Explainers and GuidesExplainers and Guides

Clear, practical stories from KQED News to help you navigate life in the Bay Area. (Particularly when it’s expensive.)

Today’s Top Story

Dispersed Camping 101: How to Find Free Campsites Near the Bay Area
Tempted by dispersed camping in the wilderness but don’t know how to find free, legal drive-up sites — or what to bring? Here’s what to know.
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Latest News

1
Why Are Some East Bay Voters Receiving 2 Election Ballots?
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2
Primary 2026: Monday Is Your Last Day to Register Online to Vote. What if You Miss It?
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3
What Is California's ‘Jungle Primary’ — and Why Does It Matter so Much for the Governor’s Race?
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4
Where to Find Free Parking for Shows in San Francisco
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5
What to Know About 2026 Valkyries Games at Chase Center: Transportation, Watch Parties and Tickets
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Travel and OutdoorsTravel and Outdoors
Dispersed Camping 101: How to Find Free Campsites Near the Bay Area
Dispersed Camping 101: How to Find Free Campsites Near the Bay Area
How Cheaply Can You Camp in the Bay Area — Without Sacrificing Comfort?
How Cheaply Can You Camp in the Bay Area — Without Sacrificing Comfort?
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How to Explore Muir Woods After Dark
How to Explore Muir Woods After Dark
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Things to Do in the BayThings to Do in the Bay
What to Know About 2026 Valkyries Games at Chase Center: Transportation, Watch Parties and Tickets
What to Know About 2026 Valkyries Games at Chase Center: Transportation, Watch Parties and Tickets
Several women dressed in colorful clothing dance and walk down the street during a parade.
Carnaval San Francisco 2026: From Parade Route, to Parking, What to Know
Carnaval San Francisco 2026: From Parade Route, to Parking, What to Know
Seeing BTS at the Stanford Stadium This Weekend? From Bag Policy to Parking, What to Know
Seeing BTS at the Stanford Stadium This Weekend? From Bag Policy to Parking, What to Know
Your RightsYour Rights
Birthright Citizenship at the Supreme Court: Who Could Be Affected by Trump’s Order?
Birthright Citizenship at the Supreme Court: Who Could Be Affected by Trump’s Order?
Yosemite Park Ranger Who Was Fired After Hanging Transgender Flag Files Lawsuit
Yosemite Park Ranger Who Was Fired After Hanging Transgender Flag Files Lawsuit
ICE at the Super Bowl: What We Know Right Now
ICE at the Super Bowl: What We Know Right Now
Work and MoneyWork and Money
After the One Big Beautiful Bill, Free Clinics Are Stepping Up
After the One Big Beautiful Bill, Free Clinics Are Stepping Up
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You Could Have Unclaimed Cash From the State — but Thursday Is Your Deadline
You Could Have Unclaimed Cash From the State — but Thursday Is Your Deadline
Want to Save on Groceries? You Can Grow Your Own Garden
Want to Save on Groceries? You Can Grow Your Own Garden
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Your HealthYour Health
After the One Big Beautiful Bill, Free Clinics Are Stepping Up
After the One Big Beautiful Bill, Free Clinics Are Stepping Up
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Small circular patterns float in a dense, thick brown substance.
San Francisco Reports Its First Clade I Mpox Case — What to Know and How to Find a Vaccine
San Francisco Reports Its First Clade I Mpox Case — What to Know and How to Find a Vaccine
Want to Save on Groceries? You Can Grow Your Own Garden
Want to Save on Groceries? You Can Grow Your Own Garden
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Safety and DisastersSafety and Disasters
What Do I Do if My Car Breaks Down on the Bay Bridge?
What Do I Do if My Car Breaks Down on the Bay Bridge?
If You Encounter a Rattlesnake in the Bay Area, What Should You Do?
If You Encounter a Rattlesnake in the Bay Area, What Should You Do?
ICE in Airports: What Are Your Rights?
ICE in Airports: What Are Your Rights?
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WildfiresWildfires
KQED's recommendations for what to have in your emergency bag in the case of a natural disaster during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What to Pack in Your Emergency Bag to Prepare for a Wildfire
What to Pack in Your Emergency Bag to Prepare for a Wildfire
Tips for Recovering from Wildfires: Lessons from Survivors
Tips for Recovering from Wildfires: Lessons from Survivors
Travel Plans to LA — Should You Still Go?
Travel Plans to LA — Should You Still Go?
In SpanishIn Spanish
¿Cuáles son sus derechos si ve a ICE en el aeropuerto?
¿Cuáles son sus derechos si ve a ICE en el aeropuerto?
Una mujer con una amplia gabardina beige está sentada a una mesa escribiendo en un portapapeles.
Dónde encontrar ayuda gratuita para presentar sus impuestos de 2026 y cómo prepararse para su cita
Dónde encontrar ayuda gratuita para presentar sus impuestos de 2026 y cómo prepararse para su cita
¿El IRS sigue compartiendo datos con ICE? Si tiene ITIN, qué saber antes de presentar sus impuestos
¿El IRS sigue compartiendo datos con ICE? Si tiene ITIN, qué saber antes de presentar sus impuestos
COVIDCOVID
An illustration shows a pair of hands holding a plate with silverware over a table. Wind rushes in and out of two open windows, and bright pink COVID symbols waft in the wind.
How to Improve Indoor Airflow at Your Holiday Gathering
How to Improve Indoor Airflow at Your Holiday Gathering
Where Can I Find the New 2025–26 COVID Vaccine Near Me, Now California Has Expanded Access to Everyone?
Where Can I Find the New 2025–26 COVID Vaccine Near Me, Now California Has Expanded Access to Everyone?
The FDA Has Limited Approvals For COVID Vaccines This Year. With Pharmacy Appointments Already Available, Who Can Even Get a Shot?
The FDA Has Limited Approvals For COVID Vaccines This Year. With Pharmacy Appointments Already Available, Who Can Even Get a Shot?
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All Explainers and GuidesAll Explainers and Guides

Dispersed Camping 101: How to Find Free Campsites Near the Bay Area

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Why Are Some East Bay Voters Receiving 2 Election Ballots?

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Primary 2026: Monday Is Your Last Day to Register Online to Vote. What if You Miss It?

Save Article

What Is California's ‘Jungle Primary’ — and Why Does It Matter so Much for the Governor’s Race?

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Where to Find Free Parking for Shows in San Francisco

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What to Know About 2026 Valkyries Games at Chase Center: Transportation, Watch Parties and Tickets

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Crowd at 2014 Stern Grove Festival

The 8 Best Free Concerts in the Bay Area This Summer

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Several women dressed in colorful clothing dance and walk down the street during a parade.

Carnaval San Francisco 2026: From Parade Route, to Parking, What to Know

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Seeing BTS at the Stanford Stadium This Weekend? From Bag Policy to Parking, What to Know

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Which World Cup Games Will Be Played in the Bay Area — and How Can You Watch?

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