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"slug": "golden-state-valkyries-playoffs-wnba-2026-chase-center-ballhalla",
"title": "‘Normalize Being Confused’: How Newer Valkyries Fans Can Follow the 2026 Playoffs",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>Get ready to read the word “second” a bunch of times: because for the second year in a row — during its second \u003cem>year \u003c/em>as a team — the Valkyries have made it to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/wnba\">WNBA\u003c/a> playoffs. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s been a strong sophomore season for the Valkyries, who are, as of publication, \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/standings\">ranked — you guessed it — second in the WNBA\u003c/a> out of 15 teams.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The success has become a major point of pride for the region. In fact, to mark the occasion, San Francisco, Oakland and San José city halls will have \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/golden-state-valkyries-announce-violet-day-on-september-25-20260915\">flag-raising ceremonies\u003c/a> to celebrate the Valkyries. Local businesses across the region will also be marking \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Ddt5nGMGhtM/?stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&img_index=1\">“Violet Day” on Friday with giveaways\u003c/a>.\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/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101439\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Golden State Valkyries flag flies outside San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco ahead of the Valkyries playoff push on Sept. 25, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With the playoffs officially starting on Sunday, read on to find out where you can follow the game in the coming weeks, whether on TV, at bars or at San Francisco’s Chase Center — also known as “Ballhalla.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you are new to the whole basketball thing, don’t worry: We got you. KQED has a guide to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area\">joining the WNBA fandom in the Bay\u003c/a> and what to know about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla\">the Valkyries’ inaugural year\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can also watch KQED host Brian Watt speak to journalist Erin Lim about the passionate Bay Area fandom on an episode of \u003cem>The B-Segment. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B_tlq18u5Q\">\u003cem>What makes the Valkyries’ Ballhalla magical? | The B-Segment with Brian Watt\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First off: What \u003cem>are \u003c/em>playoffs in the WNBA?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After a regular season of basketball, the top eight WNBA teams then compete in a tournament. The \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/standings\">team standings\u003c/a> are:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Minnesota Lynx\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Golden State Valkyries\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Las Vegas Aces\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Atlanta Dream\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Washington Mystics\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Indiana Fever\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Dallas Wings\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>New York Liberty\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ol>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Dates and times are subject to change — or even canceled altogether — depending on how the games go, but \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all\">the tentative schedule\u003c/a> can be found on the WNBA’s website. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Why is the schedule so up in the air? It’s because in the first round, the highest-seeded teams face the lowest-seeded teams in a best-of-three series. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That means on Sunday, Sept. 27, the Valkyries are \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/game/1042600111\">slated to play the Dallas Wings at 6 p.m.\u003c/a> in Chase Center. The next game is on Sept. 30, in Texas — but if the Valkyries win their first two matchups, their third game (which would have been at Chase Center again) won’t happen on Oct. 2.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the second round, the four remaining teams play a best-of-five series. In the finals, the last two teams compete in a best-of-five series for the championship.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You may see a “2-2-1-1-1” structure referred to in sports coverage, which designates \u003cem>where \u003c/em>the games are played.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The first “2” means the first two games are played on the stronger team’s home court. The next “2” means the following two games are played on the weaker team’s home court — and so on.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As “Valkyries Say Less” fan podcast co-host Raina Mast \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055670/golden-state-valkyries-where-to-watch-the-wnba-playoffs-in-the-san-francisco-bay-area-online-on-tv-and-at-bars\">told KQED in 2025\u003c/a>, the Valkyries “have really attracted people [who] have never even watched basketball.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“And so there’s a learning curve,” Mast said. “Normalize being confused. The structure is confusing.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I watch the WNBA playoff games?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watch the games at home\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The WNBA website has \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all\">a list of ways to watch each playoff game\u003c/a>, since it can change for specific matches. Networks include: \u003ca href=\"https://abc.com/news/885ccd3c-eb6f-40ad-b413-6b1cdd6f4eff/category/1138628\">ABC\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.primevideo.com/tournament/amzn1.dv.icid.46eeb3cd-6c34-4f79-be02-708f4b51fb71\">Prime\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/2026-wnba-schedule-how-to-watch-on-usa-network-online-streaming\">USA\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/wnba\">NBC/Peacock\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/where-to-watch/leagues/wnba\">ESPN and ESPN2\u003c/a>.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>You can also get access to the channels through platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://tv.youtube.com/learn/wnba/\">YouTube TV\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fubo.tv/welcome\">Fubo\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/leaguepass?plan=annual\">WNBA League Pass\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watch the games in person\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Single-game tickets and playoff packs are available on \u003ca href=\"http://valkyries.wnba.com/tickets\">the Valkyries’ website\u003c/a> — although keep in mind, some of these future games might not even happen if the Valkyries don’t do well in the first two games.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You should expect some high price tags — for \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C006529C5BD3421?brand=valkyries&artistid=3369949&wt.mc_id=WNBA_TEAM_GS_R1_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG&utm_source=WNBA.com&utm_medium=client_PM&utm_campaign=WNBA_TEAM_GS&utm_content=R1_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG\">the guaranteed Sunday, Sept. 27 game\u003c/a>, the tickets range from $124 to over $800. However, there are some standing\u003cem>–\u003c/em>room tickets (meaning you don’t get a chair) around the $65 to $80 range.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/092526-VioletDaySJ-04-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101442\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/092526-VioletDaySJ-04-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/092526-VioletDaySJ-04-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/092526-VioletDaySJ-04-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Deanna, Raymond and Serenity Cheng celebrate at a press conference ahead of The Golden State Valkyries’ second playoff run on Violet Day outside of San José City Hall in San José on Sept. 25, 2026. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Along with getting to enjoy the electrifying vibes of Ballhalla, there’ll also be a halftime performance by Bay Area rapper Too $hort and free violet T-shirts. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’ll be the first time that playoffs will be held at Chase Center. Last year, the team had to move to San José’s SAP Center due to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055670/golden-state-valkyries-where-to-watch-the-wnba-playoffs-in-the-san-francisco-bay-area-online-on-tv-and-at-bars\">a conflict with a tennis event\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla#chase-center-san-francisco-parking\">how to attend a Valkyries game at Chase Center\u003c/a>, including transportation, parking and bag policy. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watch the game at a bar\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Unable to secure a ticket? You’re in luck: There are a \u003cem>lot \u003c/em>of bars and watch parties in the Bay that have historically shown Valkyries games, as detailed in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area#basketball\">KQED’s guide about the WNBA season\u003c/a> — which also includes a map from sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir of key places to meet other fans. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Some spots include:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valqueeries/\">ValQueeries\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleswatchparty/\">The People’s Watch Party\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/hysteriasportsbar/\">Hysteria\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">Rikki’s\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.mothersf.com/\">Mother\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.standarddeviantbrewing.com/\">Standard Deviant Brewing\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/georgeandwaltsbar/?hl=en\">George & Walt’s\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://xingones.com/\">Xingones Cantina\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandathleticclub.com/\">Oakland Athletic Club\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rookieslodge.com/\">Rookie’s Sports Lodge\u003c/a> in San José\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://chasecenter.com/thrive-city/\">Thrive City\u003c/a> — the outdoor venue outside Chase Center — \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valkyries-playoffs-watch-party-presented-by-kaiser-permanente-tickets-2001627556905?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">will be showing the away game on Sept. 30\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>A \u003ca href=\"https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=241&restref=241&experienceId=799059&utm_source=external&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=shared\">watch party at Dirty Habit\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The team’s own website also has a \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/bar-network\">list of bars in the Bay\u003c/a> to go to for Valkyries games.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Get ready to read the word “second” a bunch of times: because for the second year in a row — during its second \u003cem>year \u003c/em>as a team — the Valkyries have made it to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/wnba\">WNBA\u003c/a> playoffs. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s been a strong sophomore season for the Valkyries, who are, as of publication, \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/standings\">ranked — you guessed it — second in the WNBA\u003c/a> out of 15 teams.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The success has become a major point of pride for the region. In fact, to mark the occasion, San Francisco, Oakland and San José city halls will have \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/golden-state-valkyries-announce-violet-day-on-september-25-20260915\">flag-raising ceremonies\u003c/a> to celebrate the Valkyries. Local businesses across the region will also be marking \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Ddt5nGMGhtM/?stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&img_index=1\">“Violet Day” on Friday with giveaways\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The success has become a major point of pride for the region. In fact, to mark the occasion, San Francisco, Oakland and San José city halls will have \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/golden-state-valkyries-announce-violet-day-on-september-25-20260915\">flag-raising ceremonies\u003c/a> to celebrate the Valkyries. Local businesses across the region will also be marking \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Ddt5nGMGhtM/?stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&img_index=1\">“Violet Day” on Friday with giveaways\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101439\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-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 Golden State Valkyries flag flies outside San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco ahead of the Valkyries playoff push on Sept. 25, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>With the playoffs officially starting on Sunday, read on to find out where you can follow the game in the coming weeks, whether on TV, at bars or at San Francisco’s Chase Center — also known as “Ballhalla.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if you are new to the whole basketball thing, don’t worry: We got you. KQED has a guide to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area\">joining the WNBA fandom in the Bay\u003c/a> and what to know about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla\">the Valkyries’ inaugural year\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B_tlq18u5Q\">\u003cem>What makes the Valkyries’ Ballhalla magical? | The B-Segment with Brian Watt\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
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"text": "First off: What are playoffs in the WNBA?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After a regular season of basketball, the top eight WNBA teams then compete in a tournament. The \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/standings\">team standings\u003c/a> are:\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Dates and times are subject to change — or even canceled altogether — depending on how the games go, but \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all\">the tentative schedule\u003c/a> can be found on the WNBA’s website. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Why is the schedule so up in the air? It’s because in the first round, the highest-seeded teams face the lowest-seeded teams in a best-of-three series. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That means on Sunday, Sept. 27, the Valkyries are \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/game/1042600111\">slated to play the Dallas Wings at 6 p.m.\u003c/a> in Chase Center. The next game is on Sept. 30, in Texas — but if the Valkyries win their first two matchups, their third game (which would have been at Chase Center again) won’t happen on Oct. 2.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>That means on Sunday, Sept. 27, the Valkyries are \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/game/1042600111\">slated to play the Dallas Wings at 6 p.m.\u003c/a> in Chase Center. The next game is on Sept. 30, in Texas — but if the Valkyries win their first two matchups, their third game (which would have been at Chase Center again) won’t happen on Oct. 2.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In the second round, the four remaining teams play a best-of-five series. In the finals, the last two teams compete in a best-of-five series for the championship.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In the second round, the four remaining teams play a best-of-five series. In the finals, the last two teams compete in a best-of-five series for the championship.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You may see a “2-2-1-1-1” structure referred to in sports coverage, which designates \u003cem>where \u003c/em>the games are played.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You may see a “2-2-1-1-1” structure referred to in sports coverage, which designates \u003cem>where \u003c/em>the games are played.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The first “2” means the first two games are played on the stronger team’s home court. The next “2” means the following two games are played on the weaker team’s home court — and so on.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The first “2” means the first two games are played on the stronger team’s home court. The next “2” means the following two games are played on the weaker team’s home court — and so on.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As “Valkyries Say Less” fan podcast co-host Raina Mast \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055670/golden-state-valkyries-where-to-watch-the-wnba-playoffs-in-the-san-francisco-bay-area-online-on-tv-and-at-bars\">told KQED in 2025\u003c/a>, the Valkyries “have really attracted people [who] have never even watched basketball.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>As “Valkyries Say Less” fan podcast co-host Raina Mast \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055670/golden-state-valkyries-where-to-watch-the-wnba-playoffs-in-the-san-francisco-bay-area-online-on-tv-and-at-bars\">told KQED in 2025\u003c/a>, the Valkyries “have really attracted people [who] have never even watched basketball.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“And so there’s a learning curve,” Mast said. “Normalize being confused. The structure is confusing.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"attrs": {
"text": "Where can I watch the WNBA playoff games?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I watch the WNBA playoff games?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"blockName": "core/heading",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watch the games at home\u003c/h3>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The WNBA website has \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all\">a list of ways to watch each playoff game\u003c/a>, since it can change for specific matches. Networks include: \u003ca href=\"https://abc.com/news/885ccd3c-eb6f-40ad-b413-6b1cdd6f4eff/category/1138628\">ABC\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.primevideo.com/tournament/amzn1.dv.icid.46eeb3cd-6c34-4f79-be02-708f4b51fb71\">Prime\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/2026-wnba-schedule-how-to-watch-on-usa-network-online-streaming\">USA\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/wnba\">NBC/Peacock\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/where-to-watch/leagues/wnba\">ESPN and ESPN2\u003c/a>.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>You can also get access to the channels through platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://tv.youtube.com/learn/wnba/\">YouTube TV\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fubo.tv/welcome\">Fubo\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/leaguepass?plan=annual\">WNBA League Pass\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The WNBA website has \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all\">a list of ways to watch each playoff game\u003c/a>, since it can change for specific matches. Networks include: \u003ca href=\"https://abc.com/news/885ccd3c-eb6f-40ad-b413-6b1cdd6f4eff/category/1138628\">ABC\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.primevideo.com/tournament/amzn1.dv.icid.46eeb3cd-6c34-4f79-be02-708f4b51fb71\">Prime\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/2026-wnba-schedule-how-to-watch-on-usa-network-online-streaming\">USA\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/wnba\">NBC/Peacock\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/where-to-watch/leagues/wnba\">ESPN and ESPN2\u003c/a>.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>You can also get access to the channels through platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://tv.youtube.com/learn/wnba/\">YouTube TV\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fubo.tv/welcome\">Fubo\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/leaguepass?plan=annual\">WNBA League Pass\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watch the games in person\u003c/h3>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Single-game tickets and playoff packs are available on \u003ca href=\"http://valkyries.wnba.com/tickets\">the Valkyries’ website\u003c/a> — although keep in mind, some of these future games might not even happen if the Valkyries don’t do well in the first two games.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Single-game tickets and playoff packs are available on \u003ca href=\"http://valkyries.wnba.com/tickets\">the Valkyries’ website\u003c/a> — although keep in mind, some of these future games might not even happen if the Valkyries don’t do well in the first two games.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You should expect some high price tags — for \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C006529C5BD3421?brand=valkyries&artistid=3369949&wt.mc_id=WNBA_TEAM_GS_R1_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG&utm_source=WNBA.com&utm_medium=client_PM&utm_campaign=WNBA_TEAM_GS&utm_content=R1_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG\">the guaranteed Sunday, Sept. 27 game\u003c/a>, the tickets range from $124 to over $800. However, there are some standing\u003cem>–\u003c/em>room tickets (meaning you don’t get a chair) around the $65 to $80 range.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>You should expect some high price tags — for \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C006529C5BD3421?brand=valkyries&artistid=3369949&wt.mc_id=WNBA_TEAM_GS_R1_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG&utm_source=WNBA.com&utm_medium=client_PM&utm_campaign=WNBA_TEAM_GS&utm_content=R1_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG\">the guaranteed Sunday, Sept. 27 game\u003c/a>, the tickets range from $124 to over $800. However, there are some standing\u003cem>–\u003c/em>room tickets (meaning you don’t get a chair) around the $65 to $80 range.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/092526-VioletDaySJ-04-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101442\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/092526-VioletDaySJ-04-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/092526-VioletDaySJ-04-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/092526-VioletDaySJ-04-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Deanna, Raymond and Serenity Cheng celebrate at a press conference ahead of The Golden State Valkyries’ second playoff run on Violet Day outside of San José City Hall in San José on Sept. 25, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/092526-VioletDaySJ-04-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101442\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Deanna, Raymond and Serenity Cheng celebrate at a press conference ahead of The Golden State Valkyries’ second playoff run on Violet Day outside of San José City Hall in San José on Sept. 25, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Along with getting to enjoy the electrifying vibes of Ballhalla, there’ll also be a halftime performance by Bay Area rapper Too $hort and free violet T-shirts. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’ll be the first time that playoffs will be held at Chase Center. Last year, the team had to move to San José’s SAP Center due to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055670/golden-state-valkyries-where-to-watch-the-wnba-playoffs-in-the-san-francisco-bay-area-online-on-tv-and-at-bars\">a conflict with a tennis event\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It’ll be the first time that playoffs will be held at Chase Center. Last year, the team had to move to San José’s SAP Center due to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055670/golden-state-valkyries-where-to-watch-the-wnba-playoffs-in-the-san-francisco-bay-area-online-on-tv-and-at-bars\">a conflict with a tennis event\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla#chase-center-san-francisco-parking\">how to attend a Valkyries game at Chase Center\u003c/a>, including transportation, parking and bag policy. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla#chase-center-san-francisco-parking\">how to attend a Valkyries game at Chase Center\u003c/a>, including transportation, parking and bag policy. \u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "Watch the game at a bar"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Unable to secure a ticket? You’re in luck: There are a \u003cem>lot \u003c/em>of bars and watch parties in the Bay that have historically shown Valkyries games, as detailed in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area#basketball\">KQED’s guide about the WNBA season\u003c/a> — which also includes a map from sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir of key places to meet other fans. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Unable to secure a ticket? You’re in luck: There are a \u003cem>lot \u003c/em>of bars and watch parties in the Bay that have historically shown Valkyries games, as detailed in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area#basketball\">KQED’s guide about the WNBA season\u003c/a> — which also includes a map from sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir of key places to meet other fans. \u003c/p>\n"
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"Mother in San Francisco",
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"George & Walt’s in Oakland",
"Xingones Cantina in Oakland",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://chasecenter.com/thrive-city/\">Thrive City\u003c/a> — the outdoor venue outside Chase Center — \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valkyries-playoffs-watch-party-presented-by-kaiser-permanente-tickets-2001627556905?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">will be showing the away game on Sept. 30\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
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"excerpt": "For the second year in a row, the Golden State Valkyries have made it to the playoffs. Here’s how you can follow the team in the Bay Area.",
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"title": "‘Normalize Being Confused’: How Newer Valkyries Fans Can Follow the 2026 Playoffs | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Get ready to read the word “second” a bunch of times: because for the second year in a row — during its second \u003cem>year \u003c/em>as a team — the Valkyries have made it to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/wnba\">WNBA\u003c/a> playoffs. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s been a strong sophomore season for the Valkyries, who are, as of publication, \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/standings\">ranked — you guessed it — second in the WNBA\u003c/a> out of 15 teams.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The success has become a major point of pride for the region. In fact, to mark the occasion, San Francisco, Oakland and San José city halls will have \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/golden-state-valkyries-announce-violet-day-on-september-25-20260915\">flag-raising ceremonies\u003c/a> to celebrate the Valkyries. Local businesses across the region will also be marking \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Ddt5nGMGhtM/?stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&img_index=1\">“Violet Day” on Friday with giveaways\u003c/a>.\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/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101439\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Golden State Valkyries flag flies outside San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco ahead of the Valkyries playoff push on Sept. 25, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With the playoffs officially starting on Sunday, read on to find out where you can follow the game in the coming weeks, whether on TV, at bars or at San Francisco’s Chase Center — also known as “Ballhalla.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you are new to the whole basketball thing, don’t worry: We got you. KQED has a guide to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area\">joining the WNBA fandom in the Bay\u003c/a> and what to know about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla\">the Valkyries’ inaugural year\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can also watch KQED host Brian Watt speak to journalist Erin Lim about the passionate Bay Area fandom on an episode of \u003cem>The B-Segment. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B_tlq18u5Q\">\u003cem>What makes the Valkyries’ Ballhalla magical? | The B-Segment with Brian Watt\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First off: What \u003cem>are \u003c/em>playoffs in the WNBA?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After a regular season of basketball, the top eight WNBA teams then compete in a tournament. The \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/standings\">team standings\u003c/a> are:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Minnesota Lynx\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Golden State Valkyries\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Las Vegas Aces\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Atlanta Dream\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Washington Mystics\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Indiana Fever\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Dallas Wings\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>New York Liberty\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ol>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Dates and times are subject to change — or even canceled altogether — depending on how the games go, but \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all\">the tentative schedule\u003c/a> can be found on the WNBA’s website. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Why is the schedule so up in the air? It’s because in the first round, the highest-seeded teams face the lowest-seeded teams in a best-of-three series. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That means on Sunday, Sept. 27, the Valkyries are \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/game/1042600111\">slated to play the Dallas Wings at 6 p.m.\u003c/a> in Chase Center. The next game is on Sept. 30, in Texas — but if the Valkyries win their first two matchups, their third game (which would have been at Chase Center again) won’t happen on Oct. 2.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the second round, the four remaining teams play a best-of-five series. In the finals, the last two teams compete in a best-of-five series for the championship.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You may see a “2-2-1-1-1” structure referred to in sports coverage, which designates \u003cem>where \u003c/em>the games are played.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The first “2” means the first two games are played on the stronger team’s home court. The next “2” means the following two games are played on the weaker team’s home court — and so on.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As “Valkyries Say Less” fan podcast co-host Raina Mast \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055670/golden-state-valkyries-where-to-watch-the-wnba-playoffs-in-the-san-francisco-bay-area-online-on-tv-and-at-bars\">told KQED in 2025\u003c/a>, the Valkyries “have really attracted people [who] have never even watched basketball.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“And so there’s a learning curve,” Mast said. “Normalize being confused. The structure is confusing.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I watch the WNBA playoff games?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watch the games at home\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The WNBA website has \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all\">a list of ways to watch each playoff game\u003c/a>, since it can change for specific matches. Networks include: \u003ca href=\"https://abc.com/news/885ccd3c-eb6f-40ad-b413-6b1cdd6f4eff/category/1138628\">ABC\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.primevideo.com/tournament/amzn1.dv.icid.46eeb3cd-6c34-4f79-be02-708f4b51fb71\">Prime\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/2026-wnba-schedule-how-to-watch-on-usa-network-online-streaming\">USA\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/wnba\">NBC/Peacock\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/where-to-watch/leagues/wnba\">ESPN and ESPN2\u003c/a>.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>You can also get access to the channels through platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://tv.youtube.com/learn/wnba/\">YouTube TV\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fubo.tv/welcome\">Fubo\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/leaguepass?plan=annual\">WNBA League Pass\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watch the games in person\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Single-game tickets and playoff packs are available on \u003ca href=\"http://valkyries.wnba.com/tickets\">the Valkyries’ website\u003c/a> — although keep in mind, some of these future games might not even happen if the Valkyries don’t do well in the first two games.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You should expect some high price tags — for \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C006529C5BD3421?brand=valkyries&artistid=3369949&wt.mc_id=WNBA_TEAM_GS_R1_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG&utm_source=WNBA.com&utm_medium=client_PM&utm_campaign=WNBA_TEAM_GS&utm_content=R1_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG\">the guaranteed Sunday, Sept. 27 game\u003c/a>, the tickets range from $124 to over $800. However, there are some standing\u003cem>–\u003c/em>room tickets (meaning you don’t get a chair) around the $65 to $80 range.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/092526-VioletDaySJ-04-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101442\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/092526-VioletDaySJ-04-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/092526-VioletDaySJ-04-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/092526-VioletDaySJ-04-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Deanna, Raymond and Serenity Cheng celebrate at a press conference ahead of The Golden State Valkyries’ second playoff run on Violet Day outside of San José City Hall in San José on Sept. 25, 2026. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Along with getting to enjoy the electrifying vibes of Ballhalla, there’ll also be a halftime performance by Bay Area rapper Too $hort and free violet T-shirts. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’ll be the first time that playoffs will be held at Chase Center. Last year, the team had to move to San José’s SAP Center due to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055670/golden-state-valkyries-where-to-watch-the-wnba-playoffs-in-the-san-francisco-bay-area-online-on-tv-and-at-bars\">a conflict with a tennis event\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla#chase-center-san-francisco-parking\">how to attend a Valkyries game at Chase Center\u003c/a>, including transportation, parking and bag policy. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watch the game at a bar\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Unable to secure a ticket? You’re in luck: There are a \u003cem>lot \u003c/em>of bars and watch parties in the Bay that have historically shown Valkyries games, as detailed in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area#basketball\">KQED’s guide about the WNBA season\u003c/a> — which also includes a map from sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir of key places to meet other fans. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Some spots include:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valqueeries/\">ValQueeries\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleswatchparty/\">The People’s Watch Party\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/hysteriasportsbar/\">Hysteria\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">Rikki’s\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.mothersf.com/\">Mother\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.standarddeviantbrewing.com/\">Standard Deviant Brewing\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/georgeandwaltsbar/?hl=en\">George & Walt’s\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://xingones.com/\">Xingones Cantina\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandathleticclub.com/\">Oakland Athletic Club\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rookieslodge.com/\">Rookie’s Sports Lodge\u003c/a> in San José\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://chasecenter.com/thrive-city/\">Thrive City\u003c/a> — the outdoor venue outside Chase Center — \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valkyries-playoffs-watch-party-presented-by-kaiser-permanente-tickets-2001627556905?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">will be showing the away game on Sept. 30\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>A \u003ca href=\"https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=241&restref=241&experienceId=799059&utm_source=external&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=shared\">watch party at Dirty Habit\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The team’s own website also has a \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/bar-network\">list of bars in the Bay\u003c/a> to go to for Valkyries games.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "tall-ship-san-francisco-mexican-navy-cuauhtemoc-free-public-tours",
"title": "A Tall Ship Is in San Francisco This Week — and You Can Go Aboard for Free",
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"headTitle": "A Tall Ship Is in San Francisco This Week — and You Can Go Aboard for Free | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>If you were traveling over \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-gate-bridge\">the Golden Gate Bridge\u003c/a> on Wednesday morning, you’d have been treated to an unexpected sight through the fog: a 300-foot-long “tall ship” passing under the span, flying a giant Mexican flag from its stern.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Mexican Navy’s tall ship Cuauhtémoc will now be berthed on the Embarcadero in San Francisco for the next four days as part of a goodwill visit — where you can go aboard this 120-foot-high ship for free. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The ship — full name ARM Cuauhtémoc BE-01 — isn’t the kind of historic tall ship you might be thinking of. Built in Spain in 1981, she functions as a training vessel for the Mexican Navy, where midshipmen learn seamanship.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Cuauhtémoc is visiting San Francisco as part of its 2026 North Pacific Training Cruise: a 92-day trip during which the tall ship is stopping at ports in the United States, Mexico and Canada. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScYg8tb2hmk\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if the Cuauhtémoc’s name is familiar, it’s the same ship that \u003ca href=\"https://abcnews.com/US/ntsb-report-reveals-new-details-deadly-brooklyn-bridge/story?id=123351626\">collided with the Brooklyn Bridge\u003c/a> in 2025, killing two people aboard and injuring multiple other service personnel. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The ship spent \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/26/nyregion/mexican-navy-ship-brooklyn-bridge.html\">four months in a Staten Island shipyard\u003c/a> following the crash, and is now fully repaired. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Cuauhtémoc’s Wednesday morning voyage under the Golden Gate Bridge — which has a much higher clearance than the Brooklyn Bridge — passed without incident.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What to know about visiting the Cuauhtémoc this week:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I visit the Cuauhtémoc?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Cuauhtémoc will be berthed at Piers 15-17 on the Embarcadero in San Francisco (\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pier+15,+San+Francisco,+CA+94111/@37.8015729,-122.398049,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8085805f22614207:0xa612268d07dca7f7!8m2!3d37.8015729!4d-122.398049!16s%2Fg%2F11txpnk1l0!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDkyMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">see the location on Google Maps\u003c/a>). \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For context, this is the same location as the Exploratorium, and it’s on Muni’s historic F streetcar line — just request the Embarcadero and Green Street stop on board.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is the Cuauhtémoc open to the public?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to Ocean Alliances, the nonprofit that’s hosting the tall ship’s visit to San Francisco, you’ll be able to step onboard and see the Cuauhtémoc’s decks, mast and rigging up-close — as well as meet its naval crew. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Mireya Magaña Galvez, the Mexican Consulate’s deputy consul general, told KQED by email that public tours will go beyond the ship’s deck, but that exact details will likely depend on demand.\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/10/2026/09/ARM-Cuauhtémoc-Full-Front.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101115\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ARM-Cuauhtémoc-Full-Front.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ARM-Cuauhtémoc-Full-Front-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ARM-Cuauhtémoc-Full-Front-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Mexican Navy training vessel ARM Cuauhtémoc BE-01 is visiting San Francisco this week. (Courtesy of Ocean Alliances)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can board the ship for free during the following times this week:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>Wednesday, Sept. 23\u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>Thursday, Sept. 24\u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>10 a.m. to 12 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>4 p.m. to 8 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>Friday, Sept. 25\u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>10 a.m. to 8 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>Saturday, Sept. 26\u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>10 a.m. to 8 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Want to see this tall ship in motion instead? On Sunday, Sept. 27, there’ll be a “Farewell at the Dock” ceremony at 9:30 a.m. before the Cuauhtémoc departs San Francisco at 10 a.m.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you can’t make it to the ship in person, it should be visible from certain parts of the Bay Bridge.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you were traveling over \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-gate-bridge\">the Golden Gate Bridge\u003c/a> on Wednesday morning, you’d have been treated to an unexpected sight through the fog: a 300-foot-long “tall ship” passing under the span, flying a giant Mexican flag from its stern.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Mexican Navy’s tall ship Cuauhtémoc will now be berthed on the Embarcadero in San Francisco for the next four days as part of a goodwill visit — where you can go aboard this 120-foot-high ship for free. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The ship — full name ARM Cuauhtémoc BE-01 — isn’t the kind of historic tall ship you might be thinking of. Built in Spain in 1981, she functions as a training vessel for the Mexican Navy, where midshipmen learn seamanship.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The ship — full name ARM Cuauhtémoc BE-01 — isn’t the kind of historic tall ship you might be thinking of. Built in Spain in 1981, she functions as a training vessel for the Mexican Navy, where midshipmen learn seamanship.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Cuauhtémoc is visiting San Francisco as part of its 2026 North Pacific Training Cruise: a 92-day trip during which the tall ship is stopping at ports in the United States, Mexico and Canada. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScYg8tb2hmk\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScYg8tb2hmk\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if the Cuauhtémoc’s name is familiar, it’s the same ship that \u003ca href=\"https://abcnews.com/US/ntsb-report-reveals-new-details-deadly-brooklyn-bridge/story?id=123351626\">collided with the Brooklyn Bridge\u003c/a> in 2025, killing two people aboard and injuring multiple other service personnel. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And if the Cuauhtémoc’s name is familiar, it’s the same ship that \u003ca href=\"https://abcnews.com/US/ntsb-report-reveals-new-details-deadly-brooklyn-bridge/story?id=123351626\">collided with the Brooklyn Bridge\u003c/a> in 2025, killing two people aboard and injuring multiple other service personnel. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The ship spent \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/26/nyregion/mexican-navy-ship-brooklyn-bridge.html\">four months in a Staten Island shipyard\u003c/a> following the crash, and is now fully repaired. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The ship spent \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/26/nyregion/mexican-navy-ship-brooklyn-bridge.html\">four months in a Staten Island shipyard\u003c/a> following the crash, and is now fully repaired. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Cuauhtémoc’s Wednesday morning voyage under the Golden Gate Bridge — which has a much higher clearance than the Brooklyn Bridge — passed without incident.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>What to know about visiting the Cuauhtémoc this week:\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I visit the Cuauhtémoc?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Cuauhtémoc will be berthed at Piers 15-17 on the Embarcadero in San Francisco (\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pier+15,+San+Francisco,+CA+94111/@37.8015729,-122.398049,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8085805f22614207:0xa612268d07dca7f7!8m2!3d37.8015729!4d-122.398049!16s%2Fg%2F11txpnk1l0!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDkyMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">see the location on Google Maps\u003c/a>). \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Cuauhtémoc will be berthed at Piers 15-17 on the Embarcadero in San Francisco (\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pier+15,+San+Francisco,+CA+94111/@37.8015729,-122.398049,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8085805f22614207:0xa612268d07dca7f7!8m2!3d37.8015729!4d-122.398049!16s%2Fg%2F11txpnk1l0!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDkyMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">see the location on Google Maps\u003c/a>). \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For context, this is the same location as the Exploratorium, and it’s on Muni’s historic F streetcar line — just request the Embarcadero and Green Street stop on board.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>For context, this is the same location as the Exploratorium, and it’s on Muni’s historic F streetcar line — just request the Embarcadero and Green Street stop on board.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerBlocks": []
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to Ocean Alliances, the nonprofit that’s hosting the tall ship’s visit to San Francisco, you’ll be able to step onboard and see the Cuauhtémoc’s decks, mast and rigging up-close — as well as meet its naval crew. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Mireya Magaña Galvez, the Mexican Consulate’s deputy consul general, told KQED by email that public tours will go beyond the ship’s deck, but that exact details will likely depend on demand.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Mireya Magaña Galvez, the Mexican Consulate’s deputy consul general, told KQED by email that public tours will go beyond the ship’s deck, but that exact details will likely depend on demand.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ARM-Cuauhtémoc-Full-Front.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101115\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ARM-Cuauhtémoc-Full-Front.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ARM-Cuauhtémoc-Full-Front-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ARM-Cuauhtémoc-Full-Front-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Mexican Navy training vessel ARM Cuauhtémoc BE-01 is visiting San Francisco this week.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Ocean Alliances)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ARM-Cuauhtémoc-Full-Front.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101115\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Mexican Navy training vessel ARM Cuauhtémoc BE-01 is visiting San Francisco this week.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Ocean Alliances)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can board the ship for free during the following times this week:\u003c/p>\n",
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"text": "Wednesday, Sept. 23"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Want to see this tall ship in motion instead? On Sunday, Sept. 27, there’ll be a “Farewell at the Dock” ceremony at 9:30 a.m. before the Cuauhtémoc departs San Francisco at 10 a.m.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Want to see this tall ship in motion instead? On Sunday, Sept. 27, there’ll be a “Farewell at the Dock” ceremony at 9:30 a.m. before the Cuauhtémoc departs San Francisco at 10 a.m.\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "After passing under the Golden Gate Bridge Wednesday, the Mexican Navy’s tall ship Cuauhtémoc will be at the Embarcadero all week, and you can tour her for free.",
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"title": "A Tall Ship Is in San Francisco This Week — and You Can Go Aboard for Free | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>If you were traveling over \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-gate-bridge\">the Golden Gate Bridge\u003c/a> on Wednesday morning, you’d have been treated to an unexpected sight through the fog: a 300-foot-long “tall ship” passing under the span, flying a giant Mexican flag from its stern.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Mexican Navy’s tall ship Cuauhtémoc will now be berthed on the Embarcadero in San Francisco for the next four days as part of a goodwill visit — where you can go aboard this 120-foot-high ship for free. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The ship — full name ARM Cuauhtémoc BE-01 — isn’t the kind of historic tall ship you might be thinking of. Built in Spain in 1981, she functions as a training vessel for the Mexican Navy, where midshipmen learn seamanship.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Cuauhtémoc is visiting San Francisco as part of its 2026 North Pacific Training Cruise: a 92-day trip during which the tall ship is stopping at ports in the United States, Mexico and Canada. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/ScYg8tb2hmk'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/ScYg8tb2hmk'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if the Cuauhtémoc’s name is familiar, it’s the same ship that \u003ca href=\"https://abcnews.com/US/ntsb-report-reveals-new-details-deadly-brooklyn-bridge/story?id=123351626\">collided with the Brooklyn Bridge\u003c/a> in 2025, killing two people aboard and injuring multiple other service personnel. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The ship spent \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/26/nyregion/mexican-navy-ship-brooklyn-bridge.html\">four months in a Staten Island shipyard\u003c/a> following the crash, and is now fully repaired. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Cuauhtémoc’s Wednesday morning voyage under the Golden Gate Bridge — which has a much higher clearance than the Brooklyn Bridge — passed without incident.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What to know about visiting the Cuauhtémoc this week:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I visit the Cuauhtémoc?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Cuauhtémoc will be berthed at Piers 15-17 on the Embarcadero in San Francisco (\u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pier+15,+San+Francisco,+CA+94111/@37.8015729,-122.398049,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8085805f22614207:0xa612268d07dca7f7!8m2!3d37.8015729!4d-122.398049!16s%2Fg%2F11txpnk1l0!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDkyMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">see the location on Google Maps\u003c/a>). \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For context, this is the same location as the Exploratorium, and it’s on Muni’s historic F streetcar line — just request the Embarcadero and Green Street stop on board.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is the Cuauhtémoc open to the public?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to Ocean Alliances, the nonprofit that’s hosting the tall ship’s visit to San Francisco, you’ll be able to step onboard and see the Cuauhtémoc’s decks, mast and rigging up-close — as well as meet its naval crew. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Mireya Magaña Galvez, the Mexican Consulate’s deputy consul general, told KQED by email that public tours will go beyond the ship’s deck, but that exact details will likely depend on demand.\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/10/2026/09/ARM-Cuauhtémoc-Full-Front.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101115\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ARM-Cuauhtémoc-Full-Front.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ARM-Cuauhtémoc-Full-Front-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ARM-Cuauhtémoc-Full-Front-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Mexican Navy training vessel ARM Cuauhtémoc BE-01 is visiting San Francisco this week. (Courtesy of Ocean Alliances)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can board the ship for free during the following times this week:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>Wednesday, Sept. 23\u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>Thursday, Sept. 24\u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>10 a.m. to 12 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>4 p.m. to 8 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>Friday, Sept. 25\u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>10 a.m. to 8 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>Saturday, Sept. 26\u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>10 a.m. to 8 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Want to see this tall ship in motion instead? On Sunday, Sept. 27, there’ll be a “Farewell at the Dock” ceremony at 9:30 a.m. before the Cuauhtémoc departs San Francisco at 10 a.m.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you can’t make it to the ship in person, it should be visible from certain parts of the Bay Bridge.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "san-francisco-49ers-tickets-discounts-parking-resale-tips",
"title": "Looking to Save at 49ers Games This Season? These Fans Have Ideas",
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"headTitle": "Looking to Save at 49ers Games This Season? These Fans Have Ideas | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>It’s been a fantastic start to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/football\">football\u003c/a> season in the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With quarterback Brock Purdy leading the team to \u003ca href=\"https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-defeat-dolphins-35-13-in-home-opener-takeaways-from-miavssf\">a smashing victory\u003c/a> over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers are revving up for this season’s second home game on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If we can avoid injuries, we’ve got a good season ahead of us,” 49ers follower and San Francisco resident Hari Kumar said, capturing the thoughts of many fans.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But what Kumar and others aren’t too excited about is how much seats are going for this season. Seats in the nosebleed section for this weekend’s game against the Cardinals are averaging north of $150.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/GettyImages-2255009703-scaled-e1769191193398.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12070880\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An aerial view of Levi’s Stadium on Dec.3, 2025, in Santa Clara, California. (Kirby Lee/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If I want to splurge on a nicer seat, I’m looking at a ticket of over $300,” Kumar said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A recent \u003ca href=\"https://www.actionnetwork.com/nfl/the-cheapest-and-most-expensive-nfl-stadiums-for-families-in-2026\">study\u003c/a> by sports betting news site Action Network compared ticket prices, parking and other expenses at pro football stadiums nationwide and found that the average cost for a family of four to watch a game at Levi’s Stadium was a whopping $1,778.56. (The most expensive stadium? A visit to Highmark Stadium to cheer on the Buffalo Bills costs an average of $2,193.95).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The 49ers did not respond to KQED’s requests on what fan discounts are available this season, so we reached out to Niners faithful on what \u003cem>they \u003c/em>do to cut down costs when making the trip to Santa Clara. And while options are limited, there are a few recommendations out there that don’t require buying a season pass.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How you could potentially save money on tickets\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Unlike \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089894/how-to-watch-bay-area-baseball-on-a-budget\">other Bay Area teams\u003c/a>, the 49ers have very limited promotional offers for discounted tickets. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fans can usually watch their team at Levi’s Stadium for a few dozen bucks during the summer for \u003ca href=\"https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-announce-2026-open-training-camp-schedule\">open training camp\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But during the regular season, when those prices go way up, some Niners faithful become very savvy navigating ticket resale sites.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1320\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2264385459.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12085301\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2264385459.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2264385459-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2264385459-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Ticketmaster logo is displayed on a smartphone screen in this photo illustration in Brussels, Belgium, on March 5, 2026. (Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Kumar compares ticket prices on TickPick, SeatGeek and Ticketmaster. But what helps him a lot in the long run, he said, is buying tickets on sites that offer cash back rebates if he pays with his credit card.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Sometimes there’ll be a 5% or 10% back on SeatGeek or Gametime,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Another site Kumar said he logs into is cash-back marketplace Rakuten, which scans partner sites like Ticketmaster for tickets. Once you make the purchase, Rakuten sends you a small portion of your ticket cost as cash, helping lower the total cost of your tickets.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One more option to consider: your credit card’s rewards program. Some credit cards offer members the opportunity to trade in their points for experiences — which can (occasionally) include tickets to a football game.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How you could save money on parking at the stadium \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At Levi’s Stadium, just “getting in and out of the parking lot for an event is a lot of time and money,” 49ers fan and San Diego resident Erik Espinoza said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even though he lives in Southern California, Espinoza still travels to Levi’s a few times each season. And to avoid parking at the stadium, he looks for spots in neighborhoods a walking distance from the stadium. Many streets will have signs that explicitly block game-day parking, but some homes or businesses may actually even be selling their spots to fans.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I want to be mindful of the communities I’m parking in,” he said. “If it looks congested or crowded, I won’t add my car in that area.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1260\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-1278485677-scaled-e1790096064441.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12100912\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An exterior view of the stadium prior to the Philadelphia Eagles v San Francisco 49ers game at Levi’s Stadium on Oct. 4, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even though it may take a little extra time, walking to the stadium becomes a whole experience in itself, Espinoza said. “There’s crowds of people that you’re walking with through the streets and everyone has their Niners gear on,” he said. “It’s like a sea of red.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Other fans use the booking website SpotHero to find spots far away from the stadium and take public transit to the game from there.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For this Sunday’s game, the page lists several garages in downtown San José that will charge you \u003ca href=\"https://spothero.com/search?kind=destination&id=71686&destination_id=71686&starts=2026-09-27T12%3A00&ends=2026-09-27T17%3A00&view=dl&hide_event_modal=true\">less than $20\u003c/a> for a 5-hour reservation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While parking all the way in San José sounds like a trek, keep in mind that VTA has a \u003ca href=\"https://www.vta.org/sites/default/files/2020-01/LR-Map-2020.pdf\">direct light rail route\u003c/a> from this area to Levi’s Stadium.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you choose not to park in San José, you can also look for free parking in Mountain View or even further up the peninsula and hop on Caltrain — \u003cem>then \u003c/em>transfer to the VTA light rail.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A single VTA adult fare is $2.50, and Caltrain ticket prices vary by how far you’re traveling: Coming from San Francisco will cost $10.75, while a trip from Redwood City will be $6.25.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you get around places on your bicycle, remember that Levi’s Stadium has a complimentary bicycle valet service located in Red Lot 1 and Green Lot 1. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bike drop-off begins three hours before the start of the game, and you must pick up your ride within the hour after the game ends.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How you could save money during the game itself\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Putting down almost $20 for a stadium beer? Yes, that’s definitely possible at a game. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So while Levi’s Stadium may boast dozens of concession stands that include some pretty mouthwatering bites (pulled pork nachos, anyone?), some fans commit to saving the cash by eating before heading to the game.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2176377146-scaled-e1790096149223.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12100919\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans were greeted with lots of cold beverage options as they arrived before the San Francisco 49ers played the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Others just bring their lunch with them. “I normally don’t spend too much on concessions,” Kumar from San Francisco said. “I like to pick up a sandwich or something, and save that way.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And here’s the thing: According to the stadium’s \u003ca href=\"https://levisstadium.com/stadium-az-guide/\">visitor policy\u003c/a>, you \u003cem>can \u003c/em>bring outside food — “as long as it is placed in clear plastic wrappings or bags that comply with the NFL bag policy.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Any fruit you bring has to be “cut into smaller pieces,” according to the stadium. And while you can also bring water bottles, they must be sealed (as in, not yet opened) — or if they’re \u003ca href=\"https://levisstadium.com/guest-services/permitted-prohibited-list/\">reusable\u003c/a>, they’ll have to be transparent, smaller than 24 ounces and, of course, contain no alcohol.\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s been a fantastic start to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/football\">football\u003c/a> season in the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It’s been a fantastic start to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/football\">football\u003c/a> season in the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>With quarterback Brock Purdy leading the team to \u003ca href=\"https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-defeat-dolphins-35-13-in-home-opener-takeaways-from-miavssf\">a smashing victory\u003c/a> over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers are revving up for this season’s second home game on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>With quarterback Brock Purdy leading the team to \u003ca href=\"https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-defeat-dolphins-35-13-in-home-opener-takeaways-from-miavssf\">a smashing victory\u003c/a> over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers are revving up for this season’s second home game on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If we can avoid injuries, we’ve got a good season ahead of us,” 49ers follower and San Francisco resident Hari Kumar said, capturing the thoughts of many fans.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“If we can avoid injuries, we’ve got a good season ahead of us,” 49ers follower and San Francisco resident Hari Kumar said, capturing the thoughts of many fans.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But what Kumar and others aren’t too excited about is how much seats are going for this season. Seats in the nosebleed section for this weekend’s game against the Cardinals are averaging north of $150.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But what Kumar and others aren’t too excited about is how much seats are going for this season. Seats in the nosebleed section for this weekend’s game against the Cardinals are averaging north of $150.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/GettyImages-2255009703-scaled-e1769191193398.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12070880\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An aerial view of Levi’s Stadium on Dec.3, 2025, in Santa Clara, California.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Kirby Lee/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/GettyImages-2255009703-scaled-e1769191193398.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12070880\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An aerial view of Levi’s Stadium on Dec.3, 2025, in Santa Clara, California.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Kirby Lee/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If I want to splurge on a nicer seat, I’m looking at a ticket of over $300,” Kumar said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“If I want to splurge on a nicer seat, I’m looking at a ticket of over $300,” Kumar said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A recent \u003ca href=\"https://www.actionnetwork.com/nfl/the-cheapest-and-most-expensive-nfl-stadiums-for-families-in-2026\">study\u003c/a> by sports betting news site Action Network compared ticket prices, parking and other expenses at pro football stadiums nationwide and found that the average cost for a family of four to watch a game at Levi’s Stadium was a whopping $1,778.56. (The most expensive stadium? A visit to Highmark Stadium to cheer on the Buffalo Bills costs an average of $2,193.95).\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A recent \u003ca href=\"https://www.actionnetwork.com/nfl/the-cheapest-and-most-expensive-nfl-stadiums-for-families-in-2026\">study\u003c/a> by sports betting news site Action Network compared ticket prices, parking and other expenses at pro football stadiums nationwide and found that the average cost for a family of four to watch a game at Levi’s Stadium was a whopping $1,778.56. (The most expensive stadium? A visit to Highmark Stadium to cheer on the Buffalo Bills costs an average of $2,193.95).\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The 49ers did not respond to KQED’s requests on what fan discounts are available this season, so we reached out to Niners faithful on what \u003cem>they \u003c/em>do to cut down costs when making the trip to Santa Clara. And while options are limited, there are a few recommendations out there that don’t require buying a season pass.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The 49ers did not respond to KQED’s requests on what fan discounts are available this season, so we reached out to Niners faithful on what \u003cem>they \u003c/em>do to cut down costs when making the trip to Santa Clara. And while options are limited, there are a few recommendations out there that don’t require buying a season pass.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "How you could potentially save money on tickets",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Unlike \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089894/how-to-watch-bay-area-baseball-on-a-budget\">other Bay Area teams\u003c/a>, the 49ers have very limited promotional offers for discounted tickets. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Unlike \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089894/how-to-watch-bay-area-baseball-on-a-budget\">other Bay Area teams\u003c/a>, the 49ers have very limited promotional offers for discounted tickets. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Fans can usually watch their team at Levi’s Stadium for a few dozen bucks during the summer for \u003ca href=\"https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-announce-2026-open-training-camp-schedule\">open training camp\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Fans can usually watch their team at Levi’s Stadium for a few dozen bucks during the summer for \u003ca href=\"https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-announce-2026-open-training-camp-schedule\">open training camp\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But during the regular season, when those prices go way up, some Niners faithful become very savvy navigating ticket resale sites.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2264385459.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12085301\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2264385459.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2264385459-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2264385459-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Ticketmaster logo is displayed on a smartphone screen in this photo illustration in Brussels, Belgium, on March 5, 2026. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Kumar compares ticket prices on TickPick, SeatGeek and Ticketmaster. But what helps him a lot in the long run, he said, is buying tickets on sites that offer cash back rebates if he pays with his credit card.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Kumar compares ticket prices on TickPick, SeatGeek and Ticketmaster. But what helps him a lot in the long run, he said, is buying tickets on sites that offer cash back rebates if he pays with his credit card.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Sometimes there’ll be a 5% or 10% back on SeatGeek or Gametime,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Another site Kumar said he logs into is cash-back marketplace Rakuten, which scans partner sites like Ticketmaster for tickets. Once you make the purchase, Rakuten sends you a small portion of your ticket cost as cash, helping lower the total cost of your tickets.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Another site Kumar said he logs into is cash-back marketplace Rakuten, which scans partner sites like Ticketmaster for tickets. Once you make the purchase, Rakuten sends you a small portion of your ticket cost as cash, helping lower the total cost of your tickets.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>One more option to consider: your credit card’s rewards program. Some credit cards offer members the opportunity to trade in their points for experiences — which can (occasionally) include tickets to a football game.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>One more option to consider: your credit card’s rewards program. Some credit cards offer members the opportunity to trade in their points for experiences — which can (occasionally) include tickets to a football game.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>At Levi’s Stadium, just “getting in and out of the parking lot for an event is a lot of time and money,” 49ers fan and San Diego resident Erik Espinoza said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Even though he lives in Southern California, Espinoza still travels to Levi’s a few times each season. And to avoid parking at the stadium, he looks for spots in neighborhoods a walking distance from the stadium. Many streets will have signs that explicitly block game-day parking, but some homes or businesses may actually even be selling their spots to fans.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Even though he lives in Southern California, Espinoza still travels to Levi’s a few times each season. And to avoid parking at the stadium, he looks for spots in neighborhoods a walking distance from the stadium. Many streets will have signs that explicitly block game-day parking, but some homes or businesses may actually even be selling their spots to fans.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I want to be mindful of the communities I’m parking in,” he said. “If it looks congested or crowded, I won’t add my car in that area.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-1278485677-scaled-e1790096064441.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12100912\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An exterior view of the stadium prior to the Philadelphia Eagles v San Francisco 49ers game at Levi’s Stadium on Oct. 4, 2020 in Santa Clara, California.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Even though it may take a little extra time, walking to the stadium becomes a whole experience in itself, Espinoza said. “There’s crowds of people that you’re walking with through the streets and everyone has their Niners gear on,” he said. “It’s like a sea of red.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Even though it may take a little extra time, walking to the stadium becomes a whole experience in itself, Espinoza said. “There’s crowds of people that you’re walking with through the streets and everyone has their Niners gear on,” he said. “It’s like a sea of red.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Other fans use the booking website SpotHero to find spots far away from the stadium and take public transit to the game from there.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For this Sunday’s game, the page lists several garages in downtown San José that will charge you \u003ca href=\"https://spothero.com/search?kind=destination&id=71686&destination_id=71686&starts=2026-09-27T12%3A00&ends=2026-09-27T17%3A00&view=dl&hide_event_modal=true\">less than $20\u003c/a> for a 5-hour reservation. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>For this Sunday’s game, the page lists several garages in downtown San José that will charge you \u003ca href=\"https://spothero.com/search?kind=destination&id=71686&destination_id=71686&starts=2026-09-27T12%3A00&ends=2026-09-27T17%3A00&view=dl&hide_event_modal=true\">less than $20\u003c/a> for a 5-hour reservation. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While parking all the way in San José sounds like a trek, keep in mind that VTA has a \u003ca href=\"https://www.vta.org/sites/default/files/2020-01/LR-Map-2020.pdf\">direct light rail route\u003c/a> from this area to Levi’s Stadium.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you choose not to park in San José, you can also look for free parking in Mountain View or even further up the peninsula and hop on Caltrain — \u003cem>then \u003c/em>transfer to the VTA light rail.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A single VTA adult fare is $2.50, and Caltrain ticket prices vary by how far you’re traveling: Coming from San Francisco will cost $10.75, while a trip from Redwood City will be $6.25.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A single VTA adult fare is $2.50, and Caltrain ticket prices vary by how far you’re traveling: Coming from San Francisco will cost $10.75, while a trip from Redwood City will be $6.25.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if you get around places on your bicycle, remember that Levi’s Stadium has a complimentary bicycle valet service located in Red Lot 1 and Green Lot 1. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Bike drop-off begins three hours before the start of the game, and you must pick up your ride within the hour after the game ends.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Putting down almost $20 for a stadium beer? Yes, that’s definitely possible at a game. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So while Levi’s Stadium may boast dozens of concession stands that include some pretty mouthwatering bites (pulled pork nachos, anyone?), some fans commit to saving the cash by eating before heading to the game.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>So while Levi’s Stadium may boast dozens of concession stands that include some pretty mouthwatering bites (pulled pork nachos, anyone?), some fans commit to saving the cash by eating before heading to the game.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2176377146-scaled-e1790096149223.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12100919\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans were greeted with lots of cold beverage options as they arrived before the San Francisco 49ers played the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2176377146-scaled-e1790096149223.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12100919\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans were greeted with lots of cold beverage options as they arrived before the San Francisco 49ers played the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Others just bring their lunch with them. “I normally don’t spend too much on concessions,” Kumar from San Francisco said. “I like to pick up a sandwich or something, and save that way.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Others just bring their lunch with them. “I normally don’t spend too much on concessions,” Kumar from San Francisco said. “I like to pick up a sandwich or something, and save that way.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And here’s the thing: According to the stadium’s \u003ca href=\"https://levisstadium.com/stadium-az-guide/\">visitor policy\u003c/a>, you \u003cem>can \u003c/em>bring outside food — “as long as it is placed in clear plastic wrappings or bags that comply with the NFL bag policy.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And here’s the thing: According to the stadium’s \u003ca href=\"https://levisstadium.com/stadium-az-guide/\">visitor policy\u003c/a>, you \u003cem>can \u003c/em>bring outside food — “as long as it is placed in clear plastic wrappings or bags that comply with the NFL bag policy.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Any fruit you bring has to be “cut into smaller pieces,” according to the stadium. And while you can also bring water bottles, they must be sealed (as in, not yet opened) — or if they’re \u003ca href=\"https://levisstadium.com/guest-services/permitted-prohibited-list/\">reusable\u003c/a>, they’ll have to be transparent, smaller than 24 ounces and, of course, contain no alcohol.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Any fruit you bring has to be “cut into smaller pieces,” according to the stadium. And while you can also bring water bottles, they must be sealed (as in, not yet opened) — or if they’re \u003ca href=\"https://levisstadium.com/guest-services/permitted-prohibited-list/\">reusable\u003c/a>, they’ll have to be transparent, smaller than 24 ounces and, of course, contain no alcohol.\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "Going to a football game can cost a family thousands of dollars. We gathered tips from San Francisco 49ers fans on how to potentially save money on tickets, parking and more.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>It’s been a fantastic start to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/football\">football\u003c/a> season in the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With quarterback Brock Purdy leading the team to \u003ca href=\"https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-defeat-dolphins-35-13-in-home-opener-takeaways-from-miavssf\">a smashing victory\u003c/a> over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers are revving up for this season’s second home game on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If we can avoid injuries, we’ve got a good season ahead of us,” 49ers follower and San Francisco resident Hari Kumar said, capturing the thoughts of many fans.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But what Kumar and others aren’t too excited about is how much seats are going for this season. Seats in the nosebleed section for this weekend’s game against the Cardinals are averaging north of $150.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/GettyImages-2255009703-scaled-e1769191193398.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12070880\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An aerial view of Levi’s Stadium on Dec.3, 2025, in Santa Clara, California. (Kirby Lee/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If I want to splurge on a nicer seat, I’m looking at a ticket of over $300,” Kumar said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A recent \u003ca href=\"https://www.actionnetwork.com/nfl/the-cheapest-and-most-expensive-nfl-stadiums-for-families-in-2026\">study\u003c/a> by sports betting news site Action Network compared ticket prices, parking and other expenses at pro football stadiums nationwide and found that the average cost for a family of four to watch a game at Levi’s Stadium was a whopping $1,778.56. (The most expensive stadium? A visit to Highmark Stadium to cheer on the Buffalo Bills costs an average of $2,193.95).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The 49ers did not respond to KQED’s requests on what fan discounts are available this season, so we reached out to Niners faithful on what \u003cem>they \u003c/em>do to cut down costs when making the trip to Santa Clara. And while options are limited, there are a few recommendations out there that don’t require buying a season pass.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How you could potentially save money on tickets\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Unlike \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089894/how-to-watch-bay-area-baseball-on-a-budget\">other Bay Area teams\u003c/a>, the 49ers have very limited promotional offers for discounted tickets. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fans can usually watch their team at Levi’s Stadium for a few dozen bucks during the summer for \u003ca href=\"https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-announce-2026-open-training-camp-schedule\">open training camp\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But during the regular season, when those prices go way up, some Niners faithful become very savvy navigating ticket resale sites.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1320\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2264385459.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12085301\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2264385459.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2264385459-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2264385459-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Ticketmaster logo is displayed on a smartphone screen in this photo illustration in Brussels, Belgium, on March 5, 2026. (Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Kumar compares ticket prices on TickPick, SeatGeek and Ticketmaster. But what helps him a lot in the long run, he said, is buying tickets on sites that offer cash back rebates if he pays with his credit card.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Sometimes there’ll be a 5% or 10% back on SeatGeek or Gametime,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Another site Kumar said he logs into is cash-back marketplace Rakuten, which scans partner sites like Ticketmaster for tickets. Once you make the purchase, Rakuten sends you a small portion of your ticket cost as cash, helping lower the total cost of your tickets.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One more option to consider: your credit card’s rewards program. Some credit cards offer members the opportunity to trade in their points for experiences — which can (occasionally) include tickets to a football game.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How you could save money on parking at the stadium \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At Levi’s Stadium, just “getting in and out of the parking lot for an event is a lot of time and money,” 49ers fan and San Diego resident Erik Espinoza said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even though he lives in Southern California, Espinoza still travels to Levi’s a few times each season. And to avoid parking at the stadium, he looks for spots in neighborhoods a walking distance from the stadium. Many streets will have signs that explicitly block game-day parking, but some homes or businesses may actually even be selling their spots to fans.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I want to be mindful of the communities I’m parking in,” he said. “If it looks congested or crowded, I won’t add my car in that area.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1260\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-1278485677-scaled-e1790096064441.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12100912\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An exterior view of the stadium prior to the Philadelphia Eagles v San Francisco 49ers game at Levi’s Stadium on Oct. 4, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even though it may take a little extra time, walking to the stadium becomes a whole experience in itself, Espinoza said. “There’s crowds of people that you’re walking with through the streets and everyone has their Niners gear on,” he said. “It’s like a sea of red.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Other fans use the booking website SpotHero to find spots far away from the stadium and take public transit to the game from there.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For this Sunday’s game, the page lists several garages in downtown San José that will charge you \u003ca href=\"https://spothero.com/search?kind=destination&id=71686&destination_id=71686&starts=2026-09-27T12%3A00&ends=2026-09-27T17%3A00&view=dl&hide_event_modal=true\">less than $20\u003c/a> for a 5-hour reservation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While parking all the way in San José sounds like a trek, keep in mind that VTA has a \u003ca href=\"https://www.vta.org/sites/default/files/2020-01/LR-Map-2020.pdf\">direct light rail route\u003c/a> from this area to Levi’s Stadium.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you choose not to park in San José, you can also look for free parking in Mountain View or even further up the peninsula and hop on Caltrain — \u003cem>then \u003c/em>transfer to the VTA light rail.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A single VTA adult fare is $2.50, and Caltrain ticket prices vary by how far you’re traveling: Coming from San Francisco will cost $10.75, while a trip from Redwood City will be $6.25.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you get around places on your bicycle, remember that Levi’s Stadium has a complimentary bicycle valet service located in Red Lot 1 and Green Lot 1. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bike drop-off begins three hours before the start of the game, and you must pick up your ride within the hour after the game ends.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How you could save money during the game itself\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Putting down almost $20 for a stadium beer? Yes, that’s definitely possible at a game. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So while Levi’s Stadium may boast dozens of concession stands that include some pretty mouthwatering bites (pulled pork nachos, anyone?), some fans commit to saving the cash by eating before heading to the game.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2176377146-scaled-e1790096149223.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12100919\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans were greeted with lots of cold beverage options as they arrived before the San Francisco 49ers played the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Others just bring their lunch with them. “I normally don’t spend too much on concessions,” Kumar from San Francisco said. “I like to pick up a sandwich or something, and save that way.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And here’s the thing: According to the stadium’s \u003ca href=\"https://levisstadium.com/stadium-az-guide/\">visitor policy\u003c/a>, you \u003cem>can \u003c/em>bring outside food — “as long as it is placed in clear plastic wrappings or bags that comply with the NFL bag policy.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Any fruit you bring has to be “cut into smaller pieces,” according to the stadium. And while you can also bring water bottles, they must be sealed (as in, not yet opened) — or if they’re \u003ca href=\"https://levisstadium.com/guest-services/permitted-prohibited-list/\">reusable\u003c/a>, they’ll have to be transparent, smaller than 24 ounces and, of course, contain no alcohol.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "hardly-strictly-2026-this-weekends-lineup-schedule-parking-maps-and-bag-policy",
"title": "Hardly Strictly 2026: The Weekend's Lineup, Schedule, Parking, Maps and Bag Policy",
"publishDate": 1790074800,
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"headTitle": "Hardly Strictly 2026: The Weekend’s Lineup, Schedule, Parking, Maps and Bag Policy | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>When every major live music show feels like \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101892062/everyone-hates-ticketmaster\">it costs an arm and a leg\u003c/a>, it’s always a relief when it’s time for San Francisco’s free festival: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13979075/hardly-strictly-lineup-2025-lucinda-williams-samara-joy-courtney-barnett-more\">Hardly Strictly Bluegrass\u003c/a>, often called Hardly Strictly or HSB.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The long-running, all-ages music festival features a packed lineup of country, folk, jazz and bluegrass performers — no ticket required.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But a free festival means big crowds, which can make for a hectic weekend in Golden Gate Park, especially with the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055844/hardly-strictly-2025-lineup-schedule-golden-gate-park-san-francisco-maps-parking#bring\">bag checks that have been implemented in recent years. \u003c/a>\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/10/2026/09/HardlyStrictlyBluegrassGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12056114\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HardlyStrictlyBluegrassGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HardlyStrictlyBluegrassGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HardlyStrictlyBluegrassGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">People dance together as Fantastic Negrito performs on the Swan Stage during the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival 2019 at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California, on Oct. 6, 2019. (Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Read more to learn how to best plan for attending Hardly Strictly next weekend, or jump straight to:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#schedule\">What’s the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2026 schedule?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#parking\">Is parking possible at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#food\">What food and drink can I still bring into Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (and what’s now banned)?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2026, and where is it in Golden Gate Park?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hardly Strictly will be held Oct. 2-4 at Hellman Hollow and Lindley and Marx meadows in Golden Gate Park.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Entrances will open at 11 a.m. on Friday and at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Performances end at 7 p.m. each day. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1175\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12041404\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed-800x470.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed-1020x599.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed-160x94.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed-1536x902.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed-1920x1128.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. (Lisa Aliferis/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Attendees are asked to \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/info-faq-2025/\">enter the festival\u003c/a> through gates at:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>JFK Drive and Transverse Drive\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Fulton Street and 30th Avenue\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>JFK Drive and 36th Avenue\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>South Polo Field (Middle Drive and Metson Road)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It gets \u003cem>crowded\u003c/em> at Hardly Strictly, so it’s good to get there early to claim your spot — although this might make stage-hopping hard.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In past years, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055844/hardly-strictly-2025-lineup-schedule-golden-gate-park-san-francisco-maps-parking\">waste management has also conducted sweeps of the park\u003c/a> each night after performances end, so you likely won’t be able to “save your place” with blankets and belongings the day before.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"schedule\">What’s the Hardly Strictly schedule, and which artists are playing?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/headline/2026-lineup-announcements/\">entire lineup and schedule can be found on the Hardly Strictly website\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13991930/hardly-strictly-2026-lineup-my-morning-jacket-gillian-welch-kathleen-edwards\">Highlights of the 2026 festival include\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>My Morning Jacket\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Mavis Staples\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Jesse Welles.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Los Lobos\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you aren’t able to make it to HSB in person, the Banjo, Swan, Towers of Gold, Rooster, Arrow and Horseshoe Hill Stages will also be \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.vhx.tv/browse\">livestreamed on HSB’s website\u003c/a>. Some of the artists in the HSB lineup are also \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/out-of-the-park/\">performing in venues around the region\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What can I bring to Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If it’s been a few years since you attended Hardly Strictly, many security measures will be new to you — including fences and entry through the four main gates. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/music/hardly-strictly-announces-new-security-measures-leave-your-cooler-at-home\">measures were implemented\u003c/a> in 2019 following a wave of mass shootings at large events across the U.S. Attendees at Hardly Strictly can now expect a security presence, including body scanners and possible bag and cooler searches.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Each person can bring \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/info-faq-2026/\">a personal item and a bag\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1320\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2239117637.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12100876\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2239117637.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2239117637-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2239117637-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Thousands gather for the final day of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival at Golden Gate Park on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (Brontë Wittpenn/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Clear bags are recommended for easier entry. Regular bags, such as non-transparent backpacks, must not exceed 6 inches by 8 inches by 3 inches.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Beer and wine are allowed but must be in non-glass containers. Blankets and tarps up to 6 feet by 8 feet, as well as low chairs, are also allowed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Items such as wagons, strollers, low-back chairs, non-clear medium backpacks, totes, and soft coolers are allowed but will be subject to more thorough searches, which may take longer. So if you’re bringing these items, don’t cut it fine to see your favorite act.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>You cannot bring:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Large or hard coolers\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>High-backed chairs\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Tables\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Tents\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Umbrellas and shade structures\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Tarps and blankets larger than 6 feet by 8 feet\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Items with an open flame, firearms, drones, fireworks\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Kegs and hard liquor\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Glass containers\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Devices for amplified sound or any item that could cause damage or injury\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Smoking — \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/information--know-your-rights-cannabis-consumer\">including weed\u003c/a> — is also not allowed in any area in Golden Gate Park due to a San Francisco ordinance. (Although you may still see people lighting up on Hippie Hill \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080068/official-san-francisco-hippie-hill-celebration-canceled-for-third-time-in-a-row-where-to-observe-420-around-the-bay-area\">during certain times of the year\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"food\">What about food at Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Guests \u003cem>are \u003c/em>allowed to bring their own food — just not in glass containers. There are also free water refill stations scattered throughout the festival. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/2026-food-and-drink/\">scope out the list of vendors on Hardly Strictly’s website\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2238863551.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12100882\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2238863551.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2238863551-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2238863551-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tiffanie Tippens dancing to the Dan Tyminski Band performing at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festival on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in San Francisco, California. (Santiago Mejia/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Plan for things to be cashless. Vendors will be located at:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Arrow Food Meadow\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>JFK Food Trucks\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>JFK Flats\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Porch Stage Area\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What’s the weather forecast for Hardly Strictly this year?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Usually, Golden Gate Park is an area of San Francisco that you can rely on to bring the chill even on the balmiest days (which \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091823/outside-lands-2026-tickets-parking-road-closures-and-bag-rules\">Outside Lands \u003c/a>attendees know all too well).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But it’s been getting hotter in the Bay Area as of late, so be sure to \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.769421&lon=-122.48621\">keep an eye on the weather forecast\u003c/a> and plan to bring the usual Golden Gate Park survival kit: water, sunscreen and layers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will there be a bus running in the park during Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The park service will be running its shuttle service during the music festival. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfrecpark.org/1617/Golden-Gate-Park-Free-Shuttle\">Get the shuttle hours and schedule.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does public transit look like during Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can consult \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/hardly-strictly-bluegrass-october-2-4-2026\">SFMTA’s website\u003c/a> for the latest updates on Muni. There will also be \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/hardly-strictly-bluegrass-october-2-4-2026#extra\">extra Muni services\u003c/a> throughout the weekend.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Muni routes affected will be N Judah, 5 Fulton, 5R Fulton Rapid, 7 Haight/Noriega, 18 46th Avenue, 28 19th Avenue, 29 Sunset and 44 O’Shaughnessy. Be sure to plan for extra travel time, because there \u003cem>will \u003c/em>be traffic and big crowds.\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/10/2026/09/260911-FareRequired-NG-11.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099241\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260911-FareRequired-NG-11.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260911-FareRequired-NG-11-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260911-FareRequired-NG-11-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Muni bus marquee says “Fare Required” in San Francisco’s Outer Richmond neighborhood on Sept. 11, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The N Judah, 7 Haight/Noriega, 28 19th Avenue, 29 Sunset and 44 O’Shaughnessy lines all serve areas of Golden Gate Park.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There will be no bike valet at Hardly Strictly 2026, so be careful when \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101906075/bikes-stolen-in-the-bay-area-show-up-on-global-blackmarket\">parking and locking up your bike.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What roads will be closed around Golden Gate Park?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/547/Golden-Gate-Park-Road-Closures\">Golden Gate Park’s website\u003c/a>, these roads will be closed before and during the event:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Transverse Drive will be closed from Crossover Drive (25th Avenue) to Martin Luther King Drive from 6:00 a.m. Friday until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>JFK Drive between Stow Lake Circle and 36th Avenue will be closed from 8:00 p.m. Thursday until 6:00 p.m. on Monday.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>30th Avenue will be closed from Fulton to JFK Drive from 8:00 p.m. Thursday until Monday at 6:00 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>36th Avenue from Fulton to the turnaround from 6:00 a.m. Friday until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>JFK Drive closed from 36th Avenue to Chain of Lakes Drive from 6 a.m. Friday until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Polo Fields parking area on both the north (stables) and south side of the Polo fields from 6 a.m. on Friday until 1 p.m. on Monday.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Middle Drive West from Transverse to MLK from Friday at 6:00 a.m. until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Overlook Drive from Transverse to Middle Drive West from Friday at 6:00 a.m. until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Metson Drive from Middle Drive West to MLK from Friday at 6:00 a.m. until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Golden Gate Park’s website also details closures on the days leading up to the festival, stating that JFK Drive will be closed between Transverse Drive and 36th Avenue due to “congestion from load-in.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Bikes will be allowed on JFK at 5 mph speed limit, except when arches are being installed, in which event they will be diverted,” \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/547/Golden-Gate-Park-Road-Closures\">according to the website.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There will be special accommodations for soccer players accessing Polo Field.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"parking\">What parking is available at Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hardly Strictly encourages taking public transportation to the event. If you choose to drive, however, there may be paid parking on a first-come, first-served basis.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Below are the paid parking lots that are usually available during this event. However, they are independently owned, so Hardly Strictly organizers \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/info-faq-2025/#venue\">cannot guarantee they’ll remain exactly the same this year:\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>George Washington High School at 600 32nd Ave. \u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Argonne at 680 18th Ave.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Lawton Alternative School at 1570 31st Ave.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Lafayette Elementary at 4545 Anza St.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>SFUSD Admin Campus at 750 25th Ave.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Accessible parking is available along JFK, west of Chain of Lakes. There will be shuttle stops at JFK & Bernice Rodgers Way, JFK & Chain of Lakes, JFK near Gate 3 entry and GGP Senior Center, 6101 Fulton St.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Remember, if you’re choosing to try to park near Hardly Strictly, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11959477/car-break-ins-bay-area-glass-repair-what-to-do\">break-ins are still common in San Francisco\u003c/a> — so leave nothing visible in your vehicle, and if at all possible, leave your trunk exposed to show it’s empty. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Don’t leave any electronics like laptops in your vehicle, even if you think they’re hidden. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11959799/how-to-avoid-a-car-break-in-bay-area\">Read more about how to potentially reduce your risk of getting your car broken into.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does rideshare pickup and drop-off work at Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There will be taxi stands at Fulton from 22nd Avenue to 24th Avenue.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are pickups and drop-offs for rideshares like Lyft and Uber around “Washington High School on both 30th Avenue between Anza and Balboa and on Balboa between 30th and 31st [avenues],” according to the \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/info-faq-2026/\">Hardly Strictly website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are pickups on Irving between 25th Avenue and 27th Avenue.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Due to the large amounts of traffic coming to and from the park, ridesharing apps will only allow pin drops from the designated pickup area, so you should make your way to the drop-off/pickup location before calling for your ride,” the website notes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bear in mind: Ordering a Waymo specifically could get tricky at places with high crowds. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For example, Fourth of July this year saw \u003ca href=\"https://abc7news.com/post/waymo-fleet-clogs-presidio-july-4-fireworks-leaving-vehicles-stranded-towed/19455862/\">many Waymos gridlocked and jammed in traffic\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But according to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/outside-lands-muni-ridership-transit-waymo-22382965.php\">\u003cem>San Francisco Chronicle\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, things went smoother after the city placed pickup/drop-off restrictions at the recent Outside Lands festival.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about accessibility at Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/info-faq-2026/\">the website\u003c/a>, Golden Gate Park “covers a lot of space and encompasses many types of terrain, including grassy fields, sandy pathways, paved walkways, potholes” and more.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Guests who seek accessible services can get a wristband at a tent near JFK and 36th Avenue, adjacent to Gate 3. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"969\" height=\"724\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/2025accessibilitymap2025.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12058463\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/2025accessibilitymap2025.png 969w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/2025accessibilitymap2025-160x120.png 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 969px) 100vw, 969px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An accessibility map of the 2025 Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival in Golden Gate Park. (Courtesy of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The map below highlights the usual accessible services at Hardly Strictly, like entrances, viewing spots and accessible portable bathrooms.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Accessible parking is available along JFK, west of Chain of Lakes. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There will be shuttle stops at JFK & Bernice Rodgers Way, JFK & Chain of Lakes, JFK near Gate 3 entry and GGP Senior Center, 6101 Fulton St.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about staying safe in a large crowd?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As with any busy day at a festival, you should stay aware of your health and bodily needs. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>KQED has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12093415/the-no-judgement-guide-to-not-passing-out-at-a-concert-and-other-concert-health-tips\">a thorough guide on staying healthy and upright at a concert\u003c/a> that tackles fainting, dehydration, standing in the heat and the all-encompassing festival-goer’s mission of avoiding the dreaded port-a-potties.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Crowds can be especially overwhelming for some people. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2021/11/11/1054765905/what-went-wrong-at-astroworld-the-deadly-dynamics-of-crowd-surge\">past tragic incidents at other festivals\u003c/a>, it does not hurt to be cautious and prepared. Read \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2021/11/09/1053828800/south-korea-seoul-halloween-crowd-safety-tips\">NPR’s full guide on what to do if you find yourself caught in a crowd crush\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12093685\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589-2000x1500.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans faint at concerts for a variety of reasons. Event medical professionals explain how to stay safe. (Anna Vignet/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to Mehdi Moussaïd, a research scientist in Berlin who studies crowd behavior, rely on your instincts and senses if you feel like the crowd is getting too dense. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you get stuck in a crush, move with the crowd, put your arms out in front of your chest and hold them there.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“In this position, you would have some space, just a little bit, to push for half a centimeter or just 1 centimeter — enough for you to keep breathing,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2021/11/09/1053828800/south-korea-seoul-halloween-crowd-safety-tips\">Moussaïd told NPR in 2022\u003c/a>. “It’s not going to be comfortable. You’re going to be feeling really bad, but at least you’ll survive.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story includes reporting by KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/nvoynovskaya\">\u003cem>Nastia Voynovskaya\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/gmeline\">\u003cem>Gabe Meline\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> and \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/ralexandra\">\u003cem>Rae Alexandra\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>When every major live music show feels like \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101892062/everyone-hates-ticketmaster\">it costs an arm and a leg\u003c/a>, it’s always a relief when it’s time for San Francisco’s free festival: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13979075/hardly-strictly-lineup-2025-lucinda-williams-samara-joy-courtney-barnett-more\">Hardly Strictly Bluegrass\u003c/a>, often called Hardly Strictly or HSB.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>When every major live music show feels like \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101892062/everyone-hates-ticketmaster\">it costs an arm and a leg\u003c/a>, it’s always a relief when it’s time for San Francisco’s free festival: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13979075/hardly-strictly-lineup-2025-lucinda-williams-samara-joy-courtney-barnett-more\">Hardly Strictly Bluegrass\u003c/a>, often called Hardly Strictly or HSB.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The long-running, all-ages music festival features a packed lineup of country, folk, jazz and bluegrass performers — no ticket required.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The long-running, all-ages music festival features a packed lineup of country, folk, jazz and bluegrass performers — no ticket required.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But a free festival means big crowds, which can make for a hectic weekend in Golden Gate Park, especially with the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055844/hardly-strictly-2025-lineup-schedule-golden-gate-park-san-francisco-maps-parking#bring\">bag checks that have been implemented in recent years. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But a free festival means big crowds, which can make for a hectic weekend in Golden Gate Park, especially with the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055844/hardly-strictly-2025-lineup-schedule-golden-gate-park-san-francisco-maps-parking#bring\">bag checks that have been implemented in recent years. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HardlyStrictlyBluegrassGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HardlyStrictlyBluegrassGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HardlyStrictlyBluegrassGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HardlyStrictlyBluegrassGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12056114\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HardlyStrictlyBluegrassGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HardlyStrictlyBluegrassGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HardlyStrictlyBluegrassGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">People dance together as Fantastic Negrito performs on the Swan Stage during the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival 2019 at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California, on Oct. 6, 2019. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HardlyStrictlyBluegrassGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12056114\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">People dance together as Fantastic Negrito performs on the Swan Stage during the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival 2019 at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California, on Oct. 6, 2019. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Read more to learn how to best plan for attending Hardly Strictly next weekend, or jump straight to:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Read more to learn how to best plan for attending Hardly Strictly next weekend, or jump straight to:\u003c/p>\n"
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"What’s the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2026 schedule?",
"Is parking possible at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass?",
"What food and drink can I still bring into Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (and what’s now banned)?"
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null,
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#schedule\">What’s the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2026 schedule?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#schedule\">What’s the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2026 schedule?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#parking\">Is parking possible at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#parking\">Is parking possible at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#food\">What food and drink can I still bring into Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (and what’s now banned)?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#food\">What food and drink can I still bring into Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (and what’s now banned)?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "When is Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2026, and where is it in Golden Gate Park?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2026, and where is it in Golden Gate Park?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hardly Strictly will be held Oct. 2-4 at Hellman Hollow and Lindley and Marx meadows in Golden Gate Park.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Hardly Strictly will be held Oct. 2-4 at Hellman Hollow and Lindley and Marx meadows in Golden Gate Park.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Entrances will open at 11 a.m. on Friday and at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Performances end at 7 p.m. each day. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Entrances will open at 11 a.m. on Friday and at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Performances end at 7 p.m. each day. \u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed-800x470.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed-1020x599.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed-160x94.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed-1536x902.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed-1920x1128.jpg 1920w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12041404\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed-800x470.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed-1020x599.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed-160x94.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed-1536x902.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed-1920x1128.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Lisa Aliferis/KQED)\u003c/cite>\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/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12041404\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Lisa Aliferis/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Attendees are asked to \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/info-faq-2025/\">enter the festival\u003c/a> through gates at:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Attendees are asked to \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/info-faq-2025/\">enter the festival\u003c/a> through gates at:\u003c/p>\n"
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"JFK Drive and Transverse Drive",
"Fulton Street and 30th Avenue",
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"South Polo Field (Middle Drive and Metson Road)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Fulton Street and 30th Avenue\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It gets \u003cem>crowded\u003c/em> at Hardly Strictly, so it’s good to get there early to claim your spot — although this might make stage-hopping hard.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It gets \u003cem>crowded\u003c/em> at Hardly Strictly, so it’s good to get there early to claim your spot — although this might make stage-hopping hard.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In past years, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055844/hardly-strictly-2025-lineup-schedule-golden-gate-park-san-francisco-maps-parking\">waste management has also conducted sweeps of the park\u003c/a> each night after performances end, so you likely won’t be able to “save your place” with blankets and belongings the day before.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In past years, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055844/hardly-strictly-2025-lineup-schedule-golden-gate-park-san-francisco-maps-parking\">waste management has also conducted sweeps of the park\u003c/a> each night after performances end, so you likely won’t be able to “save your place” with blankets and belongings the day before.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerBlocks": []
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What’s the Hardly Strictly schedule, and which artists are playing?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"schedule\">What’s the Hardly Strictly schedule, and which artists are playing?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/headline/2026-lineup-announcements/\">entire lineup and schedule can be found on the Hardly Strictly website\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/headline/2026-lineup-announcements/\">entire lineup and schedule can be found on the Hardly Strictly website\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13991930/hardly-strictly-2026-lineup-my-morning-jacket-gillian-welch-kathleen-edwards\">Highlights of the 2026 festival include\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13991930/hardly-strictly-2026-lineup-my-morning-jacket-gillian-welch-kathleen-edwards\">Highlights of the 2026 festival include\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n"
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"items": [
"My Morning Jacket",
"Mavis Staples",
"Jesse Welles.",
"Los Lobos"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>My Morning Jacket\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Jesse Welles.\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Los Lobos\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if you aren’t able to make it to HSB in person, the Banjo, Swan, Towers of Gold, Rooster, Arrow and Horseshoe Hill Stages will also be \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.vhx.tv/browse\">livestreamed on HSB’s website\u003c/a>. Some of the artists in the HSB lineup are also \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/out-of-the-park/\">performing in venues around the region\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And if you aren’t able to make it to HSB in person, the Banjo, Swan, Towers of Gold, Rooster, Arrow and Horseshoe Hill Stages will also be \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.vhx.tv/browse\">livestreamed on HSB’s website\u003c/a>. Some of the artists in the HSB lineup are also \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/out-of-the-park/\">performing in venues around the region\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What can I bring to Hardly Strictly?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What can I bring to Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What can I bring to Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If it’s been a few years since you attended Hardly Strictly, many security measures will be new to you — including fences and entry through the four main gates. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If it’s been a few years since you attended Hardly Strictly, many security measures will be new to you — including fences and entry through the four main gates. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/music/hardly-strictly-announces-new-security-measures-leave-your-cooler-at-home\">measures were implemented\u003c/a> in 2019 following a wave of mass shootings at large events across the U.S. Attendees at Hardly Strictly can now expect a security presence, including body scanners and possible bag and cooler searches.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/music/hardly-strictly-announces-new-security-measures-leave-your-cooler-at-home\">measures were implemented\u003c/a> in 2019 following a wave of mass shootings at large events across the U.S. Attendees at Hardly Strictly can now expect a security presence, including body scanners and possible bag and cooler searches.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Each person can bring \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/info-faq-2026/\">a personal item and a bag\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Each person can bring \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/info-faq-2026/\">a personal item and a bag\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2239117637.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2239117637-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2239117637-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2239117637.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12100876\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2239117637.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2239117637-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2239117637-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Thousands gather for the final day of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival at Golden Gate Park on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Brontë Wittpenn/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2239117637.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12100876\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Thousands gather for the final day of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival at Golden Gate Park on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Brontë Wittpenn/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Clear bags are recommended for easier entry. Regular bags, such as non-transparent backpacks, must not exceed 6 inches by 8 inches by 3 inches.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Clear bags are recommended for easier entry. Regular bags, such as non-transparent backpacks, must not exceed 6 inches by 8 inches by 3 inches.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Beer and wine are allowed but must be in non-glass containers. Blankets and tarps up to 6 feet by 8 feet, as well as low chairs, are also allowed.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Beer and wine are allowed but must be in non-glass containers. Blankets and tarps up to 6 feet by 8 feet, as well as low chairs, are also allowed.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Items such as wagons, strollers, low-back chairs, non-clear medium backpacks, totes, and soft coolers are allowed but will be subject to more thorough searches, which may take longer. So if you’re bringing these items, don’t cut it fine to see your favorite act.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Items such as wagons, strollers, low-back chairs, non-clear medium backpacks, totes, and soft coolers are allowed but will be subject to more thorough searches, which may take longer. So if you’re bringing these items, don’t cut it fine to see your favorite act.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>You cannot bring:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Tarps and blankets larger than 6 feet by 8 feet\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Items with an open flame, firearms, drones, fireworks\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Kegs and hard liquor\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Glass containers\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>Glass containers\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Devices for amplified sound or any item that could cause damage or injury\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Smoking — \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/information--know-your-rights-cannabis-consumer\">including weed\u003c/a> — is also not allowed in any area in Golden Gate Park due to a San Francisco ordinance. (Although you may still see people lighting up on Hippie Hill \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080068/official-san-francisco-hippie-hill-celebration-canceled-for-third-time-in-a-row-where-to-observe-420-around-the-bay-area\">during certain times of the year\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Smoking — \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/information--know-your-rights-cannabis-consumer\">including weed\u003c/a> — is also not allowed in any area in Golden Gate Park due to a San Francisco ordinance. (Although you may still see people lighting up on Hippie Hill \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080068/official-san-francisco-hippie-hill-celebration-canceled-for-third-time-in-a-row-where-to-observe-420-around-the-bay-area\">during certain times of the year\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What about food at Hardly Strictly?",
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},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"food\">What about food at Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"food\">What about food at Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Guests \u003cem>are \u003c/em>allowed to bring their own food — just not in glass containers. There are also free water refill stations scattered throughout the festival. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Guests \u003cem>are \u003c/em>allowed to bring their own food — just not in glass containers. There are also free water refill stations scattered throughout the festival. \u003c/p>\n"
],
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},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/2026-food-and-drink/\">scope out the list of vendors on Hardly Strictly’s website\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/2026-food-and-drink/\">scope out the list of vendors on Hardly Strictly’s website\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
],
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2238863551.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2238863551-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2238863551-1536x1025.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2238863551.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12100882\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2238863551.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2238863551-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2238863551-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tiffanie Tippens dancing to the Dan Tyminski Band performing at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festival on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in San Francisco, California. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Santiago Mejia/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2238863551.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12100882\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tiffanie Tippens dancing to the Dan Tyminski Band performing at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festival on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in San Francisco, California. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Santiago Mejia/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Plan for things to be cashless. Vendors will be located at:\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>JFK Food Trucks\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>JFK Flats\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Porch Stage Area\u003c/li>\n",
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What’s the weather forecast for Hardly Strictly this year?",
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},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What’s the weather forecast for Hardly Strictly this year?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Usually, Golden Gate Park is an area of San Francisco that you can rely on to bring the chill even on the balmiest days (which \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091823/outside-lands-2026-tickets-parking-road-closures-and-bag-rules\">Outside Lands \u003c/a>attendees know all too well).\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Usually, Golden Gate Park is an area of San Francisco that you can rely on to bring the chill even on the balmiest days (which \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091823/outside-lands-2026-tickets-parking-road-closures-and-bag-rules\">Outside Lands \u003c/a>attendees know all too well).\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But it’s been getting hotter in the Bay Area as of late, so be sure to \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.769421&lon=-122.48621\">keep an eye on the weather forecast\u003c/a> and plan to bring the usual Golden Gate Park survival kit: water, sunscreen and layers.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But it’s been getting hotter in the Bay Area as of late, so be sure to \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.769421&lon=-122.48621\">keep an eye on the weather forecast\u003c/a> and plan to bring the usual Golden Gate Park survival kit: water, sunscreen and layers.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Will there be a bus running in the park during Hardly Strictly?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will there be a bus running in the park during Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will there be a bus running in the park during Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The park service will be running its shuttle service during the music festival. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfrecpark.org/1617/Golden-Gate-Park-Free-Shuttle\">Get the shuttle hours and schedule.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The park service will be running its shuttle service during the music festival. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfrecpark.org/1617/Golden-Gate-Park-Free-Shuttle\">Get the shuttle hours and schedule.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What does public transit look like during Hardly Strictly?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does public transit look like during Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does public transit look like during Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can consult \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/hardly-strictly-bluegrass-october-2-4-2026\">SFMTA’s website\u003c/a> for the latest updates on Muni. There will also be \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/hardly-strictly-bluegrass-october-2-4-2026#extra\">extra Muni services\u003c/a> throughout the weekend.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can consult \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/hardly-strictly-bluegrass-october-2-4-2026\">SFMTA’s website\u003c/a> for the latest updates on Muni. There will also be \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/hardly-strictly-bluegrass-october-2-4-2026#extra\">extra Muni services\u003c/a> throughout the weekend.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Muni routes affected will be N Judah, 5 Fulton, 5R Fulton Rapid, 7 Haight/Noriega, 18 46th Avenue, 28 19th Avenue, 29 Sunset and 44 O’Shaughnessy. Be sure to plan for extra travel time, because there \u003cem>will \u003c/em>be traffic and big crowds.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Muni routes affected will be N Judah, 5 Fulton, 5R Fulton Rapid, 7 Haight/Noriega, 18 46th Avenue, 28 19th Avenue, 29 Sunset and 44 O’Shaughnessy. Be sure to plan for extra travel time, because there \u003cem>will \u003c/em>be traffic and big crowds.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260911-FareRequired-NG-11.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260911-FareRequired-NG-11-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260911-FareRequired-NG-11-1536x1024.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/10/2026/09/260911-FareRequired-NG-11.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099241\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260911-FareRequired-NG-11.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260911-FareRequired-NG-11-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260911-FareRequired-NG-11-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Muni bus marquee says “Fare Required” in San Francisco’s Outer Richmond neighborhood on Sept. 11, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260911-FareRequired-NG-11.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099241\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Muni bus marquee says “Fare Required” in San Francisco’s Outer Richmond neighborhood on Sept. 11, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The N Judah, 7 Haight/Noriega, 28 19th Avenue, 29 Sunset and 44 O’Shaughnessy lines all serve areas of Golden Gate Park.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The N Judah, 7 Haight/Noriega, 28 19th Avenue, 29 Sunset and 44 O’Shaughnessy lines all serve areas of Golden Gate Park.\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There will be no bike valet at Hardly Strictly 2026, so be careful when \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101906075/bikes-stolen-in-the-bay-area-show-up-on-global-blackmarket\">parking and locking up your bike.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>There will be no bike valet at Hardly Strictly 2026, so be careful when \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101906075/bikes-stolen-in-the-bay-area-show-up-on-global-blackmarket\">parking and locking up your bike.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What roads will be closed around Golden Gate Park?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What roads will be closed around Golden Gate Park?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What roads will be closed around Golden Gate Park?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/547/Golden-Gate-Park-Road-Closures\">Golden Gate Park’s website\u003c/a>, these roads will be closed before and during the event:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/547/Golden-Gate-Park-Road-Closures\">Golden Gate Park’s website\u003c/a>, these roads will be closed before and during the event:\u003c/p>\n"
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"Transverse Drive will be closed from Crossover Drive (25th Avenue) to Martin Luther King Drive from 6:00 a.m. Friday until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.",
"JFK Drive between Stow Lake Circle and 36th Avenue will be closed from 8:00 p.m. Thursday until 6:00 p.m. on Monday.",
"30th Avenue will be closed from Fulton to JFK Drive from 8:00 p.m. Thursday until Monday at 6:00 p.m.",
"36th Avenue from Fulton to the turnaround from 6:00 a.m. Friday until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday",
"JFK Drive closed from 36th Avenue to Chain of Lakes Drive from 6 a.m. Friday until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.",
"Polo Fields parking area on both the north (stables) and south side of the Polo fields from 6 a.m. on Friday until 1 p.m. on Monday.",
"Middle Drive West from Transverse to MLK from Friday at 6:00 a.m. until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.",
"Overlook Drive from Transverse to Middle Drive West from Friday at 6:00 a.m. until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.",
"Metson Drive from Middle Drive West to MLK from Friday at 6:00 a.m. until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday."
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Transverse Drive will be closed from Crossover Drive (25th Avenue) to Martin Luther King Drive from 6:00 a.m. Friday until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Transverse Drive will be closed from Crossover Drive (25th Avenue) to Martin Luther King Drive from 6:00 a.m. Friday until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>JFK Drive between Stow Lake Circle and 36th Avenue will be closed from 8:00 p.m. Thursday until 6:00 p.m. on Monday.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>JFK Drive between Stow Lake Circle and 36th Avenue will be closed from 8:00 p.m. Thursday until 6:00 p.m. on Monday.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>30th Avenue will be closed from Fulton to JFK Drive from 8:00 p.m. Thursday until Monday at 6:00 p.m.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>30th Avenue will be closed from Fulton to JFK Drive from 8:00 p.m. Thursday until Monday at 6:00 p.m.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>36th Avenue from Fulton to the turnaround from 6:00 a.m. Friday until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>36th Avenue from Fulton to the turnaround from 6:00 a.m. Friday until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday\u003c/li>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>JFK Drive closed from 36th Avenue to Chain of Lakes Drive from 6 a.m. Friday until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>JFK Drive closed from 36th Avenue to Chain of Lakes Drive from 6 a.m. Friday until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Polo Fields parking area on both the north (stables) and south side of the Polo fields from 6 a.m. on Friday until 1 p.m. on Monday.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Polo Fields parking area on both the north (stables) and south side of the Polo fields from 6 a.m. on Friday until 1 p.m. on Monday.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Middle Drive West from Transverse to MLK from Friday at 6:00 a.m. until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Middle Drive West from Transverse to MLK from Friday at 6:00 a.m. until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Overlook Drive from Transverse to Middle Drive West from Friday at 6:00 a.m. until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Overlook Drive from Transverse to Middle Drive West from Friday at 6:00 a.m. until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.\u003c/li>\n"
]
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Metson Drive from Middle Drive West to MLK from Friday at 6:00 a.m. until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Metson Drive from Middle Drive West to MLK from Friday at 6:00 a.m. until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Golden Gate Park’s website also details closures on the days leading up to the festival, stating that JFK Drive will be closed between Transverse Drive and 36th Avenue due to “congestion from load-in.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Golden Gate Park’s website also details closures on the days leading up to the festival, stating that JFK Drive will be closed between Transverse Drive and 36th Avenue due to “congestion from load-in.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Bikes will be allowed on JFK at 5 mph speed limit, except when arches are being installed, in which event they will be diverted,” \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/547/Golden-Gate-Park-Road-Closures\">according to the website.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Bikes will be allowed on JFK at 5 mph speed limit, except when arches are being installed, in which event they will be diverted,” \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/547/Golden-Gate-Park-Road-Closures\">according to the website.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There will be special accommodations for soccer players accessing Polo Field.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>There will be special accommodations for soccer players accessing Polo Field.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What parking is available at Hardly Strictly?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"parking\">What parking is available at Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hardly Strictly encourages taking public transportation to the event. If you choose to drive, however, there may be paid parking on a first-come, first-served basis.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Hardly Strictly encourages taking public transportation to the event. If you choose to drive, however, there may be paid parking on a first-come, first-served basis.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Below are the paid parking lots that are usually available during this event. However, they are independently owned, so Hardly Strictly organizers \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/info-faq-2025/#venue\">cannot guarantee they’ll remain exactly the same this year:\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Below are the paid parking lots that are usually available during this event. However, they are independently owned, so Hardly Strictly organizers \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/info-faq-2025/#venue\">cannot guarantee they’ll remain exactly the same this year:\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"George Washington High School at 600 32nd Ave. ",
"Argonne at 680 18th Ave.",
"Lawton Alternative School at 1570 31st Ave.",
"Lafayette Elementary at 4545 Anza St.",
"SFUSD Admin Campus at 750 25th Ave."
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>George Washington High School at 600 32nd Ave. \u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>George Washington High School at 600 32nd Ave. \u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Argonne at 680 18th Ave.\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Lawton Alternative School at 1570 31st Ave.\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Lafayette Elementary at 4545 Anza St.\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>Lafayette Elementary at 4545 Anza St.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>SFUSD Admin Campus at 750 25th Ave.\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>SFUSD Admin Campus at 750 25th Ave.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Accessible parking is available along JFK, west of Chain of Lakes. There will be shuttle stops at JFK & Bernice Rodgers Way, JFK & Chain of Lakes, JFK near Gate 3 entry and GGP Senior Center, 6101 Fulton St.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Accessible parking is available along JFK, west of Chain of Lakes. There will be shuttle stops at JFK & Bernice Rodgers Way, JFK & Chain of Lakes, JFK near Gate 3 entry and GGP Senior Center, 6101 Fulton St.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Remember, if you’re choosing to try to park near Hardly Strictly, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11959477/car-break-ins-bay-area-glass-repair-what-to-do\">break-ins are still common in San Francisco\u003c/a> — so leave nothing visible in your vehicle, and if at all possible, leave your trunk exposed to show it’s empty. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Remember, if you’re choosing to try to park near Hardly Strictly, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11959477/car-break-ins-bay-area-glass-repair-what-to-do\">break-ins are still common in San Francisco\u003c/a> — so leave nothing visible in your vehicle, and if at all possible, leave your trunk exposed to show it’s empty. \u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Don’t leave any electronics like laptops in your vehicle, even if you think they’re hidden. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11959799/how-to-avoid-a-car-break-in-bay-area\">Read more about how to potentially reduce your risk of getting your car broken into.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Don’t leave any electronics like laptops in your vehicle, even if you think they’re hidden. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11959799/how-to-avoid-a-car-break-in-bay-area\">Read more about how to potentially reduce your risk of getting your car broken into.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "How does rideshare pickup and drop-off work at Hardly Strictly?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does rideshare pickup and drop-off work at Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There will be taxi stands at Fulton from 22nd Avenue to 24th Avenue.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>There will be taxi stands at Fulton from 22nd Avenue to 24th Avenue.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There are pickups and drop-offs for rideshares like Lyft and Uber around “Washington High School on both 30th Avenue between Anza and Balboa and on Balboa between 30th and 31st [avenues],” according to the \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/info-faq-2026/\">Hardly Strictly website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>There are pickups and drop-offs for rideshares like Lyft and Uber around “Washington High School on both 30th Avenue between Anza and Balboa and on Balboa between 30th and 31st [avenues],” according to the \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/info-faq-2026/\">Hardly Strictly website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There are pickups on Irving between 25th Avenue and 27th Avenue.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>There are pickups on Irving between 25th Avenue and 27th Avenue.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Due to the large amounts of traffic coming to and from the park, ridesharing apps will only allow pin drops from the designated pickup area, so you should make your way to the drop-off/pickup location before calling for your ride,” the website notes.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Due to the large amounts of traffic coming to and from the park, ridesharing apps will only allow pin drops from the designated pickup area, so you should make your way to the drop-off/pickup location before calling for your ride,” the website notes.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Bear in mind: Ordering a Waymo specifically could get tricky at places with high crowds. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Bear in mind: Ordering a Waymo specifically could get tricky at places with high crowds. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For example, Fourth of July this year saw \u003ca href=\"https://abc7news.com/post/waymo-fleet-clogs-presidio-july-4-fireworks-leaving-vehicles-stranded-towed/19455862/\">many Waymos gridlocked and jammed in traffic\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>For example, Fourth of July this year saw \u003ca href=\"https://abc7news.com/post/waymo-fleet-clogs-presidio-july-4-fireworks-leaving-vehicles-stranded-towed/19455862/\">many Waymos gridlocked and jammed in traffic\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But according to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/outside-lands-muni-ridership-transit-waymo-22382965.php\">\u003cem>San Francisco Chronicle\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, things went smoother after the city placed pickup/drop-off restrictions at the recent Outside Lands festival.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But according to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/outside-lands-muni-ridership-transit-waymo-22382965.php\">\u003cem>San Francisco Chronicle\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, things went smoother after the city placed pickup/drop-off restrictions at the recent Outside Lands festival.\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "What should I know about accessibility at Hardly Strictly?",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about accessibility at Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/info-faq-2026/\">the website\u003c/a>, Golden Gate Park “covers a lot of space and encompasses many types of terrain, including grassy fields, sandy pathways, paved walkways, potholes” and more.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/info-faq-2026/\">the website\u003c/a>, Golden Gate Park “covers a lot of space and encompasses many types of terrain, including grassy fields, sandy pathways, paved walkways, potholes” and more.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Guests who seek accessible services can get a wristband at a tent near JFK and 36th Avenue, adjacent to Gate 3. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Guests who seek accessible services can get a wristband at a tent near JFK and 36th Avenue, adjacent to Gate 3. \u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/2025accessibilitymap2025.png 969w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/2025accessibilitymap2025-160x120.png 160w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/2025accessibilitymap2025.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12058463\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/2025accessibilitymap2025.png 969w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/2025accessibilitymap2025-160x120.png 160w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An accessibility map of the 2025 Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival in Golden Gate Park.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/2025accessibilitymap2025.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12058463\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An accessibility map of the 2025 Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival in Golden Gate Park.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The map below highlights the usual accessible services at Hardly Strictly, like entrances, viewing spots and accessible portable bathrooms.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The map below highlights the usual accessible services at Hardly Strictly, like entrances, viewing spots and accessible portable bathrooms.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Accessible parking is available along JFK, west of Chain of Lakes. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There will be shuttle stops at JFK & Bernice Rodgers Way, JFK & Chain of Lakes, JFK near Gate 3 entry and GGP Senior Center, 6101 Fulton St.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>There will be shuttle stops at JFK & Bernice Rodgers Way, JFK & Chain of Lakes, JFK near Gate 3 entry and GGP Senior Center, 6101 Fulton St.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What should I know about staying safe in a large crowd?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about staying safe in a large crowd?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about staying safe in a large crowd?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As with any busy day at a festival, you should stay aware of your health and bodily needs. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>As with any busy day at a festival, you should stay aware of your health and bodily needs. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>KQED has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12093415/the-no-judgement-guide-to-not-passing-out-at-a-concert-and-other-concert-health-tips\">a thorough guide on staying healthy and upright at a concert\u003c/a> that tackles fainting, dehydration, standing in the heat and the all-encompassing festival-goer’s mission of avoiding the dreaded port-a-potties.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>KQED has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12093415/the-no-judgement-guide-to-not-passing-out-at-a-concert-and-other-concert-health-tips\">a thorough guide on staying healthy and upright at a concert\u003c/a> that tackles fainting, dehydration, standing in the heat and the all-encompassing festival-goer’s mission of avoiding the dreaded port-a-potties.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Crowds can be especially overwhelming for some people. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Crowds can be especially overwhelming for some people. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>With \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2021/11/11/1054765905/what-went-wrong-at-astroworld-the-deadly-dynamics-of-crowd-surge\">past tragic incidents at other festivals\u003c/a>, it does not hurt to be cautious and prepared. Read \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2021/11/09/1053828800/south-korea-seoul-halloween-crowd-safety-tips\">NPR’s full guide on what to do if you find yourself caught in a crowd crush\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>With \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2021/11/11/1054765905/what-went-wrong-at-astroworld-the-deadly-dynamics-of-crowd-surge\">past tragic incidents at other festivals\u003c/a>, it does not hurt to be cautious and prepared. Read \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2021/11/09/1053828800/south-korea-seoul-halloween-crowd-safety-tips\">NPR’s full guide on what to do if you find yourself caught in a crowd crush\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589-2000x1500.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589-2048x1536.jpg 2048w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12093685\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589-2000x1500.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans faint at concerts for a variety of reasons. Event medical professionals explain how to stay safe.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Anna Vignet/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12093685\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans faint at concerts for a variety of reasons. Event medical professionals explain how to stay safe.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Anna Vignet/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to Mehdi Moussaïd, a research scientist in Berlin who studies crowd behavior, rely on your instincts and senses if you feel like the crowd is getting too dense. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>According to Mehdi Moussaïd, a research scientist in Berlin who studies crowd behavior, rely on your instincts and senses if you feel like the crowd is getting too dense. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you get stuck in a crush, move with the crowd, put your arms out in front of your chest and hold them there.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you get stuck in a crush, move with the crowd, put your arms out in front of your chest and hold them there.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“In this position, you would have some space, just a little bit, to push for half a centimeter or just 1 centimeter — enough for you to keep breathing,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2021/11/09/1053828800/south-korea-seoul-halloween-crowd-safety-tips\">Moussaïd told NPR in 2022\u003c/a>. “It’s not going to be comfortable. You’re going to be feeling really bad, but at least you’ll survive.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“In this position, you would have some space, just a little bit, to push for half a centimeter or just 1 centimeter — enough for you to keep breathing,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2021/11/09/1053828800/south-korea-seoul-halloween-crowd-safety-tips\">Moussaïd told NPR in 2022\u003c/a>. “It’s not going to be comfortable. You’re going to be feeling really bad, but at least you’ll survive.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story includes reporting by KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/nvoynovskaya\">\u003cem>Nastia Voynovskaya\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/gmeline\">\u003cem>Gabe Meline\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> and \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/ralexandra\">\u003cem>Rae Alexandra\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story includes reporting by KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/nvoynovskaya\">\u003cem>Nastia Voynovskaya\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/gmeline\">\u003cem>Gabe Meline\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> and \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/ralexandra\">\u003cem>Rae Alexandra\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is San Francisco's longstanding music festival for all ages with a huge artist lineup. And the best part? It’s free. ",
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"title": "Hardly Strictly 2026: The Weekend's Lineup, Schedule, Parking, Maps and Bag Policy | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>When every major live music show feels like \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101892062/everyone-hates-ticketmaster\">it costs an arm and a leg\u003c/a>, it’s always a relief when it’s time for San Francisco’s free festival: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13979075/hardly-strictly-lineup-2025-lucinda-williams-samara-joy-courtney-barnett-more\">Hardly Strictly Bluegrass\u003c/a>, often called Hardly Strictly or HSB.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The long-running, all-ages music festival features a packed lineup of country, folk, jazz and bluegrass performers — no ticket required.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But a free festival means big crowds, which can make for a hectic weekend in Golden Gate Park, especially with the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055844/hardly-strictly-2025-lineup-schedule-golden-gate-park-san-francisco-maps-parking#bring\">bag checks that have been implemented in recent years. \u003c/a>\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/10/2026/09/HardlyStrictlyBluegrassGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12056114\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HardlyStrictlyBluegrassGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HardlyStrictlyBluegrassGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HardlyStrictlyBluegrassGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">People dance together as Fantastic Negrito performs on the Swan Stage during the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival 2019 at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California, on Oct. 6, 2019. (Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Read more to learn how to best plan for attending Hardly Strictly next weekend, or jump straight to:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#schedule\">What’s the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2026 schedule?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#parking\">Is parking possible at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#food\">What food and drink can I still bring into Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (and what’s now banned)?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2026, and where is it in Golden Gate Park?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hardly Strictly will be held Oct. 2-4 at Hellman Hollow and Lindley and Marx meadows in Golden Gate Park.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Entrances will open at 11 a.m. on Friday and at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Performances end at 7 p.m. each day. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1175\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12041404\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed-800x470.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed-1020x599.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed-160x94.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed-1536x902.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/IMG_6619_qed-1920x1128.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. (Lisa Aliferis/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Attendees are asked to \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/info-faq-2025/\">enter the festival\u003c/a> through gates at:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>JFK Drive and Transverse Drive\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Fulton Street and 30th Avenue\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>JFK Drive and 36th Avenue\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>South Polo Field (Middle Drive and Metson Road)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It gets \u003cem>crowded\u003c/em> at Hardly Strictly, so it’s good to get there early to claim your spot — although this might make stage-hopping hard.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In past years, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055844/hardly-strictly-2025-lineup-schedule-golden-gate-park-san-francisco-maps-parking\">waste management has also conducted sweeps of the park\u003c/a> each night after performances end, so you likely won’t be able to “save your place” with blankets and belongings the day before.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"schedule\">What’s the Hardly Strictly schedule, and which artists are playing?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/headline/2026-lineup-announcements/\">entire lineup and schedule can be found on the Hardly Strictly website\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13991930/hardly-strictly-2026-lineup-my-morning-jacket-gillian-welch-kathleen-edwards\">Highlights of the 2026 festival include\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>My Morning Jacket\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Mavis Staples\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Jesse Welles.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Los Lobos\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you aren’t able to make it to HSB in person, the Banjo, Swan, Towers of Gold, Rooster, Arrow and Horseshoe Hill Stages will also be \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.vhx.tv/browse\">livestreamed on HSB’s website\u003c/a>. Some of the artists in the HSB lineup are also \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/out-of-the-park/\">performing in venues around the region\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What can I bring to Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If it’s been a few years since you attended Hardly Strictly, many security measures will be new to you — including fences and entry through the four main gates. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/music/hardly-strictly-announces-new-security-measures-leave-your-cooler-at-home\">measures were implemented\u003c/a> in 2019 following a wave of mass shootings at large events across the U.S. Attendees at Hardly Strictly can now expect a security presence, including body scanners and possible bag and cooler searches.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Each person can bring \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/info-faq-2026/\">a personal item and a bag\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1320\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2239117637.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12100876\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2239117637.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2239117637-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2239117637-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Thousands gather for the final day of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival at Golden Gate Park on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (Brontë Wittpenn/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Clear bags are recommended for easier entry. Regular bags, such as non-transparent backpacks, must not exceed 6 inches by 8 inches by 3 inches.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Beer and wine are allowed but must be in non-glass containers. Blankets and tarps up to 6 feet by 8 feet, as well as low chairs, are also allowed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Items such as wagons, strollers, low-back chairs, non-clear medium backpacks, totes, and soft coolers are allowed but will be subject to more thorough searches, which may take longer. So if you’re bringing these items, don’t cut it fine to see your favorite act.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>You cannot bring:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Large or hard coolers\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>High-backed chairs\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Tables\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Tents\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Umbrellas and shade structures\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Tarps and blankets larger than 6 feet by 8 feet\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Items with an open flame, firearms, drones, fireworks\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Kegs and hard liquor\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Glass containers\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Devices for amplified sound or any item that could cause damage or injury\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Smoking — \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/information--know-your-rights-cannabis-consumer\">including weed\u003c/a> — is also not allowed in any area in Golden Gate Park due to a San Francisco ordinance. (Although you may still see people lighting up on Hippie Hill \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080068/official-san-francisco-hippie-hill-celebration-canceled-for-third-time-in-a-row-where-to-observe-420-around-the-bay-area\">during certain times of the year\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"food\">What about food at Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Guests \u003cem>are \u003c/em>allowed to bring their own food — just not in glass containers. There are also free water refill stations scattered throughout the festival. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/2026-food-and-drink/\">scope out the list of vendors on Hardly Strictly’s website\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2238863551.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12100882\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2238863551.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2238863551-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/GettyImages-2238863551-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tiffanie Tippens dancing to the Dan Tyminski Band performing at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festival on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in San Francisco, California. (Santiago Mejia/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Plan for things to be cashless. Vendors will be located at:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Arrow Food Meadow\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>JFK Food Trucks\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>JFK Flats\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Porch Stage Area\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What’s the weather forecast for Hardly Strictly this year?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Usually, Golden Gate Park is an area of San Francisco that you can rely on to bring the chill even on the balmiest days (which \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091823/outside-lands-2026-tickets-parking-road-closures-and-bag-rules\">Outside Lands \u003c/a>attendees know all too well).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But it’s been getting hotter in the Bay Area as of late, so be sure to \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.769421&lon=-122.48621\">keep an eye on the weather forecast\u003c/a> and plan to bring the usual Golden Gate Park survival kit: water, sunscreen and layers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will there be a bus running in the park during Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The park service will be running its shuttle service during the music festival. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfrecpark.org/1617/Golden-Gate-Park-Free-Shuttle\">Get the shuttle hours and schedule.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does public transit look like during Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can consult \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/hardly-strictly-bluegrass-october-2-4-2026\">SFMTA’s website\u003c/a> for the latest updates on Muni. There will also be \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/hardly-strictly-bluegrass-october-2-4-2026#extra\">extra Muni services\u003c/a> throughout the weekend.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Muni routes affected will be N Judah, 5 Fulton, 5R Fulton Rapid, 7 Haight/Noriega, 18 46th Avenue, 28 19th Avenue, 29 Sunset and 44 O’Shaughnessy. Be sure to plan for extra travel time, because there \u003cem>will \u003c/em>be traffic and big crowds.\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/10/2026/09/260911-FareRequired-NG-11.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099241\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260911-FareRequired-NG-11.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260911-FareRequired-NG-11-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260911-FareRequired-NG-11-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Muni bus marquee says “Fare Required” in San Francisco’s Outer Richmond neighborhood on Sept. 11, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The N Judah, 7 Haight/Noriega, 28 19th Avenue, 29 Sunset and 44 O’Shaughnessy lines all serve areas of Golden Gate Park.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There will be no bike valet at Hardly Strictly 2026, so be careful when \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101906075/bikes-stolen-in-the-bay-area-show-up-on-global-blackmarket\">parking and locking up your bike.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What roads will be closed around Golden Gate Park?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/547/Golden-Gate-Park-Road-Closures\">Golden Gate Park’s website\u003c/a>, these roads will be closed before and during the event:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Transverse Drive will be closed from Crossover Drive (25th Avenue) to Martin Luther King Drive from 6:00 a.m. Friday until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>JFK Drive between Stow Lake Circle and 36th Avenue will be closed from 8:00 p.m. Thursday until 6:00 p.m. on Monday.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>30th Avenue will be closed from Fulton to JFK Drive from 8:00 p.m. Thursday until Monday at 6:00 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>36th Avenue from Fulton to the turnaround from 6:00 a.m. Friday until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>JFK Drive closed from 36th Avenue to Chain of Lakes Drive from 6 a.m. Friday until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Polo Fields parking area on both the north (stables) and south side of the Polo fields from 6 a.m. on Friday until 1 p.m. on Monday.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Middle Drive West from Transverse to MLK from Friday at 6:00 a.m. until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Overlook Drive from Transverse to Middle Drive West from Friday at 6:00 a.m. until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Metson Drive from Middle Drive West to MLK from Friday at 6:00 a.m. until 11:55 p.m. on Sunday.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Golden Gate Park’s website also details closures on the days leading up to the festival, stating that JFK Drive will be closed between Transverse Drive and 36th Avenue due to “congestion from load-in.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Bikes will be allowed on JFK at 5 mph speed limit, except when arches are being installed, in which event they will be diverted,” \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/547/Golden-Gate-Park-Road-Closures\">according to the website.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There will be special accommodations for soccer players accessing Polo Field.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"parking\">What parking is available at Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hardly Strictly encourages taking public transportation to the event. If you choose to drive, however, there may be paid parking on a first-come, first-served basis.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Below are the paid parking lots that are usually available during this event. However, they are independently owned, so Hardly Strictly organizers \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/info-faq-2025/#venue\">cannot guarantee they’ll remain exactly the same this year:\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>George Washington High School at 600 32nd Ave. \u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Argonne at 680 18th Ave.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Lawton Alternative School at 1570 31st Ave.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Lafayette Elementary at 4545 Anza St.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>SFUSD Admin Campus at 750 25th Ave.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Accessible parking is available along JFK, west of Chain of Lakes. There will be shuttle stops at JFK & Bernice Rodgers Way, JFK & Chain of Lakes, JFK near Gate 3 entry and GGP Senior Center, 6101 Fulton St.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Remember, if you’re choosing to try to park near Hardly Strictly, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11959477/car-break-ins-bay-area-glass-repair-what-to-do\">break-ins are still common in San Francisco\u003c/a> — so leave nothing visible in your vehicle, and if at all possible, leave your trunk exposed to show it’s empty. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Don’t leave any electronics like laptops in your vehicle, even if you think they’re hidden. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11959799/how-to-avoid-a-car-break-in-bay-area\">Read more about how to potentially reduce your risk of getting your car broken into.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does rideshare pickup and drop-off work at Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There will be taxi stands at Fulton from 22nd Avenue to 24th Avenue.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are pickups and drop-offs for rideshares like Lyft and Uber around “Washington High School on both 30th Avenue between Anza and Balboa and on Balboa between 30th and 31st [avenues],” according to the \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/info-faq-2026/\">Hardly Strictly website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are pickups on Irving between 25th Avenue and 27th Avenue.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Due to the large amounts of traffic coming to and from the park, ridesharing apps will only allow pin drops from the designated pickup area, so you should make your way to the drop-off/pickup location before calling for your ride,” the website notes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bear in mind: Ordering a Waymo specifically could get tricky at places with high crowds. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For example, Fourth of July this year saw \u003ca href=\"https://abc7news.com/post/waymo-fleet-clogs-presidio-july-4-fireworks-leaving-vehicles-stranded-towed/19455862/\">many Waymos gridlocked and jammed in traffic\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But according to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/outside-lands-muni-ridership-transit-waymo-22382965.php\">\u003cem>San Francisco Chronicle\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, things went smoother after the city placed pickup/drop-off restrictions at the recent Outside Lands festival.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about accessibility at Hardly Strictly?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/info-faq-2026/\">the website\u003c/a>, Golden Gate Park “covers a lot of space and encompasses many types of terrain, including grassy fields, sandy pathways, paved walkways, potholes” and more.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Guests who seek accessible services can get a wristband at a tent near JFK and 36th Avenue, adjacent to Gate 3. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"969\" height=\"724\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/2025accessibilitymap2025.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12058463\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/2025accessibilitymap2025.png 969w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/2025accessibilitymap2025-160x120.png 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 969px) 100vw, 969px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An accessibility map of the 2025 Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival in Golden Gate Park. (Courtesy of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The map below highlights the usual accessible services at Hardly Strictly, like entrances, viewing spots and accessible portable bathrooms.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Accessible parking is available along JFK, west of Chain of Lakes. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There will be shuttle stops at JFK & Bernice Rodgers Way, JFK & Chain of Lakes, JFK near Gate 3 entry and GGP Senior Center, 6101 Fulton St.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about staying safe in a large crowd?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As with any busy day at a festival, you should stay aware of your health and bodily needs. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>KQED has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12093415/the-no-judgement-guide-to-not-passing-out-at-a-concert-and-other-concert-health-tips\">a thorough guide on staying healthy and upright at a concert\u003c/a> that tackles fainting, dehydration, standing in the heat and the all-encompassing festival-goer’s mission of avoiding the dreaded port-a-potties.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Crowds can be especially overwhelming for some people. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2021/11/11/1054765905/what-went-wrong-at-astroworld-the-deadly-dynamics-of-crowd-surge\">past tragic incidents at other festivals\u003c/a>, it does not hurt to be cautious and prepared. Read \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2021/11/09/1053828800/south-korea-seoul-halloween-crowd-safety-tips\">NPR’s full guide on what to do if you find yourself caught in a crowd crush\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12093685\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589-2000x1500.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/IMG_1589-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans faint at concerts for a variety of reasons. Event medical professionals explain how to stay safe. (Anna Vignet/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to Mehdi Moussaïd, a research scientist in Berlin who studies crowd behavior, rely on your instincts and senses if you feel like the crowd is getting too dense. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you get stuck in a crush, move with the crowd, put your arms out in front of your chest and hold them there.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“In this position, you would have some space, just a little bit, to push for half a centimeter or just 1 centimeter — enough for you to keep breathing,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2021/11/09/1053828800/south-korea-seoul-halloween-crowd-safety-tips\">Moussaïd told NPR in 2022\u003c/a>. “It’s not going to be comfortable. You’re going to be feeling really bad, but at least you’ll survive.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story includes reporting by KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/nvoynovskaya\">\u003cem>Nastia Voynovskaya\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/gmeline\">\u003cem>Gabe Meline\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> and \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/ralexandra\">\u003cem>Rae Alexandra\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "applying-for-a-green-card-or-a-visa-what-to-know-about-the-new-public-charge-rule",
"title": "Applying for a Green Card or a Visa? What to Know About the New Public Charge Rule",
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"headTitle": "Applying for a Green Card or a Visa? What to Know About the New Public Charge Rule | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>As of this Friday, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/trump-administration\">Trump administration\u003c/a> will give immigration officers more power to deny green cards and visas to immigrants who use public benefits.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Immigration officials will now consider a wider range of factors to decide if an applicant is likely to become a “public charge” — someone who is primarily dependent on the government to support themselves.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Federal law \u003ca href=\"https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-8-part-g-chapter-2\">states\u003c/a> that individuals who are likely to become a public charge cannot be admitted to the country, but it does not provide an exact list of factors or circumstances to determine who is a “public charge.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That’s why different administrations have interpreted the law differently. \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/10/2026/05/260507-IMMIGRATIONCOURTVOLUNTEERS-07-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12084722\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260507-IMMIGRATIONCOURTVOLUNTEERS-07-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260507-IMMIGRATIONCOURTVOLUNTEERS-07-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260507-IMMIGRATIONCOURTVOLUNTEERS-07-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Concord Immigration Court in Concord on May 7, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security revoked a Biden-era rule that limited what officials could look at when considering an application. Without that guardrail in place, DHS can now consider whether an individual has ever received “means-tested public benefits” — a category that officials \u003ca href=\"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/20/2026-14539/public-charge-ground-of-inadmissibility\">have confirmed\u003c/a> includes:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Medicaid (Medi-Cal) coverage\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Unemployment benefits (CalWords)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Food stamps (CalFresh) and other nutrition-assistance programs like WIC for women, infants and children\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Housing vouchers\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Early education programs like Head Start (if the applicant is a child)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>School lunch and summer food service programs that an applicant received thanks to food stamps or Medicaid coverage\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The new policy also considers direct cash aid programs at the local level, like guaranteed or universal basic income programs (also known as UBI). Over the past decade, cities like San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles and Stockton have developed their own UBI programs for low-income families that don’t take immigration status into account.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What else could immigration officials look at?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>DHS insists that the Biden-era rule prevented immigration officials from making more informed decisions. Looking at current and past public benefits, the agency said, is “relevant to determining whether an alien is likely at any time to become a public charge.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The new policy is not entirely clear about what else immigration officials would consider public benefits, said Robert Yabes, who leads the immigration legal program at Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Officials now have much more discretion when making a decision,” he added. “We will have to observe how they use that now in cases,” he said. “And then based on what we learn, we will guide clients.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/gettyimages-2238189274-scaled-e1789757180450.jpeg\" alt=\"A federal officer stands in a hallway at New York Federal Plaza Immigration Court inside the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building in New York in October 2025.\" class=\"wp-image-12085161\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A federal officer stands in a hallway at New York Federal Plaza Immigration Court inside the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building in New York in October 2025. (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The announcement has sparked uncertainty and anxiety among immigrant families in the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The rules are constantly changing, and it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s not,” said Lydia Bustamante, who leads San José’s Office of Inclusion and Belonging.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The result is that people are not accessing the services and resources that they need and deserve in order to support their families in one of the highest-cost-of-living areas in the country,” she added, stressing the importance of talking to legal experts to better understand this new rule.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are many ways to find legal aid in the Bay Area. These are some options recommended by immigrant advocates KQED spoke to:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://baylegal.org/get-help/\">Bay Area Legal Aid\u003c/a>: 800-551-5554\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Santa Clara County’s \u003ca href=\"https://desj.santaclaracounty.gov/oir/legal-services\">portal of free-to-low-cost immigration legal services\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Alameda County Immigration Legal and Education Partnership: 510-241-4011\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Marin County Rapid Response Network: 415-991-4545\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>San Francisco Rapid Response Network: 415-200-1548\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Santa Clara County: 408-290-1144\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Stand Together Contra Costa: 925-900-5151\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>North Bay Rapid Response Network (Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties): 707-800-4544\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Cities and counties are generally not involved in federal immigration affairs, Santa Clara County Executive James Williams pointed out. “All of the care and services we offer to ensure the health and well-being of every family in our community,” he said, “remains fully open and accessible to everybody.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re doing all we can to make sure that people continue to access those services,” he added, “and know that their county government is standing with them.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is impacted by this change?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Folks should first find out whether the new public charge rule actually affects them, said Yabes from Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This doesn’t apply to everybody,” he said. “Families should not automatically withdraw from any program that they’re in right now, especially with children, [without] finding out if the new rule actually applies to their particular immigration situation.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The new rule affects only people who are applying for a green card or a visa, Yabes explained. It doesn’t include naturalized U.S. citizens or current green card holders — unless they leave the country for more than six months. “It also does not apply to people who have refugee or asylum status,” he added, “or even DACA and TPS recipients.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, protects some people who were brought to the U.S. as children from deportation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, is granted to immigrants from countries where the situation is too dangerous or unstable to return. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Individuals who are applying for legal permanent residence (a green card) will, however, be subject to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-8-part-g-chapter-3\">new guidelines\u003c/a> — even if they have an immediate family member who is a U.S. citizen or are being sponsored by an employer.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why are state and local officials worried about this new public charge rule?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>California and 22 other Democrat-led states are suing the Trump administration to block the new public charge rule. Attorney General Rob Bonta said on Monday that these guidelines give immigration officials “practically unlimited discretion to deny someone a green card because they used a public benefit program.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This is a cruel policy designed to force immigrant families to forgo healthcare and food assistance programs out of fear that using them could jeopardize their immigration status,” he added.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/240815-CityAttorneyDeepfakes-10-BL_qed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12053793\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/240815-CityAttorneyDeepfakes-10-BL_qed-1.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/240815-CityAttorneyDeepfakes-10-BL_qed-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/240815-CityAttorneyDeepfakes-10-BL_qed-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">City Attorney David Chiu speaks during a press conference at City Hall in San Francisco on Aug. 15, 2024. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>San Francisco and Santa Clara County have also sued the federal government over the new policy in a separate lawsuit. “If even a fraction of households are withdrawing from these social services, our city stands to lose millions of dollars in federal reimbursements,” San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bay Area counties are already \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082251/after-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-free-clinics-are-stepping-up\">expecting to lose\u003c/a> millions of dollars in Medicaid funding thanks to cuts from President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. More funding losses could strain local services even more.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In a statement to KQED, DHS said that state leaders pushing back against the policy “are terrified they will lose federal funds because hundreds of thousands of illegals and noncitizens might remove themselves from American welfare programs.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re shaking in our boots over this supposedly terrible outcome,” DHS added.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In 2019, San Francisco and Santa Clara County won a \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-san-francisco-and-county-of-santa-clara-conclude-public-charge-lawsuit\">legal battle\u003c/a> against the first Trump administration over a similar change to the public charge rule. “This is something that we have fought before,” Chiu said. “This is a cruel attempt by the federal administration to impose a wealth test on families that are seeking a future in our country.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260507-IMMIGRATIONCOURTVOLUNTEERS-07-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12084722\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260507-IMMIGRATIONCOURTVOLUNTEERS-07-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260507-IMMIGRATIONCOURTVOLUNTEERS-07-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260507-IMMIGRATIONCOURTVOLUNTEERS-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\">The Concord Immigration Court in Concord on May 7, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>School lunch and summer food service programs that an applicant received thanks to food stamps or Medicaid coverage\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The new policy also considers direct cash aid programs at the local level, like guaranteed or universal basic income programs (also known as UBI). Over the past decade, cities like San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles and Stockton have developed their own UBI programs for low-income families that don’t take immigration status into account.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The new policy also considers direct cash aid programs at the local level, like guaranteed or universal basic income programs (also known as UBI). Over the past decade, cities like San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles and Stockton have developed their own UBI programs for low-income families that don’t take immigration status into account.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "What else could immigration officials look at?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>DHS insists that the Biden-era rule prevented immigration officials from making more informed decisions. Looking at current and past public benefits, the agency said, is “relevant to determining whether an alien is likely at any time to become a public charge.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>DHS insists that the Biden-era rule prevented immigration officials from making more informed decisions. Looking at current and past public benefits, the agency said, is “relevant to determining whether an alien is likely at any time to become a public charge.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The new policy is not entirely clear about what else immigration officials would consider public benefits, said Robert Yabes, who leads the immigration legal program at Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Officials now have much more discretion when making a decision,” he added. “We will have to observe how they use that now in cases,” he said. “And then based on what we learn, we will guide clients.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Officials now have much more discretion when making a decision,” he added. “We will have to observe how they use that now in cases,” he said. “And then based on what we learn, we will guide clients.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"alt": "A federal officer stands in a hallway at New York Federal Plaza Immigration Court inside the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building in New York in October 2025."
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/gettyimages-2238189274-scaled-e1789757180450.jpeg\" alt=\"A federal officer stands in a hallway at New York Federal Plaza Immigration Court inside the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building in New York in October 2025.\" class=\"wp-image-12085161\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A federal officer stands in a hallway at New York Federal Plaza Immigration Court inside the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building in New York in October 2025.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\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/10/2026/05/gettyimages-2238189274-scaled-e1789757180450.jpeg\" alt=\"A federal officer stands in a hallway at New York Federal Plaza Immigration Court inside the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building in New York in October 2025.\" class=\"wp-image-12085161\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A federal officer stands in a hallway at New York Federal Plaza Immigration Court inside the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building in New York in October 2025.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The announcement has sparked uncertainty and anxiety among immigrant families in the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The rules are constantly changing, and it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s not,” said Lydia Bustamante, who leads San José’s Office of Inclusion and Belonging.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The rules are constantly changing, and it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s not,” said Lydia Bustamante, who leads San José’s Office of Inclusion and Belonging.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The result is that people are not accessing the services and resources that they need and deserve in order to support their families in one of the highest-cost-of-living areas in the country,” she added, stressing the importance of talking to legal experts to better understand this new rule.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The result is that people are not accessing the services and resources that they need and deserve in order to support their families in one of the highest-cost-of-living areas in the country,” she added, stressing the importance of talking to legal experts to better understand this new rule.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There are many ways to find legal aid in the Bay Area. These are some options recommended by immigrant advocates KQED spoke to:\u003c/p>\n",
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"Bay Area Legal Aid: 800-551-5554",
"Santa Clara County’s portal of free-to-low-cost immigration legal services",
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"Marin County Rapid Response Network: 415-991-4545",
"San Francisco Rapid Response Network: 415-200-1548",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://baylegal.org/get-help/\">Bay Area Legal Aid\u003c/a>: 800-551-5554\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Santa Clara County’s \u003ca href=\"https://desj.santaclaracounty.gov/oir/legal-services\">portal of free-to-low-cost immigration legal services\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>Santa Clara County’s \u003ca href=\"https://desj.santaclaracounty.gov/oir/legal-services\">portal of free-to-low-cost immigration legal services\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Alameda County Immigration Legal and Education Partnership: 510-241-4011\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Marin County Rapid Response Network: 415-991-4545\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>San Francisco Rapid Response Network: 415-200-1548\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Santa Clara County: 408-290-1144\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Stand Together Contra Costa: 925-900-5151\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>North Bay Rapid Response Network (Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties): 707-800-4544\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Cities and counties are generally not involved in federal immigration affairs, Santa Clara County Executive James Williams pointed out. “All of the care and services we offer to ensure the health and well-being of every family in our community,” he said, “remains fully open and accessible to everybody.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Cities and counties are generally not involved in federal immigration affairs, Santa Clara County Executive James Williams pointed out. “All of the care and services we offer to ensure the health and well-being of every family in our community,” he said, “remains fully open and accessible to everybody.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re doing all we can to make sure that people continue to access those services,” he added, “and know that their county government is standing with them.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"text": "Who is impacted by this change?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Folks should first find out whether the new public charge rule actually affects them, said Yabes from Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This doesn’t apply to everybody,” he said. “Families should not automatically withdraw from any program that they’re in right now, especially with children, [without] finding out if the new rule actually applies to their particular immigration situation.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“This doesn’t apply to everybody,” he said. “Families should not automatically withdraw from any program that they’re in right now, especially with children, [without] finding out if the new rule actually applies to their particular immigration situation.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The new rule affects only people who are applying for a green card or a visa, Yabes explained. It doesn’t include naturalized U.S. citizens or current green card holders — unless they leave the country for more than six months. “It also does not apply to people who have refugee or asylum status,” he added, “or even DACA and TPS recipients.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The new rule affects only people who are applying for a green card or a visa, Yabes explained. It doesn’t include naturalized U.S. citizens or current green card holders — unless they leave the country for more than six months. “It also does not apply to people who have refugee or asylum status,” he added, “or even DACA and TPS recipients.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, protects some people who were brought to the U.S. as children from deportation. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, is granted to immigrants from countries where the situation is too dangerous or unstable to return. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, is granted to immigrants from countries where the situation is too dangerous or unstable to return. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Individuals who are applying for legal permanent residence (a green card) will, however, be subject to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-8-part-g-chapter-3\">new guidelines\u003c/a> — even if they have an immediate family member who is a U.S. citizen or are being sponsored by an employer.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Individuals who are applying for legal permanent residence (a green card) will, however, be subject to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-8-part-g-chapter-3\">new guidelines\u003c/a> — even if they have an immediate family member who is a U.S. citizen or are being sponsored by an employer.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
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"text": "Why are state and local officials worried about this new public charge rule?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why are state and local officials worried about this new public charge rule?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why are state and local officials worried about this new public charge rule?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>California and 22 other Democrat-led states are suing the Trump administration to block the new public charge rule. Attorney General Rob Bonta said on Monday that these guidelines give immigration officials “practically unlimited discretion to deny someone a green card because they used a public benefit program.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>California and 22 other Democrat-led states are suing the Trump administration to block the new public charge rule. Attorney General Rob Bonta said on Monday that these guidelines give immigration officials “practically unlimited discretion to deny someone a green card because they used a public benefit program.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This is a cruel policy designed to force immigrant families to forgo healthcare and food assistance programs out of fear that using them could jeopardize their immigration status,” he added.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“This is a cruel policy designed to force immigrant families to forgo healthcare and food assistance programs out of fear that using them could jeopardize their immigration status,” he added.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/240815-CityAttorneyDeepfakes-10-BL_qed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12053793\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/240815-CityAttorneyDeepfakes-10-BL_qed-1.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/240815-CityAttorneyDeepfakes-10-BL_qed-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/240815-CityAttorneyDeepfakes-10-BL_qed-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">City Attorney David Chiu speaks during a press conference at City Hall in San Francisco on Aug. 15, 2024.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\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/10/2025/08/240815-CityAttorneyDeepfakes-10-BL_qed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12053793\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">City Attorney David Chiu speaks during a press conference at City Hall in San Francisco on Aug. 15, 2024.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>San Francisco and Santa Clara County have also sued the federal government over the new policy in a separate lawsuit. “If even a fraction of households are withdrawing from these social services, our city stands to lose millions of dollars in federal reimbursements,” San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>San Francisco and Santa Clara County have also sued the federal government over the new policy in a separate lawsuit. “If even a fraction of households are withdrawing from these social services, our city stands to lose millions of dollars in federal reimbursements,” San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Bay Area counties are already \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082251/after-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-free-clinics-are-stepping-up\">expecting to lose\u003c/a> millions of dollars in Medicaid funding thanks to cuts from President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. More funding losses could strain local services even more.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Bay Area counties are already \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082251/after-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-free-clinics-are-stepping-up\">expecting to lose\u003c/a> millions of dollars in Medicaid funding thanks to cuts from President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. More funding losses could strain local services even more.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In a statement to KQED, DHS said that state leaders pushing back against the policy “are terrified they will lose federal funds because hundreds of thousands of illegals and noncitizens might remove themselves from American welfare programs.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>In a statement to KQED, DHS said that state leaders pushing back against the policy “are terrified they will lose federal funds because hundreds of thousands of illegals and noncitizens might remove themselves from American welfare programs.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re shaking in our boots over this supposedly terrible outcome,” DHS added.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We’re shaking in our boots over this supposedly terrible outcome,” DHS added.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In 2019, San Francisco and Santa Clara County won a \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-san-francisco-and-county-of-santa-clara-conclude-public-charge-lawsuit\">legal battle\u003c/a> against the first Trump administration over a similar change to the public charge rule. “This is something that we have fought before,” Chiu said. “This is a cruel attempt by the federal administration to impose a wealth test on families that are seeking a future in our country.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "The change will not impact all immigrants. But federal officers can now consider whether a green card or visa applicant received unemployment benefits, housing vouchers, Medi-Cal and even free school lunches.",
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"title": "Applying for a Green Card or a Visa? What to Know About the New Public Charge Rule | KQED",
"description": "The change will not impact all immigrants. But federal officers can now consider whether a green card or visa applicant received unemployment benefits, housing vouchers, Medi-Cal and even free school lunches.",
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"headline": "Applying for a Green Card or a Visa? What to Know About the New Public Charge Rule",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>As of this Friday, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/trump-administration\">Trump administration\u003c/a> will give immigration officers more power to deny green cards and visas to immigrants who use public benefits.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Immigration officials will now consider a wider range of factors to decide if an applicant is likely to become a “public charge” — someone who is primarily dependent on the government to support themselves.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Federal law \u003ca href=\"https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-8-part-g-chapter-2\">states\u003c/a> that individuals who are likely to become a public charge cannot be admitted to the country, but it does not provide an exact list of factors or circumstances to determine who is a “public charge.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That’s why different administrations have interpreted the law differently. \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/10/2026/05/260507-IMMIGRATIONCOURTVOLUNTEERS-07-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12084722\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260507-IMMIGRATIONCOURTVOLUNTEERS-07-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260507-IMMIGRATIONCOURTVOLUNTEERS-07-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260507-IMMIGRATIONCOURTVOLUNTEERS-07-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Concord Immigration Court in Concord on May 7, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security revoked a Biden-era rule that limited what officials could look at when considering an application. Without that guardrail in place, DHS can now consider whether an individual has ever received “means-tested public benefits” — a category that officials \u003ca href=\"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/20/2026-14539/public-charge-ground-of-inadmissibility\">have confirmed\u003c/a> includes:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Medicaid (Medi-Cal) coverage\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Unemployment benefits (CalWords)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Food stamps (CalFresh) and other nutrition-assistance programs like WIC for women, infants and children\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Housing vouchers\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Early education programs like Head Start (if the applicant is a child)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>School lunch and summer food service programs that an applicant received thanks to food stamps or Medicaid coverage\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The new policy also considers direct cash aid programs at the local level, like guaranteed or universal basic income programs (also known as UBI). Over the past decade, cities like San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles and Stockton have developed their own UBI programs for low-income families that don’t take immigration status into account.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What else could immigration officials look at?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>DHS insists that the Biden-era rule prevented immigration officials from making more informed decisions. Looking at current and past public benefits, the agency said, is “relevant to determining whether an alien is likely at any time to become a public charge.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The new policy is not entirely clear about what else immigration officials would consider public benefits, said Robert Yabes, who leads the immigration legal program at Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Officials now have much more discretion when making a decision,” he added. “We will have to observe how they use that now in cases,” he said. “And then based on what we learn, we will guide clients.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/gettyimages-2238189274-scaled-e1789757180450.jpeg\" alt=\"A federal officer stands in a hallway at New York Federal Plaza Immigration Court inside the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building in New York in October 2025.\" class=\"wp-image-12085161\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A federal officer stands in a hallway at New York Federal Plaza Immigration Court inside the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building in New York in October 2025. (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The announcement has sparked uncertainty and anxiety among immigrant families in the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The rules are constantly changing, and it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s not,” said Lydia Bustamante, who leads San José’s Office of Inclusion and Belonging.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The result is that people are not accessing the services and resources that they need and deserve in order to support their families in one of the highest-cost-of-living areas in the country,” she added, stressing the importance of talking to legal experts to better understand this new rule.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are many ways to find legal aid in the Bay Area. These are some options recommended by immigrant advocates KQED spoke to:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://baylegal.org/get-help/\">Bay Area Legal Aid\u003c/a>: 800-551-5554\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Santa Clara County’s \u003ca href=\"https://desj.santaclaracounty.gov/oir/legal-services\">portal of free-to-low-cost immigration legal services\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Alameda County Immigration Legal and Education Partnership: 510-241-4011\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Marin County Rapid Response Network: 415-991-4545\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>San Francisco Rapid Response Network: 415-200-1548\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Santa Clara County: 408-290-1144\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Stand Together Contra Costa: 925-900-5151\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>North Bay Rapid Response Network (Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties): 707-800-4544\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Cities and counties are generally not involved in federal immigration affairs, Santa Clara County Executive James Williams pointed out. “All of the care and services we offer to ensure the health and well-being of every family in our community,” he said, “remains fully open and accessible to everybody.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re doing all we can to make sure that people continue to access those services,” he added, “and know that their county government is standing with them.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is impacted by this change?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Folks should first find out whether the new public charge rule actually affects them, said Yabes from Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This doesn’t apply to everybody,” he said. “Families should not automatically withdraw from any program that they’re in right now, especially with children, [without] finding out if the new rule actually applies to their particular immigration situation.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The new rule affects only people who are applying for a green card or a visa, Yabes explained. It doesn’t include naturalized U.S. citizens or current green card holders — unless they leave the country for more than six months. “It also does not apply to people who have refugee or asylum status,” he added, “or even DACA and TPS recipients.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, protects some people who were brought to the U.S. as children from deportation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, is granted to immigrants from countries where the situation is too dangerous or unstable to return. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Individuals who are applying for legal permanent residence (a green card) will, however, be subject to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-8-part-g-chapter-3\">new guidelines\u003c/a> — even if they have an immediate family member who is a U.S. citizen or are being sponsored by an employer.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why are state and local officials worried about this new public charge rule?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>California and 22 other Democrat-led states are suing the Trump administration to block the new public charge rule. Attorney General Rob Bonta said on Monday that these guidelines give immigration officials “practically unlimited discretion to deny someone a green card because they used a public benefit program.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This is a cruel policy designed to force immigrant families to forgo healthcare and food assistance programs out of fear that using them could jeopardize their immigration status,” he added.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/240815-CityAttorneyDeepfakes-10-BL_qed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12053793\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/240815-CityAttorneyDeepfakes-10-BL_qed-1.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/240815-CityAttorneyDeepfakes-10-BL_qed-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/240815-CityAttorneyDeepfakes-10-BL_qed-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">City Attorney David Chiu speaks during a press conference at City Hall in San Francisco on Aug. 15, 2024. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>San Francisco and Santa Clara County have also sued the federal government over the new policy in a separate lawsuit. “If even a fraction of households are withdrawing from these social services, our city stands to lose millions of dollars in federal reimbursements,” San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bay Area counties are already \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082251/after-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-free-clinics-are-stepping-up\">expecting to lose\u003c/a> millions of dollars in Medicaid funding thanks to cuts from President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. More funding losses could strain local services even more.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In a statement to KQED, DHS said that state leaders pushing back against the policy “are terrified they will lose federal funds because hundreds of thousands of illegals and noncitizens might remove themselves from American welfare programs.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re shaking in our boots over this supposedly terrible outcome,” DHS added.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In 2019, San Francisco and Santa Clara County won a \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-san-francisco-and-county-of-santa-clara-conclude-public-charge-lawsuit\">legal battle\u003c/a> against the first Trump administration over a similar change to the public charge rule. “This is something that we have fought before,” Chiu said. “This is a cruel attempt by the federal administration to impose a wealth test on families that are seeking a future in our country.”\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "what-to-do-if-you-see-a-mountain-lion-while-hiking-in-the-bay-area",
"title": "Another Mountain Lion Seen in San Francisco? What to Do If You Encounter One",
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"headTitle": "Another Mountain Lion Seen in San Francisco? What to Do If You Encounter One | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>Yet \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/SanFranciscoACC/posts/pfbid0Gua8yrHfmTsd1oJWFp3Ukp44HLs1CTMfpXsoKhGMp4vbUsoLGTytqSJAMDGpaXeMl\">\u003cem>another \u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12071216/san-francisco-mountain-lion-is-tranquilized-as-officials-work-to-capture-the-cougar\">mountain lion\u003c/a> has been \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/DanielLurie/status/2100988932871893476?s=20\">spotted \u003c/a>roaming the streets of San Francisco — this time, an animal sighted Friday in the Sunset District, on 44th Avenue near Ulloa Street.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to a Friday statement from San Francisco Animal Care and Control, city authorities, officials from the state fish and wildlife department and staff from the San Francisco Zoo were dispatched to the scene.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By 11:15 a.m., a citywide alert announced the animal had been taken in the care of state game wardens and “there is no danger to the public.”\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This marks the second San Francisco mountain lion sighting in two weeks, after \u003ca href=\"https://www.kcra.com/article/san-francisco-mountain-lion-sighting-panhandle/73632758\">another animal was seen\u003c/a> around the Panhandle earlier in September.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This latest sighting — in an urban setting — might have you wondering: “How exactly \u003cem>should \u003c/em>I react if I see a mountain lion?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Encountering a mountain lion up close\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Two decades ago, Zara McDonald was on a run in Marin near \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1997579/bay-area-hikes-views-clouds-marine-inversion-layer\">Mount Tamalpais\u003c/a> around dusk when a mountain lion suddenly appeared above her, just 5 feet away — and stared at her.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Its eyes then fixed on something behind her, and the mountain lion disappeared back into the bushes. When she turned around, she saw three deer on the hillside behind her.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I felt really small,” said McDonald, a biologist and researcher who’s now the founder and president of the \u003ca href=\"https://bapp.org/\">Bay Area Puma Project\u003c/a>, a local wild cat research and conservation organization that’s part of the \u003ca href=\"https://felidaefund.org/\">Felidae Conservation Fund\u003c/a>. “I disrupted his opportunity to get a meal.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003c/strong>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#avoid-mountain-lions\">How to avoid mountain lions — and what to do if you see one\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>And while she had fears, “he was not a threat,” she said. Rather, “I left feeling like I was an intruder.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For McDonald, this experience back in the early 2000s was “transformative” in how she saw humans’ relationship to nature. Now, her organization has around \u003ca href=\"https://bapp.org/our-work/remote-cameras\">200 cameras placed around the Bay Area\u003c/a> that collect data on mountain lion movement. The project also \u003ca href=\"https://bapp.org/updates/updates/bay-area-puma-project/scat-field-work-2024\">studies their fecal matter\u003c/a> for information on genetics and overall population health.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12052071\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Coe01_Sep-9-2023_puma-scaled.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12052071\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Coe01_Sep-9-2023_puma-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Coe01_Sep-9-2023_puma-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Coe01_Sep-9-2023_puma-2000x1125.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Coe01_Sep-9-2023_puma-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Coe01_Sep-9-2023_puma-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Coe01_Sep-9-2023_puma-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" />\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A mountain lion stares into a wildlife camera on Sept. 9, 2023. \u003ccite>(Photo by Felidae Conservation Fund/Bay Area Puma Project)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The mountain lion is the second-largest cat in all of North America and is native to the Bay Area. While you may have never seen one, \u003ca href=\"https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Mountain-Lion#632445330-statewide-integrated-population-modeling\">40% of the state is considered suitable for mountain lion habitat,\u003c/a> making it likely that these elusive animals are around hiking trails or \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13897584/here-kitty-kitty-that-mountain-lion-spotted-in-bernal-heights-has-been-captured\">areas you might already be frequenting.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mountain lions are \u003ca href=\"https://www.britannica.com/science/apex-predator\">apex predators\u003c/a>, but experts say, for the most part, they just want to do their own thing. \u003ca href=\"https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Mountain-Lion#632445330-statewide-integrated-population-modeling\">According to the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife\u003c/a>, there have been only 26 total verified mountain lion attacks on humans in California in the last four decades — and four deaths.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So how common are these animals, really? And how afraid should you be of them?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Education is our best tool for preventing conflict,” McDonald said. “When people understand mountain lion behavior, fear turns into respect. And respect is the foundation of coexistence.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How do I know it’s a mountain lion?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>You should know: \u003ca href=\"https://felidaefund.org/news/general/mistaken-mountain-lion-sightings-have-major-consequences\">upwards of 90% of all “mountain lion sightings” in California are not actually mountain lions\u003c/a>. And there are only about 3,200 to 4,500 lions across the entire state, said Mairan Smith, a CDFW unit biologist for the Bay Delta region.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the Bay Area, they’re often confused for \u003ca href=\"https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/bobcat\">bobcats \u003c/a>or stray domestic cats. But an actual mountain lion will be:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.openspace.org/where-to-go/nature/mountain-lions\">Much larger\u003c/a>, with adult males reaching around 8 feet long and up to 150 pounds.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Gray, brown or tan in color with black-tipped ears.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Likely \u003ca href=\"https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Mountain-Lion#632445330-statewide-integrated-population-modeling\">traveling alone.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCIOIbRtAWs\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where am I most likely to see a mountain lion?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Smith said they thrive in redwood forests, brushland and mountain environments — all of which are habitats found in the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While the animals can live almost everywhere in the state, most people who report sightings are closer to the rural-urban divide, she said — not only because these areas are more likely to be their habitat, but also because they’re often a source of livestock or other food.[aside postID=news_12042615 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/E.-CSL-Quly-left-and-Togozees_release_8-4-23_photo-by-Bill-Hunnewell-%C2%A9-The-Marine-Mammal-Center-2-1020x754.jpg']Mountain lions are predators, and their main prey is deer. “Wherever deer move, lions are going to follow,” McDonald said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For food or other resources, they will travel across large territories — up to around 200 square miles for males, which makes places like urban parks, which connect them from area to area, so important, McDonald said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Mountain lions are really trying to figure out how to get that space they need so they can move through it safely and reproduce,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Given this movement, conservation experts want to keep populations of mountain lions connected — and join currently siloed groups to one another. John Benson, associate professor of Vertebrate Ecology at the University of Nebraska’s School of Natural Resources, is \u003ca href=\"https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Mountain-Lion#632445330-statewide-integrated-population-modeling\">studying population dynamics of mountain lions across California\u003c/a> to better “understand what we can do from a conservation perspective to get more connectivity.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Benson said the waters of the San Francisco Bay itself — \u003ca href=\"https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/2688-8319.12093#:~:text=Our%20results%20indicate%20that%20mountain,human%20activity%20on%20the%20landscape.\">as well as human infrastructure like housing development and roads\u003c/a> — all play a role in dividing up populations in the Bay Area. And as mountain lions travel from one open space area to another, \u003ca href=\"https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2025.1013\">this may raise your chances of running into a mountain lion. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But as mountain lions and human development share more of the same space, the danger to these animals increases. \u003ca href=\"https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/mountain-lion-mortality-maps-show-rough-road-cougars\">One of the leading causes of mountain lion mortalities is being struck by a car, McDonald said.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Mountain lions still live in the Bay Area and move through the Bay Area because we’ve preserved enough habitat to support them,” she said. “But along with that privilege comes the responsibility to coexist.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>McDonald called it a common misconception that mountain lions are becoming more adapted to humans.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YW3ESNuGWY\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re seeing more mountain lion activity near urban edges — not because they’re changing but because we are, and development is pushing deeper into their habitat,” McDonald said. “It’s really just survival instinct for them. It’s not anything to do with humans — it’s in \u003cem>spite \u003c/em>of humans that they’re going into these areas.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How can I avoid \u003ca id=\"avoid-mountain-lions\">\u003c/a>mountain lion encounters altogether?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Around your home\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While attacks on humans by mountain lions are extremely rare, they are nonetheless “a risk to outdoor pets and livestock,” Smith said. “It’s really important to keep your pets inside.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That goes for outdoor cats and unsupervised dogs in yards as well as livestock like goats and sheep, she said — advising you keep them fully enclosed at night or consider other methods of safeguarding them, like a \u003ca href=\"https://monocounty.ca.gov/animal/page/livestock-protection-dogs\">livestock guardian dog\u003c/a> or noise deterrents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12052075\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/COE06A_2024Feb12_puma3-scaled.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12052075\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/COE06A_2024Feb12_puma3-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1448\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/COE06A_2024Feb12_puma3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/COE06A_2024Feb12_puma3-2000x1131.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/COE06A_2024Feb12_puma3-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/COE06A_2024Feb12_puma3-1536x869.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/COE06A_2024Feb12_puma3-2048x1158.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" />\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A puma passes by a wildlife camera on March 26, 2025. \u003ccite>(Video by Felidae Conservation Fund/ Bay Area Puma Project)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Anywhere in the Bay Area, if you have livestock, it’s something you should probably be thinking about,” Smith said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also clear brush around your property or install lights if you’re worried about hiding spots for mountain lions, Smith said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you feed stray cats that approach your home, Smith said that the food you leave out can also attract deer, and mountain lions may follow as they hunt their prey — the food itself might tempt them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Mountain lions will come up and eat cat food off of people’s porches,” Smith said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But for the most part, “the last thing most [mountain lions] want to do is encounter us,” Benson said. “In general, they do an excellent job of staying away from people and avoiding areas where they think they’re likely to run into people.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>On the trail\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re concerned about running into a mountain lion while walking or hiking on a trail, remember that they’re nocturnal and crepuscular animals — meaning they are most active at night and during the sunset and sunrise hours.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This means that you can avoid being out on the trail altogether at those times — or allay your fears by traveling in pairs on trails if you know you’re in an area they inhabit.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mountain lions also tend to \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/yoursafety_mountainlions.htm\">stick to densely vegetated areas\u003c/a>. So if you’re worried about stumbling upon one, head to a more open area.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What to do if you see a mountain lion\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If the mountain lion is still some distance from you, and you think they haven’t yet noticed you, “you could just sort of quietly slip away,” Benson said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if the mountain lion has indeed spotted you, remember: “The last thing you want to do is run or show fear,” Benson said. Stand your ground, he said, and look as big as possible. If you have a dog or child with you, you can pick them up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you have a backpack, you can put that over your head to make yourself seem a bit bigger,” he said. If the mountain lion is advancing toward you, you can even throw rocks or sticks at it, he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There are certainly a lot of stories out there of people that successfully were able to fight the mountain lion off.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But in general, remember: mountain lion attacks — especially fatal ones — are extremely rare.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12052047\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12052047\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/COE01A_2023Nov12_puma-kittens4-scaled-e1755118173322.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mountain lion kittens are caught on wildlife cameras on Nov. 12, 2023. \u003ccite>( Felidae Conservation Fund/Bay Area Puma Project)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“The most likely thing that will happen is that it will walk away,” Smith said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And remember: Even just seeing a mountain lion is “pretty special,” she said. And if you do, you can report your sighting on the \u003ca href=\"https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir\">CDFW website,\u003c/a> which will be forwarded to a regional biologist for study, and the Bay Area Puma Project’s own \u003ca href=\"https://bapp.org/meet-puma/sightings\">Puma and Bobcat Sightings Map.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCeDp_MY_h4G6VWj_-VPl-BJlQ3Uya2H0vxRZZd_47BpXwVA/viewform?embedded=true\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/carlysevern\">Carly Severn\u003c/a> contributed to this report. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Mountain lion attacks on humans are extremely rare, but they do happen. Here’s how to steer clear of mountain lions altogether and how to respond in the moment if you do see one.",
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"title": "Another Mountain Lion Seen in San Francisco? What to Do If You Encounter One | KQED",
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"headline": "Another Mountain Lion Seen in San Francisco? What to Do If You Encounter One",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Yet \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/SanFranciscoACC/posts/pfbid0Gua8yrHfmTsd1oJWFp3Ukp44HLs1CTMfpXsoKhGMp4vbUsoLGTytqSJAMDGpaXeMl\">\u003cem>another \u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12071216/san-francisco-mountain-lion-is-tranquilized-as-officials-work-to-capture-the-cougar\">mountain lion\u003c/a> has been \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/DanielLurie/status/2100988932871893476?s=20\">spotted \u003c/a>roaming the streets of San Francisco — this time, an animal sighted Friday in the Sunset District, on 44th Avenue near Ulloa Street.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to a Friday statement from San Francisco Animal Care and Control, city authorities, officials from the state fish and wildlife department and staff from the San Francisco Zoo were dispatched to the scene.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By 11:15 a.m., a citywide alert announced the animal had been taken in the care of state game wardens and “there is no danger to the public.”\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This marks the second San Francisco mountain lion sighting in two weeks, after \u003ca href=\"https://www.kcra.com/article/san-francisco-mountain-lion-sighting-panhandle/73632758\">another animal was seen\u003c/a> around the Panhandle earlier in September.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This latest sighting — in an urban setting — might have you wondering: “How exactly \u003cem>should \u003c/em>I react if I see a mountain lion?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Encountering a mountain lion up close\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Two decades ago, Zara McDonald was on a run in Marin near \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1997579/bay-area-hikes-views-clouds-marine-inversion-layer\">Mount Tamalpais\u003c/a> around dusk when a mountain lion suddenly appeared above her, just 5 feet away — and stared at her.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Its eyes then fixed on something behind her, and the mountain lion disappeared back into the bushes. When she turned around, she saw three deer on the hillside behind her.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I felt really small,” said McDonald, a biologist and researcher who’s now the founder and president of the \u003ca href=\"https://bapp.org/\">Bay Area Puma Project\u003c/a>, a local wild cat research and conservation organization that’s part of the \u003ca href=\"https://felidaefund.org/\">Felidae Conservation Fund\u003c/a>. “I disrupted his opportunity to get a meal.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003c/strong>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#avoid-mountain-lions\">How to avoid mountain lions — and what to do if you see one\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>And while she had fears, “he was not a threat,” she said. Rather, “I left feeling like I was an intruder.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For McDonald, this experience back in the early 2000s was “transformative” in how she saw humans’ relationship to nature. Now, her organization has around \u003ca href=\"https://bapp.org/our-work/remote-cameras\">200 cameras placed around the Bay Area\u003c/a> that collect data on mountain lion movement. The project also \u003ca href=\"https://bapp.org/updates/updates/bay-area-puma-project/scat-field-work-2024\">studies their fecal matter\u003c/a> for information on genetics and overall population health.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12052071\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Coe01_Sep-9-2023_puma-scaled.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12052071\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Coe01_Sep-9-2023_puma-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Coe01_Sep-9-2023_puma-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Coe01_Sep-9-2023_puma-2000x1125.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Coe01_Sep-9-2023_puma-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Coe01_Sep-9-2023_puma-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Coe01_Sep-9-2023_puma-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" />\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A mountain lion stares into a wildlife camera on Sept. 9, 2023. \u003ccite>(Photo by Felidae Conservation Fund/Bay Area Puma Project)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The mountain lion is the second-largest cat in all of North America and is native to the Bay Area. While you may have never seen one, \u003ca href=\"https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Mountain-Lion#632445330-statewide-integrated-population-modeling\">40% of the state is considered suitable for mountain lion habitat,\u003c/a> making it likely that these elusive animals are around hiking trails or \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13897584/here-kitty-kitty-that-mountain-lion-spotted-in-bernal-heights-has-been-captured\">areas you might already be frequenting.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mountain lions are \u003ca href=\"https://www.britannica.com/science/apex-predator\">apex predators\u003c/a>, but experts say, for the most part, they just want to do their own thing. \u003ca href=\"https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Mountain-Lion#632445330-statewide-integrated-population-modeling\">According to the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife\u003c/a>, there have been only 26 total verified mountain lion attacks on humans in California in the last four decades — and four deaths.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So how common are these animals, really? And how afraid should you be of them?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Education is our best tool for preventing conflict,” McDonald said. “When people understand mountain lion behavior, fear turns into respect. And respect is the foundation of coexistence.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How do I know it’s a mountain lion?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>You should know: \u003ca href=\"https://felidaefund.org/news/general/mistaken-mountain-lion-sightings-have-major-consequences\">upwards of 90% of all “mountain lion sightings” in California are not actually mountain lions\u003c/a>. And there are only about 3,200 to 4,500 lions across the entire state, said Mairan Smith, a CDFW unit biologist for the Bay Delta region.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the Bay Area, they’re often confused for \u003ca href=\"https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/bobcat\">bobcats \u003c/a>or stray domestic cats. But an actual mountain lion will be:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.openspace.org/where-to-go/nature/mountain-lions\">Much larger\u003c/a>, with adult males reaching around 8 feet long and up to 150 pounds.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Gray, brown or tan in color with black-tipped ears.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Likely \u003ca href=\"https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Mountain-Lion#632445330-statewide-integrated-population-modeling\">traveling alone.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/jCIOIbRtAWs'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/jCIOIbRtAWs'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003ch2>Where am I most likely to see a mountain lion?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Smith said they thrive in redwood forests, brushland and mountain environments — all of which are habitats found in the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While the animals can live almost everywhere in the state, most people who report sightings are closer to the rural-urban divide, she said — not only because these areas are more likely to be their habitat, but also because they’re often a source of livestock or other food.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Mountain lions are predators, and their main prey is deer. “Wherever deer move, lions are going to follow,” McDonald said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For food or other resources, they will travel across large territories — up to around 200 square miles for males, which makes places like urban parks, which connect them from area to area, so important, McDonald said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Mountain lions are really trying to figure out how to get that space they need so they can move through it safely and reproduce,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Given this movement, conservation experts want to keep populations of mountain lions connected — and join currently siloed groups to one another. John Benson, associate professor of Vertebrate Ecology at the University of Nebraska’s School of Natural Resources, is \u003ca href=\"https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Mountain-Lion#632445330-statewide-integrated-population-modeling\">studying population dynamics of mountain lions across California\u003c/a> to better “understand what we can do from a conservation perspective to get more connectivity.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Benson said the waters of the San Francisco Bay itself — \u003ca href=\"https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/2688-8319.12093#:~:text=Our%20results%20indicate%20that%20mountain,human%20activity%20on%20the%20landscape.\">as well as human infrastructure like housing development and roads\u003c/a> — all play a role in dividing up populations in the Bay Area. And as mountain lions travel from one open space area to another, \u003ca href=\"https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2025.1013\">this may raise your chances of running into a mountain lion. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But as mountain lions and human development share more of the same space, the danger to these animals increases. \u003ca href=\"https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/mountain-lion-mortality-maps-show-rough-road-cougars\">One of the leading causes of mountain lion mortalities is being struck by a car, McDonald said.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Mountain lions still live in the Bay Area and move through the Bay Area because we’ve preserved enough habitat to support them,” she said. “But along with that privilege comes the responsibility to coexist.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>McDonald called it a common misconception that mountain lions are becoming more adapted to humans.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/0YW3ESNuGWY'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/0YW3ESNuGWY'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>“We’re seeing more mountain lion activity near urban edges — not because they’re changing but because we are, and development is pushing deeper into their habitat,” McDonald said. “It’s really just survival instinct for them. It’s not anything to do with humans — it’s in \u003cem>spite \u003c/em>of humans that they’re going into these areas.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How can I avoid \u003ca id=\"avoid-mountain-lions\">\u003c/a>mountain lion encounters altogether?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Around your home\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While attacks on humans by mountain lions are extremely rare, they are nonetheless “a risk to outdoor pets and livestock,” Smith said. “It’s really important to keep your pets inside.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That goes for outdoor cats and unsupervised dogs in yards as well as livestock like goats and sheep, she said — advising you keep them fully enclosed at night or consider other methods of safeguarding them, like a \u003ca href=\"https://monocounty.ca.gov/animal/page/livestock-protection-dogs\">livestock guardian dog\u003c/a> or noise deterrents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12052075\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/COE06A_2024Feb12_puma3-scaled.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12052075\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/COE06A_2024Feb12_puma3-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1448\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/COE06A_2024Feb12_puma3-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/COE06A_2024Feb12_puma3-2000x1131.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/COE06A_2024Feb12_puma3-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/COE06A_2024Feb12_puma3-1536x869.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/COE06A_2024Feb12_puma3-2048x1158.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" />\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A puma passes by a wildlife camera on March 26, 2025. \u003ccite>(Video by Felidae Conservation Fund/ Bay Area Puma Project)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Anywhere in the Bay Area, if you have livestock, it’s something you should probably be thinking about,” Smith said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also clear brush around your property or install lights if you’re worried about hiding spots for mountain lions, Smith said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you feed stray cats that approach your home, Smith said that the food you leave out can also attract deer, and mountain lions may follow as they hunt their prey — the food itself might tempt them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Mountain lions will come up and eat cat food off of people’s porches,” Smith said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But for the most part, “the last thing most [mountain lions] want to do is encounter us,” Benson said. “In general, they do an excellent job of staying away from people and avoiding areas where they think they’re likely to run into people.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>On the trail\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re concerned about running into a mountain lion while walking or hiking on a trail, remember that they’re nocturnal and crepuscular animals — meaning they are most active at night and during the sunset and sunrise hours.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This means that you can avoid being out on the trail altogether at those times — or allay your fears by traveling in pairs on trails if you know you’re in an area they inhabit.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mountain lions also tend to \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/yoursafety_mountainlions.htm\">stick to densely vegetated areas\u003c/a>. So if you’re worried about stumbling upon one, head to a more open area.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What to do if you see a mountain lion\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If the mountain lion is still some distance from you, and you think they haven’t yet noticed you, “you could just sort of quietly slip away,” Benson said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if the mountain lion has indeed spotted you, remember: “The last thing you want to do is run or show fear,” Benson said. Stand your ground, he said, and look as big as possible. If you have a dog or child with you, you can pick them up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you have a backpack, you can put that over your head to make yourself seem a bit bigger,” he said. If the mountain lion is advancing toward you, you can even throw rocks or sticks at it, he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There are certainly a lot of stories out there of people that successfully were able to fight the mountain lion off.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But in general, remember: mountain lion attacks — especially fatal ones — are extremely rare.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12052047\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12052047\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/COE01A_2023Nov12_puma-kittens4-scaled-e1755118173322.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mountain lion kittens are caught on wildlife cameras on Nov. 12, 2023. \u003ccite>( Felidae Conservation Fund/Bay Area Puma Project)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“The most likely thing that will happen is that it will walk away,” Smith said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And remember: Even just seeing a mountain lion is “pretty special,” she said. And if you do, you can report your sighting on the \u003ca href=\"https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir\">CDFW website,\u003c/a> which will be forwarded to a regional biologist for study, and the Bay Area Puma Project’s own \u003ca href=\"https://bapp.org/meet-puma/sightings\">Puma and Bobcat Sightings Map.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cdiv class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__shortcodes__shortcodeWrapper'>\n \u003ciframe\n src='https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCeDp_MY_h4G6VWj_-VPl-BJlQ3Uya2H0vxRZZd_47BpXwVA/viewform?embedded=true?embedded=true'\n title='https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCeDp_MY_h4G6VWj_-VPl-BJlQ3Uya2H0vxRZZd_47BpXwVA/viewform?embedded=true'\n width='760' height='500'\n frameborder='0'\n marginheight='0' marginwidth='0'>\u003c/iframe>\u003c/div>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/carlysevern\">Carly Severn\u003c/a> contributed to this report. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "even-in-a-hot-rental-market-what-renters-shouldnt-settle-on-when-looking-for-new-home",
"title": "Even in a Hot Rental Market, What Renters Shouldn’t Settle on When Looking for a New Home",
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"headTitle": "Even in a Hot Rental Market, What Renters Shouldn’t Settle on When Looking for a New Home | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of How We Get By, 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\n\n\n\u003cp>Looking for a rental property in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> is not for the faint of heart — a fact Beyond Deng has come to understand very well.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The 26-year-old policy researcher has a few days left to find a new home, after his landlord sold the Mission District apartment Deng shares with two friends. To stay in the city, Deng is now searching for a new home in one of the country’s hottest rental markets. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But the sky-high prices and intense competition weren’t even the biggest surprises, he said: “It was how \u003cem>little \u003c/em>I would get for so much that I would have to pay.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1391\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/GettyImages-2250030108-scaled-e1789077751622.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12078788\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An apartment-for-rent sign hangs outside of an apartment building on Dec. 4, 2025, in San Francisco. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fueled in part by the AI boom, rents in San Francisco \u003ca href=\"https://oaklandside.org/2026/06/04/oakland-artificial-intelligence-ai-housing-rents-san-francisco/\">have risen\u003c/a> this year faster than anywhere else in the country — bringing with them \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12095536/after-the-18000-scam-how-can-bay-area-renters-protect-themselves\">a new breed of scams\u003c/a> — and the rest of the Bay Area is also \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/realestate/article/rent-price-apartment-oakland-22329281.php\">feeling the heat\u003c/a>. The few remaining options on the market, however, are forcing many renters to scale down their expectations \u003cem>even more\u003c/em> to find a home in the region.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One spot Deng considered was a \u003ca href=\"https://www.zillow.com/b/1000-1010-bush-street-san-francisco-ca-CkNrCG/\">110-square-foot room\u003c/a> with only a sink and a closet. The kitchen and bathroom were shared by more than a dozen other residents. Monthly rent for the property was listed at $1,400. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If I’m going to pay that much, let me just gather all my things, go back down South and try to find a whole house,” Houston-raised Deng joked.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A compromise too far?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Other renters are looking into homes where tenants are already jostling for limited amenities. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Álvaro Galván, a data scientist who just found a new rental spot, recalled visiting a three-bedroom home in the Excelsior District shared by seven people during his own search. When he asked about the TV in the living room, Galván said the existing tenants told him, “That’s our TV.” Meaning: “They could use the TV — but me, as their subtenant — could not,” he recalled.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>High prices and endless competition may encourage you to look for fewer amenities than you’d like, said San Francisco-based attorney and tenants’ rights advocate Joshua Ezrin. But there are actually “basic state rules governing habitability,” he warned.\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/10/2025/08/018_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12051134\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/018_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/018_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/018_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A for-rent sign hangs in the window of an apartment building in San Francisco’s Nob Hill on July 29, 2021. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And you should be very careful, he added, “about entering into any type of lease with a landlord that is knowingly renting a unit that is violating these basic state rules.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Think you could hypothetically live in a rented room with no natural lighting — and where the bathroom is located \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/sanfrancisco/comments/1ss42dp/is_there_a_place_to_warn_fellow_renters_of_bad/\">in a different building\u003c/a>? The law says something different, said Ora Prochovnick, director of litigation for the San Francisco renters’ rights group, Eviction Defense Collaborative. “You \u003cem>do \u003c/em>have rights and protections as a tenant,” she stressed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what legal experts recommend tenants should remember when looking for a new rental home in California — especially when a limited budget and a tight market might be forcing you to limit your expectations. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does the law say homes in California need to have?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are several laws that detail what all living spaces — “dwelling” is the official term used —in California must have. These rules apply when you own the home you live in, or when you are renting a house, apartment or an individual room.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The home “has to be fit for a human being to live in,” said Prochovnick from Eviction Defense Collaborative. “It’s a pretty low bar to meet — but it is a requirement.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One law \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC§ionNum=17920.3.\">requires\u003c/a> all dwellings (including hotel rooms) to have the following:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>A \u003cstrong>sink\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>A working \u003cstrong>heating system\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>A \u003cstrong>toilet\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Shower \u003c/strong>or \u003cstrong>bathtub\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Electricity\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>A \u003cstrong>ventilation system\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Some form of \u003cstrong>natural light\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=1941.1.\">another law\u003c/a> specific to rental agreements goes even further: landlords have an \u003cem>immediate \u003c/em>obligation to comply with the standards above if they expect individuals to live in this home. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As of this year, California \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12067581/in-2026-all-rental-homes-in-california-will-need-to-have-these-2-things\">also requires\u003c/a> rental homes to have a \u003cstrong>fridge \u003cem>and \u003c/em>a stove \u003c/strong>— and property owners must repair or replace them if they stop working.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If the home didn’t have a heater or fridge when you moved in, you can still ask your landlord to meet the state’s obligations after you’ve begun living there, as there’s no time limit on invoking these rights.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Tenants don’t waive their rights if there are problems when they move in,” Prochovnick said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you are renting an individual room in a house or large building but that room does not include its own private bathroom or kitchen, your landlord must grant you access to the bathroom and kitchen of that property. You have access to the shared amenities even if the space you are paying for does not explicitly include them.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can you flag problems \u003cem>before \u003c/em>you move in?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Renters absolutely have a right to ask property owners to follow state regulations even if they haven’t signed a lease yet, Prochovnick said. But she also acknowledged that some people may feel unsure — to put it mildly — about bringing issues up with a landlord during an interview or a crowded open house.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Yes, there’s a lot of competition for every unit, and you don’t want the landlord to think you’re a troublemaker from day one,” she said. “But this is something we have to weigh: How bad are the problems that you want to point them out now — or later?”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And how a property owner responds to you asking a question about what the apartment has — or lacks — can also be an opportunity for you to learn how they may deal with future needs, added Ezrin, the San Francisco-based attorney.\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/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12040031\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A for-rent sign on a house in San Francisco’s Mission District on March 31, 2020. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Are these going to be folks that will be responsive to your repair and maintenance requests?” he questioned.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ezrin recommended that you get a record — in writing — from a prospective landlord outlining what problems will be fixed: “either in the lease itself, in a lease addendum or in some separate side agreement before you execute the lease.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Why is this important? So you have something in writing verifying the problem actually exists, Ezrin explained. This also means you’re putting the landlord “on notice of the issue,” he said, so that they can move forward with necessary repairs before you move into the home.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There are folks who have no other options based on financial limitations and what the market has available,” he acknowledged. “So sometimes you’re going to concede points that you might not want to.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Nonetheless, “you should be very careful about entering into any type of lease with a landlord that knowingly is renting a unit that is violating the basic state rules governing habitability,” Ezrin warned.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How small is \u003cem>too\u003c/em> small?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Another thing many Bay Area tenants might grudgingly sacrifice to find a place that’s in their budget: space. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On Craigslist, there are hundreds of \u003ca href=\"http://craigslist.org/search/city/san-francisco-ca?cat=roo&max_price=1500&min_price=0&postal=94110&radius=10#search=2~gallery~27\">Bay Area listings\u003c/a> for homes with three or more people already sharing the space — and of course, some San Franciscans are even paying $700 per month for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080289/700-a-month-sleeping-pods-make-sf-more-affordable-but-at-what-cost\">a bunk bed\u003c/a> in a room with 30 other adults.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But even in a very crowded home, state law requires minimum physical requirements for those inhabitants. The ceiling height must be at least 7 feet, 6 inches. “You have to be able to stand up straight without bumping your head,” said Prochovnick.\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/10/2025/10/012_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12058552\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/012_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/012_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/012_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A for-rent sign hangs outside of an apartment building in San Francisco’s Nob Hill on July 29, 2021. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>State law also \u003ca href=\"https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0-0-0-87716\">dictates\u003c/a> that every dwelling must be a minimum of 70 square feet, she said — which includes bedrooms. And if you’re renting just a bed in a room that’s shared with other people, the room where you all sleep in must be bigger than 70 square feet.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You also have a right to privacy within the space that you are paying for. Even if you are renting a room in a friend or family member’s home, they cannot enter your bedroom without a proper reason and proper notice, Prochovnick said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One of those reasons could be that you have invited your landlord to enter your room, or there’s an emergency. Otherwise, your landlord can \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1954.&lawCode=CIV\">come in only\u003c/a> to:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Make necessary or agreed-upon repairs.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Inspect the room’s condition at the start or end of your lease.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Show the space to a potential tenant.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if any of these conditions apply, your landlord still needs to let you know — in writing — that they’ll be entering at least 24 hours in advance.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Knowing what the state requires can help you understand what your privacy would look like in any rental home you’re looking at.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Think ahead of time: What will be your private space?” said Prochovnick. If you’ve rented only a bedroom in the landlord’s home, your right to privacy applies \u003cem>only \u003c/em>to that bedroom, she added. “The landlord doesn’t have to give you notice if they’re coming in the garage or the stairway.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you feel that a home you’re looking to rent already has a lot of people living in it, have a clear understanding of who you have a lease with — is it the landlord or another tenant? If it’s another tenant, check what the main (or “original”) lease says about the maximum number of occupants in the home, Prochovnick advised.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You might feel like bringing in a roommate is just bringing in a roommate,” she said. “But legally that’s subletting, and that could be a violation of your lease if you’re not doing it with prior written consent from the landlord.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of How We Get By, 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",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Looking for a rental property in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> is not for the faint of heart — a fact Beyond Deng has come to understand very well.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Looking for a rental property in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> is not for the faint of heart — a fact Beyond Deng has come to understand very well.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The 26-year-old policy researcher has a few days left to find a new home, after his landlord sold the Mission District apartment Deng shares with two friends. To stay in the city, Deng is now searching for a new home in one of the country’s hottest rental markets. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The 26-year-old policy researcher has a few days left to find a new home, after his landlord sold the Mission District apartment Deng shares with two friends. To stay in the city, Deng is now searching for a new home in one of the country’s hottest rental markets. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But the sky-high prices and intense competition weren’t even the biggest surprises, he said: “It was how \u003cem>little \u003c/em>I would get for so much that I would have to pay.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But the sky-high prices and intense competition weren’t even the biggest surprises, he said: “It was how \u003cem>little \u003c/em>I would get for so much that I would have to pay.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/GettyImages-2250030108-scaled-e1789077751622.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12078788\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An apartment-for-rent sign hangs outside of an apartment building on Dec. 4, 2025, in San Francisco.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\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/10/2026/04/GettyImages-2250030108-scaled-e1789077751622.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12078788\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An apartment-for-rent sign hangs outside of an apartment building on Dec. 4, 2025, in San Francisco.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Fueled in part by the AI boom, rents in San Francisco \u003ca href=\"https://oaklandside.org/2026/06/04/oakland-artificial-intelligence-ai-housing-rents-san-francisco/\">have risen\u003c/a> this year faster than anywhere else in the country — bringing with them \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12095536/after-the-18000-scam-how-can-bay-area-renters-protect-themselves\">a new breed of scams\u003c/a> — and the rest of the Bay Area is also \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/realestate/article/rent-price-apartment-oakland-22329281.php\">feeling the heat\u003c/a>. The few remaining options on the market, however, are forcing many renters to scale down their expectations \u003cem>even more\u003c/em> to find a home in the region.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Fueled in part by the AI boom, rents in San Francisco \u003ca href=\"https://oaklandside.org/2026/06/04/oakland-artificial-intelligence-ai-housing-rents-san-francisco/\">have risen\u003c/a> this year faster than anywhere else in the country — bringing with them \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12095536/after-the-18000-scam-how-can-bay-area-renters-protect-themselves\">a new breed of scams\u003c/a> — and the rest of the Bay Area is also \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/realestate/article/rent-price-apartment-oakland-22329281.php\">feeling the heat\u003c/a>. The few remaining options on the market, however, are forcing many renters to scale down their expectations \u003cem>even more\u003c/em> to find a home in the region.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>One spot Deng considered was a \u003ca href=\"https://www.zillow.com/b/1000-1010-bush-street-san-francisco-ca-CkNrCG/\">110-square-foot room\u003c/a> with only a sink and a closet. The kitchen and bathroom were shared by more than a dozen other residents. Monthly rent for the property was listed at $1,400. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>One spot Deng considered was a \u003ca href=\"https://www.zillow.com/b/1000-1010-bush-street-san-francisco-ca-CkNrCG/\">110-square-foot room\u003c/a> with only a sink and a closet. The kitchen and bathroom were shared by more than a dozen other residents. Monthly rent for the property was listed at $1,400. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If I’m going to pay that much, let me just gather all my things, go back down South and try to find a whole house,” Houston-raised Deng joked.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“If I’m going to pay that much, let me just gather all my things, go back down South and try to find a whole house,” Houston-raised Deng joked.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "A compromise too far?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A compromise too far?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A compromise too far?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Other renters are looking into homes where tenants are already jostling for limited amenities. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Other renters are looking into homes where tenants are already jostling for limited amenities. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Álvaro Galván, a data scientist who just found a new rental spot, recalled visiting a three-bedroom home in the Excelsior District shared by seven people during his own search. When he asked about the TV in the living room, Galván said the existing tenants told him, “That’s our TV.” Meaning: “They could use the TV — but me, as their subtenant — could not,” he recalled.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Álvaro Galván, a data scientist who just found a new rental spot, recalled visiting a three-bedroom home in the Excelsior District shared by seven people during his own search. When he asked about the TV in the living room, Galván said the existing tenants told him, “That’s our TV.” Meaning: “They could use the TV — but me, as their subtenant — could not,” he recalled.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>High prices and endless competition may encourage you to look for fewer amenities than you’d like, said San Francisco-based attorney and tenants’ rights advocate Joshua Ezrin. But there are actually “basic state rules governing habitability,” he warned.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>High prices and endless competition may encourage you to look for fewer amenities than you’d like, said San Francisco-based attorney and tenants’ rights advocate Joshua Ezrin. But there are actually “basic state rules governing habitability,” he warned.\u003c/p>\n"
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"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/018_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12051134\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/018_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/018_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/018_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-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 for-rent sign hangs in the window of an apartment building in San Francisco’s Nob Hill on July 29, 2021.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/018_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12051134\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A for-rent sign hangs in the window of an apartment building in San Francisco’s Nob Hill on July 29, 2021.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And you should be very careful, he added, “about entering into any type of lease with a landlord that is knowingly renting a unit that is violating these basic state rules.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And you should be very careful, he added, “about entering into any type of lease with a landlord that is knowingly renting a unit that is violating these basic state rules.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Think you could hypothetically live in a rented room with no natural lighting — and where the bathroom is located \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/sanfrancisco/comments/1ss42dp/is_there_a_place_to_warn_fellow_renters_of_bad/\">in a different building\u003c/a>? The law says something different, said Ora Prochovnick, director of litigation for the San Francisco renters’ rights group, Eviction Defense Collaborative. “You \u003cem>do \u003c/em>have rights and protections as a tenant,” she stressed.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Think you could hypothetically live in a rented room with no natural lighting — and where the bathroom is located \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/sanfrancisco/comments/1ss42dp/is_there_a_place_to_warn_fellow_renters_of_bad/\">in a different building\u003c/a>? The law says something different, said Ora Prochovnick, director of litigation for the San Francisco renters’ rights group, Eviction Defense Collaborative. “You \u003cem>do \u003c/em>have rights and protections as a tenant,” she stressed.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what legal experts recommend tenants should remember when looking for a new rental home in California — especially when a limited budget and a tight market might be forcing you to limit your expectations. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what legal experts recommend tenants should remember when looking for a new rental home in California — especially when a limited budget and a tight market might be forcing you to limit your expectations. \u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What does the law say homes in California need to have?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does the law say homes in California need to have?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There are several laws that detail what all living spaces — “dwelling” is the official term used —in California must have. These rules apply when you own the home you live in, or when you are renting a house, apartment or an individual room.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>There are several laws that detail what all living spaces — “dwelling” is the official term used —in California must have. These rules apply when you own the home you live in, or when you are renting a house, apartment or an individual room.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The home “has to be fit for a human being to live in,” said Prochovnick from Eviction Defense Collaborative. “It’s a pretty low bar to meet — but it is a requirement.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The home “has to be fit for a human being to live in,” said Prochovnick from Eviction Defense Collaborative. “It’s a pretty low bar to meet — but it is a requirement.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>One law \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC§ionNum=17920.3.\">requires\u003c/a> all dwellings (including hotel rooms) to have the following:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>One law \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC§ionNum=17920.3.\">requires\u003c/a> all dwellings (including hotel rooms) to have the following:\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>A working \u003cstrong>heating system\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>A \u003cstrong>toilet\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=1941.1.\">another law\u003c/a> specific to rental agreements goes even further: landlords have an \u003cem>immediate \u003c/em>obligation to comply with the standards above if they expect individuals to live in this home. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=1941.1.\">another law\u003c/a> specific to rental agreements goes even further: landlords have an \u003cem>immediate \u003c/em>obligation to comply with the standards above if they expect individuals to live in this home. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As of this year, California \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12067581/in-2026-all-rental-homes-in-california-will-need-to-have-these-2-things\">also requires\u003c/a> rental homes to have a \u003cstrong>fridge \u003cem>and \u003c/em>a stove \u003c/strong>— and property owners must repair or replace them if they stop working.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>As of this year, California \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12067581/in-2026-all-rental-homes-in-california-will-need-to-have-these-2-things\">also requires\u003c/a> rental homes to have a \u003cstrong>fridge \u003cem>and \u003c/em>a stove \u003c/strong>— and property owners must repair or replace them if they stop working.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If the home didn’t have a heater or fridge when you moved in, you can still ask your landlord to meet the state’s obligations after you’ve begun living there, as there’s no time limit on invoking these rights.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If the home didn’t have a heater or fridge when you moved in, you can still ask your landlord to meet the state’s obligations after you’ve begun living there, as there’s no time limit on invoking these rights.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Tenants don’t waive their rights if there are problems when they move in,” Prochovnick said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Tenants don’t waive their rights if there are problems when they move in,” Prochovnick said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if you are renting an individual room in a house or large building but that room does not include its own private bathroom or kitchen, your landlord must grant you access to the bathroom and kitchen of that property. You have access to the shared amenities even if the space you are paying for does not explicitly include them.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And if you are renting an individual room in a house or large building but that room does not include its own private bathroom or kitchen, your landlord must grant you access to the bathroom and kitchen of that property. You have access to the shared amenities even if the space you are paying for does not explicitly include them.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "How can you flag problems before you move in?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can you flag problems \u003cem>before \u003c/em>you move in?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Renters absolutely have a right to ask property owners to follow state regulations even if they haven’t signed a lease yet, Prochovnick said. But she also acknowledged that some people may feel unsure — to put it mildly — about bringing issues up with a landlord during an interview or a crowded open house.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Renters absolutely have a right to ask property owners to follow state regulations even if they haven’t signed a lease yet, Prochovnick said. But she also acknowledged that some people may feel unsure — to put it mildly — about bringing issues up with a landlord during an interview or a crowded open house.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Yes, there’s a lot of competition for every unit, and you don’t want the landlord to think you’re a troublemaker from day one,” she said. “But this is something we have to weigh: How bad are the problems that you want to point them out now — or later?”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Yes, there’s a lot of competition for every unit, and you don’t want the landlord to think you’re a troublemaker from day one,” she said. “But this is something we have to weigh: How bad are the problems that you want to point them out now — or later?”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And how a property owner responds to you asking a question about what the apartment has — or lacks — can also be an opportunity for you to learn how they may deal with future needs, added Ezrin, the San Francisco-based attorney.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And how a property owner responds to you asking a question about what the apartment has — or lacks — can also be an opportunity for you to learn how they may deal with future needs, added Ezrin, the San Francisco-based attorney.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12040031\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A for-rent sign on a house in San Francisco’s Mission District on March 31, 2020.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12040031\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A for-rent sign on a house in San Francisco’s Mission District on March 31, 2020.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Are these going to be folks that will be responsive to your repair and maintenance requests?” he questioned.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Are these going to be folks that will be responsive to your repair and maintenance requests?” he questioned.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Ezrin recommended that you get a record — in writing — from a prospective landlord outlining what problems will be fixed: “either in the lease itself, in a lease addendum or in some separate side agreement before you execute the lease.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Ezrin recommended that you get a record — in writing — from a prospective landlord outlining what problems will be fixed: “either in the lease itself, in a lease addendum or in some separate side agreement before you execute the lease.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Why is this important? So you have something in writing verifying the problem actually exists, Ezrin explained. This also means you’re putting the landlord “on notice of the issue,” he said, so that they can move forward with necessary repairs before you move into the home.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Why is this important? So you have something in writing verifying the problem actually exists, Ezrin explained. This also means you’re putting the landlord “on notice of the issue,” he said, so that they can move forward with necessary repairs before you move into the home.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“There are folks who have no other options based on financial limitations and what the market has available,” he acknowledged. “So sometimes you’re going to concede points that you might not want to.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“There are folks who have no other options based on financial limitations and what the market has available,” he acknowledged. “So sometimes you’re going to concede points that you might not want to.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Nonetheless, “you should be very careful about entering into any type of lease with a landlord that knowingly is renting a unit that is violating the basic state rules governing habitability,” Ezrin warned.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Nonetheless, “you should be very careful about entering into any type of lease with a landlord that knowingly is renting a unit that is violating the basic state rules governing habitability,” Ezrin warned.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerBlocks": []
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "How small is too small?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How small is \u003cem>too\u003c/em> small?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How small is \u003cem>too\u003c/em> small?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Another thing many Bay Area tenants might grudgingly sacrifice to find a place that’s in their budget: space. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Another thing many Bay Area tenants might grudgingly sacrifice to find a place that’s in their budget: space. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On Craigslist, there are hundreds of \u003ca href=\"http://craigslist.org/search/city/san-francisco-ca?cat=roo&max_price=1500&min_price=0&postal=94110&radius=10#search=2~gallery~27\">Bay Area listings\u003c/a> for homes with three or more people already sharing the space — and of course, some San Franciscans are even paying $700 per month for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080289/700-a-month-sleeping-pods-make-sf-more-affordable-but-at-what-cost\">a bunk bed\u003c/a> in a room with 30 other adults.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>On Craigslist, there are hundreds of \u003ca href=\"http://craigslist.org/search/city/san-francisco-ca?cat=roo&max_price=1500&min_price=0&postal=94110&radius=10#search=2~gallery~27\">Bay Area listings\u003c/a> for homes with three or more people already sharing the space — and of course, some San Franciscans are even paying $700 per month for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080289/700-a-month-sleeping-pods-make-sf-more-affordable-but-at-what-cost\">a bunk bed\u003c/a> in a room with 30 other adults.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But even in a very crowded home, state law requires minimum physical requirements for those inhabitants. The ceiling height must be at least 7 feet, 6 inches. “You have to be able to stand up straight without bumping your head,” said Prochovnick.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But even in a very crowded home, state law requires minimum physical requirements for those inhabitants. The ceiling height must be at least 7 feet, 6 inches. “You have to be able to stand up straight without bumping your head,” said Prochovnick.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/012_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12058552\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/012_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/012_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/012_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-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 for-rent sign hangs outside of an apartment building in San Francisco’s Nob Hill on July 29, 2021.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/012_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12058552\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A for-rent sign hangs outside of an apartment building in San Francisco’s Nob Hill on July 29, 2021.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>State law also \u003ca href=\"https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0-0-0-87716\">dictates\u003c/a> that every dwelling must be a minimum of 70 square feet, she said — which includes bedrooms. And if you’re renting just a bed in a room that’s shared with other people, the room where you all sleep in must be bigger than 70 square feet.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>State law also \u003ca href=\"https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0-0-0-87716\">dictates\u003c/a> that every dwelling must be a minimum of 70 square feet, she said — which includes bedrooms. And if you’re renting just a bed in a room that’s shared with other people, the room where you all sleep in must be bigger than 70 square feet.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You also have a right to privacy within the space that you are paying for. Even if you are renting a room in a friend or family member’s home, they cannot enter your bedroom without a proper reason and proper notice, Prochovnick said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>You also have a right to privacy within the space that you are paying for. Even if you are renting a room in a friend or family member’s home, they cannot enter your bedroom without a proper reason and proper notice, Prochovnick said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>One of those reasons could be that you have invited your landlord to enter your room, or there’s an emergency. Otherwise, your landlord can \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1954.&lawCode=CIV\">come in only\u003c/a> to:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>One of those reasons could be that you have invited your landlord to enter your room, or there’s an emergency. Otherwise, your landlord can \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1954.&lawCode=CIV\">come in only\u003c/a> to:\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Inspect the room’s condition at the start or end of your lease.\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Show the space to a potential tenant.\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if any of these conditions apply, your landlord still needs to let you know — in writing — that they’ll be entering at least 24 hours in advance.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And if any of these conditions apply, your landlord still needs to let you know — in writing — that they’ll be entering at least 24 hours in advance.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Knowing what the state requires can help you understand what your privacy would look like in any rental home you’re looking at.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Knowing what the state requires can help you understand what your privacy would look like in any rental home you’re looking at.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Think ahead of time: What will be your private space?” said Prochovnick. If you’ve rented only a bedroom in the landlord’s home, your right to privacy applies \u003cem>only \u003c/em>to that bedroom, she added. “The landlord doesn’t have to give you notice if they’re coming in the garage or the stairway.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Think ahead of time: What will be your private space?” said Prochovnick. If you’ve rented only a bedroom in the landlord’s home, your right to privacy applies \u003cem>only \u003c/em>to that bedroom, she added. “The landlord doesn’t have to give you notice if they’re coming in the garage or the stairway.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you feel that a home you’re looking to rent already has a lot of people living in it, have a clear understanding of who you have a lease with — is it the landlord or another tenant? If it’s another tenant, check what the main (or “original”) lease says about the maximum number of occupants in the home, Prochovnick advised.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you feel that a home you’re looking to rent already has a lot of people living in it, have a clear understanding of who you have a lease with — is it the landlord or another tenant? If it’s another tenant, check what the main (or “original”) lease says about the maximum number of occupants in the home, Prochovnick advised.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“You might feel like bringing in a roommate is just bringing in a roommate,” she said. “But legally that’s subletting, and that could be a violation of your lease if you’re not doing it with prior written consent from the landlord.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“You might feel like bringing in a roommate is just bringing in a roommate,” she said. “But legally that’s subletting, and that could be a violation of your lease if you’re not doing it with prior written consent from the landlord.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "Less space, natural light and, sometimes, no bathroom — many Bay Area renters are seeing fewer homes within their budget. But legal experts say there are some compromises you shouldn’t have to make, even if you're desperate to secure a spot.\n",
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"title": "Even in a Hot Rental Market, What Renters Shouldn’t Settle on When Looking for a New Home | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of How We Get By, 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\n\n\n\u003cp>Looking for a rental property in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> is not for the faint of heart — a fact Beyond Deng has come to understand very well.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The 26-year-old policy researcher has a few days left to find a new home, after his landlord sold the Mission District apartment Deng shares with two friends. To stay in the city, Deng is now searching for a new home in one of the country’s hottest rental markets. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But the sky-high prices and intense competition weren’t even the biggest surprises, he said: “It was how \u003cem>little \u003c/em>I would get for so much that I would have to pay.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1391\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/GettyImages-2250030108-scaled-e1789077751622.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12078788\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An apartment-for-rent sign hangs outside of an apartment building on Dec. 4, 2025, in San Francisco. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fueled in part by the AI boom, rents in San Francisco \u003ca href=\"https://oaklandside.org/2026/06/04/oakland-artificial-intelligence-ai-housing-rents-san-francisco/\">have risen\u003c/a> this year faster than anywhere else in the country — bringing with them \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12095536/after-the-18000-scam-how-can-bay-area-renters-protect-themselves\">a new breed of scams\u003c/a> — and the rest of the Bay Area is also \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/realestate/article/rent-price-apartment-oakland-22329281.php\">feeling the heat\u003c/a>. The few remaining options on the market, however, are forcing many renters to scale down their expectations \u003cem>even more\u003c/em> to find a home in the region.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One spot Deng considered was a \u003ca href=\"https://www.zillow.com/b/1000-1010-bush-street-san-francisco-ca-CkNrCG/\">110-square-foot room\u003c/a> with only a sink and a closet. The kitchen and bathroom were shared by more than a dozen other residents. Monthly rent for the property was listed at $1,400. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If I’m going to pay that much, let me just gather all my things, go back down South and try to find a whole house,” Houston-raised Deng joked.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A compromise too far?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Other renters are looking into homes where tenants are already jostling for limited amenities. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Álvaro Galván, a data scientist who just found a new rental spot, recalled visiting a three-bedroom home in the Excelsior District shared by seven people during his own search. When he asked about the TV in the living room, Galván said the existing tenants told him, “That’s our TV.” Meaning: “They could use the TV — but me, as their subtenant — could not,” he recalled.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>High prices and endless competition may encourage you to look for fewer amenities than you’d like, said San Francisco-based attorney and tenants’ rights advocate Joshua Ezrin. But there are actually “basic state rules governing habitability,” he warned.\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/10/2025/08/018_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12051134\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/018_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/018_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/018_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A for-rent sign hangs in the window of an apartment building in San Francisco’s Nob Hill on July 29, 2021. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And you should be very careful, he added, “about entering into any type of lease with a landlord that is knowingly renting a unit that is violating these basic state rules.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Think you could hypothetically live in a rented room with no natural lighting — and where the bathroom is located \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/sanfrancisco/comments/1ss42dp/is_there_a_place_to_warn_fellow_renters_of_bad/\">in a different building\u003c/a>? The law says something different, said Ora Prochovnick, director of litigation for the San Francisco renters’ rights group, Eviction Defense Collaborative. “You \u003cem>do \u003c/em>have rights and protections as a tenant,” she stressed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what legal experts recommend tenants should remember when looking for a new rental home in California — especially when a limited budget and a tight market might be forcing you to limit your expectations. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does the law say homes in California need to have?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are several laws that detail what all living spaces — “dwelling” is the official term used —in California must have. These rules apply when you own the home you live in, or when you are renting a house, apartment or an individual room.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The home “has to be fit for a human being to live in,” said Prochovnick from Eviction Defense Collaborative. “It’s a pretty low bar to meet — but it is a requirement.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One law \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC§ionNum=17920.3.\">requires\u003c/a> all dwellings (including hotel rooms) to have the following:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>A \u003cstrong>sink\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>A working \u003cstrong>heating system\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>A \u003cstrong>toilet\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Shower \u003c/strong>or \u003cstrong>bathtub\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Electricity\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>A \u003cstrong>ventilation system\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Some form of \u003cstrong>natural light\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=1941.1.\">another law\u003c/a> specific to rental agreements goes even further: landlords have an \u003cem>immediate \u003c/em>obligation to comply with the standards above if they expect individuals to live in this home. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As of this year, California \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12067581/in-2026-all-rental-homes-in-california-will-need-to-have-these-2-things\">also requires\u003c/a> rental homes to have a \u003cstrong>fridge \u003cem>and \u003c/em>a stove \u003c/strong>— and property owners must repair or replace them if they stop working.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If the home didn’t have a heater or fridge when you moved in, you can still ask your landlord to meet the state’s obligations after you’ve begun living there, as there’s no time limit on invoking these rights.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Tenants don’t waive their rights if there are problems when they move in,” Prochovnick said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you are renting an individual room in a house or large building but that room does not include its own private bathroom or kitchen, your landlord must grant you access to the bathroom and kitchen of that property. You have access to the shared amenities even if the space you are paying for does not explicitly include them.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can you flag problems \u003cem>before \u003c/em>you move in?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Renters absolutely have a right to ask property owners to follow state regulations even if they haven’t signed a lease yet, Prochovnick said. But she also acknowledged that some people may feel unsure — to put it mildly — about bringing issues up with a landlord during an interview or a crowded open house.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Yes, there’s a lot of competition for every unit, and you don’t want the landlord to think you’re a troublemaker from day one,” she said. “But this is something we have to weigh: How bad are the problems that you want to point them out now — or later?”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And how a property owner responds to you asking a question about what the apartment has — or lacks — can also be an opportunity for you to learn how they may deal with future needs, added Ezrin, the San Francisco-based attorney.\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/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12040031\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_RentStrike_03312020_qed-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A for-rent sign on a house in San Francisco’s Mission District on March 31, 2020. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Are these going to be folks that will be responsive to your repair and maintenance requests?” he questioned.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ezrin recommended that you get a record — in writing — from a prospective landlord outlining what problems will be fixed: “either in the lease itself, in a lease addendum or in some separate side agreement before you execute the lease.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Why is this important? So you have something in writing verifying the problem actually exists, Ezrin explained. This also means you’re putting the landlord “on notice of the issue,” he said, so that they can move forward with necessary repairs before you move into the home.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There are folks who have no other options based on financial limitations and what the market has available,” he acknowledged. “So sometimes you’re going to concede points that you might not want to.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Nonetheless, “you should be very careful about entering into any type of lease with a landlord that knowingly is renting a unit that is violating the basic state rules governing habitability,” Ezrin warned.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How small is \u003cem>too\u003c/em> small?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Another thing many Bay Area tenants might grudgingly sacrifice to find a place that’s in their budget: space. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On Craigslist, there are hundreds of \u003ca href=\"http://craigslist.org/search/city/san-francisco-ca?cat=roo&max_price=1500&min_price=0&postal=94110&radius=10#search=2~gallery~27\">Bay Area listings\u003c/a> for homes with three or more people already sharing the space — and of course, some San Franciscans are even paying $700 per month for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080289/700-a-month-sleeping-pods-make-sf-more-affordable-but-at-what-cost\">a bunk bed\u003c/a> in a room with 30 other adults.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But even in a very crowded home, state law requires minimum physical requirements for those inhabitants. The ceiling height must be at least 7 feet, 6 inches. “You have to be able to stand up straight without bumping your head,” said Prochovnick.\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/10/2025/10/012_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12058552\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/012_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/012_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/012_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A for-rent sign hangs outside of an apartment building in San Francisco’s Nob Hill on July 29, 2021. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>State law also \u003ca href=\"https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0-0-0-87716\">dictates\u003c/a> that every dwelling must be a minimum of 70 square feet, she said — which includes bedrooms. And if you’re renting just a bed in a room that’s shared with other people, the room where you all sleep in must be bigger than 70 square feet.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You also have a right to privacy within the space that you are paying for. Even if you are renting a room in a friend or family member’s home, they cannot enter your bedroom without a proper reason and proper notice, Prochovnick said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One of those reasons could be that you have invited your landlord to enter your room, or there’s an emergency. Otherwise, your landlord can \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1954.&lawCode=CIV\">come in only\u003c/a> to:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Make necessary or agreed-upon repairs.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Inspect the room’s condition at the start or end of your lease.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Show the space to a potential tenant.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if any of these conditions apply, your landlord still needs to let you know — in writing — that they’ll be entering at least 24 hours in advance.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Knowing what the state requires can help you understand what your privacy would look like in any rental home you’re looking at.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Think ahead of time: What will be your private space?” said Prochovnick. If you’ve rented only a bedroom in the landlord’s home, your right to privacy applies \u003cem>only \u003c/em>to that bedroom, she added. “The landlord doesn’t have to give you notice if they’re coming in the garage or the stairway.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you feel that a home you’re looking to rent already has a lot of people living in it, have a clear understanding of who you have a lease with — is it the landlord or another tenant? If it’s another tenant, check what the main (or “original”) lease says about the maximum number of occupants in the home, Prochovnick advised.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You might feel like bringing in a roommate is just bringing in a roommate,” she said. “But legally that’s subletting, and that could be a violation of your lease if you’re not doing it with prior written consent from the landlord.”\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "101-closure-san-francisco-labor-day-weekend-sept-4-7-18-21-bay-bridge-detour-traffic-alternative-route-potrero-general-hospital-curve",
"title": "Reminder: Highway 101 Through SF Is Closed (Again) This Weekend",
"publishDate": 1789584329,
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"headTitle": "Reminder: Highway 101 Through SF Is Closed (Again) This Weekend | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>Remember that stretch of Highway 101 through \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> that was closed over the Labor Day weekend earlier this month? It’ll be closed again this weekend.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Over a mile of 101 near Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital will be \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-08-19-us101-nb-bayshore-freeway-hospital-curve-upcoming-full-closures\">fully closed to all northbound traffic \u003c/a>starting the night of Friday, Sept. 18 and won’t reopen until early morning on Monday, Sept. 21. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>These closures on what’s known as the “Hospital Curve” part of 101 will affect not only drivers trying to drive from the South Bay and Peninsula to the East Bay or North Bay — including people arriving at San Francisco International Airport — but also anyone wanting to travel through the city on this weekend.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260822-zuckerbergsfhospitalfile-00101_TV_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096569\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260822-zuckerbergsfhospitalfile-00101_TV_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260822-zuckerbergsfhospitalfile-00101_TV_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260822-zuckerbergsfhospitalfile-00101_TV_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center is located at 1001 Potrero Avenue in San Francisco on Aug. 22, 2026. (Tâm Vũ for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>This weekend closure is part of Caltrans’s ongoing work on what the agency calls “the Fab 4”: 101’s Hospital Curve, I-280, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080206/whats-the-deal-with-i-80-and-sfs-central-freeway-heres-a-brief-history\">Central Freeway\u003c/a> and 19th Avenue. The work is coming on the heels of\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12078991/i80-101-closure-san-francisco-weekend-april-17-18-19-bay-bridge-detour-traffic-alternative-route\"> April’s major Interstate 80 closure \u003c/a>through San Francisco and last month’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12093934/carquinez-bridge-closure-update-weekend-i-80-westbound-alfred-zampa-memorial-bridge-crockett-vallejo-detours-august-21-24\">highway shutdown over the Carquinez Bridge\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With the upcoming 101 work, “all of those lanes are going to be completely closed to traffic so that major pavement work can happen,” said Lori Shepherd, Caltrans’ Bay Area public information officer. “Basically, they’re putting on a brand new repaving [on] the whole entire road.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#northbound\">When exactly will 101 through San Francisco be closed?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#detour\">What kind of detour will I have to take?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warning: Delays and detours ahead\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Shepherd said that drivers should know that “this is going to be a major, major impact,” and that any travelers planning to drive in San Francisco during the weekend closure should expect sizable delays getting through the city — not just around 101, but on surrounding streets and detours.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Shepherd said that the greatest traffic impacts from the closure could be felt around Cesar Chavez and 17th streets, as well as around Potrero Avenue — and also on entrances to I-280.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Caltrans is urging travelers wherever possible to take \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/trip-planner\">public \u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/planner\">transportation \u003c/a>to travel through San Francisco this weekend, instead of using the roads.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It “really remains the best option to bypass congestion and work zone delays — because there \u003cem>will \u003c/em>be some major delays getting through the city,” warned Shepherd. Delays from the closures could also have a knock-on effect on other routes through the city.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But if you \u003cem>really \u003c/em>have to drive through San Francisco this weekend, what should you know about timings, detours and delays?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what we know about navigating the upcoming 101 closure without having your weekend completely hijacked by traffic.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>(And a heads up that in October, there’ll be \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-09-09-us101bayshore-freeway-full-closure\">two more weekend Hwy 101 closures\u003c/a> — this time on the southbound side — between Cesar Chavez Street and 10th Street. These closures will take place Oct. 2-5 and Oct. 16-19.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"northbound\">Where will northbound 101 through San Francisco be closed?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>All northbound lanes on 101 between Cesar Chavez Street and 10th Street will be closed to traffic — a 1.2-mile stretch of highway.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Any drivers on northbound 101 approaching this closure will be forced to take the Cesar Chavez Street/Potrero Avenue off-ramp before the closed area.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>All southbound lanes on 101 will remain open during the closures of the northbound lanes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When will the northbound 101 closures in San Francisco take place?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Closure starts: 11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Closure ends: by 6 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 21\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"detour\">I need to drive north through San Francisco during the closures. What detour should I take?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you’re already on 101 north through San Francisco\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Caltrans recommends that \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-08-19-us101-nb-bayshore-freeway-hospital-curve-upcoming-full-closures\">motorists use I-280 northbound \u003c/a>to reach downtown areas of the city or the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can merge onto I-280 by staying in the right two lanes of 101 around Silver Avenue. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1757\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/1-Detour-101-closure-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096917\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/1-Detour-101-closure-scaled.jpg 1757w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/1-Detour-101-closure-160x233.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/1-Detour-101-closure-1054x1536.jpg 1054w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/1-Detour-101-closure-1406x2048.jpg 1406w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1757px) 100vw, 1757px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caltrans’ suggested detour for drivers on northbound Highway 101 through San Francisco during the two September weekend closures. (Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>If you don’t take the I-280 exit and continue on 101 northbound toward the closure, you’ll be forced to take the last exit before the closed area: the Cesar Chavez Street/Potrero Avenue off-ramp. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>From here, you can take Potrero Avenue north and either connect back onto northbound 101 to the Golden Gate Bridge or to Bryant Street, where you can take the Ninth Street/Bryant on-ramp to I-80 over the Bay Bridge.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you want to drive north through the city from SFO, the Peninsula or South Bay\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Caltrans’ detour map suggests drivers on 101 by SFO merge onto I-380 westbound, and then transfer to northbound 280 into San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1913\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/2-Detour-101-closure-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096918\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/2-Detour-101-closure-scaled.jpg 1913w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/2-Detour-101-closure-160x214.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/2-Detour-101-closure-1148x1536.jpg 1148w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/2-Detour-101-closure-1531x2048.jpg 1531w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1913px) 100vw, 1913px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caltrans’ suggested detour for drivers heading northbound from SFO during the two September weekend closures. (Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why can’t these 101 closures take place overnight instead?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Shepherd attributed the length of the multiple closures — first Labor Day weekend, now this weekend — to the sheer scope of the “24-7” repaving work being undertaken on 101 at this time.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s a major, massive project, if you can imagine, repaving the freeway,” she said, and despite the Labor Day weekend, Caltrans has timed these closures “to do it with the least amount of impact on the public,” Shepherd said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to the traffic data Caltrans consulted, “holiday weekends actually are [a] lower volume of traffic,” she said. “So we knew that this would be a good weekend to come in and get the work done as quickly as possible.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The concrete used in this kind of repaving work also needs the kind of dry conditions that September brings. “There’s a lot of emphasis on getting work done — as much of it completed in the summer during the dry season as much as possible,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s difficult, yes, for the traveling public to have to find ways around,” Shepherd said. “But in the end, it will produce long-term gains, because the road will be safer and smoother to drive [and] less prone to flooding.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/jlara\">\u003cem>Juan Carlos Lara\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Remember that stretch of Highway 101 through \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> that was closed over the Labor Day weekend earlier this month? It’ll be closed again this weekend.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Remember that stretch of Highway 101 through \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> that was closed over the Labor Day weekend earlier this month? It’ll be closed again this weekend.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Over a mile of 101 near Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital will be \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-08-19-us101-nb-bayshore-freeway-hospital-curve-upcoming-full-closures\">fully closed to all northbound traffic \u003c/a>starting the night of Friday, Sept. 18 and won’t reopen until early morning on Monday, Sept. 21. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Over a mile of 101 near Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital will be \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-08-19-us101-nb-bayshore-freeway-hospital-curve-upcoming-full-closures\">fully closed to all northbound traffic \u003c/a>starting the night of Friday, Sept. 18 and won’t reopen until early morning on Monday, Sept. 21. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>These closures on what’s known as the “Hospital Curve” part of 101 will affect not only drivers trying to drive from the South Bay and Peninsula to the East Bay or North Bay — including people arriving at San Francisco International Airport — but also anyone wanting to travel through the city on this weekend.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>These closures on what’s known as the “Hospital Curve” part of 101 will affect not only drivers trying to drive from the South Bay and Peninsula to the East Bay or North Bay — including people arriving at San Francisco International Airport — but also anyone wanting to travel through the city on this weekend.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260822-zuckerbergsfhospitalfile-00101_TV_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096569\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260822-zuckerbergsfhospitalfile-00101_TV_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260822-zuckerbergsfhospitalfile-00101_TV_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260822-zuckerbergsfhospitalfile-00101_TV_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center is located at 1001 Potrero Avenue in San Francisco on Aug. 22, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Tâm Vũ for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260822-zuckerbergsfhospitalfile-00101_TV_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096569\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center is located at 1001 Potrero Avenue in San Francisco on Aug. 22, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Tâm Vũ for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This weekend closure is part of Caltrans’s ongoing work on what the agency calls “the Fab 4”: 101’s Hospital Curve, I-280, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080206/whats-the-deal-with-i-80-and-sfs-central-freeway-heres-a-brief-history\">Central Freeway\u003c/a> and 19th Avenue. The work is coming on the heels of\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12078991/i80-101-closure-san-francisco-weekend-april-17-18-19-bay-bridge-detour-traffic-alternative-route\"> April’s major Interstate 80 closure \u003c/a>through San Francisco and last month’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12093934/carquinez-bridge-closure-update-weekend-i-80-westbound-alfred-zampa-memorial-bridge-crockett-vallejo-detours-august-21-24\">highway shutdown over the Carquinez Bridge\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>This weekend closure is part of Caltrans’s ongoing work on what the agency calls “the Fab 4”: 101’s Hospital Curve, I-280, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080206/whats-the-deal-with-i-80-and-sfs-central-freeway-heres-a-brief-history\">Central Freeway\u003c/a> and 19th Avenue. The work is coming on the heels of\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12078991/i80-101-closure-san-francisco-weekend-april-17-18-19-bay-bridge-detour-traffic-alternative-route\"> April’s major Interstate 80 closure \u003c/a>through San Francisco and last month’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12093934/carquinez-bridge-closure-update-weekend-i-80-westbound-alfred-zampa-memorial-bridge-crockett-vallejo-detours-august-21-24\">highway shutdown over the Carquinez Bridge\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>With the upcoming 101 work, “all of those lanes are going to be completely closed to traffic so that major pavement work can happen,” said Lori Shepherd, Caltrans’ Bay Area public information officer. “Basically, they’re putting on a brand new repaving [on] the whole entire road.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>With the upcoming 101 work, “all of those lanes are going to be completely closed to traffic so that major pavement work can happen,” said Lori Shepherd, Caltrans’ Bay Area public information officer. “Basically, they’re putting on a brand new repaving [on] the whole entire road.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#northbound\">When exactly will 101 through San Francisco be closed?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#northbound\">When exactly will 101 through San Francisco be closed?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#detour\">What kind of detour will I have to take?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#detour\">What kind of detour will I have to take?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warning: Delays and detours ahead\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Shepherd said that drivers should know that “this is going to be a major, major impact,” and that any travelers planning to drive in San Francisco during the weekend closure should expect sizable delays getting through the city — not just around 101, but on surrounding streets and detours.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Shepherd said that drivers should know that “this is going to be a major, major impact,” and that any travelers planning to drive in San Francisco during the weekend closure should expect sizable delays getting through the city — not just around 101, but on surrounding streets and detours.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Shepherd said that the greatest traffic impacts from the closure could be felt around Cesar Chavez and 17th streets, as well as around Potrero Avenue — and also on entrances to I-280.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Shepherd said that the greatest traffic impacts from the closure could be felt around Cesar Chavez and 17th streets, as well as around Potrero Avenue — and also on entrances to I-280.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Caltrans is urging travelers wherever possible to take \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/trip-planner\">public \u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/planner\">transportation \u003c/a>to travel through San Francisco this weekend, instead of using the roads.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Caltrans is urging travelers wherever possible to take \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/trip-planner\">public \u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/planner\">transportation \u003c/a>to travel through San Francisco this weekend, instead of using the roads.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It “really remains the best option to bypass congestion and work zone delays — because there \u003cem>will \u003c/em>be some major delays getting through the city,” warned Shepherd. Delays from the closures could also have a knock-on effect on other routes through the city.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It “really remains the best option to bypass congestion and work zone delays — because there \u003cem>will \u003c/em>be some major delays getting through the city,” warned Shepherd. Delays from the closures could also have a knock-on effect on other routes through the city.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But if you \u003cem>really \u003c/em>have to drive through San Francisco this weekend, what should you know about timings, detours and delays?\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But if you \u003cem>really \u003c/em>have to drive through San Francisco this weekend, what should you know about timings, detours and delays?\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what we know about navigating the upcoming 101 closure without having your weekend completely hijacked by traffic.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what we know about navigating the upcoming 101 closure without having your weekend completely hijacked by traffic.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>(And a heads up that in October, there’ll be \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-09-09-us101bayshore-freeway-full-closure\">two more weekend Hwy 101 closures\u003c/a> — this time on the southbound side — between Cesar Chavez Street and 10th Street. These closures will take place Oct. 2-5 and Oct. 16-19.)\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>(And a heads up that in October, there’ll be \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-09-09-us101bayshore-freeway-full-closure\">two more weekend Hwy 101 closures\u003c/a> — this time on the southbound side — between Cesar Chavez Street and 10th Street. These closures will take place Oct. 2-5 and Oct. 16-19.)\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Where will northbound 101 through San Francisco be closed?",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"northbound\">Where will northbound 101 through San Francisco be closed?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"northbound\">Where will northbound 101 through San Francisco be closed?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>All northbound lanes on 101 between Cesar Chavez Street and 10th Street will be closed to traffic — a 1.2-mile stretch of highway.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>All northbound lanes on 101 between Cesar Chavez Street and 10th Street will be closed to traffic — a 1.2-mile stretch of highway.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Any drivers on northbound 101 approaching this closure will be forced to take the Cesar Chavez Street/Potrero Avenue off-ramp before the closed area.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Any drivers on northbound 101 approaching this closure will be forced to take the Cesar Chavez Street/Potrero Avenue off-ramp before the closed area.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>All southbound lanes on 101 will remain open during the closures of the northbound lanes.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>All southbound lanes on 101 will remain open during the closures of the northbound lanes.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "When will the northbound 101 closures in San Francisco take place?",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When will the northbound 101 closures in San Francisco take place?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When will the northbound 101 closures in San Francisco take place?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Closure starts: 11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Closure starts: 11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Closure ends: by 6 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 21\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Closure ends: by 6 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 21\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "I need to drive north through San Francisco during the closures. What detour should I take?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"detour\">I need to drive north through San Francisco during the closures. What detour should I take?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"detour\">I need to drive north through San Francisco during the closures. What detour should I take?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"text": "If you’re already on 101 north through San Francisco"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you’re already on 101 north through San Francisco\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you’re already on 101 north through San Francisco\u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Caltrans recommends that \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-08-19-us101-nb-bayshore-freeway-hospital-curve-upcoming-full-closures\">motorists use I-280 northbound \u003c/a>to reach downtown areas of the city or the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Caltrans recommends that \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-08-19-us101-nb-bayshore-freeway-hospital-curve-upcoming-full-closures\">motorists use I-280 northbound \u003c/a>to reach downtown areas of the city or the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can merge onto I-280 by staying in the right two lanes of 101 around Silver Avenue. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>You can merge onto I-280 by staying in the right two lanes of 101 around Silver Avenue. \u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/1-Detour-101-closure-scaled.jpg 1757w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/1-Detour-101-closure-160x233.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/1-Detour-101-closure-1054x1536.jpg 1054w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/1-Detour-101-closure-1406x2048.jpg 1406w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/1-Detour-101-closure-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096917\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/1-Detour-101-closure-scaled.jpg 1757w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/1-Detour-101-closure-160x233.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/1-Detour-101-closure-1054x1536.jpg 1054w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/1-Detour-101-closure-1406x2048.jpg 1406w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caltrans’ suggested detour for drivers on northbound Highway 101 through San Francisco during the two September weekend closures.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/1-Detour-101-closure-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096917\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caltrans’ suggested detour for drivers on northbound Highway 101 through San Francisco during the two September weekend closures.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you don’t take the I-280 exit and continue on 101 northbound toward the closure, you’ll be forced to take the last exit before the closed area: the Cesar Chavez Street/Potrero Avenue off-ramp. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you don’t take the I-280 exit and continue on 101 northbound toward the closure, you’ll be forced to take the last exit before the closed area: the Cesar Chavez Street/Potrero Avenue off-ramp. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>From here, you can take Potrero Avenue north and either connect back onto northbound 101 to the Golden Gate Bridge or to Bryant Street, where you can take the Ninth Street/Bryant on-ramp to I-80 over the Bay Bridge.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>From here, you can take Potrero Avenue north and either connect back onto northbound 101 to the Golden Gate Bridge or to Bryant Street, where you can take the Ninth Street/Bryant on-ramp to I-80 over the Bay Bridge.\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
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"text": "If you want to drive north through the city from SFO, the Peninsula or South Bay"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you want to drive north through the city from SFO, the Peninsula or South Bay\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you want to drive north through the city from SFO, the Peninsula or South Bay\u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Caltrans’ detour map suggests drivers on 101 by SFO merge onto I-380 westbound, and then transfer to northbound 280 into San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Caltrans’ detour map suggests drivers on 101 by SFO merge onto I-380 westbound, and then transfer to northbound 280 into San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/2-Detour-101-closure-scaled.jpg 1913w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/2-Detour-101-closure-160x214.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/2-Detour-101-closure-1148x1536.jpg 1148w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/2-Detour-101-closure-1531x2048.jpg 1531w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/2-Detour-101-closure-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096918\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/2-Detour-101-closure-scaled.jpg 1913w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/2-Detour-101-closure-160x214.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/2-Detour-101-closure-1148x1536.jpg 1148w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/2-Detour-101-closure-1531x2048.jpg 1531w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caltrans’ suggested detour for drivers heading northbound from SFO during the two September weekend closures.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/2-Detour-101-closure-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096918\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caltrans’ suggested detour for drivers heading northbound from SFO during the two September weekend closures.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Why can’t these 101 closures take place overnight instead?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why can’t these 101 closures take place overnight instead?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why can’t these 101 closures take place overnight instead?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Shepherd attributed the length of the multiple closures — first Labor Day weekend, now this weekend — to the sheer scope of the “24-7” repaving work being undertaken on 101 at this time.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Shepherd attributed the length of the multiple closures — first Labor Day weekend, now this weekend — to the sheer scope of the “24-7” repaving work being undertaken on 101 at this time.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s a major, massive project, if you can imagine, repaving the freeway,” she said, and despite the Labor Day weekend, Caltrans has timed these closures “to do it with the least amount of impact on the public,” Shepherd said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“It’s a major, massive project, if you can imagine, repaving the freeway,” she said, and despite the Labor Day weekend, Caltrans has timed these closures “to do it with the least amount of impact on the public,” Shepherd said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to the traffic data Caltrans consulted, “holiday weekends actually are [a] lower volume of traffic,” she said. “So we knew that this would be a good weekend to come in and get the work done as quickly as possible.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>According to the traffic data Caltrans consulted, “holiday weekends actually are [a] lower volume of traffic,” she said. “So we knew that this would be a good weekend to come in and get the work done as quickly as possible.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The concrete used in this kind of repaving work also needs the kind of dry conditions that September brings. “There’s a lot of emphasis on getting work done — as much of it completed in the summer during the dry season as much as possible,” she said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The concrete used in this kind of repaving work also needs the kind of dry conditions that September brings. “There’s a lot of emphasis on getting work done — as much of it completed in the summer during the dry season as much as possible,” she said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s difficult, yes, for the traveling public to have to find ways around,” Shepherd said. “But in the end, it will produce long-term gains, because the road will be safer and smoother to drive [and] less prone to flooding.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“It’s difficult, yes, for the traveling public to have to find ways around,” Shepherd said. “But in the end, it will produce long-term gains, because the road will be safer and smoother to drive [and] less prone to flooding.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/jlara\">\u003cem>Juan Carlos Lara\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/jlara\">\u003cem>Juan Carlos Lara\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "Here’s what to know about the upcoming Friday-Monday 101 closure, the recommended detours and which travelers will be most affected.\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Remember that stretch of Highway 101 through \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> that was closed over the Labor Day weekend earlier this month? It’ll be closed again this weekend.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Over a mile of 101 near Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital will be \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-08-19-us101-nb-bayshore-freeway-hospital-curve-upcoming-full-closures\">fully closed to all northbound traffic \u003c/a>starting the night of Friday, Sept. 18 and won’t reopen until early morning on Monday, Sept. 21. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>These closures on what’s known as the “Hospital Curve” part of 101 will affect not only drivers trying to drive from the South Bay and Peninsula to the East Bay or North Bay — including people arriving at San Francisco International Airport — but also anyone wanting to travel through the city on this weekend.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260822-zuckerbergsfhospitalfile-00101_TV_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096569\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260822-zuckerbergsfhospitalfile-00101_TV_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260822-zuckerbergsfhospitalfile-00101_TV_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260822-zuckerbergsfhospitalfile-00101_TV_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center is located at 1001 Potrero Avenue in San Francisco on Aug. 22, 2026. (Tâm Vũ for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>This weekend closure is part of Caltrans’s ongoing work on what the agency calls “the Fab 4”: 101’s Hospital Curve, I-280, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080206/whats-the-deal-with-i-80-and-sfs-central-freeway-heres-a-brief-history\">Central Freeway\u003c/a> and 19th Avenue. The work is coming on the heels of\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12078991/i80-101-closure-san-francisco-weekend-april-17-18-19-bay-bridge-detour-traffic-alternative-route\"> April’s major Interstate 80 closure \u003c/a>through San Francisco and last month’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12093934/carquinez-bridge-closure-update-weekend-i-80-westbound-alfred-zampa-memorial-bridge-crockett-vallejo-detours-august-21-24\">highway shutdown over the Carquinez Bridge\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With the upcoming 101 work, “all of those lanes are going to be completely closed to traffic so that major pavement work can happen,” said Lori Shepherd, Caltrans’ Bay Area public information officer. “Basically, they’re putting on a brand new repaving [on] the whole entire road.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#northbound\">When exactly will 101 through San Francisco be closed?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#detour\">What kind of detour will I have to take?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warning: Delays and detours ahead\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Shepherd said that drivers should know that “this is going to be a major, major impact,” and that any travelers planning to drive in San Francisco during the weekend closure should expect sizable delays getting through the city — not just around 101, but on surrounding streets and detours.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Shepherd said that the greatest traffic impacts from the closure could be felt around Cesar Chavez and 17th streets, as well as around Potrero Avenue — and also on entrances to I-280.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Caltrans is urging travelers wherever possible to take \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/trip-planner\">public \u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/planner\">transportation \u003c/a>to travel through San Francisco this weekend, instead of using the roads.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It “really remains the best option to bypass congestion and work zone delays — because there \u003cem>will \u003c/em>be some major delays getting through the city,” warned Shepherd. Delays from the closures could also have a knock-on effect on other routes through the city.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But if you \u003cem>really \u003c/em>have to drive through San Francisco this weekend, what should you know about timings, detours and delays?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what we know about navigating the upcoming 101 closure without having your weekend completely hijacked by traffic.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>(And a heads up that in October, there’ll be \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-09-09-us101bayshore-freeway-full-closure\">two more weekend Hwy 101 closures\u003c/a> — this time on the southbound side — between Cesar Chavez Street and 10th Street. These closures will take place Oct. 2-5 and Oct. 16-19.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"northbound\">Where will northbound 101 through San Francisco be closed?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>All northbound lanes on 101 between Cesar Chavez Street and 10th Street will be closed to traffic — a 1.2-mile stretch of highway.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Any drivers on northbound 101 approaching this closure will be forced to take the Cesar Chavez Street/Potrero Avenue off-ramp before the closed area.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>All southbound lanes on 101 will remain open during the closures of the northbound lanes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When will the northbound 101 closures in San Francisco take place?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Closure starts: 11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Closure ends: by 6 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 21\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"detour\">I need to drive north through San Francisco during the closures. What detour should I take?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you’re already on 101 north through San Francisco\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Caltrans recommends that \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-08-19-us101-nb-bayshore-freeway-hospital-curve-upcoming-full-closures\">motorists use I-280 northbound \u003c/a>to reach downtown areas of the city or the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can merge onto I-280 by staying in the right two lanes of 101 around Silver Avenue. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1757\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/1-Detour-101-closure-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096917\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/1-Detour-101-closure-scaled.jpg 1757w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/1-Detour-101-closure-160x233.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/1-Detour-101-closure-1054x1536.jpg 1054w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/1-Detour-101-closure-1406x2048.jpg 1406w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1757px) 100vw, 1757px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caltrans’ suggested detour for drivers on northbound Highway 101 through San Francisco during the two September weekend closures. (Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>If you don’t take the I-280 exit and continue on 101 northbound toward the closure, you’ll be forced to take the last exit before the closed area: the Cesar Chavez Street/Potrero Avenue off-ramp. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>From here, you can take Potrero Avenue north and either connect back onto northbound 101 to the Golden Gate Bridge or to Bryant Street, where you can take the Ninth Street/Bryant on-ramp to I-80 over the Bay Bridge.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you want to drive north through the city from SFO, the Peninsula or South Bay\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Caltrans’ detour map suggests drivers on 101 by SFO merge onto I-380 westbound, and then transfer to northbound 280 into San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1913\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/2-Detour-101-closure-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096918\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/2-Detour-101-closure-scaled.jpg 1913w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/2-Detour-101-closure-160x214.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/2-Detour-101-closure-1148x1536.jpg 1148w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/2-Detour-101-closure-1531x2048.jpg 1531w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1913px) 100vw, 1913px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caltrans’ suggested detour for drivers heading northbound from SFO during the two September weekend closures. (Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why can’t these 101 closures take place overnight instead?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Shepherd attributed the length of the multiple closures — first Labor Day weekend, now this weekend — to the sheer scope of the “24-7” repaving work being undertaken on 101 at this time.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s a major, massive project, if you can imagine, repaving the freeway,” she said, and despite the Labor Day weekend, Caltrans has timed these closures “to do it with the least amount of impact on the public,” Shepherd said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to the traffic data Caltrans consulted, “holiday weekends actually are [a] lower volume of traffic,” she said. “So we knew that this would be a good weekend to come in and get the work done as quickly as possible.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The concrete used in this kind of repaving work also needs the kind of dry conditions that September brings. “There’s a lot of emphasis on getting work done — as much of it completed in the summer during the dry season as much as possible,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s difficult, yes, for the traveling public to have to find ways around,” Shepherd said. “But in the end, it will produce long-term gains, because the road will be safer and smoother to drive [and] less prone to flooding.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/jlara\">\u003cem>Juan Carlos Lara\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "am-i-registered-to-vote-midterms-2026-california-voting-for-governor-check-voter-registration-mail-in-ballots",
"title": "Midterms 2026: How to Register to Vote (or Make Sure You’re Already Correctly Registered)",
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"headTitle": "Midterms 2026: How to Register to Vote (or Make Sure You’re Already Correctly Registered) | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>It’s National \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/election-explainers\">Voter\u003c/a> Registration Day, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">the 2026 midterm election\u003c/a> in California is less than two months away.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Your county will begin mailing out ballots in early October, so now’s a great time to make sure you’re registered to vote. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The good news: The last day to register online to vote is Oct. 19. And if you miss that deadline for some reason, you have several options for registering or reregistering in person all the way through Election Day itself on Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1353\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaElection2026Getty-e1781204236548.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12087079\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An election worker processes mail-in ballots for the California state primary election at the Los Angeles County Ballot Processing Center on June 5, 2026, in City of Industry, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Here’s what to know about checking your voter registration and how to make sure election officials have your correct mailing address so your ballot arrives in time. You can also jump straight to:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#first-time\">I want to register to vote for the first time\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#new-address\">What should I do if I’ve moved to a new address or changed my name?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#ballot\">What if I haven’t received my ballot yet?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I’m almost certain I’m registered to vote … but how can I check?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can check your voter registration status at \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a>, which will show whether you’re registered to vote and the address associated with your registration.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If your voter registration is active and your address and name are up to date, your ballot should arrive soon. You can use \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a> to check when your ballot is mailed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When ballots start landing in mailboxes in October, you can also use \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">the Where’s My Ballot?\u003c/a> tool to check whether your ballot was sent out. We also have a 2025 guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12060171/ballot-missing-election-2025-hasnt-arrived-yet-replacement\">what to do if your ballot never showed up.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"new-address\">What are some reasons I might need to update my voter registration?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Updating your voter registration is also known as “reregistering” to vote. That’s because to update elements of your voter record at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>, you’ll need to register to vote \u003cem>again\u003c/em> as if you were making a new application.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As a general rule, you’ll definitely need to reregister if your name or address has changed. But if registering to vote when you know you’re already registered feels weird, don’t worry: This won’t be seen as you trying to fraudulently register to vote twice or anything like that.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Because your voter registration is tied to your Social Security number and your driver’s license/state ID card number, your new voter registration will be matched with your \u003cem>existing\u003c/em> voter registration, and your details will be updated.\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/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12089274\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ballots are sorted the day after California’s primary election at the L.A. County Ballot Processing Center on June 3, 2026, in City of Industry, California. (Jae C. Hong/AP Photo)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There will also be a section on the form where you can provide any previous addresses and names under which you’ve been registered to vote.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you want to change your party preference, you’ll also need to reregister to do that.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For smaller changes, your county may allow you to submit a Voter Action Form by mail or online. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For example, if San Francisco residents want to make minor changes to their voter registration, they can use \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfelections.org/tools/regupdate/regupd.php\">a form from the San Francisco Department of Elections\u003c/a> to determine whether they can do so online. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Find your Bay Area county elections office’s website and contact details.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You should update your voter registration:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you have moved to a new address within California\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If your old address is on your voter registration, then your mail-in ballot will automatically be sent to that address — not your new one. Your voter registration will reflect your new address only if you’ve manually updated it or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">if you’ve updated your address with the DMV.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Register to vote with your new address at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The state says that you can also send a signed letter to your current county elections official to let them know you’ve moved, along with your date of birth and current address. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Find your Bay Area county elections office’s website and contact details.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you have legally changed your name\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You’ll need to reregister to vote with your new name. One important thing: The secretary of state recommends that, before you do that, you \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">update your California driver’s license or identification card with the DMV \u003cem>first.\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This is because when you register to vote online, your county elections office electronically requests a copy of the signature the DMV currently has for you. And if you haven’t updated your signature with the DMV, the signature the agency sends to your county elections office will be the signature for your previous name, not your new one, and your registration will be rejected. \u003ca href=\"https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/updating-information-on-your-driver-license-or-identification-dl-id-card/\">Read how to update your signature with the DMV.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What if you aren’t able to update your details with the DMV first? The state recommends you select “decline” on the application when asked to use your DMV signature to register to vote — but you’ll have to hit “print” and sign the paper application, which you’ll mail.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Register to vote with your new name at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you haven’t voted in a while\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“In general,” says the Secretary of State’s Office, you’ll stay registered to vote for as long as you remain at the same address associated with your registration — but “\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">there are cases in which voter registration can be canceled\u003c/a> if a voter has not voted in several consecutive general elections.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So if your ballot doesn’t arrive in October, and you suspect it might be because you haven’t voted in many years, contact your county’s elections office ASAP. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Jump straight to our list of Bay Area county elections offices.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is my last chance to update my voter registration?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you forget to reregister with your new address or name, and your ballot is sent out in October to the wrong address or without your current name, don’t worry.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As long as you update your voter registration online at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a> before the Oct. 19 deadline, your county will just cancel the ballot that went to your old address and send you a new one.\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/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094887\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter casts their ballot at the Veterans Memorial Center in Davis on June 2, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if things get hectic this month and you miss the Oct. 19 deadline, you can still update your voter registration — you’ll just have to do it in person at that stage. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082074/california-primary-2026-dropbox-near-me-san-francisco-bay-area-find-my-polling-place-election-day-voter-guide\">Vote centers will open in most Bay Area counties by Oct. 31. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Go to your county elections office or an open voting location and ask to register in person via Same Day Registration (also called conditional registration). You can do this up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"first-time\">How can I register to vote for the \u003cem>first \u003c/em>time?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can register to vote if you’re:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>A United States citizen and a resident of California\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>18 years old or older on Election Day\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>People who are currently serving a state or federal prison term for a felony conviction cannot vote or register to vote.\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/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095121\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter drops off their ballot at UC Davis in Davis on June 2, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can register to vote online at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a> before the Oct. 19 deadline. After that, you can register to vote in person at your county elections office or an open voting location, where you can register through Same Day Registration (also called conditional registration). You can do this up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re unhoused or have no fixed address, you can still register to vote by providing a description of the place where you spend most of your time if you don’t have a street address, including cross streets. You can \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">register to vote this way via an online application\u003c/a> before Oct. 19 or on the paper voter registration application you can pick up at any DMV field office, or many post offices, public libraries, government offices or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">your county elections office\u003c/a> by request (where you can also use Same Day Registration in person).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ballot\">When will my ballot arrive?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Every registered voter in California will automatically receive a ballot in the mail.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Oct. 5 is the deadline for Bay Area counties to \u003cem>start\u003c/em> mailing ballots, though many will start several days earlier. This means your ballot will most likely arrive in early to mid-October.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2274165052-scaled-e1778866234143.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12082778\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Election voting materials, including the official voter information guide, sample ballot and an official ballot with return envelope mailed to a Southern California resident ahead of a state primary election on May 5, 2026, in Los Angeles. (Jay L Clendenin/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can use both \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a> and the state’s \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">Where’s My Ballot?\u003c/a> tool to check whether your ballot has been sent out. And if your ballot is missing, don’t worry: You have options. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12060171/ballot-missing-election-2025-hasnt-arrived-yet-replacement\">Read our 2025 guide for what to do if your ballot doesn’t show up.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can use the ballot to cast your vote or you can forget it and request a fresh one at a voting location. The one that arrived in the mail will be canceled.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"county\">How can I contact my county directly about voting?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org/\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll free at 800-750-8683.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s National \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/election-explainers\">Voter\u003c/a> Registration Day, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">the 2026 midterm election\u003c/a> in California is less than two months away.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>It’s National \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/election-explainers\">Voter\u003c/a> Registration Day, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">the 2026 midterm election\u003c/a> in California is less than two months away.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Your county will begin mailing out ballots in early October, so now’s a great time to make sure you’re registered to vote. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Your county will begin mailing out ballots in early October, so now’s a great time to make sure you’re registered to vote. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The good news: The last day to register online to vote is Oct. 19. And if you miss that deadline for some reason, you have several options for registering or reregistering in person all the way through Election Day itself on Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The good news: The last day to register online to vote is Oct. 19. And if you miss that deadline for some reason, you have several options for registering or reregistering in person all the way through Election Day itself on Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaElection2026Getty-e1781204236548.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12087079\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An election worker processes mail-in ballots for the California state primary election at the Los Angeles County Ballot Processing Center on June 5, 2026, in City of Industry, California. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaElection2026Getty-e1781204236548.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12087079\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An election worker processes mail-in ballots for the California state primary election at the Los Angeles County Ballot Processing Center on June 5, 2026, in City of Industry, California. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Here’s what to know about checking your voter registration and how to make sure election officials have your correct mailing address so your ballot arrives in time. You can also jump straight to:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Here’s what to know about checking your voter registration and how to make sure election officials have your correct mailing address so your ballot arrives in time. You can also jump straight to:\u003c/p>\n"
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"items": [
"I want to register to vote for the first time",
"What should I do if I’ve moved to a new address or changed my name?",
"What if I haven’t received my ballot yet?"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
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null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#first-time\">I want to register to vote for the first time\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#first-time\">I want to register to vote for the first time\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#new-address\">What should I do if I’ve moved to a new address or changed my name?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#new-address\">What should I do if I’ve moved to a new address or changed my name?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#ballot\">What if I haven’t received my ballot yet?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#ballot\">What if I haven’t received my ballot yet?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "I’m almost certain I’m registered to vote … but how can I check?",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I’m almost certain I’m registered to vote … but how can I check?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I’m almost certain I’m registered to vote … but how can I check?\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can check your voter registration status at \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a>, which will show whether you’re registered to vote and the address associated with your registration.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can check your voter registration status at \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a>, which will show whether you’re registered to vote and the address associated with your registration.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If your voter registration is active and your address and name are up to date, your ballot should arrive soon. You can use \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a> to check when your ballot is mailed.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If your voter registration is active and your address and name are up to date, your ballot should arrive soon. You can use \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a> to check when your ballot is mailed.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>When ballots start landing in mailboxes in October, you can also use \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">the Where’s My Ballot?\u003c/a> tool to check whether your ballot was sent out. We also have a 2025 guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12060171/ballot-missing-election-2025-hasnt-arrived-yet-replacement\">what to do if your ballot never showed up.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>When ballots start landing in mailboxes in October, you can also use \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">the Where’s My Ballot?\u003c/a> tool to check whether your ballot was sent out. We also have a 2025 guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12060171/ballot-missing-election-2025-hasnt-arrived-yet-replacement\">what to do if your ballot never showed up.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What are some reasons I might need to update my voter registration?",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"new-address\">What are some reasons I might need to update my voter registration?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"new-address\">What are some reasons I might need to update my voter registration?\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Updating your voter registration is also known as “reregistering” to vote. That’s because to update elements of your voter record at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>, you’ll need to register to vote \u003cem>again\u003c/em> as if you were making a new application.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Updating your voter registration is also known as “reregistering” to vote. That’s because to update elements of your voter record at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>, you’ll need to register to vote \u003cem>again\u003c/em> as if you were making a new application.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As a general rule, you’ll definitely need to reregister if your name or address has changed. But if registering to vote when you know you’re already registered feels weird, don’t worry: This won’t be seen as you trying to fraudulently register to vote twice or anything like that.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>As a general rule, you’ll definitely need to reregister if your name or address has changed. But if registering to vote when you know you’re already registered feels weird, don’t worry: This won’t be seen as you trying to fraudulently register to vote twice or anything like that.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Because your voter registration is tied to your Social Security number and your driver’s license/state ID card number, your new voter registration will be matched with your \u003cem>existing\u003c/em> voter registration, and your details will be updated.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Because your voter registration is tied to your Social Security number and your driver’s license/state ID card number, your new voter registration will be matched with your \u003cem>existing\u003c/em> voter registration, and your details will be updated.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12089274\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ballots are sorted the day after California’s primary election at the L.A. County Ballot Processing Center on June 3, 2026, in City of Industry, California.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Jae C. Hong/AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12089274\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ballots are sorted the day after California’s primary election at the L.A. County Ballot Processing Center on June 3, 2026, in City of Industry, California.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Jae C. Hong/AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There will also be a section on the form where you can provide any previous addresses and names under which you’ve been registered to vote.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>There will also be a section on the form where you can provide any previous addresses and names under which you’ve been registered to vote.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you want to change your party preference, you’ll also need to reregister to do that.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you want to change your party preference, you’ll also need to reregister to do that.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For smaller changes, your county may allow you to submit a Voter Action Form by mail or online. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>For smaller changes, your county may allow you to submit a Voter Action Form by mail or online. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For example, if San Francisco residents want to make minor changes to their voter registration, they can use \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfelections.org/tools/regupdate/regupd.php\">a form from the San Francisco Department of Elections\u003c/a> to determine whether they can do so online. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Find your Bay Area county elections office’s website and contact details.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>For example, if San Francisco residents want to make minor changes to their voter registration, they can use \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfelections.org/tools/regupdate/regupd.php\">a form from the San Francisco Department of Elections\u003c/a> to determine whether they can do so online. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Find your Bay Area county elections office’s website and contact details.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You should update your voter registration:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You should update your voter registration:\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
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"text": "If you have moved to a new address within California"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you have moved to a new address within California\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you have moved to a new address within California\u003c/h3>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If your old address is on your voter registration, then your mail-in ballot will automatically be sent to that address — not your new one. Your voter registration will reflect your new address only if you’ve manually updated it or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">if you’ve updated your address with the DMV.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If your old address is on your voter registration, then your mail-in ballot will automatically be sent to that address — not your new one. Your voter registration will reflect your new address only if you’ve manually updated it or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">if you’ve updated your address with the DMV.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Register to vote with your new address at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Register to vote with your new address at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The state says that you can also send a signed letter to your current county elections official to let them know you’ve moved, along with your date of birth and current address. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Find your Bay Area county elections office’s website and contact details.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The state says that you can also send a signed letter to your current county elections official to let them know you’ve moved, along with your date of birth and current address. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Find your Bay Area county elections office’s website and contact details.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "If you have legally changed your name"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you have legally changed your name\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you have legally changed your name\u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You’ll need to reregister to vote with your new name. One important thing: The secretary of state recommends that, before you do that, you \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">update your California driver’s license or identification card with the DMV \u003cem>first.\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You’ll need to reregister to vote with your new name. One important thing: The secretary of state recommends that, before you do that, you \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">update your California driver’s license or identification card with the DMV \u003cem>first.\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This is because when you register to vote online, your county elections office electronically requests a copy of the signature the DMV currently has for you. And if you haven’t updated your signature with the DMV, the signature the agency sends to your county elections office will be the signature for your previous name, not your new one, and your registration will be rejected. \u003ca href=\"https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/updating-information-on-your-driver-license-or-identification-dl-id-card/\">Read how to update your signature with the DMV.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>This is because when you register to vote online, your county elections office electronically requests a copy of the signature the DMV currently has for you. And if you haven’t updated your signature with the DMV, the signature the agency sends to your county elections office will be the signature for your previous name, not your new one, and your registration will be rejected. \u003ca href=\"https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/updating-information-on-your-driver-license-or-identification-dl-id-card/\">Read how to update your signature with the DMV.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>What if you aren’t able to update your details with the DMV first? The state recommends you select “decline” on the application when asked to use your DMV signature to register to vote — but you’ll have to hit “print” and sign the paper application, which you’ll mail.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>What if you aren’t able to update your details with the DMV first? The state recommends you select “decline” on the application when asked to use your DMV signature to register to vote — but you’ll have to hit “print” and sign the paper application, which you’ll mail.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Register to vote with your new name at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Register to vote with your new name at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerBlocks": []
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "If you haven’t voted in a while"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you haven’t voted in a while\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you haven’t voted in a while\u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“In general,” says the Secretary of State’s Office, you’ll stay registered to vote for as long as you remain at the same address associated with your registration — but “\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">there are cases in which voter registration can be canceled\u003c/a> if a voter has not voted in several consecutive general elections.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“In general,” says the Secretary of State’s Office, you’ll stay registered to vote for as long as you remain at the same address associated with your registration — but “\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">there are cases in which voter registration can be canceled\u003c/a> if a voter has not voted in several consecutive general elections.”\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So if your ballot doesn’t arrive in October, and you suspect it might be because you haven’t voted in many years, contact your county’s elections office ASAP. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Jump straight to our list of Bay Area county elections offices.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>So if your ballot doesn’t arrive in October, and you suspect it might be because you haven’t voted in many years, contact your county’s elections office ASAP. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Jump straight to our list of Bay Area county elections offices.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "When is my last chance to update my voter registration?",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is my last chance to update my voter registration?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is my last chance to update my voter registration?\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you forget to reregister with your new address or name, and your ballot is sent out in October to the wrong address or without your current name, don’t worry.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you forget to reregister with your new address or name, and your ballot is sent out in October to the wrong address or without your current name, don’t worry.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As long as you update your voter registration online at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a> before the Oct. 19 deadline, your county will just cancel the ballot that went to your old address and send you a new one.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>As long as you update your voter registration online at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a> before the Oct. 19 deadline, your county will just cancel the ballot that went to your old address and send you a new one.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12094887,
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094887\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed-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 voter casts their ballot at the Veterans Memorial Center in Davis on June 2, 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/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094887\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter casts their ballot at the Veterans Memorial Center in Davis on June 2, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if things get hectic this month and you miss the Oct. 19 deadline, you can still update your voter registration — you’ll just have to do it in person at that stage. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082074/california-primary-2026-dropbox-near-me-san-francisco-bay-area-find-my-polling-place-election-day-voter-guide\">Vote centers will open in most Bay Area counties by Oct. 31. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And if things get hectic this month and you miss the Oct. 19 deadline, you can still update your voter registration — you’ll just have to do it in person at that stage. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082074/california-primary-2026-dropbox-near-me-san-francisco-bay-area-find-my-polling-place-election-day-voter-guide\">Vote centers will open in most Bay Area counties by Oct. 31. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Go to your county elections office or an open voting location and ask to register in person via Same Day Registration (also called conditional registration). You can do this up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Go to your county elections office or an open voting location and ask to register in person via Same Day Registration (also called conditional registration). You can do this up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "How can I register to vote for the first time?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"first-time\">How can I register to vote for the \u003cem>first \u003c/em>time?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"first-time\">How can I register to vote for the \u003cem>first \u003c/em>time?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can register to vote if you’re:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can register to vote if you’re:\u003c/p>\n"
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"A United States citizen and a resident of California",
"18 years old or older on Election Day"
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"values": ""
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
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null,
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>A United States citizen and a resident of California\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>A United States citizen and a resident of California\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>18 years old or older on Election Day\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>People who are currently serving a state or federal prison term for a felony conviction cannot vote or register to vote.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>People who are currently serving a state or federal prison term for a felony conviction cannot vote or register to vote.\u003c/p>\n"
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"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095121\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed-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 voter drops off their ballot at UC Davis in Davis on June 2, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095121\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter drops off their ballot at UC Davis in Davis on June 2, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can register to vote online at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a> before the Oct. 19 deadline. After that, you can register to vote in person at your county elections office or an open voting location, where you can register through Same Day Registration (also called conditional registration). You can do this up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can register to vote online at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a> before the Oct. 19 deadline. After that, you can register to vote in person at your county elections office or an open voting location, where you can register through Same Day Registration (also called conditional registration). You can do this up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re unhoused or have no fixed address, you can still register to vote by providing a description of the place where you spend most of your time if you don’t have a street address, including cross streets. You can \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">register to vote this way via an online application\u003c/a> before Oct. 19 or on the paper voter registration application you can pick up at any DMV field office, or many post offices, public libraries, government offices or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">your county elections office\u003c/a> by request (where you can also use Same Day Registration in person).\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you’re unhoused or have no fixed address, you can still register to vote by providing a description of the place where you spend most of your time if you don’t have a street address, including cross streets. You can \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">register to vote this way via an online application\u003c/a> before Oct. 19 or on the paper voter registration application you can pick up at any DMV field office, or many post offices, public libraries, government offices or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">your county elections office\u003c/a> by request (where you can also use Same Day Registration in person).\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "When will my ballot arrive?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ballot\">When will my ballot arrive?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ballot\">When will my ballot arrive?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Every registered voter in California will automatically receive a ballot in the mail.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Every registered voter in California will automatically receive a ballot in the mail.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Oct. 5 is the deadline for Bay Area counties to \u003cem>start\u003c/em> mailing ballots, though many will start several days earlier. This means your ballot will most likely arrive in early to mid-October.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Oct. 5 is the deadline for Bay Area counties to \u003cem>start\u003c/em> mailing ballots, though many will start several days earlier. This means your ballot will most likely arrive in early to mid-October.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2274165052-scaled-e1778866234143.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12082778\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Election voting materials, including the official voter information guide, sample ballot and an official ballot with return envelope mailed to a Southern California resident ahead of a state primary election on May 5, 2026, in Los Angeles.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Jay L Clendenin/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2274165052-scaled-e1778866234143.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12082778\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Election voting materials, including the official voter information guide, sample ballot and an official ballot with return envelope mailed to a Southern California resident ahead of a state primary election on May 5, 2026, in Los Angeles.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Jay L Clendenin/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can use both \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a> and the state’s \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">Where’s My Ballot?\u003c/a> tool to check whether your ballot has been sent out. And if your ballot is missing, don’t worry: You have options. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12060171/ballot-missing-election-2025-hasnt-arrived-yet-replacement\">Read our 2025 guide for what to do if your ballot doesn’t show up.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can use both \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a> and the state’s \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">Where’s My Ballot?\u003c/a> tool to check whether your ballot has been sent out. And if your ballot is missing, don’t worry: You have options. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12060171/ballot-missing-election-2025-hasnt-arrived-yet-replacement\">Read our 2025 guide for what to do if your ballot doesn’t show up.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can use the ballot to cast your vote or you can forget it and request a fresh one at a voting location. The one that arrived in the mail will be canceled.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can use the ballot to cast your vote or you can forget it and request a fresh one at a voting location. The one that arrived in the mail will be canceled.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "How can I contact my county directly about voting?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"county\">How can I contact my county directly about voting?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"county\">How can I contact my county directly about voting?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n"
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"Alameda: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683.",
"Contra Costa: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us.",
"Marin: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to send a form email.",
"Napa: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org.",
"San Francisco: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org.",
"San Mateo: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org.",
"Santa Clara: Call toll free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org.",
"Solano: Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com.",
"Sonoma: Call 707-565-6800 or toll free at 800-750-8683."
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>.\u003c/li>\n"
]
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org/\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org/\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll free at 800-750-8683.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll free at 800-750-8683.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "How to make sure you’re registered — correctly — to vote in the Nov. 3 state primary election.\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>It’s National \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/election-explainers\">Voter\u003c/a> Registration Day, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">the 2026 midterm election\u003c/a> in California is less than two months away.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Your county will begin mailing out ballots in early October, so now’s a great time to make sure you’re registered to vote. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The good news: The last day to register online to vote is Oct. 19. And if you miss that deadline for some reason, you have several options for registering or reregistering in person all the way through Election Day itself on Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1353\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaElection2026Getty-e1781204236548.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12087079\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An election worker processes mail-in ballots for the California state primary election at the Los Angeles County Ballot Processing Center on June 5, 2026, in City of Industry, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Here’s what to know about checking your voter registration and how to make sure election officials have your correct mailing address so your ballot arrives in time. You can also jump straight to:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#first-time\">I want to register to vote for the first time\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#new-address\">What should I do if I’ve moved to a new address or changed my name?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#ballot\">What if I haven’t received my ballot yet?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I’m almost certain I’m registered to vote … but how can I check?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can check your voter registration status at \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a>, which will show whether you’re registered to vote and the address associated with your registration.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If your voter registration is active and your address and name are up to date, your ballot should arrive soon. You can use \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a> to check when your ballot is mailed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When ballots start landing in mailboxes in October, you can also use \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">the Where’s My Ballot?\u003c/a> tool to check whether your ballot was sent out. We also have a 2025 guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12060171/ballot-missing-election-2025-hasnt-arrived-yet-replacement\">what to do if your ballot never showed up.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"new-address\">What are some reasons I might need to update my voter registration?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Updating your voter registration is also known as “reregistering” to vote. That’s because to update elements of your voter record at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>, you’ll need to register to vote \u003cem>again\u003c/em> as if you were making a new application.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As a general rule, you’ll definitely need to reregister if your name or address has changed. But if registering to vote when you know you’re already registered feels weird, don’t worry: This won’t be seen as you trying to fraudulently register to vote twice or anything like that.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Because your voter registration is tied to your Social Security number and your driver’s license/state ID card number, your new voter registration will be matched with your \u003cem>existing\u003c/em> voter registration, and your details will be updated.\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/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12089274\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ballots are sorted the day after California’s primary election at the L.A. County Ballot Processing Center on June 3, 2026, in City of Industry, California. (Jae C. Hong/AP Photo)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There will also be a section on the form where you can provide any previous addresses and names under which you’ve been registered to vote.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you want to change your party preference, you’ll also need to reregister to do that.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For smaller changes, your county may allow you to submit a Voter Action Form by mail or online. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For example, if San Francisco residents want to make minor changes to their voter registration, they can use \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfelections.org/tools/regupdate/regupd.php\">a form from the San Francisco Department of Elections\u003c/a> to determine whether they can do so online. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Find your Bay Area county elections office’s website and contact details.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You should update your voter registration:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you have moved to a new address within California\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If your old address is on your voter registration, then your mail-in ballot will automatically be sent to that address — not your new one. Your voter registration will reflect your new address only if you’ve manually updated it or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">if you’ve updated your address with the DMV.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Register to vote with your new address at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The state says that you can also send a signed letter to your current county elections official to let them know you’ve moved, along with your date of birth and current address. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Find your Bay Area county elections office’s website and contact details.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you have legally changed your name\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You’ll need to reregister to vote with your new name. One important thing: The secretary of state recommends that, before you do that, you \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">update your California driver’s license or identification card with the DMV \u003cem>first.\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This is because when you register to vote online, your county elections office electronically requests a copy of the signature the DMV currently has for you. And if you haven’t updated your signature with the DMV, the signature the agency sends to your county elections office will be the signature for your previous name, not your new one, and your registration will be rejected. \u003ca href=\"https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/updating-information-on-your-driver-license-or-identification-dl-id-card/\">Read how to update your signature with the DMV.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What if you aren’t able to update your details with the DMV first? The state recommends you select “decline” on the application when asked to use your DMV signature to register to vote — but you’ll have to hit “print” and sign the paper application, which you’ll mail.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Register to vote with your new name at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you haven’t voted in a while\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“In general,” says the Secretary of State’s Office, you’ll stay registered to vote for as long as you remain at the same address associated with your registration — but “\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">there are cases in which voter registration can be canceled\u003c/a> if a voter has not voted in several consecutive general elections.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So if your ballot doesn’t arrive in October, and you suspect it might be because you haven’t voted in many years, contact your county’s elections office ASAP. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Jump straight to our list of Bay Area county elections offices.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is my last chance to update my voter registration?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you forget to reregister with your new address or name, and your ballot is sent out in October to the wrong address or without your current name, don’t worry.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As long as you update your voter registration online at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a> before the Oct. 19 deadline, your county will just cancel the ballot that went to your old address and send you a new one.\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/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094887\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter casts their ballot at the Veterans Memorial Center in Davis on June 2, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if things get hectic this month and you miss the Oct. 19 deadline, you can still update your voter registration — you’ll just have to do it in person at that stage. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082074/california-primary-2026-dropbox-near-me-san-francisco-bay-area-find-my-polling-place-election-day-voter-guide\">Vote centers will open in most Bay Area counties by Oct. 31. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Go to your county elections office or an open voting location and ask to register in person via Same Day Registration (also called conditional registration). You can do this up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"first-time\">How can I register to vote for the \u003cem>first \u003c/em>time?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can register to vote if you’re:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>A United States citizen and a resident of California\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>18 years old or older on Election Day\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>People who are currently serving a state or federal prison term for a felony conviction cannot vote or register to vote.\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/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095121\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter drops off their ballot at UC Davis in Davis on June 2, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can register to vote online at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a> before the Oct. 19 deadline. After that, you can register to vote in person at your county elections office or an open voting location, where you can register through Same Day Registration (also called conditional registration). You can do this up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re unhoused or have no fixed address, you can still register to vote by providing a description of the place where you spend most of your time if you don’t have a street address, including cross streets. You can \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">register to vote this way via an online application\u003c/a> before Oct. 19 or on the paper voter registration application you can pick up at any DMV field office, or many post offices, public libraries, government offices or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">your county elections office\u003c/a> by request (where you can also use Same Day Registration in person).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ballot\">When will my ballot arrive?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Every registered voter in California will automatically receive a ballot in the mail.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Oct. 5 is the deadline for Bay Area counties to \u003cem>start\u003c/em> mailing ballots, though many will start several days earlier. This means your ballot will most likely arrive in early to mid-October.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2274165052-scaled-e1778866234143.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12082778\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Election voting materials, including the official voter information guide, sample ballot and an official ballot with return envelope mailed to a Southern California resident ahead of a state primary election on May 5, 2026, in Los Angeles. (Jay L Clendenin/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can use both \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a> and the state’s \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">Where’s My Ballot?\u003c/a> tool to check whether your ballot has been sent out. And if your ballot is missing, don’t worry: You have options. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12060171/ballot-missing-election-2025-hasnt-arrived-yet-replacement\">Read our 2025 guide for what to do if your ballot doesn’t show up.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can use the ballot to cast your vote or you can forget it and request a fresh one at a voting location. The one that arrived in the mail will be canceled.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"county\">How can I contact my county directly about voting?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org/\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll free at 800-750-8683.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "sick-of-scam-calls-and-texts-you-can-now-request-to-remove-your-details-from-data-brokers",
"title": "Over Half a Million Californians Have Signed Up to Delete Their Info From Data Brokers. Here’s How You Can, Too",
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"headTitle": "Over Half a Million Californians Have Signed Up to Delete Their Info From Data Brokers. Here’s How You Can, Too | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>Constant spam calls and fake texts \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2025/08/08/nx-s1-5494743/weve-all-gotten-those-hiring-scam-texts-instead-of-deleting-this-writer-played-along\">promising job offers\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/yrechtman/status/2008946516820406366?s=46&t=7BBzFwo6eYLzJIVfAlumEQ\">easy cash\u003c/a> or, in some cases, a coffee date have been the bane of my existence.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s not just me. According to the consumer advocacy organization \u003ca href=\"https://pirg.org/edfund/\">U.S. PIRG Education Fund\u003c/a>, Americans received \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbsnews.com/news/robocalls-on-the-rise-heres-why/\">2.56 \u003cem>billion \u003c/em>robocalls per month\u003c/a> from January to September 2025. And in recent years, scammers have increased their use of text messaging or DMs on social media platforms to get your information.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for how they get your phone number, it’s because these scammers \u003ca href=\"https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-proposes-rule-to-stop-data-brokers-from-selling-sensitive-personal-data-to-scammers-stalkers-and-spies/\">usually obtain your contact details\u003c/a> from data brokers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12098614/phone-text-scams-california-irs-bank-cdph-emergency-call-how-to-spot-fake-job-offer\">Scam messages have gotten so bad\u003c/a> in recent years that, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069507/sick-of-scam-calls-and-texts-you-can-now-request-to-remove-your-details-from-data-brokers\">as of January\u003c/a>, a new \u003ca href=\"https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/about-drop-and-the-delete-act/\">California privacy law\u003c/a> — the Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP) — began to offer state residents a way to limit the amount of information available to those data brokers by submitting deletion requests to have their information manually removed. As of August, data brokers have been required to start the deletion process.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Over 520,000 Californians have signed up for DROP so far, according to Tom Kemp, the executive director of CalPrivacy, the state’s Privacy Protection Agency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re also pleased to see that it has real-world value already,” Kemp said. “People are getting dozens and dozens of dozens of deletions occurring, which means their digital footprint is now being reduced — and that will have a downstream benefit of less spam.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Scams are caused increasingly by the bad guys getting data from data brokers,” Kemp continued. “And AI is making it incredibly easy.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Because data brokers \u003ca href=\"https://epic.org/issues/consumer-privacy/data-brokers/\">collect and sell a plethora of personal information\u003c/a> about you — including names, addresses, income, political party, shopping habits and more — there are other reasons beyond spam calls to want your details removed from their databases.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://twitter.com/pirdbooop/status/1906800016141758795?s=46&t=7BBzFwo6eYLzJIVfAlumEQ\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s a good way to maintain digital privacy and prevent other bodies (\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055606/how-ice-is-using-your-data-and-what-you-can-do-about-it\">including, increasingly, federal agencies\u003c/a>) from accessing even more information about you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Unlike a bank or a pharmacy, data brokers specifically \u003cem>don’t \u003c/em>have a direct relationship with you, said Kemp. Instead, they function to indirectly collect as much information about you as they can, to “create these digital dossiers that they’ll sell to anyone with a credit card,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Signing up for DROP will “significantly” reduce your digital footprint, said Kemp, because your “attack surface will be dramatically reduced” by fewer people having your personal information.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://twitter.com/dadogeking/status/1939026526667973071?s=46&t=7BBzFwo6eYLzJIVfAlumEQ\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And while Kemp acknowledged that the long-term effects of the law might “take a couple years to see” — for example, if elder fraud will go down in California as compared with other states — it’s nonetheless “one big step in the right direction,” he said. (In fact, news outlet CalMatters \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/economy/technology/2026/06/help-us-investigate-data-privacy-california/\">recently announced a crowdsourced effort\u003c/a> to track DROP’s progress.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for an overview of the DROP law, from what it does to how to submit a request yourself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The state also has \u003ca href=\"https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/\">its own thorough resource on navigating DROP\u003c/a>, including \u003ca href=\"https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/personal-information-and-data-brokers/\">what it means to delete your personal data\u003c/a>. Be sure to also check out KQED’s guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12070405/how-to-protect-your-information-online-in-2026\">more ways to protect yourself online\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How you can use DROP\u003c/h2>\n\u003ch3>Who can submit a DROP request?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>You can use DROP if you are a California resident and must \u003ca href=\"https://consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov/check-eligibility\">verify that you are a California resident\u003c/a> when you fill out the form by either:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Providing personal information,\u003c/strong> including name, date of birth, address, phone or email. If you cannot provide a phone number or email, you may need to provide a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You will give this information on a state website called the \u003ca href=\"https://digitalidstrategy.cdt.ca.gov/\">California Identity Gateway\u003c/a>, which is often used to verify residency. According to the state, this information will be used only to verify your identity and residency and will not be stored or shared.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Creating an account\u003c/strong> through \u003ca href=\"http://login.gov\">login.gov\u003c/a>, a \u003ca href=\"https://consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov/check-eligibility\">“federally hosted identity verification service used by many government agencies.”\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Keep in mind that if you choose to verify either through the California Identity Gateway or login.gov, you will need to use the same method for future DROP requests.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Once your identity is verified, you will be able to proceed with the submission form on the DROP website.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12069526\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12069526 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/DataPrivacyGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/DataPrivacyGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/DataPrivacyGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/DataPrivacyGetty-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">According to the consumer advocacy organization U.S. PIRG Education Fund, Americans received 2.56 billion robocalls per month from January to September 2025. \u003ccite>(Rain Star/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>How can I submit a DROP request?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>You can submit a request using \u003ca href=\"https://consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov/\">the state’s official DROP website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After verifying you’re a California resident (see above), you’ll fill out some basic information, including:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Full name (including any other variations of your name, like a maiden name or nickname)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Date of birth\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Zip code(s)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Email address(es), which you’ll be asked to verify by code\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Phone number(s), which you’ll be asked to verify by code\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Any unique IDs you have connected to your phone or smart TV since, according to the form, “Data brokers may use these IDs to track your habits and sell or share your data.” The Markup has \u003ca href=\"https://themarkup.org/privacy/2026/01/08/how-californians-can-use-a-new-state-website-to-block-hundreds-of-data-brokers\">a guide on finding some specific IDs\u003c/a>, like advertising IDs, on your smartphone.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Vehicle Identification Number (found on your car’s registration documents)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>According to the DROP form, the “more information you provide, the more likely your personal data will be deleted.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The entire process — if you have these unique numbers on hand — takes under 10 minutes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Applying through DROP will be a lot quicker than the usual deletion process available to you, in which users had to contact each company individually to have their information removed — or pay for a service to do it in bulk. And investigative reports also show that \u003ca href=\"https://themarkup.org/privacy/2025/08/12/we-caught-companies-making-it-harder-to-delete-your-data\">the success of finding those deletion requests can vary\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After submitting the form, you will receive a DROP ID. You should save this ID, and you can use it to \u003ca href=\"https://consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov/dropstatus\">track the state of your deletion request\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to the state’s DROP website, the information you put in the form \u003ca href=\"https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/\">“won’t be sold or shared for any other reason.”\u003c/a> The \u003ca href=\"https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/personal-information-and-data-brokers/\">state’s website\u003c/a> explains how it encrypts input data and what data brokers see in your requests.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12069528\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12069528 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/DataPrivacyGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/DataPrivacyGetty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/DataPrivacyGetty2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/DataPrivacyGetty2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The new DROP law means that in August 2026, data brokers are required by law to start clearing their records every 45 days. \u003ccite>(Rain Star/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>Does submitting a DROP request cost anything?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>No. Submitting a DROP request is free.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Can I submit a DROP form for someone else?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Yes, you can submit a request for another person, like your child or your parent. The person must still be a California resident, and they must have given you permission to submit the DROP request for them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you are submitting a form for another person, you must use \u003cem>their \u003c/em>details when verifying California residency, not your own.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After filling out the other person’s information, you will then need to provide your full name and your email address.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How does DROP work?\u003c/h2>\n\u003ch3>What data of mine will be deleted as part of DROP?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>The new DROP law means that data brokers are now required by law to start clearing their records every 45 days, as of August.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But there is a chance that your data may be deleted even earlier. According to Kemp, “a lot of these data brokers have already reported back, and so far about 25% of the data brokers have said that they did the deletion matching.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to your phone number, this information about you that data brokers must begin to delete may include your:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Name\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Birthday\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Address\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Email address\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Geolocation\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Health data\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Interests, such as your political party affiliation or your hobbies.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>There are exceptions to what data these brokers must delete: For example, publicly available information (like a court appearance or property records) will not be deleted under DROP.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Where will the data be deleted from?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>According to the DROP form, “All current and future data brokers who register with CalPrivacy are included in your deletion request.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID=news_12055606 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/USImmigrationCustomsEnforcementHQGetty.jpg']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can check out \u003ca href=\"https://cppa.ca.gov/data_broker_registry/\">the list of over 600 active data brokers on the DROP website\u003c/a>, and even directly opt in for the ones you actually wish to be listed on.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The DROP website also allows you to look at these data brokers individually and see what kind of data they’re gathering, like reproductive health information and biometric data. In some cases, you can also see where your data is being sold to, like developers of generative AI — or the federal government.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nonprofit groups like charities may have your information, Kemp explained. But these are \u003cem>not \u003c/em>required to be part of the registry of data brokers, which are for-profit companies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The registry doesn’t just include data brokers based in California; it applies to companies out of state as well, said Kemp.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“As long as there’s a company that has a lot of Californians’ data that they collect and sell and they don’t have that direct relationship, they have to register,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep in mind: \u003ca href=\"https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/\">According to the state website\u003c/a>, deleting your information could lead to a less personalized web experience, like targeted ads.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>How long will it take for the data to be deleted?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>After you apply for DROP, you’ll then have \u003ca href=\"https://consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov/\">a personal DROP profile online \u003c/a>— which you can periodically check for updates on your digital privacy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And now that the deletion process has started, you’ll likely begin to see updates from brokers to your requests on your DROP profile.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/how-drop-works/\">possible status updates\u003c/a> are:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Deleted: \u003c/strong>Your data is deleted and will not be sold.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Exempted: \u003c/strong>Your data is allowed to be kept because it is exempted by the privacy law, such as a court or public record.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Opted-out: \u003c/strong>Data brokers couldn’t find the exact information you input.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Record not found: \u003c/strong>Data brokers could not find the information at \u003cem>all\u003c/em>.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Pending: \u003c/strong>Your deletion request is still being processed.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You may need to \u003ca href=\"https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/personal-information-and-data-brokers/\">provide more information\u003c/a> or take extra steps if data brokers are unable to fulfill your request.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Data brokers are \u003ca href=\"https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/\">required to delete information every 45 days\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/how-drop-works/\">take up to 90 days to give an update\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Kemp said that the state does plan to “vigorously enforce this” and, “if a data broker is not properly doing the deletions, or ignoring the deletions, the fines are $200 per day per record.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Constant spam calls and fake texts \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2025/08/08/nx-s1-5494743/weve-all-gotten-those-hiring-scam-texts-instead-of-deleting-this-writer-played-along\">promising job offers\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/yrechtman/status/2008946516820406366?s=46&t=7BBzFwo6eYLzJIVfAlumEQ\">easy cash\u003c/a> or, in some cases, a coffee date have been the bane of my existence.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s not just me. According to the consumer advocacy organization \u003ca href=\"https://pirg.org/edfund/\">U.S. PIRG Education Fund\u003c/a>, Americans received \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbsnews.com/news/robocalls-on-the-rise-heres-why/\">2.56 \u003cem>billion \u003c/em>robocalls per month\u003c/a> from January to September 2025. And in recent years, scammers have increased their use of text messaging or DMs on social media platforms to get your information.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for how they get your phone number, it’s because these scammers \u003ca href=\"https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-proposes-rule-to-stop-data-brokers-from-selling-sensitive-personal-data-to-scammers-stalkers-and-spies/\">usually obtain your contact details\u003c/a> from data brokers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12098614/phone-text-scams-california-irs-bank-cdph-emergency-call-how-to-spot-fake-job-offer\">Scam messages have gotten so bad\u003c/a> in recent years that, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069507/sick-of-scam-calls-and-texts-you-can-now-request-to-remove-your-details-from-data-brokers\">as of January\u003c/a>, a new \u003ca href=\"https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/about-drop-and-the-delete-act/\">California privacy law\u003c/a> — the Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP) — began to offer state residents a way to limit the amount of information available to those data brokers by submitting deletion requests to have their information manually removed. As of August, data brokers have been required to start the deletion process.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Over 520,000 Californians have signed up for DROP so far, according to Tom Kemp, the executive director of CalPrivacy, the state’s Privacy Protection Agency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re also pleased to see that it has real-world value already,” Kemp said. “People are getting dozens and dozens of dozens of deletions occurring, which means their digital footprint is now being reduced — and that will have a downstream benefit of less spam.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Scams are caused increasingly by the bad guys getting data from data brokers,” Kemp continued. “And AI is making it incredibly easy.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Because data brokers \u003ca href=\"https://epic.org/issues/consumer-privacy/data-brokers/\">collect and sell a plethora of personal information\u003c/a> about you — including names, addresses, income, political party, shopping habits and more — there are other reasons beyond spam calls to want your details removed from their databases.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>It’s a good way to maintain digital privacy and prevent other bodies (\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055606/how-ice-is-using-your-data-and-what-you-can-do-about-it\">including, increasingly, federal agencies\u003c/a>) from accessing even more information about you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Unlike a bank or a pharmacy, data brokers specifically \u003cem>don’t \u003c/em>have a direct relationship with you, said Kemp. Instead, they function to indirectly collect as much information about you as they can, to “create these digital dossiers that they’ll sell to anyone with a credit card,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Signing up for DROP will “significantly” reduce your digital footprint, said Kemp, because your “attack surface will be dramatically reduced” by fewer people having your personal information.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>And while Kemp acknowledged that the long-term effects of the law might “take a couple years to see” — for example, if elder fraud will go down in California as compared with other states — it’s nonetheless “one big step in the right direction,” he said. (In fact, news outlet CalMatters \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/economy/technology/2026/06/help-us-investigate-data-privacy-california/\">recently announced a crowdsourced effort\u003c/a> to track DROP’s progress.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for an overview of the DROP law, from what it does to how to submit a request yourself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The state also has \u003ca href=\"https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/\">its own thorough resource on navigating DROP\u003c/a>, including \u003ca href=\"https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/personal-information-and-data-brokers/\">what it means to delete your personal data\u003c/a>. Be sure to also check out KQED’s guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12070405/how-to-protect-your-information-online-in-2026\">more ways to protect yourself online\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How you can use DROP\u003c/h2>\n\u003ch3>Who can submit a DROP request?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>You can use DROP if you are a California resident and must \u003ca href=\"https://consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov/check-eligibility\">verify that you are a California resident\u003c/a> when you fill out the form by either:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Providing personal information,\u003c/strong> including name, date of birth, address, phone or email. If you cannot provide a phone number or email, you may need to provide a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You will give this information on a state website called the \u003ca href=\"https://digitalidstrategy.cdt.ca.gov/\">California Identity Gateway\u003c/a>, which is often used to verify residency. According to the state, this information will be used only to verify your identity and residency and will not be stored or shared.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Creating an account\u003c/strong> through \u003ca href=\"http://login.gov\">login.gov\u003c/a>, a \u003ca href=\"https://consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov/check-eligibility\">“federally hosted identity verification service used by many government agencies.”\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Keep in mind that if you choose to verify either through the California Identity Gateway or login.gov, you will need to use the same method for future DROP requests.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Once your identity is verified, you will be able to proceed with the submission form on the DROP website.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12069526\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12069526 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/DataPrivacyGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/DataPrivacyGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/DataPrivacyGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/DataPrivacyGetty-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">According to the consumer advocacy organization U.S. PIRG Education Fund, Americans received 2.56 billion robocalls per month from January to September 2025. \u003ccite>(Rain Star/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>How can I submit a DROP request?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>You can submit a request using \u003ca href=\"https://consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov/\">the state’s official DROP website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After verifying you’re a California resident (see above), you’ll fill out some basic information, including:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Full name (including any other variations of your name, like a maiden name or nickname)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Date of birth\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Zip code(s)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Email address(es), which you’ll be asked to verify by code\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Phone number(s), which you’ll be asked to verify by code\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Any unique IDs you have connected to your phone or smart TV since, according to the form, “Data brokers may use these IDs to track your habits and sell or share your data.” The Markup has \u003ca href=\"https://themarkup.org/privacy/2026/01/08/how-californians-can-use-a-new-state-website-to-block-hundreds-of-data-brokers\">a guide on finding some specific IDs\u003c/a>, like advertising IDs, on your smartphone.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Vehicle Identification Number (found on your car’s registration documents)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>According to the DROP form, the “more information you provide, the more likely your personal data will be deleted.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The entire process — if you have these unique numbers on hand — takes under 10 minutes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Applying through DROP will be a lot quicker than the usual deletion process available to you, in which users had to contact each company individually to have their information removed — or pay for a service to do it in bulk. And investigative reports also show that \u003ca href=\"https://themarkup.org/privacy/2025/08/12/we-caught-companies-making-it-harder-to-delete-your-data\">the success of finding those deletion requests can vary\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After submitting the form, you will receive a DROP ID. You should save this ID, and you can use it to \u003ca href=\"https://consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov/dropstatus\">track the state of your deletion request\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to the state’s DROP website, the information you put in the form \u003ca href=\"https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/\">“won’t be sold or shared for any other reason.”\u003c/a> The \u003ca href=\"https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/personal-information-and-data-brokers/\">state’s website\u003c/a> explains how it encrypts input data and what data brokers see in your requests.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12069528\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12069528 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/DataPrivacyGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/DataPrivacyGetty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/DataPrivacyGetty2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/DataPrivacyGetty2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The new DROP law means that in August 2026, data brokers are required by law to start clearing their records every 45 days. \u003ccite>(Rain Star/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch3>Does submitting a DROP request cost anything?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>No. Submitting a DROP request is free.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Can I submit a DROP form for someone else?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Yes, you can submit a request for another person, like your child or your parent. The person must still be a California resident, and they must have given you permission to submit the DROP request for them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you are submitting a form for another person, you must use \u003cem>their \u003c/em>details when verifying California residency, not your own.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After filling out the other person’s information, you will then need to provide your full name and your email address.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How does DROP work?\u003c/h2>\n\u003ch3>What data of mine will be deleted as part of DROP?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>The new DROP law means that data brokers are now required by law to start clearing their records every 45 days, as of August.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But there is a chance that your data may be deleted even earlier. According to Kemp, “a lot of these data brokers have already reported back, and so far about 25% of the data brokers have said that they did the deletion matching.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to your phone number, this information about you that data brokers must begin to delete may include your:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Name\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Birthday\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Address\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Email address\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Geolocation\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Health data\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Interests, such as your political party affiliation or your hobbies.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>There are exceptions to what data these brokers must delete: For example, publicly available information (like a court appearance or property records) will not be deleted under DROP.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Where will the data be deleted from?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>According to the DROP form, “All current and future data brokers who register with CalPrivacy are included in your deletion request.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can check out \u003ca href=\"https://cppa.ca.gov/data_broker_registry/\">the list of over 600 active data brokers on the DROP website\u003c/a>, and even directly opt in for the ones you actually wish to be listed on.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The DROP website also allows you to look at these data brokers individually and see what kind of data they’re gathering, like reproductive health information and biometric data. In some cases, you can also see where your data is being sold to, like developers of generative AI — or the federal government.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nonprofit groups like charities may have your information, Kemp explained. But these are \u003cem>not \u003c/em>required to be part of the registry of data brokers, which are for-profit companies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The registry doesn’t just include data brokers based in California; it applies to companies out of state as well, said Kemp.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“As long as there’s a company that has a lot of Californians’ data that they collect and sell and they don’t have that direct relationship, they have to register,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep in mind: \u003ca href=\"https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/\">According to the state website\u003c/a>, deleting your information could lead to a less personalized web experience, like targeted ads.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>How long will it take for the data to be deleted?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>After you apply for DROP, you’ll then have \u003ca href=\"https://consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov/\">a personal DROP profile online \u003c/a>— which you can periodically check for updates on your digital privacy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And now that the deletion process has started, you’ll likely begin to see updates from brokers to your requests on your DROP profile.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/how-drop-works/\">possible status updates\u003c/a> are:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Deleted: \u003c/strong>Your data is deleted and will not be sold.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Exempted: \u003c/strong>Your data is allowed to be kept because it is exempted by the privacy law, such as a court or public record.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Opted-out: \u003c/strong>Data brokers couldn’t find the exact information you input.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Record not found: \u003c/strong>Data brokers could not find the information at \u003cem>all\u003c/em>.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Pending: \u003c/strong>Your deletion request is still being processed.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You may need to \u003ca href=\"https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/personal-information-and-data-brokers/\">provide more information\u003c/a> or take extra steps if data brokers are unable to fulfill your request.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Data brokers are \u003ca href=\"https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/\">required to delete information every 45 days\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/how-drop-works/\">take up to 90 days to give an update\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Kemp said that the state does plan to “vigorously enforce this” and, “if a data broker is not properly doing the deletions, or ignoring the deletions, the fines are $200 per day per record.”\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "melkam-enkutatash-san-jose-welcomes-the-ethiopian-new-year",
"title": "‘Melkam Enkutatash!’ San José Welcomes the Ethiopian New Year",
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"headTitle": "‘Melkam Enkutatash!’ San José Welcomes the Ethiopian New Year | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>Dressed from head to toe in resplendent yellow, Semert Haile passed out flowers as she walked through \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-jose\">San José\u003c/a>’s Arena Green East Park. “Melkam Enkutatash!” she greeted everyone. “Happy Ethiopian New Year!”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And not even the roaring of airplanes taking off from San José Mineta International Airport nearby was enough to drown out the sound of music and children’s laughter at this Ethiopian New Year celebration. This Enkutatash event was first held in the South Bay in 1991. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Organized by the nonprofit Ethiopian Community Services, Sunday’s celebration drew thousands — both Ethiopian residents and supporters — in a testament to the growing strength of the Ethiopian diaspora in the Bay Area’s biggest city.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-01017_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099609\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-01017_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-01017_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-01017_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Children play together at an Ethiopian New Year celebration at Guadalupe River Park in San José on Sept. 13, 2026. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12099605\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00295_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099605\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00295_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00295_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00295_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An attendee wears a yellow flower, also known as adey ababa, which blooms during the New Year, on their sleeve at an Ethiopian New Year celebration at Guadalupe River Park in San José on Sept. 13, 2026. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12099602\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00069_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099602\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00069_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00069_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00069_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Children play soccer at an Ethiopian New Year celebration at Guadalupe River Park in San José on Sept. 13, 2026. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Just like the Western Gregorian calendar, the Ethiopian Ge’ez calendar is \u003ca href=\"https://ethiopianembassy.org/ethiopian-time/\">based on the year\u003c/a> of Jesus Christ’s birth. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Because the Gregorian and Ge’ez calendars differ on Christ’s exact birth year, however, this Enkutatash marks the beginning of the year 2019.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We are seven years behind in Ethiopia,” Haile joked.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘Shout out to our community’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Haile was not the only one dressed in yellow on Sunday. Hundreds of families from all over the South Bay showed up wearing shirts, headbands and traditional \u003ca href=\"https://www.pinterest.com/erichick/habesha-dresses/\">habesha dresses\u003c/a> embellished with intricate gold patterns. Many designs feature a yellow flower, similar to those that Haile gave away.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While it may resemble a sunflower, this is adey abeba — a flower native to Ethiopia that blooms at the end of the rainy summer season, marking both the start of September and the new year.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Back in Ethiopia, the children go door to door giving these flowers as a gift,” Haile reminisced. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00113_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099603\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00113_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00113_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00113_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Semert Haile poses for a portrait at an Ethiopian New Year celebration at Guadalupe River Park in San José on Sept. 13, 2026. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12099607\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00638_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099607\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00638_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00638_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00638_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A child waves an adey ababa flower during a singing performance at an Ethiopian New Year celebration at Guadalupe River Park in San José on Sept. 13, 2026. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12099606\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00516_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099606\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00516_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00516_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00516_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Children celebrate Ethiopian New Year on a stage at Guadalupe River Park in San José on Sept. 13, 2026. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s been more than 20 years since she left her home in the capital city of Addis Ababa. Coming to California was a great opportunity, she said — but also somewhat of an isolating experience. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When it’s the New Year, everybody’s together each day. Everyone eats together. The house is warm,” she said. “Here, you have to be invited by other people [to celebrate the New Year].”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That’s why Haile and other leaders of the nonprofit \u003ca href=\"https://ecssanjose.org/\">Ethiopian Community Services\u003c/a> started a public Enkutatash celebration in San José decades ago. It’s an opportunity for Ethiopians who have recently arrived to meet new people and not experience the same isolation she once felt, Haile said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When they come to the U.S., they maybe get lost. They miss all their support groups,” she said. “You don’t know what others are going through while they’re trying to adjust to Western culture.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Haile quickly gathered hundreds of children to the stage to sing “Abebayehosh,” a traditional song celebrating the new year in Amharic — one of the many languages spoken in Ethiopia.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The kids who were not on stage were playing soccer nearby in the park. Many are part of Maleda Youth Soccer Club, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091408/maleda-where-san-joses-brightest-soccer-stars-get-started\">created in 2004\u003c/a> by Ethiopian families in the South Bay who wanted a safe place for their kids to both play and learn more about their heritage. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Among the club’s alumni is professional soccer player Naomi Girma — currently center back for England’s Women’s Super League club Chelsea FC and a strong contender for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. Girma grew up in San José and credits Maleda for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13988410/naomi-girma-us-womens-soccer-star-returns-san-jose\">helping kick-start\u003c/a> her passion for soccer.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The community works hard to make sure younger generations know their heritage, Hawi Desda said. Growing up in East Palo Alto, she would travel across the Bay Area to different religious and athletic events led by other Ethiopian families. Now, Desda lives in San José and was attending the Enkutatash celebration with friends she met at church. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There’s so many events for folks growing up within the diaspora that don’t have access to what’s happening back in Ethiopia,” she said. “Shout out to our community for creating such spaces for young people to be in community with each other.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘Like home away from home’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For more than 40 years, the Bay Area has been home to this thriving Ethiopian community that reflects the country’s immense cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Many families who first moved to the region in the ’80s and ’90s were fleeing Ethiopia’s civil war and found economic opportunities in Silicon Valley, building the electronic components for personal computers during the first dot-com boom. Other families brought with them cherished family recipes and opened restaurants, helping to make the Bay Area one of the country’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13905230/zeni-ethiopian-restaurant-san-jose\">top hubs for Ethiopian cuisine\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even folks visiting from far away were impressed by Sunday’s celebrations. “It’s like home away from home,” said Samry Derje, who was visiting San José from northern Virginia, part of the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area — another \u003ca href=\"https://wamu.org/story/16/04/21/how_did_the_dc_region_become_home_to_the_largest_population_of_ethiopians_in_the_us/\">major Ethiopian enclave\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12099604\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00258_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099604\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00258_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00258_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00258_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Genet Hailegiogirgis and her daughter pose for a portrait wearing matching outfits at an Ethiopian New Year celebration at Guadalupe River Park in San José on Sept. 13, 2026. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12099601\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00006_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099601\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00006_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00006_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00006_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alex Feke (left) and his daughters pose for a portrait with the Ethiopian flag at an Ethiopian New Year celebration at Guadalupe River Park in San José on Sept. 13, 2026. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to city officials, there are more than 25,000 people of Ethiopian origin living in San José. Across Santa Clara County, that number is estimated to rise to over 30,000. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“What I love about the community is how tight-knit it is,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan, who also spoke at the celebration. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Many of us in America live much more isolated lives, and the sense of community and the way that people care for each other is really beautiful,” he added. “There’s a lot to learn here.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As the sun started to set over the celebrations, Arena Green East and the Guadalupe River flowing nearby shone with a yellow that rivaled the adey abeba flower.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And as families said their goodbyes and began to leave for home, Haile made sure to remind them: “See you next year!”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Dressed from head to toe in resplendent yellow, Semert Haile passed out flowers as she walked through \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-jose\">San José\u003c/a>’s Arena Green East Park. “Melkam Enkutatash!” she greeted everyone. “Happy Ethiopian New Year!”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And not even the roaring of airplanes taking off from San José Mineta International Airport nearby was enough to drown out the sound of music and children’s laughter at this Ethiopian New Year celebration. This Enkutatash event was first held in the South Bay in 1991. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Organized by the nonprofit Ethiopian Community Services, Sunday’s celebration drew thousands — both Ethiopian residents and supporters — in a testament to the growing strength of the Ethiopian diaspora in the Bay Area’s biggest city.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Organized by the nonprofit Ethiopian Community Services, Sunday’s celebration drew thousands — both Ethiopian residents and supporters — in a testament to the growing strength of the Ethiopian diaspora in the Bay Area’s biggest city.\u003c/p>\n"
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-01017_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099609\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Children play together at an Ethiopian New Year celebration at Guadalupe River Park in San José on Sept. 13, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00295_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099605\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An attendee wears a yellow flower, also known as adey ababa, which blooms during the New Year, on their sleeve at an Ethiopian New Year celebration at Guadalupe River Park in San José on Sept. 13, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Just like the Western Gregorian calendar, the Ethiopian Ge’ez calendar is \u003ca href=\"https://ethiopianembassy.org/ethiopian-time/\">based on the year\u003c/a> of Jesus Christ’s birth. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Just like the Western Gregorian calendar, the Ethiopian Ge’ez calendar is \u003ca href=\"https://ethiopianembassy.org/ethiopian-time/\">based on the year\u003c/a> of Jesus Christ’s birth. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Because the Gregorian and Ge’ez calendars differ on Christ’s exact birth year, however, this Enkutatash marks the beginning of the year 2019.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We are seven years behind in Ethiopia,” Haile joked.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Haile was not the only one dressed in yellow on Sunday. Hundreds of families from all over the South Bay showed up wearing shirts, headbands and traditional \u003ca href=\"https://www.pinterest.com/erichick/habesha-dresses/\">habesha dresses\u003c/a> embellished with intricate gold patterns. Many designs feature a yellow flower, similar to those that Haile gave away.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Haile was not the only one dressed in yellow on Sunday. Hundreds of families from all over the South Bay showed up wearing shirts, headbands and traditional \u003ca href=\"https://www.pinterest.com/erichick/habesha-dresses/\">habesha dresses\u003c/a> embellished with intricate gold patterns. Many designs feature a yellow flower, similar to those that Haile gave away.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While it may resemble a sunflower, this is adey abeba — a flower native to Ethiopia that blooms at the end of the rainy summer season, marking both the start of September and the new year.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Back in Ethiopia, the children go door to door giving these flowers as a gift,” Haile reminisced. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00113_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099603\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00113_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00113_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00113_TV-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\">Semert Haile poses for a portrait at an Ethiopian New Year celebration at Guadalupe River Park in San José on Sept. 13, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s been more than 20 years since she left her home in the capital city of Addis Ababa. Coming to California was a great opportunity, she said — but also somewhat of an isolating experience. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“When it’s the New Year, everybody’s together each day. Everyone eats together. The house is warm,” she said. “Here, you have to be invited by other people [to celebrate the New Year].”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That’s why Haile and other leaders of the nonprofit \u003ca href=\"https://ecssanjose.org/\">Ethiopian Community Services\u003c/a> started a public Enkutatash celebration in San José decades ago. It’s an opportunity for Ethiopians who have recently arrived to meet new people and not experience the same isolation she once felt, Haile said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“When they come to the U.S., they maybe get lost. They miss all their support groups,” she said. “You don’t know what others are going through while they’re trying to adjust to Western culture.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Haile quickly gathered hundreds of children to the stage to sing “Abebayehosh,” a traditional song celebrating the new year in Amharic — one of the many languages spoken in Ethiopia.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The kids who were not on stage were playing soccer nearby in the park. Many are part of Maleda Youth Soccer Club, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091408/maleda-where-san-joses-brightest-soccer-stars-get-started\">created in 2004\u003c/a> by Ethiopian families in the South Bay who wanted a safe place for their kids to both play and learn more about their heritage. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Among the club’s alumni is professional soccer player Naomi Girma — currently center back for England’s Women’s Super League club Chelsea FC and a strong contender for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. Girma grew up in San José and credits Maleda for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13988410/naomi-girma-us-womens-soccer-star-returns-san-jose\">helping kick-start\u003c/a> her passion for soccer.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The community works hard to make sure younger generations know their heritage, Hawi Desda said. Growing up in East Palo Alto, she would travel across the Bay Area to different religious and athletic events led by other Ethiopian families. Now, Desda lives in San José and was attending the Enkutatash celebration with friends she met at church. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The community works hard to make sure younger generations know their heritage, Hawi Desda said. Growing up in East Palo Alto, she would travel across the Bay Area to different religious and athletic events led by other Ethiopian families. Now, Desda lives in San José and was attending the Enkutatash celebration with friends she met at church. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“There’s so many events for folks growing up within the diaspora that don’t have access to what’s happening back in Ethiopia,” she said. “Shout out to our community for creating such spaces for young people to be in community with each other.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For more than 40 years, the Bay Area has been home to this thriving Ethiopian community that reflects the country’s immense cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Many families who first moved to the region in the ’80s and ’90s were fleeing Ethiopia’s civil war and found economic opportunities in Silicon Valley, building the electronic components for personal computers during the first dot-com boom. Other families brought with them cherished family recipes and opened restaurants, helping to make the Bay Area one of the country’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13905230/zeni-ethiopian-restaurant-san-jose\">top hubs for Ethiopian cuisine\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Many families who first moved to the region in the ’80s and ’90s were fleeing Ethiopia’s civil war and found economic opportunities in Silicon Valley, building the electronic components for personal computers during the first dot-com boom. Other families brought with them cherished family recipes and opened restaurants, helping to make the Bay Area one of the country’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13905230/zeni-ethiopian-restaurant-san-jose\">top hubs for Ethiopian cuisine\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Even folks visiting from far away were impressed by Sunday’s celebrations. “It’s like home away from home,” said Samry Derje, who was visiting San José from northern Virginia, part of the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area — another \u003ca href=\"https://wamu.org/story/16/04/21/how_did_the_dc_region_become_home_to_the_largest_population_of_ethiopians_in_the_us/\">major Ethiopian enclave\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00258_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099604\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Genet Hailegiogirgis and her daughter pose for a portrait wearing matching outfits at an Ethiopian New Year celebration at Guadalupe River Park in San José on Sept. 13, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00006_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099601\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alex Feke (left) and his daughters pose for a portrait with the Ethiopian flag at an Ethiopian New Year celebration at Guadalupe River Park in San José on Sept. 13, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to city officials, there are more than 25,000 people of Ethiopian origin living in San José. Across Santa Clara County, that number is estimated to rise to over 30,000. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“What I love about the community is how tight-knit it is,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan, who also spoke at the celebration. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Many of us in America live much more isolated lives, and the sense of community and the way that people care for each other is really beautiful,” he added. “There’s a lot to learn here.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As the sun started to set over the celebrations, Arena Green East and the Guadalupe River flowing nearby shone with a yellow that rivaled the adey abeba flower.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And as families said their goodbyes and began to leave for home, Haile made sure to remind them: “See you next year!”\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Thousands showed up to the South Bay’s celebration this weekend, with plenty of music, soccer and adey abeba — the flower traditionally used to mark the occasion.\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Dressed from head to toe in resplendent yellow, Semert Haile passed out flowers as she walked through \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-jose\">San José\u003c/a>’s Arena Green East Park. “Melkam Enkutatash!” she greeted everyone. “Happy Ethiopian New Year!”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And not even the roaring of airplanes taking off from San José Mineta International Airport nearby was enough to drown out the sound of music and children’s laughter at this Ethiopian New Year celebration. This Enkutatash event was first held in the South Bay in 1991. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Organized by the nonprofit Ethiopian Community Services, Sunday’s celebration drew thousands — both Ethiopian residents and supporters — in a testament to the growing strength of the Ethiopian diaspora in the Bay Area’s biggest city.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-01017_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099609\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-01017_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-01017_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-01017_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Children play together at an Ethiopian New Year celebration at Guadalupe River Park in San José on Sept. 13, 2026. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12099605\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00295_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099605\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00295_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00295_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00295_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An attendee wears a yellow flower, also known as adey ababa, which blooms during the New Year, on their sleeve at an Ethiopian New Year celebration at Guadalupe River Park in San José on Sept. 13, 2026. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12099602\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00069_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099602\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00069_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00069_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00069_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Children play soccer at an Ethiopian New Year celebration at Guadalupe River Park in San José on Sept. 13, 2026. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Just like the Western Gregorian calendar, the Ethiopian Ge’ez calendar is \u003ca href=\"https://ethiopianembassy.org/ethiopian-time/\">based on the year\u003c/a> of Jesus Christ’s birth. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Because the Gregorian and Ge’ez calendars differ on Christ’s exact birth year, however, this Enkutatash marks the beginning of the year 2019.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We are seven years behind in Ethiopia,” Haile joked.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘Shout out to our community’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Haile was not the only one dressed in yellow on Sunday. Hundreds of families from all over the South Bay showed up wearing shirts, headbands and traditional \u003ca href=\"https://www.pinterest.com/erichick/habesha-dresses/\">habesha dresses\u003c/a> embellished with intricate gold patterns. Many designs feature a yellow flower, similar to those that Haile gave away.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While it may resemble a sunflower, this is adey abeba — a flower native to Ethiopia that blooms at the end of the rainy summer season, marking both the start of September and the new year.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Back in Ethiopia, the children go door to door giving these flowers as a gift,” Haile reminisced. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00113_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099603\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00113_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00113_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00113_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Semert Haile poses for a portrait at an Ethiopian New Year celebration at Guadalupe River Park in San José on Sept. 13, 2026. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12099607\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00638_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099607\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00638_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00638_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00638_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A child waves an adey ababa flower during a singing performance at an Ethiopian New Year celebration at Guadalupe River Park in San José on Sept. 13, 2026. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12099606\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00516_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099606\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00516_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00516_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00516_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Children celebrate Ethiopian New Year on a stage at Guadalupe River Park in San José on Sept. 13, 2026. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s been more than 20 years since she left her home in the capital city of Addis Ababa. Coming to California was a great opportunity, she said — but also somewhat of an isolating experience. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When it’s the New Year, everybody’s together each day. Everyone eats together. The house is warm,” she said. “Here, you have to be invited by other people [to celebrate the New Year].”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That’s why Haile and other leaders of the nonprofit \u003ca href=\"https://ecssanjose.org/\">Ethiopian Community Services\u003c/a> started a public Enkutatash celebration in San José decades ago. It’s an opportunity for Ethiopians who have recently arrived to meet new people and not experience the same isolation she once felt, Haile said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When they come to the U.S., they maybe get lost. They miss all their support groups,” she said. “You don’t know what others are going through while they’re trying to adjust to Western culture.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Haile quickly gathered hundreds of children to the stage to sing “Abebayehosh,” a traditional song celebrating the new year in Amharic — one of the many languages spoken in Ethiopia.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The kids who were not on stage were playing soccer nearby in the park. Many are part of Maleda Youth Soccer Club, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091408/maleda-where-san-joses-brightest-soccer-stars-get-started\">created in 2004\u003c/a> by Ethiopian families in the South Bay who wanted a safe place for their kids to both play and learn more about their heritage. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Among the club’s alumni is professional soccer player Naomi Girma — currently center back for England’s Women’s Super League club Chelsea FC and a strong contender for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. Girma grew up in San José and credits Maleda for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13988410/naomi-girma-us-womens-soccer-star-returns-san-jose\">helping kick-start\u003c/a> her passion for soccer.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The community works hard to make sure younger generations know their heritage, Hawi Desda said. Growing up in East Palo Alto, she would travel across the Bay Area to different religious and athletic events led by other Ethiopian families. Now, Desda lives in San José and was attending the Enkutatash celebration with friends she met at church. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There’s so many events for folks growing up within the diaspora that don’t have access to what’s happening back in Ethiopia,” she said. “Shout out to our community for creating such spaces for young people to be in community with each other.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘Like home away from home’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For more than 40 years, the Bay Area has been home to this thriving Ethiopian community that reflects the country’s immense cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Many families who first moved to the region in the ’80s and ’90s were fleeing Ethiopia’s civil war and found economic opportunities in Silicon Valley, building the electronic components for personal computers during the first dot-com boom. Other families brought with them cherished family recipes and opened restaurants, helping to make the Bay Area one of the country’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13905230/zeni-ethiopian-restaurant-san-jose\">top hubs for Ethiopian cuisine\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even folks visiting from far away were impressed by Sunday’s celebrations. “It’s like home away from home,” said Samry Derje, who was visiting San José from northern Virginia, part of the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area — another \u003ca href=\"https://wamu.org/story/16/04/21/how_did_the_dc_region_become_home_to_the_largest_population_of_ethiopians_in_the_us/\">major Ethiopian enclave\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12099604\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00258_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099604\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00258_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00258_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00258_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Genet Hailegiogirgis and her daughter pose for a portrait wearing matching outfits at an Ethiopian New Year celebration at Guadalupe River Park in San José on Sept. 13, 2026. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12099601\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00006_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099601\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00006_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00006_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260913-ethiopiannewyear-00006_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alex Feke (left) and his daughters pose for a portrait with the Ethiopian flag at an Ethiopian New Year celebration at Guadalupe River Park in San José on Sept. 13, 2026. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to city officials, there are more than 25,000 people of Ethiopian origin living in San José. Across Santa Clara County, that number is estimated to rise to over 30,000. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“What I love about the community is how tight-knit it is,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan, who also spoke at the celebration. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Many of us in America live much more isolated lives, and the sense of community and the way that people care for each other is really beautiful,” he added. “There’s a lot to learn here.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As the sun started to set over the celebrations, Arena Green East and the Guadalupe River flowing nearby shone with a yellow that rivaled the adey abeba flower.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And as families said their goodbyes and began to leave for home, Haile made sure to remind them: “See you next year!”\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "yes-bay-area-bats-have-rabies-how-real-are-your-risks",
"title": "Yes, Bay Area Bats Have Rabies. How Real Are Your Risks?",
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"headTitle": "Yes, Bay Area Bats Have Rabies. How Real Are Your Risks? | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/han/php/notices/han00533.html\">health advisory \u003c/a>to doctors about increased rabies in animals and human exposures nationwide this summer, saying it received 17% more rabies-related inquiries in July and August than during that same time last year.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Rabies has, alarmingly, also featured in a number of Bay Area headlines this summer.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Three Humboldt County children were \u003ca href=\"https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/09/08/3-humboldt-county-kids-had-to-be-treated-for-rabies-exposure-after-touching-bats/?utm_campaign=mrf-bluesky-mercurynews.com&utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&mrfcid=202609086a9d1d83f046393007a3a5d5\">treated for exposure\u003c/a> to rabies from bats in the past two weeks. \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/news/dead-bat-tests-positive-for-rabies-at-curry-village-in-yosemite-national-park.htm\">A dead bat\u003c/a> in Yosemite National Park also tested positive for rabies. The city of Berkeley confirmed in late August that it has found \u003ca href=\"https://www.berkeleyside.org/2026/09/03/rabid-bats-berkeley\">five rabies-positive bats\u003c/a> in residential and commercial areas of the city this year. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://health.alamedacountyca.gov/program/rabies/\">And a domestic cat\u003c/a> in Pleasanton — which health officials said “may have been exposed to rabies by a bat on a balcony” — was also found to have rabies in late June.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While these events might sound unusual, “finding a rabid bat is not terribly uncommon,” said Scott Gilman, the director of health, housing and community services for the city of Berkeley. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We normally have about two a year if you look back in time,” he said. “But because we found five already this year, it’s a little bit of a spike.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Gilman confirmed that all five of the bats in Berkeley were found dead. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1302\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099032\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty2-160x104.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty2-1536x1000.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A dead bat in Yosemite National Park also tested positive for rabies, while Berkeley has found five rabies-positive bats in residential and commercial areas this year. (McDonald Wildlife Photography Inc../Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Valerie Ahlgren, senior vector control biologist for Alameda County’s Vector Control Services District, said 13 bats with rabies have been reported in the county alone this year. And while Ahlgren couldn’t pin this year’s increase on any particular cause, she said rabies can appear to be cyclical, \u003ca href=\"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/as-bats-hibernate-through-the-winter-so-does-rabies\">peaking during summer months\u003c/a> and lying dormant — along with the hibernating bats that host it — during the winter\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Bats are the No. 1 reservoir of rabies,” she said. “They maintain it in their population for years and years.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Luckily, transmission of the virus from bats to humans is rare: Just 17 people in the state have ever been reported with rabies since 1980, the most recent case in 2024, when a \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR24-040.aspx\">Fresno man died\u003c/a> from the virus. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And thankfully, it’s also treatable in humans if caught early. But once symptoms do appear, the virus is virtually always fatal — only a very small number of people worldwide have ever \u003ca href=\"https://www.aaas.org/membership/qualia/surviving-rabies-now-possible\">survived symptomatic rabies\u003c/a>. That’s why Gilman’s office \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/Provider%20Alert_Rabies-positive%20bats%20in%20City%20of%20Berkeley.pdf\">sent a letter\u003c/a> to local physicians in August notifying them of the uptick and \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08-26%20%20Increase%20in%20Rabies-Positive%20Bats%20Identified%20in%202026%20in%20the%20City%20of%20Berkeley.pdf\">sounded the alarm to the city council\u003c/a> as well. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If you find a bat in your house, it \u003cem>really \u003c/em>is something that you have to take very seriously,” he said. “And it can be considered a medical emergency if you were bit by a bat.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Read on for everything you need to know about the animals and your risk of rabies.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How common are bats in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Most people living in the Bay Area don’t know just how prevalent — and diverse — the local bat population is here, said Evan Cole, natural resource manager for San Mateo County Parks.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In general, bats have the most species of any mammal in the world and are particularly good at adapting to different habitats, including urban areas. But because they are nocturnal, they aren’t as noticeable, Cole said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In general, bats have been under-studied in academia, he said — “and I think that kind of trickles down into the public knowledge and our ability to properly educate people on the benefits and hazards of bats around us.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In fact, there are 16 species of bat in the Bay Area alone, Cole said. They are insectivores, so they feed on bugs, and they “roost” in a variety of habitats, including local tree species like redwoods, eucalyptus and, of course, human structures. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But unless they have a disease like rabies, bats in the wild aren’t something to be afraid of. In general, they are not interested in humans and don’t have any innate desire to bite you. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bats should also be sleeping during the day, so any daytime activity means they’re either sick or in distress, Cole said. “Anytime you see a bat flying during the day, that’s bad news for the bat,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Because bats can form a critical part of our local ecosystems, Cole said protection of their natural habitats — including in places like local parks — is important, especially as their survival is threatened by factors like climate change, diseases like \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/articles/what-is-white-nose-syndrome.htm\">White-nose syndrome\u003c/a>, loss of insect populations globally and habitat transformation. That’s why San Mateo County Parks is careful not to disturb local bat populations when they’re most vulnerable, like during the nighttime, their springtime maternity season and during the winter months.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Bats are being kind of boxed into a corner in many ways, and we need to do our best to respect, protect them, and educate people about them, about the uses and benefits that they provide to people,” Cole said. “And then also invest in protection and restoration of open spaces like we do in parks to make sure that these native landscapes are still there as refuge for them.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the real risk of rabies from bats?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The headline: “Rabies should always be assumed to be present if you find a bat in your home,” Gilman said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And this is out of a justified abundance of caution. Rabies in animals is actually not overly common —\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/rabies.aspx#WashBite\"> an average of just 200 cases \u003c/a>of rabies in animals are reported statewide each year, according to the California Department of Public Health.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099034\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty3-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A little brown bat with its mouth wide open bares its teeth. (Gunter Marx Photography/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While all mammals can get rabies, bats and skunks are among the most common in California. So far this year, there have been 213 cases statewide, over 90% of which were in bats.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Some signs of rabies in bats include increased daytime activity or interaction with humans, as bats are nocturnal and tend to avoid humans. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Remember: transmission of rabies from animals like bats to humans is rare, but it’s virtually always fatal if you do get rabies.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I do to protect bats — and myself — in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While places like San Mateo County Parks are focused on protecting natural bat habitats — and you can do so, too, in your yard, Cole said — you \u003cem>should \u003c/em>make sure bats aren’t living inside your home.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Bats are really important,” Cole said. “They offer great ecosystem services. They may find themselves in your house and enjoy it as a roof structure, but you should not be encouraged to keep them there.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Gilman advised residents to close up any holes or access points that bats may have into their home. That includes holes as small as a quarter of an inch, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html#cdc_generic_section_4-how-to-safely-capture-a-bat\">the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you suspect bats might be roosting in your home and you live in San Mateo or Alameda counties, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcmvcd.org/request-service\">request a free inspection\u003c/a> and get advice on how to relocate the animals. Ahlgren said she talks to someone with a bat in their home in Alameda County at least once a week.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We don’t want to remove them from their natural habitat, but we also don’t want them living in people’s attics where they can get inside,” Ahlgren said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you think that bats might be living in your home, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html#cdc_generic_section_4-how-to-safely-capture-a-bat\">the CDC recommends\u003c/a> observing how they are getting in and out of your home, counting them, and attempting to seal entrances once they have left the building.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>CDPH also advises people to vaccinate their pets against rabies both for their health and to prevent the spread of the virus. California law requires all pet dogs to be vaccinated for rabies by 4 months old.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While there are no laws regulating outdoor cats, Ahlgren said these pets are at particular risk of contracting the virus.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“They’re actually one of the more likely pets to come into contact with bats,” she said. “And if your cat is unvaccinated and catches a bat, that’s a six-month strict quarantine, which is hard on cats.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to do if you see a bat in your home that might have bitten you\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>First, do not touch the bat, whether it’s dead or alive. It’s especially important to teach your children to never touch a bat, said Gilman.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re able, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html#cdc_generic_section_4-how-to-safely-capture-a-bat\">safely trap the live bat\u003c/a> in your home without touching it \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html#cdc_generic_section_4-how-to-safely-capture-a-bat\">(and if this sounds tricky, the CDC has a full set of instructions on pulling this off\u003c/a>). Then, call your local vector control group to get it relocated and tested for rabies.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You probably aren’t going to even \u003cem>know \u003c/em>if you were bitten by a bat, Gilman said — because their teeth are so tiny that they barely leave a mark. If you do have a noticeable bite, though, thoroughly washing the bitten area with soap and water is a good idea, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/rabies.aspx#WashBite\">according to CDPH\u003c/a>. \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/10/2026/09/BatsGetty4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099035\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty4-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A fringed Myotis bat (Myotis Thysanodes) hanging from a ceiling while sleeping. (M. Flower/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Then, you should immediately seek medical attention and an evaluation and report the bite to your local disease prevention program and vector control service. Your health care provider might recommend you get a series of vaccinations to stop you from getting sick. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Reporting the bat and seeking medical attention are important even if you aren’t sure if you’ve been bitten, health experts say. Not only are a bat’s teeth so small that a bite might not be noticeable, but rabies, if untreated, is almost always fatal in humans.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Rabies is deadly,” Gilman said. “So the assumption if you are bit by a bat is that you need to have prophylactic medication.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>By the time you feel any symptoms, which typically begin 4 to 8 weeks after exposure to the virus, you won’t be able to recover, Ahlgren said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You absolutely don’t wanna wait for symptoms because there’s no saving somebody that develops symptoms,” Ahlgren said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/han/php/notices/han00533.html\">health advisory \u003c/a>to doctors about increased rabies in animals and human exposures nationwide this summer, saying it received 17% more rabies-related inquiries in July and August than during that same time last year.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/han/php/notices/han00533.html\">health advisory \u003c/a>to doctors about increased rabies in animals and human exposures nationwide this summer, saying it received 17% more rabies-related inquiries in July and August than during that same time last year.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Rabies has, alarmingly, also featured in a number of Bay Area headlines this summer.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Three Humboldt County children were \u003ca href=\"https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/09/08/3-humboldt-county-kids-had-to-be-treated-for-rabies-exposure-after-touching-bats/?utm_campaign=mrf-bluesky-mercurynews.com&utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&mrfcid=202609086a9d1d83f046393007a3a5d5\">treated for exposure\u003c/a> to rabies from bats in the past two weeks. \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/news/dead-bat-tests-positive-for-rabies-at-curry-village-in-yosemite-national-park.htm\">A dead bat\u003c/a> in Yosemite National Park also tested positive for rabies. The city of Berkeley confirmed in late August that it has found \u003ca href=\"https://www.berkeleyside.org/2026/09/03/rabid-bats-berkeley\">five rabies-positive bats\u003c/a> in residential and commercial areas of the city this year. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Three Humboldt County children were \u003ca href=\"https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/09/08/3-humboldt-county-kids-had-to-be-treated-for-rabies-exposure-after-touching-bats/?utm_campaign=mrf-bluesky-mercurynews.com&utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&mrfcid=202609086a9d1d83f046393007a3a5d5\">treated for exposure\u003c/a> to rabies from bats in the past two weeks. \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/news/dead-bat-tests-positive-for-rabies-at-curry-village-in-yosemite-national-park.htm\">A dead bat\u003c/a> in Yosemite National Park also tested positive for rabies. The city of Berkeley confirmed in late August that it has found \u003ca href=\"https://www.berkeleyside.org/2026/09/03/rabid-bats-berkeley\">five rabies-positive bats\u003c/a> in residential and commercial areas of the city this year. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://health.alamedacountyca.gov/program/rabies/\">And a domestic cat\u003c/a> in Pleasanton — which health officials said “may have been exposed to rabies by a bat on a balcony” — was also found to have rabies in late June.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://health.alamedacountyca.gov/program/rabies/\">And a domestic cat\u003c/a> in Pleasanton — which health officials said “may have been exposed to rabies by a bat on a balcony” — was also found to have rabies in late June.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While these events might sound unusual, “finding a rabid bat is not terribly uncommon,” said Scott Gilman, the director of health, housing and community services for the city of Berkeley. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>While these events might sound unusual, “finding a rabid bat is not terribly uncommon,” said Scott Gilman, the director of health, housing and community services for the city of Berkeley. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We normally have about two a year if you look back in time,” he said. “But because we found five already this year, it’s a little bit of a spike.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We normally have about two a year if you look back in time,” he said. “But because we found five already this year, it’s a little bit of a spike.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Gilman confirmed that all five of the bats in Berkeley were found dead. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Gilman confirmed that all five of the bats in Berkeley were found dead. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099032\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty2-160x104.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty2-1536x1000.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A dead bat in Yosemite National Park also tested positive for rabies, while Berkeley has found five rabies-positive bats in residential and commercial areas this year.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (McDonald Wildlife Photography Inc../Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\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/10/2026/09/BatsGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099032\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A dead bat in Yosemite National Park also tested positive for rabies, while Berkeley has found five rabies-positive bats in residential and commercial areas this year.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (McDonald Wildlife Photography Inc../Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Valerie Ahlgren, senior vector control biologist for Alameda County’s Vector Control Services District, said 13 bats with rabies have been reported in the county alone this year. And while Ahlgren couldn’t pin this year’s increase on any particular cause, she said rabies can appear to be cyclical, \u003ca href=\"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/as-bats-hibernate-through-the-winter-so-does-rabies\">peaking during summer months\u003c/a> and lying dormant — along with the hibernating bats that host it — during the winter\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Valerie Ahlgren, senior vector control biologist for Alameda County’s Vector Control Services District, said 13 bats with rabies have been reported in the county alone this year. And while Ahlgren couldn’t pin this year’s increase on any particular cause, she said rabies can appear to be cyclical, \u003ca href=\"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/as-bats-hibernate-through-the-winter-so-does-rabies\">peaking during summer months\u003c/a> and lying dormant — along with the hibernating bats that host it — during the winter\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Bats are the No. 1 reservoir of rabies,” she said. “They maintain it in their population for years and years.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Bats are the No. 1 reservoir of rabies,” she said. “They maintain it in their population for years and years.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Luckily, transmission of the virus from bats to humans is rare: Just 17 people in the state have ever been reported with rabies since 1980, the most recent case in 2024, when a \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR24-040.aspx\">Fresno man died\u003c/a> from the virus. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Luckily, transmission of the virus from bats to humans is rare: Just 17 people in the state have ever been reported with rabies since 1980, the most recent case in 2024, when a \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR24-040.aspx\">Fresno man died\u003c/a> from the virus. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And thankfully, it’s also treatable in humans if caught early. But once symptoms do appear, the virus is virtually always fatal — only a very small number of people worldwide have ever \u003ca href=\"https://www.aaas.org/membership/qualia/surviving-rabies-now-possible\">survived symptomatic rabies\u003c/a>. That’s why Gilman’s office \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/Provider%20Alert_Rabies-positive%20bats%20in%20City%20of%20Berkeley.pdf\">sent a letter\u003c/a> to local physicians in August notifying them of the uptick and \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08-26%20%20Increase%20in%20Rabies-Positive%20Bats%20Identified%20in%202026%20in%20the%20City%20of%20Berkeley.pdf\">sounded the alarm to the city council\u003c/a> as well. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And thankfully, it’s also treatable in humans if caught early. But once symptoms do appear, the virus is virtually always fatal — only a very small number of people worldwide have ever \u003ca href=\"https://www.aaas.org/membership/qualia/surviving-rabies-now-possible\">survived symptomatic rabies\u003c/a>. That’s why Gilman’s office \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/Provider%20Alert_Rabies-positive%20bats%20in%20City%20of%20Berkeley.pdf\">sent a letter\u003c/a> to local physicians in August notifying them of the uptick and \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08-26%20%20Increase%20in%20Rabies-Positive%20Bats%20Identified%20in%202026%20in%20the%20City%20of%20Berkeley.pdf\">sounded the alarm to the city council\u003c/a> as well. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If you find a bat in your house, it \u003cem>really \u003c/em>is something that you have to take very seriously,” he said. “And it can be considered a medical emergency if you were bit by a bat.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“If you find a bat in your house, it \u003cem>really \u003c/em>is something that you have to take very seriously,” he said. “And it can be considered a medical emergency if you were bit by a bat.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Read on for everything you need to know about the animals and your risk of rabies.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Read on for everything you need to know about the animals and your risk of rabies.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "How common are bats in the Bay Area?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How common are bats in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Most people living in the Bay Area don’t know just how prevalent — and diverse — the local bat population is here, said Evan Cole, natural resource manager for San Mateo County Parks.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Most people living in the Bay Area don’t know just how prevalent — and diverse — the local bat population is here, said Evan Cole, natural resource manager for San Mateo County Parks.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In general, bats have the most species of any mammal in the world and are particularly good at adapting to different habitats, including urban areas. But because they are nocturnal, they aren’t as noticeable, Cole said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In general, bats have the most species of any mammal in the world and are particularly good at adapting to different habitats, including urban areas. But because they are nocturnal, they aren’t as noticeable, Cole said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In general, bats have been under-studied in academia, he said — “and I think that kind of trickles down into the public knowledge and our ability to properly educate people on the benefits and hazards of bats around us.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In general, bats have been under-studied in academia, he said — “and I think that kind of trickles down into the public knowledge and our ability to properly educate people on the benefits and hazards of bats around us.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In fact, there are 16 species of bat in the Bay Area alone, Cole said. They are insectivores, so they feed on bugs, and they “roost” in a variety of habitats, including local tree species like redwoods, eucalyptus and, of course, human structures. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In fact, there are 16 species of bat in the Bay Area alone, Cole said. They are insectivores, so they feed on bugs, and they “roost” in a variety of habitats, including local tree species like redwoods, eucalyptus and, of course, human structures. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But unless they have a disease like rabies, bats in the wild aren’t something to be afraid of. In general, they are not interested in humans and don’t have any innate desire to bite you. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But unless they have a disease like rabies, bats in the wild aren’t something to be afraid of. In general, they are not interested in humans and don’t have any innate desire to bite you. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Bats should also be sleeping during the day, so any daytime activity means they’re either sick or in distress, Cole said. “Anytime you see a bat flying during the day, that’s bad news for the bat,” he said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Bats should also be sleeping during the day, so any daytime activity means they’re either sick or in distress, Cole said. “Anytime you see a bat flying during the day, that’s bad news for the bat,” he said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Because bats can form a critical part of our local ecosystems, Cole said protection of their natural habitats — including in places like local parks — is important, especially as their survival is threatened by factors like climate change, diseases like \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/articles/what-is-white-nose-syndrome.htm\">White-nose syndrome\u003c/a>, loss of insect populations globally and habitat transformation. That’s why San Mateo County Parks is careful not to disturb local bat populations when they’re most vulnerable, like during the nighttime, their springtime maternity season and during the winter months.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Because bats can form a critical part of our local ecosystems, Cole said protection of their natural habitats — including in places like local parks — is important, especially as their survival is threatened by factors like climate change, diseases like \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/articles/what-is-white-nose-syndrome.htm\">White-nose syndrome\u003c/a>, loss of insect populations globally and habitat transformation. That’s why San Mateo County Parks is careful not to disturb local bat populations when they’re most vulnerable, like during the nighttime, their springtime maternity season and during the winter months.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Bats are being kind of boxed into a corner in many ways, and we need to do our best to respect, protect them, and educate people about them, about the uses and benefits that they provide to people,” Cole said. “And then also invest in protection and restoration of open spaces like we do in parks to make sure that these native landscapes are still there as refuge for them.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Bats are being kind of boxed into a corner in many ways, and we need to do our best to respect, protect them, and educate people about them, about the uses and benefits that they provide to people,” Cole said. “And then also invest in protection and restoration of open spaces like we do in parks to make sure that these native landscapes are still there as refuge for them.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the real risk of rabies from bats?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The headline: “Rabies should always be assumed to be present if you find a bat in your home,” Gilman said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The headline: “Rabies should always be assumed to be present if you find a bat in your home,” Gilman said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And this is out of a justified abundance of caution. Rabies in animals is actually not overly common —\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/rabies.aspx#WashBite\"> an average of just 200 cases \u003c/a>of rabies in animals are reported statewide each year, according to the California Department of Public Health.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And this is out of a justified abundance of caution. Rabies in animals is actually not overly common —\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/rabies.aspx#WashBite\"> an average of just 200 cases \u003c/a>of rabies in animals are reported statewide each year, according to the California Department of Public Health.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099034\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty3-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A little brown bat with its mouth wide open bares its teeth.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gunter Marx Photography/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\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/10/2026/09/BatsGetty3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099034\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A little brown bat with its mouth wide open bares its teeth.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gunter Marx Photography/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While all mammals can get rabies, bats and skunks are among the most common in California. So far this year, there have been 213 cases statewide, over 90% of which were in bats.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>While all mammals can get rabies, bats and skunks are among the most common in California. So far this year, there have been 213 cases statewide, over 90% of which were in bats.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Some signs of rabies in bats include increased daytime activity or interaction with humans, as bats are nocturnal and tend to avoid humans. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Some signs of rabies in bats include increased daytime activity or interaction with humans, as bats are nocturnal and tend to avoid humans. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Remember: transmission of rabies from animals like bats to humans is rare, but it’s virtually always fatal if you do get rabies.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Remember: transmission of rabies from animals like bats to humans is rare, but it’s virtually always fatal if you do get rabies.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "What should I do to protect bats — and myself — in the Bay Area?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While places like San Mateo County Parks are focused on protecting natural bat habitats — and you can do so, too, in your yard, Cole said — you \u003cem>should \u003c/em>make sure bats aren’t living inside your home.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>While places like San Mateo County Parks are focused on protecting natural bat habitats — and you can do so, too, in your yard, Cole said — you \u003cem>should \u003c/em>make sure bats aren’t living inside your home.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Bats are really important,” Cole said. “They offer great ecosystem services. They may find themselves in your house and enjoy it as a roof structure, but you should not be encouraged to keep them there.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Bats are really important,” Cole said. “They offer great ecosystem services. They may find themselves in your house and enjoy it as a roof structure, but you should not be encouraged to keep them there.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Gilman advised residents to close up any holes or access points that bats may have into their home. That includes holes as small as a quarter of an inch, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html#cdc_generic_section_4-how-to-safely-capture-a-bat\">the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Gilman advised residents to close up any holes or access points that bats may have into their home. That includes holes as small as a quarter of an inch, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html#cdc_generic_section_4-how-to-safely-capture-a-bat\">the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you suspect bats might be roosting in your home and you live in San Mateo or Alameda counties, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcmvcd.org/request-service\">request a free inspection\u003c/a> and get advice on how to relocate the animals. Ahlgren said she talks to someone with a bat in their home in Alameda County at least once a week.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you suspect bats might be roosting in your home and you live in San Mateo or Alameda counties, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcmvcd.org/request-service\">request a free inspection\u003c/a> and get advice on how to relocate the animals. Ahlgren said she talks to someone with a bat in their home in Alameda County at least once a week.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We don’t want to remove them from their natural habitat, but we also don’t want them living in people’s attics where they can get inside,” Ahlgren said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We don’t want to remove them from their natural habitat, but we also don’t want them living in people’s attics where they can get inside,” Ahlgren said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you think that bats might be living in your home, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html#cdc_generic_section_4-how-to-safely-capture-a-bat\">the CDC recommends\u003c/a> observing how they are getting in and out of your home, counting them, and attempting to seal entrances once they have left the building.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you think that bats might be living in your home, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html#cdc_generic_section_4-how-to-safely-capture-a-bat\">the CDC recommends\u003c/a> observing how they are getting in and out of your home, counting them, and attempting to seal entrances once they have left the building.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>CDPH also advises people to vaccinate their pets against rabies both for their health and to prevent the spread of the virus. California law requires all pet dogs to be vaccinated for rabies by 4 months old.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>CDPH also advises people to vaccinate their pets against rabies both for their health and to prevent the spread of the virus. California law requires all pet dogs to be vaccinated for rabies by 4 months old.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While there are no laws regulating outdoor cats, Ahlgren said these pets are at particular risk of contracting the virus.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>While there are no laws regulating outdoor cats, Ahlgren said these pets are at particular risk of contracting the virus.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“They’re actually one of the more likely pets to come into contact with bats,” she said. “And if your cat is unvaccinated and catches a bat, that’s a six-month strict quarantine, which is hard on cats.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“They’re actually one of the more likely pets to come into contact with bats,” she said. “And if your cat is unvaccinated and catches a bat, that’s a six-month strict quarantine, which is hard on cats.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "What to do if you see a bat in your home that might have bitten you",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to do if you see a bat in your home that might have bitten you\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>First, do not touch the bat, whether it’s dead or alive. It’s especially important to teach your children to never touch a bat, said Gilman.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>First, do not touch the bat, whether it’s dead or alive. It’s especially important to teach your children to never touch a bat, said Gilman.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re able, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html#cdc_generic_section_4-how-to-safely-capture-a-bat\">safely trap the live bat\u003c/a> in your home without touching it \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html#cdc_generic_section_4-how-to-safely-capture-a-bat\">(and if this sounds tricky, the CDC has a full set of instructions on pulling this off\u003c/a>). Then, call your local vector control group to get it relocated and tested for rabies.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you’re able, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html#cdc_generic_section_4-how-to-safely-capture-a-bat\">safely trap the live bat\u003c/a> in your home without touching it \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html#cdc_generic_section_4-how-to-safely-capture-a-bat\">(and if this sounds tricky, the CDC has a full set of instructions on pulling this off\u003c/a>). Then, call your local vector control group to get it relocated and tested for rabies.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You probably aren’t going to even \u003cem>know \u003c/em>if you were bitten by a bat, Gilman said — because their teeth are so tiny that they barely leave a mark. If you do have a noticeable bite, though, thoroughly washing the bitten area with soap and water is a good idea, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/rabies.aspx#WashBite\">according to CDPH\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>You probably aren’t going to even \u003cem>know \u003c/em>if you were bitten by a bat, Gilman said — because their teeth are so tiny that they barely leave a mark. If you do have a noticeable bite, though, thoroughly washing the bitten area with soap and water is a good idea, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/rabies.aspx#WashBite\">according to CDPH\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099035\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty4-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A fringed Myotis bat (Myotis Thysanodes) hanging from a ceiling while sleeping.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (M. Flower/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\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/10/2026/09/BatsGetty4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099035\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A fringed Myotis bat (Myotis Thysanodes) hanging from a ceiling while sleeping.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (M. Flower/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Then, you should immediately seek medical attention and an evaluation and report the bite to your local disease prevention program and vector control service. Your health care provider might recommend you get a series of vaccinations to stop you from getting sick. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Then, you should immediately seek medical attention and an evaluation and report the bite to your local disease prevention program and vector control service. Your health care provider might recommend you get a series of vaccinations to stop you from getting sick. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Reporting the bat and seeking medical attention are important even if you aren’t sure if you’ve been bitten, health experts say. Not only are a bat’s teeth so small that a bite might not be noticeable, but rabies, if untreated, is almost always fatal in humans.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Reporting the bat and seeking medical attention are important even if you aren’t sure if you’ve been bitten, health experts say. Not only are a bat’s teeth so small that a bite might not be noticeable, but rabies, if untreated, is almost always fatal in humans.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Rabies is deadly,” Gilman said. “So the assumption if you are bit by a bat is that you need to have prophylactic medication.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Rabies is deadly,” Gilman said. “So the assumption if you are bit by a bat is that you need to have prophylactic medication.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>By the time you feel any symptoms, which typically begin 4 to 8 weeks after exposure to the virus, you won’t be able to recover, Ahlgren said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>By the time you feel any symptoms, which typically begin 4 to 8 weeks after exposure to the virus, you won’t be able to recover, Ahlgren said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“You absolutely don’t wanna wait for symptoms because there’s no saving somebody that develops symptoms,” Ahlgren said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“You absolutely don’t wanna wait for symptoms because there’s no saving somebody that develops symptoms,” Ahlgren said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "A recent spike in rabies cases in the East Bay has officials on alert. How worried should you be — especially if you know there’s a bat around your home?",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/han/php/notices/han00533.html\">health advisory \u003c/a>to doctors about increased rabies in animals and human exposures nationwide this summer, saying it received 17% more rabies-related inquiries in July and August than during that same time last year.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Rabies has, alarmingly, also featured in a number of Bay Area headlines this summer.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Three Humboldt County children were \u003ca href=\"https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/09/08/3-humboldt-county-kids-had-to-be-treated-for-rabies-exposure-after-touching-bats/?utm_campaign=mrf-bluesky-mercurynews.com&utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&mrfcid=202609086a9d1d83f046393007a3a5d5\">treated for exposure\u003c/a> to rabies from bats in the past two weeks. \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/news/dead-bat-tests-positive-for-rabies-at-curry-village-in-yosemite-national-park.htm\">A dead bat\u003c/a> in Yosemite National Park also tested positive for rabies. The city of Berkeley confirmed in late August that it has found \u003ca href=\"https://www.berkeleyside.org/2026/09/03/rabid-bats-berkeley\">five rabies-positive bats\u003c/a> in residential and commercial areas of the city this year. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://health.alamedacountyca.gov/program/rabies/\">And a domestic cat\u003c/a> in Pleasanton — which health officials said “may have been exposed to rabies by a bat on a balcony” — was also found to have rabies in late June.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While these events might sound unusual, “finding a rabid bat is not terribly uncommon,” said Scott Gilman, the director of health, housing and community services for the city of Berkeley. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We normally have about two a year if you look back in time,” he said. “But because we found five already this year, it’s a little bit of a spike.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Gilman confirmed that all five of the bats in Berkeley were found dead. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1302\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099032\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty2-160x104.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty2-1536x1000.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A dead bat in Yosemite National Park also tested positive for rabies, while Berkeley has found five rabies-positive bats in residential and commercial areas this year. (McDonald Wildlife Photography Inc../Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Valerie Ahlgren, senior vector control biologist for Alameda County’s Vector Control Services District, said 13 bats with rabies have been reported in the county alone this year. And while Ahlgren couldn’t pin this year’s increase on any particular cause, she said rabies can appear to be cyclical, \u003ca href=\"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/as-bats-hibernate-through-the-winter-so-does-rabies\">peaking during summer months\u003c/a> and lying dormant — along with the hibernating bats that host it — during the winter\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Bats are the No. 1 reservoir of rabies,” she said. “They maintain it in their population for years and years.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Luckily, transmission of the virus from bats to humans is rare: Just 17 people in the state have ever been reported with rabies since 1980, the most recent case in 2024, when a \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR24-040.aspx\">Fresno man died\u003c/a> from the virus. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And thankfully, it’s also treatable in humans if caught early. But once symptoms do appear, the virus is virtually always fatal — only a very small number of people worldwide have ever \u003ca href=\"https://www.aaas.org/membership/qualia/surviving-rabies-now-possible\">survived symptomatic rabies\u003c/a>. That’s why Gilman’s office \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/Provider%20Alert_Rabies-positive%20bats%20in%20City%20of%20Berkeley.pdf\">sent a letter\u003c/a> to local physicians in August notifying them of the uptick and \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08-26%20%20Increase%20in%20Rabies-Positive%20Bats%20Identified%20in%202026%20in%20the%20City%20of%20Berkeley.pdf\">sounded the alarm to the city council\u003c/a> as well. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If you find a bat in your house, it \u003cem>really \u003c/em>is something that you have to take very seriously,” he said. “And it can be considered a medical emergency if you were bit by a bat.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Read on for everything you need to know about the animals and your risk of rabies.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How common are bats in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Most people living in the Bay Area don’t know just how prevalent — and diverse — the local bat population is here, said Evan Cole, natural resource manager for San Mateo County Parks.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In general, bats have the most species of any mammal in the world and are particularly good at adapting to different habitats, including urban areas. But because they are nocturnal, they aren’t as noticeable, Cole said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In general, bats have been under-studied in academia, he said — “and I think that kind of trickles down into the public knowledge and our ability to properly educate people on the benefits and hazards of bats around us.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In fact, there are 16 species of bat in the Bay Area alone, Cole said. They are insectivores, so they feed on bugs, and they “roost” in a variety of habitats, including local tree species like redwoods, eucalyptus and, of course, human structures. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But unless they have a disease like rabies, bats in the wild aren’t something to be afraid of. In general, they are not interested in humans and don’t have any innate desire to bite you. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bats should also be sleeping during the day, so any daytime activity means they’re either sick or in distress, Cole said. “Anytime you see a bat flying during the day, that’s bad news for the bat,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Because bats can form a critical part of our local ecosystems, Cole said protection of their natural habitats — including in places like local parks — is important, especially as their survival is threatened by factors like climate change, diseases like \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/articles/what-is-white-nose-syndrome.htm\">White-nose syndrome\u003c/a>, loss of insect populations globally and habitat transformation. That’s why San Mateo County Parks is careful not to disturb local bat populations when they’re most vulnerable, like during the nighttime, their springtime maternity season and during the winter months.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Bats are being kind of boxed into a corner in many ways, and we need to do our best to respect, protect them, and educate people about them, about the uses and benefits that they provide to people,” Cole said. “And then also invest in protection and restoration of open spaces like we do in parks to make sure that these native landscapes are still there as refuge for them.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the real risk of rabies from bats?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The headline: “Rabies should always be assumed to be present if you find a bat in your home,” Gilman said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And this is out of a justified abundance of caution. Rabies in animals is actually not overly common —\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/rabies.aspx#WashBite\"> an average of just 200 cases \u003c/a>of rabies in animals are reported statewide each year, according to the California Department of Public Health.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099034\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty3-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A little brown bat with its mouth wide open bares its teeth. (Gunter Marx Photography/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While all mammals can get rabies, bats and skunks are among the most common in California. So far this year, there have been 213 cases statewide, over 90% of which were in bats.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Some signs of rabies in bats include increased daytime activity or interaction with humans, as bats are nocturnal and tend to avoid humans. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Remember: transmission of rabies from animals like bats to humans is rare, but it’s virtually always fatal if you do get rabies.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I do to protect bats — and myself — in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While places like San Mateo County Parks are focused on protecting natural bat habitats — and you can do so, too, in your yard, Cole said — you \u003cem>should \u003c/em>make sure bats aren’t living inside your home.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Bats are really important,” Cole said. “They offer great ecosystem services. They may find themselves in your house and enjoy it as a roof structure, but you should not be encouraged to keep them there.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Gilman advised residents to close up any holes or access points that bats may have into their home. That includes holes as small as a quarter of an inch, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html#cdc_generic_section_4-how-to-safely-capture-a-bat\">the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you suspect bats might be roosting in your home and you live in San Mateo or Alameda counties, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcmvcd.org/request-service\">request a free inspection\u003c/a> and get advice on how to relocate the animals. Ahlgren said she talks to someone with a bat in their home in Alameda County at least once a week.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We don’t want to remove them from their natural habitat, but we also don’t want them living in people’s attics where they can get inside,” Ahlgren said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you think that bats might be living in your home, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html#cdc_generic_section_4-how-to-safely-capture-a-bat\">the CDC recommends\u003c/a> observing how they are getting in and out of your home, counting them, and attempting to seal entrances once they have left the building.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>CDPH also advises people to vaccinate their pets against rabies both for their health and to prevent the spread of the virus. California law requires all pet dogs to be vaccinated for rabies by 4 months old.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While there are no laws regulating outdoor cats, Ahlgren said these pets are at particular risk of contracting the virus.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“They’re actually one of the more likely pets to come into contact with bats,” she said. “And if your cat is unvaccinated and catches a bat, that’s a six-month strict quarantine, which is hard on cats.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to do if you see a bat in your home that might have bitten you\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>First, do not touch the bat, whether it’s dead or alive. It’s especially important to teach your children to never touch a bat, said Gilman.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re able, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html#cdc_generic_section_4-how-to-safely-capture-a-bat\">safely trap the live bat\u003c/a> in your home without touching it \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html#cdc_generic_section_4-how-to-safely-capture-a-bat\">(and if this sounds tricky, the CDC has a full set of instructions on pulling this off\u003c/a>). Then, call your local vector control group to get it relocated and tested for rabies.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You probably aren’t going to even \u003cem>know \u003c/em>if you were bitten by a bat, Gilman said — because their teeth are so tiny that they barely leave a mark. If you do have a noticeable bite, though, thoroughly washing the bitten area with soap and water is a good idea, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/rabies.aspx#WashBite\">according to CDPH\u003c/a>. \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/10/2026/09/BatsGetty4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099035\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty4-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/BatsGetty4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A fringed Myotis bat (Myotis Thysanodes) hanging from a ceiling while sleeping. (M. Flower/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Then, you should immediately seek medical attention and an evaluation and report the bite to your local disease prevention program and vector control service. Your health care provider might recommend you get a series of vaccinations to stop you from getting sick. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Reporting the bat and seeking medical attention are important even if you aren’t sure if you’ve been bitten, health experts say. Not only are a bat’s teeth so small that a bite might not be noticeable, but rabies, if untreated, is almost always fatal in humans.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Rabies is deadly,” Gilman said. “So the assumption if you are bit by a bat is that you need to have prophylactic medication.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>By the time you feel any symptoms, which typically begin 4 to 8 weeks after exposure to the virus, you won’t be able to recover, Ahlgren said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You absolutely don’t wanna wait for symptoms because there’s no saving somebody that develops symptoms,” Ahlgren said.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"info": "What kind of no sabo word is Hyphenación? For us, it’s about living within a hyphenation. Like being a third-gen Mexican-American from the Texas border now living that Bay Area Chicano life. Like Xorje! Each week we bring together a couple of hyphenated Latinos to talk all about personal life choices: family, careers, relationships, belonging … everything is on the table. ",
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"marketplace": {
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"info": "Our flagship program, helmed by Kai Ryssdal, examines what the day in money delivered, through stories, conversations, newsworthy numbers and more. Updated Monday through Friday at about 3:30 p.m. PT.",
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"masters-of-scale": {
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"mindshift": {
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"info": "The MindShift podcast explores the innovations in education that are shaping how kids learn. Hosts Ki Sung and Katrina Schwartz introduce listeners to educators, researchers, parents and students who are developing effective ways to improve how kids learn. We cover topics like how fed-up administrators are developing surprising tactics to deal with classroom disruptions; how listening to podcasts are helping kids develop reading skills; the consequences of overparenting; and why interdisciplinary learning can engage students on all ends of the traditional achievement spectrum. This podcast is part of the MindShift education site, a division of KQED News. KQED is an NPR/PBS member station based in San Francisco. You can also visit the MindShift website for episodes and supplemental blog posts or tweet us \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/MindShiftKQED\">@MindShiftKQED\u003c/a> or visit us at \u003ca href=\"/mindshift\">MindShift.KQED.org\u003c/a>",
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"order": 12
},
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM1NzY0NjAwNDI5",
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"morning-edition": {
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"tagline": "Deeply-reported investigative journalism",
"info": "For decades, the process for how police police themselves has been inconsistent – if not opaque. In some states, like California, these proceedings were completely hidden. After a new police transparency law unsealed scores of internal affairs files, our reporters set out to examine these cases and the shadow world of police discipline. On Our Watch brings listeners into the rooms where officers are questioned and witnesses are interrogated to find out who this system is really protecting. Is it the officers, or the public they've sworn to serve?",
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"info": "Our weekly podcast explores how the media 'sausage' is made, casts an incisive eye on fluctuations in the marketplace of ideas, and examines threats to the freedom of information and expression in America and abroad. For one hour a week, the show tries to lift the veil from the process of \"making media,\" especially news media, because it's through that lens that we see the world and the world sees us",
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},
"pbs-newshour": {
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},
"perspectives": {
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"order": 14
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"info": "The economy explained. Imagine you could call up a friend and say, Meet me at the bar and tell me what's going on with the economy. Now imagine that's actually a fun evening.",
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"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/planetmoney.jpg",
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"link": "/radio/program/planet-money",
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"politicalbreakdown": {
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"title": "Political Breakdown",
"tagline": "Politics from a personal perspective",
"info": "Political Breakdown is a new series that explores the political intersection of California and the nation. Each week hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined with a new special guest to unpack politics -- with personality — and offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics happens.",
"airtime": "THU 6:30pm-7pm",
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"order": 5
},
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"possible": {
"id": "possible",
"title": "Possible",
"info": "Possible is hosted by entrepreneur Reid Hoffman and writer Aria Finger. Together in Possible, Hoffman and Finger lead enlightening discussions about building a brighter collective future. The show features interviews with visionary guests like Trevor Noah, Sam Altman and Janette Sadik-Khan. Possible paints an optimistic portrait of the world we can create through science, policy, business, art and our shared humanity. It asks: What if everything goes right for once? How can we get there? Each episode also includes a short fiction story generated by advanced AI GPT-4, serving as a thought-provoking springboard to speculate how humanity could leverage technology for good.",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Possible-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.possible.fm/",
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"source": "Possible"
},
"link": "/radio/program/possible",
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"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/730YpdUSNlMyPQwNnyjp4k"
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},
"pri-the-world": {
"id": "pri-the-world",
"title": "PRI's The World: Latest Edition",
"info": "Each weekday, host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories in an hour of radio that reminds us just how small our planet really is.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 2pm-3pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-World-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
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},
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},
"radiolab": {
"id": "radiolab",
"title": "Radiolab",
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