricing-bans-are-suddenly-gaining-traction-this-year-and-not-just-in-california/\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Why surveillance pricing bans are suddenly gaining traction this year (and not just in California)\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> — Khari Johnson, \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">CalMatters\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fastcompany.com/91544120/public-library-hack-book-cheaper-flights-mistrust-airlines\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Influencers are peddling ‘the library hack’ as a way to score cheaper flights. Whether it works is beside the point\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> — Grace Snelling, \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fast Company\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Want to give us feedback on the show? Shoot us an email at \u003ca href=\"mailto:CloseAllTabs@KQED.org\">CloseAllTabs@KQED.org\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Follow us on\u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/closealltabspod/\"> \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Instagram\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and\u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/@closealltabs\"> \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">TikTok\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2 id=\"episode-transcript\">Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is a computer-generated transcript. While our team has reviewed it, there may be errors.\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung, Host: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Hello, Tabbies. We’ve been workshopping games. What do you think of Tab Hive? Could also go with Tab Closers? Maybe Tabdom, like Tab fandom, but I don’t know, that sounds kind of ominous. Anyway, if you’re a Close All Tabs listener and you like our deep dives, then please rate and review the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you’re listening to this. It would be a huge help to get the word out. Okay, let’s get to the show.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So online, there’s this kind of urban legend when it comes to booking flights. Basically, as the myth goes, if you’ve been looking up flights between certain destinations and you’re finally ready to book, you should always clear your cookies or book the flight from an incognito tab so you get a better price. For years, this travel hack was based on anecdotal experience, not actual evidence that airlines were using personal data to determine prices. But we do know that our personal data is kind of up for grabs anyway. We talk about this all the time on the show. It’s not wild to believe that corporations are tracking you and price gouging you based on your specific habits. But if you brought it up on travel forums or comment threads, you might get written off as a tinfoil hat conspiracy theorist. And then in April, JetBlue just tweeted it out.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens, Guest: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is just a really incredible story, one of those ‘truth is stranger than fiction’ moments.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lindsay Owens is an economic sociologist who runs the affordability think tank Groundwork Collective. She keeps a pretty close eye on this kind of thing.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you’re feeling it in your wallet, we are studying it.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So back in April, a customer took to X, the site formerly known as Twitter…\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">To kind of complain, vent, gripe about the fact that his flight had increased by more than $200 overnight, and he was just trying to get to a funeral. And he tweeted sort of, JetBlue, what gives here? Why are you doing this? And incredibly, JetBlue’s corporate Twitter account replied.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Here’s the real travel hack. If your flight is delayed or canceled or you’re stuck in customer service hotline hell, complain about it on Twitter. There’s a chance that the airline will see it and give you a discount or at worst a snack voucher. At least that’s how they usually respond. But this time JetBlue took a different approach.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">They said ‘try clearing your cash and cookies or booking with an incognito window.’ And then they did say, ‘we’re sorry for your loss. ‘\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In other words, JetBlue’s official corporate social account told the customer that if he didn’t want to be overcharged, he should just trick the company’s booking software into not identifying him.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And this was a pretty stunning thing to see on Twitter. JetBlue’s HQ immediately weighed in and said the tweet was mistaken, that they don’t use personal information to set prices.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">A spokesperson for the company told multiple news outlets that the airline fares are determined by supply and demand, not by customer data. JetBlue very quickly deleted the response, but it’s the internet, screenshots live on. This exchange went super viral.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">It was a real confession of sorts, but it was a window into the ways in which pricing is changing right under our feet.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">An airline surreptitiously gleaning personal information to maximize how much money they can make off of each individual customer, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. In fact, Lindsay said that just last year, she listened in on a Delta earnings call and the company told investors about this new strategy they were piloting, a partnership with an Israel-based AI company called Fetcherr, which specialized in personalized pricing. Lindsay went on Fetcherr’s website and found a white paper.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Phase two was called ‘the exploitation phase’ —really not hiding the ball with this one. That’s when they’ve learned everything they can about Delta’s competitors, about their customers, and when they start going for broke and they start increasing those prices and getting better revenues for Delta. They were guaranteeing increases in revenue of near 10% in some cases. So we’ve had quite a few of these examples with the airlines now revealing some of their plans, experiments, and things that they’re working on.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lindsay wasn’t the only one paying attention. Journalists did too. News of the earnings call spread. This set off a PR firestorm for the company with Delta’s competitors saying that they’d never do this to their valued customers, and Delta announcing that they didn’t actually plan to go through with it. But this practice is becoming the norm across industries. We’ve gotten used to dynamic pricing: price fluctuating based on supply and demand, like, how concert tickets get more expensive as seats fill up. What we’re talking about today goes further. Economists call it personalized pricing. This idea that companies charge you based on their assessment of how much you’re willing to pay for a good or service. It’s a practice more commonly known as surveillance pricing.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">They’re doing anything they can to learn about you, including sometimes spying on you, which is why I do think the term surveillance pricing is so apt and accurate. Companies gather a lot of data about us. Some of it we offer up willingly, our browsing history, we accept the cookies, we agree to let them sell our data, and all of that can be used to set a price for you specifically — ideally, if you’re a company, a price that gets pretty close to the maximum that you’d be willing to pay before you might walk away or start looking elsewhere.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Today, we’re diving into surveillance pricing. Where it came from, how it works, and what we’re supposed to do to save ourselves from it. And no, clearing cookies isn’t always the answer. Ready?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is Close All Tabs. I’m Morgan Sung, tech journalist and your chronically online friend, here to open as many browser tabs as it takes to help you understand how the digital world affects our real lives. Let’s get into it.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Here’s the funny thing. A set price is a fairly new concept compared to the entirety of human history. Let’s talk about it. Kicking this off as always, let’s open a new tab: History of the price tag.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>\u003ci>[Audio from Jessie J singing “Price Tag” live] \u003c/i>\u003c/b>\u003cb>\u003ci>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/i>\u003c/b>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ain’t about the, uh, cha-chang-cha-chung \u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ain’t bout the, b-bling-b-bling \u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Wanna make the world dance\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Forget about the beep beep beep boop boop boop\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> …price tag. To quote the iconic Jessie J, we need to take it back in time. We don’t even have to go that far back. The price tag dates back to 1861, when Wanamakers opened its stores in Philadelphia. It was one of the first American department stores, and also invented the.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>\u003ci>[Audio from Jessie J singing “Price Tag” live]\u003cbr>\n\u003c/i>\u003c/b>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Priiiiiiiiiicetaaaaaagggg!\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The price tag.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Prior to Wanamaker, you really had thousands of years where we haggled. You went to the market, you picked out what you wanted, and then you started a process of bartering or haggling to set the price. The merchant at the souk or the market maybe sized you up a little and said, oh, you look like someone who could pay more. Maybe he knows a little bit about you, knows you’re wealthy, charges you more. Maybe you know a little bit about him, you have a little dirt on him, he charges you less, right? Those were the kind of rules of the bizarre economy.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">That started to shift in the U.S. context really with the Quakers and they felt like bartering and haggling was really unfair. They felt a sort of moral conviction about this; you and I are created equal under God, they thought. Why would we be charged different amounts for the same item? So they instituted a fixed price, and everyone would pay the same amount for items at a Quaker market.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">John Wanamaker wasn’t a Quaker, but he was a devout Christian, and he had this brilliant idea. What if he took this Quaker concept further? Not just standardized prices, but print them on a little tag attached to each item, and then call it.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>\u003ci>[Audio from Jessie J singing “Price Tag” live]\u003cbr>\n\u003c/i>\u003c/b>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">…the priiiiiice taaag!\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">But of course, Wanamaker wasn’t just doing this for religious reasons, he was also doing it because he was a good businessman and haggling takes a lot of time. The price tag is pretty efficient, right? It makes it pretty easy to tally up what you owe and get on with the purchase. But look, the price tag, I think, did a number of really important things. The first thing it did is it offered transparency. And transparency is really key to fair and honest markets, and that’s really key to a healthy economy. We knew how much something cost. As part of that transparency, we could comparison shop. We could look at how much anything cost in one store, we could look at how much something cost in another store, and we could take the offering that we thought provided the best value. Actually, that mechanism of bargain hunting and comparison shopping is also an important function in a healthy competitive economy.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And the price tag also offers some stability and predictability. Of course, things like inflation and seasonal availability and wars that shut down access to major waterways can affect prices. But overall, you’d probably have an idea of how much your weekly groceries will cost.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And predictability is bedrock to home economics, to budgeting in the household. If you don’t know how much something is gonna cost from one week to the next, it is hard to know if you’re gonna clear at the end of the week.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dynamic pricing has gotten out of hand and Lindsay said this wasn’t always the case.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I do think while we have gotten very used to dynamic pricing in a whole host of settings, it is actually the case that in the not too distant past, there were other ways that companies allocated scarce resources. It has really shifted over time and I also think dynamic pricing is increasingly happening in places where resources aren’t scarce at all. You know, you see dynamic pricing in the grocery store, Target isn’t running out of wheat thins. Kroger’s not running out of Barilla pasta, right? This isn’t about managing scarcity. It’s just about charging what they can at any given time. So I think there has been a, kind of, increase in the prevalence of dynamic pricing and the types of goods that are subject to it.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">When did this use of personal data specifically to set prices become such a common practice?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I think the way to think about the advent of surveillance pricing is to start with the advent of surveillance advertising, which really takes you to the internet. I mean, that’s when this starts getting really creepy, and it’s when it starts to become big business. You may have heard about a company called DoubleClick. They really pioneered and built the infrastructure for surveillance advertising on the internet. They tracked what you looked at online. And then they built an advertising system to serve it back to you. So if you’ve ever looked at an item, you didn’t buy it, and then the next day it started popping up in your feed over and over and again, and you finally relented and purchased the item, that’s just the latest iteration of surveillance advertising.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">DoubleClick was eventually purchased by Google, and Google is advertising king in the early digital era. In some ways, the logical next step for many of these companies was as they get better and better at knowing what you want, predicting what you want, maybe persuading you to want something, they might as well also think about getting better and better, figuring out how much you might be willing to pay for it. And so marrying sort of dynamic pricing with surveillance advertising is how we get to the modern form of surveillance pricing that we’re starting to see today.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Why does the idea of dynamic pricing and surveillance pricing, why does that upset people so much?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">By and large, Americans hate the idea of companies charging different amounts to different people for the same item at the exact same time from the exact same store. I think the answer is really simple. I think when you see sort of a ubiquitous response to something in culture, it’s because you’ve tapped into a core human value. And in this case, I think that value is fairness.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So how does surveillance pricing work in practice? That’s a new tab, which we’ll open after a quick break. But first, we wanted to remind you that close all tabs depends on listeners like you to keep us going. You can support us by becoming a member at donate.kqed.org slash podcasts. Okay, after the break, big data and your wallet. Stick around.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We’re back! So how does surveillance pricing work exactly? Time for a new tab: Big Data and Your Wallet. Let’s talk about some examples of surveillance pricing and how mass data collection determines those prices.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So this one was uncovered in an analysis by ProPublica, which showed that the prices for online SAT tutoring packages at the Princeton Review, the test prep company, were varying quite substantially depending on where customers lived. So if you went online to book an online test prep package and you typed in your zip code, Some people were offered the course for $6,600. That’s, by the way, a good price, apparently, for a test prep package in 2015. I’m sure it’s more today, it’s a little staggering. But for others, the same package would be almost $2,000 more. And what they determined is that folks in zip codes with a larger percentage of Asian Americans were almost twice as likely to be offered that higher price than others.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">They called this the “tiger mom tax.” Yeah, and even in lower income neighborhoods, Asian Americans were quoted the highest prices by the Princeton Review.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I think it is a good example of how companies were using zip codes and demographic information to try to estimate the likely willingness to pay for a service like test prep. We have seen similarly during that period, a study from the Wall Street Journal in 2012, which showed that the online office retailer Staples was varying prices by zip code. This one was actually a little more nefarious in some respects. If you lived in a zip code where there were other office stores nearby, like an Office Depot, you were getting better pricing. If there was not an OfficeMax or an Office Depot within 20 miles or so, you were charged more because they knew you didn’t really have any ability to go to a competitor or go anywhere else. You were probably gonna go with the Staples offering. So those are some of the early examples of companies starting to toy around with gaging your desperation, gaging your willingness to pay. Gaging how likely your exit options were, how much choice you have in a market, and then using that to put you over a barrel and charge you as much as they possibly can.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">You know, it’s so funny that you say that because my friends and I joke that with Pride right around the corner, Target is probably jacking up prices for plain white tank tops for queer people because they know we’ll probably buy them for all the lesbian events in June. And obviously, that’s purely speculative and it’s mostly us kind of joking among ourselves like, ‘oh, this $5 tank top is going to be $12 next week.’ But it seems like this theory isn’t that far-fetched after all.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is not far-fetched at all. That is exactly the kind of thing to expect. When Walmart announced that they were installing electronic shelf labels in every Walmart store throughout the country. The first thing that many consumers thought is they are going to start jacking up the of coke and ice cream and cool items on a hot summer day. When there’s a snowstorm, they are gonna charge more for soup. These are all the things that are possible when you have the ability to do dynamic pricing at scale, either online or in brick and mortar stores, which you can do with electronic shelf labels. Pricing algorithms can be controlled remotely. It is very easy to have them respond to things like the weather and other data inputs. And it starts to present, I think, a real sort of dystopian view of what shopping could look like in the future.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So what are some of the pieces of personal information that could be used to set the price that you pay, which people probably aren’t thinking about?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is a long list. So you give up a lot of your information in a lot settings. Those terms and conditions when you get on a website that you click on without reading, often what you’ve done is just sort of pulled back the curtain and let the company ransack all of your data. Loyalty programs can be great, but often are sophisticated data harvesting operations. Okay, kinds of things they might know: they might be connected to your bank account and know when it’s payday. They might have information about your location. They might your purchase history, what you buy weekly, what you haven’t bought in a while that you usually buy and so you’re due for. They track your movements online, your mouse movements, what you hover over, how long you hover it, what you click on, what you put in your cart and don’t buy.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lindsay pointed to this report from former Washington Post tech columnist, Geoffrey Fowler. He requested his data from Starbucks and got a detailed dossier of everything he ever bought there.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">He was a reporter, so he had purchased a lot of coffee.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>[\u003c/b>\u003cb>\u003ci>Geoffrey Fowler in Washington Post story]\u003cbr>\n\u003c/i>\u003c/b>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The more coffee I ordered, the fewer discounts I got. Sure, I was still collecting stars, but the average price I paid per cup of coffee was going up. My loyalty was working against me.\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">You know, in this case, they are collecting all the information about your caffeine habits. When you have your morning cup of copy, when you have you afternoon cup of cofee, if you have a sweet tooth and like to have a cookie with your afternoon coffee, right? All of those things they can collect. They can buy information about you from third parties. So, you know, this breadcrumb trail of data you leave when you participate in e-commerce provides a really robust set of data that companies can use to predict how much you’re willing to pay for any given item.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">More and more consumers are using chatbots and AI agents to do the price comparisons for them. You know, kind of taking off the drudge work of like sifting through all these websites. Are AI agents shopping for you, the new haggling?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Shopping and e-commerce and chat bots combined is really scary for folks who worry about privacy and for the potential for surveillance pricing at scale. We may be just in the first inning of our journey through the big bad world of surveillance pricing. A lot of the data that companies collect about you is behavioral and a lot of it is inferences. We think you must like this because you hovered over it for a while. So they’re guessing and using those guesses to decide what to advertise to you and how much to charge you.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">But now with conversational LLMs, often the guesswork can be eliminated because you might just tell them, right? You might say to your chat bot, hey, I have a wedding on Friday. I’m totally screwed. I need a dress. What are some options? Show me some options. Well, you’ve really just given away the store. Right? They know you’re desperate, they know you are in a rush, they know you need it now, and they’re gonna charge you top dollar for it. They’re gonna return results that cost you a lot of money. So the types of data that you offer Chopbots is pretty helpful in commerce. And so then the question is, how will the sort of move from AI into commerce make use of that data? And I think there are real questions about what’s likely to transpire.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">But we got a very recent hint and it was not great: a couple of researchers, one at Princeton University, one at the University of Washington, tested some LLMs and they put in some different scenarios and tried to measure how the advertising and pricing would work. You know, the results were pretty alarming. All of the current LLM’s, they tested all of them, exhibited risky behaviors, that was the researcher’s word, that favored the company over the user; steering users towards more expensive sponsored products; concealing that the products were sponsored and therefore impacted their recommendations; recommending predatory products like bad loans with high interest rates.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In practice, users were also nudged to spend more. That one we didn’t need a study to confirm, we already have data from Walmart, where the CEO has been quite candid with their investors about the fact that Sparky, the Walmart chat bot, is doing a great job of nudging consumers to spend more. And folks who use Sparky are spending 35% more than folks who don’t, in part because Sparky is bidding up their cart total very effectively.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We also learned in the study that when asked to recommend between two otherwise equivalent products, The vast majority of the models in the study chose the sponsored option more than half the time, despite it being twice as expensive. I think this is really the next big frontier in surveillance pricing. It’s the next place for people like me who research this stuff and who think through and help craft policy solutions to protect consumers from this stuff.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The good news is people aren’t overwhelmingly shopping in AI right now, although, as I mentioned, companies like Walmart are building this into their apps and into their e-commerce offerings. But it would be great to get this one fixed before the horse is out of the barn because the future doesn’t look great.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yikes, right? I mean, how is any of this even allowed? Is there anything we could do to stop it? Okay, let’s open one last tab: Is surveillance pricing even legal? I’ve googled this question many times, and the answer is never satisfying. Long story short, yes, surveillance pricing is legal. At the federal level, the U.S. is not great about comprehensive data privacy laws. And you may be asking, but what about the FTC? The Federal Trade Commission. They’re supposed to protect consumers and promote business competition. Well, under Lina Khan’s leadership, the FTC conducted a preliminary study on AI-driven pricing tools. It was released in January 2025, right before the Trump administration took over. And since then…\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I mean, look, the federal government is not really leading the charge right now. We’re seeing much more action in the states.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">To understand what’s going on there, we need to talk about the flip side of surveillance pricing: surveillance wages.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Companies learning about you to figure out the maximum you’re willing to pay can use the exact same tools to learn about their workers and figure out the minimum they’re willing to charge in the form of wages. So it’s great news for companies who can deploy both at the same time because they can bring in more revenue from consumers and they can spend less on their workers. The processes and the systems are really similar and we’ve started to see some, oh really I think, concerning examples of this type of algorithmic wage discrimination starting to pop up in a whole host of sectors.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are some examples of day nurses being subjected to auctions where they bid against each other for a shift. But instead of an auction where the highest bidder wins, whoever will take the minimum to show up for work would win. We have examples of Uber offering different drivers different fares for the same trip, right? So we are starting to see some examples of algorithmic wage discrimination in parallel to these examples of surveillance pricing.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So why might this whole practice of algorithmic wage discrimination actually lead to more legal action against these companies that are using surveillance pricing?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">To crack down on surveillance pricing, arguably we’re gonna need new laws. We’ve now seen in 40 states and localities just this year in 2026, people cracking down on surveillance pricing, introducing bans in state legislatures to eliminate this practice. Some of those bills also include prohibitions on algorithmic wage discrimination.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Just last month, Colorado actually passed a bill that would do both. It bans corporations from using personal data to set individual prices and wages.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">But there are some cases in which algorithmic wage discrimination will already be illegal. So we have fair labor laws and we have employment discrimination laws and it is illegal to pay men and women different amounts for the same job. And so where algorithmic discrimination falls afoul of existing employment discrimination and labor laws, there may be opportunities for enforcement agencies to go ahead and crack down on those practices even without updating the law.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Do you think that this kind of legislation will be effective in combating surveillance pricing? How does it compare to other policy pushes that you’ve seen?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So far, we have seen a couple of different types of laws. We’ve seen disclosure laws, which would require companies to tell you they’re spying on you in order to overcharge you, which New York put into effect this year. If you are the victim of surveillance pricing in New York, you will know it, because you will see a disclosure that says this price was set by an algorithm using your data. So disclosure laws are interesting. They’re interesting to people like me, because it gives me a nice population of companies to study. They’re interesting to consumers because sometimes you can say, okay, I’d rather not purchase from this company anymore. But, you know, I would prefer that companies not be able to do this.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">At the beginning of the year, California Attorney General Rob Bonta opened a sweeping investigation into surveillance pricing. California lawmakers have also proposed an outright ban on the practice. A similar bill failed to reach the governor’s desk last year, but this one just cleared a major milestone in the state legislature this month. If it does pass, Lindsay said it could be a really strong law.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I think it would be a game changer for a state as large as California with as many tech companies located in California as there are to pass a bill like this and it would great to see that happen as soon as possible.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">It seems like we’re finally at a kind of inflection point for surveillance pricing with consumers, especially after the JetBlue tweet, kind of waking up to it and starting to push back. How are retailers responding to the policy pushbacks and also the consumer outrage?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Retailers have to make some tough choices about the costs and benefits of deploying technologies like this. The benefits are clear. You can make a lot of money charging your consumer the absolute maximum they are willing to pay for every item in their cart. There is revenue to be won. But the risk is that when consumers find out about this, they are really, really ticked and you risk boycott and losing some market share. And throughout history, we have seen companies touch the stove when they, you know, went too far.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the 90s, the CEO of Coke let slip that they were piloting, installing thermometers in Coke vending machines so that they could charge you more for Coke on a hot summer day. That was in 1999, it was before TikTok, but it was viral. It was on the front page of every major newspaper in the country. The Honolulu paper, the Philadelphia paper, the Wall Street Journal, hardly a bastion of consumer sentiment, weighed in on how outrageous that proposal was. Pepsi, of course, seized on the gaff. Coke immediately backtracked, said they wouldn’t be piloting it. They would never do it.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">You know, I think the best way, absent the law, to keep companies from pursuing some of the most egregious forms of this practice, the spying on you, the overcharging you, is actually consumer pressure. There are, of course, retailers who use slightly different business models who say, you know, I’m not in the business of charging consumers the maximum they will pay. The canonical example is Costco, who uses a cost plus model. They charge between 14 and 15 percent on top of the wholesale price. It’s cost plus 14 or 15 percent, that’s the margin. They could go higher, they don’t, they pass the savings along. But, you know, generally speaking, companies are moving in the direction of getting more sophisticated with pricing and of taking their pricing to a place that’s much higher tech.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I’m sure you are asked this question constantly, but what could the average consumer do to limit surveillance pricing in their lives?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I really do not believe it should be every consumer’s job to bob and weave and try to beat the machine. Shopping against the robot is not a future anybody wants to have, and it should be lawmakers’ job and policymakers’ job to make sure markets are fair and honest because that’s good for everyone. It’s good for our economy, it’s good for society. The second thing I’ll say is I do really believe in the power of consumer boycotts. And I think when you see something, say something. Take to Reddit, take to TikTok, take to Twitter like our friend experiencing the JetBlue price hike did. Those are great ways to sound the alarm and sometimes to get companies’ attention. Consumer boycotts can be effective.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">But finally, there are a few things to think about as a modern consumer. It’s probably time to update how you think about comparison shopping. So it used to be that you would look at the same item at two different stores, see which store offered you the better price, go with that one. Now you probably need to comparison shop within stores. Look at the price in the app, look at the place on the website, look at price in the brick and mortar store, compare those three, go with the lower price. You could do some comparison shopping with your spouse, sit on the couch, both of you log in, see if one of you gets a better price. Go with that price. So I think there are some ways to sort of update how you think about comparison shopping. And then of course, all of the standard advice around browsers that offer more robust privacy protections, all of that can be useful as well.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Let’s close the loop on the JetBlue saga. They now face a class action. Everyone’s still really mad at them. It’s been weeks and they’re still getting like, comments being like, remember when you said this? Like, we’re not letting that go. How do you think the saga will end for JetBlue?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uh, hard for me to know what the result of that class action lawsuit will be. And of course, those can take a long time to unwind. So it may be a minute before we get to read the final chapter of that book. But, you know, I do think JetBlue will face some pretty substantial damage in the interim. I think they have lost faith with a lot of consumers when consumers may look elsewhere for their travel. That being said, we’ve got a problem in the airlines, which is they’re not very competitive. We don’t have that many carriers and we actually just lost one of the main competitors to JetBlue— Spirit. So they have a lot of pricing power right now. They have a of dominance as a low cost carrier, but they certainly, I think, have lost the faith of a lot consumers and they may have lost a lot their customers.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Never underestimate the power of a rage tweet. That’s it for today’s deep dive, but stick around after the credits for a surveillance pricing fun fact. Actually, it’s less fun and more terrifying, but hey, it’s good trivia. Okay, let’s close all these tabs.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Close All Tabs is a production of KQED Studios and is reported and hosted by me, Morgan Sung. This episode was produced by Chris Egusa, who also composed our theme song and credits music, Production help from Francesca Fenzi. It was edited by Chris Hambrick. The Close All Tabs team also includes producer Maya Cueva and audio engineer, Brendan Willard. Additional music by APM. Audience engagement support from Maha Sanad. Jen Chien is our director of podcasts and Ethan Toven Lindsey is our editor-in-chief.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some members of the KQED podcast team are represented by the Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, San Francisco Northern California Local. This episode’s keyboard sounds were submitted by Alex Tran Alex Tran, and recorded on his white Epomaker Hi75 keyboard with Fogruaden red samurai keycaps and gateron milky yellow pro v2 switches. Thanks for listening.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">There was a really interesting study in 2023 that got quite a bit of attention. And it looked at how Uber was charging customers more if their phone battery was sunk. Like, you got to get in that Uber before your phone dies. As someone who is always on low battery mode.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I would never remember to charge my phone.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Me neither. It’s like really scary to think about that one.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"description": "When JetBlue replied to an angry customer on X that they should clear their cookies for a better flight price, it seemed to confirm a long-held consumer belief: companies use your personal data to determine what you should pay in real-time based on your urgency, habits and identity. It’s what’s known as surveillance pricing. According to economic sociologist Lindsay Owens, the practice is rampant. She says companies have been investing for years in sophisticated tools meant to squeeze every last dollar out of consumers — and for the most part, it’s legal. Lindsay joins Morgan to talk about how we got here, the U.S. laws designed to fight back against surveillance pricing and what you can personally do to sidestep the practice.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"#episode-transcript\">\u003ci>View the full episode transcript.\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">When JetBlue replied to an angry customer on X that they should clear their cookies for a better flight price, it seemed to confirm a long-held consumer belief: companies use your personal data to \u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">determine what you should pay in real-time based on your urgency, habits and identity\u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">. It’s what’s known as \u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">surveillance pricing. \u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">According to economic sociologist Lindsay Owens, \u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">the practice is rampant. She says companies have been investing for years in sophisticated tools meant to squeeze every last dollar out of consumers — and for the most part, it’s legal. Lindsay joins Morgan to \u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">talk about how we got here, the U.S. laws designed to fight back against surveillance pricing and what you can personally do to sidestep the practice.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"200\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https://playlist.megaphone.fm?e=KQINC8058124943\" width=\"100%\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Guest:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://groundworkcollaborative.org/person/lindsay-owens/\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lindsay Owens\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, executive director of \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://groundworkcollaborative.org/\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Groundwork Collaborative\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Further Reading/Listening:\u003c/b>\u003ci>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.propublica.org/article/asians-nearly-twice-as-likely-to-get-higher-price-from-princeton-review\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Tiger Mom Tax: Asians Are Nearly Twice as Likely to Get a Higher Price from Princeton Review\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> — Julia Angwin, Surya Mattu and Jeff Larson, \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pro Publica\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/10/18/starbucks-loyalty-program-surveillance-pricing/\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The hidden way using a rewards card can cost you more\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> — Geoffrey A. Fowler, \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Washington Post\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/sp6b-issue-spotlight.pdf\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Issue Spotlight: The Rise of Surveillance Pricing\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> — FTC Staff, \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Federal Trade Commission\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/economy/technology/2026/05/why-surveillance-pricing-bans-are-suddenly-gaining-traction-this-year-and-not-just-in-california/\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Why surveillance pricing bans are suddenly gaining traction this year (and not just in California)\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> — Khari Johnson, \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">CalMatters\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fastcompany.com/91544120/public-library-hack-book-cheaper-flights-mistrust-airlines\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Influencers are peddling ‘the library hack’ as a way to score cheaper flights. Whether it works is beside the point\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> — Grace Snelling, \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fast Company\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Want to give us feedback on the show? Shoot us an email at \u003ca href=\"mailto:CloseAllTabs@KQED.org\">CloseAllTabs@KQED.org\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Follow us on\u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/closealltabspod/\"> \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Instagram\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and\u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/@closealltabs\"> \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">TikTok\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-content post-body\">\u003ch2 id=\"episode-transcript\">Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is a computer-generated transcript. While our team has reviewed it, there may be errors.\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung, Host: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Hello, Tabbies. We’ve been workshopping games. What do you think of Tab Hive? Could also go with Tab Closers? Maybe Tabdom, like Tab fandom, but I don’t know, that sounds kind of ominous. Anyway, if you’re a Close All Tabs listener and you like our deep dives, then please rate and review the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you’re listening to this. It would be a huge help to get the word out. Okay, let’s get to the show.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So online, there’s this kind of urban legend when it comes to booking flights. Basically, as the myth goes, if you’ve been looking up flights between certain destinations and you’re finally ready to book, you should always clear your cookies or book the flight from an incognito tab so you get a better price. For years, this travel hack was based on anecdotal experience, not actual evidence that airlines were using personal data to determine prices. But we do know that our personal data is kind of up for grabs anyway. We talk about this all the time on the show. It’s not wild to believe that corporations are tracking you and price gouging you based on your specific habits. But if you brought it up on travel forums or comment threads, you might get written off as a tinfoil hat conspiracy theorist. And then in April, JetBlue just tweeted it out.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens, Guest: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is just a really incredible story, one of those ‘truth is stranger than fiction’ moments.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lindsay Owens is an economic sociologist who runs the affordability think tank Groundwork Collective. She keeps a pretty close eye on this kind of thing.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you’re feeling it in your wallet, we are studying it.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So back in April, a customer took to X, the site formerly known as Twitter…\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">To kind of complain, vent, gripe about the fact that his flight had increased by more than $200 overnight, and he was just trying to get to a funeral. And he tweeted sort of, JetBlue, what gives here? Why are you doing this? And incredibly, JetBlue’s corporate Twitter account replied.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Here’s the real travel hack. If your flight is delayed or canceled or you’re stuck in customer service hotline hell, complain about it on Twitter. There’s a chance that the airline will see it and give you a discount or at worst a snack voucher. At least that’s how they usually respond. But this time JetBlue took a different approach.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">They said ‘try clearing your cash and cookies or booking with an incognito window.’ And then they did say, ‘we’re sorry for your loss. ‘\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In other words, JetBlue’s official corporate social account told the customer that if he didn’t want to be overcharged, he should just trick the company’s booking software into not identifying him.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And this was a pretty stunning thing to see on Twitter. JetBlue’s HQ immediately weighed in and said the tweet was mistaken, that they don’t use personal information to set prices.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">A spokesperson for the company told multiple news outlets that the airline fares are determined by supply and demand, not by customer data. JetBlue very quickly deleted the response, but it’s the internet, screenshots live on. This exchange went super viral.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">It was a real confession of sorts, but it was a window into the ways in which pricing is changing right under our feet.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">An airline surreptitiously gleaning personal information to maximize how much money they can make off of each individual customer, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. In fact, Lindsay said that just last year, she listened in on a Delta earnings call and the company told investors about this new strategy they were piloting, a partnership with an Israel-based AI company called Fetcherr, which specialized in personalized pricing. Lindsay went on Fetcherr’s website and found a white paper.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Phase two was called ‘the exploitation phase’ —really not hiding the ball with this one. That’s when they’ve learned everything they can about Delta’s competitors, about their customers, and when they start going for broke and they start increasing those prices and getting better revenues for Delta. They were guaranteeing increases in revenue of near 10% in some cases. So we’ve had quite a few of these examples with the airlines now revealing some of their plans, experiments, and things that they’re working on.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lindsay wasn’t the only one paying attention. Journalists did too. News of the earnings call spread. This set off a PR firestorm for the company with Delta’s competitors saying that they’d never do this to their valued customers, and Delta announcing that they didn’t actually plan to go through with it. But this practice is becoming the norm across industries. We’ve gotten used to dynamic pricing: price fluctuating based on supply and demand, like, how concert tickets get more expensive as seats fill up. What we’re talking about today goes further. Economists call it personalized pricing. This idea that companies charge you based on their assessment of how much you’re willing to pay for a good or service. It’s a practice more commonly known as surveillance pricing.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">They’re doing anything they can to learn about you, including sometimes spying on you, which is why I do think the term surveillance pricing is so apt and accurate. Companies gather a lot of data about us. Some of it we offer up willingly, our browsing history, we accept the cookies, we agree to let them sell our data, and all of that can be used to set a price for you specifically — ideally, if you’re a company, a price that gets pretty close to the maximum that you’d be willing to pay before you might walk away or start looking elsewhere.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Today, we’re diving into surveillance pricing. Where it came from, how it works, and what we’re supposed to do to save ourselves from it. And no, clearing cookies isn’t always the answer. Ready?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is Close All Tabs. I’m Morgan Sung, tech journalist and your chronically online friend, here to open as many browser tabs as it takes to help you understand how the digital world affects our real lives. Let’s get into it.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Here’s the funny thing. A set price is a fairly new concept compared to the entirety of human history. Let’s talk about it. Kicking this off as always, let’s open a new tab: History of the price tag.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>\u003ci>[Audio from Jessie J singing “Price Tag” live] \u003c/i>\u003c/b>\u003cb>\u003ci>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/i>\u003c/b>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ain’t about the, uh, cha-chang-cha-chung \u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ain’t bout the, b-bling-b-bling \u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Wanna make the world dance\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Forget about the beep beep beep boop boop boop\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> …price tag. To quote the iconic Jessie J, we need to take it back in time. We don’t even have to go that far back. The price tag dates back to 1861, when Wanamakers opened its stores in Philadelphia. It was one of the first American department stores, and also invented the.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>\u003ci>[Audio from Jessie J singing “Price Tag” live]\u003cbr>\n\u003c/i>\u003c/b>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Priiiiiiiiiicetaaaaaagggg!\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The price tag.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Prior to Wanamaker, you really had thousands of years where we haggled. You went to the market, you picked out what you wanted, and then you started a process of bartering or haggling to set the price. The merchant at the souk or the market maybe sized you up a little and said, oh, you look like someone who could pay more. Maybe he knows a little bit about you, knows you’re wealthy, charges you more. Maybe you know a little bit about him, you have a little dirt on him, he charges you less, right? Those were the kind of rules of the bizarre economy.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">That started to shift in the U.S. context really with the Quakers and they felt like bartering and haggling was really unfair. They felt a sort of moral conviction about this; you and I are created equal under God, they thought. Why would we be charged different amounts for the same item? So they instituted a fixed price, and everyone would pay the same amount for items at a Quaker market.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">John Wanamaker wasn’t a Quaker, but he was a devout Christian, and he had this brilliant idea. What if he took this Quaker concept further? Not just standardized prices, but print them on a little tag attached to each item, and then call it.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>\u003ci>[Audio from Jessie J singing “Price Tag” live]\u003cbr>\n\u003c/i>\u003c/b>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">…the priiiiiice taaag!\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">But of course, Wanamaker wasn’t just doing this for religious reasons, he was also doing it because he was a good businessman and haggling takes a lot of time. The price tag is pretty efficient, right? It makes it pretty easy to tally up what you owe and get on with the purchase. But look, the price tag, I think, did a number of really important things. The first thing it did is it offered transparency. And transparency is really key to fair and honest markets, and that’s really key to a healthy economy. We knew how much something cost. As part of that transparency, we could comparison shop. We could look at how much anything cost in one store, we could look at how much something cost in another store, and we could take the offering that we thought provided the best value. Actually, that mechanism of bargain hunting and comparison shopping is also an important function in a healthy competitive economy.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And the price tag also offers some stability and predictability. Of course, things like inflation and seasonal availability and wars that shut down access to major waterways can affect prices. But overall, you’d probably have an idea of how much your weekly groceries will cost.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And predictability is bedrock to home economics, to budgeting in the household. If you don’t know how much something is gonna cost from one week to the next, it is hard to know if you’re gonna clear at the end of the week.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dynamic pricing has gotten out of hand and Lindsay said this wasn’t always the case.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I do think while we have gotten very used to dynamic pricing in a whole host of settings, it is actually the case that in the not too distant past, there were other ways that companies allocated scarce resources. It has really shifted over time and I also think dynamic pricing is increasingly happening in places where resources aren’t scarce at all. You know, you see dynamic pricing in the grocery store, Target isn’t running out of wheat thins. Kroger’s not running out of Barilla pasta, right? This isn’t about managing scarcity. It’s just about charging what they can at any given time. So I think there has been a, kind of, increase in the prevalence of dynamic pricing and the types of goods that are subject to it.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">When did this use of personal data specifically to set prices become such a common practice?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I think the way to think about the advent of surveillance pricing is to start with the advent of surveillance advertising, which really takes you to the internet. I mean, that’s when this starts getting really creepy, and it’s when it starts to become big business. You may have heard about a company called DoubleClick. They really pioneered and built the infrastructure for surveillance advertising on the internet. They tracked what you looked at online. And then they built an advertising system to serve it back to you. So if you’ve ever looked at an item, you didn’t buy it, and then the next day it started popping up in your feed over and over and again, and you finally relented and purchased the item, that’s just the latest iteration of surveillance advertising.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">DoubleClick was eventually purchased by Google, and Google is advertising king in the early digital era. In some ways, the logical next step for many of these companies was as they get better and better at knowing what you want, predicting what you want, maybe persuading you to want something, they might as well also think about getting better and better, figuring out how much you might be willing to pay for it. And so marrying sort of dynamic pricing with surveillance advertising is how we get to the modern form of surveillance pricing that we’re starting to see today.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Why does the idea of dynamic pricing and surveillance pricing, why does that upset people so much?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">By and large, Americans hate the idea of companies charging different amounts to different people for the same item at the exact same time from the exact same store. I think the answer is really simple. I think when you see sort of a ubiquitous response to something in culture, it’s because you’ve tapped into a core human value. And in this case, I think that value is fairness.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So how does surveillance pricing work in practice? That’s a new tab, which we’ll open after a quick break. But first, we wanted to remind you that close all tabs depends on listeners like you to keep us going. You can support us by becoming a member at donate.kqed.org slash podcasts. Okay, after the break, big data and your wallet. Stick around.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We’re back! So how does surveillance pricing work exactly? Time for a new tab: Big Data and Your Wallet. Let’s talk about some examples of surveillance pricing and how mass data collection determines those prices.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So this one was uncovered in an analysis by ProPublica, which showed that the prices for online SAT tutoring packages at the Princeton Review, the test prep company, were varying quite substantially depending on where customers lived. So if you went online to book an online test prep package and you typed in your zip code, Some people were offered the course for $6,600. That’s, by the way, a good price, apparently, for a test prep package in 2015. I’m sure it’s more today, it’s a little staggering. But for others, the same package would be almost $2,000 more. And what they determined is that folks in zip codes with a larger percentage of Asian Americans were almost twice as likely to be offered that higher price than others.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">They called this the “tiger mom tax.” Yeah, and even in lower income neighborhoods, Asian Americans were quoted the highest prices by the Princeton Review.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I think it is a good example of how companies were using zip codes and demographic information to try to estimate the likely willingness to pay for a service like test prep. We have seen similarly during that period, a study from the Wall Street Journal in 2012, which showed that the online office retailer Staples was varying prices by zip code. This one was actually a little more nefarious in some respects. If you lived in a zip code where there were other office stores nearby, like an Office Depot, you were getting better pricing. If there was not an OfficeMax or an Office Depot within 20 miles or so, you were charged more because they knew you didn’t really have any ability to go to a competitor or go anywhere else. You were probably gonna go with the Staples offering. So those are some of the early examples of companies starting to toy around with gaging your desperation, gaging your willingness to pay. Gaging how likely your exit options were, how much choice you have in a market, and then using that to put you over a barrel and charge you as much as they possibly can.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">You know, it’s so funny that you say that because my friends and I joke that with Pride right around the corner, Target is probably jacking up prices for plain white tank tops for queer people because they know we’ll probably buy them for all the lesbian events in June. And obviously, that’s purely speculative and it’s mostly us kind of joking among ourselves like, ‘oh, this $5 tank top is going to be $12 next week.’ But it seems like this theory isn’t that far-fetched after all.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is not far-fetched at all. That is exactly the kind of thing to expect. When Walmart announced that they were installing electronic shelf labels in every Walmart store throughout the country. The first thing that many consumers thought is they are going to start jacking up the of coke and ice cream and cool items on a hot summer day. When there’s a snowstorm, they are gonna charge more for soup. These are all the things that are possible when you have the ability to do dynamic pricing at scale, either online or in brick and mortar stores, which you can do with electronic shelf labels. Pricing algorithms can be controlled remotely. It is very easy to have them respond to things like the weather and other data inputs. And it starts to present, I think, a real sort of dystopian view of what shopping could look like in the future.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So what are some of the pieces of personal information that could be used to set the price that you pay, which people probably aren’t thinking about?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is a long list. So you give up a lot of your information in a lot settings. Those terms and conditions when you get on a website that you click on without reading, often what you’ve done is just sort of pulled back the curtain and let the company ransack all of your data. Loyalty programs can be great, but often are sophisticated data harvesting operations. Okay, kinds of things they might know: they might be connected to your bank account and know when it’s payday. They might have information about your location. They might your purchase history, what you buy weekly, what you haven’t bought in a while that you usually buy and so you’re due for. They track your movements online, your mouse movements, what you hover over, how long you hover it, what you click on, what you put in your cart and don’t buy.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lindsay pointed to this report from former Washington Post tech columnist, Geoffrey Fowler. He requested his data from Starbucks and got a detailed dossier of everything he ever bought there.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">He was a reporter, so he had purchased a lot of coffee.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>[\u003c/b>\u003cb>\u003ci>Geoffrey Fowler in Washington Post story]\u003cbr>\n\u003c/i>\u003c/b>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The more coffee I ordered, the fewer discounts I got. Sure, I was still collecting stars, but the average price I paid per cup of coffee was going up. My loyalty was working against me.\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">You know, in this case, they are collecting all the information about your caffeine habits. When you have your morning cup of copy, when you have you afternoon cup of cofee, if you have a sweet tooth and like to have a cookie with your afternoon coffee, right? All of those things they can collect. They can buy information about you from third parties. So, you know, this breadcrumb trail of data you leave when you participate in e-commerce provides a really robust set of data that companies can use to predict how much you’re willing to pay for any given item.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">More and more consumers are using chatbots and AI agents to do the price comparisons for them. You know, kind of taking off the drudge work of like sifting through all these websites. Are AI agents shopping for you, the new haggling?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Shopping and e-commerce and chat bots combined is really scary for folks who worry about privacy and for the potential for surveillance pricing at scale. We may be just in the first inning of our journey through the big bad world of surveillance pricing. A lot of the data that companies collect about you is behavioral and a lot of it is inferences. We think you must like this because you hovered over it for a while. So they’re guessing and using those guesses to decide what to advertise to you and how much to charge you.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">But now with conversational LLMs, often the guesswork can be eliminated because you might just tell them, right? You might say to your chat bot, hey, I have a wedding on Friday. I’m totally screwed. I need a dress. What are some options? Show me some options. Well, you’ve really just given away the store. Right? They know you’re desperate, they know you are in a rush, they know you need it now, and they’re gonna charge you top dollar for it. They’re gonna return results that cost you a lot of money. So the types of data that you offer Chopbots is pretty helpful in commerce. And so then the question is, how will the sort of move from AI into commerce make use of that data? And I think there are real questions about what’s likely to transpire.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">But we got a very recent hint and it was not great: a couple of researchers, one at Princeton University, one at the University of Washington, tested some LLMs and they put in some different scenarios and tried to measure how the advertising and pricing would work. You know, the results were pretty alarming. All of the current LLM’s, they tested all of them, exhibited risky behaviors, that was the researcher’s word, that favored the company over the user; steering users towards more expensive sponsored products; concealing that the products were sponsored and therefore impacted their recommendations; recommending predatory products like bad loans with high interest rates.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In practice, users were also nudged to spend more. That one we didn’t need a study to confirm, we already have data from Walmart, where the CEO has been quite candid with their investors about the fact that Sparky, the Walmart chat bot, is doing a great job of nudging consumers to spend more. And folks who use Sparky are spending 35% more than folks who don’t, in part because Sparky is bidding up their cart total very effectively.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We also learned in the study that when asked to recommend between two otherwise equivalent products, The vast majority of the models in the study chose the sponsored option more than half the time, despite it being twice as expensive. I think this is really the next big frontier in surveillance pricing. It’s the next place for people like me who research this stuff and who think through and help craft policy solutions to protect consumers from this stuff.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The good news is people aren’t overwhelmingly shopping in AI right now, although, as I mentioned, companies like Walmart are building this into their apps and into their e-commerce offerings. But it would be great to get this one fixed before the horse is out of the barn because the future doesn’t look great.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yikes, right? I mean, how is any of this even allowed? Is there anything we could do to stop it? Okay, let’s open one last tab: Is surveillance pricing even legal? I’ve googled this question many times, and the answer is never satisfying. Long story short, yes, surveillance pricing is legal. At the federal level, the U.S. is not great about comprehensive data privacy laws. And you may be asking, but what about the FTC? The Federal Trade Commission. They’re supposed to protect consumers and promote business competition. Well, under Lina Khan’s leadership, the FTC conducted a preliminary study on AI-driven pricing tools. It was released in January 2025, right before the Trump administration took over. And since then…\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I mean, look, the federal government is not really leading the charge right now. We’re seeing much more action in the states.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">To understand what’s going on there, we need to talk about the flip side of surveillance pricing: surveillance wages.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Companies learning about you to figure out the maximum you’re willing to pay can use the exact same tools to learn about their workers and figure out the minimum they’re willing to charge in the form of wages. So it’s great news for companies who can deploy both at the same time because they can bring in more revenue from consumers and they can spend less on their workers. The processes and the systems are really similar and we’ve started to see some, oh really I think, concerning examples of this type of algorithmic wage discrimination starting to pop up in a whole host of sectors.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are some examples of day nurses being subjected to auctions where they bid against each other for a shift. But instead of an auction where the highest bidder wins, whoever will take the minimum to show up for work would win. We have examples of Uber offering different drivers different fares for the same trip, right? So we are starting to see some examples of algorithmic wage discrimination in parallel to these examples of surveillance pricing.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So why might this whole practice of algorithmic wage discrimination actually lead to more legal action against these companies that are using surveillance pricing?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">To crack down on surveillance pricing, arguably we’re gonna need new laws. We’ve now seen in 40 states and localities just this year in 2026, people cracking down on surveillance pricing, introducing bans in state legislatures to eliminate this practice. Some of those bills also include prohibitions on algorithmic wage discrimination.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Just last month, Colorado actually passed a bill that would do both. It bans corporations from using personal data to set individual prices and wages.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">But there are some cases in which algorithmic wage discrimination will already be illegal. So we have fair labor laws and we have employment discrimination laws and it is illegal to pay men and women different amounts for the same job. And so where algorithmic discrimination falls afoul of existing employment discrimination and labor laws, there may be opportunities for enforcement agencies to go ahead and crack down on those practices even without updating the law.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Do you think that this kind of legislation will be effective in combating surveillance pricing? How does it compare to other policy pushes that you’ve seen?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So far, we have seen a couple of different types of laws. We’ve seen disclosure laws, which would require companies to tell you they’re spying on you in order to overcharge you, which New York put into effect this year. If you are the victim of surveillance pricing in New York, you will know it, because you will see a disclosure that says this price was set by an algorithm using your data. So disclosure laws are interesting. They’re interesting to people like me, because it gives me a nice population of companies to study. They’re interesting to consumers because sometimes you can say, okay, I’d rather not purchase from this company anymore. But, you know, I would prefer that companies not be able to do this.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">At the beginning of the year, California Attorney General Rob Bonta opened a sweeping investigation into surveillance pricing. California lawmakers have also proposed an outright ban on the practice. A similar bill failed to reach the governor’s desk last year, but this one just cleared a major milestone in the state legislature this month. If it does pass, Lindsay said it could be a really strong law.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I think it would be a game changer for a state as large as California with as many tech companies located in California as there are to pass a bill like this and it would great to see that happen as soon as possible.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">It seems like we’re finally at a kind of inflection point for surveillance pricing with consumers, especially after the JetBlue tweet, kind of waking up to it and starting to push back. How are retailers responding to the policy pushbacks and also the consumer outrage?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Retailers have to make some tough choices about the costs and benefits of deploying technologies like this. The benefits are clear. You can make a lot of money charging your consumer the absolute maximum they are willing to pay for every item in their cart. There is revenue to be won. But the risk is that when consumers find out about this, they are really, really ticked and you risk boycott and losing some market share. And throughout history, we have seen companies touch the stove when they, you know, went too far.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the 90s, the CEO of Coke let slip that they were piloting, installing thermometers in Coke vending machines so that they could charge you more for Coke on a hot summer day. That was in 1999, it was before TikTok, but it was viral. It was on the front page of every major newspaper in the country. The Honolulu paper, the Philadelphia paper, the Wall Street Journal, hardly a bastion of consumer sentiment, weighed in on how outrageous that proposal was. Pepsi, of course, seized on the gaff. Coke immediately backtracked, said they wouldn’t be piloting it. They would never do it.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">You know, I think the best way, absent the law, to keep companies from pursuing some of the most egregious forms of this practice, the spying on you, the overcharging you, is actually consumer pressure. There are, of course, retailers who use slightly different business models who say, you know, I’m not in the business of charging consumers the maximum they will pay. The canonical example is Costco, who uses a cost plus model. They charge between 14 and 15 percent on top of the wholesale price. It’s cost plus 14 or 15 percent, that’s the margin. They could go higher, they don’t, they pass the savings along. But, you know, generally speaking, companies are moving in the direction of getting more sophisticated with pricing and of taking their pricing to a place that’s much higher tech.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I’m sure you are asked this question constantly, but what could the average consumer do to limit surveillance pricing in their lives?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I really do not believe it should be every consumer’s job to bob and weave and try to beat the machine. Shopping against the robot is not a future anybody wants to have, and it should be lawmakers’ job and policymakers’ job to make sure markets are fair and honest because that’s good for everyone. It’s good for our economy, it’s good for society. The second thing I’ll say is I do really believe in the power of consumer boycotts. And I think when you see something, say something. Take to Reddit, take to TikTok, take to Twitter like our friend experiencing the JetBlue price hike did. Those are great ways to sound the alarm and sometimes to get companies’ attention. Consumer boycotts can be effective.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">But finally, there are a few things to think about as a modern consumer. It’s probably time to update how you think about comparison shopping. So it used to be that you would look at the same item at two different stores, see which store offered you the better price, go with that one. Now you probably need to comparison shop within stores. Look at the price in the app, look at the place on the website, look at price in the brick and mortar store, compare those three, go with the lower price. You could do some comparison shopping with your spouse, sit on the couch, both of you log in, see if one of you gets a better price. Go with that price. So I think there are some ways to sort of update how you think about comparison shopping. And then of course, all of the standard advice around browsers that offer more robust privacy protections, all of that can be useful as well.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Let’s close the loop on the JetBlue saga. They now face a class action. Everyone’s still really mad at them. It’s been weeks and they’re still getting like, comments being like, remember when you said this? Like, we’re not letting that go. How do you think the saga will end for JetBlue?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uh, hard for me to know what the result of that class action lawsuit will be. And of course, those can take a long time to unwind. So it may be a minute before we get to read the final chapter of that book. But, you know, I do think JetBlue will face some pretty substantial damage in the interim. I think they have lost faith with a lot of consumers when consumers may look elsewhere for their travel. That being said, we’ve got a problem in the airlines, which is they’re not very competitive. We don’t have that many carriers and we actually just lost one of the main competitors to JetBlue— Spirit. So they have a lot of pricing power right now. They have a of dominance as a low cost carrier, but they certainly, I think, have lost the faith of a lot consumers and they may have lost a lot their customers.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Never underestimate the power of a rage tweet. That’s it for today’s deep dive, but stick around after the credits for a surveillance pricing fun fact. Actually, it’s less fun and more terrifying, but hey, it’s good trivia. Okay, let’s close all these tabs.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Close All Tabs is a production of KQED Studios and is reported and hosted by me, Morgan Sung. This episode was produced by Chris Egusa, who also composed our theme song and credits music, Production help from Francesca Fenzi. It was edited by Chris Hambrick. The Close All Tabs team also includes producer Maya Cueva and audio engineer, Brendan Willard. Additional music by APM. Audience engagement support from Maha Sanad. Jen Chien is our director of podcasts and Ethan Toven Lindsey is our editor-in-chief.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some members of the KQED podcast team are represented by the Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, San Francisco Northern California Local. This episode’s keyboard sounds were submitted by Alex Tran Alex Tran, and recorded on his white Epomaker Hi75 keyboard with Fogruaden red samurai keycaps and gateron milky yellow pro v2 switches. Thanks for listening.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">There was a really interesting study in 2023 that got quite a bit of attention. And it looked at how Uber was charging customers more if their phone battery was sunk. Like, you got to get in that Uber before your phone dies. As someone who is always on low battery mode.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Morgan Sung: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I would never remember to charge my phone.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Lindsay Owens: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Me neither. It’s like really scary to think about that one.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>"
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"slug": "california-gubernatorial-candidates-try-to-distinguish-themselves-on-housing-policies",
"title": "California Gubernatorial Candidates Try to Distinguish Themselves on Housing Policies",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cb>Here are the morning’s top stories on Friday, May 22, 2026\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In California’s crowded race for governor, almost every candidate has made \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12084487/how-californias-next-governor-would-tackle-rent-insurance-and-housing-costs\">housing affordability\u003c/a> a central part of their campaign. While the candidates have varied approaches on this issue, and there’s a lot they agree on, there are also some key differences. \u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Data centers are expanding into water-stressed communities across California, like the Imperial Valley. At the same time, data center operators are using loopholes to hide \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/environment/water/2026/05/california-data-centers-water-transparency/\">how much water these facilities are using.\u003c/a> These findings are from a new report backed by Santa Clara University and the think tank Next10.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2 class=\"routes-Site-routes-Post-Title-__Title__title\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12084487/how-californias-next-governor-would-tackle-rent-insurance-and-housing-costs\">\u003cstrong>How California’s next governor would tackle rent, insurance and housing costs\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>When it comes to affording rent or a home mortgage in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california\">California\u003c/a>, every candidate in the race for governor seems to have a personal stake. Katie Porter wants her three teenage children to eventually move off her couch. Antonio Villaraigosa wants reliable home insurance. Matt Mahan doesn’t want to fight with his wife over their mortgage, as his parents did.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As the affordability crisis literally drives \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12078787/grass-is-really-greener-for-many-californians-leaving-the-state\">residents out\u003c/a> of the state, the candidates have made housing a central point of their campaigns. That’s a sea change from previous elections, said Laura Foote, executive director for YIMBY Action. “Everybody up there was expected to have a plan and demonstrate how they were going to execute on delivering more affordable housing in California,” she said. “That’s a crazily different place than we were eight years ago, 10 years ago.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Each candidate is trying to stand out in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082125/inside-californias-billionaire-tax-fight-and-the-wide-open-governors-race\">most competitive primary\u003c/a> for California governor in two decades. But many are hitting the same broad talking points: lower the cost of construction, make homeownership more accessible and reduce homelessness. Where they differ is in the details of how they’ll get there. Meanwhile, some voters feel discouraged by key issues they say are missing. Katherine Peoples-McGill drove to Oakland from Altadena earlier this month to attend a debate sponsored by the Housing Action Coalition and other housing nonprofits. She runs the Rebuild Center for Altadenans, which assists survivors of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/la-fires\">2025 Los Angeles wildfires\u003c/a>. She was disappointed none of the candidates had visited her center, much less mentioned wildfires in their comments. “Altadena can happen anywhere in this country, anywhere in the state of California,” she said, “and for [the candidates] to really not be involved in that was a little shattering.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here are some of the key points that candidates are focusing on – Democratic candidates Katie Porter, billionaire Tom Steyer and former state attorney general Xavier Becerra have all argued that modular and factory-built construction could hasten building timelines and streamline the process.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Other candidates are focusing on what the state can do now to incentivize and ease the path of traditional building methods. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond has campaigned on building 2 million affordable homes on school district-owned surplus property. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco wants to end the “over-regulation of our building industry.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>British American political commentator Steve Hilton and Mahan, mayor of San Jose, have both talked about capping fees that cities often impose on developers to offset the impact of new development. A recent \u003ca href=\"https://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LIHTCImpactFees2026.pdf\">study from UC Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation\u003c/a> found that these “impact” fees contribute to less than 5% of total development costs, but can nonetheless deter it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When it comes to protecting the interests of renters, the candidates are divided on the best course. Steyer, Becerra, Villaraigosa and Thurmond have said they are in favor of some form of government-imposed rent caps, including extending and enforcing the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069513/tenants-crushed-after-california-renter-protections-bill-stalls-in-the-legislature\">Tenant Protections Act\u003c/a>, a 2019 law that limits annual rent increases and restricts evictions. It’s set to expire in 2030, within the next governor’s term. But Porter, a former state representative, has bucked that trend. In a \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XO676pq-gg\">KQED Town Hall\u003c/a>, Porter said that she opposes rent control. And while she said she supports the Tenant Protection Act, she argued that it can slow down construction and force people to stay put, regardless of whether moving would benefit their family or lifestyle.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2 class=\"entry-title \">\u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/environment/water/2026/05/california-data-centers-water-transparency/\">\u003cstrong>Data centers are guzzling California’s water. We have no idea how much\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Data center builders don’t tell the public how much water they use, \u003ca href=\"https://www.next10.org/sites/default/files/2026-05/Data-Centers-Water-Use-Report_0.pdf\">according to a new report\u003c/a> — and the industry is encroaching into water-stressed and vulnerable communities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The report, by the think tank Next10 and researchers at Santa Clara University, finds that planned data centers — the ganglia of artificial intelligence — are \u003ca href=\"https://investor.pgecorp.com/news-events/press-releases/press-release-details/2025/PGE-Data-Center-Demand-Pipeline-Swells-to-10-Gigawatts-with-Potential-to-Unlock-Billions-in-Benefits-for-California/default.aspx\">spreading\u003c/a> to regions reliant on overtapped groundwater and strained surface water, with potentially major effects in the Central and Imperial Valleys. But, reinforcing \u003ca href=\"https://www.law.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/archive/2026/02/Regulating-Data-Center-Water-Use-in-CA_Report_CLEE-2026.pdf\">previous studies,\u003c/a> the researchers found that a patchwork of state, federal and local policies allow data center operators to avoid publicly disclosing their actual water use.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California lawmakers tried to \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260ab93\">address\u003c/a> this last year, but California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed the measure. Now, the Legislature is trying again, with \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260ab2619\">bills\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260ab2469\">mandating\u003c/a> disclosures about water use and planning. “We have this huge build out, and we have very little data,” said \u003ca href=\"https://www.scu.edu/ethics/about-the-center/people/irina-raicu/\">Irina Raicu\u003c/a>, who directs the Internet Ethics program at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Few environmental impact reports for California’s data centers were publicly available online, the researchers found. Raicu and a team led by \u003ca href=\"https://www.scu.edu/cas/ess/faculty-and-staff/iris-stewart-frey/\">Iris Stewart-Frey\u003c/a>, a professor of environmental science and the main author of the study, went looking for the reports, \u003ca href=\"https://www.usbr.gov/mp/sod/projects/sisk/docs/esm/what-is-eis-eir.pdf\">meant to assess and disclose\u003c/a> a project’s impacts for both nature and people under the landmark California Environmental Quality Act. They found almost none. The ones they did find were largely for facilities in the city of Santa Clara.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through interviews with planning officials, they discovered that projects can slip through with little environmental review if they fall under certain size or water use thresholds, or if they meet a city or county’s criteria for other approval pathways. These include something \u003ca href=\"https://www.cityofimperial.org/sites/default/files/NOE-Grading-Permit-63316-Initial-Study-%2325-0041(110625).pdf\">called ministerial approval\u003c/a>, which requires planning agencies to approve a project that meets local zoning and other standards. Even for data centers that undergo more stringent environmental scrutiny, the researchers found that documentation is rarely available to the public. In the few cases the planning documents were posted publicly, the information — on the data center’s owner or operator, size, type of cooling system, the amount of water used, whether it’s recycled or potable — was often “missing, contradictory, or vague,” the report said. The researchers said they contacted water providers in areas where data centers cluster, seeking usage data. None responded.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cb>Here are the morning’s top stories on Friday, May 22, 2026\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In California’s crowded race for governor, almost every candidate has made \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12084487/how-californias-next-governor-would-tackle-rent-insurance-and-housing-costs\">housing affordability\u003c/a> a central part of their campaign. While the candidates have varied approaches on this issue, and there’s a lot they agree on, there are also some key differences. \u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Data centers are expanding into water-stressed communities across California, like the Imperial Valley. At the same time, data center operators are using loopholes to hide \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/environment/water/2026/05/california-data-centers-water-transparency/\">how much water these facilities are using.\u003c/a> These findings are from a new report backed by Santa Clara University and the think tank Next10.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2 class=\"routes-Site-routes-Post-Title-__Title__title\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12084487/how-californias-next-governor-would-tackle-rent-insurance-and-housing-costs\">\u003cstrong>How California’s next governor would tackle rent, insurance and housing costs\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>When it comes to affording rent or a home mortgage in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california\">California\u003c/a>, every candidate in the race for governor seems to have a personal stake. Katie Porter wants her three teenage children to eventually move off her couch. Antonio Villaraigosa wants reliable home insurance. Matt Mahan doesn’t want to fight with his wife over their mortgage, as his parents did.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As the affordability crisis literally drives \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12078787/grass-is-really-greener-for-many-californians-leaving-the-state\">residents out\u003c/a> of the state, the candidates have made housing a central point of their campaigns. That’s a sea change from previous elections, said Laura Foote, executive director for YIMBY Action. “Everybody up there was expected to have a plan and demonstrate how they were going to execute on delivering more affordable housing in California,” she said. “That’s a crazily different place than we were eight years ago, 10 years ago.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Each candidate is trying to stand out in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082125/inside-californias-billionaire-tax-fight-and-the-wide-open-governors-race\">most competitive primary\u003c/a> for California governor in two decades. But many are hitting the same broad talking points: lower the cost of construction, make homeownership more accessible and reduce homelessness. Where they differ is in the details of how they’ll get there. Meanwhile, some voters feel discouraged by key issues they say are missing. Katherine Peoples-McGill drove to Oakland from Altadena earlier this month to attend a debate sponsored by the Housing Action Coalition and other housing nonprofits. She runs the Rebuild Center for Altadenans, which assists survivors of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/la-fires\">2025 Los Angeles wildfires\u003c/a>. She was disappointed none of the candidates had visited her center, much less mentioned wildfires in their comments. “Altadena can happen anywhere in this country, anywhere in the state of California,” she said, “and for [the candidates] to really not be involved in that was a little shattering.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here are some of the key points that candidates are focusing on – Democratic candidates Katie Porter, billionaire Tom Steyer and former state attorney general Xavier Becerra have all argued that modular and factory-built construction could hasten building timelines and streamline the process.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Other candidates are focusing on what the state can do now to incentivize and ease the path of traditional building methods. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond has campaigned on building 2 million affordable homes on school district-owned surplus property. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco wants to end the “over-regulation of our building industry.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>British American political commentator Steve Hilton and Mahan, mayor of San Jose, have both talked about capping fees that cities often impose on developers to offset the impact of new development. A recent \u003ca href=\"https://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LIHTCImpactFees2026.pdf\">study from UC Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation\u003c/a> found that these “impact” fees contribute to less than 5% of total development costs, but can nonetheless deter it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When it comes to protecting the interests of renters, the candidates are divided on the best course. Steyer, Becerra, Villaraigosa and Thurmond have said they are in favor of some form of government-imposed rent caps, including extending and enforcing the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069513/tenants-crushed-after-california-renter-protections-bill-stalls-in-the-legislature\">Tenant Protections Act\u003c/a>, a 2019 law that limits annual rent increases and restricts evictions. It’s set to expire in 2030, within the next governor’s term. But Porter, a former state representative, has bucked that trend. In a \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XO676pq-gg\">KQED Town Hall\u003c/a>, Porter said that she opposes rent control. And while she said she supports the Tenant Protection Act, she argued that it can slow down construction and force people to stay put, regardless of whether moving would benefit their family or lifestyle.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2 class=\"entry-title \">\u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/environment/water/2026/05/california-data-centers-water-transparency/\">\u003cstrong>Data centers are guzzling California’s water. We have no idea how much\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Data center builders don’t tell the public how much water they use, \u003ca href=\"https://www.next10.org/sites/default/files/2026-05/Data-Centers-Water-Use-Report_0.pdf\">according to a new report\u003c/a> — and the industry is encroaching into water-stressed and vulnerable communities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The report, by the think tank Next10 and researchers at Santa Clara University, finds that planned data centers — the ganglia of artificial intelligence — are \u003ca href=\"https://investor.pgecorp.com/news-events/press-releases/press-release-details/2025/PGE-Data-Center-Demand-Pipeline-Swells-to-10-Gigawatts-with-Potential-to-Unlock-Billions-in-Benefits-for-California/default.aspx\">spreading\u003c/a> to regions reliant on overtapped groundwater and strained surface water, with potentially major effects in the Central and Imperial Valleys. But, reinforcing \u003ca href=\"https://www.law.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/archive/2026/02/Regulating-Data-Center-Water-Use-in-CA_Report_CLEE-2026.pdf\">previous studies,\u003c/a> the researchers found that a patchwork of state, federal and local policies allow data center operators to avoid publicly disclosing their actual water use.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California lawmakers tried to \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260ab93\">address\u003c/a> this last year, but California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed the measure. Now, the Legislature is trying again, with \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260ab2619\">bills\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260ab2469\">mandating\u003c/a> disclosures about water use and planning. “We have this huge build out, and we have very little data,” said \u003ca href=\"https://www.scu.edu/ethics/about-the-center/people/irina-raicu/\">Irina Raicu\u003c/a>, who directs the Internet Ethics program at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Few environmental impact reports for California’s data centers were publicly available online, the researchers found. Raicu and a team led by \u003ca href=\"https://www.scu.edu/cas/ess/faculty-and-staff/iris-stewart-frey/\">Iris Stewart-Frey\u003c/a>, a professor of environmental science and the main author of the study, went looking for the reports, \u003ca href=\"https://www.usbr.gov/mp/sod/projects/sisk/docs/esm/what-is-eis-eir.pdf\">meant to assess and disclose\u003c/a> a project’s impacts for both nature and people under the landmark California Environmental Quality Act. They found almost none. The ones they did find were largely for facilities in the city of Santa Clara.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through interviews with planning officials, they discovered that projects can slip through with little environmental review if they fall under certain size or water use thresholds, or if they meet a city or county’s criteria for other approval pathways. These include something \u003ca href=\"https://www.cityofimperial.org/sites/default/files/NOE-Grading-Permit-63316-Initial-Study-%2325-0041(110625).pdf\">called ministerial approval\u003c/a>, which requires planning agencies to approve a project that meets local zoning and other standards. Even for data centers that undergo more stringent environmental scrutiny, the researchers found that documentation is rarely available to the public. In the few cases the planning documents were posted publicly, the information — on the data center’s owner or operator, size, type of cooling system, the amount of water used, whether it’s recycled or potable — was often “missing, contradictory, or vague,” the report said. The researchers said they contacted water providers in areas where data centers cluster, seeking usage data. None responded.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "free-parking-san-francisco-concerts-shows-where-to-find",
"title": "Where to Find Free Parking for Shows in San Francisco",
"publishDate": 1778853603,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Where to Find Free Parking for Shows in San Francisco | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\" target=\"_blank\">How We Get By\u003c/a>, a KQED series exploring how people are coping with rising costs in the Bay Area and California. Find the full series \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Finding free parking in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> during the day is nearly impossible. If you’re going to a show or concert at night, though, when the meters have stopped running, you have options. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I’ve been driving to shows in San Francisco for 35 years from my hometown, an hour away. Because I hate having to pay an extra $40–$60 for parking, I’ve built up a vast mental database of the best places to park for free near every major live music venue in the city.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I’ve always kept this list of secret parking spots to myself and close friends. Until now. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Below, I spill all — the best places to park for shows in San Francisco for free, within reasonable walking distance (usually) to more than 30 of the city’s many \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/category/music\">live music\u003c/a> venues.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989527\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260512-FREE-PARKING-AT-MUSIC-VENUES-MD-08-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989527\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260512-FREE-PARKING-AT-MUSIC-VENUES-MD-08-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260512-FREE-PARKING-AT-MUSIC-VENUES-MD-08-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260512-FREE-PARKING-AT-MUSIC-VENUES-MD-08-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260512-FREE-PARKING-AT-MUSIC-VENUES-MD-08-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Independent on Divisadero Street in San Francisco on May 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>First, San Francisco parking tips everyone should know\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Look to the left\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nOn a one-way street with parallel parking on both sides, parking on the left side is usually more open, since people are less comfortable executing a left-handed parallel parking maneuver. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cross that big street\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nMajor arteries like Market Street and Van Ness constitute mental borders for many drivers. If your destination is near a popular street, aim for the other side of it, where there’ll typically be more vacancies. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Stray uphill\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nHills, too, create mental obstacles for people looking for parking. If you’re willing to walk up one of San Francisco’s many hills either before or after the show, you’ll find more spots. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Always check signs\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPay attention to posted time restrictions to avoid tickets. Some meters in San Francisco mercilessly run until 10pm. Also, street cleaning hours can start at 12am, before some shows get out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Know when you’re beaten\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nSome neighborhoods are hopeless. North Beach, Nob Hill, Divisadero — forget about it. The sooner you accept this, the more inner peace you will find. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Trust your gut\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nI acknowledge that I am a 6’1” man, and not everyone feels as comfortable as I do walking alone at night. If you’re not a local, and you’re feeling unsure, read up on the neighborhood beforehand.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Realize the ‘right’ way can be painful too\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nIf you’re tempted to suck it up and pay for a parking lot or garage, remember: after the show, you may be stuck for a long time in a parking-lot traffic jam as cars try to get out all at once.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Okay! On with my list, with suggested free parking areas marked red.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-12.55.05%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"970\" height=\"584\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989625\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-12.55.05 PM.jpg 970w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-12.55.05 PM-160x96.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-12.55.05 PM-768x462.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 970px) 100vw, 970px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for Davies Symphony Hall, War Memorial Opera House, Herbst Theater or Bill Graham Civic Auditorium\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>East side of Gough Street, between Golden Gate and McAllister\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Park on the left side of the street. Quick eats to go are almost nonexistent in the area, so pick up any pre-show provisions you may need at the Super Sam corner store. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-12.57.27%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1490\" height=\"724\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989626\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-12.57.27 PM.jpg 1490w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-12.57.27 PM-160x78.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-12.57.27 PM-768x373.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1490px) 100vw, 1490px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for SFJAZZ, Rickshaw Stop or Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>North side of Oak Street between Buchanan and Octavia\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: The right lanes are almost always congested due to the upcoming freeway onramp. Watch for cars speeding down the hill behind you in the left lanes, and nose in rather than backing into the spot, if possible. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-1.01.09%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1338\" height=\"904\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989627\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-1.01.09 PM.jpg 1338w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-1.01.09 PM-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-1.01.09 PM-768x519.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1338px) 100vw, 1338px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Castro Theater\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Castro Street, between 14th and 16th\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Separated from the Castro by Market Street, and up the hill a little, most people don’t think of parking here. I found a cool old metal dustpan on the street here once. Still use it. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.48.47%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"944\" height=\"680\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989630\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.48.47 PM.jpg 944w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.48.47 PM-160x115.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.48.47 PM-768x553.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 944px) 100vw, 944px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Chapel\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>South Van Ness Avenue between 17th and 21st\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Parking in the Mission District can be maddening; find solace on either the east or west side of the main artery on the edge of the neighborhood. Say hi to Whiz Burger for me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.52.46%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1178\" height=\"644\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989631\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.52.46 PM.jpg 1178w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.52.46 PM-160x87.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.52.46 PM-768x420.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1178px) 100vw, 1178px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Great American Music Hall\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Franklin Street between Ellis and Geary\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: I’ve also found Geary Boulevard, between Van Ness and Franklin, to usually have open spots. (Plus, you’re right next to Tommy’s Joynt for post-show eats.) \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.59.30%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"870\" height=\"530\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989632\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.59.30 PM.jpg 870w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.59.30 PM-160x97.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.59.30 PM-768x468.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Regency Ballroom\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Franklin Street between Post and Bush\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Separated from the venue by Van Ness, and up the hill a little, most people don’t think of parking here. Aim for the left side of this one-way thoroughfare, where parking is usually more open. Pour one out for the closed Walgreens.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.01.32%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1532\" height=\"828\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989633\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.01.32 PM.jpg 1532w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.01.32 PM-160x86.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.01.32 PM-768x415.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1532px) 100vw, 1532px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for Mabuhay Gardens or On Broadway\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leavenworth Street between Francisco and Chestnut\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Trying to find parking in North Beach is like repeatedly hitting yourself in the face with a hammer for a half hour. I park an \u003cem>entire mile away\u003c/em>, and enjoy the walk along Columbus, which is teeming with action on weekends. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.03.39%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1648\" height=\"950\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989634\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.03.39 PM.jpg 1648w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.03.39 PM-160x92.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.03.39 PM-768x443.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.03.39 PM-1536x885.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1648px) 100vw, 1648px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Midway\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Illinois Street between 23rd and 25th\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Do not be seduced by the road leading toward Pier 80; it looks wide open, but is full of private parking, and Pier 80 itself will be closed off.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.06.40%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1218\" height=\"512\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989635\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.06.40 PM.jpg 1218w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.06.40 PM-160x67.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.06.40 PM-768x323.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1218px) 100vw, 1218px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for Chase Center\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>16th Street between Carolina and Connecticut\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: For concert parking, the Chase Center garage currently charges $75. \u003cem>Ahem\u003c/em>. I think you’ll agree that a nice 10-minute stroll down 16th Street is a better alternative.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.09.02%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1190\" height=\"698\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989636\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.09.02 PM.jpg 1190w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.09.02 PM-160x94.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.09.02 PM-768x450.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1190px) 100vw, 1190px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Bottom of the Hill\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>16th Street between Carolina and Connecticut\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Parking’s not nearly as plentiful as it used to be here; be aware of the new-ish protected bike lanes on 17th and the many time restrictions. (Also, bring presents for the excellent staff at one of the city’s best clubs before it \u003ca href=\"https://www.coyotemedia.org/san-francisco-club-bottom-of-the-hill-to-close-at-the-end-of-2026/\">closes at the end of the year\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.12.11%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1306\" height=\"754\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989637\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.12.11 PM.jpg 1306w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.12.11 PM-160x92.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.12.11 PM-768x443.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1306px) 100vw, 1306px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Fillmore\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Geary Boulevard between Divisadero and Scott\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: I agonized for years driving in circles on neighborhood streets until finding this wonderful stretch of Geary, down the road and on a slight curve, where no one thinks to park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.14.04%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1238\" height=\"870\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989638\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.14.04 PM.jpg 1238w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.14.04 PM-160x112.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.14.04 PM-768x540.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1238px) 100vw, 1238px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Warfield\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Folsom Street between 7th and 6th\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: This one’s tough, being close to both Union Square and the Tenderloin. I shoot for the less-populated area south of Market and walk up 6th Street, home of harm-reduction services, pizza-by-the-slice joints, SROs and \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/oursf/article/Did-Julia-Child-really-dine-at-Tu-Lan-A-legend-13666853.php\">Tú Lan\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.16.11%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1508\" height=\"932\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989639\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.16.11 PM.jpg 1508w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.16.11 PM-160x99.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.16.11 PM-768x475.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1508px) 100vw, 1508px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Brick and Mortar Music Hall or Public Works\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Gough Street between Market and McCoppin\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: This is on an odd little diagonal block that’s off of most people’s radar, on the other side of a freeway overpass. It’s never let me down.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.26.53%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1636\" height=\"870\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989643\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.26.53 PM.jpg 1636w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.26.53 PM-160x85.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.26.53 PM-768x408.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.26.53 PM-1536x817.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1636px) 100vw, 1636px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for Oracle Park\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Harrison Street between 3rd and 4th\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Optimal ballpark spots used to change each year. In a coincidence that I won’t overanalyze, I’ve had luck parking on this block ever since Buster Posey left the Giants in 2021. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.29.07%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"990\" height=\"392\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989644\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.29.07 PM.jpg 990w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.29.07 PM-160x63.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.29.07 PM-768x304.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Masonic\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Van Ness Avenue or Franklin Street between Sacramento and Pine\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Sorry, man. You will not find parking on Nob Hill. You can try driving up California while looking for a spot, but likely, you’ll have to head back and make the five-block walk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.32.04%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1496\" height=\"1082\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989645\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.32.04 PM.jpg 1496w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.32.04 PM-160x116.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.32.04 PM-768x555.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1496px) 100vw, 1496px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for August Hall\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Mission or Howard Streets, between 5th and 6th\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: The “park up the hill” trick doesn’t work here, since the nearby hill is Nob Hill. If you strike out on Mission or Howard, Folsom is often open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.34.58%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1252\" height=\"788\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989646\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.34.58 PM.jpg 1252w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.34.58 PM-160x101.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.34.58 PM-768x483.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1252px) 100vw, 1252px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the DNA Lounge\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Treat Street between Florida and Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Luckily the DNA is surrounded by a pretzel of strange, short, wiggly streets, good for finding parking; head south of the freeway overpass to this hidden curve. (It’s where I parked when I saw \u003ca href=\"https://web.archive.org/web/20130501120440/http%3A//citysound.bohemian.com/2013/04/25/live-review-prince-at-the-dna-lounge-san-francisco/\">Prince at the tiny club in 2013\u003c/a>; yes of course I am bragging.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.37.09%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1367\" height=\"1030\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989647\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.37.09 PM.jpg 1367w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.37.09 PM-160x121.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.37.09 PM-768x579.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1367px) 100vw, 1367px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for Golden Gate Park, Outside Lands or Hardly Strictly\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Clement Street between 34th and 38th\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: The best way to get to these festivals is to throw a bike in the trunk, park near Ocean Beach, and ride in past the bison to the free bicycle parking area. Barring that, your other best bet is to park up the (very) steep hill, near the VA hospital.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.22.34%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1354\" height=\"902\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989641\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.22.34 PM.jpg 1354w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.22.34 PM-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.22.34 PM-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1354px) 100vw, 1354px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Cow Palace\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Geneva Avenue between Stoneridge and Carter\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: I don’t really have a pro tip for this one. I just want to say that there should be more concerts at the Cow Palace, which is cool as hell.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.40.36%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1560\" height=\"786\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989648\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.40.36 PM.jpg 1560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.40.36 PM-160x81.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.40.36 PM-768x387.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.40.36 PM-1536x774.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1560px) 100vw, 1560px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for Stern Grove\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Portola Drive between San Fernando and Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Park across the major artery of 19th, and up the hill a little bit. And, since Stern Grove concerts always take place on Sundays, there are no two-hour parking restrictions to contend with.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.44.08%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1318\" height=\"926\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989649\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.44.08 PM.jpg 1318w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.44.08 PM-160x112.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.44.08 PM-768x540.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1318px) 100vw, 1318px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Independent\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Divisadero Street between O’Farrell and Turk\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: You’ll have to go back in time to when you could park at the DMV lot, because this neighborhood is impossible now. I go down the hill a ways, and usually find a spot north of Primo Pizza.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.46.29%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1514\" height=\"760\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989650\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.46.29 PM.jpg 1514w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.46.29 PM-160x80.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.46.29 PM-768x386.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1514px) 100vw, 1514px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Black Cat\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>East side of Van Ness Avenue, between Turk and Ellis\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Aim for Van Ness, the west boundary of the Tenderloin. For a major thoroughfare, Van Ness often surprises me with open spots, especially on the east side heading north.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.48.47%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1460\" height=\"824\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989651\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.48.47 PM.jpg 1460w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.48.47 PM-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.48.47 PM-768x433.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1460px) 100vw, 1460px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for Cafe du Nord or Swedish American Hall\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>16th Street between Guerrero and Sanchez\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Once the daycare that’s just east of Dolores on 16th closes for the day, the white curb — which tends to scare off many drivers — is free for you to park at. Bonus points for the view of the Mission Dolores basilica, just a beautiful building. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-5.02.27%E2%80%AFPM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1004\" height=\"604\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989653\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-5.02.27 PM.png 1004w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-5.02.27 PM-160x96.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-5.02.27 PM-768x462.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1004px) 100vw, 1004px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The SF venues you don’t need my help parking at\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Weirdly, I’ve never had trouble finding a parking spot by El Rio or the Knockout, near 24th and Mission. And if you’re seeing a show at venues outside the city core, like Neck of the Woods or the 4-Star Theater, you’re in luck — you shouldn’t need any tips for easy parking at these slightly more out-of-the-way venues.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\" target=\"_blank\">How We Get By\u003c/a>, a KQED series exploring how people are coping with rising costs in the Bay Area and California. Find the full series \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Finding free parking in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> during the day is nearly impossible. If you’re going to a show or concert at night, though, when the meters have stopped running, you have options. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I’ve been driving to shows in San Francisco for 35 years from my hometown, an hour away. Because I hate having to pay an extra $40–$60 for parking, I’ve built up a vast mental database of the best places to park for free near every major live music venue in the city.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I’ve always kept this list of secret parking spots to myself and close friends. Until now. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Below, I spill all — the best places to park for shows in San Francisco for free, within reasonable walking distance (usually) to more than 30 of the city’s many \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/category/music\">live music\u003c/a> venues.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989527\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260512-FREE-PARKING-AT-MUSIC-VENUES-MD-08-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989527\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260512-FREE-PARKING-AT-MUSIC-VENUES-MD-08-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260512-FREE-PARKING-AT-MUSIC-VENUES-MD-08-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260512-FREE-PARKING-AT-MUSIC-VENUES-MD-08-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/260512-FREE-PARKING-AT-MUSIC-VENUES-MD-08-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Independent on Divisadero Street in San Francisco on May 12, 2026. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>First, San Francisco parking tips everyone should know\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Look to the left\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nOn a one-way street with parallel parking on both sides, parking on the left side is usually more open, since people are less comfortable executing a left-handed parallel parking maneuver. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cross that big street\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nMajor arteries like Market Street and Van Ness constitute mental borders for many drivers. If your destination is near a popular street, aim for the other side of it, where there’ll typically be more vacancies. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Stray uphill\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nHills, too, create mental obstacles for people looking for parking. If you’re willing to walk up one of San Francisco’s many hills either before or after the show, you’ll find more spots. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Always check signs\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPay attention to posted time restrictions to avoid tickets. Some meters in San Francisco mercilessly run until 10pm. Also, street cleaning hours can start at 12am, before some shows get out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Know when you’re beaten\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nSome neighborhoods are hopeless. North Beach, Nob Hill, Divisadero — forget about it. The sooner you accept this, the more inner peace you will find. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Trust your gut\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nI acknowledge that I am a 6’1” man, and not everyone feels as comfortable as I do walking alone at night. If you’re not a local, and you’re feeling unsure, read up on the neighborhood beforehand.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Realize the ‘right’ way can be painful too\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nIf you’re tempted to suck it up and pay for a parking lot or garage, remember: after the show, you may be stuck for a long time in a parking-lot traffic jam as cars try to get out all at once.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Okay! On with my list, with suggested free parking areas marked red.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-12.55.05%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"970\" height=\"584\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989625\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-12.55.05 PM.jpg 970w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-12.55.05 PM-160x96.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-12.55.05 PM-768x462.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 970px) 100vw, 970px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for Davies Symphony Hall, War Memorial Opera House, Herbst Theater or Bill Graham Civic Auditorium\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>East side of Gough Street, between Golden Gate and McAllister\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Park on the left side of the street. Quick eats to go are almost nonexistent in the area, so pick up any pre-show provisions you may need at the Super Sam corner store. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-12.57.27%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1490\" height=\"724\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989626\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-12.57.27 PM.jpg 1490w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-12.57.27 PM-160x78.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-12.57.27 PM-768x373.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1490px) 100vw, 1490px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for SFJAZZ, Rickshaw Stop or Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>North side of Oak Street between Buchanan and Octavia\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: The right lanes are almost always congested due to the upcoming freeway onramp. Watch for cars speeding down the hill behind you in the left lanes, and nose in rather than backing into the spot, if possible. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-1.01.09%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1338\" height=\"904\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989627\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-1.01.09 PM.jpg 1338w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-1.01.09 PM-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-1.01.09 PM-768x519.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1338px) 100vw, 1338px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Castro Theater\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Castro Street, between 14th and 16th\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Separated from the Castro by Market Street, and up the hill a little, most people don’t think of parking here. I found a cool old metal dustpan on the street here once. Still use it. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.48.47%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"944\" height=\"680\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989630\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.48.47 PM.jpg 944w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.48.47 PM-160x115.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.48.47 PM-768x553.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 944px) 100vw, 944px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Chapel\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>South Van Ness Avenue between 17th and 21st\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Parking in the Mission District can be maddening; find solace on either the east or west side of the main artery on the edge of the neighborhood. Say hi to Whiz Burger for me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.52.46%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1178\" height=\"644\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989631\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.52.46 PM.jpg 1178w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.52.46 PM-160x87.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.52.46 PM-768x420.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1178px) 100vw, 1178px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Great American Music Hall\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Franklin Street between Ellis and Geary\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: I’ve also found Geary Boulevard, between Van Ness and Franklin, to usually have open spots. (Plus, you’re right next to Tommy’s Joynt for post-show eats.) \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.59.30%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"870\" height=\"530\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989632\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.59.30 PM.jpg 870w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.59.30 PM-160x97.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-3.59.30 PM-768x468.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Regency Ballroom\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Franklin Street between Post and Bush\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Separated from the venue by Van Ness, and up the hill a little, most people don’t think of parking here. Aim for the left side of this one-way thoroughfare, where parking is usually more open. Pour one out for the closed Walgreens.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.01.32%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1532\" height=\"828\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989633\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.01.32 PM.jpg 1532w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.01.32 PM-160x86.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.01.32 PM-768x415.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1532px) 100vw, 1532px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for Mabuhay Gardens or On Broadway\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leavenworth Street between Francisco and Chestnut\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Trying to find parking in North Beach is like repeatedly hitting yourself in the face with a hammer for a half hour. I park an \u003cem>entire mile away\u003c/em>, and enjoy the walk along Columbus, which is teeming with action on weekends. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.03.39%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1648\" height=\"950\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989634\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.03.39 PM.jpg 1648w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.03.39 PM-160x92.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.03.39 PM-768x443.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.03.39 PM-1536x885.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1648px) 100vw, 1648px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Midway\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Illinois Street between 23rd and 25th\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Do not be seduced by the road leading toward Pier 80; it looks wide open, but is full of private parking, and Pier 80 itself will be closed off.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.06.40%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1218\" height=\"512\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989635\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.06.40 PM.jpg 1218w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.06.40 PM-160x67.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.06.40 PM-768x323.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1218px) 100vw, 1218px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for Chase Center\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>16th Street between Carolina and Connecticut\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: For concert parking, the Chase Center garage currently charges $75. \u003cem>Ahem\u003c/em>. I think you’ll agree that a nice 10-minute stroll down 16th Street is a better alternative.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.09.02%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1190\" height=\"698\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989636\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.09.02 PM.jpg 1190w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.09.02 PM-160x94.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.09.02 PM-768x450.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1190px) 100vw, 1190px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Bottom of the Hill\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>16th Street between Carolina and Connecticut\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Parking’s not nearly as plentiful as it used to be here; be aware of the new-ish protected bike lanes on 17th and the many time restrictions. (Also, bring presents for the excellent staff at one of the city’s best clubs before it \u003ca href=\"https://www.coyotemedia.org/san-francisco-club-bottom-of-the-hill-to-close-at-the-end-of-2026/\">closes at the end of the year\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.12.11%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1306\" height=\"754\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989637\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.12.11 PM.jpg 1306w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.12.11 PM-160x92.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.12.11 PM-768x443.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1306px) 100vw, 1306px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Fillmore\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Geary Boulevard between Divisadero and Scott\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: I agonized for years driving in circles on neighborhood streets until finding this wonderful stretch of Geary, down the road and on a slight curve, where no one thinks to park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.14.04%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1238\" height=\"870\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989638\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.14.04 PM.jpg 1238w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.14.04 PM-160x112.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.14.04 PM-768x540.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1238px) 100vw, 1238px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Warfield\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Folsom Street between 7th and 6th\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: This one’s tough, being close to both Union Square and the Tenderloin. I shoot for the less-populated area south of Market and walk up 6th Street, home of harm-reduction services, pizza-by-the-slice joints, SROs and \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/oursf/article/Did-Julia-Child-really-dine-at-Tu-Lan-A-legend-13666853.php\">Tú Lan\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.16.11%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1508\" height=\"932\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989639\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.16.11 PM.jpg 1508w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.16.11 PM-160x99.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.16.11 PM-768x475.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1508px) 100vw, 1508px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Brick and Mortar Music Hall or Public Works\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Gough Street between Market and McCoppin\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: This is on an odd little diagonal block that’s off of most people’s radar, on the other side of a freeway overpass. It’s never let me down.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.26.53%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1636\" height=\"870\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989643\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.26.53 PM.jpg 1636w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.26.53 PM-160x85.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.26.53 PM-768x408.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.26.53 PM-1536x817.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1636px) 100vw, 1636px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for Oracle Park\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Harrison Street between 3rd and 4th\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Optimal ballpark spots used to change each year. In a coincidence that I won’t overanalyze, I’ve had luck parking on this block ever since Buster Posey left the Giants in 2021. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.29.07%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"990\" height=\"392\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989644\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.29.07 PM.jpg 990w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.29.07 PM-160x63.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.29.07 PM-768x304.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Masonic\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Van Ness Avenue or Franklin Street between Sacramento and Pine\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Sorry, man. You will not find parking on Nob Hill. You can try driving up California while looking for a spot, but likely, you’ll have to head back and make the five-block walk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.32.04%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1496\" height=\"1082\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989645\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.32.04 PM.jpg 1496w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.32.04 PM-160x116.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.32.04 PM-768x555.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1496px) 100vw, 1496px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for August Hall\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Mission or Howard Streets, between 5th and 6th\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: The “park up the hill” trick doesn’t work here, since the nearby hill is Nob Hill. If you strike out on Mission or Howard, Folsom is often open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.34.58%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1252\" height=\"788\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989646\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.34.58 PM.jpg 1252w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.34.58 PM-160x101.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.34.58 PM-768x483.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1252px) 100vw, 1252px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the DNA Lounge\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Treat Street between Florida and Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Luckily the DNA is surrounded by a pretzel of strange, short, wiggly streets, good for finding parking; head south of the freeway overpass to this hidden curve. (It’s where I parked when I saw \u003ca href=\"https://web.archive.org/web/20130501120440/http%3A//citysound.bohemian.com/2013/04/25/live-review-prince-at-the-dna-lounge-san-francisco/\">Prince at the tiny club in 2013\u003c/a>; yes of course I am bragging.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.37.09%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1367\" height=\"1030\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989647\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.37.09 PM.jpg 1367w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.37.09 PM-160x121.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.37.09 PM-768x579.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1367px) 100vw, 1367px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for Golden Gate Park, Outside Lands or Hardly Strictly\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Clement Street between 34th and 38th\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: The best way to get to these festivals is to throw a bike in the trunk, park near Ocean Beach, and ride in past the bison to the free bicycle parking area. Barring that, your other best bet is to park up the (very) steep hill, near the VA hospital.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.22.34%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1354\" height=\"902\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989641\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.22.34 PM.jpg 1354w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.22.34 PM-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.22.34 PM-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1354px) 100vw, 1354px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Cow Palace\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Geneva Avenue between Stoneridge and Carter\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: I don’t really have a pro tip for this one. I just want to say that there should be more concerts at the Cow Palace, which is cool as hell.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.40.36%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1560\" height=\"786\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989648\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.40.36 PM.jpg 1560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.40.36 PM-160x81.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.40.36 PM-768x387.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.40.36 PM-1536x774.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1560px) 100vw, 1560px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for Stern Grove\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Portola Drive between San Fernando and Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Park across the major artery of 19th, and up the hill a little bit. And, since Stern Grove concerts always take place on Sundays, there are no two-hour parking restrictions to contend with.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.44.08%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1318\" height=\"926\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989649\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.44.08 PM.jpg 1318w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.44.08 PM-160x112.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.44.08 PM-768x540.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1318px) 100vw, 1318px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Independent\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Divisadero Street between O’Farrell and Turk\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: You’ll have to go back in time to when you could park at the DMV lot, because this neighborhood is impossible now. I go down the hill a ways, and usually find a spot north of Primo Pizza.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.46.29%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1514\" height=\"760\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989650\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.46.29 PM.jpg 1514w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.46.29 PM-160x80.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.46.29 PM-768x386.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1514px) 100vw, 1514px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for the Black Cat\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>East side of Van Ness Avenue, between Turk and Ellis\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Aim for Van Ness, the west boundary of the Tenderloin. For a major thoroughfare, Van Ness often surprises me with open spots, especially on the east side heading north.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.48.47%E2%80%AFPM.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1460\" height=\"824\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989651\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.48.47 PM.jpg 1460w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.48.47 PM-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-4.48.47 PM-768x433.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1460px) 100vw, 1460px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where to find parking for Cafe du Nord or Swedish American Hall\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>16th Street between Guerrero and Sanchez\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\nPro tip: Once the daycare that’s just east of Dolores on 16th closes for the day, the white curb — which tends to scare off many drivers — is free for you to park at. Bonus points for the view of the Mission Dolores basilica, just a beautiful building. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-5.02.27%E2%80%AFPM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1004\" height=\"604\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13989653\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-5.02.27 PM.png 1004w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-5.02.27 PM-160x96.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-5.02.27 PM-768x462.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1004px) 100vw, 1004px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The SF venues you don’t need my help parking at\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Weirdly, I’ve never had trouble finding a parking spot by El Rio or the Knockout, near 24th and Mission. And if you’re seeing a show at venues outside the city core, like Neck of the Woods or the 4-Star Theater, you’re in luck — you shouldn’t need any tips for easy parking at these slightly more out-of-the-way venues.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Community-based preschools across the state have struggled to compete with California’s free, universal transitional-kindergarten program, where enrollment grew from nearly 117,000 students in the 2022-23 school year to 213,000 students this year. Now, hundreds of preschools have shuttered — worsening the shortage of licensed child care spaces for children younger than 4 years old. \u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Links:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082904/as-transitional-kindergarten-grows-hundreds-of-child-care-centers-close\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">As Transitional Kindergarten Grows, Hundreds of Child Care Centers Close\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some members of the KQED podcast team are represented by The Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, San Francisco-Northern California Local.\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"200\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https://playlist.megaphone.fm?e=KQINC2483915281&light=true\" width=\"100%\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>\u003cstrong>Episode Transcript\u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This is a computer-generated transcript. While our team has reviewed it, there may be errors.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:00:00] I’m Ericka Cruz-Guevarra, and welcome to The Bay. Local news to keep you rooted. This school year, the state of California finished expanding transitional kindergarten to public schools around the state. And it’s been a godsend for families who now have the option of free childcare for their four-year-olds in a state where childcare can cost thousands. And this week, Governor Gavin Newsom described the rollout as a win for families.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Gavin Newsom \u003c/strong>[00:00:36] TK for all didn’t exist a few years ago, fully funded it, saving upwards of $17,000, $18,000 a year for families. You talk about an affordability agenda.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:00:47] But one unintended consequence of this expansion is that hundreds of preschools around the state have closed since TK came on the scene. And that means fewer childcare options for California’s younger kids. Today, KQED reporter Daisy Nguyen explains why preschools are struggling and the ripple effects it could have on the entire child care ecosystem. Tell me about this preschool that you visited in Crockett. Where’d you go exactly and what does it look like?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:01:32] I visited Carquinez Garden School in Crockett. It’s a tiny little community in Contra Costa County just across the bridge, the Carquinez Bridge from Vallejo.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:01:45] Where the C&H Sugar Factory is, right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:01:48] That’s right. That’s what propelled that town. This school is right next to a regional park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Children \u003c/strong>[00:02:00] I’m Cally and Julia and I’m Micah. That’s all you need to know about them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:02:07] I visited the classroom where there were kids, a range of ages, I would say somewhere between two and four, who were playing with kinetic sand.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Children \u003c/strong>[00:02:20] Did anybody take a nap today? Not me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:02:28] They were very chatty children.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Children \u003c/strong>[00:02:33] I’m doing dinosaur cookies. Yum, that looks delicious. Are you gonna put it in the oven? Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:02:46] And what exactly is this place, the Carquinez Garden School, Daisy, who does it serve and why did you want to visit this school in particular?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:02:57] This is a preschool that serves children of a variety of age and they come from not only Crockett but just surrounding communities such as Benicia and Vallejo. It’s located in what’s called a child care desert where there are just too few options for child care to meet demand. It’s the only preschool in Crockett, first of all. And I heard that it was closing in June, so I wanted to go visit and see what it was all about and speak with the director of this school. Her name is Heather Posner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Heather Posner \u003c/strong>[00:03:38] I go home tired every day, but I’m never bored. And there’s at least one time during the day where I will laugh hysterically at something that has happened.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:03:47] Her philosophy is very much play-based. She has an extensive background in early childhood education. She founded the first preschool in a museum, the Bay Children’s Discovery Museum in Marin County.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Heather Posner \u003c/strong>[00:04:02] You know, we would take the kids for these huge epic hikes and like see coyotes and like seeing the children just be able to kind of unfold when they’re in nature and having that real deep play just was so special.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:04:20] Is child-led learning, so whatever they’re curious about, that’s what the instructor will help guide them in their curiosity.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:04:30] So this school is what’s known as a community-based preschool. And as you mentioned, it’s one of the only ones sort of in its surrounding area. But what is exactly a community based preschool?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:04:44] Community-based preschools are run by private tuition-charging businesses or nonprofit organizations that get some public funding to provide subsidized child care. They could be based out of a church or a child care center or, yeah, you know, a physical school. They offer early learning and child care for kids who are under the age of five who aren’t old enough yet for school. They could serving both families who are able to pay tuition and families who receive subsidies and choose this type of setting for their children. Families in California have so many choices when it comes to childcare. I think for working families who want their children to be in a licensed setting, these types of preschools play an important role in the larger childcare ecosystem.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:05:47] It sounds like this one school is serving quite a few different cities in this area of the Bay. But as you mentioned, it’s closing this summer and actually more and more preschools like the Carquinez Garden School are closing, right? Why is that?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:06:09] There’s a new UC Berkeley study that’s found that in the years that California was expanding access to transitional kindergarten, a little less than 10% of these community-based preschools have closed. So TK is offered in public schools and it’s a free preschool program, essentially for four-year-olds. It’s something that for the first time this year, California offers it statewide for any child who turns four by September 1st, they’re eligible for a free year of pre-kindergarten. This past year, enrollment in TK increased by 20% statewide. It’s really been transformative, not only for school districts, but for families because it means they don’t have to pay thousands and thousands of dollars in preschool. As transitional kindergarten expanded across California, it’s offering a lot of opportunities for four-year-olds to go to enroll in public schools. But that means many of them are leaving these community-based centers. And as many of the leave, these community based centers are struggling financially to stay afloat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Heather Posner \u003c/strong>[00:07:35] I mean, we went from 30 kids two years ago to 20 kids last year to 10 this year. And that’s not viable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:07:46] For Heather, she said that each year, she just saw fewer and fewer students enrolling in her program because they depend on older children to help them offset the cost of the more expensive care of younger children.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Heather Posner \u003c/strong>[00:08:06] It just is a relentless churn of trying to keep your ratios where they’re supposed to be and the learning and the experience of the children and families where you want it to be.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:08:51] Well, Daisy, I wanna talk about why this matters because I have to imagine for a lot of parents, it’s actually a huge relief to know that they now have this option to send their four-year-old to childcare, essentially for free. So why do these closures of these preschools matter, especially now that there’s this free, much less expensive option?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:09:16] So in California, what the UC Berkeley researchers found was that about 1,100 community-based preschools have closed their doors. And the closures of those 1,100 preschools, they were licensed to serve around 32,000 young kids. And, you know, the experts say that these closures will likely increase prices in California where California has some of the highest child care prices in the nation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:09:46] Because TK is only for four-year-olds. So that means all these other kids potentially still need childcare somewhere else outside of TK.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:09:59] That’s right. Community-based preschools that are losing four-year-olds to, whether it’s transitional kindergarten or any public programs for four- year-olds, like if they’re in a wealthier neighborhood, they’re able to raise their price and there will be families willing to pay that. But that may not be the case in lower income neighborhoods.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jessica Brown \u003c/strong>[00:10:19] So in New York City, they instituted Universal Pre-K. They did it very quickly, and I found that the whole decline in infant and toddler care at centers was in poorer areas of the city.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:10:36] Jessica Brown is an economist at the University of South Carolina, and she has studied the child care market.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jessica Brown \u003c/strong>[00:10:44] In poorer areas of the city, they are not able to raise prices and stay open because the parents can’t afford those higher rates and so therefore they close or they choose not to open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:10:54] In other states or municipalities that have experimented with offering universal preschool for four-year-olds, it causes a ripple effect in the child care industry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jessica Brown \u003c/strong>[00:11:13] There’s costs and benefits to all programs and we have to weigh those when deciding when to do them. The introduction of public pre-K for four-year-olds and TK in California, we do think that this is having an impact on the private child care market. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t do those programs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:11:36] So what other options then do families have, especially families of younger kids?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:11:43] Lower-income families now are increasingly choosing unlicensed care. So they’re taking their vouchers, and they’re giving it to a family, friend, or neighbor to care for their children. Parents who, you know, they have the right to choose the form of care they want their children to be in. And with unlicensed care, what families gain is just a lot of flexibility. For licensed care, the reason why it’s considered high quality is because the provider has to follow a lot of rules. There is highly regulated industry, for example, in a community-based preschool or a child care center, you have to have at least one adult to supervise up to four babies. For example, there are high safety standards. They have to learn CPR, you know, all these things that the provider and educator are required to have to care for children.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:12:51] It sounds like it’s not necessarily that parents no longer have any options at all as a result of more and more of these preschools closing, but it sounds like the idea is that, one, the options that remain are getting more expensive, and that because we just have this childcare system that is so patchwork, and where universal childcare is still not a thing. That families really just need all the options that they can get. Yeah, absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:13:27] I think the concern is that once these centers close, they probably will never reopen because it’s, as I mentioned, it’s such a regulated industry and that means for families, fewer options for licensed center bays or community preschool in their community.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:13:48] That’s a perfect segue back to the Carquinez Garden School in Crockett, which, as you mentioned, is closing in June. It’s gotta be hitting her hard. What does she say about what it means for a community like Crockett to lose a school like the Carquinez Garden school?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:14:08] Some of the families with the younger children obviously have had to find another place for their children. That is disruptive for the kids who were really attached to this place and their teachers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Heather Posner \u003c/strong>[00:14:20] Like, I feel more disappointed about closing the school than sad.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:14:25] For Heather, she’s just sad for what the community is losing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Heather Posner \u003c/strong>[00:14:30] I think that the thing that we lose beyond just the spots and the dollars and the jobs, right, there’s a lot of economic impact there. I just think the thing we lose is really the place where children can have that essential childhood. I’m sad for the children, but I’m disappointed in the systems that we have.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:15:04] Is there any help at all coming for these preschools, Daisy, especially at the state level?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:15:12] Lawmakers are aware that this is happening. Policymakers were hoping that as more four-year-olds shift to TK, that would open up space in preschools for three-year olds, and that some of these child care centers would pivot to serving infants and toddlers. And that hasn’t really borne out. A lot of these providers say it’s very difficult to shift to providing care for younger children because of the cost. And so now there’s talk in Sacramento about shifting some funding from Prop 98, which is a guarantees funding for public schools, shifting some of that to community-based organizations that provide subsidized preschool for younger kids.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:16:06] My last question for you here, Daisy, it seems like the closure of these preschools is sort of an unintended consequence. But overall, I have to imagine that free childcare of any kind is needed, including the expansion of TK in California, and that a lot of parents really appreciate having that option. So what do you say to parents who are hearing this who love their TK?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:16:38] I think it’s a great opportunity. I’ve done a story a couple months ago in Mendocino County where I just saw what a difference it was making for the students in the classroom and how it transformed the culture even of the elementary school. So for families who chose TK, it’s relief. I think it’s just that we have to think about the larger child care ecosystem and for families with children who are younger than four, who are not yet eligible for TK, they got to be able to have options too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:17:18] Daisy, thank you so much for sharing your reporting with us. I appreciate it.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Community-based preschools across the state have struggled to compete with California’s free, universal transitional-kindergarten program, where enrollment grew from nearly 117,000 students in the 2022-23 school year to 213,000 students this year. Now, hundreds of preschools have shuttered — worsening the shortage of licensed child care spaces for children younger than 4 years old. \u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Links:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082904/as-transitional-kindergarten-grows-hundreds-of-child-care-centers-close\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">As Transitional Kindergarten Grows, Hundreds of Child Care Centers Close\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some members of the KQED podcast team are represented by The Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, San Francisco-Northern California Local.\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"200\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https://playlist.megaphone.fm?e=KQINC2483915281&light=true\" width=\"100%\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>\u003cstrong>Episode Transcript\u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This is a computer-generated transcript. While our team has reviewed it, there may be errors.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:00:00] I’m Ericka Cruz-Guevarra, and welcome to The Bay. Local news to keep you rooted. This school year, the state of California finished expanding transitional kindergarten to public schools around the state. And it’s been a godsend for families who now have the option of free childcare for their four-year-olds in a state where childcare can cost thousands. And this week, Governor Gavin Newsom described the rollout as a win for families.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Gavin Newsom \u003c/strong>[00:00:36] TK for all didn’t exist a few years ago, fully funded it, saving upwards of $17,000, $18,000 a year for families. You talk about an affordability agenda.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:00:47] But one unintended consequence of this expansion is that hundreds of preschools around the state have closed since TK came on the scene. And that means fewer childcare options for California’s younger kids. Today, KQED reporter Daisy Nguyen explains why preschools are struggling and the ripple effects it could have on the entire child care ecosystem. Tell me about this preschool that you visited in Crockett. Where’d you go exactly and what does it look like?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:01:32] I visited Carquinez Garden School in Crockett. It’s a tiny little community in Contra Costa County just across the bridge, the Carquinez Bridge from Vallejo.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:01:45] Where the C&H Sugar Factory is, right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:01:48] That’s right. That’s what propelled that town. This school is right next to a regional park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Children \u003c/strong>[00:02:00] I’m Cally and Julia and I’m Micah. That’s all you need to know about them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:02:07] I visited the classroom where there were kids, a range of ages, I would say somewhere between two and four, who were playing with kinetic sand.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Children \u003c/strong>[00:02:20] Did anybody take a nap today? Not me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:02:28] They were very chatty children.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Children \u003c/strong>[00:02:33] I’m doing dinosaur cookies. Yum, that looks delicious. Are you gonna put it in the oven? Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:02:46] And what exactly is this place, the Carquinez Garden School, Daisy, who does it serve and why did you want to visit this school in particular?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:02:57] This is a preschool that serves children of a variety of age and they come from not only Crockett but just surrounding communities such as Benicia and Vallejo. It’s located in what’s called a child care desert where there are just too few options for child care to meet demand. It’s the only preschool in Crockett, first of all. And I heard that it was closing in June, so I wanted to go visit and see what it was all about and speak with the director of this school. Her name is Heather Posner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Heather Posner \u003c/strong>[00:03:38] I go home tired every day, but I’m never bored. And there’s at least one time during the day where I will laugh hysterically at something that has happened.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:03:47] Her philosophy is very much play-based. She has an extensive background in early childhood education. She founded the first preschool in a museum, the Bay Children’s Discovery Museum in Marin County.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Heather Posner \u003c/strong>[00:04:02] You know, we would take the kids for these huge epic hikes and like see coyotes and like seeing the children just be able to kind of unfold when they’re in nature and having that real deep play just was so special.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:04:20] Is child-led learning, so whatever they’re curious about, that’s what the instructor will help guide them in their curiosity.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:04:30] So this school is what’s known as a community-based preschool. And as you mentioned, it’s one of the only ones sort of in its surrounding area. But what is exactly a community based preschool?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:04:44] Community-based preschools are run by private tuition-charging businesses or nonprofit organizations that get some public funding to provide subsidized child care. They could be based out of a church or a child care center or, yeah, you know, a physical school. They offer early learning and child care for kids who are under the age of five who aren’t old enough yet for school. They could serving both families who are able to pay tuition and families who receive subsidies and choose this type of setting for their children. Families in California have so many choices when it comes to childcare. I think for working families who want their children to be in a licensed setting, these types of preschools play an important role in the larger childcare ecosystem.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:05:47] It sounds like this one school is serving quite a few different cities in this area of the Bay. But as you mentioned, it’s closing this summer and actually more and more preschools like the Carquinez Garden School are closing, right? Why is that?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:06:09] There’s a new UC Berkeley study that’s found that in the years that California was expanding access to transitional kindergarten, a little less than 10% of these community-based preschools have closed. So TK is offered in public schools and it’s a free preschool program, essentially for four-year-olds. It’s something that for the first time this year, California offers it statewide for any child who turns four by September 1st, they’re eligible for a free year of pre-kindergarten. This past year, enrollment in TK increased by 20% statewide. It’s really been transformative, not only for school districts, but for families because it means they don’t have to pay thousands and thousands of dollars in preschool. As transitional kindergarten expanded across California, it’s offering a lot of opportunities for four-year-olds to go to enroll in public schools. But that means many of them are leaving these community-based centers. And as many of the leave, these community based centers are struggling financially to stay afloat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Heather Posner \u003c/strong>[00:07:35] I mean, we went from 30 kids two years ago to 20 kids last year to 10 this year. And that’s not viable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:07:46] For Heather, she said that each year, she just saw fewer and fewer students enrolling in her program because they depend on older children to help them offset the cost of the more expensive care of younger children.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Heather Posner \u003c/strong>[00:08:06] It just is a relentless churn of trying to keep your ratios where they’re supposed to be and the learning and the experience of the children and families where you want it to be.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:08:51] Well, Daisy, I wanna talk about why this matters because I have to imagine for a lot of parents, it’s actually a huge relief to know that they now have this option to send their four-year-old to childcare, essentially for free. So why do these closures of these preschools matter, especially now that there’s this free, much less expensive option?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:09:16] So in California, what the UC Berkeley researchers found was that about 1,100 community-based preschools have closed their doors. And the closures of those 1,100 preschools, they were licensed to serve around 32,000 young kids. And, you know, the experts say that these closures will likely increase prices in California where California has some of the highest child care prices in the nation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:09:46] Because TK is only for four-year-olds. So that means all these other kids potentially still need childcare somewhere else outside of TK.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:09:59] That’s right. Community-based preschools that are losing four-year-olds to, whether it’s transitional kindergarten or any public programs for four- year-olds, like if they’re in a wealthier neighborhood, they’re able to raise their price and there will be families willing to pay that. But that may not be the case in lower income neighborhoods.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jessica Brown \u003c/strong>[00:10:19] So in New York City, they instituted Universal Pre-K. They did it very quickly, and I found that the whole decline in infant and toddler care at centers was in poorer areas of the city.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:10:36] Jessica Brown is an economist at the University of South Carolina, and she has studied the child care market.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jessica Brown \u003c/strong>[00:10:44] In poorer areas of the city, they are not able to raise prices and stay open because the parents can’t afford those higher rates and so therefore they close or they choose not to open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:10:54] In other states or municipalities that have experimented with offering universal preschool for four-year-olds, it causes a ripple effect in the child care industry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jessica Brown \u003c/strong>[00:11:13] There’s costs and benefits to all programs and we have to weigh those when deciding when to do them. The introduction of public pre-K for four-year-olds and TK in California, we do think that this is having an impact on the private child care market. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t do those programs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:11:36] So what other options then do families have, especially families of younger kids?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:11:43] Lower-income families now are increasingly choosing unlicensed care. So they’re taking their vouchers, and they’re giving it to a family, friend, or neighbor to care for their children. Parents who, you know, they have the right to choose the form of care they want their children to be in. And with unlicensed care, what families gain is just a lot of flexibility. For licensed care, the reason why it’s considered high quality is because the provider has to follow a lot of rules. There is highly regulated industry, for example, in a community-based preschool or a child care center, you have to have at least one adult to supervise up to four babies. For example, there are high safety standards. They have to learn CPR, you know, all these things that the provider and educator are required to have to care for children.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:12:51] It sounds like it’s not necessarily that parents no longer have any options at all as a result of more and more of these preschools closing, but it sounds like the idea is that, one, the options that remain are getting more expensive, and that because we just have this childcare system that is so patchwork, and where universal childcare is still not a thing. That families really just need all the options that they can get. Yeah, absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:13:27] I think the concern is that once these centers close, they probably will never reopen because it’s, as I mentioned, it’s such a regulated industry and that means for families, fewer options for licensed center bays or community preschool in their community.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:13:48] That’s a perfect segue back to the Carquinez Garden School in Crockett, which, as you mentioned, is closing in June. It’s gotta be hitting her hard. What does she say about what it means for a community like Crockett to lose a school like the Carquinez Garden school?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:14:08] Some of the families with the younger children obviously have had to find another place for their children. That is disruptive for the kids who were really attached to this place and their teachers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Heather Posner \u003c/strong>[00:14:20] Like, I feel more disappointed about closing the school than sad.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:14:25] For Heather, she’s just sad for what the community is losing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Heather Posner \u003c/strong>[00:14:30] I think that the thing that we lose beyond just the spots and the dollars and the jobs, right, there’s a lot of economic impact there. I just think the thing we lose is really the place where children can have that essential childhood. I’m sad for the children, but I’m disappointed in the systems that we have.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:15:04] Is there any help at all coming for these preschools, Daisy, especially at the state level?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:15:12] Lawmakers are aware that this is happening. Policymakers were hoping that as more four-year-olds shift to TK, that would open up space in preschools for three-year olds, and that some of these child care centers would pivot to serving infants and toddlers. And that hasn’t really borne out. A lot of these providers say it’s very difficult to shift to providing care for younger children because of the cost. And so now there’s talk in Sacramento about shifting some funding from Prop 98, which is a guarantees funding for public schools, shifting some of that to community-based organizations that provide subsidized preschool for younger kids.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:16:06] My last question for you here, Daisy, it seems like the closure of these preschools is sort of an unintended consequence. But overall, I have to imagine that free childcare of any kind is needed, including the expansion of TK in California, and that a lot of parents really appreciate having that option. So what do you say to parents who are hearing this who love their TK?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Daisy Nguyen \u003c/strong>[00:16:38] I think it’s a great opportunity. I’ve done a story a couple months ago in Mendocino County where I just saw what a difference it was making for the students in the classroom and how it transformed the culture even of the elementary school. So for families who chose TK, it’s relief. I think it’s just that we have to think about the larger child care ecosystem and for families with children who are younger than four, who are not yet eligible for TK, they got to be able to have options too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra \u003c/strong>[00:17:18] Daisy, thank you so much for sharing your reporting with us. I appreciate it.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "The 8 Best Free Concerts in the Bay Area This Summer",
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"headTitle": "The 8 Best Free Concerts in the Bay Area This Summer | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\" target=\"_blank\">How We Get By\u003c/a>, a KQED series exploring how people are coping with rising costs in the Bay Area and California. Find the full series \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We understand. Concert tickets are too expensive. Why not make a summertime project of seeing free concerts all around the Bay Area instead?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If, like many others these days, you find yourself logging onto Ticketmaster and cursing the gods, then see below for our select list of free live music this summer in the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989605\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1268px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/BillyHart.CRED_.DesmondWhite.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1268\" height=\"672\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989605\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/BillyHart.CRED_.DesmondWhite.jpg 1268w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/BillyHart.CRED_.DesmondWhite-160x85.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/BillyHart.CRED_.DesmondWhite-768x407.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1268px) 100vw, 1268px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jazz drummer Billy Hart. \u003ccite>(Desmond White)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://healdsburgjazz.org/festival-schedule/june-13-2026/\">George Cables, Billy Hart, Rufus Reid and others\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>June 13\u003c/i>\u003cbr>\n\u003ci>Healdsburg Plaza, Healdsburg\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One of our favorite annual traditions takes place during the Healdsburg Jazz Festival, when musical legends like Houston Person or Charles McPherson play casual afternoon sets in the town square, completely free. This year, the plaza hosts a tribute to the late bassist Ray Drummond, with a quintet of all-stars: Billy Hart (pictured above), George Cables, Rufus Reid, Bobby Watson and Craig Handy. Visiting the chi-chi wine country town has only gotten more expensive over the years, but for one day in June, at least, Healdsburg is home to the best deal in classic jazz.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989604\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Afterthought.TopChefs.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989604\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Afterthought.TopChefs.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Afterthought.TopChefs-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Afterthought.TopChefs-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Afterthought (center) with the Top Chefs, performing on the stoop in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Top Chefs)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://illuminate.org/event/friday-happy-hour-june-19/\">The Top Chefs\u003c/a> / \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rebel-soul-fest-2026-tickets-1988568553073\">Rebel Soul Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>June 19 and 20\u003c/i>\u003cbr>\n\u003ci>Golden Gate Park Bandshell, San Francisco\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The historic Golden Gate Park bandshell hosts a who’s-who of local talent each summer. On Friday, June 19, it’s the Top Chefs, a tight-knit group of instrumentalists who \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DF6kCnBvRdQ/\">sometimes play on San Francisco stoops\u003c/a>; charismatic and thoughtful rapper Afterthought fronts the band. On Saturday, Rebel Soul Records presents soul singers Martin Luther McCoy and Otis McDonald; freestyle rap champ Frak; Oakland MC Ian Kelly and more. Soak in the sun on the concourse and enjoy the crisp acoustics of the bandshell, where \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/1570/Golden-Gate-Bandshell-Concerts\">free concerts run weekly all through the summer\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13908335\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/01/Herbst-Theatre-Exterior.jpg\" alt=\"Lit-up exterior of beaux arts building at night.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13908335\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/01/Herbst-Theatre-Exterior.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/01/Herbst-Theatre-Exterior-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/01/Herbst-Theatre-Exterior-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/01/Herbst-Theatre-Exterior-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/01/Herbst-Theatre-Exterior-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/01/Herbst-Theatre-Exterior-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Herbst Theatre, in San Francisco’s War Memorial. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of San Francisco Performances)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfcivicmusic.org/calendar\">Henryk Górecki, Symphony No. 3\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>June 21\u003c/i>\u003cbr>\n\u003ci>Herbst Theater, San Francisco\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even if you don’t think you’ve heard Górecki’s 1977 symphony, you probably have — possibly in the Netflix series \u003ci>The Crown\u003c/i>, or in feature films like \u003ci>Basquiat\u003c/i> and \u003ci>A Hidden Life\u003c/i>. The languid, emotional work shares a mood with Arvo Pärt’s \u003ci>Spiegel im Spiegel\u003c/i> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13927554/barry-jenkins-nicholas-britell-interview-soundbox-san-francisco-symphony\">Nicholas Britell’s “Agape,”\u003c/a> perfect for conveying a feeling of hopeful beauty. In a program that includes two piano pieces by Chopin, the free Sunday afternoon concert in the heart of San Francisco features Marnie Breckenridge in the soprano role.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13906756\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1390px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/2676A77F-DF1D-458C-95AB-222CFBF2911F-1-1-e1638496339267.jpeg\" alt=\"Miko Marks\" width=\"1390\" height=\"997\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13906756\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/2676A77F-DF1D-458C-95AB-222CFBF2911F-1-1-e1638496339267.jpeg 1390w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/2676A77F-DF1D-458C-95AB-222CFBF2911F-1-1-e1638496339267-800x574.jpeg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/2676A77F-DF1D-458C-95AB-222CFBF2911F-1-1-e1638496339267-1020x732.jpeg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/2676A77F-DF1D-458C-95AB-222CFBF2911F-1-1-e1638496339267-160x115.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/2676A77F-DF1D-458C-95AB-222CFBF2911F-1-1-e1638496339267-768x551.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1390px) 100vw, 1390px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Miko Marks. \u003ccite>(Amanda Lopez)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cortemaderacommunityfoundation.org/corte-madera-summer-concerts\">Miko Marks\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>July 5\u003c/i>\u003cbr>\n\u003ci>Town Park, Corte Madera\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The singer Miko Marks, from Oakland, knows that all the best country music lives just a half-inch away from soul music. For two decades now, she’s been teaching that lesson to the rest of the country, from the restlessness of her 2005 debut \u003ci>Freeway Bound\u003c/i> to the puttin’-down-roots theme of her recent album \u003ci>Feel Like Goin’ Home\u003c/i>. A stellar live performer, she’s a highlight of this year’s Corte Madera’s summertime free music series (which also boasts the sharply skilled blues guitarist Jackie Greene on Aug. 25).\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989606\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1440px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Lady-Wray-2025-for-site.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1440\" height=\"960\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989606\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Lady-Wray-2025-for-site.jpg 1440w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Lady-Wray-2025-for-site-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Lady-Wray-2025-for-site-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lady Wray performs at this year’s Yerba Buena Gardens Festival in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Big Crown Records)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/lady-wray/\">Lady Wray\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>July 11\u003c/i>\u003cbr>\n\u003ci>Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Born in Salinas and raised in the church, Nicole Wray first entered the music biz working in the sequined-wardrobe era of pop R&B. A couple decades later, she’s become one of the most emotional purveyors of acutely traditional soul; her recordings could easily be mistaken for a forgotten 45 rpm record from 1968. This year’s Yerba Buena Gardens Festival has no shortage of great free concerts, including Mission District faves \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/la-gente-sf-2026/\">La Gente SF\u003c/a> (July 16) and the Ecuadorian American musician \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/helado-negro-reyna-tropical/\">Helado Negro\u003c/a> (Aug. 15), but for #saturdayvibes, Lady Wray’s our pick.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_10604599\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1913px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/04/PMO.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1913\" height=\"955\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10604599\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/04/PMO.jpg 1913w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/04/PMO-400x200.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/04/PMO-800x399.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/04/PMO-1180x589.jpg 1180w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/04/PMO-960x479.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1913px) 100vw, 1913px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Pacific Mambo Orchestra. \u003ccite>(Artist Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://jazzontheplazz.com/2026-concerts/\">Pacific Mambo Orchestra\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>July 15\u003c/i>\u003cbr>\n\u003ci>Los Gatos Town Plaza, Los Gatos \u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’ve ever watched supper-club scenes from movies made in the 1940s and thought, “I wish dance bands like that still existed,” well, look no further. The Pacific Mambo Orchestra is a tight-knit, swinging unit that modernizes the nightclub bands of yesteryear, adept in salsa, mambo and other Latin big-band styles. It’s no wonder they’ve played at jazz festivals all over the world and won a Grammy Award. This one’s free \u003ci>and\u003c/i> worth the trip down to the furthest corner of the South Bay before you hit Hwy. 17’s long winding path down to Santa Cruz. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989607\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2500px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/AlGreen.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2500\" height=\"1875\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989607\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/AlGreen.jpg 2500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/AlGreen-2000x1500.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/AlGreen-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/AlGreen-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/AlGreen-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/AlGreen-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Al Green headlines this year’s Stern Grove Festival finale. \u003ccite>(David Raccuglia)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sterngrove.org/lineup2026\">Al Green\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>Aug. 16\u003c/i>\u003cbr>\n\u003ci>Stern Grove, San Francisco\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are so many shows to choose from at this year’s Stern Grove Festival — Japanese Breakfast, the Violent Femmes, Public Enemy — but c’mon now. Al Green. \u003ci>Al Green\u003c/i>. The most famous human embodiment of the sacred meeting the sexual this side of Aretha Franklin. The Memphis reverend who hands out roses to all the ladies. If you’re going to brave the festival’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.sterngrove.org/galotterytickets\">relatively recent ticket lottery system\u003c/a> for just one show, make it the man behind “Tired of Being Alone,” “Love and Happiness” “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” and “Let’s Stay Together.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989608\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Deke_Dickerson_1_photo_credit_Susie_Delaney.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989608\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Deke_Dickerson_1_photo_credit_Susie_Delaney.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Deke_Dickerson_1_photo_credit_Susie_Delaney-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Deke_Dickerson_1_photo_credit_Susie_Delaney-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Deke_Dickerson_1_photo_credit_Susie_Delaney-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Deke Dickerson appears as part of the KRSH-FM free backyard concert series. \u003ccite>(Susie Delaney)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.krsh.com/backyard-concerts-2026/\">Deke Dickerson\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>Aug. 20 \u003c/i>\u003cbr>\n\u003ci>KRSH Studios Backyard, Santa Rosa \u003c/i>\u003ci>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For lovers of country pickin’, Telecaster twangin’ and B-string bendin’, there are few finer guitarists than Deke Dickerson. Raised on rockabilly and not immune to novelty (he performed in the Go-Nuts, a “snack rock” band that once showered the Bottom of the Hill in a hailstorm of donuts), Dickerson is serious about guitars, even once penning a biography of country guitar icon Merle Travis. In the humble backyard of Americana radio station KRSH — its studios are located inside a passenger train car — this should be an afternoon of free music to remember. \u003c/p>\n\n",
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"excerpt": "As concert tickets only get more expensive, see our roundup of 100% free shows by top-notch performers.",
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"title": "The 8 Best Free Concerts in the Bay Area This Summer | KQED",
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"source": "Summer Guide 2026 ",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\" target=\"_blank\">How We Get By\u003c/a>, a KQED series exploring how people are coping with rising costs in the Bay Area and California. Find the full series \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We understand. Concert tickets are too expensive. Why not make a summertime project of seeing free concerts all around the Bay Area instead?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If, like many others these days, you find yourself logging onto Ticketmaster and cursing the gods, then see below for our select list of free live music this summer in the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989605\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1268px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/BillyHart.CRED_.DesmondWhite.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1268\" height=\"672\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989605\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/BillyHart.CRED_.DesmondWhite.jpg 1268w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/BillyHart.CRED_.DesmondWhite-160x85.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/BillyHart.CRED_.DesmondWhite-768x407.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1268px) 100vw, 1268px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jazz drummer Billy Hart. \u003ccite>(Desmond White)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://healdsburgjazz.org/festival-schedule/june-13-2026/\">George Cables, Billy Hart, Rufus Reid and others\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>June 13\u003c/i>\u003cbr>\n\u003ci>Healdsburg Plaza, Healdsburg\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One of our favorite annual traditions takes place during the Healdsburg Jazz Festival, when musical legends like Houston Person or Charles McPherson play casual afternoon sets in the town square, completely free. This year, the plaza hosts a tribute to the late bassist Ray Drummond, with a quintet of all-stars: Billy Hart (pictured above), George Cables, Rufus Reid, Bobby Watson and Craig Handy. Visiting the chi-chi wine country town has only gotten more expensive over the years, but for one day in June, at least, Healdsburg is home to the best deal in classic jazz.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989604\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Afterthought.TopChefs.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989604\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Afterthought.TopChefs.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Afterthought.TopChefs-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Afterthought.TopChefs-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Afterthought (center) with the Top Chefs, performing on the stoop in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Top Chefs)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://illuminate.org/event/friday-happy-hour-june-19/\">The Top Chefs\u003c/a> / \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rebel-soul-fest-2026-tickets-1988568553073\">Rebel Soul Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>June 19 and 20\u003c/i>\u003cbr>\n\u003ci>Golden Gate Park Bandshell, San Francisco\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The historic Golden Gate Park bandshell hosts a who’s-who of local talent each summer. On Friday, June 19, it’s the Top Chefs, a tight-knit group of instrumentalists who \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DF6kCnBvRdQ/\">sometimes play on San Francisco stoops\u003c/a>; charismatic and thoughtful rapper Afterthought fronts the band. On Saturday, Rebel Soul Records presents soul singers Martin Luther McCoy and Otis McDonald; freestyle rap champ Frak; Oakland MC Ian Kelly and more. Soak in the sun on the concourse and enjoy the crisp acoustics of the bandshell, where \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/1570/Golden-Gate-Bandshell-Concerts\">free concerts run weekly all through the summer\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13908335\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/01/Herbst-Theatre-Exterior.jpg\" alt=\"Lit-up exterior of beaux arts building at night.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13908335\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/01/Herbst-Theatre-Exterior.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/01/Herbst-Theatre-Exterior-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/01/Herbst-Theatre-Exterior-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/01/Herbst-Theatre-Exterior-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/01/Herbst-Theatre-Exterior-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/01/Herbst-Theatre-Exterior-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Herbst Theatre, in San Francisco’s War Memorial. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of San Francisco Performances)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfcivicmusic.org/calendar\">Henryk Górecki, Symphony No. 3\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>June 21\u003c/i>\u003cbr>\n\u003ci>Herbst Theater, San Francisco\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even if you don’t think you’ve heard Górecki’s 1977 symphony, you probably have — possibly in the Netflix series \u003ci>The Crown\u003c/i>, or in feature films like \u003ci>Basquiat\u003c/i> and \u003ci>A Hidden Life\u003c/i>. The languid, emotional work shares a mood with Arvo Pärt’s \u003ci>Spiegel im Spiegel\u003c/i> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13927554/barry-jenkins-nicholas-britell-interview-soundbox-san-francisco-symphony\">Nicholas Britell’s “Agape,”\u003c/a> perfect for conveying a feeling of hopeful beauty. In a program that includes two piano pieces by Chopin, the free Sunday afternoon concert in the heart of San Francisco features Marnie Breckenridge in the soprano role.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13906756\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1390px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/2676A77F-DF1D-458C-95AB-222CFBF2911F-1-1-e1638496339267.jpeg\" alt=\"Miko Marks\" width=\"1390\" height=\"997\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13906756\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/2676A77F-DF1D-458C-95AB-222CFBF2911F-1-1-e1638496339267.jpeg 1390w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/2676A77F-DF1D-458C-95AB-222CFBF2911F-1-1-e1638496339267-800x574.jpeg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/2676A77F-DF1D-458C-95AB-222CFBF2911F-1-1-e1638496339267-1020x732.jpeg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/2676A77F-DF1D-458C-95AB-222CFBF2911F-1-1-e1638496339267-160x115.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/2676A77F-DF1D-458C-95AB-222CFBF2911F-1-1-e1638496339267-768x551.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1390px) 100vw, 1390px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Miko Marks. \u003ccite>(Amanda Lopez)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cortemaderacommunityfoundation.org/corte-madera-summer-concerts\">Miko Marks\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>July 5\u003c/i>\u003cbr>\n\u003ci>Town Park, Corte Madera\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The singer Miko Marks, from Oakland, knows that all the best country music lives just a half-inch away from soul music. For two decades now, she’s been teaching that lesson to the rest of the country, from the restlessness of her 2005 debut \u003ci>Freeway Bound\u003c/i> to the puttin’-down-roots theme of her recent album \u003ci>Feel Like Goin’ Home\u003c/i>. A stellar live performer, she’s a highlight of this year’s Corte Madera’s summertime free music series (which also boasts the sharply skilled blues guitarist Jackie Greene on Aug. 25).\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989606\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1440px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Lady-Wray-2025-for-site.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1440\" height=\"960\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989606\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Lady-Wray-2025-for-site.jpg 1440w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Lady-Wray-2025-for-site-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Lady-Wray-2025-for-site-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lady Wray performs at this year’s Yerba Buena Gardens Festival in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Big Crown Records)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/lady-wray/\">Lady Wray\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>July 11\u003c/i>\u003cbr>\n\u003ci>Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Born in Salinas and raised in the church, Nicole Wray first entered the music biz working in the sequined-wardrobe era of pop R&B. A couple decades later, she’s become one of the most emotional purveyors of acutely traditional soul; her recordings could easily be mistaken for a forgotten 45 rpm record from 1968. This year’s Yerba Buena Gardens Festival has no shortage of great free concerts, including Mission District faves \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/la-gente-sf-2026/\">La Gente SF\u003c/a> (July 16) and the Ecuadorian American musician \u003ca href=\"https://ybgfestival.org/event/helado-negro-reyna-tropical/\">Helado Negro\u003c/a> (Aug. 15), but for #saturdayvibes, Lady Wray’s our pick.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_10604599\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1913px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/04/PMO.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1913\" height=\"955\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10604599\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/04/PMO.jpg 1913w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/04/PMO-400x200.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/04/PMO-800x399.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/04/PMO-1180x589.jpg 1180w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/04/PMO-960x479.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1913px) 100vw, 1913px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Pacific Mambo Orchestra. \u003ccite>(Artist Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://jazzontheplazz.com/2026-concerts/\">Pacific Mambo Orchestra\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>July 15\u003c/i>\u003cbr>\n\u003ci>Los Gatos Town Plaza, Los Gatos \u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’ve ever watched supper-club scenes from movies made in the 1940s and thought, “I wish dance bands like that still existed,” well, look no further. The Pacific Mambo Orchestra is a tight-knit, swinging unit that modernizes the nightclub bands of yesteryear, adept in salsa, mambo and other Latin big-band styles. It’s no wonder they’ve played at jazz festivals all over the world and won a Grammy Award. This one’s free \u003ci>and\u003c/i> worth the trip down to the furthest corner of the South Bay before you hit Hwy. 17’s long winding path down to Santa Cruz. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989607\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2500px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/AlGreen.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2500\" height=\"1875\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989607\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/AlGreen.jpg 2500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/AlGreen-2000x1500.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/AlGreen-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/AlGreen-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/AlGreen-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/AlGreen-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Al Green headlines this year’s Stern Grove Festival finale. \u003ccite>(David Raccuglia)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sterngrove.org/lineup2026\">Al Green\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>Aug. 16\u003c/i>\u003cbr>\n\u003ci>Stern Grove, San Francisco\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are so many shows to choose from at this year’s Stern Grove Festival — Japanese Breakfast, the Violent Femmes, Public Enemy — but c’mon now. Al Green. \u003ci>Al Green\u003c/i>. The most famous human embodiment of the sacred meeting the sexual this side of Aretha Franklin. The Memphis reverend who hands out roses to all the ladies. If you’re going to brave the festival’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.sterngrove.org/galotterytickets\">relatively recent ticket lottery system\u003c/a> for just one show, make it the man behind “Tired of Being Alone,” “Love and Happiness” “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” and “Let’s Stay Together.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13989608\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Deke_Dickerson_1_photo_credit_Susie_Delaney.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13989608\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Deke_Dickerson_1_photo_credit_Susie_Delaney.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Deke_Dickerson_1_photo_credit_Susie_Delaney-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Deke_Dickerson_1_photo_credit_Susie_Delaney-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Deke_Dickerson_1_photo_credit_Susie_Delaney-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Deke Dickerson appears as part of the KRSH-FM free backyard concert series. \u003ccite>(Susie Delaney)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.krsh.com/backyard-concerts-2026/\">Deke Dickerson\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>Aug. 20 \u003c/i>\u003cbr>\n\u003ci>KRSH Studios Backyard, Santa Rosa \u003c/i>\u003ci>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For lovers of country pickin’, Telecaster twangin’ and B-string bendin’, there are few finer guitarists than Deke Dickerson. Raised on rockabilly and not immune to novelty (he performed in the Go-Nuts, a “snack rock” band that once showered the Bottom of the Hill in a hailstorm of donuts), Dickerson is serious about guitars, even once penning a biography of country guitar icon Merle Travis. In the humble backyard of Americana radio station KRSH — its studios are located inside a passenger train car — this should be an afternoon of free music to remember. \u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"soldout": {
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"title": "SOLD OUT: Rethinking Housing in America",
"tagline": "A new future for housing",
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