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"slug": "timber-fire-big-sur-highway-1-closed-again-wildfire-map-evacuation-august-2026",
"title": "Highway 1 Closes Again as Big Sur Wildfires Grow, Tourists Urged to Stay Away",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>Tourists are once more being urged to stay away from Big Sur as \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12094533/big-sur-wildfire-map-evacuation-timber-fire-august-2026\">Highway 1 closed\u003c/a> Thursday afternoon amid the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/timber-fire\">Timber Fire\u003c/a> — now the \u003ca href=\"https://next.kqed.org/news/12096883/timber-fire-now-third-largest-in-state-chp-announces-highway-1-closure\">third-largest\u003c/a> in the state this year. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After igniting earlier this month, the fire is still only 23% contained and has burned more than 19,000 acres of remote coastal terrain. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Warm, dry conditions and immediate danger to people and structures had started to wane last week. But new fire growth on Wednesday and “critical \u003ca href=\"https://wfca.com/wildfire-articles/what-is-backburning/\">backburning\u003c/a> operations” — a burning technique used to remove fuels and stop forward progress of a fire — scheduled for Thursday have prompted Monterey County officials to implement new \u003ca href=\"https://www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency/alerts\">evacuation orders\u003c/a> on Thursday afternoon. \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/10/2026/08/timber-fire-4-scaled-e1786481390761.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094806\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A view of flames and smoke as the Timber Fire continues in Big Sur, California, on Aug. 10, 2026. (Tayfun Coskun/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Overnight, the Timber Fire pushed east and north deep into the Ventana Wilderness,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">a CalFire update\u003c/a> said. “Critical fire weather remains the primary driver of this fire.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A second fire, named \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/26/plaskett-fire/updates/79674372-a8ef-4d57-8c94-22f093f69ab7\">the Plaskett Fire\u003c/a>, broke out south of the Timber Fire in Monterey County around 11 a.m. on Wednesday. As of Thursday, this new fire is 50 acres and is 0% contained, prompting additional evacuations.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Also on Thursday, the National Weather Service \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ530&warncounty=CAC053&firewxzone=CAZ530&local_place1=2%20Miles%20SE%20Big%20Sur%20CA&product1=Red+Flag+Warning&lat=36.2529&lon=-121.7873\">issued a Red Flag Warning \u003c/a>in the region for Friday morning, anticipating lightning amid isolated thunderstorms and winds up to 50 miles per hour.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Lightning strikes may result in new fire ignitions,” the agency said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘Do not come to Big Sur’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This coastal stretch is home to many of Big Sur’s most popular hotels, restaurants and campgrounds, as well as state parks. Last week, some of those businesses had begun reopening and welcoming visitors back, like the \u003ca href=\"https://www.henrymiller.org/\">Henry Miller Memorial Library\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.phoenixshopbigsur.com/\">Nepenthe Restaurant.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#advice\">I have plans to visit Big Sur. What should I do?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But a social media post from the library on Wednesday alerted would-be visitors that they would be closing once again starting Thursday “until further notice.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Again, we implore you: Do not come to Big Sur,” the business \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DchPwPBkiSy/?hl=en\">wrote on Instagram.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Aengus Wagner, wine and service director for Nepenthe, said the restaurant had just reopened on Aug. 20 after being closed for 10 days during the initial outbreak of the Timber Fire. Now, they’re closing again at least through Sunday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s not fun to close a restaurant ever, let alone twice in a month,” Wagner said, “let alone that being your busiest month of the year when all your employees are collecting their acorns for the winter.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After reopening briefly, all state parks in Big Sur — \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=582\">Andrew Molera\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578\">Julia Pfeiffer Burns, \u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570\">Pfeiffer Big Sur \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=565\">Point Sur\u003c/a> state parks — are once again \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30009\">closed\u003c/a> due to the threat from the Timber Fire.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Stretches of the coast to the north and south of the mandatory evacuation zone are currently under \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834901/fire-evacuation-what-actually-happens-and-how-can-you-plan\">evacuation warnings\u003c/a> — the step that comes before an evacuation order, which acts as a warning to residents that they may need to evacuate soon. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Highway 1 is closed again\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On Wednesday afternoon, \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1544014817765868&set=pb.100064720926577.-2207520000\">Monterey California Highway Patrol announced on Facebook\u003c/a> that Highway 1 through the area is closed starting at 1 p.m. on Thursday from just south of Andrew Molera State Park to the north and Deetjens Big Sur Inn to the south. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The status of Highway 1 has been changeable and unpredictable for drivers in the last month. After its initial closure in early August, the road reopened to drivers on Aug. 22.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re looking at alternative routes around Big Sur right now, bear in mind that the one narrow road connecting Big Sur south of Lucia to Highway 101 over the Santa Lucia mountains — \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Nacimiento-Fergusson+Rd,+California/@35.9907059,-121.3662903,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x809296a8a7f9159b:0x70441b9f4863105b!8m2!3d35.9907059!4d-121.3637154!16s%2Fm%2F02rk30k!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDgwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">Nacimiento-Fergusson Road\u003c/a> — is notoriously steep and winding.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fire closures have ‘huge impact’ on businesses, locals\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wagner said employees at Nepenthe are “locking down the hatches and getting ready to head home,” after the abrupt announcement last night that the highway would close down again. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While the closure is going to have a “huge impact” on the business, Wagner said given the near-constant back-and-forth of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069761/californias-highway-1-fully-opens-through-big-sur-years-after-major-landslides\">openings and closures for years,\u003c/a> “we’re kind of professional at it now.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We have less than three hours to complete that to get home, to not be visible on the highway if we choose to stay,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is telling anyone considering staying behind to be “prepared to self-sustain for up to 7 days.” Wagner said many locals were processing the news at a vigil last night held for \u003ca href=\"https://www.montereycountynow.com/opinion/local_spin/three-people-are-killed-in-one-weekend-amid-dystopian-reality-of-car-week/article_e9614c2c-4c23-4246-aec6-8e41c5fa10a9.html\">a local killed on Highway 1 earlier this month\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“People had to make a quick decision,” he said. “My feeling is most people stay.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wagner, who grew up in Big Sur and came back in 1991 to make it his full-time residence, said he’s watched fires burn on Mount Manuel near his home in both 2008 and 2016, and “now, I’m not afraid of it,” he said. “Unless the weather pattern changes dramatically, historically, the way this is moving, it’s just a big pain in the ass.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He said locals are grateful to the firefighting efforts that — so far — have meant no loss of buildings or life in the blaze. And they’re resilient, he said, given the past 10 years of fire and rain affecting Highway 1’s status.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tourists, on the other hand, he said, “have no idea.” Weddings are having to be relocated, and last week’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/events/monterey-car-week/\">Monterey Car Week\u003c/a> — an event which organizers say draws \u003ca href=\"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/monterey-car-week--pebble-beach-concours-delegance-returns-august-716-2026-302839650.html\">100,000 people \u003c/a>every year — was “another huge debacle,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We are open any chance we can,” he said. “We just remind [tourists]: we’ll be here.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"advice\">Advice for visitors to Big Sur right now\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you have existing plans to visit the Big Sur region, keep a close eye out for any email or voicemail notification from your hotel advising you of any cancellations — and your options. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re trying to get in contact with your accommodation yourself, bear in mind that the property may have been directly affected by the Timber Fire evacuations, and that cellphone service in the area is spotty.\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/timber-fire-getty-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094837\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A bulldozer helps battle the Timber Fire in Big Sur, California, on Aug. 10, 2026. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>See Monterey, the county’s tourism group, is \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/plan-your-visit/travel-alert/\">advising visitors\u003c/a> who are already in the affected areas of Big Sur to “follow evacuation instructions, take essential belongings and medications, and bring their pets.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to See Monterey, several hotels throughout Monterey County are now also “offering evacuation rates for residents and visitors in need,” through \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/resources/community-connection/\">a spreadsheet of available lodgings\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Monterey County has established a temporary emergency shelter at \u003ca href=\"https://maps.app.goo.gl/jD58jfurSmbyjGdG8\">Carmel Mission Inn Conference Room \u003c/a>in Carmel. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Big Sur Timber Fire links and resources\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">CalFire’s Timber Fire evacuation map and updates\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30009\">Current California state park closures\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/plan-your-visit/travel-alert/\">See Monterey’s spreadsheet of hotel evacuation rates\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/?view=36.3458%2C-121.8507%2C12&layers=full_closures%2Clane_closures%2Cspeed\">Caltrans map of highway closures\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After igniting earlier this month, the fire is still only 23% contained and has burned more than 19,000 acres of remote coastal terrain. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Warm, dry conditions and immediate danger to people and structures had started to wane last week. But new fire growth on Wednesday and “critical \u003ca href=\"https://wfca.com/wildfire-articles/what-is-backburning/\">backburning\u003c/a> operations” — a burning technique used to remove fuels and stop forward progress of a fire — scheduled for Thursday have prompted Monterey County officials to implement new \u003ca href=\"https://www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency/alerts\">evacuation orders\u003c/a> on Thursday afternoon. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Warm, dry conditions and immediate danger to people and structures had started to wane last week. But new fire growth on Wednesday and “critical \u003ca href=\"https://wfca.com/wildfire-articles/what-is-backburning/\">backburning\u003c/a> operations” — a burning technique used to remove fuels and stop forward progress of a fire — scheduled for Thursday have prompted Monterey County officials to implement new \u003ca href=\"https://www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency/alerts\">evacuation orders\u003c/a> on Thursday afternoon. \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/10/2026/08/timber-fire-4-scaled-e1786481390761.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094806\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A view of flames and smoke as the Timber Fire continues in Big Sur, California, on Aug. 10, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Tayfun Coskun/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/10/2026/08/timber-fire-4-scaled-e1786481390761.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094806\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A view of flames and smoke as the Timber Fire continues in Big Sur, California, on Aug. 10, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Tayfun Coskun/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Overnight, the Timber Fire pushed east and north deep into the Ventana Wilderness,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">a CalFire update\u003c/a> said. “Critical fire weather remains the primary driver of this fire.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Overnight, the Timber Fire pushed east and north deep into the Ventana Wilderness,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">a CalFire update\u003c/a> said. “Critical fire weather remains the primary driver of this fire.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A second fire, named \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/26/plaskett-fire/updates/79674372-a8ef-4d57-8c94-22f093f69ab7\">the Plaskett Fire\u003c/a>, broke out south of the Timber Fire in Monterey County around 11 a.m. on Wednesday. As of Thursday, this new fire is 50 acres and is 0% contained, prompting additional evacuations.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Also on Thursday, the National Weather Service \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ530&warncounty=CAC053&firewxzone=CAZ530&local_place1=2%20Miles%20SE%20Big%20Sur%20CA&product1=Red+Flag+Warning&lat=36.2529&lon=-121.7873\">issued a Red Flag Warning \u003c/a>in the region for Friday morning, anticipating lightning amid isolated thunderstorms and winds up to 50 miles per hour.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Also on Thursday, the National Weather Service \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ530&warncounty=CAC053&firewxzone=CAZ530&local_place1=2%20Miles%20SE%20Big%20Sur%20CA&product1=Red+Flag+Warning&lat=36.2529&lon=-121.7873\">issued a Red Flag Warning \u003c/a>in the region for Friday morning, anticipating lightning amid isolated thunderstorms and winds up to 50 miles per hour.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Lightning strikes may result in new fire ignitions,” the agency said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Lightning strikes may result in new fire ignitions,” the agency said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "‘Do not come to Big Sur’",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘Do not come to Big Sur’\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘Do not come to Big Sur’\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This coastal stretch is home to many of Big Sur’s most popular hotels, restaurants and campgrounds, as well as state parks. Last week, some of those businesses had begun reopening and welcoming visitors back, like the \u003ca href=\"https://www.henrymiller.org/\">Henry Miller Memorial Library\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.phoenixshopbigsur.com/\">Nepenthe Restaurant.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>This coastal stretch is home to many of Big Sur’s most popular hotels, restaurants and campgrounds, as well as state parks. Last week, some of those businesses had begun reopening and welcoming visitors back, like the \u003ca href=\"https://www.henrymiller.org/\">Henry Miller Memorial Library\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.phoenixshopbigsur.com/\">Nepenthe Restaurant.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#advice\">I have plans to visit Big Sur. What should I do?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#advice\">I have plans to visit Big Sur. What should I do?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But a social media post from the library on Wednesday alerted would-be visitors that they would be closing once again starting Thursday “until further notice.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But a social media post from the library on Wednesday alerted would-be visitors that they would be closing once again starting Thursday “until further notice.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Again, we implore you: Do not come to Big Sur,” the business \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DchPwPBkiSy/?hl=en\">wrote on Instagram.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Again, we implore you: Do not come to Big Sur,” the business \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DchPwPBkiSy/?hl=en\">wrote on Instagram.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Aengus Wagner, wine and service director for Nepenthe, said the restaurant had just reopened on Aug. 20 after being closed for 10 days during the initial outbreak of the Timber Fire. Now, they’re closing again at least through Sunday.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Aengus Wagner, wine and service director for Nepenthe, said the restaurant had just reopened on Aug. 20 after being closed for 10 days during the initial outbreak of the Timber Fire. Now, they’re closing again at least through Sunday.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s not fun to close a restaurant ever, let alone twice in a month,” Wagner said, “let alone that being your busiest month of the year when all your employees are collecting their acorns for the winter.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“It’s not fun to close a restaurant ever, let alone twice in a month,” Wagner said, “let alone that being your busiest month of the year when all your employees are collecting their acorns for the winter.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After reopening briefly, all state parks in Big Sur — \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=582\">Andrew Molera\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578\">Julia Pfeiffer Burns, \u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570\">Pfeiffer Big Sur \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=565\">Point Sur\u003c/a> state parks — are once again \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30009\">closed\u003c/a> due to the threat from the Timber Fire.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>After reopening briefly, all state parks in Big Sur — \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=582\">Andrew Molera\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578\">Julia Pfeiffer Burns, \u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570\">Pfeiffer Big Sur \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=565\">Point Sur\u003c/a> state parks — are once again \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30009\">closed\u003c/a> due to the threat from the Timber Fire.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Stretches of the coast to the north and south of the mandatory evacuation zone are currently under \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834901/fire-evacuation-what-actually-happens-and-how-can-you-plan\">evacuation warnings\u003c/a> — the step that comes before an evacuation order, which acts as a warning to residents that they may need to evacuate soon. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Stretches of the coast to the north and south of the mandatory evacuation zone are currently under \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834901/fire-evacuation-what-actually-happens-and-how-can-you-plan\">evacuation warnings\u003c/a> — the step that comes before an evacuation order, which acts as a warning to residents that they may need to evacuate soon. \u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "Highway 1 is closed again",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Highway 1 is closed again\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Highway 1 is closed again\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On Wednesday afternoon, \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1544014817765868&set=pb.100064720926577.-2207520000\">Monterey California Highway Patrol announced on Facebook\u003c/a> that Highway 1 through the area is closed starting at 1 p.m. on Thursday from just south of Andrew Molera State Park to the north and Deetjens Big Sur Inn to the south. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>On Wednesday afternoon, \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1544014817765868&set=pb.100064720926577.-2207520000\">Monterey California Highway Patrol announced on Facebook\u003c/a> that Highway 1 through the area is closed starting at 1 p.m. on Thursday from just south of Andrew Molera State Park to the north and Deetjens Big Sur Inn to the south. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The status of Highway 1 has been changeable and unpredictable for drivers in the last month. After its initial closure in early August, the road reopened to drivers on Aug. 22.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The status of Highway 1 has been changeable and unpredictable for drivers in the last month. After its initial closure in early August, the road reopened to drivers on Aug. 22.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re looking at alternative routes around Big Sur right now, bear in mind that the one narrow road connecting Big Sur south of Lucia to Highway 101 over the Santa Lucia mountains — \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Nacimiento-Fergusson+Rd,+California/@35.9907059,-121.3662903,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x809296a8a7f9159b:0x70441b9f4863105b!8m2!3d35.9907059!4d-121.3637154!16s%2Fm%2F02rk30k!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDgwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">Nacimiento-Fergusson Road\u003c/a> — is notoriously steep and winding.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you’re looking at alternative routes around Big Sur right now, bear in mind that the one narrow road connecting Big Sur south of Lucia to Highway 101 over the Santa Lucia mountains — \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Nacimiento-Fergusson+Rd,+California/@35.9907059,-121.3662903,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x809296a8a7f9159b:0x70441b9f4863105b!8m2!3d35.9907059!4d-121.3637154!16s%2Fm%2F02rk30k!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDgwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">Nacimiento-Fergusson Road\u003c/a> — is notoriously steep and winding.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Wagner said employees at Nepenthe are “locking down the hatches and getting ready to head home,” after the abrupt announcement last night that the highway would close down again. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Wagner said employees at Nepenthe are “locking down the hatches and getting ready to head home,” after the abrupt announcement last night that the highway would close down again. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While the closure is going to have a “huge impact” on the business, Wagner said given the near-constant back-and-forth of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069761/californias-highway-1-fully-opens-through-big-sur-years-after-major-landslides\">openings and closures for years,\u003c/a> “we’re kind of professional at it now.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>While the closure is going to have a “huge impact” on the business, Wagner said given the near-constant back-and-forth of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069761/californias-highway-1-fully-opens-through-big-sur-years-after-major-landslides\">openings and closures for years,\u003c/a> “we’re kind of professional at it now.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We have less than three hours to complete that to get home, to not be visible on the highway if we choose to stay,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“We have less than three hours to complete that to get home, to not be visible on the highway if we choose to stay,” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is telling anyone considering staying behind to be “prepared to self-sustain for up to 7 days.” Wagner said many locals were processing the news at a vigil last night held for \u003ca href=\"https://www.montereycountynow.com/opinion/local_spin/three-people-are-killed-in-one-weekend-amid-dystopian-reality-of-car-week/article_e9614c2c-4c23-4246-aec6-8e41c5fa10a9.html\">a local killed on Highway 1 earlier this month\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is telling anyone considering staying behind to be “prepared to self-sustain for up to 7 days.” Wagner said many locals were processing the news at a vigil last night held for \u003ca href=\"https://www.montereycountynow.com/opinion/local_spin/three-people-are-killed-in-one-weekend-amid-dystopian-reality-of-car-week/article_e9614c2c-4c23-4246-aec6-8e41c5fa10a9.html\">a local killed on Highway 1 earlier this month\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“People had to make a quick decision,” he said. “My feeling is most people stay.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“People had to make a quick decision,” he said. “My feeling is most people stay.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Wagner, who grew up in Big Sur and came back in 1991 to make it his full-time residence, said he’s watched fires burn on Mount Manuel near his home in both 2008 and 2016, and “now, I’m not afraid of it,” he said. “Unless the weather pattern changes dramatically, historically, the way this is moving, it’s just a big pain in the ass.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Wagner, who grew up in Big Sur and came back in 1991 to make it his full-time residence, said he’s watched fires burn on Mount Manuel near his home in both 2008 and 2016, and “now, I’m not afraid of it,” he said. “Unless the weather pattern changes dramatically, historically, the way this is moving, it’s just a big pain in the ass.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>He said locals are grateful to the firefighting efforts that — so far — have meant no loss of buildings or life in the blaze. And they’re resilient, he said, given the past 10 years of fire and rain affecting Highway 1’s status.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>He said locals are grateful to the firefighting efforts that — so far — have meant no loss of buildings or life in the blaze. And they’re resilient, he said, given the past 10 years of fire and rain affecting Highway 1’s status.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Tourists, on the other hand, he said, “have no idea.” Weddings are having to be relocated, and last week’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/events/monterey-car-week/\">Monterey Car Week\u003c/a> — an event which organizers say draws \u003ca href=\"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/monterey-car-week--pebble-beach-concours-delegance-returns-august-716-2026-302839650.html\">100,000 people \u003c/a>every year — was “another huge debacle,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Tourists, on the other hand, he said, “have no idea.” Weddings are having to be relocated, and last week’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/events/monterey-car-week/\">Monterey Car Week\u003c/a> — an event which organizers say draws \u003ca href=\"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/monterey-car-week--pebble-beach-concours-delegance-returns-august-716-2026-302839650.html\">100,000 people \u003c/a>every year — was “another huge debacle,” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We are open any chance we can,” he said. “We just remind [tourists]: we’ll be here.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We are open any chance we can,” he said. “We just remind [tourists]: we’ll be here.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Advice for visitors to Big Sur right now",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"advice\">Advice for visitors to Big Sur right now\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"advice\">Advice for visitors to Big Sur right now\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you have existing plans to visit the Big Sur region, keep a close eye out for any email or voicemail notification from your hotel advising you of any cancellations — and your options. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you have existing plans to visit the Big Sur region, keep a close eye out for any email or voicemail notification from your hotel advising you of any cancellations — and your options. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re trying to get in contact with your accommodation yourself, bear in mind that the property may have been directly affected by the Timber Fire evacuations, and that cellphone service in the area is spotty.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you’re trying to get in contact with your accommodation yourself, bear in mind that the property may have been directly affected by the Timber Fire evacuations, and that cellphone service in the area is spotty.\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/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094837\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A bulldozer helps battle the Timber Fire in Big Sur, California, on Aug. 10, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu 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/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094837\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A bulldozer helps battle the Timber Fire in Big Sur, California, on Aug. 10, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>See Monterey, the county’s tourism group, is \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/plan-your-visit/travel-alert/\">advising visitors\u003c/a> who are already in the affected areas of Big Sur to “follow evacuation instructions, take essential belongings and medications, and bring their pets.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>See Monterey, the county’s tourism group, is \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/plan-your-visit/travel-alert/\">advising visitors\u003c/a> who are already in the affected areas of Big Sur to “follow evacuation instructions, take essential belongings and medications, and bring their pets.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to See Monterey, several hotels throughout Monterey County are now also “offering evacuation rates for residents and visitors in need,” through \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/resources/community-connection/\">a spreadsheet of available lodgings\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>According to See Monterey, several hotels throughout Monterey County are now also “offering evacuation rates for residents and visitors in need,” through \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/resources/community-connection/\">a spreadsheet of available lodgings\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "“Do not come to Big Sur,” plead businesses as the Timber Fire — and the new Plaskett Fire — continue to grow, shutting down Highway 1 once again.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Tourists are once more being urged to stay away from Big Sur as \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12094533/big-sur-wildfire-map-evacuation-timber-fire-august-2026\">Highway 1 closed\u003c/a> Thursday afternoon amid the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/timber-fire\">Timber Fire\u003c/a> — now the \u003ca href=\"https://next.kqed.org/news/12096883/timber-fire-now-third-largest-in-state-chp-announces-highway-1-closure\">third-largest\u003c/a> in the state this year. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After igniting earlier this month, the fire is still only 23% contained and has burned more than 19,000 acres of remote coastal terrain. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Warm, dry conditions and immediate danger to people and structures had started to wane last week. But new fire growth on Wednesday and “critical \u003ca href=\"https://wfca.com/wildfire-articles/what-is-backburning/\">backburning\u003c/a> operations” — a burning technique used to remove fuels and stop forward progress of a fire — scheduled for Thursday have prompted Monterey County officials to implement new \u003ca href=\"https://www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency/alerts\">evacuation orders\u003c/a> on Thursday afternoon. \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/10/2026/08/timber-fire-4-scaled-e1786481390761.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094806\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A view of flames and smoke as the Timber Fire continues in Big Sur, California, on Aug. 10, 2026. (Tayfun Coskun/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Overnight, the Timber Fire pushed east and north deep into the Ventana Wilderness,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">a CalFire update\u003c/a> said. “Critical fire weather remains the primary driver of this fire.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A second fire, named \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/26/plaskett-fire/updates/79674372-a8ef-4d57-8c94-22f093f69ab7\">the Plaskett Fire\u003c/a>, broke out south of the Timber Fire in Monterey County around 11 a.m. on Wednesday. As of Thursday, this new fire is 50 acres and is 0% contained, prompting additional evacuations.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Also on Thursday, the National Weather Service \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ530&warncounty=CAC053&firewxzone=CAZ530&local_place1=2%20Miles%20SE%20Big%20Sur%20CA&product1=Red+Flag+Warning&lat=36.2529&lon=-121.7873\">issued a Red Flag Warning \u003c/a>in the region for Friday morning, anticipating lightning amid isolated thunderstorms and winds up to 50 miles per hour.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Lightning strikes may result in new fire ignitions,” the agency said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘Do not come to Big Sur’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This coastal stretch is home to many of Big Sur’s most popular hotels, restaurants and campgrounds, as well as state parks. Last week, some of those businesses had begun reopening and welcoming visitors back, like the \u003ca href=\"https://www.henrymiller.org/\">Henry Miller Memorial Library\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.phoenixshopbigsur.com/\">Nepenthe Restaurant.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#advice\">I have plans to visit Big Sur. What should I do?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But a social media post from the library on Wednesday alerted would-be visitors that they would be closing once again starting Thursday “until further notice.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Again, we implore you: Do not come to Big Sur,” the business \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DchPwPBkiSy/?hl=en\">wrote on Instagram.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Aengus Wagner, wine and service director for Nepenthe, said the restaurant had just reopened on Aug. 20 after being closed for 10 days during the initial outbreak of the Timber Fire. Now, they’re closing again at least through Sunday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s not fun to close a restaurant ever, let alone twice in a month,” Wagner said, “let alone that being your busiest month of the year when all your employees are collecting their acorns for the winter.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After reopening briefly, all state parks in Big Sur — \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=582\">Andrew Molera\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578\">Julia Pfeiffer Burns, \u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570\">Pfeiffer Big Sur \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=565\">Point Sur\u003c/a> state parks — are once again \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30009\">closed\u003c/a> due to the threat from the Timber Fire.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Stretches of the coast to the north and south of the mandatory evacuation zone are currently under \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834901/fire-evacuation-what-actually-happens-and-how-can-you-plan\">evacuation warnings\u003c/a> — the step that comes before an evacuation order, which acts as a warning to residents that they may need to evacuate soon. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Highway 1 is closed again\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On Wednesday afternoon, \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1544014817765868&set=pb.100064720926577.-2207520000\">Monterey California Highway Patrol announced on Facebook\u003c/a> that Highway 1 through the area is closed starting at 1 p.m. on Thursday from just south of Andrew Molera State Park to the north and Deetjens Big Sur Inn to the south. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The status of Highway 1 has been changeable and unpredictable for drivers in the last month. After its initial closure in early August, the road reopened to drivers on Aug. 22.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re looking at alternative routes around Big Sur right now, bear in mind that the one narrow road connecting Big Sur south of Lucia to Highway 101 over the Santa Lucia mountains — \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Nacimiento-Fergusson+Rd,+California/@35.9907059,-121.3662903,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x809296a8a7f9159b:0x70441b9f4863105b!8m2!3d35.9907059!4d-121.3637154!16s%2Fm%2F02rk30k!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDgwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">Nacimiento-Fergusson Road\u003c/a> — is notoriously steep and winding.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fire closures have ‘huge impact’ on businesses, locals\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wagner said employees at Nepenthe are “locking down the hatches and getting ready to head home,” after the abrupt announcement last night that the highway would close down again. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While the closure is going to have a “huge impact” on the business, Wagner said given the near-constant back-and-forth of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069761/californias-highway-1-fully-opens-through-big-sur-years-after-major-landslides\">openings and closures for years,\u003c/a> “we’re kind of professional at it now.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We have less than three hours to complete that to get home, to not be visible on the highway if we choose to stay,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is telling anyone considering staying behind to be “prepared to self-sustain for up to 7 days.” Wagner said many locals were processing the news at a vigil last night held for \u003ca href=\"https://www.montereycountynow.com/opinion/local_spin/three-people-are-killed-in-one-weekend-amid-dystopian-reality-of-car-week/article_e9614c2c-4c23-4246-aec6-8e41c5fa10a9.html\">a local killed on Highway 1 earlier this month\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“People had to make a quick decision,” he said. “My feeling is most people stay.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wagner, who grew up in Big Sur and came back in 1991 to make it his full-time residence, said he’s watched fires burn on Mount Manuel near his home in both 2008 and 2016, and “now, I’m not afraid of it,” he said. “Unless the weather pattern changes dramatically, historically, the way this is moving, it’s just a big pain in the ass.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He said locals are grateful to the firefighting efforts that — so far — have meant no loss of buildings or life in the blaze. And they’re resilient, he said, given the past 10 years of fire and rain affecting Highway 1’s status.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tourists, on the other hand, he said, “have no idea.” Weddings are having to be relocated, and last week’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/events/monterey-car-week/\">Monterey Car Week\u003c/a> — an event which organizers say draws \u003ca href=\"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/monterey-car-week--pebble-beach-concours-delegance-returns-august-716-2026-302839650.html\">100,000 people \u003c/a>every year — was “another huge debacle,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We are open any chance we can,” he said. “We just remind [tourists]: we’ll be here.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"advice\">Advice for visitors to Big Sur right now\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you have existing plans to visit the Big Sur region, keep a close eye out for any email or voicemail notification from your hotel advising you of any cancellations — and your options. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re trying to get in contact with your accommodation yourself, bear in mind that the property may have been directly affected by the Timber Fire evacuations, and that cellphone service in the area is spotty.\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/timber-fire-getty-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094837\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A bulldozer helps battle the Timber Fire in Big Sur, California, on Aug. 10, 2026. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>See Monterey, the county’s tourism group, is \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/plan-your-visit/travel-alert/\">advising visitors\u003c/a> who are already in the affected areas of Big Sur to “follow evacuation instructions, take essential belongings and medications, and bring their pets.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to See Monterey, several hotels throughout Monterey County are now also “offering evacuation rates for residents and visitors in need,” through \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/resources/community-connection/\">a spreadsheet of available lodgings\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Monterey County has established a temporary emergency shelter at \u003ca href=\"https://maps.app.goo.gl/jD58jfurSmbyjGdG8\">Carmel Mission Inn Conference Room \u003c/a>in Carmel. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Big Sur Timber Fire links and resources\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">CalFire’s Timber Fire evacuation map and updates\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30009\">Current California state park closures\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/plan-your-visit/travel-alert/\">See Monterey’s spreadsheet of hotel evacuation rates\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/?view=36.3458%2C-121.8507%2C12&layers=full_closures%2Clane_closures%2Cspeed\">Caltrans map of highway closures\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "mpox-san-francisco-2026-folsom-street-fair-events-symptoms-rash-where-to-find-monkeypox-vaccine",
"title": "Who Should Get an Mpox Vaccine Before San Francisco’s Fall Party Season Begins?",
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"headTitle": "Who Should Get an Mpox Vaccine Before San Francisco’s Fall Party Season Begins? | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>Ahead of San Francisco’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/fall-guide-2026\">jam-packed\u003c/a> fall slate of gatherings and concerts — including Folsom Street and Portola Music Festival — city health officials are reminding at-risk residents to get fully vaccinated against \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/mpox\">mpox\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The San Francisco Department of Public Health confirmed on Tuesday that over 70 cases of mpox — formerly known as monkeypox — have been reported in San Francisco this year. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Eight of these infections involve clade I mpox: a strain that in other parts of the world has caused more severe symptoms than the clade II strain associated with the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11919070/monkeypox-in-the-bay-area-from-symptoms-to-how-to-find-a-vaccine-heres-what-we-know\">2022 outbreak\u003c/a> in the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to SFDPH, mpox cases usually increase in summer and fall — especially when the city is hosting events that draw people from all over the world. “People come together, they’re meeting,” said Dr. Julia Janssen, deputy director of the STI and HIV branch at SFDPH. “That’s why we emphasize and recommend the Jynneos vaccine during this time.”\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/10/2025/09/240928_Portola_EG_59_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12054358\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/240928_Portola_EG_59_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/240928_Portola_EG_59_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/240928_Portola_EG_59_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Thousands of people dance as Disclosure performs at Portola Music Festival in San Francisco on Sept. 29, 2024. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ahead of San Francisco Pride celebrations back in June, health officials recommended the mpox vaccine — which has the brand name Jynneos — to the same at-risk populations that have been most affected by previous mpox outbreaks. These included gay and bisexual men, along with transgender people who have sex with men.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But the fact that the clade I strain is also starting to \u003ca href=\"https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON587\">spread\u003c/a> among local populations in popular tourist destinations — including Italy, Spain and Portugal — has prompted San Francisco health officials to now recommend that \u003cem>more \u003c/em>people beyond those primary at-risk groups get vaccinated if they’re planning to travel to these areas.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We have started to see local transmission in Western Europe,” Janssen said. “We recommend that anyone traveling outside of the United States — particularly to a country where clade I mpox is spreading between people — and [who] anticipates having sex during travel: Get the Jynneos vaccine.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The recommendation is also extended to Bay Area folks who have sex here with anyone who has just traveled to those areas.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There’s currently no evidence of local clade I transmission within San Francisco,” Janssen said. All confirmed clade I mpox cases in the city have been associated with international travel.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘The absolute best protection’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The symptoms of clade I and clade II mpox are similar and can initially resemble the flu. The virus also appears as a rash or sores or spots that resemble pimples or blisters on the skin anywhere on the body, including the face, inside the mouth, hands, feet, chest, genitals and anus. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Clade I mpox, however, has historically caused more severe disease and more deaths in other countries, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/monkeypox/about/index.html\">according\u003c/a> to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>During the 2022 outbreak, more than 15,000 San Francisco residents \u003ca href=\"https://data.sfgov.org/Health-and-Social-Services/ARCHIVED-Mpox-Vaccinations-Given-to-SF-Residents-O/6vxp-9av3/about_data\">received\u003c/a> both doses of the mpox vaccine. “That led to a dramatic decrease in cases,” Janssen said. “We’re in a much better place now because of the uptake of the Jynneos vaccine in San Francisco.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She called the vaccine “really the absolute best protection” and “the main tool in our toolbox.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Both clade I and clade II usually spread through close skin-to-skin contact, including sex. Anyone can get mpox, but most cases in the United States are among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender people who have sex with men.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On the heels of SDFPH’s advisory, here’s what to know about mpox and the Jynneos vaccine in the Bay Area this fall. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who’s eligible for an mpox vaccine in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The vaccine currently available in the U.S. (brand name: Jynneos) is a two-dose series, with roughly a month between doses. Maximal immunity will build two weeks after your second dose.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The vaccine “protects against both clade 1 and clade 2 mpox,” Janssen said, and added that if someone just got one dose in the past, they may just need the second dose now.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Anyone who has received one dose can go ahead and receive their second dose if it has been 28 days or more since their first dose,” she said. “There’s no need to restart.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1611\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut.jpg\" alt=\"The Leather Pride flag flies at the Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2018.\" class=\"wp-image-11695637\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-160x134.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-800x671.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-1020x856.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-1200x1007.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-1180x990.jpg 1180w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-960x806.jpg 960w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-240x201.jpg 240w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-375x315.jpg 375w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-520x436.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Leather Pride flag flies at the Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2018. (Michelle Wiley/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The CDC recommends the two-dose mpox vaccine to gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender, nonbinary or gender-diverse people who in the past 6 months have had:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>More than one sexual partner and/or\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>A new diagnosis of one or more sexually transmitted infections.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The CDC’s vaccine recommendations also include anyone who has had sex at a commercial sex venue like a sex club or bathhouse. See the CDC’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/vaccines/index.html\">full mpox vaccine eligibility recommendations\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>San Francisco additionally recommends vaccination for anyone living with HIV, anyone taking PrEP or who’s eligible to take it and sex workers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What about travel and mpox?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In 2025, SFDPH expanded their mpox vaccine recommendations to include anyone traveling outside the U.S. — particularly to a country where clade I mpox is spreading between people — who anticipates having sex while they travel. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The CDC recommends getting both doses of the Jynneos vaccine “if you anticipate experiencing any of the following” while traveling to these countries:\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/10/2026/08/240928_Portola_EG_34_qed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097016\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/240928_Portola_EG_34_qed-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/240928_Portola_EG_34_qed-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/240928_Portola_EG_34_qed-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Warren Manio, 36, sits on top of his friend’s shoulders as Natasha Bedingfield performs at Portola Music Festival in San Francisco on Sept. 28, 2024. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Sex with a new partner\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Sex at a commercial sex venue, such as a sex club or bathhouse\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Sex in exchange for money, goods, drugs or other trade\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Sex in association with a large public event, such as a rave, party or festival.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As of August this year, SFDPH also recommends that if you’re a Bay Area resident who is having sex with a person who’s traveled to these countries, you should also seek out the vaccine.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The mpox vaccine was also originally only available for people aged 18 and older, but in 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency-use authorization that allows providers to also give the vaccine to young people aged under 18 who are “determined to be at high risk” of infection.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I find an mpox vaccine?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you have a regular health care provider, SFDPH recommends you ask them first about getting the mpox vaccine. Your vaccine will be free, but you may be charged a regular copay for seeing your provider.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re eligible for the vaccine, your health insurance should cover the costs thanks to the CDC’s recommendations. If you don’t have a regular health care provider or insurance, SFDPH said you can visit one of these \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/get-mpox-vaccines-testing-and-treatment\">four pharmacies\u003c/a> in the city (two Walgreens and two CVS locations).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut.jpg\" alt=\"close-up photo of fingers holding a tiny vial which reads 'monkeypox vaccine'\" class=\"wp-image-11966643\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A vial of the mpox vaccine is displayed by a medical professional at a vaccination site in July, 2022. (James Carbone/Newsday RM via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>(As with the COVID-19 vaccine, receiving an mpox vaccine won’t make you a public charge or affect any future immigration processes you may enter into, and you won’t be asked about your immigration status to receive the mpox vaccine.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you get your health care through a health system like Kaiser Permanente, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get your mpox vaccine covered by insurance at a pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens — the way you can’t get your COVID-19 or flu shot covered by Kaiser at a pharmacy either — and may have to seek it directly from a Kaiser provider.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re able to make an appointment online at a pharmacy for your mpox vaccine, you should consider calling that location ahead of time to verify that they do indeed have supplies in stock.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story includes reporting from KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/nkhan\">\u003cem>Nisa Khan\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Ahead of San Francisco’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/fall-guide-2026\">jam-packed\u003c/a> fall slate of gatherings and concerts — including Folsom Street and Portola Music Festival — city health officials are reminding at-risk residents to get fully vaccinated against \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/mpox\">mpox\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Ahead of San Francisco’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/fall-guide-2026\">jam-packed\u003c/a> fall slate of gatherings and concerts — including Folsom Street and Portola Music Festival — city health officials are reminding at-risk residents to get fully vaccinated against \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/mpox\">mpox\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The San Francisco Department of Public Health confirmed on Tuesday that over 70 cases of mpox — formerly known as monkeypox — have been reported in San Francisco this year. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Eight of these infections involve clade I mpox: a strain that in other parts of the world has caused more severe symptoms than the clade II strain associated with the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11919070/monkeypox-in-the-bay-area-from-symptoms-to-how-to-find-a-vaccine-heres-what-we-know\">2022 outbreak\u003c/a> in the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Eight of these infections involve clade I mpox: a strain that in other parts of the world has caused more severe symptoms than the clade II strain associated with the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11919070/monkeypox-in-the-bay-area-from-symptoms-to-how-to-find-a-vaccine-heres-what-we-know\">2022 outbreak\u003c/a> in the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to SFDPH, mpox cases usually increase in summer and fall — especially when the city is hosting events that draw people from all over the world. “People come together, they’re meeting,” said Dr. Julia Janssen, deputy director of the STI and HIV branch at SFDPH. “That’s why we emphasize and recommend the Jynneos vaccine during this time.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>According to SFDPH, mpox cases usually increase in summer and fall — especially when the city is hosting events that draw people from all over the world. “People come together, they’re meeting,” said Dr. Julia Janssen, deputy director of the STI and HIV branch at SFDPH. “That’s why we emphasize and recommend the Jynneos vaccine during this time.”\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/10/2025/09/240928_Portola_EG_59_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12054358\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/240928_Portola_EG_59_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/240928_Portola_EG_59_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/240928_Portola_EG_59_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\">Thousands of people dance as Disclosure performs at Portola Music Festival in San Francisco on Sept. 29, 2024.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Estefany Gonzalez for 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/10/2025/09/240928_Portola_EG_59_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12054358\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Thousands of people dance as Disclosure performs at Portola Music Festival in San Francisco on Sept. 29, 2024.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Ahead of San Francisco Pride celebrations back in June, health officials recommended the mpox vaccine — which has the brand name Jynneos — to the same at-risk populations that have been most affected by previous mpox outbreaks. These included gay and bisexual men, along with transgender people who have sex with men.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Ahead of San Francisco Pride celebrations back in June, health officials recommended the mpox vaccine — which has the brand name Jynneos — to the same at-risk populations that have been most affected by previous mpox outbreaks. These included gay and bisexual men, along with transgender people who have sex with men.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But the fact that the clade I strain is also starting to \u003ca href=\"https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON587\">spread\u003c/a> among local populations in popular tourist destinations — including Italy, Spain and Portugal — has prompted San Francisco health officials to now recommend that \u003cem>more \u003c/em>people beyond those primary at-risk groups get vaccinated if they’re planning to travel to these areas.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But the fact that the clade I strain is also starting to \u003ca href=\"https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON587\">spread\u003c/a> among local populations in popular tourist destinations — including Italy, Spain and Portugal — has prompted San Francisco health officials to now recommend that \u003cem>more \u003c/em>people beyond those primary at-risk groups get vaccinated if they’re planning to travel to these areas.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We have started to see local transmission in Western Europe,” Janssen said. “We recommend that anyone traveling outside of the United States — particularly to a country where clade I mpox is spreading between people — and [who] anticipates having sex during travel: Get the Jynneos vaccine.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We have started to see local transmission in Western Europe,” Janssen said. “We recommend that anyone traveling outside of the United States — particularly to a country where clade I mpox is spreading between people — and [who] anticipates having sex during travel: Get the Jynneos vaccine.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The recommendation is also extended to Bay Area folks who have sex here with anyone who has just traveled to those areas.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The recommendation is also extended to Bay Area folks who have sex here with anyone who has just traveled to those areas.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“There’s currently no evidence of local clade I transmission within San Francisco,” Janssen said. All confirmed clade I mpox cases in the city have been associated with international travel.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“There’s currently no evidence of local clade I transmission within San Francisco,” Janssen said. All confirmed clade I mpox cases in the city have been associated with international travel.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘The absolute best protection’\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘The absolute best protection’\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The symptoms of clade I and clade II mpox are similar and can initially resemble the flu. The virus also appears as a rash or sores or spots that resemble pimples or blisters on the skin anywhere on the body, including the face, inside the mouth, hands, feet, chest, genitals and anus. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The symptoms of clade I and clade II mpox are similar and can initially resemble the flu. The virus also appears as a rash or sores or spots that resemble pimples or blisters on the skin anywhere on the body, including the face, inside the mouth, hands, feet, chest, genitals and anus. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Clade I mpox, however, has historically caused more severe disease and more deaths in other countries, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/monkeypox/about/index.html\">according\u003c/a> to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Clade I mpox, however, has historically caused more severe disease and more deaths in other countries, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/monkeypox/about/index.html\">according\u003c/a> to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>During the 2022 outbreak, more than 15,000 San Francisco residents \u003ca href=\"https://data.sfgov.org/Health-and-Social-Services/ARCHIVED-Mpox-Vaccinations-Given-to-SF-Residents-O/6vxp-9av3/about_data\">received\u003c/a> both doses of the mpox vaccine. “That led to a dramatic decrease in cases,” Janssen said. “We’re in a much better place now because of the uptake of the Jynneos vaccine in San Francisco.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>During the 2022 outbreak, more than 15,000 San Francisco residents \u003ca href=\"https://data.sfgov.org/Health-and-Social-Services/ARCHIVED-Mpox-Vaccinations-Given-to-SF-Residents-O/6vxp-9av3/about_data\">received\u003c/a> both doses of the mpox vaccine. “That led to a dramatic decrease in cases,” Janssen said. “We’re in a much better place now because of the uptake of the Jynneos vaccine in San Francisco.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>She called the vaccine “really the absolute best protection” and “the main tool in our toolbox.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>She called the vaccine “really the absolute best protection” and “the main tool in our toolbox.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Both clade I and clade II usually spread through close skin-to-skin contact, including sex. Anyone can get mpox, but most cases in the United States are among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender people who have sex with men.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Both clade I and clade II usually spread through close skin-to-skin contact, including sex. Anyone can get mpox, but most cases in the United States are among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender people who have sex with men.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On the heels of SDFPH’s advisory, here’s what to know about mpox and the Jynneos vaccine in the Bay Area this fall. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>On the heels of SDFPH’s advisory, here’s what to know about mpox and the Jynneos vaccine in the Bay Area this fall. \u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Who’s eligible for an mpox vaccine in the Bay Area?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who’s eligible for an mpox vaccine in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who’s eligible for an mpox vaccine in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The vaccine currently available in the U.S. (brand name: Jynneos) is a two-dose series, with roughly a month between doses. Maximal immunity will build two weeks after your second dose.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The vaccine currently available in the U.S. (brand name: Jynneos) is a two-dose series, with roughly a month between doses. Maximal immunity will build two weeks after your second dose.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The vaccine “protects against both clade 1 and clade 2 mpox,” Janssen said, and added that if someone just got one dose in the past, they may just need the second dose now.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The vaccine “protects against both clade 1 and clade 2 mpox,” Janssen said, and added that if someone just got one dose in the past, they may just need the second dose now.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Anyone who has received one dose can go ahead and receive their second dose if it has been 28 days or more since their first dose,” she said. “There’s no need to restart.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Anyone who has received one dose can go ahead and receive their second dose if it has been 28 days or more since their first dose,” she said. “There’s no need to restart.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"alt": "The Leather Pride flag flies at the Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2018.",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-160x134.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-800x671.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-1020x856.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-1200x1007.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-1180x990.jpg 1180w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-960x806.jpg 960w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-240x201.jpg 240w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-375x315.jpg 375w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-520x436.jpg 520w",
"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/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut.jpg\" alt=\"The Leather Pride flag flies at the Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2018.\" class=\"wp-image-11695637\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-160x134.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-800x671.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-1020x856.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-1200x1007.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-1180x990.jpg 1180w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-960x806.jpg 960w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-240x201.jpg 240w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-375x315.jpg 375w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-520x436.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Leather Pride flag flies at the Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2018.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Michelle Wiley/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/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut.jpg\" alt=\"The Leather Pride flag flies at the Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2018.\" class=\"wp-image-11695637\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Leather Pride flag flies at the Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2018.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Michelle Wiley/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The CDC recommends the two-dose mpox vaccine to gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender, nonbinary or gender-diverse people who in the past 6 months have had:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The CDC recommends the two-dose mpox vaccine to gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender, nonbinary or gender-diverse people who in the past 6 months have had:\u003c/p>\n"
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"items": [
"More than one sexual partner and/or",
"A new diagnosis of one or more sexually transmitted infections."
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"ordered": false,
"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>More than one sexual partner and/or\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>More than one sexual partner and/or\u003c/li>\n"
]
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{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>A new diagnosis of one or more sexually transmitted infections.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>A new diagnosis of one or more sexually transmitted infections.\u003c/li>\n"
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}
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The CDC’s vaccine recommendations also include anyone who has had sex at a commercial sex venue like a sex club or bathhouse. See the CDC’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/vaccines/index.html\">full mpox vaccine eligibility recommendations\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The CDC’s vaccine recommendations also include anyone who has had sex at a commercial sex venue like a sex club or bathhouse. See the CDC’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/vaccines/index.html\">full mpox vaccine eligibility recommendations\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>San Francisco additionally recommends vaccination for anyone living with HIV, anyone taking PrEP or who’s eligible to take it and sex workers. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>San Francisco additionally recommends vaccination for anyone living with HIV, anyone taking PrEP or who’s eligible to take it and sex workers. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What about travel and mpox?",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What about travel and mpox?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What about travel and mpox?\u003c/h2>\n"
],
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In 2025, SFDPH expanded their mpox vaccine recommendations to include anyone traveling outside the U.S. — particularly to a country where clade I mpox is spreading between people — who anticipates having sex while they travel. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>In 2025, SFDPH expanded their mpox vaccine recommendations to include anyone traveling outside the U.S. — particularly to a country where clade I mpox is spreading between people — who anticipates having sex while they travel. \u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The CDC recommends getting both doses of the Jynneos vaccine “if you anticipate experiencing any of the following” while traveling to these countries:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The CDC recommends getting both doses of the Jynneos vaccine “if you anticipate experiencing any of the following” while traveling to these countries:\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/240928_Portola_EG_34_qed-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/240928_Portola_EG_34_qed-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/240928_Portola_EG_34_qed-1-1536x1024.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/10/2026/08/240928_Portola_EG_34_qed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097016\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/240928_Portola_EG_34_qed-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/240928_Portola_EG_34_qed-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/240928_Portola_EG_34_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\">Warren Manio, 36, sits on top of his friend’s shoulders as Natasha Bedingfield performs at Portola Music Festival in San Francisco on Sept. 28, 2024.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Estefany Gonzalez for 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/10/2026/08/240928_Portola_EG_34_qed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097016\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Warren Manio, 36, sits on top of his friend’s shoulders as Natasha Bedingfield performs at Portola Music Festival in San Francisco on Sept. 28, 2024.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"Sex with a new partner",
"Sex at a commercial sex venue, such as a sex club or bathhouse",
"Sex in exchange for money, goods, drugs or other trade",
"Sex in association with a large public event, such as a rave, party or festival."
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
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null,
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null,
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null,
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"innerBlocks": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Sex with a new partner\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>Sex with a new partner\u003c/li>\n"
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},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Sex at a commercial sex venue, such as a sex club or bathhouse\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Sex at a commercial sex venue, such as a sex club or bathhouse\u003c/li>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Sex in exchange for money, goods, drugs or other trade\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>Sex in exchange for money, goods, drugs or other trade\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
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"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Sex in association with a large public event, such as a rave, party or festival.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Sex in association with a large public event, such as a rave, party or festival.\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
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"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As of August this year, SFDPH also recommends that if you’re a Bay Area resident who is having sex with a person who’s traveled to these countries, you should also seek out the vaccine.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>As of August this year, SFDPH also recommends that if you’re a Bay Area resident who is having sex with a person who’s traveled to these countries, you should also seek out the vaccine.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The mpox vaccine was also originally only available for people aged 18 and older, but in 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency-use authorization that allows providers to also give the vaccine to young people aged under 18 who are “determined to be at high risk” of infection.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The mpox vaccine was also originally only available for people aged 18 and older, but in 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency-use authorization that allows providers to also give the vaccine to young people aged under 18 who are “determined to be at high risk” of infection.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Where can I find an mpox vaccine?",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I find an mpox vaccine?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I find an mpox vaccine?\u003c/h2>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you have a regular health care provider, SFDPH recommends you ask them first about getting the mpox vaccine. Your vaccine will be free, but you may be charged a regular copay for seeing your provider.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you have a regular health care provider, SFDPH recommends you ask them first about getting the mpox vaccine. Your vaccine will be free, but you may be charged a regular copay for seeing your provider.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re eligible for the vaccine, your health insurance should cover the costs thanks to the CDC’s recommendations. If you don’t have a regular health care provider or insurance, SFDPH said you can visit one of these \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/get-mpox-vaccines-testing-and-treatment\">four pharmacies\u003c/a> in the city (two Walgreens and two CVS locations).\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you’re eligible for the vaccine, your health insurance should cover the costs thanks to the CDC’s recommendations. If you don’t have a regular health care provider or insurance, SFDPH said you can visit one of these \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/get-mpox-vaccines-testing-and-treatment\">four pharmacies\u003c/a> in the city (two Walgreens and two CVS locations).\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 11966643,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "close-up photo of fingers holding a tiny vial which reads 'monkeypox vaccine'",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut-1536x1152.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut.jpg\" alt=\"close-up photo of fingers holding a tiny vial which reads 'monkeypox vaccine'\" class=\"wp-image-11966643\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A vial of the mpox vaccine is displayed by a medical professional at a vaccination site in July, 2022.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (James Carbone/Newsday RM 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/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut.jpg\" alt=\"close-up photo of fingers holding a tiny vial which reads 'monkeypox vaccine'\" class=\"wp-image-11966643\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A vial of the mpox vaccine is displayed by a medical professional at a vaccination site in July, 2022.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (James Carbone/Newsday RM via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>(As with the COVID-19 vaccine, receiving an mpox vaccine won’t make you a public charge or affect any future immigration processes you may enter into, and you won’t be asked about your immigration status to receive the mpox vaccine.)\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>(As with the COVID-19 vaccine, receiving an mpox vaccine won’t make you a public charge or affect any future immigration processes you may enter into, and you won’t be asked about your immigration status to receive the mpox vaccine.)\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you get your health care through a health system like Kaiser Permanente, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get your mpox vaccine covered by insurance at a pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens — the way you can’t get your COVID-19 or flu shot covered by Kaiser at a pharmacy either — and may have to seek it directly from a Kaiser provider.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you get your health care through a health system like Kaiser Permanente, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get your mpox vaccine covered by insurance at a pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens — the way you can’t get your COVID-19 or flu shot covered by Kaiser at a pharmacy either — and may have to seek it directly from a Kaiser provider.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re able to make an appointment online at a pharmacy for your mpox vaccine, you should consider calling that location ahead of time to verify that they do indeed have supplies in stock.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you’re able to make an appointment online at a pharmacy for your mpox vaccine, you should consider calling that location ahead of time to verify that they do indeed have supplies in stock.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story includes reporting from KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/nkhan\">\u003cem>Nisa Khan\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story includes reporting from KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/nkhan\">\u003cem>Nisa Khan\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "Ahead of San Francisco's slate of gatherings and shows, city health officials are reminding at-risk residents to get fully vaccinated against mpox. Here’s how to find an mpox vaccine.",
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"title": "Who Should Get an Mpox Vaccine Before San Francisco’s Fall Party Season Begins? | KQED",
"description": "Ahead of San Francisco's slate of gatherings and shows, city health officials are reminding at-risk residents to get fully vaccinated against mpox. Here’s how to find an mpox vaccine.",
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"headline": "Who Should Get an Mpox Vaccine Before San Francisco’s Fall Party Season Begins?",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Ahead of San Francisco’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/fall-guide-2026\">jam-packed\u003c/a> fall slate of gatherings and concerts — including Folsom Street and Portola Music Festival — city health officials are reminding at-risk residents to get fully vaccinated against \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/mpox\">mpox\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The San Francisco Department of Public Health confirmed on Tuesday that over 70 cases of mpox — formerly known as monkeypox — have been reported in San Francisco this year. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Eight of these infections involve clade I mpox: a strain that in other parts of the world has caused more severe symptoms than the clade II strain associated with the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11919070/monkeypox-in-the-bay-area-from-symptoms-to-how-to-find-a-vaccine-heres-what-we-know\">2022 outbreak\u003c/a> in the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to SFDPH, mpox cases usually increase in summer and fall — especially when the city is hosting events that draw people from all over the world. “People come together, they’re meeting,” said Dr. Julia Janssen, deputy director of the STI and HIV branch at SFDPH. “That’s why we emphasize and recommend the Jynneos vaccine during this time.”\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/10/2025/09/240928_Portola_EG_59_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12054358\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/240928_Portola_EG_59_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/240928_Portola_EG_59_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/240928_Portola_EG_59_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Thousands of people dance as Disclosure performs at Portola Music Festival in San Francisco on Sept. 29, 2024. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ahead of San Francisco Pride celebrations back in June, health officials recommended the mpox vaccine — which has the brand name Jynneos — to the same at-risk populations that have been most affected by previous mpox outbreaks. These included gay and bisexual men, along with transgender people who have sex with men.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But the fact that the clade I strain is also starting to \u003ca href=\"https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON587\">spread\u003c/a> among local populations in popular tourist destinations — including Italy, Spain and Portugal — has prompted San Francisco health officials to now recommend that \u003cem>more \u003c/em>people beyond those primary at-risk groups get vaccinated if they’re planning to travel to these areas.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We have started to see local transmission in Western Europe,” Janssen said. “We recommend that anyone traveling outside of the United States — particularly to a country where clade I mpox is spreading between people — and [who] anticipates having sex during travel: Get the Jynneos vaccine.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The recommendation is also extended to Bay Area folks who have sex here with anyone who has just traveled to those areas.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There’s currently no evidence of local clade I transmission within San Francisco,” Janssen said. All confirmed clade I mpox cases in the city have been associated with international travel.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘The absolute best protection’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The symptoms of clade I and clade II mpox are similar and can initially resemble the flu. The virus also appears as a rash or sores or spots that resemble pimples or blisters on the skin anywhere on the body, including the face, inside the mouth, hands, feet, chest, genitals and anus. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Clade I mpox, however, has historically caused more severe disease and more deaths in other countries, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/monkeypox/about/index.html\">according\u003c/a> to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>During the 2022 outbreak, more than 15,000 San Francisco residents \u003ca href=\"https://data.sfgov.org/Health-and-Social-Services/ARCHIVED-Mpox-Vaccinations-Given-to-SF-Residents-O/6vxp-9av3/about_data\">received\u003c/a> both doses of the mpox vaccine. “That led to a dramatic decrease in cases,” Janssen said. “We’re in a much better place now because of the uptake of the Jynneos vaccine in San Francisco.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She called the vaccine “really the absolute best protection” and “the main tool in our toolbox.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Both clade I and clade II usually spread through close skin-to-skin contact, including sex. Anyone can get mpox, but most cases in the United States are among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender people who have sex with men.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On the heels of SDFPH’s advisory, here’s what to know about mpox and the Jynneos vaccine in the Bay Area this fall. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who’s eligible for an mpox vaccine in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The vaccine currently available in the U.S. (brand name: Jynneos) is a two-dose series, with roughly a month between doses. Maximal immunity will build two weeks after your second dose.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The vaccine “protects against both clade 1 and clade 2 mpox,” Janssen said, and added that if someone just got one dose in the past, they may just need the second dose now.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Anyone who has received one dose can go ahead and receive their second dose if it has been 28 days or more since their first dose,” she said. “There’s no need to restart.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1611\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut.jpg\" alt=\"The Leather Pride flag flies at the Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2018.\" class=\"wp-image-11695637\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-160x134.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-800x671.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-1020x856.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-1200x1007.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-1180x990.jpg 1180w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-960x806.jpg 960w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-240x201.jpg 240w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-375x315.jpg 375w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/09/RS33007_IMG_2033-qut-520x436.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Leather Pride flag flies at the Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2018. (Michelle Wiley/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The CDC recommends the two-dose mpox vaccine to gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender, nonbinary or gender-diverse people who in the past 6 months have had:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>More than one sexual partner and/or\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>A new diagnosis of one or more sexually transmitted infections.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The CDC’s vaccine recommendations also include anyone who has had sex at a commercial sex venue like a sex club or bathhouse. See the CDC’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/vaccines/index.html\">full mpox vaccine eligibility recommendations\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>San Francisco additionally recommends vaccination for anyone living with HIV, anyone taking PrEP or who’s eligible to take it and sex workers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What about travel and mpox?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In 2025, SFDPH expanded their mpox vaccine recommendations to include anyone traveling outside the U.S. — particularly to a country where clade I mpox is spreading between people — who anticipates having sex while they travel. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The CDC recommends getting both doses of the Jynneos vaccine “if you anticipate experiencing any of the following” while traveling to these countries:\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/10/2026/08/240928_Portola_EG_34_qed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097016\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/240928_Portola_EG_34_qed-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/240928_Portola_EG_34_qed-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/240928_Portola_EG_34_qed-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Warren Manio, 36, sits on top of his friend’s shoulders as Natasha Bedingfield performs at Portola Music Festival in San Francisco on Sept. 28, 2024. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Sex with a new partner\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Sex at a commercial sex venue, such as a sex club or bathhouse\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Sex in exchange for money, goods, drugs or other trade\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Sex in association with a large public event, such as a rave, party or festival.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As of August this year, SFDPH also recommends that if you’re a Bay Area resident who is having sex with a person who’s traveled to these countries, you should also seek out the vaccine.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The mpox vaccine was also originally only available for people aged 18 and older, but in 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency-use authorization that allows providers to also give the vaccine to young people aged under 18 who are “determined to be at high risk” of infection.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I find an mpox vaccine?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you have a regular health care provider, SFDPH recommends you ask them first about getting the mpox vaccine. Your vaccine will be free, but you may be charged a regular copay for seeing your provider.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re eligible for the vaccine, your health insurance should cover the costs thanks to the CDC’s recommendations. If you don’t have a regular health care provider or insurance, SFDPH said you can visit one of these \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/get-mpox-vaccines-testing-and-treatment\">four pharmacies\u003c/a> in the city (two Walgreens and two CVS locations).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut.jpg\" alt=\"close-up photo of fingers holding a tiny vial which reads 'monkeypox vaccine'\" class=\"wp-image-11966643\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1408879341-qut-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A vial of the mpox vaccine is displayed by a medical professional at a vaccination site in July, 2022. (James Carbone/Newsday RM via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>(As with the COVID-19 vaccine, receiving an mpox vaccine won’t make you a public charge or affect any future immigration processes you may enter into, and you won’t be asked about your immigration status to receive the mpox vaccine.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you get your health care through a health system like Kaiser Permanente, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get your mpox vaccine covered by insurance at a pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens — the way you can’t get your COVID-19 or flu shot covered by Kaiser at a pharmacy either — and may have to seek it directly from a Kaiser provider.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re able to make an appointment online at a pharmacy for your mpox vaccine, you should consider calling that location ahead of time to verify that they do indeed have supplies in stock.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story includes reporting from KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/nkhan\">\u003cem>Nisa Khan\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "going-camping-during-fire-season-heres-what-to-know",
"title": "Going Camping During Fire Season? Here’s What to Know",
"publishDate": 1787764606,
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"headTitle": "Going Camping During Fire Season? Here’s What to Know | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/wildfires\">Wildfires\u003c/a> are one of the biggest risks of being outdoors in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california\">California\u003c/a>, especially at this time of year — and particularly if you’re planning to stay outdoors in a campsite. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This summer has proven no exception. Major wildfires continue to prompt \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/08/23/g-s1-139729/thousands-forced-to-evacuate-parts-of-reno-nevada-as-new-wildfire-rages\">evacuations for thousands of Reno residents\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/burning-man-travel-warning-hawk-fire-reno-22401928.php\">derail plans for 2026 Burning Man attendees\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12094533/big-sur-wildfire-map-evacuation-timber-fire-august-2026\">threaten Big Sur’s most wild places\u003c/a> as California’s camping and fire seasons collide head-on.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But if you’ve got a camping trip planned, and a wildfire is burning not too far away, how do you know when you should cancel? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Or what the air quality in your campsite will be like due to wildfire smoke, if you choose to continue with your plans? And how can you be ready if the worst happens and a wildfire reaches your campground itself?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1392\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/250828-Presidio-Trails-01-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12054125\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/250828-Presidio-Trails-01-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/250828-Presidio-Trails-01-KQED-160x111.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/250828-Presidio-Trails-01-KQED-1536x1069.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Campers arrive at Rob Hill Campground in the Presidio, where staying overnight is allowed all summer long. (Courtesy of Presidio Trust)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There’s at least some good news: There are lots of tools at your disposal to help you decide how to adjust your trip and stay safe, said Peter Ostroskie, staff park and recreation specialist for the Bay Area district of California State Parks.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I would rather people be more safe than sorry,” Ostroskie said — even if that means rescheduling a much-anticipated trip. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Here’s what you need to know before heading out into fire-prone areas or during the peak of fire season.\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=\"#air-quality\">How to check air quality at your campsite\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#canceling\">What to know about California State Parks’ new cancellation policy\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#campfire\">Will you be allowed a campfire at your site? \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Know the fire risk \u003cem>before \u003c/em>you go\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ostroskie’s biggest advice: Check the website of the place you’re planning on camping \u003cem>before \u003c/em>you head out to double-check if there are any evacuation notices or information about wildfires. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Check your inbox too, as you may have received an email about conditions at your campsite. \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/10/2025/08/campfire-photo-sarah-wright-e1755279648823.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12052372\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A campfire during the author’s recent trip to Montana. If you plan to bring firewood, make sure you check your state and campsite’s fire regulations. (Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If there’s an active fire near your camping spot, you can use the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents\">CalFire incidents webpage\u003c/a> to know which zones are currently under \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834901/fire-evacuation-what-actually-happens-and-how-can-you-plan\">evacuation orders or warnings\u003c/a>. You can also check \u003ca href=\"https://app.watchduty.org/\">apps like Watch Duty \u003c/a>that compile reports of fires from users to watch where the fire is moving and learn if your area might soon be at risk. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you are at all in doubt about safety or whether your campsite is open, just call the local park kiosk and speak to rangers — they will have the latest safety information and will be able to let you know the conditions at the campground, Ostroskie said. (You can usually find that phone number on the main page of your park’s website, or check your reservation for contact information for the park you’re going to.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"air-quality\">Check the air quality at your campsite\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even if your campground is technically open, it might not be all that fun to visit — and sleep outside — if the air quality is poor or \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1926793/protecting-your-health-from-toxic-wildfire-smoke\">even dangerous\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1969271/making-sense-of-purple-air-vs-airnow-and-a-new-map-to-rule-them-all\">few easy-to-use sources\u003c/a> to give you an idea of air quality in the area you’re heading to, including: \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>The national \u003ca href=\"https://www.airnow.gov/state/?name=california\">AirNow website\u003c/a> from the Environmental Protection Agency\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>The \u003ca href=\"https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fact-sheets/frequently-asked-questions-about-wildfire-smoke-ash-air-quality\">California Smoke Spotter mobile app\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>The crowdsourced \u003ca href=\"https://map.purpleair.com/air-quality-standards-us-epa-aqi/united-states/california?opt=%2F1%2Flp%2Fa10%2Fp604800%2FcC0#5.71/37.419/-119.306\">Purple Air site\u003c/a> (although be aware that crowdsourced air quality sensors tend to be l\u003ca href=\"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9784900/\">ess accurate when measuring extreme smoke\u003c/a>)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Each will give you the latest air quality readings from nearby weather stations or community sensors, which can help you decide if it’s safe and comfortable for you to be outside. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/042_KQED_BigBasin_Fire_09102020-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092803\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/042_KQED_BigBasin_Fire_09102020-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/042_KQED_BigBasin_Fire_09102020-KQED-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/042_KQED_BigBasin_Fire_09102020-KQED-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Two California Park Rangers walk through Big Basin Redwoods State Park headquarters on Sep. 10, 2020. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To help understand what the colors and numbers mean, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/\">use the EPA’s guide\u003c/a> to reading air quality maps — and don’t forget that some members of your group, including young children and older adults, \u003ca href=\"https://www.epa.gov/wildfire-smoke-course/who-increased-risk-health-effects-wildfire-smoke-exposure\">might be more sensitive to poor air quality. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re planning to camp in a California state park, Ostroskie said the state parks system uses social media and its websites to communicate when an area of a park is experiencing elevated levels of pollutants in the air — and when it might not be the best time to come camping. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We just tell them, ‘Hey, this is at your own risk, but we really advise you not to be outside,’” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you are worried about smoke exposure more generally, \u003ca href=\"https://www.epa.gov/wildfires/protect-yourself-wildfire-smoke-and-ash\">health experts say using an N95 mask\u003c/a> — and wearing it properly, tightly sealed across your face — can help filter out pollutants.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"canceling\">Be OK with canceling (and know the refund policy)\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If your campground is under evacuation orders or any other emergency situation, your reservation will be canceled and refunded for each night the park was evacuated or closed, Ostroskie said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Allow time for processing, but if you’re missing a refund, the best thing to do is to contact the platform you reserved on, like \u003ca href=\"http://reservecalifornia.com\">ReserveCalifornia.com\u003c/a>, and you should get all of your money back.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But even if the campground is open, you might not want to risk going. State-run campgrounds allow modifications, but they charge an $8.25 fee for any change and are based on campsite availability.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If somebody’s feeling nervous about the situation, I would reschedule a trip,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re camping in a California state park, just make sure you’re familiar with the system’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31977\">up-to-date policies\u003c/a> on campsite cancellations. The $8.25 processing fee is never refundable. If you cancel more than a week in advance, you get a full refund — but canceling within seven days means you won’t get all your money back on the reservation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you no-show three times in one calendar year, you won’t be able to reserve any more campsites on ReserveCalifornia.com for a calendar year.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"campfire\">Check campfire restrictions and follow them\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Another must-do before heading out to camp is to check the area’s fire regulations. Many places in the state institute blanket fire bans during the summer, meaning that campfires — even at designated sites and in fire rings — are not allowed. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The best way to find out about fire restrictions is to call the local entity that manages the land or the place you’re camping. That could be a state, city, county park or a federal land management agency like the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Check their website for a phone number for the regional office near where you’re going. Their staff will have on-the-ground knowledge of regulations in place.\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/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_003_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12079256\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_003_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_003_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_003_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Firewood and charcoal are sold at Anthony Chabot Family Campground on April 5, 2026, in Castro Valley, California. (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you are allowed to make a campfire during the summer, be \u003cem>extra \u003c/em>cautious that you’re putting it out fully, Ostroskie said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I know a lot of folks; what they’ll do is sometimes they’ll just throw a bucket of water onto a campfire and then they’re like, ‘We’re good,’” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But the reality is that you have to \u003ca href=\"https://smokeybear.com/campfire-safety\">make absolutely sure that your fire is extinguished\u003c/a>, which “means that everything is cool to the touch,” he said. “You’re not going to be risking anything restarting or reigniting.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To do that, “\u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/salmonchallisnf/posts/three-simple-steps-can-stop-abandoned-or-improperly-extinguished-campfires-from-/957643936661684/\">stir and drown\u003c/a>,” Ostroskie said, which means: Take a stick and make sure that all the water you’re using to put out your fire is hitting all the hot coals at the bottom. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And do not under any circumstances start a fire during a \u003ca href=\"https://wfca.com/wildfire-articles/wildfire-preparedness/red-flag-warning/\">red flag warning \u003c/a>— when hot, windy and dry weather can turn your campfire into a deadly wildfire, Ostroskie said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Know your exits and consider an emergency device\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The idea that a wildfire could reach your campsite itself might seem far-fetched — but it happens. In 2020, campers in Big Basin Redwoods State Park were \u003ca href=\"https://www.bouldercreeklocal.com/around-town/big-basin-evacuation-czu-fire\">dramatically evacuated\u003c/a> as the CZU Lightning Complex fire approached their campground. So how can you be ready for this kind of emergency yourself? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Before you head out to your campground, make sure you have all of your maps and navigation downloaded ahead of time, using offline maps if you won’t have cellphone signal at your site. Keep an eye out for the nearest evacuation route out of your campground — usually a paved road — and try to memorize how to get there on foot or in a vehicle from your spot. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Just like any other outdoor trip, let someone who isn’t on the trip know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1703\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11954242\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-2048x1363.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-1920x1277.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fire Battalion Chief Craig Newell carries a hose while battling the North Complex Fire in Plumas National Forest, California, on Sept. 14, 2020. (Noah Berger/AP Photo)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re the type of person who is gone all day hiking while out of cellphone range, consider investing in an \u003ca href=\"https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-personal-locator-beacon\">emergency device\u003c/a>, Ostroskie said. Something like a Garmin InReach or a cell phone with satellite capabilities will mean you can stay up-to-date on emergency information. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Having some sort of \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY7wFXKLzko&t=324\">outdoors insurance\u003c/a> can also give you peace of mind, Ostroskie said, and cover instances like medical evacuations. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If you are an avid backpacker and you are an avid outdoorsperson, you should really be looking at some of those extra insurances that can help pull you out of places, especially if you’re in the backcountry,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Be ready to bail — without your stuff\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Know that in the case of a fire, you won’t be able to pack up all of your stuff before leaving your campsite, Ostroskie said. So you should consider keeping a “go bag” in your car that’s stocked with three to five days of food, a first aid kit, flashlights and water (\u003ca href=\"https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/emergency-supply-kit\">a full recommended list is here\u003c/a>).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you do encounter a wildfire near your campsite or while hiking, get to a road as fast as you can, Ostroskie said — and be aware that fires can move quickly. \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/10/2026/01/CampingGetty1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12069168\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A public campground near Camp Richardson is shown on Aug. 4, 2013, in South Lake Tahoe, California. (George Rose/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If the wind kicks up just right, and if the fuel sources are there, then it can take off really quick, and the fire can move,” he said — so don’t wait to act. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you’re seeing large plumes of smoke and you’re worried, get off the trail, get onto a main road, get back to your vehicle, make sure that you have some way of getting out of there and that somebody can see you so that you can get help,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/wildfires\">Wildfires\u003c/a> are one of the biggest risks of being outdoors in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california\">California\u003c/a>, especially at this time of year — and particularly if you’re planning to stay outdoors in a campsite. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/wildfires\">Wildfires\u003c/a> are one of the biggest risks of being outdoors in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california\">California\u003c/a>, especially at this time of year — and particularly if you’re planning to stay outdoors in a campsite. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This summer has proven no exception. Major wildfires continue to prompt \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/08/23/g-s1-139729/thousands-forced-to-evacuate-parts-of-reno-nevada-as-new-wildfire-rages\">evacuations for thousands of Reno residents\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/burning-man-travel-warning-hawk-fire-reno-22401928.php\">derail plans for 2026 Burning Man attendees\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12094533/big-sur-wildfire-map-evacuation-timber-fire-august-2026\">threaten Big Sur’s most wild places\u003c/a> as California’s camping and fire seasons collide head-on.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>This summer has proven no exception. Major wildfires continue to prompt \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/08/23/g-s1-139729/thousands-forced-to-evacuate-parts-of-reno-nevada-as-new-wildfire-rages\">evacuations for thousands of Reno residents\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/burning-man-travel-warning-hawk-fire-reno-22401928.php\">derail plans for 2026 Burning Man attendees\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12094533/big-sur-wildfire-map-evacuation-timber-fire-august-2026\">threaten Big Sur’s most wild places\u003c/a> as California’s camping and fire seasons collide head-on.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But if you’ve got a camping trip planned, and a wildfire is burning not too far away, how do you know when you should cancel? \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But if you’ve got a camping trip planned, and a wildfire is burning not too far away, how do you know when you should cancel? \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Or what the air quality in your campsite will be like due to wildfire smoke, if you choose to continue with your plans? And how can you be ready if the worst happens and a wildfire reaches your campground itself?\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Or what the air quality in your campsite will be like due to wildfire smoke, if you choose to continue with your plans? And how can you be ready if the worst happens and a wildfire reaches your campground itself?\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/10/2025/08/250828-Presidio-Trails-01-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12054125\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/250828-Presidio-Trails-01-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/250828-Presidio-Trails-01-KQED-160x111.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/250828-Presidio-Trails-01-KQED-1536x1069.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Campers arrive at Rob Hill Campground in the Presidio, where staying overnight is allowed all summer long.\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/10/2025/08/250828-Presidio-Trails-01-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12054125\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Campers arrive at Rob Hill Campground in the Presidio, where staying overnight is allowed all summer long.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There’s at least some good news: There are lots of tools at your disposal to help you decide how to adjust your trip and stay safe, said Peter Ostroskie, staff park and recreation specialist for the Bay Area district of California State Parks.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>There’s at least some good news: There are lots of tools at your disposal to help you decide how to adjust your trip and stay safe, said Peter Ostroskie, staff park and recreation specialist for the Bay Area district of California State Parks.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I would rather people be more safe than sorry,” Ostroskie said — even if that means rescheduling a much-anticipated trip. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I would rather people be more safe than sorry,” Ostroskie said — even if that means rescheduling a much-anticipated trip. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Here’s what you need to know before heading out into fire-prone areas or during the peak of fire season.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Here’s what you need to know before heading out into fire-prone areas or during the peak of fire season.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"How to check air quality at your campsite",
"What to know about California State Parks’ new cancellation policy",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#air-quality\">How to check air quality at your campsite\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#air-quality\">How to check air quality at your campsite\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#canceling\">What to know about California State Parks’ new cancellation policy\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#canceling\">What to know about California State Parks’ new cancellation policy\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#campfire\">Will you be allowed a campfire at your site? \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#campfire\">Will you be allowed a campfire at your site? \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Know the fire risk before you go",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Know the fire risk \u003cem>before \u003c/em>you go\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Ostroskie’s biggest advice: Check the website of the place you’re planning on camping \u003cem>before \u003c/em>you head out to double-check if there are any evacuation notices or information about wildfires. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Ostroskie’s biggest advice: Check the website of the place you’re planning on camping \u003cem>before \u003c/em>you head out to double-check if there are any evacuation notices or information about wildfires. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Check your inbox too, as you may have received an email about conditions at your campsite. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Check your inbox too, as you may have received an email about conditions at your campsite. \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/campfire-photo-sarah-wright-e1755279648823.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12052372\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A campfire during the author’s recent trip to Montana. If you plan to bring firewood, make sure you check your state and campsite’s fire regulations. \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/campfire-photo-sarah-wright-e1755279648823.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12052372\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A campfire during the author’s recent trip to Montana. If you plan to bring firewood, make sure you check your state and campsite’s fire regulations. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If there’s an active fire near your camping spot, you can use the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents\">CalFire incidents webpage\u003c/a> to know which zones are currently under \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834901/fire-evacuation-what-actually-happens-and-how-can-you-plan\">evacuation orders or warnings\u003c/a>. You can also check \u003ca href=\"https://app.watchduty.org/\">apps like Watch Duty \u003c/a>that compile reports of fires from users to watch where the fire is moving and learn if your area might soon be at risk. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If there’s an active fire near your camping spot, you can use the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents\">CalFire incidents webpage\u003c/a> to know which zones are currently under \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834901/fire-evacuation-what-actually-happens-and-how-can-you-plan\">evacuation orders or warnings\u003c/a>. You can also check \u003ca href=\"https://app.watchduty.org/\">apps like Watch Duty \u003c/a>that compile reports of fires from users to watch where the fire is moving and learn if your area might soon be at risk. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you are at all in doubt about safety or whether your campsite is open, just call the local park kiosk and speak to rangers — they will have the latest safety information and will be able to let you know the conditions at the campground, Ostroskie said. (You can usually find that phone number on the main page of your park’s website, or check your reservation for contact information for the park you’re going to.)\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you are at all in doubt about safety or whether your campsite is open, just call the local park kiosk and speak to rangers — they will have the latest safety information and will be able to let you know the conditions at the campground, Ostroskie said. (You can usually find that phone number on the main page of your park’s website, or check your reservation for contact information for the park you’re going to.)\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"air-quality\">Check the air quality at your campsite\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Even if your campground is technically open, it might not be all that fun to visit — and sleep outside — if the air quality is poor or \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1926793/protecting-your-health-from-toxic-wildfire-smoke\">even dangerous\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Even if your campground is technically open, it might not be all that fun to visit — and sleep outside — if the air quality is poor or \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1926793/protecting-your-health-from-toxic-wildfire-smoke\">even dangerous\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There are a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1969271/making-sense-of-purple-air-vs-airnow-and-a-new-map-to-rule-them-all\">few easy-to-use sources\u003c/a> to give you an idea of air quality in the area you’re heading to, including: \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>There are a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1969271/making-sense-of-purple-air-vs-airnow-and-a-new-map-to-rule-them-all\">few easy-to-use sources\u003c/a> to give you an idea of air quality in the area you’re heading to, including: \u003c/p>\n"
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"The national AirNow website from the Environmental Protection Agency",
"The California Smoke Spotter mobile app",
"The crowdsourced Purple Air site (although be aware that crowdsourced air quality sensors tend to be less accurate when measuring extreme smoke)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>The national \u003ca href=\"https://www.airnow.gov/state/?name=california\">AirNow website\u003c/a> from the Environmental Protection Agency\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>The national \u003ca href=\"https://www.airnow.gov/state/?name=california\">AirNow website\u003c/a> from the Environmental Protection Agency\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>The \u003ca href=\"https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fact-sheets/frequently-asked-questions-about-wildfire-smoke-ash-air-quality\">California Smoke Spotter mobile app\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>The \u003ca href=\"https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fact-sheets/frequently-asked-questions-about-wildfire-smoke-ash-air-quality\">California Smoke Spotter mobile app\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>The crowdsourced \u003ca href=\"https://map.purpleair.com/air-quality-standards-us-epa-aqi/united-states/california?opt=%2F1%2Flp%2Fa10%2Fp604800%2FcC0#5.71/37.419/-119.306\">Purple Air site\u003c/a> (although be aware that crowdsourced air quality sensors tend to be l\u003ca href=\"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9784900/\">ess accurate when measuring extreme smoke\u003c/a>)\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>The crowdsourced \u003ca href=\"https://map.purpleair.com/air-quality-standards-us-epa-aqi/united-states/california?opt=%2F1%2Flp%2Fa10%2Fp604800%2FcC0#5.71/37.419/-119.306\">Purple Air site\u003c/a> (although be aware that crowdsourced air quality sensors tend to be l\u003ca href=\"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9784900/\">ess accurate when measuring extreme smoke\u003c/a>)\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Each will give you the latest air quality readings from nearby weather stations or community sensors, which can help you decide if it’s safe and comfortable for you to be outside. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Each will give you the latest air quality readings from nearby weather stations or community sensors, which can help you decide if it’s safe and comfortable for you to be outside. \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/10/2026/07/042_KQED_BigBasin_Fire_09102020-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092803\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/042_KQED_BigBasin_Fire_09102020-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/042_KQED_BigBasin_Fire_09102020-KQED-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/042_KQED_BigBasin_Fire_09102020-KQED-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Two California Park Rangers walk through Big Basin Redwoods State Park headquarters on Sep. 10, 2020.\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/10/2026/07/042_KQED_BigBasin_Fire_09102020-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092803\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Two California Park Rangers walk through Big Basin Redwoods State Park headquarters on Sep. 10, 2020.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To help understand what the colors and numbers mean, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/\">use the EPA’s guide\u003c/a> to reading air quality maps — and don’t forget that some members of your group, including young children and older adults, \u003ca href=\"https://www.epa.gov/wildfire-smoke-course/who-increased-risk-health-effects-wildfire-smoke-exposure\">might be more sensitive to poor air quality. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>To help understand what the colors and numbers mean, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/\">use the EPA’s guide\u003c/a> to reading air quality maps — and don’t forget that some members of your group, including young children and older adults, \u003ca href=\"https://www.epa.gov/wildfire-smoke-course/who-increased-risk-health-effects-wildfire-smoke-exposure\">might be more sensitive to poor air quality. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re planning to camp in a California state park, Ostroskie said the state parks system uses social media and its websites to communicate when an area of a park is experiencing elevated levels of pollutants in the air — and when it might not be the best time to come camping. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you’re planning to camp in a California state park, Ostroskie said the state parks system uses social media and its websites to communicate when an area of a park is experiencing elevated levels of pollutants in the air — and when it might not be the best time to come camping. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We just tell them, ‘Hey, this is at your own risk, but we really advise you not to be outside,’” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We just tell them, ‘Hey, this is at your own risk, but we really advise you not to be outside,’” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you are worried about smoke exposure more generally, \u003ca href=\"https://www.epa.gov/wildfires/protect-yourself-wildfire-smoke-and-ash\">health experts say using an N95 mask\u003c/a> — and wearing it properly, tightly sealed across your face — can help filter out pollutants.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you are worried about smoke exposure more generally, \u003ca href=\"https://www.epa.gov/wildfires/protect-yourself-wildfire-smoke-and-ash\">health experts say using an N95 mask\u003c/a> — and wearing it properly, tightly sealed across your face — can help filter out pollutants.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "Be OK with canceling (and know the refund policy)",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If your campground is under evacuation orders or any other emergency situation, your reservation will be canceled and refunded for each night the park was evacuated or closed, Ostroskie said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If your campground is under evacuation orders or any other emergency situation, your reservation will be canceled and refunded for each night the park was evacuated or closed, Ostroskie said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Allow time for processing, but if you’re missing a refund, the best thing to do is to contact the platform you reserved on, like \u003ca href=\"http://reservecalifornia.com\">ReserveCalifornia.com\u003c/a>, and you should get all of your money back.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Allow time for processing, but if you’re missing a refund, the best thing to do is to contact the platform you reserved on, like \u003ca href=\"http://reservecalifornia.com\">ReserveCalifornia.com\u003c/a>, and you should get all of your money back.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But even if the campground is open, you might not want to risk going. State-run campgrounds allow modifications, but they charge an $8.25 fee for any change and are based on campsite availability.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But even if the campground is open, you might not want to risk going. State-run campgrounds allow modifications, but they charge an $8.25 fee for any change and are based on campsite availability.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If somebody’s feeling nervous about the situation, I would reschedule a trip,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“If somebody’s feeling nervous about the situation, I would reschedule a trip,” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re camping in a California state park, just make sure you’re familiar with the system’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31977\">up-to-date policies\u003c/a> on campsite cancellations. The $8.25 processing fee is never refundable. If you cancel more than a week in advance, you get a full refund — but canceling within seven days means you won’t get all your money back on the reservation. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you’re camping in a California state park, just make sure you’re familiar with the system’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31977\">up-to-date policies\u003c/a> on campsite cancellations. The $8.25 processing fee is never refundable. If you cancel more than a week in advance, you get a full refund — but canceling within seven days means you won’t get all your money back on the reservation. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if you no-show three times in one calendar year, you won’t be able to reserve any more campsites on ReserveCalifornia.com for a calendar year.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And if you no-show three times in one calendar year, you won’t be able to reserve any more campsites on ReserveCalifornia.com for a calendar year.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Check campfire restrictions and follow them",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"campfire\">Check campfire restrictions and follow them\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Another must-do before heading out to camp is to check the area’s fire regulations. Many places in the state institute blanket fire bans during the summer, meaning that campfires — even at designated sites and in fire rings — are not allowed. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Another must-do before heading out to camp is to check the area’s fire regulations. Many places in the state institute blanket fire bans during the summer, meaning that campfires — even at designated sites and in fire rings — are not allowed. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The best way to find out about fire restrictions is to call the local entity that manages the land or the place you’re camping. That could be a state, city, county park or a federal land management agency like the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The best way to find out about fire restrictions is to call the local entity that manages the land or the place you’re camping. That could be a state, city, county park or a federal land management agency like the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Check their website for a phone number for the regional office near where you’re going. Their staff will have on-the-ground knowledge of regulations in place.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Check their website for a phone number for the regional office near where you’re going. Their staff will have on-the-ground knowledge of regulations in place.\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/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_003_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12079256\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_003_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_003_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_003_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\">Firewood and charcoal are sold at Anthony Chabot Family Campground on April 5, 2026, in Castro Valley, California.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_003_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12079256\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Firewood and charcoal are sold at Anthony Chabot Family Campground on April 5, 2026, in Castro Valley, California.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if you are allowed to make a campfire during the summer, be \u003cem>extra \u003c/em>cautious that you’re putting it out fully, Ostroskie said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And if you are allowed to make a campfire during the summer, be \u003cem>extra \u003c/em>cautious that you’re putting it out fully, Ostroskie said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I know a lot of folks; what they’ll do is sometimes they’ll just throw a bucket of water onto a campfire and then they’re like, ‘We’re good,’” he said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I know a lot of folks; what they’ll do is sometimes they’ll just throw a bucket of water onto a campfire and then they’re like, ‘We’re good,’” he said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But the reality is that you have to \u003ca href=\"https://smokeybear.com/campfire-safety\">make absolutely sure that your fire is extinguished\u003c/a>, which “means that everything is cool to the touch,” he said. “You’re not going to be risking anything restarting or reigniting.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But the reality is that you have to \u003ca href=\"https://smokeybear.com/campfire-safety\">make absolutely sure that your fire is extinguished\u003c/a>, which “means that everything is cool to the touch,” he said. “You’re not going to be risking anything restarting or reigniting.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To do that, “\u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/salmonchallisnf/posts/three-simple-steps-can-stop-abandoned-or-improperly-extinguished-campfires-from-/957643936661684/\">stir and drown\u003c/a>,” Ostroskie said, which means: Take a stick and make sure that all the water you’re using to put out your fire is hitting all the hot coals at the bottom. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>To do that, “\u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/salmonchallisnf/posts/three-simple-steps-can-stop-abandoned-or-improperly-extinguished-campfires-from-/957643936661684/\">stir and drown\u003c/a>,” Ostroskie said, which means: Take a stick and make sure that all the water you’re using to put out your fire is hitting all the hot coals at the bottom. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And do not under any circumstances start a fire during a \u003ca href=\"https://wfca.com/wildfire-articles/wildfire-preparedness/red-flag-warning/\">red flag warning \u003c/a>— when hot, windy and dry weather can turn your campfire into a deadly wildfire, Ostroskie said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And do not under any circumstances start a fire during a \u003ca href=\"https://wfca.com/wildfire-articles/wildfire-preparedness/red-flag-warning/\">red flag warning \u003c/a>— when hot, windy and dry weather can turn your campfire into a deadly wildfire, Ostroskie said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The idea that a wildfire could reach your campsite itself might seem far-fetched — but it happens. In 2020, campers in Big Basin Redwoods State Park were \u003ca href=\"https://www.bouldercreeklocal.com/around-town/big-basin-evacuation-czu-fire\">dramatically evacuated\u003c/a> as the CZU Lightning Complex fire approached their campground. So how can you be ready for this kind of emergency yourself? \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The idea that a wildfire could reach your campsite itself might seem far-fetched — but it happens. In 2020, campers in Big Basin Redwoods State Park were \u003ca href=\"https://www.bouldercreeklocal.com/around-town/big-basin-evacuation-czu-fire\">dramatically evacuated\u003c/a> as the CZU Lightning Complex fire approached their campground. So how can you be ready for this kind of emergency yourself? \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Before you head out to your campground, make sure you have all of your maps and navigation downloaded ahead of time, using offline maps if you won’t have cellphone signal at your site. Keep an eye out for the nearest evacuation route out of your campground — usually a paved road — and try to memorize how to get there on foot or in a vehicle from your spot. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Before you head out to your campground, make sure you have all of your maps and navigation downloaded ahead of time, using offline maps if you won’t have cellphone signal at your site. Keep an eye out for the nearest evacuation route out of your campground — usually a paved road — and try to memorize how to get there on foot or in a vehicle from your spot. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Just like any other outdoor trip, let someone who isn’t on the trip know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Just like any other outdoor trip, let someone who isn’t on the trip know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. \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/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11954242\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-2048x1363.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-1920x1277.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fire Battalion Chief Craig Newell carries a hose while battling the North Complex Fire in Plumas National Forest, California, on Sept. 14, 2020.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11954242\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fire Battalion Chief Craig Newell carries a hose while battling the North Complex Fire in Plumas National Forest, California, on Sept. 14, 2020.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re the type of person who is gone all day hiking while out of cellphone range, consider investing in an \u003ca href=\"https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-personal-locator-beacon\">emergency device\u003c/a>, Ostroskie said. Something like a Garmin InReach or a cell phone with satellite capabilities will mean you can stay up-to-date on emergency information. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you’re the type of person who is gone all day hiking while out of cellphone range, consider investing in an \u003ca href=\"https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-personal-locator-beacon\">emergency device\u003c/a>, Ostroskie said. Something like a Garmin InReach or a cell phone with satellite capabilities will mean you can stay up-to-date on emergency information. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Having some sort of \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY7wFXKLzko&t=324\">outdoors insurance\u003c/a> can also give you peace of mind, Ostroskie said, and cover instances like medical evacuations. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Having some sort of \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY7wFXKLzko&t=324\">outdoors insurance\u003c/a> can also give you peace of mind, Ostroskie said, and cover instances like medical evacuations. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If you are an avid backpacker and you are an avid outdoorsperson, you should really be looking at some of those extra insurances that can help pull you out of places, especially if you’re in the backcountry,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“If you are an avid backpacker and you are an avid outdoorsperson, you should really be looking at some of those extra insurances that can help pull you out of places, especially if you’re in the backcountry,” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "Be ready to bail — without your stuff",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Be ready to bail — without your stuff\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Be ready to bail — without your stuff\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Know that in the case of a fire, you won’t be able to pack up all of your stuff before leaving your campsite, Ostroskie said. So you should consider keeping a “go bag” in your car that’s stocked with three to five days of food, a first aid kit, flashlights and water (\u003ca href=\"https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/emergency-supply-kit\">a full recommended list is here\u003c/a>).\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Know that in the case of a fire, you won’t be able to pack up all of your stuff before leaving your campsite, Ostroskie said. So you should consider keeping a “go bag” in your car that’s stocked with three to five days of food, a first aid kit, flashlights and water (\u003ca href=\"https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/emergency-supply-kit\">a full recommended list is here\u003c/a>).\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you do encounter a wildfire near your campsite or while hiking, get to a road as fast as you can, Ostroskie said — and be aware that fires can move quickly. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you do encounter a wildfire near your campsite or while hiking, get to a road as fast as you can, Ostroskie said — and be aware that fires can move quickly. \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/CampingGetty1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12069168\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A public campground near Camp Richardson is shown on Aug. 4, 2013, in South Lake Tahoe, California. \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/10/2026/01/CampingGetty1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12069168\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A public campground near Camp Richardson is shown on Aug. 4, 2013, in South Lake Tahoe, California. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If the wind kicks up just right, and if the fuel sources are there, then it can take off really quick, and the fire can move,” he said — so don’t wait to act. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“If the wind kicks up just right, and if the fuel sources are there, then it can take off really quick, and the fire can move,” he said — so don’t wait to act. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If you’re seeing large plumes of smoke and you’re worried, get off the trail, get onto a main road, get back to your vehicle, make sure that you have some way of getting out of there and that somebody can see you so that you can get help,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "As fires threaten the state and region, campers should know about escape routes and air quality.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/wildfires\">Wildfires\u003c/a> are one of the biggest risks of being outdoors in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california\">California\u003c/a>, especially at this time of year — and particularly if you’re planning to stay outdoors in a campsite. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This summer has proven no exception. Major wildfires continue to prompt \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/08/23/g-s1-139729/thousands-forced-to-evacuate-parts-of-reno-nevada-as-new-wildfire-rages\">evacuations for thousands of Reno residents\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/burning-man-travel-warning-hawk-fire-reno-22401928.php\">derail plans for 2026 Burning Man attendees\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12094533/big-sur-wildfire-map-evacuation-timber-fire-august-2026\">threaten Big Sur’s most wild places\u003c/a> as California’s camping and fire seasons collide head-on.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But if you’ve got a camping trip planned, and a wildfire is burning not too far away, how do you know when you should cancel? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Or what the air quality in your campsite will be like due to wildfire smoke, if you choose to continue with your plans? And how can you be ready if the worst happens and a wildfire reaches your campground itself?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1392\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/250828-Presidio-Trails-01-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12054125\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/250828-Presidio-Trails-01-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/250828-Presidio-Trails-01-KQED-160x111.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/250828-Presidio-Trails-01-KQED-1536x1069.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Campers arrive at Rob Hill Campground in the Presidio, where staying overnight is allowed all summer long. (Courtesy of Presidio Trust)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There’s at least some good news: There are lots of tools at your disposal to help you decide how to adjust your trip and stay safe, said Peter Ostroskie, staff park and recreation specialist for the Bay Area district of California State Parks.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I would rather people be more safe than sorry,” Ostroskie said — even if that means rescheduling a much-anticipated trip. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Here’s what you need to know before heading out into fire-prone areas or during the peak of fire season.\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=\"#air-quality\">How to check air quality at your campsite\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#canceling\">What to know about California State Parks’ new cancellation policy\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#campfire\">Will you be allowed a campfire at your site? \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Know the fire risk \u003cem>before \u003c/em>you go\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ostroskie’s biggest advice: Check the website of the place you’re planning on camping \u003cem>before \u003c/em>you head out to double-check if there are any evacuation notices or information about wildfires. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Check your inbox too, as you may have received an email about conditions at your campsite. \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/10/2025/08/campfire-photo-sarah-wright-e1755279648823.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12052372\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A campfire during the author’s recent trip to Montana. If you plan to bring firewood, make sure you check your state and campsite’s fire regulations. (Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If there’s an active fire near your camping spot, you can use the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents\">CalFire incidents webpage\u003c/a> to know which zones are currently under \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834901/fire-evacuation-what-actually-happens-and-how-can-you-plan\">evacuation orders or warnings\u003c/a>. You can also check \u003ca href=\"https://app.watchduty.org/\">apps like Watch Duty \u003c/a>that compile reports of fires from users to watch where the fire is moving and learn if your area might soon be at risk. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you are at all in doubt about safety or whether your campsite is open, just call the local park kiosk and speak to rangers — they will have the latest safety information and will be able to let you know the conditions at the campground, Ostroskie said. (You can usually find that phone number on the main page of your park’s website, or check your reservation for contact information for the park you’re going to.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"air-quality\">Check the air quality at your campsite\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even if your campground is technically open, it might not be all that fun to visit — and sleep outside — if the air quality is poor or \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1926793/protecting-your-health-from-toxic-wildfire-smoke\">even dangerous\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1969271/making-sense-of-purple-air-vs-airnow-and-a-new-map-to-rule-them-all\">few easy-to-use sources\u003c/a> to give you an idea of air quality in the area you’re heading to, including: \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>The national \u003ca href=\"https://www.airnow.gov/state/?name=california\">AirNow website\u003c/a> from the Environmental Protection Agency\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>The \u003ca href=\"https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fact-sheets/frequently-asked-questions-about-wildfire-smoke-ash-air-quality\">California Smoke Spotter mobile app\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>The crowdsourced \u003ca href=\"https://map.purpleair.com/air-quality-standards-us-epa-aqi/united-states/california?opt=%2F1%2Flp%2Fa10%2Fp604800%2FcC0#5.71/37.419/-119.306\">Purple Air site\u003c/a> (although be aware that crowdsourced air quality sensors tend to be l\u003ca href=\"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9784900/\">ess accurate when measuring extreme smoke\u003c/a>)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Each will give you the latest air quality readings from nearby weather stations or community sensors, which can help you decide if it’s safe and comfortable for you to be outside. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1331\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/042_KQED_BigBasin_Fire_09102020-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092803\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/042_KQED_BigBasin_Fire_09102020-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/042_KQED_BigBasin_Fire_09102020-KQED-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/042_KQED_BigBasin_Fire_09102020-KQED-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Two California Park Rangers walk through Big Basin Redwoods State Park headquarters on Sep. 10, 2020. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To help understand what the colors and numbers mean, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/\">use the EPA’s guide\u003c/a> to reading air quality maps — and don’t forget that some members of your group, including young children and older adults, \u003ca href=\"https://www.epa.gov/wildfire-smoke-course/who-increased-risk-health-effects-wildfire-smoke-exposure\">might be more sensitive to poor air quality. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re planning to camp in a California state park, Ostroskie said the state parks system uses social media and its websites to communicate when an area of a park is experiencing elevated levels of pollutants in the air — and when it might not be the best time to come camping. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We just tell them, ‘Hey, this is at your own risk, but we really advise you not to be outside,’” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you are worried about smoke exposure more generally, \u003ca href=\"https://www.epa.gov/wildfires/protect-yourself-wildfire-smoke-and-ash\">health experts say using an N95 mask\u003c/a> — and wearing it properly, tightly sealed across your face — can help filter out pollutants.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"canceling\">Be OK with canceling (and know the refund policy)\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If your campground is under evacuation orders or any other emergency situation, your reservation will be canceled and refunded for each night the park was evacuated or closed, Ostroskie said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Allow time for processing, but if you’re missing a refund, the best thing to do is to contact the platform you reserved on, like \u003ca href=\"http://reservecalifornia.com\">ReserveCalifornia.com\u003c/a>, and you should get all of your money back.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But even if the campground is open, you might not want to risk going. State-run campgrounds allow modifications, but they charge an $8.25 fee for any change and are based on campsite availability.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If somebody’s feeling nervous about the situation, I would reschedule a trip,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re camping in a California state park, just make sure you’re familiar with the system’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31977\">up-to-date policies\u003c/a> on campsite cancellations. The $8.25 processing fee is never refundable. If you cancel more than a week in advance, you get a full refund — but canceling within seven days means you won’t get all your money back on the reservation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you no-show three times in one calendar year, you won’t be able to reserve any more campsites on ReserveCalifornia.com for a calendar year.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"campfire\">Check campfire restrictions and follow them\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Another must-do before heading out to camp is to check the area’s fire regulations. Many places in the state institute blanket fire bans during the summer, meaning that campfires — even at designated sites and in fire rings — are not allowed. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The best way to find out about fire restrictions is to call the local entity that manages the land or the place you’re camping. That could be a state, city, county park or a federal land management agency like the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Check their website for a phone number for the regional office near where you’re going. Their staff will have on-the-ground knowledge of regulations in place.\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/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_003_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12079256\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_003_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_003_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_003_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Firewood and charcoal are sold at Anthony Chabot Family Campground on April 5, 2026, in Castro Valley, California. (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you are allowed to make a campfire during the summer, be \u003cem>extra \u003c/em>cautious that you’re putting it out fully, Ostroskie said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I know a lot of folks; what they’ll do is sometimes they’ll just throw a bucket of water onto a campfire and then they’re like, ‘We’re good,’” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But the reality is that you have to \u003ca href=\"https://smokeybear.com/campfire-safety\">make absolutely sure that your fire is extinguished\u003c/a>, which “means that everything is cool to the touch,” he said. “You’re not going to be risking anything restarting or reigniting.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To do that, “\u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/salmonchallisnf/posts/three-simple-steps-can-stop-abandoned-or-improperly-extinguished-campfires-from-/957643936661684/\">stir and drown\u003c/a>,” Ostroskie said, which means: Take a stick and make sure that all the water you’re using to put out your fire is hitting all the hot coals at the bottom. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And do not under any circumstances start a fire during a \u003ca href=\"https://wfca.com/wildfire-articles/wildfire-preparedness/red-flag-warning/\">red flag warning \u003c/a>— when hot, windy and dry weather can turn your campfire into a deadly wildfire, Ostroskie said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Know your exits and consider an emergency device\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The idea that a wildfire could reach your campsite itself might seem far-fetched — but it happens. In 2020, campers in Big Basin Redwoods State Park were \u003ca href=\"https://www.bouldercreeklocal.com/around-town/big-basin-evacuation-czu-fire\">dramatically evacuated\u003c/a> as the CZU Lightning Complex fire approached their campground. So how can you be ready for this kind of emergency yourself? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Before you head out to your campground, make sure you have all of your maps and navigation downloaded ahead of time, using offline maps if you won’t have cellphone signal at your site. Keep an eye out for the nearest evacuation route out of your campground — usually a paved road — and try to memorize how to get there on foot or in a vehicle from your spot. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Just like any other outdoor trip, let someone who isn’t on the trip know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1703\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11954242\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-800x532.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-2048x1363.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/AP23177647201576-1920x1277.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fire Battalion Chief Craig Newell carries a hose while battling the North Complex Fire in Plumas National Forest, California, on Sept. 14, 2020. (Noah Berger/AP Photo)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re the type of person who is gone all day hiking while out of cellphone range, consider investing in an \u003ca href=\"https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-personal-locator-beacon\">emergency device\u003c/a>, Ostroskie said. Something like a Garmin InReach or a cell phone with satellite capabilities will mean you can stay up-to-date on emergency information. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Having some sort of \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY7wFXKLzko&t=324\">outdoors insurance\u003c/a> can also give you peace of mind, Ostroskie said, and cover instances like medical evacuations. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If you are an avid backpacker and you are an avid outdoorsperson, you should really be looking at some of those extra insurances that can help pull you out of places, especially if you’re in the backcountry,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Be ready to bail — without your stuff\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Know that in the case of a fire, you won’t be able to pack up all of your stuff before leaving your campsite, Ostroskie said. So you should consider keeping a “go bag” in your car that’s stocked with three to five days of food, a first aid kit, flashlights and water (\u003ca href=\"https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/emergency-supply-kit\">a full recommended list is here\u003c/a>).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you do encounter a wildfire near your campsite or while hiking, get to a road as fast as you can, Ostroskie said — and be aware that fires can move quickly. \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/10/2026/01/CampingGetty1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12069168\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/CampingGetty1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A public campground near Camp Richardson is shown on Aug. 4, 2013, in South Lake Tahoe, California. (George Rose/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If the wind kicks up just right, and if the fuel sources are there, then it can take off really quick, and the fire can move,” he said — so don’t wait to act. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you’re seeing large plumes of smoke and you’re worried, get off the trail, get onto a main road, get back to your vehicle, make sure that you have some way of getting out of there and that somebody can see you so that you can get help,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "guiding-company-fined-by-california-for-tahoe-avalanche-deaths",
"title": "Guiding Company Fined by California for Tahoe Avalanche Deaths",
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"headTitle": "Guiding Company Fined by California for Tahoe Avalanche Deaths | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>After an \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074292/all-9-tahoe-avalanche-victims-identified-and-bodies-recovered\">avalanche killed nine people\u003c/a> on a backcountry ski tour in Tahoe last winter, California’s workplace safety agency has cited guiding company Blackbird Mountain Guides for more than $150,000. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Among the violations cited by California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, the most significant is an $81,000 penalty for “failing to correct the imminent hazard posed by traveling in avalanche terrain when the avalanche danger was rated high.” Cal/OSHA found that this directly led to the deaths of three guides employed by Blackbird. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Other citations include failing to adequately identify and assess avalanche hazards, failing to provide effective employee training and failing to assess the need for protective equipment. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11980519\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Snow blanketed South Lake Tahoe in California on Nov. 8, 2022. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Cal/OSHA issued the citations on Aug. 12. Due to the agency’s role as a workplace safety monitor, its findings focused only on the three Blackbird guides who died. A Cal/OSHA spokesperson said a separate investigation by the agency’s Bureau of Investigations remains open.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Blackbird announced a formal \u003ca href=\"https://blackbirdguides.com/pages/live-incident-updates\">appeal\u003c/a> on Friday morning, saying it continues to cooperate with all investigations related to the avalanche. The company said it operated in full compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards, and that its guides were highly certified.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The citations do not reflect the reality of our profession or the safety program we have built,” the company said in a statement. “Mountain guiding takes place in dynamic wilderness environments where conditions change minute to minute — it’s not a controlled setting such as construction sites. We welcome the opportunity to work with Cal/OSHA to contextualize the unique realities of operating in backcountry environments.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The February incident hit \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074158/tahoe-avalanche-backcountry-101-castle-peak-frog-lake-donner-summit-weather\">home for many Bay Area skiers\u003c/a> who frequent Tahoe’s ski resorts and backcountry. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Of the nine victims, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12073851/tahoe-avalanche-heres-what-we-know-about-the-victims\">six of them were mothers\u003c/a>, several living in the Bay Area, part of a group of eight women who were skilled and frequent backcountry skiers. The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074292/all-9-tahoe-avalanche-victims-identified-and-bodies-recovered\">three other victims\u003c/a> were guides whom Blackbird praised at the time for their professionalism and “passion for the mountains.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In a February report by \u003cem>The New York Times\u003c/em>, two surviving members of the party detailed their harrowing attempts to rescue their buried group members.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074177/california-authorities-launch-investigation-of-criminal-negligence-in-deadly-tahoe-avalanche\">opened its own investigation\u003c/a> of the incident in late February. That office confirmed Friday the case has been turned over to the Nevada County District Attorney’s Office. The office did not respond to KQED’s inquiries on Friday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In an independent \u003ca href=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0298/8159/8051/files/2.17_Independent_Preliminary_Report_Supplemental_Key_Findings_8.1.26.pdf?v=1786255485\">report\u003c/a> prepared for Blackbird Mountain Guides earlier this month, avalanche professional Don Sharaf concluded the group was attempting to get out of avalanche danger when the slide hit but was obstructed by an unusually open creek, normally bridged by snow.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There is nothing easy about any part of this,” Blackbird wrote in a statement accompanying the report. “Nine deeply loved people are gone, three of them our own guides. There is still much that remains unknown, but this is the most complete information available so far and we hope the release of this information can help the community begin to heal together.”\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After an \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074292/all-9-tahoe-avalanche-victims-identified-and-bodies-recovered\">avalanche killed nine people\u003c/a> on a backcountry ski tour in Tahoe last winter, California’s workplace safety agency has cited guiding company Blackbird Mountain Guides for more than $150,000. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Among the violations cited by California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, the most significant is an $81,000 penalty for “failing to correct the imminent hazard posed by traveling in avalanche terrain when the avalanche danger was rated high.” Cal/OSHA found that this directly led to the deaths of three guides employed by Blackbird. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Other citations include failing to adequately identify and assess avalanche hazards, failing to provide effective employee training and failing to assess the need for protective equipment. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Cal/OSHA issued the citations on Aug. 12. Due to the agency’s role as a workplace safety monitor, its findings focused only on the three Blackbird guides who died. A Cal/OSHA spokesperson said a separate investigation by the agency’s Bureau of Investigations remains open.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Blackbird announced a formal \u003ca href=\"https://blackbirdguides.com/pages/live-incident-updates\">appeal\u003c/a> on Friday morning, saying it continues to cooperate with all investigations related to the avalanche. The company said it operated in full compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards, and that its guides were highly certified.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The citations do not reflect the reality of our profession or the safety program we have built,” the company said in a statement. “Mountain guiding takes place in dynamic wilderness environments where conditions change minute to minute — it’s not a controlled setting such as construction sites. We welcome the opportunity to work with Cal/OSHA to contextualize the unique realities of operating in backcountry environments.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The February incident hit \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074158/tahoe-avalanche-backcountry-101-castle-peak-frog-lake-donner-summit-weather\">home for many Bay Area skiers\u003c/a> who frequent Tahoe’s ski resorts and backcountry. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Of the nine victims, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12073851/tahoe-avalanche-heres-what-we-know-about-the-victims\">six of them were mothers\u003c/a>, several living in the Bay Area, part of a group of eight women who were skilled and frequent backcountry skiers. The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074292/all-9-tahoe-avalanche-victims-identified-and-bodies-recovered\">three other victims\u003c/a> were guides whom Blackbird praised at the time for their professionalism and “passion for the mountains.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In a February report by \u003cem>The New York Times\u003c/em>, two surviving members of the party detailed their harrowing attempts to rescue their buried group members.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074177/california-authorities-launch-investigation-of-criminal-negligence-in-deadly-tahoe-avalanche\">opened its own investigation\u003c/a> of the incident in late February. That office confirmed Friday the case has been turned over to the Nevada County District Attorney’s Office. The office did not respond to KQED’s inquiries on Friday.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In an independent \u003ca href=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0298/8159/8051/files/2.17_Independent_Preliminary_Report_Supplemental_Key_Findings_8.1.26.pdf?v=1786255485\">report\u003c/a> prepared for Blackbird Mountain Guides earlier this month, avalanche professional Don Sharaf concluded the group was attempting to get out of avalanche danger when the slide hit but was obstructed by an unusually open creek, normally bridged by snow.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“There is nothing easy about any part of this,” Blackbird wrote in a statement accompanying the report. “Nine deeply loved people are gone, three of them our own guides. There is still much that remains unknown, but this is the most complete information available so far and we hope the release of this information can help the community begin to heal together.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Blackbird Mountain Guides stands by its regulatory compliance and is appealing the finding of seven workplace safety violations.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>After an \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074292/all-9-tahoe-avalanche-victims-identified-and-bodies-recovered\">avalanche killed nine people\u003c/a> on a backcountry ski tour in Tahoe last winter, California’s workplace safety agency has cited guiding company Blackbird Mountain Guides for more than $150,000. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Among the violations cited by California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, the most significant is an $81,000 penalty for “failing to correct the imminent hazard posed by traveling in avalanche terrain when the avalanche danger was rated high.” Cal/OSHA found that this directly led to the deaths of three guides employed by Blackbird. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Other citations include failing to adequately identify and assess avalanche hazards, failing to provide effective employee training and failing to assess the need for protective equipment. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11980519\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Snow blanketed South Lake Tahoe in California on Nov. 8, 2022. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Cal/OSHA issued the citations on Aug. 12. Due to the agency’s role as a workplace safety monitor, its findings focused only on the three Blackbird guides who died. A Cal/OSHA spokesperson said a separate investigation by the agency’s Bureau of Investigations remains open.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Blackbird announced a formal \u003ca href=\"https://blackbirdguides.com/pages/live-incident-updates\">appeal\u003c/a> on Friday morning, saying it continues to cooperate with all investigations related to the avalanche. The company said it operated in full compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards, and that its guides were highly certified.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The citations do not reflect the reality of our profession or the safety program we have built,” the company said in a statement. “Mountain guiding takes place in dynamic wilderness environments where conditions change minute to minute — it’s not a controlled setting such as construction sites. We welcome the opportunity to work with Cal/OSHA to contextualize the unique realities of operating in backcountry environments.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The February incident hit \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074158/tahoe-avalanche-backcountry-101-castle-peak-frog-lake-donner-summit-weather\">home for many Bay Area skiers\u003c/a> who frequent Tahoe’s ski resorts and backcountry. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Of the nine victims, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12073851/tahoe-avalanche-heres-what-we-know-about-the-victims\">six of them were mothers\u003c/a>, several living in the Bay Area, part of a group of eight women who were skilled and frequent backcountry skiers. The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074292/all-9-tahoe-avalanche-victims-identified-and-bodies-recovered\">three other victims\u003c/a> were guides whom Blackbird praised at the time for their professionalism and “passion for the mountains.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In a February report by \u003cem>The New York Times\u003c/em>, two surviving members of the party detailed their harrowing attempts to rescue their buried group members.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074177/california-authorities-launch-investigation-of-criminal-negligence-in-deadly-tahoe-avalanche\">opened its own investigation\u003c/a> of the incident in late February. That office confirmed Friday the case has been turned over to the Nevada County District Attorney’s Office. The office did not respond to KQED’s inquiries on Friday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In an independent \u003ca href=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0298/8159/8051/files/2.17_Independent_Preliminary_Report_Supplemental_Key_Findings_8.1.26.pdf?v=1786255485\">report\u003c/a> prepared for Blackbird Mountain Guides earlier this month, avalanche professional Don Sharaf concluded the group was attempting to get out of avalanche danger when the slide hit but was obstructed by an unusually open creek, normally bridged by snow.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There is nothing easy about any part of this,” Blackbird wrote in a statement accompanying the report. “Nine deeply loved people are gone, three of them our own guides. There is still much that remains unknown, but this is the most complete information available so far and we hope the release of this information can help the community begin to heal together.”\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "‘Phenomenal Views’: What to Know About New Peninsula Trail Opening Monday",
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"content": "\u003cp>A major new trail in San Mateo County is opening on Monday: the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfpuc.gov/learning/come-visit/peninsula-trails/skyline-watershed-ridge-trail\">Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The 6-mile trail, which can only be done as an out-and-back, runs through the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s watershed lands — a \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfei.org/projects/peninsula-watershed-historical-ecology-study\">habitat that supports three of the Bay Area’s largest reservoirs\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This landscape also contains the highest concentration of rare, threatened and endangered species in the Bay Area, according to the San Francisco Estuary Institute. \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/10/2026/08/20260604-040.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096189\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260604-040.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260604-040-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260604-040-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A view of the Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail. The trail is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily to hikers, runners, cyclists and equestrians. (Courtesy of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Running parallel to Skyline Boulevard south of Highway 92, the new trail marks the completion of a key segment of the \u003ca href=\"https://ridgetrail.org/\">Bay Area Ridge Trail\u003c/a>, a 500-mile loop trail that is currently around 75% complete and will eventually circumnavigate the whole region.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This has been a hard place for people to access,” SFPUC Natural Resources and Lands Management Division Manager Tim Ramirez said. “We’re finally able to offer something to people that is going to be new and also give them a glimpse into the universe here on the watershed.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The new Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail is free to access but requires a \u003ca href=\"https://sfpucwatersheds.recdesk.com/Community/Membership?type=26\">permit\u003c/a> that’s good for the next four months, which visitors can find online. If you’re planning on visiting, Ramirez said to get there early, as the parking lot can fill up quickly.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In addition to its vistas, the new trail features interpretive signs detailing the story of the watershed and SFPUC’s water system, which delivers clean drinking water \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11674188/hetch-hetchy-waters-epic-journey-from-mountains-to-tap\">from Hetch Hetchy\u003c/a> in the Sierra Nevada to 2.7 million Bay Area residents. The signs, Ramirez said, also detail the diversity of plants and animals that are home to the area and the history of the people who have lived there.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1054\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Skyline-Watershed-Ridge-Trail-redwoods-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096188\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Skyline-Watershed-Ridge-Trail-redwoods-2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Skyline-Watershed-Ridge-Trail-redwoods-2-160x84.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Skyline-Watershed-Ridge-Trail-redwoods-2-1536x809.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A view of the Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail. (Courtesy of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s fairly spectacular, I have to say,” Ramirez said. “It has really phenomenal views of the bay and, in some places, downtown San Francisco, Mount Diablo, and also the ocean, which is sort of what the Ridge Trail does.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The entirety of the 6-mile trail is completely new, Ramirez said, so construction was “a heavy lift,” especially given the SFPUC’s priority to build parts of the trail using long-lasting materials like concrete instead of wood. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As this new trail opens, efforts remain underway to connect the route to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.openspace.org/preserves/purisima-creek-redwoods\">Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve\u003c/a> on Highway 35 to the south and expand parking at the southern trailhead, Ramirez said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exploring the region — while protecting the land\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Just north of the trail is another segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, called the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfpuc.gov/learning/come-visit/peninsula-trails/fifield-cahill-ridge-trail\">Fifield-Cahill Ridge Trail\u003c/a> — but it’s only open with a reservation for a free docent-led hike. That’s because this part of the watershed is more vulnerable, Ramirez said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On the newly opened Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail, instead of education via docent, Ramirez said he hopes opening public access via the permit system and the new signs will “get that information to people without having it be restricted.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1498\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20250709-082.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096196\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20250709-082.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20250709-082-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20250709-082-1536x1150.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A view of the Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail. Parking is slim, with just 22 spaces available, so hikers should be sure to get there early or go during off-peak times. (Courtesy of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re trying to model the same level of protection, but we didn’t want to restrict access,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Also nearby is a half-mile ADA accessible trail, called the Watershed Discovery Trail, with more interpretive signs and models for an all-ages and abilities way to experience the watershed, Ramirez said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to know about visiting this new route\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hikers planning on visiting the Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail should be aware that the parking area is small — with just 22 spaces — so get there early or go during off-peak times, Ramirez said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For a car-free option, SamTrans Route 294 can also drop hikers off very close to the trailhead at the Highway 92 and Skyline Boulevard stop, which is accessible via the Caltrain station in Hillsdale.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Trail permits, \u003ca href=\"https://sfpucwatersheds.recdesk.com/Community/Membership?type=26\">available online\u003c/a>, are free and good for the current year. They cover groups of up to six people.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The trail is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily to hikers, runners, cyclists and equestrians. Two pit toilets are located at miles 2 and 5. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Monday morning the gates will be open, and people can come and go as they please,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The 6-mile trail, which can only be done as an out-and-back, runs through the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s watershed lands — a \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfei.org/projects/peninsula-watershed-historical-ecology-study\">habitat that supports three of the Bay Area’s largest reservoirs\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The new Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail is free to access but requires a \u003ca href=\"https://sfpucwatersheds.recdesk.com/Community/Membership?type=26\">permit\u003c/a> that’s good for the next four months, which visitors can find online. If you’re planning on visiting, Ramirez said to get there early, as the parking lot can fill up quickly.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The new Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail is free to access but requires a \u003ca href=\"https://sfpucwatersheds.recdesk.com/Community/Membership?type=26\">permit\u003c/a> that’s good for the next four months, which visitors can find online. If you’re planning on visiting, Ramirez said to get there early, as the parking lot can fill up quickly.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In addition to its vistas, the new trail features interpretive signs detailing the story of the watershed and SFPUC’s water system, which delivers clean drinking water \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11674188/hetch-hetchy-waters-epic-journey-from-mountains-to-tap\">from Hetch Hetchy\u003c/a> in the Sierra Nevada to 2.7 million Bay Area residents. The signs, Ramirez said, also detail the diversity of plants and animals that are home to the area and the history of the people who have lived there.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In addition to its vistas, the new trail features interpretive signs detailing the story of the watershed and SFPUC’s water system, which delivers clean drinking water \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11674188/hetch-hetchy-waters-epic-journey-from-mountains-to-tap\">from Hetch Hetchy\u003c/a> in the Sierra Nevada to 2.7 million Bay Area residents. The signs, Ramirez said, also detail the diversity of plants and animals that are home to the area and the history of the people who have lived there.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s fairly spectacular, I have to say,” Ramirez said. “It has really phenomenal views of the bay and, in some places, downtown San Francisco, Mount Diablo, and also the ocean, which is sort of what the Ridge Trail does.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The entirety of the 6-mile trail is completely new, Ramirez said, so construction was “a heavy lift,” especially given the SFPUC’s priority to build parts of the trail using long-lasting materials like concrete instead of wood. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As this new trail opens, efforts remain underway to connect the route to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.openspace.org/preserves/purisima-creek-redwoods\">Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve\u003c/a> on Highway 35 to the south and expand parking at the southern trailhead, Ramirez said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Just north of the trail is another segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, called the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfpuc.gov/learning/come-visit/peninsula-trails/fifield-cahill-ridge-trail\">Fifield-Cahill Ridge Trail\u003c/a> — but it’s only open with a reservation for a free docent-led hike. That’s because this part of the watershed is more vulnerable, Ramirez said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On the newly opened Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail, instead of education via docent, Ramirez said he hopes opening public access via the permit system and the new signs will “get that information to people without having it be restricted.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re trying to model the same level of protection, but we didn’t want to restrict access,” he said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hikers planning on visiting the Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail should be aware that the parking area is small — with just 22 spaces — so get there early or go during off-peak times, Ramirez said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For a car-free option, SamTrans Route 294 can also drop hikers off very close to the trailhead at the Highway 92 and Skyline Boulevard stop, which is accessible via the Caltrain station in Hillsdale.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Trail permits, \u003ca href=\"https://sfpucwatersheds.recdesk.com/Community/Membership?type=26\">available online\u003c/a>, are free and good for the current year. They cover groups of up to six people.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Trail permits, \u003ca href=\"https://sfpucwatersheds.recdesk.com/Community/Membership?type=26\">available online\u003c/a>, are free and good for the current year. They cover groups of up to six people.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The trail is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily to hikers, runners, cyclists and equestrians. Two pit toilets are located at miles 2 and 5. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The trail is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily to hikers, runners, cyclists and equestrians. Two pit toilets are located at miles 2 and 5. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Monday morning the gates will be open, and people can come and go as they please,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Once “a hard place for people to access,” the Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail is opening to the public — completing another leg of the Bay Area Ridge Trail.",
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"title": "‘Phenomenal Views’: What to Know About New Peninsula Trail Opening Monday | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>A major new trail in San Mateo County is opening on Monday: the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfpuc.gov/learning/come-visit/peninsula-trails/skyline-watershed-ridge-trail\">Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The 6-mile trail, which can only be done as an out-and-back, runs through the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s watershed lands — a \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfei.org/projects/peninsula-watershed-historical-ecology-study\">habitat that supports three of the Bay Area’s largest reservoirs\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This landscape also contains the highest concentration of rare, threatened and endangered species in the Bay Area, according to the San Francisco Estuary Institute. \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/10/2026/08/20260604-040.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096189\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260604-040.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260604-040-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260604-040-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A view of the Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail. The trail is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily to hikers, runners, cyclists and equestrians. (Courtesy of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Running parallel to Skyline Boulevard south of Highway 92, the new trail marks the completion of a key segment of the \u003ca href=\"https://ridgetrail.org/\">Bay Area Ridge Trail\u003c/a>, a 500-mile loop trail that is currently around 75% complete and will eventually circumnavigate the whole region.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This has been a hard place for people to access,” SFPUC Natural Resources and Lands Management Division Manager Tim Ramirez said. “We’re finally able to offer something to people that is going to be new and also give them a glimpse into the universe here on the watershed.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The new Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail is free to access but requires a \u003ca href=\"https://sfpucwatersheds.recdesk.com/Community/Membership?type=26\">permit\u003c/a> that’s good for the next four months, which visitors can find online. If you’re planning on visiting, Ramirez said to get there early, as the parking lot can fill up quickly.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In addition to its vistas, the new trail features interpretive signs detailing the story of the watershed and SFPUC’s water system, which delivers clean drinking water \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11674188/hetch-hetchy-waters-epic-journey-from-mountains-to-tap\">from Hetch Hetchy\u003c/a> in the Sierra Nevada to 2.7 million Bay Area residents. The signs, Ramirez said, also detail the diversity of plants and animals that are home to the area and the history of the people who have lived there.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1054\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Skyline-Watershed-Ridge-Trail-redwoods-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096188\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Skyline-Watershed-Ridge-Trail-redwoods-2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Skyline-Watershed-Ridge-Trail-redwoods-2-160x84.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Skyline-Watershed-Ridge-Trail-redwoods-2-1536x809.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A view of the Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail. (Courtesy of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s fairly spectacular, I have to say,” Ramirez said. “It has really phenomenal views of the bay and, in some places, downtown San Francisco, Mount Diablo, and also the ocean, which is sort of what the Ridge Trail does.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The entirety of the 6-mile trail is completely new, Ramirez said, so construction was “a heavy lift,” especially given the SFPUC’s priority to build parts of the trail using long-lasting materials like concrete instead of wood. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As this new trail opens, efforts remain underway to connect the route to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.openspace.org/preserves/purisima-creek-redwoods\">Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve\u003c/a> on Highway 35 to the south and expand parking at the southern trailhead, Ramirez said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exploring the region — while protecting the land\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Just north of the trail is another segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, called the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfpuc.gov/learning/come-visit/peninsula-trails/fifield-cahill-ridge-trail\">Fifield-Cahill Ridge Trail\u003c/a> — but it’s only open with a reservation for a free docent-led hike. That’s because this part of the watershed is more vulnerable, Ramirez said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On the newly opened Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail, instead of education via docent, Ramirez said he hopes opening public access via the permit system and the new signs will “get that information to people without having it be restricted.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1498\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20250709-082.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096196\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20250709-082.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20250709-082-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20250709-082-1536x1150.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A view of the Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail. Parking is slim, with just 22 spaces available, so hikers should be sure to get there early or go during off-peak times. (Courtesy of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re trying to model the same level of protection, but we didn’t want to restrict access,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Also nearby is a half-mile ADA accessible trail, called the Watershed Discovery Trail, with more interpretive signs and models for an all-ages and abilities way to experience the watershed, Ramirez said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to know about visiting this new route\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hikers planning on visiting the Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail should be aware that the parking area is small — with just 22 spaces — so get there early or go during off-peak times, Ramirez said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For a car-free option, SamTrans Route 294 can also drop hikers off very close to the trailhead at the Highway 92 and Skyline Boulevard stop, which is accessible via the Caltrain station in Hillsdale.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Trail permits, \u003ca href=\"https://sfpucwatersheds.recdesk.com/Community/Membership?type=26\">available online\u003c/a>, are free and good for the current year. They cover groups of up to six people.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The trail is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily to hikers, runners, cyclists and equestrians. Two pit toilets are located at miles 2 and 5. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Monday morning the gates will be open, and people can come and go as they please,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "san-francisco-pokemon-championships-pokemonxp-badges-tickets-sold-out-giants-street-closures-moscone",
"title": "What Are the Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco — and Can I Watch?",
"publishDate": 1787234400,
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"headTitle": "What Are the Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco — and Can I Watch? | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>Next week, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> will host the 2026 Pokémon World Championships — along with the inaugural PokémonXP fan convention — from Friday, Aug. 28, through Sunday, Aug. 30.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Organizers are expecting more than 50,000 people to descend on Moscone Convention Center throughout the weekend, which will include \u003ca href=\"https://registration.pokemon.com/flow/pokemon/26sanfrancisco/landing/page/dailyschedule\">events \u003c/a>like scavenger hunts, opportunities to trade pins and playing cards, DJ booths playing classic Pokémon tracks and even panels featuring the minds behind this decades-spanning, globe-trotting franchise.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s only \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_World_Championships\">the second time ever \u003c/a>that San Francisco has hosted this super-popular annual event, and die-hard Pokémon players — known as trainers — and fans have been eagerly awaiting the \u003ca href=\"https://registration.pokemon.com/flow/pokemon/26sanfrancisco/landing/page/dailyschedule\">weekend’s events\u003c/a> for months. \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/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Competitors.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095947\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Competitors.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Competitors-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Competitors-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 2025 Pokémon World Championships on Aug. 15, 2025, in Anaheim, California. (Courtesy of The Pokémon Company International)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what to know about the championships, how to get involved and how street closures around SOMA could impact your commute.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#road-closures\">Street closures in downtown San Francisco around the 2026 Pokémon World Championships \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who competes in the Pokémon World Championships, and how does the tournament work?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>First launched as a video game for the Game Boy console in 1996, Pokémon has since expanded to include movies, television, manga, trading cards, clothing and theme parks. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And the franchise will be celebrating its 30th birthday — along with 10 years since the launch of the hit mobile app Pokémon GO — as part of the big weekend in San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Pokémon World Championships — also known as “Worlds” — feature the best trainers across different Pokémon platforms, including the Trading Card Game, Pokémon GO, UNITE and the newly released Pokémon Champions video game.\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/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Crowd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095948\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Crowd.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Crowd-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Crowd-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 2025 Pokémon World Championships on Aug. 15, 2025, in Anaheim, California. (Courtesy of The Pokémon Company International)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This is really the cream of the crop — the best of the best,” said Nick Salazar, from The Pokémon Company International’s public relations team.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To get an invitation to compete at Worlds, someone has to earn a certain amount of points, Salazar said. “You can earn points at your local hobby shop,” he said, adding that you can earn more points by competing at regional or international tournaments held year-round.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Most of the 2026 Pokémon World Championships will be held at Moscone, but the final matches will be at Chase Center on Sunday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At Worlds, both kids and adults compete in their own age-specific categories. The youngest category, junior, features players 12 or younger. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I go check out the 2026 Pokémon World Championships myself?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Sign-ups for the 2026 Pokémon World Championships’ “interest lists” for badge purchases began months ago, and the last available sign-up list — for single-day access — recently closed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So unfortunately, all that buzz means that if you were hoping to casually check out the festivities as a spectator, entry badges for both the Pokémon World Championships and PokémonXP fan convention are \u003ca href=\"https://registration.pokemon.com/flow/pokemon/26sanfrancisco/landing/page/main\">completely sold out \u003c/a>— and you can’t enter Moscone Center next weekend without one.\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/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Pikachu.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095949\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Pikachu.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Pikachu-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Pikachu-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 2025 Pokémon World Championships on Aug. 15, 2025, in Anaheim, California. (Courtesy of The Pokémon Company International)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Thinking about buying a badge from someone else online? Keep in mind that this comes with big risks. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If someone bought a badge, that’s linked to both their name and their Pokémon Trainer Central account. When you show up to Moscone Center, you will have to show a government-issued ID to pick up your badge.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On Reddit, users \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/pokemon/comments/1t6kvzg/pokemon_2026_world_championship_arena_pass_sold/\">have cautioned\u003c/a> against paying money for someone else’s badge, with some saying it’s very likely that you would fall for a scam.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If I can’t go in person, how else can I get involved with the 2026 Pokémon World Championships?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can watch livestreams of the competitions, panels and award ceremonies for free on \u003ca href=\"http://pokemonxp.com\">PokemonXP.com\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ahead of the big weekend, the San Francisco Giants will be hosting a \u003ca href=\"https://www.mlb.com/giants/tickets/specials/pokemon-worlds-night\">Pokémon Worlds Night\u003c/a> — which includes Pokémon GO activations around Oracle Park and a themed drone show — during their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday, Aug. 27. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1337\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/GettyImages-2208881091.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12090146\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/GettyImages-2208881091.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/GettyImages-2208881091-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/GettyImages-2208881091-1536x1037.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mike Yastrzemski and Heliot Ramos of the San Francisco Giants celebrate after Yastrzemski hit a three-run home run against the Seattle Mariners in the bottom of the fourth inning at Oracle Park on April 6, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While tickets for Pokémon Worlds Night itself are currently \u003ca href=\"https://www.mlb.com/giants/tickets/specials/drone-show\">sold out\u003c/a>, single-game tickets \u003ca href=\"https://www.mlb.com/giants/tickets/single-game-tickets#game=823179\">are still available\u003c/a> for the Giants-Diamondbacks game — and according to the Giants’ site, you can stay to watch the drone show afterward. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But if you were hoping to snag a special Worlds Pikachu Jersey designed for the occasion, bad news: the item has sold out already. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"road-closures\">Will the 2026 Pokémon World Championships mean any road closures in San Francisco?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Yes: According to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, the event will spell street closures and traffic detours in the SOMA neighborhood around the Moscone Center — not just during the Aug. 28-30 event period, but starting Tuesday, Aug. 19, and lasting into Tuesday, Sept. 1.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The biggest closures will be:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>A full closure of Howard Street between Third and Fourth streets (starts 6 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, ends 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1.)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>A full closure of a stretch of Minna Street by Fourth Street (from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily from Tuesday, Aug. 25, to Sunday, Aug. 30)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/2026-pok%C3%A9mon-world-championship-friday-sunday-august-28-30-2026\">See the full list of street closures for the 2026 Pokémon World Championships.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Parking garages in the area will remain fully open to the public during the 2026 Pokémon World Championships. And while there’ll be no impact on Muni service, SFMTA warns that “some minor delays may be possible in the area.”\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Next week, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> will host the 2026 Pokémon World Championships — along with the inaugural PokémonXP fan convention — from Friday, Aug. 28, through Sunday, Aug. 30.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Next week, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> will host the 2026 Pokémon World Championships — along with the inaugural PokémonXP fan convention — from Friday, Aug. 28, through Sunday, Aug. 30.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Organizers are expecting more than 50,000 people to descend on Moscone Convention Center throughout the weekend, which will include \u003ca href=\"https://registration.pokemon.com/flow/pokemon/26sanfrancisco/landing/page/dailyschedule\">events \u003c/a>like scavenger hunts, opportunities to trade pins and playing cards, DJ booths playing classic Pokémon tracks and even panels featuring the minds behind this decades-spanning, globe-trotting franchise.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Organizers are expecting more than 50,000 people to descend on Moscone Convention Center throughout the weekend, which will include \u003ca href=\"https://registration.pokemon.com/flow/pokemon/26sanfrancisco/landing/page/dailyschedule\">events \u003c/a>like scavenger hunts, opportunities to trade pins and playing cards, DJ booths playing classic Pokémon tracks and even panels featuring the minds behind this decades-spanning, globe-trotting franchise.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s only \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_World_Championships\">the second time ever \u003c/a>that San Francisco has hosted this super-popular annual event, and die-hard Pokémon players — known as trainers — and fans have been eagerly awaiting the \u003ca href=\"https://registration.pokemon.com/flow/pokemon/26sanfrancisco/landing/page/dailyschedule\">weekend’s events\u003c/a> for months. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>It’s only \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_World_Championships\">the second time ever \u003c/a>that San Francisco has hosted this super-popular annual event, and die-hard Pokémon players — known as trainers — and fans have been eagerly awaiting the \u003ca href=\"https://registration.pokemon.com/flow/pokemon/26sanfrancisco/landing/page/dailyschedule\">weekend’s events\u003c/a> for months. \u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Competitors.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Competitors-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Competitors-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/Pokemon_World_Championships_Competitors.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095947\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Competitors.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Competitors-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Competitors-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 2025 Pokémon World Championships on Aug. 15, 2025, in Anaheim, California.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of The Pokémon Company International)\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/Pokemon_World_Championships_Competitors.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095947\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 2025 Pokémon World Championships on Aug. 15, 2025, in Anaheim, California.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of The Pokémon Company International)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what to know about the championships, how to get involved and how street closures around SOMA could impact your commute.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what to know about the championships, how to get involved and how street closures around SOMA could impact your commute.\u003c/p>\n"
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"Jump straight to: Street closures in downtown San Francisco around the 2026 Pokémon World Championships "
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#road-closures\">Street closures in downtown San Francisco around the 2026 Pokémon World Championships \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#road-closures\">Street closures in downtown San Francisco around the 2026 Pokémon World Championships \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Who competes in the Pokémon World Championships, and how does the tournament work?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who competes in the Pokémon World Championships, and how does the tournament work?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who competes in the Pokémon World Championships, and how does the tournament work?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>First launched as a video game for the Game Boy console in 1996, Pokémon has since expanded to include movies, television, manga, trading cards, clothing and theme parks. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>First launched as a video game for the Game Boy console in 1996, Pokémon has since expanded to include movies, television, manga, trading cards, clothing and theme parks. \u003c/p>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And the franchise will be celebrating its 30th birthday — along with 10 years since the launch of the hit mobile app Pokémon GO — as part of the big weekend in San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And the franchise will be celebrating its 30th birthday — along with 10 years since the launch of the hit mobile app Pokémon GO — as part of the big weekend in San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Pokémon World Championships — also known as “Worlds” — feature the best trainers across different Pokémon platforms, including the Trading Card Game, Pokémon GO, UNITE and the newly released Pokémon Champions video game.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Pokémon World Championships — also known as “Worlds” — feature the best trainers across different Pokémon platforms, including the Trading Card Game, Pokémon GO, UNITE and the newly released Pokémon Champions video game.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Crowd.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Crowd-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Crowd-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/Pokemon_World_Championships_Crowd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095948\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Crowd.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Crowd-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Crowd-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 2025 Pokémon World Championships on Aug. 15, 2025, in Anaheim, California.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of The Pokémon Company International)\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/Pokemon_World_Championships_Crowd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095948\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 2025 Pokémon World Championships on Aug. 15, 2025, in Anaheim, California.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of The Pokémon Company International)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This is really the cream of the crop — the best of the best,” said Nick Salazar, from The Pokémon Company International’s public relations team.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“This is really the cream of the crop — the best of the best,” said Nick Salazar, from The Pokémon Company International’s public relations team.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To get an invitation to compete at Worlds, someone has to earn a certain amount of points, Salazar said. “You can earn points at your local hobby shop,” he said, adding that you can earn more points by competing at regional or international tournaments held year-round.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>To get an invitation to compete at Worlds, someone has to earn a certain amount of points, Salazar said. “You can earn points at your local hobby shop,” he said, adding that you can earn more points by competing at regional or international tournaments held year-round.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Most of the 2026 Pokémon World Championships will be held at Moscone, but the final matches will be at Chase Center on Sunday.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Most of the 2026 Pokémon World Championships will be held at Moscone, but the final matches will be at Chase Center on Sunday.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>At Worlds, both kids and adults compete in their own age-specific categories. The youngest category, junior, features players 12 or younger. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>At Worlds, both kids and adults compete in their own age-specific categories. The youngest category, junior, features players 12 or younger. \u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Can I go check out the 2026 Pokémon World Championships myself?",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I go check out the 2026 Pokémon World Championships myself?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I go check out the 2026 Pokémon World Championships myself?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Sign-ups for the 2026 Pokémon World Championships’ “interest lists” for badge purchases began months ago, and the last available sign-up list — for single-day access — recently closed.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Sign-ups for the 2026 Pokémon World Championships’ “interest lists” for badge purchases began months ago, and the last available sign-up list — for single-day access — recently closed.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So unfortunately, all that buzz means that if you were hoping to casually check out the festivities as a spectator, entry badges for both the Pokémon World Championships and PokémonXP fan convention are \u003ca href=\"https://registration.pokemon.com/flow/pokemon/26sanfrancisco/landing/page/main\">completely sold out \u003c/a>— and you can’t enter Moscone Center next weekend without one.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>So unfortunately, all that buzz means that if you were hoping to casually check out the festivities as a spectator, entry badges for both the Pokémon World Championships and PokémonXP fan convention are \u003ca href=\"https://registration.pokemon.com/flow/pokemon/26sanfrancisco/landing/page/main\">completely sold out \u003c/a>— and you can’t enter Moscone Center next weekend without one.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Pikachu.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Pikachu-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Pikachu-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/Pokemon_World_Championships_Pikachu.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095949\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Pikachu.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Pikachu-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Pikachu-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 2025 Pokémon World Championships on Aug. 15, 2025, in Anaheim, California.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of The Pokémon Company International)\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/Pokemon_World_Championships_Pikachu.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095949\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 2025 Pokémon World Championships on Aug. 15, 2025, in Anaheim, California.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of The Pokémon Company International)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Thinking about buying a badge from someone else online? Keep in mind that this comes with big risks. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Thinking about buying a badge from someone else online? Keep in mind that this comes with big risks. \u003c/p>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If someone bought a badge, that’s linked to both their name and their Pokémon Trainer Central account. When you show up to Moscone Center, you will have to show a government-issued ID to pick up your badge.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If someone bought a badge, that’s linked to both their name and their Pokémon Trainer Central account. When you show up to Moscone Center, you will have to show a government-issued ID to pick up your badge.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On Reddit, users \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/pokemon/comments/1t6kvzg/pokemon_2026_world_championship_arena_pass_sold/\">have cautioned\u003c/a> against paying money for someone else’s badge, with some saying it’s very likely that you would fall for a scam.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>On Reddit, users \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/pokemon/comments/1t6kvzg/pokemon_2026_world_championship_arena_pass_sold/\">have cautioned\u003c/a> against paying money for someone else’s badge, with some saying it’s very likely that you would fall for a scam.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "If I can’t go in person, how else can I get involved with the 2026 Pokémon World Championships?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If I can’t go in person, how else can I get involved with the 2026 Pokémon World Championships?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If I can’t go in person, how else can I get involved with the 2026 Pokémon World Championships?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can watch livestreams of the competitions, panels and award ceremonies for free on \u003ca href=\"http://pokemonxp.com\">PokemonXP.com\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can watch livestreams of the competitions, panels and award ceremonies for free on \u003ca href=\"http://pokemonxp.com\">PokemonXP.com\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Ahead of the big weekend, the San Francisco Giants will be hosting a \u003ca href=\"https://www.mlb.com/giants/tickets/specials/pokemon-worlds-night\">Pokémon Worlds Night\u003c/a> — which includes Pokémon GO activations around Oracle Park and a themed drone show — during their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday, Aug. 27. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Ahead of the big weekend, the San Francisco Giants will be hosting a \u003ca href=\"https://www.mlb.com/giants/tickets/specials/pokemon-worlds-night\">Pokémon Worlds Night\u003c/a> — which includes Pokémon GO activations around Oracle Park and a themed drone show — during their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday, Aug. 27. \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/10/2026/07/GettyImages-2208881091.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12090146\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/GettyImages-2208881091.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/GettyImages-2208881091-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/GettyImages-2208881091-1536x1037.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mike Yastrzemski and Heliot Ramos of the San Francisco Giants celebrate after Yastrzemski hit a three-run home run against the Seattle Mariners in the bottom of the fourth inning at Oracle Park on April 6, 2025 in San Francisco, California. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Thearon W. Henderson/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/10/2026/07/GettyImages-2208881091.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12090146\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mike Yastrzemski and Heliot Ramos of the San Francisco Giants celebrate after Yastrzemski hit a three-run home run against the Seattle Mariners in the bottom of the fourth inning at Oracle Park on April 6, 2025 in San Francisco, California. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While tickets for Pokémon Worlds Night itself are currently \u003ca href=\"https://www.mlb.com/giants/tickets/specials/drone-show\">sold out\u003c/a>, single-game tickets \u003ca href=\"https://www.mlb.com/giants/tickets/single-game-tickets#game=823179\">are still available\u003c/a> for the Giants-Diamondbacks game — and according to the Giants’ site, you can stay to watch the drone show afterward. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>While tickets for Pokémon Worlds Night itself are currently \u003ca href=\"https://www.mlb.com/giants/tickets/specials/drone-show\">sold out\u003c/a>, single-game tickets \u003ca href=\"https://www.mlb.com/giants/tickets/single-game-tickets#game=823179\">are still available\u003c/a> for the Giants-Diamondbacks game — and according to the Giants’ site, you can stay to watch the drone show afterward. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But if you were hoping to snag a special Worlds Pikachu Jersey designed for the occasion, bad news: the item has sold out already. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But if you were hoping to snag a special Worlds Pikachu Jersey designed for the occasion, bad news: the item has sold out already. \u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "Will the 2026 Pokémon World Championships mean any road closures in San Francisco?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Yes: According to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, the event will spell street closures and traffic detours in the SOMA neighborhood around the Moscone Center — not just during the Aug. 28-30 event period, but starting Tuesday, Aug. 19, and lasting into Tuesday, Sept. 1.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Yes: According to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, the event will spell street closures and traffic detours in the SOMA neighborhood around the Moscone Center — not just during the Aug. 28-30 event period, but starting Tuesday, Aug. 19, and lasting into Tuesday, Sept. 1.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The biggest closures will be:\u003c/p>\n",
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"A full closure of Howard Street between Third and Fourth streets (starts 6 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, ends 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1.)",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>A full closure of Howard Street between Third and Fourth streets (starts 6 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, ends 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1.)\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>A full closure of a stretch of Minna Street by Fourth Street (from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily from Tuesday, Aug. 25, to Sunday, Aug. 30)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>A full closure of a stretch of Minna Street by Fourth Street (from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily from Tuesday, Aug. 25, to Sunday, Aug. 30)\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/2026-pok%C3%A9mon-world-championship-friday-sunday-august-28-30-2026\">See the full list of street closures for the 2026 Pokémon World Championships.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/2026-pok%C3%A9mon-world-championship-friday-sunday-august-28-30-2026\">See the full list of street closures for the 2026 Pokémon World Championships.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Parking garages in the area will remain fully open to the public during the 2026 Pokémon World Championships. And while there’ll be no impact on Muni service, SFMTA warns that “some minor delays may be possible in the area.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Parking garages in the area will remain fully open to the public during the 2026 Pokémon World Championships. And while there’ll be no impact on Muni service, SFMTA warns that “some minor delays may be possible in the area.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "What to know about the incredibly popular annual event coming to the Bay Area next weekend, how you can participate and street closures to know.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Next week, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> will host the 2026 Pokémon World Championships — along with the inaugural PokémonXP fan convention — from Friday, Aug. 28, through Sunday, Aug. 30.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Organizers are expecting more than 50,000 people to descend on Moscone Convention Center throughout the weekend, which will include \u003ca href=\"https://registration.pokemon.com/flow/pokemon/26sanfrancisco/landing/page/dailyschedule\">events \u003c/a>like scavenger hunts, opportunities to trade pins and playing cards, DJ booths playing classic Pokémon tracks and even panels featuring the minds behind this decades-spanning, globe-trotting franchise.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s only \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_World_Championships\">the second time ever \u003c/a>that San Francisco has hosted this super-popular annual event, and die-hard Pokémon players — known as trainers — and fans have been eagerly awaiting the \u003ca href=\"https://registration.pokemon.com/flow/pokemon/26sanfrancisco/landing/page/dailyschedule\">weekend’s events\u003c/a> for months. \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/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Competitors.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095947\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Competitors.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Competitors-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Competitors-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 2025 Pokémon World Championships on Aug. 15, 2025, in Anaheim, California. (Courtesy of The Pokémon Company International)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what to know about the championships, how to get involved and how street closures around SOMA could impact your commute.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#road-closures\">Street closures in downtown San Francisco around the 2026 Pokémon World Championships \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who competes in the Pokémon World Championships, and how does the tournament work?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>First launched as a video game for the Game Boy console in 1996, Pokémon has since expanded to include movies, television, manga, trading cards, clothing and theme parks. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And the franchise will be celebrating its 30th birthday — along with 10 years since the launch of the hit mobile app Pokémon GO — as part of the big weekend in San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Pokémon World Championships — also known as “Worlds” — feature the best trainers across different Pokémon platforms, including the Trading Card Game, Pokémon GO, UNITE and the newly released Pokémon Champions video game.\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/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Crowd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095948\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Crowd.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Crowd-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Crowd-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 2025 Pokémon World Championships on Aug. 15, 2025, in Anaheim, California. (Courtesy of The Pokémon Company International)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This is really the cream of the crop — the best of the best,” said Nick Salazar, from The Pokémon Company International’s public relations team.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To get an invitation to compete at Worlds, someone has to earn a certain amount of points, Salazar said. “You can earn points at your local hobby shop,” he said, adding that you can earn more points by competing at regional or international tournaments held year-round.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Most of the 2026 Pokémon World Championships will be held at Moscone, but the final matches will be at Chase Center on Sunday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At Worlds, both kids and adults compete in their own age-specific categories. The youngest category, junior, features players 12 or younger. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I go check out the 2026 Pokémon World Championships myself?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Sign-ups for the 2026 Pokémon World Championships’ “interest lists” for badge purchases began months ago, and the last available sign-up list — for single-day access — recently closed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So unfortunately, all that buzz means that if you were hoping to casually check out the festivities as a spectator, entry badges for both the Pokémon World Championships and PokémonXP fan convention are \u003ca href=\"https://registration.pokemon.com/flow/pokemon/26sanfrancisco/landing/page/main\">completely sold out \u003c/a>— and you can’t enter Moscone Center next weekend without one.\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/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Pikachu.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095949\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Pikachu.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Pikachu-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Pokemon_World_Championships_Pikachu-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 2025 Pokémon World Championships on Aug. 15, 2025, in Anaheim, California. (Courtesy of The Pokémon Company International)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Thinking about buying a badge from someone else online? Keep in mind that this comes with big risks. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If someone bought a badge, that’s linked to both their name and their Pokémon Trainer Central account. When you show up to Moscone Center, you will have to show a government-issued ID to pick up your badge.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On Reddit, users \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/pokemon/comments/1t6kvzg/pokemon_2026_world_championship_arena_pass_sold/\">have cautioned\u003c/a> against paying money for someone else’s badge, with some saying it’s very likely that you would fall for a scam.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If I can’t go in person, how else can I get involved with the 2026 Pokémon World Championships?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can watch livestreams of the competitions, panels and award ceremonies for free on \u003ca href=\"http://pokemonxp.com\">PokemonXP.com\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ahead of the big weekend, the San Francisco Giants will be hosting a \u003ca href=\"https://www.mlb.com/giants/tickets/specials/pokemon-worlds-night\">Pokémon Worlds Night\u003c/a> — which includes Pokémon GO activations around Oracle Park and a themed drone show — during their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday, Aug. 27. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1337\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/GettyImages-2208881091.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12090146\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/GettyImages-2208881091.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/GettyImages-2208881091-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/GettyImages-2208881091-1536x1037.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mike Yastrzemski and Heliot Ramos of the San Francisco Giants celebrate after Yastrzemski hit a three-run home run against the Seattle Mariners in the bottom of the fourth inning at Oracle Park on April 6, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While tickets for Pokémon Worlds Night itself are currently \u003ca href=\"https://www.mlb.com/giants/tickets/specials/drone-show\">sold out\u003c/a>, single-game tickets \u003ca href=\"https://www.mlb.com/giants/tickets/single-game-tickets#game=823179\">are still available\u003c/a> for the Giants-Diamondbacks game — and according to the Giants’ site, you can stay to watch the drone show afterward. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But if you were hoping to snag a special Worlds Pikachu Jersey designed for the occasion, bad news: the item has sold out already. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"road-closures\">Will the 2026 Pokémon World Championships mean any road closures in San Francisco?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Yes: According to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, the event will spell street closures and traffic detours in the SOMA neighborhood around the Moscone Center — not just during the Aug. 28-30 event period, but starting Tuesday, Aug. 19, and lasting into Tuesday, Sept. 1.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The biggest closures will be:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>A full closure of Howard Street between Third and Fourth streets (starts 6 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, ends 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1.)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>A full closure of a stretch of Minna Street by Fourth Street (from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily from Tuesday, Aug. 25, to Sunday, Aug. 30)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/2026-pok%C3%A9mon-world-championship-friday-sunday-august-28-30-2026\">See the full list of street closures for the 2026 Pokémon World Championships.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Parking garages in the area will remain fully open to the public during the 2026 Pokémon World Championships. And while there’ll be no impact on Muni service, SFMTA warns that “some minor delays may be possible in the area.”\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\u003cp>In the last few weeks, a nightmare \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/housing\">housing\u003c/a> scam sent shockwaves across the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A scam so fiendish that even Reddit users — not always known for their compassion — \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/sanfrancisco/comments/1vdozwj/i_got_scammed_out_of_18600_for_a_rental_scam\">were sympathetic\u003c/a> to the target. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Earlier this month, San Francisco resident Alvin Tran posted online about how he lost over $18,000 in a rental scam last month.\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/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-13-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095528\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-13-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-13-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-13-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alvin Tran walks the streets of the Duboce Triangle on Aug. 14, 2026, in San Francisco. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tran’s story soon made \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/how-savvy-renter-lost-18k-real-estate-scam-22374427.php\">headlines\u003c/a> — and not just because of how much money he lost to someone claiming to be the owner of a highly coveted apartment in the city’s Duboce Triangle neighborhood.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It also has renters across the region thinking: As scammers adopt more advanced technology and strategies in \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/realestate/article/rent-bedroom-home-san-francisco-22373582.php\">an increasingly expensive rental market\u003c/a>, what can you do to avoid being the next target?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘So elaborate and sophisticated’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As Tran told KQED, he first saw the Duboce apartment listed on Craigslist and began messaging the person behind the listing, who claimed to be the building’s owner.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That person invited Tran to check out the rental — at a real open house, hosted by the real owner. But Tran didn’t know that the owner never listed the apartment on Craigslist. The open house was so busy that he said he barely got a chance to talk to the landlord.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After the open house, he wired $18,600 to the Craigslist “landlord,” which included first and last months’ rent, along with a security deposit. On the day Tran was meant to pick up the keys at the apartment, nobody showed — and his panicked messages to the person he believed to be his new landlord went unanswered.\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/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-10-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095527\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-10-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-10-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-10-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alvin Tran walks the streets of the Duboce Triangle on Aug. 14, 2026, in San Francisco. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It was all so elaborate and sophisticated that I just couldn’t believe that it was a scam,” Tran told KQED. And the complexity of the scam — with a bad actor inserting themselves online between a renter and an actual landlord — has even surprised local officials. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“[Tran] really didn’t do anything wrong here. He took nearly every precaution that a reasonable person could take,” said Amanda Fried, chief assistant treasurer for San Francisco, who’s part of a \u003ca href=\"https://sftreasurer.org/san-francisco-becomes-first-city-country-build-unified-response-scams\">citywide initiative\u003c/a> launched this summer to prevent fraud and support victims.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Some industry experts say it’s getting harder to spot a scam as fraudsters depend more on AI. Historically, an email with poor grammar or a strange voice on the phone could raise red flags, said Clayton LiaBraaten, spokesperson for Truecaller, a company that identifies and blocks fraudulent calls. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Now, I can have a perfectly scripted voice, email or text message,” LiaBraaten said. “These scammers are very accomplished at AI.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But renters, take a breath — the battle is not lost. There are still several strategies to catch a scam before losing any money, even if technology is making everything more complicated. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what experts told KQED you should do before handing over any money to someone online that claims to lease the home you want.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip 1: How much are they asking for upfront?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When Tran visited the open house, he loved the apartment but saw that he wasn’t the only one. He spotted six other groups, and someone had even shown up with a completed application.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I was feeling the pressure: How do I make myself stand out? How do I secure the apartment?” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So after the open house, Tran wrote to the individual who made the Craigslist post and said he was willing to put money down immediately to secure the lease. The individual asked for first and last month’s rent, along with an additional deposit — totaling $18,600.\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/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-06-MC_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095538\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-06-MC_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-06-MC_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-06-MC_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alvin Tran poses for a portrait in Duboce Park on Aug. 14, 2026, in San Francisco. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The sheer amount here is immediately a red flag, said Ora Prochovnick, director of litigation for the San Francisco renters’ rights group, Eviction Defense Collaborative. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Why: In 2023, state lawmakers \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202320240ab12\">approved Assembly Bill 12\u003c/a>, which limits how much landlords can charge a renter upfront. Most property owners are now prohibited from charging tenants an amount that’s greater than two months of rent.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If one month’s rent at an apartment you are looking at is $3,000 a month, the landlord can only charge you an additional $3,000 deposit — and can only charge a maximum of $6,000 upfront.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Some landlords may have different names for a deposit payment, like “security deposit,” “last month’s rent deposit” or “cleaning deposit”.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“But it doesn’t matter what they call it,” Prochovnick said. “If the landlord is taking the money at the start of the tenancy and will be holding it for the duration of the time the tenant lives there, the most that they can [ask for as a deposit] is one time the rent.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are some exceptions: Property owners with four rental units or less across two different properties are allowed to charge more. But all renters should take a pause if they are asked for a deposit that exceeds AB 12’s limit, Prochovnick said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It doesn’t stop a scam, but it would at least reduce the amount that you lose,” she said, adding that it’s likely Tran’s scammer didn’t know about this law. There are many rules California landlords have to follow, and someone claiming to be one is expected to keep track of them.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip 2: Cross-reference the property across different platforms\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you find a home you like on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, it’s a good idea to also look up the address on real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia or Apartments.com.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“As a diligent consumer, I should be ensuring that the contact details are the same [across websites],” Prochovnick said. “What’s the full name of the person to be identified? Is the rent price the same? The agent names should match perfectly.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In Tran’s case, the person on Craigslist \u003cem>was \u003c/em>also using the real landlord’s name. When the Craigslist scammer ghosted him once the money was wired, Tran panicked and checked the apartment’s Zillow listing. \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/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-08-MC_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095539\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-08-MC_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-08-MC_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-08-MC_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alvin Tran walks the streets of the Duboce Triangle on Aug. 14, 2026, in San Francisco. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He ended up finding the \u003cem>real\u003c/em> owner, who never received any payment. “That’s when I got the confirmation that the Craigslist did not belong to the owner,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tran said that in the years leading up to this incident, he’d found two old apartments on Craigslist without any problem.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But LiaBraaten from Truecaller said he’d advise would-be renters to use this site with caution. Instead, “Deal with platforms that are specifically dedicated to the rental market,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Craigslist did not immediately return KQED’s request for comment.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip 3: Confirm property ownership yourself\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Once you’ve cross-referenced online listings, go to the official source. Your city’s planning department or assessor-recorder’s office may have an online portal where you can look up an address and find whose name is linked to the property. In some cases, you may have to go to city hall to do this in person.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>“\u003c/strong>We should especially be doing that if we’re dealing with an independent landlord rather than with a property management company,” Prochovnick said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She also recommended you always visit the property yourself. If the landlord keeps giving you reasons for why you can’t visit, that’s another red flag. “Never fall for that. You have to physically visit the property,” she said.\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/10/2026/01/001_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12069652\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/001_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-1.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/001_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/001_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Apartment buildings in Nob Hill in San Francisco on July 29, 2021. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Of course, Tran \u003cem>did\u003c/em> visit the property — which is why it’s also crucial to use any visit to “physically confirm the identity of the person who’s showing you the place,” Prochovnick said. “Ask them for their real estate license number, their corporate credentials or some kind of ID.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tran admitted that he didn’t do this at the open house. There were so many people there that day that he barely got a chance to speak with the owner, he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“But I think had I just done that and gone the extra mile to verify his contact information, this whole scam would have fallen apart,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip 4: Be cautious of direct bank transfers\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>All experts KQED spoke with were very clear about avoiding direct transfers from your bank account — also known as wire transfers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Don’t wire money, don’t use crypto, don’t use those digital apps that we’ve all come to love like Venmo and Zelle,” Prochovnick said, “because you’re not protected when you use those tools.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In her experience, most real estate management companies take payments via credit card or check.\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/10/2026/01/024_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12069627\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/024_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/024_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/024_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 Nob Hill in San Francisco on July 29, 2021. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If you pay with a credit card, you could get the payment canceled, and you have fraud protection through your credit card company,” she said. “If you do it with a check or money order, you could stop payment on the check.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you still are going to wire money, LiaBraaten from Truecaller recommended you verify the destination and ask if the recipient’s information makes sense to you. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Verify: Is this going to an individual or to a business entity?” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip 5: Keep a record of what’s going on\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even if it all \u003cem>feels\u003c/em> legit, keep a record of every interaction you have with the person claiming to be the property owner. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Screenshot online listings, emails, payments and text messages — especially if you’re communicating on a platform like WhatsApp, where one user can delete messages for everyone else in the chat.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When you are about to sign a contract or put down a deposit, you should document every step of the way … so that you’re able to reconstruct [what happened],” LiaBraaten said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Having a complete timeline of what happened will be invaluable if it ends up being a scam and you decide to report what happened to law enforcement. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This is something Tran did very well — when he alerted the San Francisco Police Department, he was able to share every piece of communication he had with the scammer.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>However, in the weeks since Tran filed a report, he said that law enforcement has yet to contact him directly in response.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip 6: Don’t let the pressure of apartment hunting get to you\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Perhaps what makes Tran’s case a true Bay Area story is the huge pressure he felt as he looked for a new home amid a competitive rental market.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>His attempt to secure the Duboce apartment was spurred by a rent hike of almost 20% at his current spot — way past what he said he can afford.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Partly fueled by the AI boom, rents in San Francisco have risen this year \u003ca href=\"https://oaklandside.org/2026/06/04/oakland-artificial-intelligence-ai-housing-rents-san-francisco/\">faster than anywhere else\u003c/a> in the country, and the rest of the Bay Area is starting to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/realestate/article/rent-price-apartment-oakland-22329281.php\">feel the heat\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/10/2025/10/012_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 Nob Hill in San Francisco on July 29, 2021. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But Prochovnick said not to let the pressure prevent you from doing your due diligence when it comes to finding a new home.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You’re tempted to go ahead and wire money — even though it’s not safe — so that you could go to the head of the line,” she said. “This anxiety about the shortage of affordable units is absolutely inducing people to be more susceptible to scams.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And when rents are so high here, she said, “it’s creating a greater incentive to \u003cem>be \u003c/em>a scammer.”\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It also has renters across the region thinking: As scammers adopt more advanced technology and strategies in \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/realestate/article/rent-bedroom-home-san-francisco-22373582.php\">an increasingly expensive rental market\u003c/a>, what can you do to avoid being the next target?\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It also has renters across the region thinking: As scammers adopt more advanced technology and strategies in \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/realestate/article/rent-bedroom-home-san-francisco-22373582.php\">an increasingly expensive rental market\u003c/a>, what can you do to avoid being the next target?\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerBlocks": []
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "‘So elaborate and sophisticated’",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘So elaborate and sophisticated’\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘So elaborate and sophisticated’\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As Tran told KQED, he first saw the Duboce apartment listed on Craigslist and began messaging the person behind the listing, who claimed to be the building’s owner.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>As Tran told KQED, he first saw the Duboce apartment listed on Craigslist and began messaging the person behind the listing, who claimed to be the building’s owner.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That person invited Tran to check out the rental — at a real open house, hosted by the real owner. But Tran didn’t know that the owner never listed the apartment on Craigslist. The open house was so busy that he said he barely got a chance to talk to the landlord.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>That person invited Tran to check out the rental — at a real open house, hosted by the real owner. But Tran didn’t know that the owner never listed the apartment on Craigslist. The open house was so busy that he said he barely got a chance to talk to the landlord.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After the open house, he wired $18,600 to the Craigslist “landlord,” which included first and last months’ rent, along with a security deposit. On the day Tran was meant to pick up the keys at the apartment, nobody showed — and his panicked messages to the person he believed to be his new landlord went unanswered.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>After the open house, he wired $18,600 to the Craigslist “landlord,” which included first and last months’ rent, along with a security deposit. On the day Tran was meant to pick up the keys at the apartment, nobody showed — and his panicked messages to the person he believed to be his new landlord went unanswered.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-10-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-10-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-10-MC-KQED-1536x1025.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/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-10-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095527\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-10-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-10-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-10-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\">Alvin Tran walks the streets of the Duboce Triangle on Aug. 14, 2026, in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-10-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095527\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alvin Tran walks the streets of the Duboce Triangle on Aug. 14, 2026, in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It was all so elaborate and sophisticated that I just couldn’t believe that it was a scam,” Tran told KQED. And the complexity of the scam — with a bad actor inserting themselves online between a renter and an actual landlord — has even surprised local officials. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“It was all so elaborate and sophisticated that I just couldn’t believe that it was a scam,” Tran told KQED. And the complexity of the scam — with a bad actor inserting themselves online between a renter and an actual landlord — has even surprised local officials. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“[Tran] really didn’t do anything wrong here. He took nearly every precaution that a reasonable person could take,” said Amanda Fried, chief assistant treasurer for San Francisco, who’s part of a \u003ca href=\"https://sftreasurer.org/san-francisco-becomes-first-city-country-build-unified-response-scams\">citywide initiative\u003c/a> launched this summer to prevent fraud and support victims.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“[Tran] really didn’t do anything wrong here. He took nearly every precaution that a reasonable person could take,” said Amanda Fried, chief assistant treasurer for San Francisco, who’s part of a \u003ca href=\"https://sftreasurer.org/san-francisco-becomes-first-city-country-build-unified-response-scams\">citywide initiative\u003c/a> launched this summer to prevent fraud and support victims.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Some industry experts say it’s getting harder to spot a scam as fraudsters depend more on AI. Historically, an email with poor grammar or a strange voice on the phone could raise red flags, said Clayton LiaBraaten, spokesperson for Truecaller, a company that identifies and blocks fraudulent calls. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Some industry experts say it’s getting harder to spot a scam as fraudsters depend more on AI. Historically, an email with poor grammar or a strange voice on the phone could raise red flags, said Clayton LiaBraaten, spokesperson for Truecaller, a company that identifies and blocks fraudulent calls. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Now, I can have a perfectly scripted voice, email or text message,” LiaBraaten said. “These scammers are very accomplished at AI.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Now, I can have a perfectly scripted voice, email or text message,” LiaBraaten said. “These scammers are very accomplished at AI.”\u003c/p>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But renters, take a breath — the battle is not lost. There are still several strategies to catch a scam before losing any money, even if technology is making everything more complicated. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But renters, take a breath — the battle is not lost. There are still several strategies to catch a scam before losing any money, even if technology is making everything more complicated. \u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what experts told KQED you should do before handing over any money to someone online that claims to lease the home you want.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what experts told KQED you should do before handing over any money to someone online that claims to lease the home you want.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Tip 1: How much are they asking for upfront?",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip 1: How much are they asking for upfront?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip 1: How much are they asking for upfront?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>When Tran visited the open house, he loved the apartment but saw that he wasn’t the only one. He spotted six other groups, and someone had even shown up with a completed application.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>When Tran visited the open house, he loved the apartment but saw that he wasn’t the only one. He spotted six other groups, and someone had even shown up with a completed application.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I was feeling the pressure: How do I make myself stand out? How do I secure the apartment?” he said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I was feeling the pressure: How do I make myself stand out? How do I secure the apartment?” he said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So after the open house, Tran wrote to the individual who made the Craigslist post and said he was willing to put money down immediately to secure the lease. The individual asked for first and last month’s rent, along with an additional deposit — totaling $18,600.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>So after the open house, Tran wrote to the individual who made the Craigslist post and said he was willing to put money down immediately to secure the lease. The individual asked for first and last month’s rent, along with an additional deposit — totaling $18,600.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-06-MC_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-06-MC_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-06-MC_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/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-06-MC_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095538\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-06-MC_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-06-MC_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-06-MC_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\">Alvin Tran poses for a portrait in Duboce Park on Aug. 14, 2026, in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-06-MC_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095538\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alvin Tran poses for a portrait in Duboce Park on Aug. 14, 2026, in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The sheer amount here is immediately a red flag, said Ora Prochovnick, director of litigation for the San Francisco renters’ rights group, Eviction Defense Collaborative. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The sheer amount here is immediately a red flag, said Ora Prochovnick, director of litigation for the San Francisco renters’ rights group, Eviction Defense Collaborative. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Why: In 2023, state lawmakers \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202320240ab12\">approved Assembly Bill 12\u003c/a>, which limits how much landlords can charge a renter upfront. Most property owners are now prohibited from charging tenants an amount that’s greater than two months of rent.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Why: In 2023, state lawmakers \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202320240ab12\">approved Assembly Bill 12\u003c/a>, which limits how much landlords can charge a renter upfront. Most property owners are now prohibited from charging tenants an amount that’s greater than two months of rent.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If one month’s rent at an apartment you are looking at is $3,000 a month, the landlord can only charge you an additional $3,000 deposit — and can only charge a maximum of $6,000 upfront.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If one month’s rent at an apartment you are looking at is $3,000 a month, the landlord can only charge you an additional $3,000 deposit — and can only charge a maximum of $6,000 upfront.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
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"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Some landlords may have different names for a deposit payment, like “security deposit,” “last month’s rent deposit” or “cleaning deposit”.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Some landlords may have different names for a deposit payment, like “security deposit,” “last month’s rent deposit” or “cleaning deposit”.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“But it doesn’t matter what they call it,” Prochovnick said. “If the landlord is taking the money at the start of the tenancy and will be holding it for the duration of the time the tenant lives there, the most that they can [ask for as a deposit] is one time the rent.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“But it doesn’t matter what they call it,” Prochovnick said. “If the landlord is taking the money at the start of the tenancy and will be holding it for the duration of the time the tenant lives there, the most that they can [ask for as a deposit] is one time the rent.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There are some exceptions: Property owners with four rental units or less across two different properties are allowed to charge more. But all renters should take a pause if they are asked for a deposit that exceeds AB 12’s limit, Prochovnick said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>There are some exceptions: Property owners with four rental units or less across two different properties are allowed to charge more. But all renters should take a pause if they are asked for a deposit that exceeds AB 12’s limit, Prochovnick said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It doesn’t stop a scam, but it would at least reduce the amount that you lose,” she said, adding that it’s likely Tran’s scammer didn’t know about this law. There are many rules California landlords have to follow, and someone claiming to be one is expected to keep track of them.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“It doesn’t stop a scam, but it would at least reduce the amount that you lose,” she said, adding that it’s likely Tran’s scammer didn’t know about this law. There are many rules California landlords have to follow, and someone claiming to be one is expected to keep track of them.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Tip 2: Cross-reference the property across different platforms",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip 2: Cross-reference the property across different platforms\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip 2: Cross-reference the property across different platforms\u003c/h2>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you find a home you like on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, it’s a good idea to also look up the address on real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia or Apartments.com.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you find a home you like on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, it’s a good idea to also look up the address on real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia or Apartments.com.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“As a diligent consumer, I should be ensuring that the contact details are the same [across websites],” Prochovnick said. “What’s the full name of the person to be identified? Is the rent price the same? The agent names should match perfectly.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“As a diligent consumer, I should be ensuring that the contact details are the same [across websites],” Prochovnick said. “What’s the full name of the person to be identified? Is the rent price the same? The agent names should match perfectly.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In Tran’s case, the person on Craigslist \u003cem>was \u003c/em>also using the real landlord’s name. When the Craigslist scammer ghosted him once the money was wired, Tran panicked and checked the apartment’s Zillow listing. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>In Tran’s case, the person on Craigslist \u003cem>was \u003c/em>also using the real landlord’s name. When the Craigslist scammer ghosted him once the money was wired, Tran panicked and checked the apartment’s Zillow listing. \u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-08-MC_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-08-MC_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-08-MC_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/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-08-MC_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095539\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-08-MC_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-08-MC_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-08-MC_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\">Alvin Tran walks the streets of the Duboce Triangle on Aug. 14, 2026, in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-08-MC_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095539\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alvin Tran walks the streets of the Duboce Triangle on Aug. 14, 2026, in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerBlocks": []
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{
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"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>He ended up finding the \u003cem>real\u003c/em> owner, who never received any payment. “That’s when I got the confirmation that the Craigslist did not belong to the owner,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>He ended up finding the \u003cem>real\u003c/em> owner, who never received any payment. “That’s when I got the confirmation that the Craigslist did not belong to the owner,” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Tran said that in the years leading up to this incident, he’d found two old apartments on Craigslist without any problem.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Tran said that in the years leading up to this incident, he’d found two old apartments on Craigslist without any problem.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But LiaBraaten from Truecaller said he’d advise would-be renters to use this site with caution. Instead, “Deal with platforms that are specifically dedicated to the rental market,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But LiaBraaten from Truecaller said he’d advise would-be renters to use this site with caution. Instead, “Deal with platforms that are specifically dedicated to the rental market,” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
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"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Craigslist did not immediately return KQED’s request for comment.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Craigslist did not immediately return KQED’s request for comment.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Tip 3: Confirm property ownership yourself",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip 3: Confirm property ownership yourself\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip 3: Confirm property ownership yourself\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Once you’ve cross-referenced online listings, go to the official source. Your city’s planning department or assessor-recorder’s office may have an online portal where you can look up an address and find whose name is linked to the property. In some cases, you may have to go to city hall to do this in person.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>“\u003c/strong>We should especially be doing that if we’re dealing with an independent landlord rather than with a property management company,” Prochovnick said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>She also recommended you always visit the property yourself. If the landlord keeps giving you reasons for why you can’t visit, that’s another red flag. “Never fall for that. You have to physically visit the property,” she said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Of course, Tran \u003cem>did\u003c/em> visit the property — which is why it’s also crucial to use any visit to “physically confirm the identity of the person who’s showing you the place,” Prochovnick said. “Ask them for their real estate license number, their corporate credentials or some kind of ID.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Tran admitted that he didn’t do this at the open house. There were so many people there that day that he barely got a chance to speak with the owner, he said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“But I think had I just done that and gone the extra mile to verify his contact information, this whole scam would have fallen apart,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>All experts KQED spoke with were very clear about avoiding direct transfers from your bank account — also known as wire transfers.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Don’t wire money, don’t use crypto, don’t use those digital apps that we’ve all come to love like Venmo and Zelle,” Prochovnick said, “because you’re not protected when you use those tools.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If you pay with a credit card, you could get the payment canceled, and you have fraud protection through your credit card company,” she said. “If you do it with a check or money order, you could stop payment on the check.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if you still are going to wire money, LiaBraaten from Truecaller recommended you verify the destination and ask if the recipient’s information makes sense to you. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerContent": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“When you are about to sign a contract or put down a deposit, you should document every step of the way … so that you’re able to reconstruct [what happened],” LiaBraaten said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Having a complete timeline of what happened will be invaluable if it ends up being a scam and you decide to report what happened to law enforcement. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This is something Tran did very well — when he alerted the San Francisco Police Department, he was able to share every piece of communication he had with the scammer.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Perhaps what makes Tran’s case a true Bay Area story is the huge pressure he felt as he looked for a new home amid a competitive rental market.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>His attempt to secure the Duboce apartment was spurred by a rent hike of almost 20% at his current spot — way past what he said he can afford.\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>In the last few weeks, a nightmare \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/housing\">housing\u003c/a> scam sent shockwaves across the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A scam so fiendish that even Reddit users — not always known for their compassion — \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/sanfrancisco/comments/1vdozwj/i_got_scammed_out_of_18600_for_a_rental_scam\">were sympathetic\u003c/a> to the target. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Earlier this month, San Francisco resident Alvin Tran posted online about how he lost over $18,000 in a rental scam last month.\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/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-13-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095528\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-13-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-13-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-13-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alvin Tran walks the streets of the Duboce Triangle on Aug. 14, 2026, in San Francisco. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tran’s story soon made \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/how-savvy-renter-lost-18k-real-estate-scam-22374427.php\">headlines\u003c/a> — and not just because of how much money he lost to someone claiming to be the owner of a highly coveted apartment in the city’s Duboce Triangle neighborhood.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It also has renters across the region thinking: As scammers adopt more advanced technology and strategies in \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/realestate/article/rent-bedroom-home-san-francisco-22373582.php\">an increasingly expensive rental market\u003c/a>, what can you do to avoid being the next target?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘So elaborate and sophisticated’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As Tran told KQED, he first saw the Duboce apartment listed on Craigslist and began messaging the person behind the listing, who claimed to be the building’s owner.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That person invited Tran to check out the rental — at a real open house, hosted by the real owner. But Tran didn’t know that the owner never listed the apartment on Craigslist. The open house was so busy that he said he barely got a chance to talk to the landlord.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After the open house, he wired $18,600 to the Craigslist “landlord,” which included first and last months’ rent, along with a security deposit. On the day Tran was meant to pick up the keys at the apartment, nobody showed — and his panicked messages to the person he believed to be his new landlord went unanswered.\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/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-10-MC-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095527\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-10-MC-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-10-MC-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RENTALSCAM-10-MC-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alvin Tran walks the streets of the Duboce Triangle on Aug. 14, 2026, in San Francisco. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It was all so elaborate and sophisticated that I just couldn’t believe that it was a scam,” Tran told KQED. And the complexity of the scam — with a bad actor inserting themselves online between a renter and an actual landlord — has even surprised local officials. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“[Tran] really didn’t do anything wrong here. He took nearly every precaution that a reasonable person could take,” said Amanda Fried, chief assistant treasurer for San Francisco, who’s part of a \u003ca href=\"https://sftreasurer.org/san-francisco-becomes-first-city-country-build-unified-response-scams\">citywide initiative\u003c/a> launched this summer to prevent fraud and support victims.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Some industry experts say it’s getting harder to spot a scam as fraudsters depend more on AI. Historically, an email with poor grammar or a strange voice on the phone could raise red flags, said Clayton LiaBraaten, spokesperson for Truecaller, a company that identifies and blocks fraudulent calls. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Now, I can have a perfectly scripted voice, email or text message,” LiaBraaten said. “These scammers are very accomplished at AI.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But renters, take a breath — the battle is not lost. There are still several strategies to catch a scam before losing any money, even if technology is making everything more complicated. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what experts told KQED you should do before handing over any money to someone online that claims to lease the home you want.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip 1: How much are they asking for upfront?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When Tran visited the open house, he loved the apartment but saw that he wasn’t the only one. He spotted six other groups, and someone had even shown up with a completed application.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I was feeling the pressure: How do I make myself stand out? How do I secure the apartment?” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So after the open house, Tran wrote to the individual who made the Craigslist post and said he was willing to put money down immediately to secure the lease. The individual asked for first and last month’s rent, along with an additional deposit — totaling $18,600.\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/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-06-MC_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095538\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-06-MC_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-06-MC_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-06-MC_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alvin Tran poses for a portrait in Duboce Park on Aug. 14, 2026, in San Francisco. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The sheer amount here is immediately a red flag, said Ora Prochovnick, director of litigation for the San Francisco renters’ rights group, Eviction Defense Collaborative. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Why: In 2023, state lawmakers \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202320240ab12\">approved Assembly Bill 12\u003c/a>, which limits how much landlords can charge a renter upfront. Most property owners are now prohibited from charging tenants an amount that’s greater than two months of rent.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If one month’s rent at an apartment you are looking at is $3,000 a month, the landlord can only charge you an additional $3,000 deposit — and can only charge a maximum of $6,000 upfront.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Some landlords may have different names for a deposit payment, like “security deposit,” “last month’s rent deposit” or “cleaning deposit”.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“But it doesn’t matter what they call it,” Prochovnick said. “If the landlord is taking the money at the start of the tenancy and will be holding it for the duration of the time the tenant lives there, the most that they can [ask for as a deposit] is one time the rent.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are some exceptions: Property owners with four rental units or less across two different properties are allowed to charge more. But all renters should take a pause if they are asked for a deposit that exceeds AB 12’s limit, Prochovnick said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It doesn’t stop a scam, but it would at least reduce the amount that you lose,” she said, adding that it’s likely Tran’s scammer didn’t know about this law. There are many rules California landlords have to follow, and someone claiming to be one is expected to keep track of them.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip 2: Cross-reference the property across different platforms\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you find a home you like on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, it’s a good idea to also look up the address on real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia or Apartments.com.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“As a diligent consumer, I should be ensuring that the contact details are the same [across websites],” Prochovnick said. “What’s the full name of the person to be identified? Is the rent price the same? The agent names should match perfectly.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In Tran’s case, the person on Craigslist \u003cem>was \u003c/em>also using the real landlord’s name. When the Craigslist scammer ghosted him once the money was wired, Tran panicked and checked the apartment’s Zillow listing. \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/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-08-MC_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095539\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-08-MC_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-08-MC_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/081426-RentalScam-08-MC_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alvin Tran walks the streets of the Duboce Triangle on Aug. 14, 2026, in San Francisco. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He ended up finding the \u003cem>real\u003c/em> owner, who never received any payment. “That’s when I got the confirmation that the Craigslist did not belong to the owner,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tran said that in the years leading up to this incident, he’d found two old apartments on Craigslist without any problem.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But LiaBraaten from Truecaller said he’d advise would-be renters to use this site with caution. Instead, “Deal with platforms that are specifically dedicated to the rental market,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Craigslist did not immediately return KQED’s request for comment.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip 3: Confirm property ownership yourself\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Once you’ve cross-referenced online listings, go to the official source. Your city’s planning department or assessor-recorder’s office may have an online portal where you can look up an address and find whose name is linked to the property. In some cases, you may have to go to city hall to do this in person.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>“\u003c/strong>We should especially be doing that if we’re dealing with an independent landlord rather than with a property management company,” Prochovnick said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She also recommended you always visit the property yourself. If the landlord keeps giving you reasons for why you can’t visit, that’s another red flag. “Never fall for that. You have to physically visit the property,” she said.\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/10/2026/01/001_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12069652\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/001_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-1.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/001_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/001_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Apartment buildings in Nob Hill in San Francisco on July 29, 2021. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Of course, Tran \u003cem>did\u003c/em> visit the property — which is why it’s also crucial to use any visit to “physically confirm the identity of the person who’s showing you the place,” Prochovnick said. “Ask them for their real estate license number, their corporate credentials or some kind of ID.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tran admitted that he didn’t do this at the open house. There were so many people there that day that he barely got a chance to speak with the owner, he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“But I think had I just done that and gone the extra mile to verify his contact information, this whole scam would have fallen apart,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip 4: Be cautious of direct bank transfers\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>All experts KQED spoke with were very clear about avoiding direct transfers from your bank account — also known as wire transfers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Don’t wire money, don’t use crypto, don’t use those digital apps that we’ve all come to love like Venmo and Zelle,” Prochovnick said, “because you’re not protected when you use those tools.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In her experience, most real estate management companies take payments via credit card or check.\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/10/2026/01/024_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12069627\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/024_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/024_SanFrancisco_Housing_07292021_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/024_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 Nob Hill in San Francisco on July 29, 2021. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If you pay with a credit card, you could get the payment canceled, and you have fraud protection through your credit card company,” she said. “If you do it with a check or money order, you could stop payment on the check.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you still are going to wire money, LiaBraaten from Truecaller recommended you verify the destination and ask if the recipient’s information makes sense to you. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Verify: Is this going to an individual or to a business entity?” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip 5: Keep a record of what’s going on\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even if it all \u003cem>feels\u003c/em> legit, keep a record of every interaction you have with the person claiming to be the property owner. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Screenshot online listings, emails, payments and text messages — especially if you’re communicating on a platform like WhatsApp, where one user can delete messages for everyone else in the chat.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When you are about to sign a contract or put down a deposit, you should document every step of the way … so that you’re able to reconstruct [what happened],” LiaBraaten said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Having a complete timeline of what happened will be invaluable if it ends up being a scam and you decide to report what happened to law enforcement. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This is something Tran did very well — when he alerted the San Francisco Police Department, he was able to share every piece of communication he had with the scammer.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>However, in the weeks since Tran filed a report, he said that law enforcement has yet to contact him directly in response.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip 6: Don’t let the pressure of apartment hunting get to you\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Perhaps what makes Tran’s case a true Bay Area story is the huge pressure he felt as he looked for a new home amid a competitive rental market.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>His attempt to secure the Duboce apartment was spurred by a rent hike of almost 20% at his current spot — way past what he said he can afford.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Partly fueled by the AI boom, rents in San Francisco have risen this year \u003ca href=\"https://oaklandside.org/2026/06/04/oakland-artificial-intelligence-ai-housing-rents-san-francisco/\">faster than anywhere else\u003c/a> in the country, and the rest of the Bay Area is starting to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/realestate/article/rent-price-apartment-oakland-22329281.php\">feel the heat\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/10/2025/10/012_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 Nob Hill in San Francisco on July 29, 2021. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But Prochovnick said not to let the pressure prevent you from doing your due diligence when it comes to finding a new home.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You’re tempted to go ahead and wire money — even though it’s not safe — so that you could go to the head of the line,” she said. “This anxiety about the shortage of affordable units is absolutely inducing people to be more susceptible to scams.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And when rents are so high here, she said, “it’s creating a greater incentive to \u003cem>be \u003c/em>a scammer.”\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "carquinez-bridge-closure-update-weekend-i-80-westbound-alfred-zampa-memorial-bridge-crockett-vallejo-detours-august-21-24",
"title": "I-80 Weekend Closure: What to Know About August Travel Over the Carquinez Bridge",
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"headTitle": "I-80 Weekend Closure: What to Know About August Travel Over the Carquinez Bridge | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>The Carquinez Bridge, which connects Vallejo in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/solano-county\">Solano County\u003c/a> to Crockett in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/contra-costa-county\">Contra Costa County\u003c/a> via Interstate 80, is scheduled for a major weekend closure for maintenance work this weekend.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Caltrans told KQED that it’s investing approximately $1.4 million into rehabilitating the suspension bridge that carries traffic along westbound I-80 — also known as the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge — in the direction of Crockett.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#alternative-routes\">What detour should I use during the full closure later this month?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The big thing to know: Over the weekend of Aug. 21-24, westbound I-80 over the bridge will be completely closed to all traffic. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This closure will impact anyone hoping to travel between the East Bay and places like Napa, Sonoma, Sacramento and the Lake Tahoe region this weekend, as well as weekend commuters. Hundreds of thousands of vehicles \u003ca href=\"https://mtc.ca.gov/tools-resources/data-tools/monthly-transportation-statistics\">cross\u003c/a> the Carquinez Bridge each day, making it one of the Bay Area’s key traffic connectors.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Keep reading to learn more about this upcoming closure, what options you have for detours while maintenance work gets underway, expanded ferry service this weekend and why this work is being done now.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>What parts of the Carquinez Bridge will be closed this weekend?\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Carquinez Bridge is made up of two separate bridges: a cantilever bridge carrying traffic north to Vallejo on eastbound I-80 and the suspension bridge going south to Crockett (westbound I-80), known as the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s important to clarify that this planned maintenance work will only impact the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge — one of the two spans that more resembles the Golden Gate Bridge — on I-80 west. Traffic coming from Contra Costa County going north to Vallejo on 1-80 east will not be affected by either closure. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1888\" height=\"1170\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-07-at-9.46.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11704845\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-07-at-9.46.02-PM.png 1888w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-07-at-9.46.02-PM-160x99.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-07-at-9.46.02-PM-800x496.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-07-at-9.46.02-PM-1020x632.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-07-at-9.46.02-PM-1200x744.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1888px) 100vw, 1888px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The view of San Pablo Bay from the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge, on Interstate 80 between Vallejo and Crockett. (Google Streetview)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But during the full bridge closure later this weekend, any drivers trying to drive \u003cem>into \u003c/em>the East Bay along I-80 from places like Napa, Sonoma, Fairfield, Vacaville or Sacramento — or returning home from the Sierra Nevada — should plan to take a detour (more below).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>When will the Carquinez Bridge be closed?\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On Friday, Aug. 21 at 10 p.m., Caltrans plans to completely close westbound I-80 on the Carquinez Bridge — for the entire weekend. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The bridge will reopen on Monday, Aug. 24 at 3 a.m. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>During the 53-hour closure, no traffic will be able to move through the bridge, including pedestrians and cyclists.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>These closures are necessary to make sure the bridge gets the maintenance it needs, said Sabrina Martinez, Caltrans’ public information officer for Solano County. “The asphalt that’s on it right now is good for 20 years, and we’re reaching that age,” she said. “It’s showing signs of wear and tear. This is a preventative work that we’re doing.” \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/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-35.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095017\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-35.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-35-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-35-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge is seen from Crockett on Aug. 12, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Remember: You’ll still be able to use the other span of the Carquinez Bridge to take eastbound I-80 in the direction of Sacramento while the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge is closed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On the Vallejo side approaching the bridge, Caltrans will also block off the northern segment of westbound I-80 that weekend, going all the way back to \u003ca href=\"https://www.cahighways.org/ROUTE780.html\">I-780\u003c/a>. The westbound I-80 on-ramps in Vallejo on the following streets will be closed off during this maintenance work:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Sonoma Boulevard\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Sequoia Avenue\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Magazine Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Lincoln Road West\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Caltrans maintenance will take advantage of the closure and go on the [I-80] freeway and do any maintenance work that they have scheduled,” Martinez said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The earlier maintenance work on the Carquinez Bridge that was scheduled for this weekend — but has now been cancelled — would have seen Caltrans crews testing out the new kind of asphalt that will be used to repave the entire bridge Aug. 21-24. However, that initial work was “deemed not necessary,” Martinez said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"alternative-routes\">What alternative routes are recommended during the Carquinez Bridge closures?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Regional detour, for drivers coming back to the Bay Area on westbound I-80 from Sacramento or Tahoe:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Take I-80 exit 40 (it’s just after Scandia Golfland) to merge onto I-680\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Stay on I-680 to cross the Benicia-Martinez Bridge\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Take exit 53 onto westbound State Route 4 to Hercules;\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Then, take exit 1B to switch back to westbound I-80 now you’re on the other side of the (closed) Carquinez Bridge\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1858\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Regional-closure-Carquinez-detour-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095532\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Regional-closure-Carquinez-detour-scaled.jpg 1858w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Regional-closure-Carquinez-detour-160x220.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Regional-closure-Carquinez-detour-1115x1536.jpg 1115w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Regional-closure-Carquinez-detour-1487x2048.jpg 1487w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1858px) 100vw, 1858px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The recommended regional detour for drivers trying to cross the Carquinez Bridge during this weekend’s closure. (Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Local detour, for Solano County drivers on westbound I-80:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>At exit 30A signposted Benicia/Martinez, take the eastbound I-780 toward the Benicia-Martinez Bridge\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Stay in the left lane on I-780 and merge onto southbound I-680 to cross the Benicia-Martinez Bridge\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Take exit 53 onto westbound State Route 4 to Hercules\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Then, take exit 1B to switch back to westbound I-80 toward San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1444\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Local-closure-Carquinez-detour.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095531\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Local-closure-Carquinez-detour.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Local-closure-Carquinez-detour-160x116.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Local-closure-Carquinez-detour-1536x1109.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The recommended local detour for drivers trying to cross the Carquinez Bridge during this weekend’s closure. (Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Another option that could be more practical for drivers heading to San Francisco itself is to take State Route 37 to Novato and transfer to Highway 101 to cross the Golden Gate Bridge.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What public transit options are available during the Carquinez Bridge closures?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">San Francisco Bay Ferry\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Caltrans is encouraging commuters in the Vallejo area to consider taking the \u003ca href=\"https://sanfranciscobayferry.com/routes-schedules/vallejo/\">Vallejo-San Francisco ferry\u003c/a> during the full Aug. 21-24 closure — and San Francisco Bay Ferry has announced an expansion in that weekend’s service to accommodate these riders.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to the agency, 21 ferry trips between Vallejo and San Francisco’s Ferry Building will now be running on both Saturday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Aug. 23 — up from the 16 daily trips that usually run on a weekend. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>These added southbound trips will depart at 1:20 p.m. and 6:45 p.m, and additional northbound trips will leave at 3:25 p.m, 5:40 p.m. and 7:55 p.m.\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/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-22.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095015\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-22.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-22-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-22-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge is seen from Vallejo on Aug. 12, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SolTrans bus service\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>SolTrans has two bus routes that cross Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge: the \u003ca href=\"https://www.soltrans.org/routes/60\">60 line\u003c/a> that connects Fairfield to Richmond; and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.soltrans.org/routes/82\">82 line\u003c/a> that connects Fairfield to San Francisco. \u003ca href=\"https://www.soltrans.org/news/service-alert-routes-60-and-82-detours\">Read more from SolTrans on how these services will be rerouted this weekend\u003c/a> — and be aware that SolTrans is warning riders to expect delays of up to 45 minutes this weekend. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Alternatively, 60 and 82 bus riders can take these routes to the Vallejo Transit Center, transfer to the 70 bus that goes all the way to the Concord BART station and then take BART to their desired destination.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>Why can’t this work on the Carquinez Bridge be done at night?\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For this maintenance project, Caltrans will be using a type of asphalt concrete sourced from the largest deposit of natural asphalt in the world: \u003ca href=\"https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5645/\">Pitch Lake in Trinidad and Tobago\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Martinez said this asphalt is known to be durable and good for waterproofing. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The closure will begin with crews removing the old asphalt on Friday night. The new asphalt can only be applied when temperatures are 70 degrees or higher, Martinez added.\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/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-18.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095014\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-18.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-18-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-18-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge is seen from Vallejo on Aug. 12, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“During the day, once temperature hits, crews can drop down the new asphalt and let it cure for the weekend,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As for why this closure is happening during daytime hours, Caltrans needs those specific temperatures to be able to use this asphalt — and crews expect warmer weather during the daytime, Martinez said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If the weather is not warm enough during the Aug. 21-24 weekend, Martinez added, “we do have a contingency plan in place.” Maintenance work would be moved to a later date, she said — most likely the following weekend.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#alternative-routes\">What detour should I use during the full closure later this month?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#alternative-routes\">What detour should I use during the full closure later this month?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The big thing to know: Over the weekend of Aug. 21-24, westbound I-80 over the bridge will be completely closed to all traffic. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This closure will impact anyone hoping to travel between the East Bay and places like Napa, Sonoma, Sacramento and the Lake Tahoe region this weekend, as well as weekend commuters. Hundreds of thousands of vehicles \u003ca href=\"https://mtc.ca.gov/tools-resources/data-tools/monthly-transportation-statistics\">cross\u003c/a> the Carquinez Bridge each day, making it one of the Bay Area’s key traffic connectors.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>This closure will impact anyone hoping to travel between the East Bay and places like Napa, Sonoma, Sacramento and the Lake Tahoe region this weekend, as well as weekend commuters. Hundreds of thousands of vehicles \u003ca href=\"https://mtc.ca.gov/tools-resources/data-tools/monthly-transportation-statistics\">cross\u003c/a> the Carquinez Bridge each day, making it one of the Bay Area’s key traffic connectors.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Keep reading to learn more about this upcoming closure, what options you have for detours while maintenance work gets underway, expanded ferry service this weekend and why this work is being done now.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Carquinez Bridge is made up of two separate bridges: a cantilever bridge carrying traffic north to Vallejo on eastbound I-80 and the suspension bridge going south to Crockett (westbound I-80), known as the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The Carquinez Bridge is made up of two separate bridges: a cantilever bridge carrying traffic north to Vallejo on eastbound I-80 and the suspension bridge going south to Crockett (westbound I-80), known as the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s important to clarify that this planned maintenance work will only impact the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge — one of the two spans that more resembles the Golden Gate Bridge — on I-80 west. Traffic coming from Contra Costa County going north to Vallejo on 1-80 east will not be affected by either closure. \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/10/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-07-at-9.46.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11704845\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-07-at-9.46.02-PM.png 1888w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-07-at-9.46.02-PM-160x99.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-07-at-9.46.02-PM-800x496.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-07-at-9.46.02-PM-1020x632.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-07-at-9.46.02-PM-1200x744.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The view of San Pablo Bay from the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge, on Interstate 80 between Vallejo and Crockett.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-07-at-9.46.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11704845\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The view of San Pablo Bay from the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge, on Interstate 80 between Vallejo and Crockett.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But during the full bridge closure later this weekend, any drivers trying to drive \u003cem>into \u003c/em>the East Bay along I-80 from places like Napa, Sonoma, Fairfield, Vacaville or Sacramento — or returning home from the Sierra Nevada — should plan to take a detour (more below).\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But during the full bridge closure later this weekend, any drivers trying to drive \u003cem>into \u003c/em>the East Bay along I-80 from places like Napa, Sonoma, Fairfield, Vacaville or Sacramento — or returning home from the Sierra Nevada — should plan to take a detour (more below).\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "When will the Carquinez Bridge be closed?",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>When will the Carquinez Bridge be closed?\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>When will the Carquinez Bridge be closed?\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On Friday, Aug. 21 at 10 p.m., Caltrans plans to completely close westbound I-80 on the Carquinez Bridge — for the entire weekend. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>On Friday, Aug. 21 at 10 p.m., Caltrans plans to completely close westbound I-80 on the Carquinez Bridge — for the entire weekend. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The bridge will reopen on Monday, Aug. 24 at 3 a.m. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The bridge will reopen on Monday, Aug. 24 at 3 a.m. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>During the 53-hour closure, no traffic will be able to move through the bridge, including pedestrians and cyclists.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>During the 53-hour closure, no traffic will be able to move through the bridge, including pedestrians and cyclists.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>These closures are necessary to make sure the bridge gets the maintenance it needs, said Sabrina Martinez, Caltrans’ public information officer for Solano County. “The asphalt that’s on it right now is good for 20 years, and we’re reaching that age,” she said. “It’s showing signs of wear and tear. This is a preventative work that we’re doing.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>These closures are necessary to make sure the bridge gets the maintenance it needs, said Sabrina Martinez, Caltrans’ public information officer for Solano County. “The asphalt that’s on it right now is good for 20 years, and we’re reaching that age,” she said. “It’s showing signs of wear and tear. This is a preventative work that we’re doing.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12095017,
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-35.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-35-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-35-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)",
"alt": ""
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-35.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095017\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-35.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-35-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-35-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge is seen from Crockett on Aug. 12, 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/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-35.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095017\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge is seen from Crockett on Aug. 12, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Remember: You’ll still be able to use the other span of the Carquinez Bridge to take eastbound I-80 in the direction of Sacramento while the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge is closed.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Remember: You’ll still be able to use the other span of the Carquinez Bridge to take eastbound I-80 in the direction of Sacramento while the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge is closed.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On the Vallejo side approaching the bridge, Caltrans will also block off the northern segment of westbound I-80 that weekend, going all the way back to \u003ca href=\"https://www.cahighways.org/ROUTE780.html\">I-780\u003c/a>. The westbound I-80 on-ramps in Vallejo on the following streets will be closed off during this maintenance work:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>On the Vallejo side approaching the bridge, Caltrans will also block off the northern segment of westbound I-80 that weekend, going all the way back to \u003ca href=\"https://www.cahighways.org/ROUTE780.html\">I-780\u003c/a>. The westbound I-80 on-ramps in Vallejo on the following streets will be closed off during this maintenance work:\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
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{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"Sonoma Boulevard",
"Sequoia Avenue",
"Magazine Street",
"Lincoln Road West"
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Sonoma Boulevard\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Sonoma Boulevard\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Sequoia Avenue\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Sequoia Avenue\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Magazine Street\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Magazine Street\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Lincoln Road West\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Lincoln Road West\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Caltrans maintenance will take advantage of the closure and go on the [I-80] freeway and do any maintenance work that they have scheduled,” Martinez said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Caltrans maintenance will take advantage of the closure and go on the [I-80] freeway and do any maintenance work that they have scheduled,” Martinez said.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The earlier maintenance work on the Carquinez Bridge that was scheduled for this weekend — but has now been cancelled — would have seen Caltrans crews testing out the new kind of asphalt that will be used to repave the entire bridge Aug. 21-24. However, that initial work was “deemed not necessary,” Martinez said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The earlier maintenance work on the Carquinez Bridge that was scheduled for this weekend — but has now been cancelled — would have seen Caltrans crews testing out the new kind of asphalt that will be used to repave the entire bridge Aug. 21-24. However, that initial work was “deemed not necessary,” Martinez said.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What alternative routes are recommended during the Carquinez Bridge closures?",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"alternative-routes\">What alternative routes are recommended during the Carquinez Bridge closures?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"alternative-routes\">What alternative routes are recommended during the Carquinez Bridge closures?\u003c/h2>\n"
],
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},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Regional detour, for drivers coming back to the Bay Area on westbound I-80 from Sacramento or Tahoe:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Regional detour, for drivers coming back to the Bay Area on westbound I-80 from Sacramento or Tahoe:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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{
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"items": [
"Take I-80 exit 40 (it’s just after Scandia Golfland) to merge onto I-680",
"Stay on I-680 to cross the Benicia-Martinez Bridge",
"Take exit 53 onto westbound State Route 4 to Hercules;",
"Then, take exit 1B to switch back to westbound I-80 now you’re on the other side of the (closed) Carquinez Bridge"
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Take I-80 exit 40 (it’s just after Scandia Golfland) to merge onto I-680\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Take I-80 exit 40 (it’s just after Scandia Golfland) to merge onto I-680\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Stay on I-680 to cross the Benicia-Martinez Bridge\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Stay on I-680 to cross the Benicia-Martinez Bridge\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Take exit 53 onto westbound State Route 4 to Hercules;\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Take exit 53 onto westbound State Route 4 to Hercules;\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Then, take exit 1B to switch back to westbound I-80 now you’re on the other side of the (closed) Carquinez Bridge\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Then, take exit 1B to switch back to westbound I-80 now you’re on the other side of the (closed) Carquinez Bridge\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12095532,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"imageCredit": "Courtesy of Caltrans",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Regional-closure-Carquinez-detour-scaled.jpg 1858w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Regional-closure-Carquinez-detour-160x220.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Regional-closure-Carquinez-detour-1115x1536.jpg 1115w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Regional-closure-Carquinez-detour-1487x2048.jpg 1487w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)",
"alt": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Regional-closure-Carquinez-detour-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095532\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Regional-closure-Carquinez-detour-scaled.jpg 1858w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Regional-closure-Carquinez-detour-160x220.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Regional-closure-Carquinez-detour-1115x1536.jpg 1115w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Regional-closure-Carquinez-detour-1487x2048.jpg 1487w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The recommended regional detour for drivers trying to cross the Carquinez Bridge during this weekend’s closure.\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/Regional-closure-Carquinez-detour-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095532\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The recommended regional detour for drivers trying to cross the Carquinez Bridge during this weekend’s closure.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
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},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Local detour, for Solano County drivers on westbound I-80:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Local detour, for Solano County drivers on westbound I-80:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
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"attrs": {
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"At exit 30A signposted Benicia/Martinez, take the eastbound I-780 toward the Benicia-Martinez Bridge",
"Stay in the left lane on I-780 and merge onto southbound I-680 to cross the Benicia-Martinez Bridge",
"Take exit 53 onto westbound State Route 4 to Hercules",
"Then, take exit 1B to switch back to westbound I-80 toward San Francisco"
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
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"\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>At exit 30A signposted Benicia/Martinez, take the eastbound I-780 toward the Benicia-Martinez Bridge\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>At exit 30A signposted Benicia/Martinez, take the eastbound I-780 toward the Benicia-Martinez Bridge\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Stay in the left lane on I-780 and merge onto southbound I-680 to cross the Benicia-Martinez Bridge\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Stay in the left lane on I-780 and merge onto southbound I-680 to cross the Benicia-Martinez Bridge\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Take exit 53 onto westbound State Route 4 to Hercules\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Take exit 53 onto westbound State Route 4 to Hercules\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Then, take exit 1B to switch back to westbound I-80 toward San Francisco\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Then, take exit 1B to switch back to westbound I-80 toward San Francisco\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12095531,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"imageCredit": "Courtesy of Caltrans",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Local-closure-Carquinez-detour.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Local-closure-Carquinez-detour-160x116.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Local-closure-Carquinez-detour-1536x1109.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)",
"alt": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Local-closure-Carquinez-detour.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095531\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Local-closure-Carquinez-detour.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Local-closure-Carquinez-detour-160x116.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Local-closure-Carquinez-detour-1536x1109.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The recommended local detour for drivers trying to cross the Carquinez Bridge during this weekend’s closure.\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/Local-closure-Carquinez-detour.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095531\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The recommended local detour for drivers trying to cross the Carquinez Bridge during this weekend’s closure.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Another option that could be more practical for drivers heading to San Francisco itself is to take State Route 37 to Novato and transfer to Highway 101 to cross the Golden Gate Bridge.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Another option that could be more practical for drivers heading to San Francisco itself is to take State Route 37 to Novato and transfer to Highway 101 to cross the Golden Gate Bridge.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What public transit options are available during the Carquinez Bridge closures?",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What public transit options are available during the Carquinez Bridge closures?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What public transit options are available during the Carquinez Bridge closures?\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "San Francisco Bay Ferry"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">San Francisco Bay Ferry\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">San Francisco Bay Ferry\u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Caltrans is encouraging commuters in the Vallejo area to consider taking the \u003ca href=\"https://sanfranciscobayferry.com/routes-schedules/vallejo/\">Vallejo-San Francisco ferry\u003c/a> during the full Aug. 21-24 closure — and San Francisco Bay Ferry has announced an expansion in that weekend’s service to accommodate these riders.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Caltrans is encouraging commuters in the Vallejo area to consider taking the \u003ca href=\"https://sanfranciscobayferry.com/routes-schedules/vallejo/\">Vallejo-San Francisco ferry\u003c/a> during the full Aug. 21-24 closure — and San Francisco Bay Ferry has announced an expansion in that weekend’s service to accommodate these riders.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to the agency, 21 ferry trips between Vallejo and San Francisco’s Ferry Building will now be running on both Saturday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Aug. 23 — up from the 16 daily trips that usually run on a weekend. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>According to the agency, 21 ferry trips between Vallejo and San Francisco’s Ferry Building will now be running on both Saturday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Aug. 23 — up from the 16 daily trips that usually run on a weekend. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>These added southbound trips will depart at 1:20 p.m. and 6:45 p.m, and additional northbound trips will leave at 3:25 p.m, 5:40 p.m. and 7:55 p.m.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>These added southbound trips will depart at 1:20 p.m. and 6:45 p.m, and additional northbound trips will leave at 3:25 p.m, 5:40 p.m. and 7:55 p.m.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-22.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-22-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-22-1536x1024.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/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-22.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095015\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-22.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-22-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-22-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge is seen from Vallejo on Aug. 12, 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/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-22.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095015\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge is seen from Vallejo on Aug. 12, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"text": "SolTrans bus service"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SolTrans bus service\u003c/h3>\n",
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"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SolTrans bus service\u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>SolTrans has two bus routes that cross Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge: the \u003ca href=\"https://www.soltrans.org/routes/60\">60 line\u003c/a> that connects Fairfield to Richmond; and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.soltrans.org/routes/82\">82 line\u003c/a> that connects Fairfield to San Francisco. \u003ca href=\"https://www.soltrans.org/news/service-alert-routes-60-and-82-detours\">Read more from SolTrans on how these services will be rerouted this weekend\u003c/a> — and be aware that SolTrans is warning riders to expect delays of up to 45 minutes this weekend. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>SolTrans has two bus routes that cross Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge: the \u003ca href=\"https://www.soltrans.org/routes/60\">60 line\u003c/a> that connects Fairfield to Richmond; and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.soltrans.org/routes/82\">82 line\u003c/a> that connects Fairfield to San Francisco. \u003ca href=\"https://www.soltrans.org/news/service-alert-routes-60-and-82-detours\">Read more from SolTrans on how these services will be rerouted this weekend\u003c/a> — and be aware that SolTrans is warning riders to expect delays of up to 45 minutes this weekend. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Alternatively, 60 and 82 bus riders can take these routes to the Vallejo Transit Center, transfer to the 70 bus that goes all the way to the Concord BART station and then take BART to their desired destination.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Alternatively, 60 and 82 bus riders can take these routes to the Vallejo Transit Center, transfer to the 70 bus that goes all the way to the Concord BART station and then take BART to their desired destination.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Why can’t this work on the Carquinez Bridge be done at night?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>Why can’t this work on the Carquinez Bridge be done at night?\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>Why can’t this work on the Carquinez Bridge be done at night?\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For this maintenance project, Caltrans will be using a type of asphalt concrete sourced from the largest deposit of natural asphalt in the world: \u003ca href=\"https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5645/\">Pitch Lake in Trinidad and Tobago\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>For this maintenance project, Caltrans will be using a type of asphalt concrete sourced from the largest deposit of natural asphalt in the world: \u003ca href=\"https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5645/\">Pitch Lake in Trinidad and Tobago\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Martinez said this asphalt is known to be durable and good for waterproofing. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Martinez said this asphalt is known to be durable and good for waterproofing. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The closure will begin with crews removing the old asphalt on Friday night. The new asphalt can only be applied when temperatures are 70 degrees or higher, Martinez added.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The closure will begin with crews removing the old asphalt on Friday night. The new asphalt can only be applied when temperatures are 70 degrees or higher, Martinez added.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-18.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-18-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-18-1536x1024.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/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-18.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095014\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-18.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-18-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-18-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge is seen from Vallejo on Aug. 12, 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/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-18.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095014\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge is seen from Vallejo on Aug. 12, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“During the day, once temperature hits, crews can drop down the new asphalt and let it cure for the weekend,” she said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“During the day, once temperature hits, crews can drop down the new asphalt and let it cure for the weekend,” she said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As for why this closure is happening during daytime hours, Caltrans needs those specific temperatures to be able to use this asphalt — and crews expect warmer weather during the daytime, Martinez said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>As for why this closure is happening during daytime hours, Caltrans needs those specific temperatures to be able to use this asphalt — and crews expect warmer weather during the daytime, Martinez said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If the weather is not warm enough during the Aug. 21-24 weekend, Martinez added, “we do have a contingency plan in place.” Maintenance work would be moved to a later date, she said — most likely the following weekend.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If the weather is not warm enough during the Aug. 21-24 weekend, Martinez added, “we do have a contingency plan in place.” Maintenance work would be moved to a later date, she said — most likely the following weekend.\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "The westbound span of the Carquinez Bridge, known as the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge, will fully close to traffic this weekend. Read more about your driving options.",
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"title": "I-80 Weekend Closure: What to Know About August Travel Over the Carquinez Bridge | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>The Carquinez Bridge, which connects Vallejo in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/solano-county\">Solano County\u003c/a> to Crockett in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/contra-costa-county\">Contra Costa County\u003c/a> via Interstate 80, is scheduled for a major weekend closure for maintenance work this weekend.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Caltrans told KQED that it’s investing approximately $1.4 million into rehabilitating the suspension bridge that carries traffic along westbound I-80 — also known as the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge — in the direction of Crockett.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#alternative-routes\">What detour should I use during the full closure later this month?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The big thing to know: Over the weekend of Aug. 21-24, westbound I-80 over the bridge will be completely closed to all traffic. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This closure will impact anyone hoping to travel between the East Bay and places like Napa, Sonoma, Sacramento and the Lake Tahoe region this weekend, as well as weekend commuters. Hundreds of thousands of vehicles \u003ca href=\"https://mtc.ca.gov/tools-resources/data-tools/monthly-transportation-statistics\">cross\u003c/a> the Carquinez Bridge each day, making it one of the Bay Area’s key traffic connectors.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Keep reading to learn more about this upcoming closure, what options you have for detours while maintenance work gets underway, expanded ferry service this weekend and why this work is being done now.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>What parts of the Carquinez Bridge will be closed this weekend?\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Carquinez Bridge is made up of two separate bridges: a cantilever bridge carrying traffic north to Vallejo on eastbound I-80 and the suspension bridge going south to Crockett (westbound I-80), known as the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s important to clarify that this planned maintenance work will only impact the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge — one of the two spans that more resembles the Golden Gate Bridge — on I-80 west. Traffic coming from Contra Costa County going north to Vallejo on 1-80 east will not be affected by either closure. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1888\" height=\"1170\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-07-at-9.46.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11704845\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-07-at-9.46.02-PM.png 1888w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-07-at-9.46.02-PM-160x99.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-07-at-9.46.02-PM-800x496.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-07-at-9.46.02-PM-1020x632.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-07-at-9.46.02-PM-1200x744.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1888px) 100vw, 1888px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The view of San Pablo Bay from the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge, on Interstate 80 between Vallejo and Crockett. (Google Streetview)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But during the full bridge closure later this weekend, any drivers trying to drive \u003cem>into \u003c/em>the East Bay along I-80 from places like Napa, Sonoma, Fairfield, Vacaville or Sacramento — or returning home from the Sierra Nevada — should plan to take a detour (more below).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>When will the Carquinez Bridge be closed?\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On Friday, Aug. 21 at 10 p.m., Caltrans plans to completely close westbound I-80 on the Carquinez Bridge — for the entire weekend. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The bridge will reopen on Monday, Aug. 24 at 3 a.m. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>During the 53-hour closure, no traffic will be able to move through the bridge, including pedestrians and cyclists.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>These closures are necessary to make sure the bridge gets the maintenance it needs, said Sabrina Martinez, Caltrans’ public information officer for Solano County. “The asphalt that’s on it right now is good for 20 years, and we’re reaching that age,” she said. “It’s showing signs of wear and tear. This is a preventative work that we’re doing.” \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/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-35.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095017\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-35.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-35-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-35-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge is seen from Crockett on Aug. 12, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Remember: You’ll still be able to use the other span of the Carquinez Bridge to take eastbound I-80 in the direction of Sacramento while the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge is closed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On the Vallejo side approaching the bridge, Caltrans will also block off the northern segment of westbound I-80 that weekend, going all the way back to \u003ca href=\"https://www.cahighways.org/ROUTE780.html\">I-780\u003c/a>. The westbound I-80 on-ramps in Vallejo on the following streets will be closed off during this maintenance work:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Sonoma Boulevard\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Sequoia Avenue\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Magazine Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Lincoln Road West\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Caltrans maintenance will take advantage of the closure and go on the [I-80] freeway and do any maintenance work that they have scheduled,” Martinez said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The earlier maintenance work on the Carquinez Bridge that was scheduled for this weekend — but has now been cancelled — would have seen Caltrans crews testing out the new kind of asphalt that will be used to repave the entire bridge Aug. 21-24. However, that initial work was “deemed not necessary,” Martinez said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"alternative-routes\">What alternative routes are recommended during the Carquinez Bridge closures?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Regional detour, for drivers coming back to the Bay Area on westbound I-80 from Sacramento or Tahoe:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Take I-80 exit 40 (it’s just after Scandia Golfland) to merge onto I-680\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Stay on I-680 to cross the Benicia-Martinez Bridge\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Take exit 53 onto westbound State Route 4 to Hercules;\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Then, take exit 1B to switch back to westbound I-80 now you’re on the other side of the (closed) Carquinez Bridge\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1858\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Regional-closure-Carquinez-detour-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095532\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Regional-closure-Carquinez-detour-scaled.jpg 1858w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Regional-closure-Carquinez-detour-160x220.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Regional-closure-Carquinez-detour-1115x1536.jpg 1115w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Regional-closure-Carquinez-detour-1487x2048.jpg 1487w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1858px) 100vw, 1858px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The recommended regional detour for drivers trying to cross the Carquinez Bridge during this weekend’s closure. (Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Local detour, for Solano County drivers on westbound I-80:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>At exit 30A signposted Benicia/Martinez, take the eastbound I-780 toward the Benicia-Martinez Bridge\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Stay in the left lane on I-780 and merge onto southbound I-680 to cross the Benicia-Martinez Bridge\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Take exit 53 onto westbound State Route 4 to Hercules\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Then, take exit 1B to switch back to westbound I-80 toward San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1444\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Local-closure-Carquinez-detour.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095531\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Local-closure-Carquinez-detour.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Local-closure-Carquinez-detour-160x116.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/Local-closure-Carquinez-detour-1536x1109.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The recommended local detour for drivers trying to cross the Carquinez Bridge during this weekend’s closure. (Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Another option that could be more practical for drivers heading to San Francisco itself is to take State Route 37 to Novato and transfer to Highway 101 to cross the Golden Gate Bridge.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What public transit options are available during the Carquinez Bridge closures?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">San Francisco Bay Ferry\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Caltrans is encouraging commuters in the Vallejo area to consider taking the \u003ca href=\"https://sanfranciscobayferry.com/routes-schedules/vallejo/\">Vallejo-San Francisco ferry\u003c/a> during the full Aug. 21-24 closure — and San Francisco Bay Ferry has announced an expansion in that weekend’s service to accommodate these riders.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to the agency, 21 ferry trips between Vallejo and San Francisco’s Ferry Building will now be running on both Saturday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Aug. 23 — up from the 16 daily trips that usually run on a weekend. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>These added southbound trips will depart at 1:20 p.m. and 6:45 p.m, and additional northbound trips will leave at 3:25 p.m, 5:40 p.m. and 7:55 p.m.\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/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-22.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095015\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-22.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-22-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-22-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge is seen from Vallejo on Aug. 12, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SolTrans bus service\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>SolTrans has two bus routes that cross Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge: the \u003ca href=\"https://www.soltrans.org/routes/60\">60 line\u003c/a> that connects Fairfield to Richmond; and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.soltrans.org/routes/82\">82 line\u003c/a> that connects Fairfield to San Francisco. \u003ca href=\"https://www.soltrans.org/news/service-alert-routes-60-and-82-detours\">Read more from SolTrans on how these services will be rerouted this weekend\u003c/a> — and be aware that SolTrans is warning riders to expect delays of up to 45 minutes this weekend. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Alternatively, 60 and 82 bus riders can take these routes to the Vallejo Transit Center, transfer to the 70 bus that goes all the way to the Concord BART station and then take BART to their desired destination.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>Why can’t this work on the Carquinez Bridge be done at night?\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For this maintenance project, Caltrans will be using a type of asphalt concrete sourced from the largest deposit of natural asphalt in the world: \u003ca href=\"https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5645/\">Pitch Lake in Trinidad and Tobago\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Martinez said this asphalt is known to be durable and good for waterproofing. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The closure will begin with crews removing the old asphalt on Friday night. The new asphalt can only be applied when temperatures are 70 degrees or higher, Martinez added.\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/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-18.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095014\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-18.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-18-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/260812-CarquinezBridgeClosure-NG-18-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge is seen from Vallejo on Aug. 12, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“During the day, once temperature hits, crews can drop down the new asphalt and let it cure for the weekend,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As for why this closure is happening during daytime hours, Caltrans needs those specific temperatures to be able to use this asphalt — and crews expect warmer weather during the daytime, Martinez said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If the weather is not warm enough during the Aug. 21-24 weekend, Martinez added, “we do have a contingency plan in place.” Maintenance work would be moved to a later date, she said — most likely the following weekend.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "san-francisco-child-care-free-elfa-discount-subsidies-how-to-apply-who-qualifies",
"title": "San Francisco Is Expanding Access to Free or Discounted Childcare. How Do Families Sign Up?",
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"headTitle": "San Francisco Is Expanding Access to Free or Discounted Childcare. How Do Families Sign Up? | KQED",
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"content": "\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>San Francisco is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069711/san-francisco-expands-child-care-subsidies-to-tackle-affordability-issues\">widening access to early childhood education\u003c/a> and care for children from birth to 5 years old — by offering families financial aid.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A few years ago, the city began \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11948690/business-tax-provides-crucial-funding-for-early-childhood-education-and-care-in-san-francisco\">using revenue from a local business tax\u003c/a>, plus state and federal dollars, to fund free childcare and preschool for families with low and moderate incomes. Starting this summer, higher-income families can apply for a 50% tuition discount.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The expansion is expected to take some financial pressure off young families in the city as they grapple with the \u003ca href=\"https://tootris.com/edu/blog/parents/cost-of-child-care-in-california-by-city-age-and-type-of-care-provider/\">highest childcare costs in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But there’s a catch: financial aid is only available to families who enroll in any of the approximately 560 early learning programs participating in the city’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/early-learning-for-all\">Early Learning For All, also known as ELFA,\u003c/a> network. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here’s what San Francisco families need to know about the system and how they can sign up. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who qualifies for San Francisco’s financial aid for childcare?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Free tuition\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Free tuition is available for families who live in San Francisco and earn up to\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>110% of the Area Median Income, or AMI. That means a single parent with a child, who makes up to $142,650 per year — or a couple with one child earning $160,500 per year — would qualify for free tuition.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Full tuition credit\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Families earning between 111% and 150% of the AMI (that’s up to $194,550 for a family of two, and up to $218,850 for a family of three) can get full tuition credit to pay for \u003cem>most \u003c/em>of the cost of childcare or preschool. The subsidy goes directly to the provider, but families might need to cover a co-pay and any extra hours of care.\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/10/2026/03/260130-sfchildcareaccess00137_TV_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12076653\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260130-sfchildcareaccess00137_TV_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260130-sfchildcareaccess00137_TV_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260130-sfchildcareaccess00137_TV_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lyuba Shkolnik teaches children how to bake muffins at her in-home childcare business called Daycare Bumblebee in San Francisco on Jan. 30, 2026. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The San Francisco Department of Early Childhood, a branch of the city’s government, sets the rates it will reimburse to providers in the ELFA network. \u003ca href=\"https://media.api.sf.gov/documents/Early_Learning_For_All_Rates_FY_26-27_uwckwsW.pdf\">For the 2026-27 fiscal year\u003c/a>, which began July 1, families can save the following amounts in childcare per month for each child in these age categories:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Infants (0 to 24 months): $3,027 per month\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Toddlers (24 to 36 months): $2,306 per month\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): $2,115 per month\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">50% tuition discount\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Families earning between 151% and 200% of the AMI (that’s up to $259,400 for a family of two, and up to $291,800 for a family of three) can apply for 50% off the reimbursement rates — but they must pay the rest of the tuition costs set by the provider and any extra hours of care or fees. Here’s how much families can save in childcare per month for children in these age categories:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli> Infants (0 to 24 months): $1,514 per month\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Toddlers (24 to 36 months): $1,153 per month\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): $1,058 per month\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How is income eligibility determined?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The AMI is based on gross income, which is the amount you earn \u003cem>before \u003c/em>any taxes or other deductions are taken out of your paycheck. Families can submit tax documents from the previous year or their most recent pay stubs. Eligibility is determined based on the documentation provided and \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/eligibility-for-free-or-low-cost-preschool-and-child-care\">the family’s household size\u003c/a>, said Jonathan Rubinsky, a spokesman for the Department of Early Childhood.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I sign up for San Francisco childcare subsidies?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can sign up yourself on the \u003ca href=\"https://app.mycareconnect.io/carewait3/sfdec/service\">Department of Early Childhood’s online portal\u003c/a> — or you can contact these \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/early-learning-for-all\">three Childcare Resource and Referral agencies \u003c/a>who can help you apply. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can also contact a preschool or childcare program in the ELFA network and their staff will help you apply for the subsidy.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I choose among the hundreds of childcare programs and preschools in the ELFA network? \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Families can browse through a \u003ca href=\"https://app.mycareconnect.io/carewait3/sfdec/service/search/list?near=San%20Francisco,%20CA\">centralized list\u003c/a> of childcare and preschool programs in the ELFA network to learn about their locations, hours, prices, available spaces and educational approaches, such as immersing children in specific languages or in a Montessori or play-based curriculum. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can also click on the provider’s state license number to look up details of their health and safety records, state regulators’ inspections of their facilities, and any citations or complaints they received. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/08/RS64819_015_KQED_EachOneTeachOneChildCare_04262023-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A woman with long, black braids and a brown hoodie plays with a baby in a sunhat in the backyard on a sunny day.\" class=\"wp-image-11957186\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/08/RS64819_015_KQED_EachOneTeachOneChildCare_04262023-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/08/RS64819_015_KQED_EachOneTeachOneChildCare_04262023-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/08/RS64819_015_KQED_EachOneTeachOneChildCare_04262023-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/08/RS64819_015_KQED_EachOneTeachOneChildCare_04262023-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/08/RS64819_015_KQED_EachOneTeachOneChildCare_04262023-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A little over 50% of family childcare providers in California are 50 years old or older, yet less than a quarter of them have any retirement savings, according to research from the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment at UC Berkeley. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Programs based in the provider’s home and licensed to serve up to 14 children are categorized as “Family Child Care.” Larger programs with multiple classrooms and staff are categorized as “centers.” Some families prefer a home environment for their children, while others prefer larger centers — and you can request a tour of the facility to inform your decision. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Parents of 4-year-olds can also opt for a school-based program called \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11989955/what-to-expect-when-enrolling-your-child-in-transitional-kindergarten\">transitional kindergarten\u003c/a>. The pre-kindergarten program is taught at San Francisco Unified School District elementary schools or early education centers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I really want to enroll my child in a certain program, but they don’t have any openings. What can I do?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Some childcare homes or centers have waitlists because the demand for a space in their program is driven by parental choice, according to Meenoo Yashar, deputy director of early learning at the city’s Department of Early Childhood. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She said parents can contact the provider to find out when they might have an opening and get on their waitlist. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What’s the quality of these programs?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>All of these programs meet the state’s minimum health and safety standards for licensed centers and family childcare homes. These include:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Passing staff background checks\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Receiving staff training in pediatric CPR and First Aid\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Maintaining specific staff-to-child ratios\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Ensuring safe indoor and outdoor physical space\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To join the Early Learning For All network, they also must meet the Department of Early Childhood’s \u003ca href=\"https://provider.sfdec.org/wp-content/uploads/Quality-Standard_Updated_6_8_26_ENG.pdf\">quality standards\u003c/a>, which are higher than state and federal requirements, according to an \u003ca href=\"https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/ca-upk-mixed-delivery-systems-report\">analysis by the Learning Policy Institute\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/10/2026/03/260130-sfchildcareaccess00146_TV_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12076655\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260130-sfchildcareaccess00146_TV_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260130-sfchildcareaccess00146_TV_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260130-sfchildcareaccess00146_TV_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Victoria Golobordko walks a child at Daycare Bumblebee in San Francisco on Jan. 30, 2026. San Francisco is expanding access to childcare by offering 50% discounts to middle- and upper-middle-income earners in an effort to tackle affordability issues in one of the most expensive cities in the country. Daycare Bumblebee is trying to get approval to enter the city’s Early Learning For All system. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Yashar said those expectations include providing a “welcoming, culturally responsive environment” to parents, where there are multiple communication channels to tell them what’s going on in the classroom and how their children are developing.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Yashar said members must also provide a “rich learning environment with lots of opportunities for children to do exploratory play.” That means early educators are providing a variety of hands-on learning materials, and they’re also interacting meaningfully with children. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To join ELFA, educators get assessed on the way they engage with children, Yashar said. “Are they asking open-ended questions? Are there opportunities where children are talking to each other, or are they just being talked to?” she said. “We’re looking to see, are the teachers also helping the children understand what’s going to happen in their day?”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Providers in the ELFA network must also provide data regularly to the Department of Early Childhood. In return, they receive wage supplements for the teaching staff and funding to improve their facilities, including outdoor play areas. Teachers also receive professional development, coaching and access to mental health consultants. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The department also covers tuition for educators who want to complete their degrees in early childhood education at local colleges. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This work has to do with optimizing brain development during a critical time, and so we want our educators to have access to higher education and understand the latest research and methodology for working with young kids,” Yashar said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Higher pay has helped stabilize staffing in a sector plagued by workplace burnout due to low wages and lack of support and benefits. Last year, a study by \u003ca href=\"https://cscce.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/state-of-ece-san-francisco-2025-updated-jan2026.pdf\">UC Berkeley’s Center for the Study of Child Care Employment\u003c/a> found that the turnover rate for teachers and assistant teachers in San Francisco was 17%, which is 23% to 35% lower than in other places in California.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you’re getting better paid, hopefully you’re going to stay in your job,” Yashar said. A stable staff is a marker of quality, she said, because it allows children to strengthen relationships with their educator. \u003c/p>\n\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>San Francisco is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069711/san-francisco-expands-child-care-subsidies-to-tackle-affordability-issues\">widening access to early childhood education\u003c/a> and care for children from birth to 5 years old — by offering families financial aid.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>San Francisco is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069711/san-francisco-expands-child-care-subsidies-to-tackle-affordability-issues\">widening access to early childhood education\u003c/a> and care for children from birth to 5 years old — by offering families financial aid.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A few years ago, the city began \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11948690/business-tax-provides-crucial-funding-for-early-childhood-education-and-care-in-san-francisco\">using revenue from a local business tax\u003c/a>, plus state and federal dollars, to fund free childcare and preschool for families with low and moderate incomes. Starting this summer, higher-income families can apply for a 50% tuition discount.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A few years ago, the city began \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11948690/business-tax-provides-crucial-funding-for-early-childhood-education-and-care-in-san-francisco\">using revenue from a local business tax\u003c/a>, plus state and federal dollars, to fund free childcare and preschool for families with low and moderate incomes. Starting this summer, higher-income families can apply for a 50% tuition discount.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The expansion is expected to take some financial pressure off young families in the city as they grapple with the \u003ca href=\"https://tootris.com/edu/blog/parents/cost-of-child-care-in-california-by-city-age-and-type-of-care-provider/\">highest childcare costs in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The expansion is expected to take some financial pressure off young families in the city as they grapple with the \u003ca href=\"https://tootris.com/edu/blog/parents/cost-of-child-care-in-california-by-city-age-and-type-of-care-provider/\">highest childcare costs in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But there’s a catch: financial aid is only available to families who enroll in any of the approximately 560 early learning programs participating in the city’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/early-learning-for-all\">Early Learning For All, also known as ELFA,\u003c/a> network. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But there’s a catch: financial aid is only available to families who enroll in any of the approximately 560 early learning programs participating in the city’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/early-learning-for-all\">Early Learning For All, also known as ELFA,\u003c/a> network. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Here’s what San Francisco families need to know about the system and how they can sign up. \u003c/p>\n",
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"text": "Who qualifies for San Francisco’s financial aid for childcare?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who qualifies for San Francisco’s financial aid for childcare?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Free tuition is available for families who live in San Francisco and earn up to\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>110% of the Area Median Income, or AMI. That means a single parent with a child, who makes up to $142,650 per year — or a couple with one child earning $160,500 per year — would qualify for free tuition.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Free tuition is available for families who live in San Francisco and earn up to\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>110% of the Area Median Income, or AMI. That means a single parent with a child, who makes up to $142,650 per year — or a couple with one child earning $160,500 per year — would qualify for free tuition.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Full tuition credit\u003c/h3>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Families earning between 111% and 150% of the AMI (that’s up to $194,550 for a family of two, and up to $218,850 for a family of three) can get full tuition credit to pay for \u003cem>most \u003c/em>of the cost of childcare or preschool. The subsidy goes directly to the provider, but families might need to cover a co-pay and any extra hours of care.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Families earning between 111% and 150% of the AMI (that’s up to $194,550 for a family of two, and up to $218,850 for a family of three) can get full tuition credit to pay for \u003cem>most \u003c/em>of the cost of childcare or preschool. The subsidy goes directly to the provider, but families might need to cover a co-pay and any extra hours of care.\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/10/2026/03/260130-sfchildcareaccess00137_TV_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12076653\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260130-sfchildcareaccess00137_TV_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260130-sfchildcareaccess00137_TV_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260130-sfchildcareaccess00137_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\">Lyuba Shkolnik teaches children how to bake muffins at her in-home childcare business called Daycare Bumblebee in San Francisco on Jan. 30, 2026. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260130-sfchildcareaccess00137_TV_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12076653\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lyuba Shkolnik teaches children how to bake muffins at her in-home childcare business called Daycare Bumblebee in San Francisco on Jan. 30, 2026. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The San Francisco Department of Early Childhood, a branch of the city’s government, sets the rates it will reimburse to providers in the ELFA network. \u003ca href=\"https://media.api.sf.gov/documents/Early_Learning_For_All_Rates_FY_26-27_uwckwsW.pdf\">For the 2026-27 fiscal year\u003c/a>, which began July 1, families can save the following amounts in childcare per month for each child in these age categories:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The San Francisco Department of Early Childhood, a branch of the city’s government, sets the rates it will reimburse to providers in the ELFA network. \u003ca href=\"https://media.api.sf.gov/documents/Early_Learning_For_All_Rates_FY_26-27_uwckwsW.pdf\">For the 2026-27 fiscal year\u003c/a>, which began July 1, families can save the following amounts in childcare per month for each child in these age categories:\u003c/p>\n"
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"Infants (0 to 24 months): $3,027 per month",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Infants (0 to 24 months): $3,027 per month\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Toddlers (24 to 36 months): $2,306 per month\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>Toddlers (24 to 36 months): $2,306 per month\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): $2,115 per month\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Families earning between 151% and 200% of the AMI (that’s up to $259,400 for a family of two, and up to $291,800 for a family of three) can apply for 50% off the reimbursement rates — but they must pay the rest of the tuition costs set by the provider and any extra hours of care or fees. Here’s how much families can save in childcare per month for children in these age categories:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Families earning between 151% and 200% of the AMI (that’s up to $259,400 for a family of two, and up to $291,800 for a family of three) can apply for 50% off the reimbursement rates — but they must pay the rest of the tuition costs set by the provider and any extra hours of care or fees. Here’s how much families can save in childcare per month for children in these age categories:\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli> Infants (0 to 24 months): $1,514 per month\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Toddlers (24 to 36 months): $1,153 per month\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): $1,058 per month\u003c/li>\n",
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"attrs": {
"text": "How is income eligibility determined?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How is income eligibility determined?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The AMI is based on gross income, which is the amount you earn \u003cem>before \u003c/em>any taxes or other deductions are taken out of your paycheck. Families can submit tax documents from the previous year or their most recent pay stubs. Eligibility is determined based on the documentation provided and \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/eligibility-for-free-or-low-cost-preschool-and-child-care\">the family’s household size\u003c/a>, said Jonathan Rubinsky, a spokesman for the Department of Early Childhood.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The AMI is based on gross income, which is the amount you earn \u003cem>before \u003c/em>any taxes or other deductions are taken out of your paycheck. Families can submit tax documents from the previous year or their most recent pay stubs. Eligibility is determined based on the documentation provided and \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/eligibility-for-free-or-low-cost-preschool-and-child-care\">the family’s household size\u003c/a>, said Jonathan Rubinsky, a spokesman for the Department of Early Childhood.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "How do I sign up for San Francisco childcare subsidies?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I sign up for San Francisco childcare subsidies?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can sign up yourself on the \u003ca href=\"https://app.mycareconnect.io/carewait3/sfdec/service\">Department of Early Childhood’s online portal\u003c/a> — or you can contact these \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/early-learning-for-all\">three Childcare Resource and Referral agencies \u003c/a>who can help you apply. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>You can sign up yourself on the \u003ca href=\"https://app.mycareconnect.io/carewait3/sfdec/service\">Department of Early Childhood’s online portal\u003c/a> — or you can contact these \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/early-learning-for-all\">three Childcare Resource and Referral agencies \u003c/a>who can help you apply. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can also contact a preschool or childcare program in the ELFA network and their staff will help you apply for the subsidy.\u003c/p>\n",
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"attrs": {
"text": "How do I choose among the hundreds of childcare programs and preschools in the ELFA network? ",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I choose among the hundreds of childcare programs and preschools in the ELFA network? \u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Families can browse through a \u003ca href=\"https://app.mycareconnect.io/carewait3/sfdec/service/search/list?near=San%20Francisco,%20CA\">centralized list\u003c/a> of childcare and preschool programs in the ELFA network to learn about their locations, hours, prices, available spaces and educational approaches, such as immersing children in specific languages or in a Montessori or play-based curriculum. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can also click on the provider’s state license number to look up details of their health and safety records, state regulators’ inspections of their facilities, and any citations or complaints they received. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/08/RS64819_015_KQED_EachOneTeachOneChildCare_04262023-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A woman with long, black braids and a brown hoodie plays with a baby in a sunhat in the backyard on a sunny day.\" class=\"wp-image-11957186\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A little over 50% of family childcare providers in California are 50 years old or older, yet less than a quarter of them have any retirement savings, according to research from the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment at UC Berkeley.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Programs based in the provider’s home and licensed to serve up to 14 children are categorized as “Family Child Care.” Larger programs with multiple classrooms and staff are categorized as “centers.” Some families prefer a home environment for their children, while others prefer larger centers — and you can request a tour of the facility to inform your decision. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Some childcare homes or centers have waitlists because the demand for a space in their program is driven by parental choice, according to Meenoo Yashar, deputy director of early learning at the city’s Department of Early Childhood. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To join the Early Learning For All network, they also must meet the Department of Early Childhood’s \u003ca href=\"https://provider.sfdec.org/wp-content/uploads/Quality-Standard_Updated_6_8_26_ENG.pdf\">quality standards\u003c/a>, which are higher than state and federal requirements, according to an \u003ca href=\"https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/ca-upk-mixed-delivery-systems-report\">analysis by the Learning Policy Institute\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Yashar said those expectations include providing a “welcoming, culturally responsive environment” to parents, where there are multiple communication channels to tell them what’s going on in the classroom and how their children are developing.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Providers in the ELFA network must also provide data regularly to the Department of Early Childhood. In return, they receive wage supplements for the teaching staff and funding to improve their facilities, including outdoor play areas. Teachers also receive professional development, coaching and access to mental health consultants. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This work has to do with optimizing brain development during a critical time, and so we want our educators to have access to higher education and understand the latest research and methodology for working with young kids,” Yashar said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Higher pay has helped stabilize staffing in a sector plagued by workplace burnout due to low wages and lack of support and benefits. Last year, a study by \u003ca href=\"https://cscce.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/state-of-ece-san-francisco-2025-updated-jan2026.pdf\">UC Berkeley’s Center for the Study of Child Care Employment\u003c/a> found that the turnover rate for teachers and assistant teachers in San Francisco was 17%, which is 23% to 35% lower than in other places in California.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If you’re getting better paid, hopefully you’re going to stay in your job,” Yashar said. A stable staff is a marker of quality, she said, because it allows children to strengthen relationships with their educator. \u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "San Francisco is the first U.S. city to offer a robust early childhood education program for children under 5. Here’s how families can opt into its Early Learning For All system. ",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\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>San Francisco is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069711/san-francisco-expands-child-care-subsidies-to-tackle-affordability-issues\">widening access to early childhood education\u003c/a> and care for children from birth to 5 years old — by offering families financial aid.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A few years ago, the city began \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11948690/business-tax-provides-crucial-funding-for-early-childhood-education-and-care-in-san-francisco\">using revenue from a local business tax\u003c/a>, plus state and federal dollars, to fund free childcare and preschool for families with low and moderate incomes. Starting this summer, higher-income families can apply for a 50% tuition discount.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The expansion is expected to take some financial pressure off young families in the city as they grapple with the \u003ca href=\"https://tootris.com/edu/blog/parents/cost-of-child-care-in-california-by-city-age-and-type-of-care-provider/\">highest childcare costs in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But there’s a catch: financial aid is only available to families who enroll in any of the approximately 560 early learning programs participating in the city’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/early-learning-for-all\">Early Learning For All, also known as ELFA,\u003c/a> network. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here’s what San Francisco families need to know about the system and how they can sign up. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who qualifies for San Francisco’s financial aid for childcare?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Free tuition\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Free tuition is available for families who live in San Francisco and earn up to\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>110% of the Area Median Income, or AMI. That means a single parent with a child, who makes up to $142,650 per year — or a couple with one child earning $160,500 per year — would qualify for free tuition.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Full tuition credit\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Families earning between 111% and 150% of the AMI (that’s up to $194,550 for a family of two, and up to $218,850 for a family of three) can get full tuition credit to pay for \u003cem>most \u003c/em>of the cost of childcare or preschool. The subsidy goes directly to the provider, but families might need to cover a co-pay and any extra hours of care.\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/10/2026/03/260130-sfchildcareaccess00137_TV_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12076653\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260130-sfchildcareaccess00137_TV_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260130-sfchildcareaccess00137_TV_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260130-sfchildcareaccess00137_TV_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lyuba Shkolnik teaches children how to bake muffins at her in-home childcare business called Daycare Bumblebee in San Francisco on Jan. 30, 2026. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The San Francisco Department of Early Childhood, a branch of the city’s government, sets the rates it will reimburse to providers in the ELFA network. \u003ca href=\"https://media.api.sf.gov/documents/Early_Learning_For_All_Rates_FY_26-27_uwckwsW.pdf\">For the 2026-27 fiscal year\u003c/a>, which began July 1, families can save the following amounts in childcare per month for each child in these age categories:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Infants (0 to 24 months): $3,027 per month\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Toddlers (24 to 36 months): $2,306 per month\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): $2,115 per month\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">50% tuition discount\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Families earning between 151% and 200% of the AMI (that’s up to $259,400 for a family of two, and up to $291,800 for a family of three) can apply for 50% off the reimbursement rates — but they must pay the rest of the tuition costs set by the provider and any extra hours of care or fees. Here’s how much families can save in childcare per month for children in these age categories:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli> Infants (0 to 24 months): $1,514 per month\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Toddlers (24 to 36 months): $1,153 per month\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): $1,058 per month\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How is income eligibility determined?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The AMI is based on gross income, which is the amount you earn \u003cem>before \u003c/em>any taxes or other deductions are taken out of your paycheck. Families can submit tax documents from the previous year or their most recent pay stubs. Eligibility is determined based on the documentation provided and \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/eligibility-for-free-or-low-cost-preschool-and-child-care\">the family’s household size\u003c/a>, said Jonathan Rubinsky, a spokesman for the Department of Early Childhood.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I sign up for San Francisco childcare subsidies?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can sign up yourself on the \u003ca href=\"https://app.mycareconnect.io/carewait3/sfdec/service\">Department of Early Childhood’s online portal\u003c/a> — or you can contact these \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/early-learning-for-all\">three Childcare Resource and Referral agencies \u003c/a>who can help you apply. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can also contact a preschool or childcare program in the ELFA network and their staff will help you apply for the subsidy.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I choose among the hundreds of childcare programs and preschools in the ELFA network? \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Families can browse through a \u003ca href=\"https://app.mycareconnect.io/carewait3/sfdec/service/search/list?near=San%20Francisco,%20CA\">centralized list\u003c/a> of childcare and preschool programs in the ELFA network to learn about their locations, hours, prices, available spaces and educational approaches, such as immersing children in specific languages or in a Montessori or play-based curriculum. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can also click on the provider’s state license number to look up details of their health and safety records, state regulators’ inspections of their facilities, and any citations or complaints they received. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/08/RS64819_015_KQED_EachOneTeachOneChildCare_04262023-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A woman with long, black braids and a brown hoodie plays with a baby in a sunhat in the backyard on a sunny day.\" class=\"wp-image-11957186\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/08/RS64819_015_KQED_EachOneTeachOneChildCare_04262023-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/08/RS64819_015_KQED_EachOneTeachOneChildCare_04262023-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/08/RS64819_015_KQED_EachOneTeachOneChildCare_04262023-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/08/RS64819_015_KQED_EachOneTeachOneChildCare_04262023-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/08/RS64819_015_KQED_EachOneTeachOneChildCare_04262023-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A little over 50% of family childcare providers in California are 50 years old or older, yet less than a quarter of them have any retirement savings, according to research from the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment at UC Berkeley. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Programs based in the provider’s home and licensed to serve up to 14 children are categorized as “Family Child Care.” Larger programs with multiple classrooms and staff are categorized as “centers.” Some families prefer a home environment for their children, while others prefer larger centers — and you can request a tour of the facility to inform your decision. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Parents of 4-year-olds can also opt for a school-based program called \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11989955/what-to-expect-when-enrolling-your-child-in-transitional-kindergarten\">transitional kindergarten\u003c/a>. The pre-kindergarten program is taught at San Francisco Unified School District elementary schools or early education centers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I really want to enroll my child in a certain program, but they don’t have any openings. What can I do?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Some childcare homes or centers have waitlists because the demand for a space in their program is driven by parental choice, according to Meenoo Yashar, deputy director of early learning at the city’s Department of Early Childhood. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She said parents can contact the provider to find out when they might have an opening and get on their waitlist. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What’s the quality of these programs?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>All of these programs meet the state’s minimum health and safety standards for licensed centers and family childcare homes. These include:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Passing staff background checks\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Receiving staff training in pediatric CPR and First Aid\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Maintaining specific staff-to-child ratios\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Ensuring safe indoor and outdoor physical space\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To join the Early Learning For All network, they also must meet the Department of Early Childhood’s \u003ca href=\"https://provider.sfdec.org/wp-content/uploads/Quality-Standard_Updated_6_8_26_ENG.pdf\">quality standards\u003c/a>, which are higher than state and federal requirements, according to an \u003ca href=\"https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/ca-upk-mixed-delivery-systems-report\">analysis by the Learning Policy Institute\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/10/2026/03/260130-sfchildcareaccess00146_TV_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12076655\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260130-sfchildcareaccess00146_TV_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260130-sfchildcareaccess00146_TV_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260130-sfchildcareaccess00146_TV_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Victoria Golobordko walks a child at Daycare Bumblebee in San Francisco on Jan. 30, 2026. San Francisco is expanding access to childcare by offering 50% discounts to middle- and upper-middle-income earners in an effort to tackle affordability issues in one of the most expensive cities in the country. Daycare Bumblebee is trying to get approval to enter the city’s Early Learning For All system. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Yashar said those expectations include providing a “welcoming, culturally responsive environment” to parents, where there are multiple communication channels to tell them what’s going on in the classroom and how their children are developing.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Yashar said members must also provide a “rich learning environment with lots of opportunities for children to do exploratory play.” That means early educators are providing a variety of hands-on learning materials, and they’re also interacting meaningfully with children. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To join ELFA, educators get assessed on the way they engage with children, Yashar said. “Are they asking open-ended questions? Are there opportunities where children are talking to each other, or are they just being talked to?” she said. “We’re looking to see, are the teachers also helping the children understand what’s going to happen in their day?”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Providers in the ELFA network must also provide data regularly to the Department of Early Childhood. In return, they receive wage supplements for the teaching staff and funding to improve their facilities, including outdoor play areas. Teachers also receive professional development, coaching and access to mental health consultants. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The department also covers tuition for educators who want to complete their degrees in early childhood education at local colleges. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This work has to do with optimizing brain development during a critical time, and so we want our educators to have access to higher education and understand the latest research and methodology for working with young kids,” Yashar said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Higher pay has helped stabilize staffing in a sector plagued by workplace burnout due to low wages and lack of support and benefits. Last year, a study by \u003ca href=\"https://cscce.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/state-of-ece-san-francisco-2025-updated-jan2026.pdf\">UC Berkeley’s Center for the Study of Child Care Employment\u003c/a> found that the turnover rate for teachers and assistant teachers in San Francisco was 17%, which is 23% to 35% lower than in other places in California.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you’re getting better paid, hopefully you’re going to stay in your job,” Yashar said. A stable staff is a marker of quality, she said, because it allows children to strengthen relationships with their educator. \u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "the-best-places-to-bring-your-book-in-the-bay-area-performative-reading-accusations-not-included",
"title": "The Best Places to Bring Your Book in the Bay Area (‘Performative Reading’ Accusations Not Included)",
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"headTitle": "The Best Places to Bring Your Book in the Bay Area (‘Performative Reading’ Accusations Not Included) | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>One of the easiest ways to remind myself that life is worth living is grabbing my current read and taking it out of the house with me. It’s an essential tote bag accessory, along with my keys, chapstick and sunscreen. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So imagine my surprise when I saw this post from a user whose friend took a picture of them reading — on what appears to be a lovely bench — captioned: “My friends called me performative cause this is how they found me lmao??” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Yes, it’s probably a joke — and it definitely sounds like something my friends would say ironically as well. (“Going to bring a book to the BTS concert so RM sees me reading in the audience and knows I’m not like other girls,” etc. etc.) But \u003ca href=\"https://www.instyle.com/elle-fanning-reading-interview-coach-11914208\">being a\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/Lilys_verses/status/2082914715525611989\">“performative reader”\u003c/a> — \u003ca href=\"https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-lede/performative-reading?_sp=5af1db0a-9ac4-4ed6-a317-ecbb6b519457.1786058480642\">i.e., reading in public\u003c/a>, in \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F_A7qvs5Gs\">various configurations\u003c/a> —\u003cem>has \u003c/em>turned into \u003ca href=\"https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/books/performative-reading-trend-social-media-booktok-readers-weigh-in-rcna237393\">something of a jab\u003c/a> from \u003ca href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jun/30/performative-reading-public-tiktok\">the Very Online\u003c/a>. And it’s for everyone, not just the apparent \u003ca href=\"https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/chore-coats-moustaches-and-female-fiction-meet-the-men-doing-the-performative-reading-meme-irl\">“pretentious guy on a dating app\u003c/a>” archetype.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://twitter.com/mariahyreva/status/2081521301714284976\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But as \u003ca href=\"https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-lede/performative-reading?_sp=5af1db0a-9ac4-4ed6-a317-ecbb6b519457.1786058480642\">\u003cem>The New Yorker’s \u003c/em>Brady Brickner-Wood\u003c/a> wrote, “If everything is potentially performative, how will we ever work up the courage to step outside of our sphere of normal, to risk being earnest and cringe, and experience something transformative?” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And as Brickner-Wood said, “Reading a book is antithetical to scrolling; online platforms cannot replicate the slow, patient, and complex experience of reading a weighty novel.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So in celebration of reading outside — \u003ca href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/@hopeurdoingwellbruh/video/7653930211234336031\">which \u003cem>is\u003c/em> a vibe\u003c/a> — I consulted some of the Bay Area’s writers, librarians and booksellers and went on the hunt to find excellent spots in the region that will let you sit down for a while with a good read. (As always, be sure to check the hours of any businesses on this list before heading out, to make sure it’s still open.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-tiktok wp-block-embed-tiktok\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.tiktok.com/@hopeurdoingwellbruh/video/7653930211234336031\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you don’t have something in your \u003ca href=\"https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/tbr\">TBR list\u003c/a> that’s speaking to you right now, you can check out KQED’s Forum episode \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101914694/whats-on-your-summer-reading-list-4\">interviewing Bay Area booksellers on some popular summer titles\u003c/a>. (I am currently reading \u003cem>The Brothers Karamazov\u003c/em> with a friend, which, I’ll admit, is not helping me beat the performative reading allegations.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jump straight to the best places to read in:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#east-bay\">East Bay\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#north-bay\">North Bay\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#peninsula\">South Bay and Peninsula\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The best places to read in San Francisco\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vesuvio Cafe in North Beach\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Rae Alexandra, KQED Arts and Culture reporter and author of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12077049/unsung-heroines-rebel-girls-of-the-bay-area\">\u003cem>Unsung Heroines: 35 Women Who Changed the Bay Area\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Vesuvio Cafe is a gorgeous bar right next to City Lights, the famous bookstore once frequented by figures like \u003ca href=\"https://www.timeout.com/san-francisco/bars/vesuvio\">Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg\u003c/a> (they also publish books, and \u003cem>Unsung Heroines\u003c/em> is one of them). Alexandra’s preference is at the end of the bar, near the front door.\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/VesuvioSFGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094749\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/VesuvioSFGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/VesuvioSFGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/VesuvioSFGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Vesuvio Bar in San Francisco, California, on July 13, 2017. (Michael Macor/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>“\u003c/strong>It’s a habit that started by accident — going book shopping in City Lights and deciding I just \u003cem>had \u003c/em>to start reading what I’d bought immediately, so popping next door to the bar,” Alexandra said. “Vesuvio is quiet in the afternoon, so a nice place to read.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you want some nature reading with your City Lights read instead, take a 12-minute walk up Columbus Avenue to \u003cstrong>Ina Coolbrith Park,\u003c/strong> a small space with beautiful city views named after \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlfR1eeDoME\">the state’s first poet laureate\u003c/a>. Alternatively, a little way up Columbus is \u003cstrong>Washington Square Park. \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Golden Gate Park\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/booknerderika?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">\u003cem>Erika Naulu\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, high school librarian in Concord \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s hard \u003cem>not \u003c/em>to find a pretty spot in Golden Gate Park to read — but \u003ca href=\"https://gggp.org/conservatory-of-flowers/\">the Conservatory of Flowers\u003c/a> is probably my all-time favorite place to spread a blanket and rest.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Librarian Naulu agrees. For her, the best spot is the area between the California Academy of Sciences and de Young Museum. “There are fountains and benches where you can sit and relax,” she said.\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/10/2025/01/009_SanFrancisco_SkyStarWheel_03042021_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12022568\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/009_SanFrancisco_SkyStarWheel_03042021_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/009_SanFrancisco_SkyStarWheel_03042021_qed-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/009_SanFrancisco_SkyStarWheel_03042021_qed-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/009_SanFrancisco_SkyStarWheel_03042021_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/009_SanFrancisco_SkyStarWheel_03042021_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/009_SanFrancisco_SkyStarWheel_03042021_qed-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">View from the SkyStar Observation Wheel of the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park on March 4, 2021. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There are music performances sometimes at the music concourse that can get distracting if you are looking for a quiet spot,” Naulu said. “I like the background music sometimes though.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What makes the park particularly excellent for readers is the plethora of bookstores also available nearby, including: \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://gggp.org/shop/\">Gardens of Golden Gate Park\u003c/a> has its own bookstore \u003cem>in\u003c/em> the park, near Lincoln Way and Ninth Avenue. \u003ca href=\"https://gggp.org/learn/library-collection/\">The Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture\u003c/a> is also nearby.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://greenapplebooks.com/\">Green Apple Books on the Park\u003c/a> is around a minute walk from the Ninth Street entrance to Golden Gate Park.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://borderlands-books.com/v2/index.html\">Borderlands Books\u003c/a> (science fiction and fantasy focused) is around a 3-minute walk from the Stanyan Street entrance to Golden Gate Park.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://blackbirdsf.com/\">Blackbird Bookstore and Cafe\u003c/a> is around a 6-minute walk from the closest entrance on Lincoln Way to Golden Gate Park.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://booksmith.com/\">The Booksmith\u003c/a> is around a 7-minute walk away from the closest entrance on Stanyan Street to Golden Gate Park.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.globusbooks.com/\">Globus Books\u003c/a> is around a 7-minute walk away from the closest entrance on Fulton Street to Golden Gate Park.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://boundtogether.org/\">Bound Together Bookstore\u003c/a> is around an 11-minute walk from the closest entrance on Stanyan Street to Golden Gate Park — but is just around the corner from Buena Vista Park, too.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">La Promenade Café in the Outer Richmond\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Amy Gloriana, owner of bookstore \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.betweenthebookendssf.com/\">\u003cem>Between the Bookends\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Gloriana said that \u003ca href=\"https://www.lapromenadecafe.com/\">La Promenade Café\u003c/a> has “so many options for seating and it’s so cozy!” There are usually a good amount of customers inside, but “never too loud” and “food and coffee is pretty good,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And probably the most winning part of her rec: “It feels like you’re in \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9mRoCerrpY&list=RDY9mRoCerrpY&start_radio=1&pp=ygUQbG9maSBjb2ZmZWUgc2hvcKAHAdIHCQnECwGHKiGM7w%3D%3D\">a coffee shop lofi video\u003c/a>.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Charlie’s Cafe in the Mission\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Sirkka Miller, bookseller at Dog Eared Books Valencia\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Miller said Charlie’s Cafe has good coffee and, in the morning, is “well lit” and “nice and airy” in addition to being quiet. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A bonus for Charlie’s is that it is \u003cem>right\u003c/em> next to Precita Park, which has \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/898/Precita-Park\">a butterfly garden\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1293\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/RomanceGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12081136\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/RomanceGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/RomanceGetty-160x103.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/RomanceGetty-1536x993.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">People relaxing in the grass at Dolores Park in San Francisco. (Lonely Planet/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dolores Park in the Mission \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Grace Wathen, bookseller at \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.thelovepotionlibrary.com/\">\u003cem>The Love Potion Library\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wathen said her usual spots are “anywhere I can read under a tree.” Near Dolores Park is \u003cstrong>Dolores Cafe\u003c/strong>, which includes outside seating and a pretty magnificent view of the park.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you need a book, there are also stores near the park, including:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.dogearedbooks.com/\">Dog Eared Books\u003c/a>, around a 6-minute walk away from the closest entrance to Dolores Park.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://fabulosabooks.com/\">Fabulosa Books\u003c/a>, around a 10-minute walk away from the closest entrance to Dolores Park.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The International Library of Young Authors in the Mission\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This incredible sweet spot — which features titles written by young writers across the country — is a favorite of this reporter, as it’s also the home of literary magazines like McSweeney’s (founded by the Bay Area’s Dave Eggers) and The Believer. The “library” has comfy couches, plenty of sunlight and a pretty whimsical hidden room at the back. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The space sometimes hosts workshops for young people, so it’s best to check their schedule beforehand to make sure you’re able to pop in during the quiet, empty hours.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"east-bay\">The best places to read in East Bay\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clio’s in Oakland\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/gabbi.rose?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">\u003cem>Gabbi Sharp\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, host of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://oaklandlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/67c8f1a4596bfd2f00183710\">\u003cem>the Black Authors Book Club\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> at the West Oakland Branch Library\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cliosbooks.com/\">Clio’s\u003c/a> is a stylish bar and bookstore. As Sharp said, “I always bring my own book to read. They have such cozy couches, a warm atmosphere, and they are open late!” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lake Chabot in Castro Valley\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Concord librarian Naulu\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Naulu recommends this \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/parks/lake-chabot\">gated regional park\u003c/a> where people also boat and fish. “I like to walk the trails while listening to audiobooks,” Naulu said. “There are places to sit and read as well near the lake, but depending on the day, it can get busy and noisy with campers or other people.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You’ll need to pay for parking within the regional park itself, but there’s also parking available on the road just outside the park, which is free.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1378\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/LakeMerrittReadingGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094745\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/LakeMerrittReadingGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/LakeMerrittReadingGetty-160x110.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/LakeMerrittReadingGetty-1536x1058.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A woman reads a book at Lake Merritt in Oakland, California, on Saturday, May 16, 2020. (Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lake Merritt in Oakland\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/ablacklibrarian?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">\u003cem>Makayla Walker\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, librarian in Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Lake Merritt is a favorite, especially on sunny days, Walker said. There are also \u003ca href=\"https://www.lakemerritt.org/gardens.html\">specific gardens\u003c/a> within Lake Merritt to choose from. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Perhaps Lake Merritt is the place for a nice fantasy novel, considering \u003ca href=\"https://www.lakemerritt.org/fairyland.html\">children’s amusement park Fairyland\u003c/a> is nearby as well.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bishop Ranch in San Ramon\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Concord librarian Naulu\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As a large, lush open space, Naulu called Bishop Ranch a “hidden gem of San Ramon.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There’s also \u003ca href=\"https://www.bishopranch.com/venue/annabel-lake/\">Annabel Lake \u003c/a>nearby, with “a lot of benches around it that are perfect for reading,” she said.\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/10/2026/04/BookSociety_Jan2025_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12081140\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BookSociety_Jan2025_001.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BookSociety_Jan2025_001-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BookSociety_Jan2025_001-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Book Society is a wine lounge based in Berkeley. (Courtesy of Kara Brodgesell via Book Society.)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Book Society in Berkeley\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A wine lounge with \u003ca href=\"https://www.booksociety.social/menu\">a menu of snacks and nonalcoholic options\u003c/a> to choose from, the Book Society is a stylish space with popular titles for sale as well. There are also couches to lounge on, as well as soft chairs and bar stools. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"north-bay\">The best places to read in North Bay\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mill Valley Depot Café & Bookstore in Mill Valley \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This cafe offers \u003ca href=\"https://www.depotcafeandbookstore.com/\">a large menu\u003c/a>, allowing you to spend some time grazing while going through your book.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The cafe also doubles as an independent bookstore and an event space — so be sure to \u003ca href=\"https://www.depotcafeandbookstore.com/events\">check out the calendar\u003c/a> if you’d like to see a live music show that day as well (or avoid one, if you’re seeking serenity!).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Mill Valley Public Library\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Mill Valley branch has \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/mill_valley_library/?hl=en\">wide glass windows, high ceilings and cozy lighting\u003c/a> that allow visitors to really feel like they are engulfed in the surrounding woods. In this reporter’s humble opinion, it’s probably one of the prettiest public libraries in the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aqus Cafe in Petaluma\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Danielle Venton, KQED Science and climate reporter, host of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/event/4149/climate-book-club\">\u003cem>KQED’s Climate Book Club\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A little away from the bustling downtown, Venton said that Aqus Cafe is “very welcoming to those bookishly quiet of us, who want to be around other people without necessarily talking to them.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But if you \u003cem>would \u003c/em>like to be closer to downtown, Venton also recommended historic saloon \u003cstrong>McNears, \u003c/strong>adding that the staff there has “been kind and patient with me, letting me hide out upstairs reading and writing.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Oak Hill in Petaluma\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Danielle Venton, KQED Science and climate reporter, host of KQED’s Climate Book Club\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Venton said that this park has “everything you want.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are picnic tables, a kid’s playground, dog run, petanque court, basketball hoop and, most importantly for readers, “enormous live oak trees offering abundant shade over a large lawn,” she said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"peninsula\">The best places to read in South Bay and the Peninsula\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fioli Estate in Woodside\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Recommendation from: Yung Le, co-founder of \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/anovelaffairbookcafe/\">A Novel Affair\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This gorgeous, Austenland-like garden was actually Le’s previous recommendation to KQED for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12081122/bay-area-book-lovers-we-have-highly-literary-date-or-friend-hang-ideas-for-your-weekend\">a literary-themed date\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At \u003ca href=\"https://51772.blackbaudhosting.com/51772/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=85164de0-552f-49c6-8ba5-ce4be2af4d14\">around $45 for adults\u003c/a>, Filoli is a pricier option for a day out with a book. But people with \u003ca href=\"https://filoli.org/visit/#!\">a SNAP (CalFresh) EBT card or a Discover and Go pass\u003c/a> from the library can get free and reduced admission.\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/10/2026/04/Filoli-AlbertDros-9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12081141\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/Filoli-AlbertDros-9.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/Filoli-AlbertDros-9-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/Filoli-AlbertDros-9-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fioli, in Woodside, is an historic estate with landscape gardens that brings pure Pemberley vibes to the Peninsula. \u003cbr> (Courtesy of Albert Dros via Fioli)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The A.M. Craft in San José\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Amy Ly, \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"http://instagram.com/silentbookclubsanjose?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==\">\u003cem>San José Silent Book Club\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> moderator\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This cafe and restaurant is located in downtown San José, and Ly called \u003ca href=\"https://am-craft.mailchimpsites.com/about-us\">A.M. Craft\u003c/a> “my little hideout when I want to get some reading done on a Saturday morning.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Gimme a cold brew, pastry and a good read, and I’ll happily read for a few hours,” Ly said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Atherton Library in Atherton\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/sfbookgirl?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">\u003cem>Ciera Pasturel\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, San Mateo County librarian\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Pasturel recommends specifically the patio of the Atherton Library, which is “under an enormous oak tree.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There is ample seating as well as a cafe that sells delicious coffee and pastries,” Pasturel added.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Half Moon Bay Beach\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Concord librarian Naulu\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Weather permitting, of course! Naulu said that she tends to take her e-reader to the beach instead of a physical book, since it “does get windy.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But it makes for a pleasant family outing, since she can settle with a book while her kids build sandcastles next to her.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>One of the easiest ways to remind myself that life is worth living is grabbing my current read and taking it out of the house with me. It’s an essential tote bag accessory, along with my keys, chapstick and sunscreen. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>One of the easiest ways to remind myself that life is worth living is grabbing my current read and taking it out of the house with me. It’s an essential tote bag accessory, along with my keys, chapstick and sunscreen. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So imagine my surprise when I saw this post from a user whose friend took a picture of them reading — on what appears to be a lovely bench — captioned: “My friends called me performative cause this is how they found me lmao??” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>So imagine my surprise when I saw this post from a user whose friend took a picture of them reading — on what appears to be a lovely bench — captioned: “My friends called me performative cause this is how they found me lmao??” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Yes, it’s probably a joke — and it definitely sounds like something my friends would say ironically as well. (“Going to bring a book to the BTS concert so RM sees me reading in the audience and knows I’m not like other girls,” etc. etc.) But \u003ca href=\"https://www.instyle.com/elle-fanning-reading-interview-coach-11914208\">being a\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/Lilys_verses/status/2082914715525611989\">“performative reader”\u003c/a> — \u003ca href=\"https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-lede/performative-reading?_sp=5af1db0a-9ac4-4ed6-a317-ecbb6b519457.1786058480642\">i.e., reading in public\u003c/a>, in \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F_A7qvs5Gs\">various configurations\u003c/a> —\u003cem>has \u003c/em>turned into \u003ca href=\"https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/books/performative-reading-trend-social-media-booktok-readers-weigh-in-rcna237393\">something of a jab\u003c/a> from \u003ca href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jun/30/performative-reading-public-tiktok\">the Very Online\u003c/a>. And it’s for everyone, not just the apparent \u003ca href=\"https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/chore-coats-moustaches-and-female-fiction-meet-the-men-doing-the-performative-reading-meme-irl\">“pretentious guy on a dating app\u003c/a>” archetype.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Yes, it’s probably a joke — and it definitely sounds like something my friends would say ironically as well. (“Going to bring a book to the BTS concert so RM sees me reading in the audience and knows I’m not like other girls,” etc. etc.) But \u003ca href=\"https://www.instyle.com/elle-fanning-reading-interview-coach-11914208\">being a\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/Lilys_verses/status/2082914715525611989\">“performative reader”\u003c/a> — \u003ca href=\"https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-lede/performative-reading?_sp=5af1db0a-9ac4-4ed6-a317-ecbb6b519457.1786058480642\">i.e., reading in public\u003c/a>, in \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F_A7qvs5Gs\">various configurations\u003c/a> —\u003cem>has \u003c/em>turned into \u003ca href=\"https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/books/performative-reading-trend-social-media-booktok-readers-weigh-in-rcna237393\">something of a jab\u003c/a> from \u003ca href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jun/30/performative-reading-public-tiktok\">the Very Online\u003c/a>. And it’s for everyone, not just the apparent \u003ca href=\"https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/chore-coats-moustaches-and-female-fiction-meet-the-men-doing-the-performative-reading-meme-irl\">“pretentious guy on a dating app\u003c/a>” archetype.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But as \u003ca href=\"https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-lede/performative-reading?_sp=5af1db0a-9ac4-4ed6-a317-ecbb6b519457.1786058480642\">\u003cem>The New Yorker’s \u003c/em>Brady Brickner-Wood\u003c/a> wrote, “If everything is potentially performative, how will we ever work up the courage to step outside of our sphere of normal, to risk being earnest and cringe, and experience something transformative?” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But as \u003ca href=\"https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-lede/performative-reading?_sp=5af1db0a-9ac4-4ed6-a317-ecbb6b519457.1786058480642\">\u003cem>The New Yorker’s \u003c/em>Brady Brickner-Wood\u003c/a> wrote, “If everything is potentially performative, how will we ever work up the courage to step outside of our sphere of normal, to risk being earnest and cringe, and experience something transformative?” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And as Brickner-Wood said, “Reading a book is antithetical to scrolling; online platforms cannot replicate the slow, patient, and complex experience of reading a weighty novel.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And as Brickner-Wood said, “Reading a book is antithetical to scrolling; online platforms cannot replicate the slow, patient, and complex experience of reading a weighty novel.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So in celebration of reading outside — \u003ca href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/@hopeurdoingwellbruh/video/7653930211234336031\">which \u003cem>is\u003c/em> a vibe\u003c/a> — I consulted some of the Bay Area’s writers, librarians and booksellers and went on the hunt to find excellent spots in the region that will let you sit down for a while with a good read. (As always, be sure to check the hours of any businesses on this list before heading out, to make sure it’s still open.)\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>So in celebration of reading outside — \u003ca href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/@hopeurdoingwellbruh/video/7653930211234336031\">which \u003cem>is\u003c/em> a vibe\u003c/a> — I consulted some of the Bay Area’s writers, librarians and booksellers and went on the hunt to find excellent spots in the region that will let you sit down for a while with a good read. (As always, be sure to check the hours of any businesses on this list before heading out, to make sure it’s still open.)\u003c/p>\n"
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-tiktok wp-block-embed-tiktok\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.tiktok.com/@hopeurdoingwellbruh/video/7653930211234336031\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if you don’t have something in your \u003ca href=\"https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/tbr\">TBR list\u003c/a> that’s speaking to you right now, you can check out KQED’s Forum episode \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101914694/whats-on-your-summer-reading-list-4\">interviewing Bay Area booksellers on some popular summer titles\u003c/a>. (I am currently reading \u003cem>The Brothers Karamazov\u003c/em> with a friend, which, I’ll admit, is not helping me beat the performative reading allegations.)\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And if you don’t have something in your \u003ca href=\"https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/tbr\">TBR list\u003c/a> that’s speaking to you right now, you can check out KQED’s Forum episode \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101914694/whats-on-your-summer-reading-list-4\">interviewing Bay Area booksellers on some popular summer titles\u003c/a>. (I am currently reading \u003cem>The Brothers Karamazov\u003c/em> with a friend, which, I’ll admit, is not helping me beat the performative reading allegations.)\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Jump straight to the best places to read in:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Jump straight to the best places to read in:\u003c/p>\n"
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"East Bay",
"North Bay",
"South Bay and Peninsula"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#east-bay\">East Bay\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#east-bay\">East Bay\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#north-bay\">North Bay\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#north-bay\">North Bay\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#peninsula\">South Bay and Peninsula\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
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"text": "The best places to read in San Francisco",
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"text": "Vesuvio Cafe in North Beach"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Rae Alexandra, KQED Arts and Culture reporter and author of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12077049/unsung-heroines-rebel-girls-of-the-bay-area\">\u003cem>Unsung Heroines: 35 Women Who Changed the Bay Area\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Rae Alexandra, KQED Arts and Culture reporter and author of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12077049/unsung-heroines-rebel-girls-of-the-bay-area\">\u003cem>Unsung Heroines: 35 Women Who Changed the Bay Area\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Vesuvio Cafe is a gorgeous bar right next to City Lights, the famous bookstore once frequented by figures like \u003ca href=\"https://www.timeout.com/san-francisco/bars/vesuvio\">Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg\u003c/a> (they also publish books, and \u003cem>Unsung Heroines\u003c/em> is one of them). Alexandra’s preference is at the end of the bar, near the front door.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Vesuvio Cafe is a gorgeous bar right next to City Lights, the famous bookstore once frequented by figures like \u003ca href=\"https://www.timeout.com/san-francisco/bars/vesuvio\">Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg\u003c/a> (they also publish books, and \u003cem>Unsung Heroines\u003c/em> is one of them). Alexandra’s preference is at the end of the bar, near the front door.\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/10/2026/08/VesuvioSFGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094749\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/VesuvioSFGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/VesuvioSFGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/VesuvioSFGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Vesuvio Bar in San Francisco, California, on July 13, 2017. \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/10/2026/08/VesuvioSFGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094749\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Vesuvio Bar in San Francisco, California, on July 13, 2017. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>“\u003c/strong>It’s a habit that started by accident — going book shopping in City Lights and deciding I just \u003cem>had \u003c/em>to start reading what I’d bought immediately, so popping next door to the bar,” Alexandra said. “Vesuvio is quiet in the afternoon, so a nice place to read.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>“\u003c/strong>It’s a habit that started by accident — going book shopping in City Lights and deciding I just \u003cem>had \u003c/em>to start reading what I’d bought immediately, so popping next door to the bar,” Alexandra said. “Vesuvio is quiet in the afternoon, so a nice place to read.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you want some nature reading with your City Lights read instead, take a 12-minute walk up Columbus Avenue to \u003cstrong>Ina Coolbrith Park,\u003c/strong> a small space with beautiful city views named after \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlfR1eeDoME\">the state’s first poet laureate\u003c/a>. Alternatively, a little way up Columbus is \u003cstrong>Washington Square Park. \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you want some nature reading with your City Lights read instead, take a 12-minute walk up Columbus Avenue to \u003cstrong>Ina Coolbrith Park,\u003c/strong> a small space with beautiful city views named after \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlfR1eeDoME\">the state’s first poet laureate\u003c/a>. Alternatively, a little way up Columbus is \u003cstrong>Washington Square Park. \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "Golden Gate Park"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/booknerderika?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">\u003cem>Erika Naulu\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, high school librarian in Concord \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/booknerderika?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">\u003cem>Erika Naulu\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, high school librarian in Concord \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s hard \u003cem>not \u003c/em>to find a pretty spot in Golden Gate Park to read — but \u003ca href=\"https://gggp.org/conservatory-of-flowers/\">the Conservatory of Flowers\u003c/a> is probably my all-time favorite place to spread a blanket and rest.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Librarian Naulu agrees. For her, the best spot is the area between the California Academy of Sciences and de Young Museum. “There are fountains and benches where you can sit and relax,” she said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Librarian Naulu agrees. For her, the best spot is the area between the California Academy of Sciences and de Young Museum. “There are fountains and benches where you can sit and relax,” she said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“There are music performances sometimes at the music concourse that can get distracting if you are looking for a quiet spot,” Naulu said. “I like the background music sometimes though.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>What makes the park particularly excellent for readers is the plethora of bookstores also available nearby, including: \u003c/p>\n",
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"Gardens of Golden Gate Park has its own bookstore in the park, near Lincoln Way and Ninth Avenue. The Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture is also nearby.",
"Green Apple Books on the Park is around a minute walk from the Ninth Street entrance to Golden Gate Park.",
"Borderlands Books (science fiction and fantasy focused) is around a 3-minute walk from the Stanyan Street entrance to Golden Gate Park.",
"Blackbird Bookstore and Cafe is around a 6-minute walk from the closest entrance on Lincoln Way to Golden Gate Park.",
"The Booksmith is around a 7-minute walk away from the closest entrance on Stanyan Street to Golden Gate Park.",
"Globus Books is around a 7-minute walk away from the closest entrance on Fulton Street to Golden Gate Park.",
"Bound Together Bookstore is around an 11-minute walk from the closest entrance on Stanyan Street to Golden Gate Park — but is just around the corner from Buena Vista Park, too."
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
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null,
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null,
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null,
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null,
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null,
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null,
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null,
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://gggp.org/shop/\">Gardens of Golden Gate Park\u003c/a> has its own bookstore \u003cem>in\u003c/em> the park, near Lincoln Way and Ninth Avenue. \u003ca href=\"https://gggp.org/learn/library-collection/\">The Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture\u003c/a> is also nearby.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://gggp.org/shop/\">Gardens of Golden Gate Park\u003c/a> has its own bookstore \u003cem>in\u003c/em> the park, near Lincoln Way and Ninth Avenue. \u003ca href=\"https://gggp.org/learn/library-collection/\">The Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture\u003c/a> is also nearby.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://greenapplebooks.com/\">Green Apple Books on the Park\u003c/a> is around a minute walk from the Ninth Street entrance to Golden Gate Park.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://greenapplebooks.com/\">Green Apple Books on the Park\u003c/a> is around a minute walk from the Ninth Street entrance to Golden Gate Park.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://borderlands-books.com/v2/index.html\">Borderlands Books\u003c/a> (science fiction and fantasy focused) is around a 3-minute walk from the Stanyan Street entrance to Golden Gate Park.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://borderlands-books.com/v2/index.html\">Borderlands Books\u003c/a> (science fiction and fantasy focused) is around a 3-minute walk from the Stanyan Street entrance to Golden Gate Park.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://blackbirdsf.com/\">Blackbird Bookstore and Cafe\u003c/a> is around a 6-minute walk from the closest entrance on Lincoln Way to Golden Gate Park.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://blackbirdsf.com/\">Blackbird Bookstore and Cafe\u003c/a> is around a 6-minute walk from the closest entrance on Lincoln Way to Golden Gate Park.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://booksmith.com/\">The Booksmith\u003c/a> is around a 7-minute walk away from the closest entrance on Stanyan Street to Golden Gate Park.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://booksmith.com/\">The Booksmith\u003c/a> is around a 7-minute walk away from the closest entrance on Stanyan Street to Golden Gate Park.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.globusbooks.com/\">Globus Books\u003c/a> is around a 7-minute walk away from the closest entrance on Fulton Street to Golden Gate Park.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.globusbooks.com/\">Globus Books\u003c/a> is around a 7-minute walk away from the closest entrance on Fulton Street to Golden Gate Park.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://boundtogether.org/\">Bound Together Bookstore\u003c/a> is around an 11-minute walk from the closest entrance on Stanyan Street to Golden Gate Park — but is just around the corner from Buena Vista Park, too.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://boundtogether.org/\">Bound Together Bookstore\u003c/a> is around an 11-minute walk from the closest entrance on Stanyan Street to Golden Gate Park — but is just around the corner from Buena Vista Park, too.\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "La Promenade Café in the Outer Richmond"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">La Promenade Café in the Outer Richmond\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">La Promenade Café in the Outer Richmond\u003c/h3>\n"
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},
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"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Amy Gloriana, owner of bookstore \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.betweenthebookendssf.com/\">\u003cem>Between the Bookends\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Amy Gloriana, owner of bookstore \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.betweenthebookendssf.com/\">\u003cem>Between the Bookends\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Gloriana said that \u003ca href=\"https://www.lapromenadecafe.com/\">La Promenade Café\u003c/a> has “so many options for seating and it’s so cozy!” There are usually a good amount of customers inside, but “never too loud” and “food and coffee is pretty good,” she said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Gloriana said that \u003ca href=\"https://www.lapromenadecafe.com/\">La Promenade Café\u003c/a> has “so many options for seating and it’s so cozy!” There are usually a good amount of customers inside, but “never too loud” and “food and coffee is pretty good,” she said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And probably the most winning part of her rec: “It feels like you’re in \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9mRoCerrpY&list=RDY9mRoCerrpY&start_radio=1&pp=ygUQbG9maSBjb2ZmZWUgc2hvcKAHAdIHCQnECwGHKiGM7w%3D%3D\">a coffee shop lofi video\u003c/a>.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And probably the most winning part of her rec: “It feels like you’re in \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9mRoCerrpY&list=RDY9mRoCerrpY&start_radio=1&pp=ygUQbG9maSBjb2ZmZWUgc2hvcKAHAdIHCQnECwGHKiGM7w%3D%3D\">a coffee shop lofi video\u003c/a>.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Charlie’s Cafe in the Mission"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Charlie’s Cafe in the Mission\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Charlie’s Cafe in the Mission\u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Sirkka Miller, bookseller at Dog Eared Books Valencia\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Sirkka Miller, bookseller at Dog Eared Books Valencia\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
],
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},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Miller said Charlie’s Cafe has good coffee and, in the morning, is “well lit” and “nice and airy” in addition to being quiet. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Miller said Charlie’s Cafe has good coffee and, in the morning, is “well lit” and “nice and airy” in addition to being quiet. \u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A bonus for Charlie’s is that it is \u003cem>right\u003c/em> next to Precita Park, which has \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/898/Precita-Park\">a butterfly garden\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>A bonus for Charlie’s is that it is \u003cem>right\u003c/em> next to Precita Park, which has \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/898/Precita-Park\">a butterfly garden\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
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"attrs": {
"id": 12081136,
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"linkDestination": "none",
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/RomanceGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/RomanceGetty-160x103.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/RomanceGetty-1536x993.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/10/2026/04/RomanceGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12081136\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/RomanceGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/RomanceGetty-160x103.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/RomanceGetty-1536x993.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">People relaxing in the grass at Dolores Park in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/RomanceGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12081136\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">People relaxing in the grass at Dolores Park in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Dolores Park in the Mission "
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dolores Park in the Mission \u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dolores Park in the Mission \u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Grace Wathen, bookseller at \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.thelovepotionlibrary.com/\">\u003cem>The Love Potion Library\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Grace Wathen, bookseller at \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.thelovepotionlibrary.com/\">\u003cem>The Love Potion Library\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Wathen said her usual spots are “anywhere I can read under a tree.” Near Dolores Park is \u003cstrong>Dolores Cafe\u003c/strong>, which includes outside seating and a pretty magnificent view of the park.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Wathen said her usual spots are “anywhere I can read under a tree.” Near Dolores Park is \u003cstrong>Dolores Cafe\u003c/strong>, which includes outside seating and a pretty magnificent view of the park.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you need a book, there are also stores near the park, including:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you need a book, there are also stores near the park, including:\u003c/p>\n"
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{
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"items": [
"Dog Eared Books, around a 6-minute walk away from the closest entrance to Dolores Park.",
"Fabulosa Books, around a 10-minute walk away from the closest entrance to Dolores Park."
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},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
"innerContent": [
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null,
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null,
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.dogearedbooks.com/\">Dog Eared Books\u003c/a>, around a 6-minute walk away from the closest entrance to Dolores Park.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.dogearedbooks.com/\">Dog Eared Books\u003c/a>, around a 6-minute walk away from the closest entrance to Dolores Park.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://fabulosabooks.com/\">Fabulosa Books\u003c/a>, around a 10-minute walk away from the closest entrance to Dolores Park.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://fabulosabooks.com/\">Fabulosa Books\u003c/a>, around a 10-minute walk away from the closest entrance to Dolores Park.\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "The International Library of Young Authors in the Mission"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The International Library of Young Authors in the Mission\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The International Library of Young Authors in the Mission\u003c/h3>\n"
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},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This incredible sweet spot — which features titles written by young writers across the country — is a favorite of this reporter, as it’s also the home of literary magazines like McSweeney’s (founded by the Bay Area’s Dave Eggers) and The Believer. The “library” has comfy couches, plenty of sunlight and a pretty whimsical hidden room at the back. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>This incredible sweet spot — which features titles written by young writers across the country — is a favorite of this reporter, as it’s also the home of literary magazines like McSweeney’s (founded by the Bay Area’s Dave Eggers) and The Believer. The “library” has comfy couches, plenty of sunlight and a pretty whimsical hidden room at the back. \u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The space sometimes hosts workshops for young people, so it’s best to check their schedule beforehand to make sure you’re able to pop in during the quiet, empty hours.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The space sometimes hosts workshops for young people, so it’s best to check their schedule beforehand to make sure you’re able to pop in during the quiet, empty hours.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "The best places to read in East Bay",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"east-bay\">The best places to read in East Bay\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"east-bay\">The best places to read in East Bay\u003c/h2>\n"
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},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Clio’s in Oakland"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clio’s in Oakland\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clio’s in Oakland\u003c/h3>\n"
],
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},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/gabbi.rose?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">\u003cem>Gabbi Sharp\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, host of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://oaklandlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/67c8f1a4596bfd2f00183710\">\u003cem>the Black Authors Book Club\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> at the West Oakland Branch Library\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/gabbi.rose?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">\u003cem>Gabbi Sharp\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, host of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://oaklandlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/67c8f1a4596bfd2f00183710\">\u003cem>the Black Authors Book Club\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> at the West Oakland Branch Library\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cliosbooks.com/\">Clio’s\u003c/a> is a stylish bar and bookstore. As Sharp said, “I always bring my own book to read. They have such cozy couches, a warm atmosphere, and they are open late!” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cliosbooks.com/\">Clio’s\u003c/a> is a stylish bar and bookstore. As Sharp said, “I always bring my own book to read. They have such cozy couches, a warm atmosphere, and they are open late!” \u003c/p>\n"
],
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},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Lake Chabot in Castro Valley"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lake Chabot in Castro Valley\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lake Chabot in Castro Valley\u003c/h3>\n"
],
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},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Concord librarian Naulu\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Concord librarian Naulu\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Naulu recommends this \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/parks/lake-chabot\">gated regional park\u003c/a> where people also boat and fish. “I like to walk the trails while listening to audiobooks,” Naulu said. “There are places to sit and read as well near the lake, but depending on the day, it can get busy and noisy with campers or other people.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Naulu recommends this \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/parks/lake-chabot\">gated regional park\u003c/a> where people also boat and fish. “I like to walk the trails while listening to audiobooks,” Naulu said. “There are places to sit and read as well near the lake, but depending on the day, it can get busy and noisy with campers or other people.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You’ll need to pay for parking within the regional park itself, but there’s also parking available on the road just outside the park, which is free.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You’ll need to pay for parking within the regional park itself, but there’s also parking available on the road just outside the park, which is free.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12094745,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"imageCredit": "Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/LakeMerrittReadingGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/LakeMerrittReadingGetty-160x110.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/LakeMerrittReadingGetty-1536x1058.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/LakeMerrittReadingGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094745\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/LakeMerrittReadingGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/LakeMerrittReadingGetty-160x110.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/LakeMerrittReadingGetty-1536x1058.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A woman reads a book at Lake Merritt in Oakland, California, on Saturday, May 16, 2020. \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/LakeMerrittReadingGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094745\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A woman reads a book at Lake Merritt in Oakland, California, on Saturday, May 16, 2020. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
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"text": "Lake Merritt in Oakland"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lake Merritt in Oakland\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lake Merritt in Oakland\u003c/h3>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/ablacklibrarian?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">\u003cem>Makayla Walker\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, librarian in Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/ablacklibrarian?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">\u003cem>Makayla Walker\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, librarian in Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Lake Merritt is a favorite, especially on sunny days, Walker said. There are also \u003ca href=\"https://www.lakemerritt.org/gardens.html\">specific gardens\u003c/a> within Lake Merritt to choose from. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Lake Merritt is a favorite, especially on sunny days, Walker said. There are also \u003ca href=\"https://www.lakemerritt.org/gardens.html\">specific gardens\u003c/a> within Lake Merritt to choose from. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Perhaps Lake Merritt is the place for a nice fantasy novel, considering \u003ca href=\"https://www.lakemerritt.org/fairyland.html\">children’s amusement park Fairyland\u003c/a> is nearby as well.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Perhaps Lake Merritt is the place for a nice fantasy novel, considering \u003ca href=\"https://www.lakemerritt.org/fairyland.html\">children’s amusement park Fairyland\u003c/a> is nearby as well.\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
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"text": "Bishop Ranch in San Ramon"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Concord librarian Naulu\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Concord librarian Naulu\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As a large, lush open space, Naulu called Bishop Ranch a “hidden gem of San Ramon.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>As a large, lush open space, Naulu called Bishop Ranch a “hidden gem of San Ramon.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There’s also \u003ca href=\"https://www.bishopranch.com/venue/annabel-lake/\">Annabel Lake \u003c/a>nearby, with “a lot of benches around it that are perfect for reading,” she said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>There’s also \u003ca href=\"https://www.bishopranch.com/venue/annabel-lake/\">Annabel Lake \u003c/a>nearby, with “a lot of benches around it that are perfect for reading,” she said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"imageCredit": "Courtesy of Kara Brodgesell via Book Society. ",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BookSociety_Jan2025_001.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BookSociety_Jan2025_001-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BookSociety_Jan2025_001-1536x1024.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/10/2026/04/BookSociety_Jan2025_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12081140\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BookSociety_Jan2025_001.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BookSociety_Jan2025_001-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BookSociety_Jan2025_001-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Book Society is a wine lounge based in Berkeley. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BookSociety_Jan2025_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12081140\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Book Society is a wine lounge based in Berkeley. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"attrs": {
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"text": "Book Society in Berkeley"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Book Society in Berkeley\u003c/h3>\n",
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"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Book Society in Berkeley\u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A wine lounge with \u003ca href=\"https://www.booksociety.social/menu\">a menu of snacks and nonalcoholic options\u003c/a> to choose from, the Book Society is a stylish space with popular titles for sale as well. There are also couches to lounge on, as well as soft chairs and bar stools. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A wine lounge with \u003ca href=\"https://www.booksociety.social/menu\">a menu of snacks and nonalcoholic options\u003c/a> to choose from, the Book Society is a stylish space with popular titles for sale as well. There are also couches to lounge on, as well as soft chairs and bar stools. \u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "The best places to read in North Bay",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"north-bay\">The best places to read in North Bay\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"north-bay\">The best places to read in North Bay\u003c/h2>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Mill Valley Depot Café & Bookstore in Mill Valley "
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mill Valley Depot Café & Bookstore in Mill Valley \u003c/h3>\n",
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"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mill Valley Depot Café & Bookstore in Mill Valley \u003c/h3>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This cafe offers \u003ca href=\"https://www.depotcafeandbookstore.com/\">a large menu\u003c/a>, allowing you to spend some time grazing while going through your book.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>This cafe offers \u003ca href=\"https://www.depotcafeandbookstore.com/\">a large menu\u003c/a>, allowing you to spend some time grazing while going through your book.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The cafe also doubles as an independent bookstore and an event space — so be sure to \u003ca href=\"https://www.depotcafeandbookstore.com/events\">check out the calendar\u003c/a> if you’d like to see a live music show that day as well (or avoid one, if you’re seeking serenity!).\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The cafe also doubles as an independent bookstore and an event space — so be sure to \u003ca href=\"https://www.depotcafeandbookstore.com/events\">check out the calendar\u003c/a> if you’d like to see a live music show that day as well (or avoid one, if you’re seeking serenity!).\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "The Mill Valley Public Library"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Mill Valley Public Library\u003c/h3>\n",
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"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Mill Valley Public Library\u003c/h3>\n"
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"heroImage": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/Literary-Dates-Hangouts.jpg"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Mill Valley branch has \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/mill_valley_library/?hl=en\">wide glass windows, high ceilings and cozy lighting\u003c/a> that allow visitors to really feel like they are engulfed in the surrounding woods. In this reporter’s humble opinion, it’s probably one of the prettiest public libraries in the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Mill Valley branch has \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/mill_valley_library/?hl=en\">wide glass windows, high ceilings and cozy lighting\u003c/a> that allow visitors to really feel like they are engulfed in the surrounding woods. In this reporter’s humble opinion, it’s probably one of the prettiest public libraries in the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Aqus Cafe in Petaluma"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aqus Cafe in Petaluma\u003c/h3>\n",
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"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aqus Cafe in Petaluma\u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Danielle Venton, KQED Science and climate reporter, host of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/event/4149/climate-book-club\">\u003cem>KQED’s Climate Book Club\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Danielle Venton, KQED Science and climate reporter, host of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/event/4149/climate-book-club\">\u003cem>KQED’s Climate Book Club\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A little away from the bustling downtown, Venton said that Aqus Cafe is “very welcoming to those bookishly quiet of us, who want to be around other people without necessarily talking to them.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>A little away from the bustling downtown, Venton said that Aqus Cafe is “very welcoming to those bookishly quiet of us, who want to be around other people without necessarily talking to them.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But if you \u003cem>would \u003c/em>like to be closer to downtown, Venton also recommended historic saloon \u003cstrong>McNears, \u003c/strong>adding that the staff there has “been kind and patient with me, letting me hide out upstairs reading and writing.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But if you \u003cem>would \u003c/em>like to be closer to downtown, Venton also recommended historic saloon \u003cstrong>McNears, \u003c/strong>adding that the staff there has “been kind and patient with me, letting me hide out upstairs reading and writing.”\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Oak Hill in Petaluma"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Oak Hill in Petaluma\u003c/h3>\n",
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"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Oak Hill in Petaluma\u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Danielle Venton, KQED Science and climate reporter, host of KQED’s Climate Book Club\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Danielle Venton, KQED Science and climate reporter, host of KQED’s Climate Book Club\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Venton said that this park has “everything you want.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Venton said that this park has “everything you want.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There are picnic tables, a kid’s playground, dog run, petanque court, basketball hoop and, most importantly for readers, “enormous live oak trees offering abundant shade over a large lawn,” she said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>There are picnic tables, a kid’s playground, dog run, petanque court, basketball hoop and, most importantly for readers, “enormous live oak trees offering abundant shade over a large lawn,” she said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "The best places to read in South Bay and the Peninsula",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"peninsula\">The best places to read in South Bay and the Peninsula\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"peninsula\">The best places to read in South Bay and the Peninsula\u003c/h2>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Fioli Estate in Woodside"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fioli Estate in Woodside\u003c/h3>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Recommendation from: Yung Le, co-founder of \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/anovelaffairbookcafe/\">A Novel Affair\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Recommendation from: Yung Le, co-founder of \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/anovelaffairbookcafe/\">A Novel Affair\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This gorgeous, Austenland-like garden was actually Le’s previous recommendation to KQED for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12081122/bay-area-book-lovers-we-have-highly-literary-date-or-friend-hang-ideas-for-your-weekend\">a literary-themed date\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>This gorgeous, Austenland-like garden was actually Le’s previous recommendation to KQED for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12081122/bay-area-book-lovers-we-have-highly-literary-date-or-friend-hang-ideas-for-your-weekend\">a literary-themed date\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>At \u003ca href=\"https://51772.blackbaudhosting.com/51772/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=85164de0-552f-49c6-8ba5-ce4be2af4d14\">around $45 for adults\u003c/a>, Filoli is a pricier option for a day out with a book. But people with \u003ca href=\"https://filoli.org/visit/#!\">a SNAP (CalFresh) EBT card or a Discover and Go pass\u003c/a> from the library can get free and reduced admission.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>At \u003ca href=\"https://51772.blackbaudhosting.com/51772/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=85164de0-552f-49c6-8ba5-ce4be2af4d14\">around $45 for adults\u003c/a>, Filoli is a pricier option for a day out with a book. But people with \u003ca href=\"https://filoli.org/visit/#!\">a SNAP (CalFresh) EBT card or a Discover and Go pass\u003c/a> from the library can get free and reduced admission.\u003c/p>\n"
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"imageCredit": "Courtesy of Albert Dros via Fioli",
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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/Filoli-AlbertDros-9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12081141\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/Filoli-AlbertDros-9.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/Filoli-AlbertDros-9-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/Filoli-AlbertDros-9-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fioli, in Woodside, is an historic estate with landscape gardens that brings pure Pemberley vibes to the Peninsula. \u003cbr>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/Filoli-AlbertDros-9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12081141\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fioli, in Woodside, is an historic estate with landscape gardens that brings pure Pemberley vibes to the Peninsula. \u003cbr>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"attrs": {
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"text": "The A.M. Craft in San José"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The A.M. Craft in San José\u003c/h3>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Amy Ly, \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"http://instagram.com/silentbookclubsanjose?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==\">\u003cem>San José Silent Book Club\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> moderator\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Amy Ly, \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"http://instagram.com/silentbookclubsanjose?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==\">\u003cem>San José Silent Book Club\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> moderator\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This cafe and restaurant is located in downtown San José, and Ly called \u003ca href=\"https://am-craft.mailchimpsites.com/about-us\">A.M. Craft\u003c/a> “my little hideout when I want to get some reading done on a Saturday morning.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Gimme a cold brew, pastry and a good read, and I’ll happily read for a few hours,” Ly said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
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"text": "Atherton Library in Atherton"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/sfbookgirl?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">\u003cem>Ciera Pasturel\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, San Mateo County librarian\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/sfbookgirl?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">\u003cem>Ciera Pasturel\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, San Mateo County librarian\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Pasturel recommends specifically the patio of the Atherton Library, which is “under an enormous oak tree.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“There is ample seating as well as a cafe that sells delicious coffee and pastries,” Pasturel added.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“There is ample seating as well as a cafe that sells delicious coffee and pastries,” Pasturel added.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Half Moon Bay Beach"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Half Moon Bay Beach\u003c/h3>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Concord librarian Naulu\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>One of the easiest ways to remind myself that life is worth living is grabbing my current read and taking it out of the house with me. It’s an essential tote bag accessory, along with my keys, chapstick and sunscreen. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So imagine my surprise when I saw this post from a user whose friend took a picture of them reading — on what appears to be a lovely bench — captioned: “My friends called me performative cause this is how they found me lmao??” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Yes, it’s probably a joke — and it definitely sounds like something my friends would say ironically as well. (“Going to bring a book to the BTS concert so RM sees me reading in the audience and knows I’m not like other girls,” etc. etc.) But \u003ca href=\"https://www.instyle.com/elle-fanning-reading-interview-coach-11914208\">being a\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/Lilys_verses/status/2082914715525611989\">“performative reader”\u003c/a> — \u003ca href=\"https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-lede/performative-reading?_sp=5af1db0a-9ac4-4ed6-a317-ecbb6b519457.1786058480642\">i.e., reading in public\u003c/a>, in \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F_A7qvs5Gs\">various configurations\u003c/a> —\u003cem>has \u003c/em>turned into \u003ca href=\"https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/books/performative-reading-trend-social-media-booktok-readers-weigh-in-rcna237393\">something of a jab\u003c/a> from \u003ca href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jun/30/performative-reading-public-tiktok\">the Very Online\u003c/a>. And it’s for everyone, not just the apparent \u003ca href=\"https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/chore-coats-moustaches-and-female-fiction-meet-the-men-doing-the-performative-reading-meme-irl\">“pretentious guy on a dating app\u003c/a>” archetype.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But as \u003ca href=\"https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-lede/performative-reading?_sp=5af1db0a-9ac4-4ed6-a317-ecbb6b519457.1786058480642\">\u003cem>The New Yorker’s \u003c/em>Brady Brickner-Wood\u003c/a> wrote, “If everything is potentially performative, how will we ever work up the courage to step outside of our sphere of normal, to risk being earnest and cringe, and experience something transformative?” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And as Brickner-Wood said, “Reading a book is antithetical to scrolling; online platforms cannot replicate the slow, patient, and complex experience of reading a weighty novel.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So in celebration of reading outside — \u003ca href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/@hopeurdoingwellbruh/video/7653930211234336031\">which \u003cem>is\u003c/em> a vibe\u003c/a> — I consulted some of the Bay Area’s writers, librarians and booksellers and went on the hunt to find excellent spots in the region that will let you sit down for a while with a good read. (As always, be sure to check the hours of any businesses on this list before heading out, to make sure it’s still open.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-tiktok wp-block-embed-tiktok\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.tiktok.com/@hopeurdoingwellbruh/video/7653930211234336031\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you don’t have something in your \u003ca href=\"https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/tbr\">TBR list\u003c/a> that’s speaking to you right now, you can check out KQED’s Forum episode \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101914694/whats-on-your-summer-reading-list-4\">interviewing Bay Area booksellers on some popular summer titles\u003c/a>. (I am currently reading \u003cem>The Brothers Karamazov\u003c/em> with a friend, which, I’ll admit, is not helping me beat the performative reading allegations.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jump straight to the best places to read in:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#east-bay\">East Bay\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#north-bay\">North Bay\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#peninsula\">South Bay and Peninsula\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The best places to read in San Francisco\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vesuvio Cafe in North Beach\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Rae Alexandra, KQED Arts and Culture reporter and author of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12077049/unsung-heroines-rebel-girls-of-the-bay-area\">\u003cem>Unsung Heroines: 35 Women Who Changed the Bay Area\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Vesuvio Cafe is a gorgeous bar right next to City Lights, the famous bookstore once frequented by figures like \u003ca href=\"https://www.timeout.com/san-francisco/bars/vesuvio\">Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg\u003c/a> (they also publish books, and \u003cem>Unsung Heroines\u003c/em> is one of them). Alexandra’s preference is at the end of the bar, near the front door.\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/VesuvioSFGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094749\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/VesuvioSFGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/VesuvioSFGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/VesuvioSFGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Vesuvio Bar in San Francisco, California, on July 13, 2017. (Michael Macor/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>“\u003c/strong>It’s a habit that started by accident — going book shopping in City Lights and deciding I just \u003cem>had \u003c/em>to start reading what I’d bought immediately, so popping next door to the bar,” Alexandra said. “Vesuvio is quiet in the afternoon, so a nice place to read.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you want some nature reading with your City Lights read instead, take a 12-minute walk up Columbus Avenue to \u003cstrong>Ina Coolbrith Park,\u003c/strong> a small space with beautiful city views named after \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlfR1eeDoME\">the state’s first poet laureate\u003c/a>. Alternatively, a little way up Columbus is \u003cstrong>Washington Square Park. \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Golden Gate Park\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/booknerderika?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">\u003cem>Erika Naulu\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, high school librarian in Concord \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s hard \u003cem>not \u003c/em>to find a pretty spot in Golden Gate Park to read — but \u003ca href=\"https://gggp.org/conservatory-of-flowers/\">the Conservatory of Flowers\u003c/a> is probably my all-time favorite place to spread a blanket and rest.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Librarian Naulu agrees. For her, the best spot is the area between the California Academy of Sciences and de Young Museum. “There are fountains and benches where you can sit and relax,” she said.\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/10/2025/01/009_SanFrancisco_SkyStarWheel_03042021_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12022568\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/009_SanFrancisco_SkyStarWheel_03042021_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/009_SanFrancisco_SkyStarWheel_03042021_qed-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/009_SanFrancisco_SkyStarWheel_03042021_qed-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/009_SanFrancisco_SkyStarWheel_03042021_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/009_SanFrancisco_SkyStarWheel_03042021_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/009_SanFrancisco_SkyStarWheel_03042021_qed-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">View from the SkyStar Observation Wheel of the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park on March 4, 2021. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There are music performances sometimes at the music concourse that can get distracting if you are looking for a quiet spot,” Naulu said. “I like the background music sometimes though.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What makes the park particularly excellent for readers is the plethora of bookstores also available nearby, including: \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://gggp.org/shop/\">Gardens of Golden Gate Park\u003c/a> has its own bookstore \u003cem>in\u003c/em> the park, near Lincoln Way and Ninth Avenue. \u003ca href=\"https://gggp.org/learn/library-collection/\">The Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture\u003c/a> is also nearby.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://greenapplebooks.com/\">Green Apple Books on the Park\u003c/a> is around a minute walk from the Ninth Street entrance to Golden Gate Park.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://borderlands-books.com/v2/index.html\">Borderlands Books\u003c/a> (science fiction and fantasy focused) is around a 3-minute walk from the Stanyan Street entrance to Golden Gate Park.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://blackbirdsf.com/\">Blackbird Bookstore and Cafe\u003c/a> is around a 6-minute walk from the closest entrance on Lincoln Way to Golden Gate Park.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://booksmith.com/\">The Booksmith\u003c/a> is around a 7-minute walk away from the closest entrance on Stanyan Street to Golden Gate Park.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.globusbooks.com/\">Globus Books\u003c/a> is around a 7-minute walk away from the closest entrance on Fulton Street to Golden Gate Park.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://boundtogether.org/\">Bound Together Bookstore\u003c/a> is around an 11-minute walk from the closest entrance on Stanyan Street to Golden Gate Park — but is just around the corner from Buena Vista Park, too.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">La Promenade Café in the Outer Richmond\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Amy Gloriana, owner of bookstore \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.betweenthebookendssf.com/\">\u003cem>Between the Bookends\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Gloriana said that \u003ca href=\"https://www.lapromenadecafe.com/\">La Promenade Café\u003c/a> has “so many options for seating and it’s so cozy!” There are usually a good amount of customers inside, but “never too loud” and “food and coffee is pretty good,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And probably the most winning part of her rec: “It feels like you’re in \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9mRoCerrpY&list=RDY9mRoCerrpY&start_radio=1&pp=ygUQbG9maSBjb2ZmZWUgc2hvcKAHAdIHCQnECwGHKiGM7w%3D%3D\">a coffee shop lofi video\u003c/a>.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Charlie’s Cafe in the Mission\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Sirkka Miller, bookseller at Dog Eared Books Valencia\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Miller said Charlie’s Cafe has good coffee and, in the morning, is “well lit” and “nice and airy” in addition to being quiet. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A bonus for Charlie’s is that it is \u003cem>right\u003c/em> next to Precita Park, which has \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/898/Precita-Park\">a butterfly garden\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1293\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/RomanceGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12081136\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/RomanceGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/RomanceGetty-160x103.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/RomanceGetty-1536x993.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">People relaxing in the grass at Dolores Park in San Francisco. (Lonely Planet/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dolores Park in the Mission \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Grace Wathen, bookseller at \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.thelovepotionlibrary.com/\">\u003cem>The Love Potion Library\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wathen said her usual spots are “anywhere I can read under a tree.” Near Dolores Park is \u003cstrong>Dolores Cafe\u003c/strong>, which includes outside seating and a pretty magnificent view of the park.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you need a book, there are also stores near the park, including:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.dogearedbooks.com/\">Dog Eared Books\u003c/a>, around a 6-minute walk away from the closest entrance to Dolores Park.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://fabulosabooks.com/\">Fabulosa Books\u003c/a>, around a 10-minute walk away from the closest entrance to Dolores Park.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The International Library of Young Authors in the Mission\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This incredible sweet spot — which features titles written by young writers across the country — is a favorite of this reporter, as it’s also the home of literary magazines like McSweeney’s (founded by the Bay Area’s Dave Eggers) and The Believer. The “library” has comfy couches, plenty of sunlight and a pretty whimsical hidden room at the back. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The space sometimes hosts workshops for young people, so it’s best to check their schedule beforehand to make sure you’re able to pop in during the quiet, empty hours.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"east-bay\">The best places to read in East Bay\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clio’s in Oakland\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/gabbi.rose?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">\u003cem>Gabbi Sharp\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, host of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://oaklandlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/67c8f1a4596bfd2f00183710\">\u003cem>the Black Authors Book Club\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> at the West Oakland Branch Library\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cliosbooks.com/\">Clio’s\u003c/a> is a stylish bar and bookstore. As Sharp said, “I always bring my own book to read. They have such cozy couches, a warm atmosphere, and they are open late!” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lake Chabot in Castro Valley\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Concord librarian Naulu\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Naulu recommends this \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/parks/lake-chabot\">gated regional park\u003c/a> where people also boat and fish. “I like to walk the trails while listening to audiobooks,” Naulu said. “There are places to sit and read as well near the lake, but depending on the day, it can get busy and noisy with campers or other people.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You’ll need to pay for parking within the regional park itself, but there’s also parking available on the road just outside the park, which is free.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1378\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/LakeMerrittReadingGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094745\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/LakeMerrittReadingGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/LakeMerrittReadingGetty-160x110.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/LakeMerrittReadingGetty-1536x1058.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A woman reads a book at Lake Merritt in Oakland, California, on Saturday, May 16, 2020. (Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lake Merritt in Oakland\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/ablacklibrarian?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">\u003cem>Makayla Walker\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, librarian in Oakland\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Lake Merritt is a favorite, especially on sunny days, Walker said. There are also \u003ca href=\"https://www.lakemerritt.org/gardens.html\">specific gardens\u003c/a> within Lake Merritt to choose from. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Perhaps Lake Merritt is the place for a nice fantasy novel, considering \u003ca href=\"https://www.lakemerritt.org/fairyland.html\">children’s amusement park Fairyland\u003c/a> is nearby as well.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bishop Ranch in San Ramon\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Concord librarian Naulu\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As a large, lush open space, Naulu called Bishop Ranch a “hidden gem of San Ramon.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There’s also \u003ca href=\"https://www.bishopranch.com/venue/annabel-lake/\">Annabel Lake \u003c/a>nearby, with “a lot of benches around it that are perfect for reading,” she said.\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/10/2026/04/BookSociety_Jan2025_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12081140\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BookSociety_Jan2025_001.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BookSociety_Jan2025_001-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BookSociety_Jan2025_001-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Book Society is a wine lounge based in Berkeley. (Courtesy of Kara Brodgesell via Book Society.)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Book Society in Berkeley\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A wine lounge with \u003ca href=\"https://www.booksociety.social/menu\">a menu of snacks and nonalcoholic options\u003c/a> to choose from, the Book Society is a stylish space with popular titles for sale as well. There are also couches to lounge on, as well as soft chairs and bar stools. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"north-bay\">The best places to read in North Bay\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mill Valley Depot Café & Bookstore in Mill Valley \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This cafe offers \u003ca href=\"https://www.depotcafeandbookstore.com/\">a large menu\u003c/a>, allowing you to spend some time grazing while going through your book.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The cafe also doubles as an independent bookstore and an event space — so be sure to \u003ca href=\"https://www.depotcafeandbookstore.com/events\">check out the calendar\u003c/a> if you’d like to see a live music show that day as well (or avoid one, if you’re seeking serenity!).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Mill Valley Public Library\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Mill Valley branch has \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/mill_valley_library/?hl=en\">wide glass windows, high ceilings and cozy lighting\u003c/a> that allow visitors to really feel like they are engulfed in the surrounding woods. In this reporter’s humble opinion, it’s probably one of the prettiest public libraries in the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aqus Cafe in Petaluma\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Danielle Venton, KQED Science and climate reporter, host of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/event/4149/climate-book-club\">\u003cem>KQED’s Climate Book Club\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A little away from the bustling downtown, Venton said that Aqus Cafe is “very welcoming to those bookishly quiet of us, who want to be around other people without necessarily talking to them.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But if you \u003cem>would \u003c/em>like to be closer to downtown, Venton also recommended historic saloon \u003cstrong>McNears, \u003c/strong>adding that the staff there has “been kind and patient with me, letting me hide out upstairs reading and writing.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Oak Hill in Petaluma\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Danielle Venton, KQED Science and climate reporter, host of KQED’s Climate Book Club\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Venton said that this park has “everything you want.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are picnic tables, a kid’s playground, dog run, petanque court, basketball hoop and, most importantly for readers, “enormous live oak trees offering abundant shade over a large lawn,” she said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"peninsula\">The best places to read in South Bay and the Peninsula\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fioli Estate in Woodside\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Recommendation from: Yung Le, co-founder of \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/anovelaffairbookcafe/\">A Novel Affair\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This gorgeous, Austenland-like garden was actually Le’s previous recommendation to KQED for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12081122/bay-area-book-lovers-we-have-highly-literary-date-or-friend-hang-ideas-for-your-weekend\">a literary-themed date\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At \u003ca href=\"https://51772.blackbaudhosting.com/51772/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=85164de0-552f-49c6-8ba5-ce4be2af4d14\">around $45 for adults\u003c/a>, Filoli is a pricier option for a day out with a book. But people with \u003ca href=\"https://filoli.org/visit/#!\">a SNAP (CalFresh) EBT card or a Discover and Go pass\u003c/a> from the library can get free and reduced admission.\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/10/2026/04/Filoli-AlbertDros-9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12081141\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/Filoli-AlbertDros-9.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/Filoli-AlbertDros-9-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/Filoli-AlbertDros-9-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fioli, in Woodside, is an historic estate with landscape gardens that brings pure Pemberley vibes to the Peninsula. \u003cbr> (Courtesy of Albert Dros via Fioli)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The A.M. Craft in San José\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Amy Ly, \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"http://instagram.com/silentbookclubsanjose?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==\">\u003cem>San José Silent Book Club\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> moderator\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This cafe and restaurant is located in downtown San José, and Ly called \u003ca href=\"https://am-craft.mailchimpsites.com/about-us\">A.M. Craft\u003c/a> “my little hideout when I want to get some reading done on a Saturday morning.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Gimme a cold brew, pastry and a good read, and I’ll happily read for a few hours,” Ly said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Atherton Library in Atherton\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/sfbookgirl?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">\u003cem>Ciera Pasturel\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, San Mateo County librarian\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Pasturel recommends specifically the patio of the Atherton Library, which is “under an enormous oak tree.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There is ample seating as well as a cafe that sells delicious coffee and pastries,” Pasturel added.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Half Moon Bay Beach\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Recommendation from: Concord librarian Naulu\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Weather permitting, of course! Naulu said that she tends to take her e-reader to the beach instead of a physical book, since it “does get windy.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But it makes for a pleasant family outing, since she can settle with a book while her kids build sandcastles next to her.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "big-sur-wildfire-map-evacuation-timber-fire-august-2026",
"title": "Visitors Urged to Stay Away From Big Sur as Timber Fire Grows",
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"headTitle": "Visitors Urged to Stay Away From Big Sur as Timber Fire Grows | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>Would-be visitors to Big Sur are being urged not to travel to the region after a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/wildfires\">wildfire\u003c/a> forced \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/9/timber-fire\">mandatory evacuation orders \u003c/a>in the area on Sunday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Timber Fire, which \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12094539/timber-fire-in-big-sur-doubles-overnight-forcing-evacuations-of-popular-tourist-spots\">continues to grow in size\u003c/a> and is 5% \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11624317/wildfires-youve-got-questions-weve-got-answers\">contained\u003c/a>, is burning in what Monterey County officials describe as \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Db3siHclrYy/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==\">“steep, rugged and difficult terrain” \u003c/a>in the Los Padres National Forest above Highway 1.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This coastal stretch is home to many of Big Sur’s most popular hotels, restaurants and campgrounds, as well as state parks. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Highway 1 through the area is closed as of Tuesday afternoon, according to \u003ca href=\"http://facebook.com/CHPMontereyArea/posts/pfbid02uw4JfN9qfALuPZPfNdvpXudf2biSbDYyKpzWd4eLDa8ZL3YFNDT31v6DtGK14KVEl?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZbu4bh0otqLTgT290--IY08IZBIbun6MTi4fWvnXvz-dM2w7D8XfNYQblr0Zr3M6yAMckFePzamu63zIFgOgNM3qE51GaEWkMCj18OplAKFIAeDCZ7X4jJAGzbdm9pWAkvuAPIV9vl8CVUw2ZyLpaxu8qCj2V_zxqLk5ZL7531pkGGO7ftz-3zSZlj27cuHekY&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R\">a Facebook post \u003c/a>by the California Highway Patrol. But visitors were being strongly advised to avoid Big Sur altogether over the past few days even when the route \u003cem>was \u003c/em>open to the public.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We are respectfully asking the public to stay out of the area,” the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said in \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/MontereyCountySheriffsOffice/posts/deputies-captured-these-images-during-evacuation-operations-overnight-as-the-tim/1489024383260620/\">a Monday morning Facebook post\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/BigSur.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11986406\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/BigSur.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/BigSur-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/BigSur-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/BigSur-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/BigSur-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caltrans employees and contractors in Big Sur on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, work to stabilize the southbound portion of U.S. Highway 1 that collapsed into the Pacific Ocean, which occurred on March 30, 2024, after days of heavy rainfall, hail and powerful winds. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Roadways must remain clear so first responders can work safely and effectively. Unnecessary traffic and sightseeing in the fire zone create hazards for emergency crews and slow down critical operations.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The evacuation order has forced the closure of several Big Sur businesses and attractions on and around Highway 1, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Db3s0hID7Va/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==\">Nepenthe\u003c/a>, and the evacuation of guests from hotels, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Db3isGPmpDB/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==\">Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://www.montereyherald.com/2026/08/10/big-sur-fire-ventana-inn-nepenthe-restaurant-evacuated-as-fire-doubles-in-size/\">the Alila Ventana hotel and campground\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>All state parks in Big Sur — \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=582\">Andrew Molera\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578\">Julia Pfeiffer Burns, \u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570\">Pfeiffer Big Sur \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=565\">Point Sur\u003c/a> state parks — are currently \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30009\">closed \u003c/a>due to the threat from the Timber Fire.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Announcing its temporary closure in \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Db3V1TIFGzb/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">an Instagram post\u003c/a>, the Henry Miller Memorial Library wrote: “We implore you: Do not come to Big Sur.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This is an incredibly serious situation,” the library said. “Fewer cars on the road allow CalFire and emergency services to do their job as effectively and safely as possible.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/9/timber-fire\">Stretches of the coast to the north and south\u003c/a> of the mandatory evacuation zone are also currently under \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834901/fire-evacuation-what-actually-happens-and-how-can-you-plan\">an evacuation warning\u003c/a> — the step that comes before an evacuation order, which acts as a warning to residents that they may need to evacuate soon. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Highway 1 open through Big Sur during the Timber Fire?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Right now, no. On Tuesday afternoon, \u003ca href=\"http://facebook.com/CHPMontereyArea/posts/pfbid02uw4JfN9qfALuPZPfNdvpXudf2biSbDYyKpzWd4eLDa8ZL3YFNDT31v6DtGK14KVEl?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZbu4bh0otqLTgT290--IY08IZBIbun6MTi4fWvnXvz-dM2w7D8XfNYQblr0Zr3M6yAMckFePzamu63zIFgOgNM3qE51GaEWkMCj18OplAKFIAeDCZ7X4jJAGzbdm9pWAkvuAPIV9vl8CVUw2ZyLpaxu8qCj2V_zxqLk5ZL7531pkGGO7ftz-3zSZlj27cuHekY&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R\">Monterey CHP announced on Facebook \u003c/a>that Highway 1 through the area is closed between Fernwood Resort and Campground all the way to Julia Pfeiffer Burns Vista Point.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The status of Highway 1 has been changeable and unpredictable for drivers in the last few days. On Monday, signs on Highway 1 informed motorists that the route was closed to all drivers except for residents and employees between Point Sur Lighthouse and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hwy 1 was open to the public on Tuesday morning but Caltrans spokesperson Kevin Drabinski told KQED that the agency was nonetheless asking travelers to avoid travel to Big Sur even if the route was technically open — not just because of the fire’s proximity to the highway but because of the “inordinate amount of equipment and staffing” that the Timber Fire response demands.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We want to leave as much space on the highway for emergency responders and that effort,” Drabinski said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This year’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/events/monterey-car-week/\">Monterey Car Week\u003c/a>, which organizers say draws over \u003ca href=\"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/monterey-car-week--pebble-beach-concours-delegance-returns-august-716-2026-302839650.html\">100,000 visitors\u003c/a> every year, is currently ongoing north of Big Sur through Sunday — and travelers heading to Monterey from the south who were planning to use Hwy 1 “are encouraged to consider an alternate route using Highway 101 North,” said See Monterey, the region’s tourism body.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re looking at alternative routes around Big Sur right now, bear in mind that the one narrow road connecting Big Sur south of Lucia to Hwy 101 over the Santa Lucia mountains — \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Nacimiento-Fergusson+Rd,+California/@35.9907059,-121.3662903,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x809296a8a7f9159b:0x70441b9f4863105b!8m2!3d35.9907059!4d-121.3637154!16s%2Fm%2F02rk30k!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDgwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">Nacimiento-Fergusson Road\u003c/a> — is notoriously steep and winding.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advice for visitors to Big Sur right now\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you have existing plans to visit the Big Sur region, keep a close eye out for any email or voicemail notification from your hotel advising you of any cancellations — and your options. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re trying to get in contact with your accommodation yourself, bear in mind that the property may have been directly affected by the Timber Fire evacuations, and that cellphone service in the area is spotty.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>See Monterey is \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/plan-your-visit/travel-alert/\">advising visitors\u003c/a> who are already in the affected areas of Big Sur to “follow evacuation instructions, take essential belongings and medications, and bring their pets.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to See Monterey, several hotels throughout Monterey County are now also “offering evacuation rates for residents and visitors in need,” through \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/resources/community-connection/\">a spreadsheet of available lodgings\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Monterey County has established a temporary evacuation point at \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Carmel+Middle+School/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x802598be38507ac1?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111\">Carmel Middle School\u003c/a>, where evacuees can get information and help on next steps they should take.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Big Sur Timber Fire links and resources\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/9/timber-fire\">CalFire’s Timber Fire evacuation map and updates\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30009\">Current California state park closures\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/resources/community-connection/\">See Monterey’s spreadsheet of hotel evacuation rates\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/?view=36.3458%2C-121.8507%2C12&layers=full_closures%2Clane_closures%2Cspeed\">Caltrans map of highway closures\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Would-be visitors to Big Sur are being urged not to travel to the region after a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/wildfires\">wildfire\u003c/a> forced \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/9/timber-fire\">mandatory evacuation orders \u003c/a>in the area on Sunday.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Timber Fire, which \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12094539/timber-fire-in-big-sur-doubles-overnight-forcing-evacuations-of-popular-tourist-spots\">continues to grow in size\u003c/a> and is 5% \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11624317/wildfires-youve-got-questions-weve-got-answers\">contained\u003c/a>, is burning in what Monterey County officials describe as \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Db3siHclrYy/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==\">“steep, rugged and difficult terrain” \u003c/a>in the Los Padres National Forest above Highway 1.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The Timber Fire, which \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12094539/timber-fire-in-big-sur-doubles-overnight-forcing-evacuations-of-popular-tourist-spots\">continues to grow in size\u003c/a> and is 5% \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11624317/wildfires-youve-got-questions-weve-got-answers\">contained\u003c/a>, is burning in what Monterey County officials describe as \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Db3siHclrYy/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==\">“steep, rugged and difficult terrain” \u003c/a>in the Los Padres National Forest above Highway 1.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This coastal stretch is home to many of Big Sur’s most popular hotels, restaurants and campgrounds, as well as state parks. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>This coastal stretch is home to many of Big Sur’s most popular hotels, restaurants and campgrounds, as well as state parks. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Highway 1 through the area is closed as of Tuesday afternoon, according to \u003ca href=\"http://facebook.com/CHPMontereyArea/posts/pfbid02uw4JfN9qfALuPZPfNdvpXudf2biSbDYyKpzWd4eLDa8ZL3YFNDT31v6DtGK14KVEl?__cft__[0]=AZbu4bh0otqLTgT290--IY08IZBIbun6MTi4fWvnXvz-dM2w7D8XfNYQblr0Zr3M6yAMckFePzamu63zIFgOgNM3qE51GaEWkMCj18OplAKFIAeDCZ7X4jJAGzbdm9pWAkvuAPIV9vl8CVUw2ZyLpaxu8qCj2V_zxqLk5ZL7531pkGGO7ftz-3zSZlj27cuHekY&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R\">a Facebook post \u003c/a>by the California Highway Patrol. But visitors were being strongly advised to avoid Big Sur altogether over the past few days even when the route \u003cem>was \u003c/em>open to the public.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Highway 1 through the area is closed as of Tuesday afternoon, according to \u003ca href=\"http://facebook.com/CHPMontereyArea/posts/pfbid02uw4JfN9qfALuPZPfNdvpXudf2biSbDYyKpzWd4eLDa8ZL3YFNDT31v6DtGK14KVEl?__cft__[0]=AZbu4bh0otqLTgT290--IY08IZBIbun6MTi4fWvnXvz-dM2w7D8XfNYQblr0Zr3M6yAMckFePzamu63zIFgOgNM3qE51GaEWkMCj18OplAKFIAeDCZ7X4jJAGzbdm9pWAkvuAPIV9vl8CVUw2ZyLpaxu8qCj2V_zxqLk5ZL7531pkGGO7ftz-3zSZlj27cuHekY&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R\">a Facebook post \u003c/a>by the California Highway Patrol. But visitors were being strongly advised to avoid Big Sur altogether over the past few days even when the route \u003cem>was \u003c/em>open to the public.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We are respectfully asking the public to stay out of the area,” the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said in \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/MontereyCountySheriffsOffice/posts/deputies-captured-these-images-during-evacuation-operations-overnight-as-the-tim/1489024383260620/\">a Monday morning Facebook post\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We are respectfully asking the public to stay out of the area,” the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said in \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/MontereyCountySheriffsOffice/posts/deputies-captured-these-images-during-evacuation-operations-overnight-as-the-tim/1489024383260620/\">a Monday morning Facebook post\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/10/2024/05/BigSur.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11986406\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/BigSur.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/BigSur-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/BigSur-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/BigSur-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/BigSur-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caltrans employees and contractors in Big Sur on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, work to stabilize the southbound portion of U.S. Highway 1 that collapsed into the Pacific Ocean, which occurred on March 30, 2024, after days of heavy rainfall, hail and powerful winds.\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/10/2024/05/BigSur.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11986406\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caltrans employees and contractors in Big Sur on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, work to stabilize the southbound portion of U.S. Highway 1 that collapsed into the Pacific Ocean, which occurred on March 30, 2024, after days of heavy rainfall, hail and powerful winds.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Roadways must remain clear so first responders can work safely and effectively. Unnecessary traffic and sightseeing in the fire zone create hazards for emergency crews and slow down critical operations.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Roadways must remain clear so first responders can work safely and effectively. Unnecessary traffic and sightseeing in the fire zone create hazards for emergency crews and slow down critical operations.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The evacuation order has forced the closure of several Big Sur businesses and attractions on and around Highway 1, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Db3s0hID7Va/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==\">Nepenthe\u003c/a>, and the evacuation of guests from hotels, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Db3isGPmpDB/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==\">Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://www.montereyherald.com/2026/08/10/big-sur-fire-ventana-inn-nepenthe-restaurant-evacuated-as-fire-doubles-in-size/\">the Alila Ventana hotel and campground\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The evacuation order has forced the closure of several Big Sur businesses and attractions on and around Highway 1, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Db3s0hID7Va/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==\">Nepenthe\u003c/a>, and the evacuation of guests from hotels, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Db3isGPmpDB/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==\">Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://www.montereyherald.com/2026/08/10/big-sur-fire-ventana-inn-nepenthe-restaurant-evacuated-as-fire-doubles-in-size/\">the Alila Ventana hotel and campground\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>All state parks in Big Sur — \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=582\">Andrew Molera\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578\">Julia Pfeiffer Burns, \u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570\">Pfeiffer Big Sur \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=565\">Point Sur\u003c/a> state parks — are currently \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30009\">closed \u003c/a>due to the threat from the Timber Fire.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>All state parks in Big Sur — \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=582\">Andrew Molera\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578\">Julia Pfeiffer Burns, \u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570\">Pfeiffer Big Sur \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=565\">Point Sur\u003c/a> state parks — are currently \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30009\">closed \u003c/a>due to the threat from the Timber Fire.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Announcing its temporary closure in \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Db3V1TIFGzb/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">an Instagram post\u003c/a>, the Henry Miller Memorial Library wrote: “We implore you: Do not come to Big Sur.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Announcing its temporary closure in \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Db3V1TIFGzb/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">an Instagram post\u003c/a>, the Henry Miller Memorial Library wrote: “We implore you: Do not come to Big Sur.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This is an incredibly serious situation,” the library said. “Fewer cars on the road allow CalFire and emergency services to do their job as effectively and safely as possible.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“This is an incredibly serious situation,” the library said. “Fewer cars on the road allow CalFire and emergency services to do their job as effectively and safely as possible.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/9/timber-fire\">Stretches of the coast to the north and south\u003c/a> of the mandatory evacuation zone are also currently under \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834901/fire-evacuation-what-actually-happens-and-how-can-you-plan\">an evacuation warning\u003c/a> — the step that comes before an evacuation order, which acts as a warning to residents that they may need to evacuate soon. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/9/timber-fire\">Stretches of the coast to the north and south\u003c/a> of the mandatory evacuation zone are also currently under \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834901/fire-evacuation-what-actually-happens-and-how-can-you-plan\">an evacuation warning\u003c/a> — the step that comes before an evacuation order, which acts as a warning to residents that they may need to evacuate soon. \u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "Is Highway 1 open through Big Sur during the Timber Fire?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Highway 1 open through Big Sur during the Timber Fire?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Right now, no. On Tuesday afternoon, \u003ca href=\"http://facebook.com/CHPMontereyArea/posts/pfbid02uw4JfN9qfALuPZPfNdvpXudf2biSbDYyKpzWd4eLDa8ZL3YFNDT31v6DtGK14KVEl?__cft__[0]=AZbu4bh0otqLTgT290--IY08IZBIbun6MTi4fWvnXvz-dM2w7D8XfNYQblr0Zr3M6yAMckFePzamu63zIFgOgNM3qE51GaEWkMCj18OplAKFIAeDCZ7X4jJAGzbdm9pWAkvuAPIV9vl8CVUw2ZyLpaxu8qCj2V_zxqLk5ZL7531pkGGO7ftz-3zSZlj27cuHekY&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R\">Monterey CHP announced on Facebook \u003c/a>that Highway 1 through the area is closed between Fernwood Resort and Campground all the way to Julia Pfeiffer Burns Vista Point.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Right now, no. On Tuesday afternoon, \u003ca href=\"http://facebook.com/CHPMontereyArea/posts/pfbid02uw4JfN9qfALuPZPfNdvpXudf2biSbDYyKpzWd4eLDa8ZL3YFNDT31v6DtGK14KVEl?__cft__[0]=AZbu4bh0otqLTgT290--IY08IZBIbun6MTi4fWvnXvz-dM2w7D8XfNYQblr0Zr3M6yAMckFePzamu63zIFgOgNM3qE51GaEWkMCj18OplAKFIAeDCZ7X4jJAGzbdm9pWAkvuAPIV9vl8CVUw2ZyLpaxu8qCj2V_zxqLk5ZL7531pkGGO7ftz-3zSZlj27cuHekY&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R\">Monterey CHP announced on Facebook \u003c/a>that Highway 1 through the area is closed between Fernwood Resort and Campground all the way to Julia Pfeiffer Burns Vista Point.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The status of Highway 1 has been changeable and unpredictable for drivers in the last few days. On Monday, signs on Highway 1 informed motorists that the route was closed to all drivers except for residents and employees between Point Sur Lighthouse and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The status of Highway 1 has been changeable and unpredictable for drivers in the last few days. On Monday, signs on Highway 1 informed motorists that the route was closed to all drivers except for residents and employees between Point Sur Lighthouse and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hwy 1 was open to the public on Tuesday morning but Caltrans spokesperson Kevin Drabinski told KQED that the agency was nonetheless asking travelers to avoid travel to Big Sur even if the route was technically open — not just because of the fire’s proximity to the highway but because of the “inordinate amount of equipment and staffing” that the Timber Fire response demands.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Hwy 1 was open to the public on Tuesday morning but Caltrans spokesperson Kevin Drabinski told KQED that the agency was nonetheless asking travelers to avoid travel to Big Sur even if the route was technically open — not just because of the fire’s proximity to the highway but because of the “inordinate amount of equipment and staffing” that the Timber Fire response demands.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We want to leave as much space on the highway for emergency responders and that effort,” Drabinski said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We want to leave as much space on the highway for emergency responders and that effort,” Drabinski said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This year’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/events/monterey-car-week/\">Monterey Car Week\u003c/a>, which organizers say draws over \u003ca href=\"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/monterey-car-week--pebble-beach-concours-delegance-returns-august-716-2026-302839650.html\">100,000 visitors\u003c/a> every year, is currently ongoing north of Big Sur through Sunday — and travelers heading to Monterey from the south who were planning to use Hwy 1 “are encouraged to consider an alternate route using Highway 101 North,” said See Monterey, the region’s tourism body.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>This year’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/events/monterey-car-week/\">Monterey Car Week\u003c/a>, which organizers say draws over \u003ca href=\"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/monterey-car-week--pebble-beach-concours-delegance-returns-august-716-2026-302839650.html\">100,000 visitors\u003c/a> every year, is currently ongoing north of Big Sur through Sunday — and travelers heading to Monterey from the south who were planning to use Hwy 1 “are encouraged to consider an alternate route using Highway 101 North,” said See Monterey, the region’s tourism body.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re looking at alternative routes around Big Sur right now, bear in mind that the one narrow road connecting Big Sur south of Lucia to Hwy 101 over the Santa Lucia mountains — \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Nacimiento-Fergusson+Rd,+California/@35.9907059,-121.3662903,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x809296a8a7f9159b:0x70441b9f4863105b!8m2!3d35.9907059!4d-121.3637154!16s%2Fm%2F02rk30k!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDgwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">Nacimiento-Fergusson Road\u003c/a> — is notoriously steep and winding.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you’re looking at alternative routes around Big Sur right now, bear in mind that the one narrow road connecting Big Sur south of Lucia to Hwy 101 over the Santa Lucia mountains — \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Nacimiento-Fergusson+Rd,+California/@35.9907059,-121.3662903,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x809296a8a7f9159b:0x70441b9f4863105b!8m2!3d35.9907059!4d-121.3637154!16s%2Fm%2F02rk30k!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDgwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">Nacimiento-Fergusson Road\u003c/a> — is notoriously steep and winding.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "Advice for visitors to Big Sur right now",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you have existing plans to visit the Big Sur region, keep a close eye out for any email or voicemail notification from your hotel advising you of any cancellations — and your options. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you have existing plans to visit the Big Sur region, keep a close eye out for any email or voicemail notification from your hotel advising you of any cancellations — and your options. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re trying to get in contact with your accommodation yourself, bear in mind that the property may have been directly affected by the Timber Fire evacuations, and that cellphone service in the area is spotty.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you’re trying to get in contact with your accommodation yourself, bear in mind that the property may have been directly affected by the Timber Fire evacuations, and that cellphone service in the area is spotty.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>See Monterey is \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/plan-your-visit/travel-alert/\">advising visitors\u003c/a> who are already in the affected areas of Big Sur to “follow evacuation instructions, take essential belongings and medications, and bring their pets.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>See Monterey is \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/plan-your-visit/travel-alert/\">advising visitors\u003c/a> who are already in the affected areas of Big Sur to “follow evacuation instructions, take essential belongings and medications, and bring their pets.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to See Monterey, several hotels throughout Monterey County are now also “offering evacuation rates for residents and visitors in need,” through \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/resources/community-connection/\">a spreadsheet of available lodgings\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>According to See Monterey, several hotels throughout Monterey County are now also “offering evacuation rates for residents and visitors in need,” through \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/resources/community-connection/\">a spreadsheet of available lodgings\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Monterey County has established a temporary evacuation point at \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Carmel+Middle+School/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x802598be38507ac1?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111\">Carmel Middle School\u003c/a>, where evacuees can get information and help on next steps they should take.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Monterey County has established a temporary evacuation point at \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Carmel+Middle+School/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x802598be38507ac1?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111\">Carmel Middle School\u003c/a>, where evacuees can get information and help on next steps they should take.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "Big Sur Timber Fire links and resources",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/9/timber-fire\">CalFire’s Timber Fire evacuation map and updates\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/9/timber-fire\">CalFire’s Timber Fire evacuation map and updates\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30009\">Current California state park closures\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/resources/community-connection/\">See Monterey’s spreadsheet of hotel evacuation rates\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/resources/community-connection/\">See Monterey’s spreadsheet of hotel evacuation rates\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/?view=36.3458%2C-121.8507%2C12&layers=full_closures%2Clane_closures%2Cspeed\">Caltrans map of highway closures\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
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"excerpt": "As a wildfire in the mountains of Big Sur above Hwy 1 grows, tourists are being asked to reconsider travel to the region.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Would-be visitors to Big Sur are being urged not to travel to the region after a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/wildfires\">wildfire\u003c/a> forced \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/9/timber-fire\">mandatory evacuation orders \u003c/a>in the area on Sunday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Timber Fire, which \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12094539/timber-fire-in-big-sur-doubles-overnight-forcing-evacuations-of-popular-tourist-spots\">continues to grow in size\u003c/a> and is 5% \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11624317/wildfires-youve-got-questions-weve-got-answers\">contained\u003c/a>, is burning in what Monterey County officials describe as \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Db3siHclrYy/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==\">“steep, rugged and difficult terrain” \u003c/a>in the Los Padres National Forest above Highway 1.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This coastal stretch is home to many of Big Sur’s most popular hotels, restaurants and campgrounds, as well as state parks. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Highway 1 through the area is closed as of Tuesday afternoon, according to \u003ca href=\"http://facebook.com/CHPMontereyArea/posts/pfbid02uw4JfN9qfALuPZPfNdvpXudf2biSbDYyKpzWd4eLDa8ZL3YFNDT31v6DtGK14KVEl?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZbu4bh0otqLTgT290--IY08IZBIbun6MTi4fWvnXvz-dM2w7D8XfNYQblr0Zr3M6yAMckFePzamu63zIFgOgNM3qE51GaEWkMCj18OplAKFIAeDCZ7X4jJAGzbdm9pWAkvuAPIV9vl8CVUw2ZyLpaxu8qCj2V_zxqLk5ZL7531pkGGO7ftz-3zSZlj27cuHekY&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R\">a Facebook post \u003c/a>by the California Highway Patrol. But visitors were being strongly advised to avoid Big Sur altogether over the past few days even when the route \u003cem>was \u003c/em>open to the public.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We are respectfully asking the public to stay out of the area,” the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said in \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/MontereyCountySheriffsOffice/posts/deputies-captured-these-images-during-evacuation-operations-overnight-as-the-tim/1489024383260620/\">a Monday morning Facebook post\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/BigSur.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11986406\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/BigSur.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/BigSur-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/BigSur-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/BigSur-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/BigSur-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caltrans employees and contractors in Big Sur on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, work to stabilize the southbound portion of U.S. Highway 1 that collapsed into the Pacific Ocean, which occurred on March 30, 2024, after days of heavy rainfall, hail and powerful winds. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Roadways must remain clear so first responders can work safely and effectively. Unnecessary traffic and sightseeing in the fire zone create hazards for emergency crews and slow down critical operations.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The evacuation order has forced the closure of several Big Sur businesses and attractions on and around Highway 1, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Db3s0hID7Va/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==\">Nepenthe\u003c/a>, and the evacuation of guests from hotels, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Db3isGPmpDB/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==\">Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://www.montereyherald.com/2026/08/10/big-sur-fire-ventana-inn-nepenthe-restaurant-evacuated-as-fire-doubles-in-size/\">the Alila Ventana hotel and campground\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>All state parks in Big Sur — \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=582\">Andrew Molera\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578\">Julia Pfeiffer Burns, \u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570\">Pfeiffer Big Sur \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=565\">Point Sur\u003c/a> state parks — are currently \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30009\">closed \u003c/a>due to the threat from the Timber Fire.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Announcing its temporary closure in \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Db3V1TIFGzb/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">an Instagram post\u003c/a>, the Henry Miller Memorial Library wrote: “We implore you: Do not come to Big Sur.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This is an incredibly serious situation,” the library said. “Fewer cars on the road allow CalFire and emergency services to do their job as effectively and safely as possible.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/9/timber-fire\">Stretches of the coast to the north and south\u003c/a> of the mandatory evacuation zone are also currently under \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834901/fire-evacuation-what-actually-happens-and-how-can-you-plan\">an evacuation warning\u003c/a> — the step that comes before an evacuation order, which acts as a warning to residents that they may need to evacuate soon. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Highway 1 open through Big Sur during the Timber Fire?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Right now, no. On Tuesday afternoon, \u003ca href=\"http://facebook.com/CHPMontereyArea/posts/pfbid02uw4JfN9qfALuPZPfNdvpXudf2biSbDYyKpzWd4eLDa8ZL3YFNDT31v6DtGK14KVEl?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZbu4bh0otqLTgT290--IY08IZBIbun6MTi4fWvnXvz-dM2w7D8XfNYQblr0Zr3M6yAMckFePzamu63zIFgOgNM3qE51GaEWkMCj18OplAKFIAeDCZ7X4jJAGzbdm9pWAkvuAPIV9vl8CVUw2ZyLpaxu8qCj2V_zxqLk5ZL7531pkGGO7ftz-3zSZlj27cuHekY&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R\">Monterey CHP announced on Facebook \u003c/a>that Highway 1 through the area is closed between Fernwood Resort and Campground all the way to Julia Pfeiffer Burns Vista Point.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The status of Highway 1 has been changeable and unpredictable for drivers in the last few days. On Monday, signs on Highway 1 informed motorists that the route was closed to all drivers except for residents and employees between Point Sur Lighthouse and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hwy 1 was open to the public on Tuesday morning but Caltrans spokesperson Kevin Drabinski told KQED that the agency was nonetheless asking travelers to avoid travel to Big Sur even if the route was technically open — not just because of the fire’s proximity to the highway but because of the “inordinate amount of equipment and staffing” that the Timber Fire response demands.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We want to leave as much space on the highway for emergency responders and that effort,” Drabinski said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This year’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/events/monterey-car-week/\">Monterey Car Week\u003c/a>, which organizers say draws over \u003ca href=\"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/monterey-car-week--pebble-beach-concours-delegance-returns-august-716-2026-302839650.html\">100,000 visitors\u003c/a> every year, is currently ongoing north of Big Sur through Sunday — and travelers heading to Monterey from the south who were planning to use Hwy 1 “are encouraged to consider an alternate route using Highway 101 North,” said See Monterey, the region’s tourism body.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re looking at alternative routes around Big Sur right now, bear in mind that the one narrow road connecting Big Sur south of Lucia to Hwy 101 over the Santa Lucia mountains — \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Nacimiento-Fergusson+Rd,+California/@35.9907059,-121.3662903,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x809296a8a7f9159b:0x70441b9f4863105b!8m2!3d35.9907059!4d-121.3637154!16s%2Fm%2F02rk30k!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDgwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">Nacimiento-Fergusson Road\u003c/a> — is notoriously steep and winding.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advice for visitors to Big Sur right now\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you have existing plans to visit the Big Sur region, keep a close eye out for any email or voicemail notification from your hotel advising you of any cancellations — and your options. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re trying to get in contact with your accommodation yourself, bear in mind that the property may have been directly affected by the Timber Fire evacuations, and that cellphone service in the area is spotty.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>See Monterey is \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/plan-your-visit/travel-alert/\">advising visitors\u003c/a> who are already in the affected areas of Big Sur to “follow evacuation instructions, take essential belongings and medications, and bring their pets.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to See Monterey, several hotels throughout Monterey County are now also “offering evacuation rates for residents and visitors in need,” through \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/resources/community-connection/\">a spreadsheet of available lodgings\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Monterey County has established a temporary evacuation point at \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Carmel+Middle+School/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x802598be38507ac1?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111\">Carmel Middle School\u003c/a>, where evacuees can get information and help on next steps they should take.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Big Sur Timber Fire links and resources\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/9/timber-fire\">CalFire’s Timber Fire evacuation map and updates\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30009\">Current California state park closures\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/resources/community-connection/\">See Monterey’s spreadsheet of hotel evacuation rates\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/?view=36.3458%2C-121.8507%2C12&layers=full_closures%2Clane_closures%2Cspeed\">Caltrans map of highway closures\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "how-does-californias-3500-ev-rebate-work",
"title": "How Does California’s $3,500 EV Rebate Work?",
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"headTitle": "How Does California’s $3,500 EV Rebate Work? | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>Thinking about buying or leasing an \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/evs\">electric car\u003c/a> in the near future? California will soon be making that cheaper.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom launched “\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/myfirstev\">MyFirstEV\u003c/a>,” a new state program that sets aside millions of dollars to fund rebates for residents who buy or lease a zero-emission vehicle — a category that includes battery-electric cars and \u003ca href=\"https://driveclean.ca.gov/hydrogen-fuel-cell\">hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>First-time EV buyers can qualify for a $3,500 discount when buying or leasing a new electric vehicle, as long as the retail price is under $50,000. If you’re looking for a \u003cem>used\u003c/em> electric car, there’s still a price reduction available — a smaller one, however: $1,750 off for vehicles retailing for under $25,000.\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/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12018474\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference in Los Angeles on Sept. 25, 2024. (Eric Thayer/AP Photo)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The state’s program comes a year after President Donald Trump’s massive spending and tax plan known as the One Big Beautiful Bill \u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-for-modification-of-sections-25c-25d-25e-30c-30d-45l-45w-and-179d-under-public-law-119-21-139-stat-72-july-4-2025-commonly-known-as-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-obbb\">ended\u003c/a> federal tax credits for EVs nationwide. Previously, American consumers could claim a $7,500 tax credit after buying a new EV or $4,000 for used EVs.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When announcing the program in July, Newsom said that as the federal government pulls back from supporting EVs, California would instead be “putting its foot on the accelerator” — and that the instant rebate program would “[make] it easier for families to drive clean, breathe clean and keep more money in their pockets.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The program has secured $270 million in funding — half of that from the state budget and the other from participating EV automakers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Who qualifies for this program?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Only California residents who are buying or leasing an EV for the first time are eligible for this rebate.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And consumers will have to confirm that this is the first time they are buying or leasing an EV before taking their car home, said Lindsay Buckley, communications director of the California Air Resources Board, the agency tasked with managing the program.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Participants will be required to sign a legal document declaring that this is in fact their first purchase or lease of an electric vehicle,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“So if you’ve already bought or leased an electric vehicle in the past, then you wouldn’t be eligible for this program.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Limiting the program to first-time buyers could actually help boost the popularity of EVs among people who have never bought them, said Scott Moura, a UC Berkeley professor of civil engineering.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Providing incentive to people who have bought EVs before isn’t really adding to the number of people who purchase EVs,” he said. “The funds can be used most effectively if they’re targeted towards first-time EV buyers.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Do I need to apply ahead of time?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>No — there’s no application to fill out ahead of time. All you need to do is go to a dealership of one of the \u003ca href=\"https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/myfirstev-participating-manufacturers\">15\u003c/a> participating automakers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hyundai, Lucid and Tesla rebates are available starting today. The other participants will launch their programs throughout the fall.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This is different from other past state rebate programs — like the now-terminated \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12062645/california-quietly-kills-electric-bike-vouchers-sending-money-to-ev-incentives-instead\">Electric Bicycle Incentive Program\u003c/a> — which have required participants to fill out an application \u003cem>before \u003c/em>making a purchase.\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/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12016485\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Toyota electric vehicle on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2024. (Saul Gonzalez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you move forward with making a purchase or lease, confirm two things with the salesperson and the financing team:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>That you qualify for the MyFirstEV discount\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>That there are still state funds available for this specific car brand.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When federal EV rebates were available, buyers had to initially wait until they filed their taxes the year after buying their car to request this money back. But state officials say that folks interested in the FirstEV discount won’t have to wait so long.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Californians will be able to go down to participating automakers’ dealerships and access the rebates at the point of sale,” Buckley said. “They won’t have any delay in getting this discount.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Can the program help me pay for \u003cem>any\u003c/em> EV I want?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>No — MyFirstEV discounts will only cover battery-electric cars and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles from automakers participating in the program. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hybrid vehicles are also not included in MyFirstEV, state officials confirmed with KQED. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There’s also a price limit: The EV you choose must cost under $50,000 if it’s a new car, and $25,000 if it’s used. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2274\" height=\"1706\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf.jpg\" alt=\"An aerial view of a parking lot that has EV chargers, with three cars parked in 'EV Charging Only' spots, and a fourth car pulling in to another one.\" class=\"wp-image-11971075\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf.jpg 2274w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2274px) 100vw, 2274px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Polestar electric car prepares to park at an EV charging station on July 28, 2023, in Corte Madera. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There is, however, a \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB168\">small exception\u003c/a> to this price rule if the automaker is headquartered in California — in which case the discounts will apply regardless of the manufacturer’s retail price. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>More than a \u003ca href=\"https://www.builtinsf.com/articles/silicon-valley-electric-car-companies\">dozen electric car brands\u003c/a> are based in the Golden State, with several selling models priced beyond the $50,000 limit.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can low-income buyers get additional support?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While the MyFirstEV discount will not vary based on income, consumers can stack the discount with other incentive programs, including the \u003ca href=\"https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/driving-clean-assistance-program\">Driving Clean Assistance Program\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/clean-cars-4-all\">Clean Cars 4 All\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To qualify for Clean Cars 4 All, residents must have an income of less than or equal to 300% of the federal poverty level. This program could unlock up to $12,000 in additional savings. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Will some carmakers have more rebates available than others?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>No — funds will be divided equally among the participating automakers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>However, there may be greater demand for some brands, which could mean that rebates may run out faster at some dealerships.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This article includes reporting from KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/lklivans\">Laura Klivans.\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom launched “\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/myfirstev\">MyFirstEV\u003c/a>,” a new state program that sets aside millions of dollars to fund rebates for residents who buy or lease a zero-emission vehicle — a category that includes battery-electric cars and \u003ca href=\"https://driveclean.ca.gov/hydrogen-fuel-cell\">hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>On Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom launched “\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/myfirstev\">MyFirstEV\u003c/a>,” a new state program that sets aside millions of dollars to fund rebates for residents who buy or lease a zero-emission vehicle — a category that includes battery-electric cars and \u003ca href=\"https://driveclean.ca.gov/hydrogen-fuel-cell\">hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>First-time EV buyers can qualify for a $3,500 discount when buying or leasing a new electric vehicle, as long as the retail price is under $50,000. If you’re looking for a \u003cem>used\u003c/em> electric car, there’s still a price reduction available — a smaller one, however: $1,750 off for vehicles retailing for under $25,000.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>First-time EV buyers can qualify for a $3,500 discount when buying or leasing a new electric vehicle, as long as the retail price is under $50,000. If you’re looking for a \u003cem>used\u003c/em> electric car, there’s still a price reduction available — a smaller one, however: $1,750 off for vehicles retailing for under $25,000.\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/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12018474\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference in Los Angeles on Sept. 25, 2024.\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/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12018474\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference in Los Angeles on Sept. 25, 2024.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The state’s program comes a year after President Donald Trump’s massive spending and tax plan known as the One Big Beautiful Bill \u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-for-modification-of-sections-25c-25d-25e-30c-30d-45l-45w-and-179d-under-public-law-119-21-139-stat-72-july-4-2025-commonly-known-as-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-obbb\">ended\u003c/a> federal tax credits for EVs nationwide. Previously, American consumers could claim a $7,500 tax credit after buying a new EV or $4,000 for used EVs.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The state’s program comes a year after President Donald Trump’s massive spending and tax plan known as the One Big Beautiful Bill \u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-for-modification-of-sections-25c-25d-25e-30c-30d-45l-45w-and-179d-under-public-law-119-21-139-stat-72-july-4-2025-commonly-known-as-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-obbb\">ended\u003c/a> federal tax credits for EVs nationwide. Previously, American consumers could claim a $7,500 tax credit after buying a new EV or $4,000 for used EVs.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>When announcing the program in July, Newsom said that as the federal government pulls back from supporting EVs, California would instead be “putting its foot on the accelerator” — and that the instant rebate program would “[make] it easier for families to drive clean, breathe clean and keep more money in their pockets.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>When announcing the program in July, Newsom said that as the federal government pulls back from supporting EVs, California would instead be “putting its foot on the accelerator” — and that the instant rebate program would “[make] it easier for families to drive clean, breathe clean and keep more money in their pockets.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The program has secured $270 million in funding — half of that from the state budget and the other from participating EV automakers. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The program has secured $270 million in funding — half of that from the state budget and the other from participating EV automakers. \u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Who qualifies for this program?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Who qualifies for this program?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Only California residents who are buying or leasing an EV for the first time are eligible for this rebate.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Only California residents who are buying or leasing an EV for the first time are eligible for this rebate.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And consumers will have to confirm that this is the first time they are buying or leasing an EV before taking their car home, said Lindsay Buckley, communications director of the California Air Resources Board, the agency tasked with managing the program.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And consumers will have to confirm that this is the first time they are buying or leasing an EV before taking their car home, said Lindsay Buckley, communications director of the California Air Resources Board, the agency tasked with managing the program.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Participants will be required to sign a legal document declaring that this is in fact their first purchase or lease of an electric vehicle,” she said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Participants will be required to sign a legal document declaring that this is in fact their first purchase or lease of an electric vehicle,” she said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“So if you’ve already bought or leased an electric vehicle in the past, then you wouldn’t be eligible for this program.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“So if you’ve already bought or leased an electric vehicle in the past, then you wouldn’t be eligible for this program.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Limiting the program to first-time buyers could actually help boost the popularity of EVs among people who have never bought them, said Scott Moura, a UC Berkeley professor of civil engineering.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Limiting the program to first-time buyers could actually help boost the popularity of EVs among people who have never bought them, said Scott Moura, a UC Berkeley professor of civil engineering.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Providing incentive to people who have bought EVs before isn’t really adding to the number of people who purchase EVs,” he said. “The funds can be used most effectively if they’re targeted towards first-time EV buyers.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Providing incentive to people who have bought EVs before isn’t really adding to the number of people who purchase EVs,” he said. “The funds can be used most effectively if they’re targeted towards first-time EV buyers.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Do I need to apply ahead of time?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Do I need to apply ahead of time?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>No — there’s no application to fill out ahead of time. All you need to do is go to a dealership of one of the \u003ca href=\"https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/myfirstev-participating-manufacturers\">15\u003c/a> participating automakers. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>No — there’s no application to fill out ahead of time. All you need to do is go to a dealership of one of the \u003ca href=\"https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/myfirstev-participating-manufacturers\">15\u003c/a> participating automakers. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hyundai, Lucid and Tesla rebates are available starting today. The other participants will launch their programs throughout the fall.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Hyundai, Lucid and Tesla rebates are available starting today. The other participants will launch their programs throughout the fall.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This is different from other past state rebate programs — like the now-terminated \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12062645/california-quietly-kills-electric-bike-vouchers-sending-money-to-ev-incentives-instead\">Electric Bicycle Incentive Program\u003c/a> — which have required participants to fill out an application \u003cem>before \u003c/em>making a purchase.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>This is different from other past state rebate programs — like the now-terminated \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12062645/california-quietly-kills-electric-bike-vouchers-sending-money-to-ev-incentives-instead\">Electric Bicycle Incentive Program\u003c/a> — which have required participants to fill out an application \u003cem>before \u003c/em>making a purchase.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-1920x1440.jpg 1920w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12016485\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Toyota electric vehicle on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2024.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12016485\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Toyota electric vehicle on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2024.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you move forward with making a purchase or lease, confirm two things with the salesperson and the financing team:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you move forward with making a purchase or lease, confirm two things with the salesperson and the financing team:\u003c/p>\n"
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"That you qualify for the MyFirstEV discount",
"That there are still state funds available for this specific car brand."
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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>That you qualify for the MyFirstEV discount\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>That you qualify for the MyFirstEV discount\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>That there are still state funds available for this specific car brand.\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>That there are still state funds available for this specific car brand.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>When federal EV rebates were available, buyers had to initially wait until they filed their taxes the year after buying their car to request this money back. But state officials say that folks interested in the FirstEV discount won’t have to wait so long.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>When federal EV rebates were available, buyers had to initially wait until they filed their taxes the year after buying their car to request this money back. But state officials say that folks interested in the FirstEV discount won’t have to wait so long.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Californians will be able to go down to participating automakers’ dealerships and access the rebates at the point of sale,” Buckley said. “They won’t have any delay in getting this discount.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Californians will be able to go down to participating automakers’ dealerships and access the rebates at the point of sale,” Buckley said. “They won’t have any delay in getting this discount.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Can the program help me pay for \u003cem>any\u003c/em> EV I want?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Can the program help me pay for \u003cem>any\u003c/em> EV I want?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>No — MyFirstEV discounts will only cover battery-electric cars and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles from automakers participating in the program. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>No — MyFirstEV discounts will only cover battery-electric cars and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles from automakers participating in the program. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hybrid vehicles are also not included in MyFirstEV, state officials confirmed with KQED. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Hybrid vehicles are also not included in MyFirstEV, state officials confirmed with KQED. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There’s also a price limit: The EV you choose must cost under $50,000 if it’s a new car, and $25,000 if it’s used. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>There’s also a price limit: The EV you choose must cost under $50,000 if it’s a new car, and $25,000 if it’s used. \u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf.jpg 2274w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-1920x1440.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/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf.jpg\" alt=\"An aerial view of a parking lot that has EV chargers, with three cars parked in 'EV Charging Only' spots, and a fourth car pulling in to another one.\" class=\"wp-image-11971075\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf.jpg 2274w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Polestar electric car prepares to park at an EV charging station on July 28, 2023, in Corte Madera.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf.jpg\" alt=\"An aerial view of a parking lot that has EV chargers, with three cars parked in 'EV Charging Only' spots, and a fourth car pulling in to another one.\" class=\"wp-image-11971075\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Polestar electric car prepares to park at an EV charging station on July 28, 2023, in Corte Madera.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There is, however, a \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB168\">small exception\u003c/a> to this price rule if the automaker is headquartered in California — in which case the discounts will apply regardless of the manufacturer’s retail price. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>There is, however, a \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB168\">small exception\u003c/a> to this price rule if the automaker is headquartered in California — in which case the discounts will apply regardless of the manufacturer’s retail price. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>More than a \u003ca href=\"https://www.builtinsf.com/articles/silicon-valley-electric-car-companies\">dozen electric car brands\u003c/a> are based in the Golden State, with several selling models priced beyond the $50,000 limit.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>More than a \u003ca href=\"https://www.builtinsf.com/articles/silicon-valley-electric-car-companies\">dozen electric car brands\u003c/a> are based in the Golden State, with several selling models priced beyond the $50,000 limit.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "Can low-income buyers get additional support?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can low-income buyers get additional support?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While the MyFirstEV discount will not vary based on income, consumers can stack the discount with other incentive programs, including the \u003ca href=\"https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/driving-clean-assistance-program\">Driving Clean Assistance Program\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/clean-cars-4-all\">Clean Cars 4 All\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>While the MyFirstEV discount will not vary based on income, consumers can stack the discount with other incentive programs, including the \u003ca href=\"https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/driving-clean-assistance-program\">Driving Clean Assistance Program\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/clean-cars-4-all\">Clean Cars 4 All\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To qualify for Clean Cars 4 All, residents must have an income of less than or equal to 300% of the federal poverty level. This program could unlock up to $12,000 in additional savings. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Will some carmakers have more rebates available than others?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>No — funds will be divided equally among the participating automakers.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>However, there may be greater demand for some brands, which could mean that rebates may run out faster at some dealerships.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This article includes reporting from KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/lklivans\">Laura Klivans.\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "First-time electric vehicle buyers in California could soon get thousands of dollars off the sticker price. Here’s how to apply.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Thinking about buying or leasing an \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/evs\">electric car\u003c/a> in the near future? California will soon be making that cheaper.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom launched “\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/myfirstev\">MyFirstEV\u003c/a>,” a new state program that sets aside millions of dollars to fund rebates for residents who buy or lease a zero-emission vehicle — a category that includes battery-electric cars and \u003ca href=\"https://driveclean.ca.gov/hydrogen-fuel-cell\">hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>First-time EV buyers can qualify for a $3,500 discount when buying or leasing a new electric vehicle, as long as the retail price is under $50,000. If you’re looking for a \u003cem>used\u003c/em> electric car, there’s still a price reduction available — a smaller one, however: $1,750 off for vehicles retailing for under $25,000.\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/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12018474\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference in Los Angeles on Sept. 25, 2024. (Eric Thayer/AP Photo)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The state’s program comes a year after President Donald Trump’s massive spending and tax plan known as the One Big Beautiful Bill \u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-for-modification-of-sections-25c-25d-25e-30c-30d-45l-45w-and-179d-under-public-law-119-21-139-stat-72-july-4-2025-commonly-known-as-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-obbb\">ended\u003c/a> federal tax credits for EVs nationwide. Previously, American consumers could claim a $7,500 tax credit after buying a new EV or $4,000 for used EVs.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When announcing the program in July, Newsom said that as the federal government pulls back from supporting EVs, California would instead be “putting its foot on the accelerator” — and that the instant rebate program would “[make] it easier for families to drive clean, breathe clean and keep more money in their pockets.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The program has secured $270 million in funding — half of that from the state budget and the other from participating EV automakers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Who qualifies for this program?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Only California residents who are buying or leasing an EV for the first time are eligible for this rebate.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And consumers will have to confirm that this is the first time they are buying or leasing an EV before taking their car home, said Lindsay Buckley, communications director of the California Air Resources Board, the agency tasked with managing the program.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Participants will be required to sign a legal document declaring that this is in fact their first purchase or lease of an electric vehicle,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“So if you’ve already bought or leased an electric vehicle in the past, then you wouldn’t be eligible for this program.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Limiting the program to first-time buyers could actually help boost the popularity of EVs among people who have never bought them, said Scott Moura, a UC Berkeley professor of civil engineering.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Providing incentive to people who have bought EVs before isn’t really adding to the number of people who purchase EVs,” he said. “The funds can be used most effectively if they’re targeted towards first-time EV buyers.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Do I need to apply ahead of time?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>No — there’s no application to fill out ahead of time. All you need to do is go to a dealership of one of the \u003ca href=\"https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/myfirstev-participating-manufacturers\">15\u003c/a> participating automakers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hyundai, Lucid and Tesla rebates are available starting today. The other participants will launch their programs throughout the fall.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This is different from other past state rebate programs — like the now-terminated \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12062645/california-quietly-kills-electric-bike-vouchers-sending-money-to-ev-incentives-instead\">Electric Bicycle Incentive Program\u003c/a> — which have required participants to fill out an application \u003cem>before \u003c/em>making a purchase.\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/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12016485\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_5809-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Toyota electric vehicle on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2024. (Saul Gonzalez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you move forward with making a purchase or lease, confirm two things with the salesperson and the financing team:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>That you qualify for the MyFirstEV discount\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>That there are still state funds available for this specific car brand.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When federal EV rebates were available, buyers had to initially wait until they filed their taxes the year after buying their car to request this money back. But state officials say that folks interested in the FirstEV discount won’t have to wait so long.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Californians will be able to go down to participating automakers’ dealerships and access the rebates at the point of sale,” Buckley said. “They won’t have any delay in getting this discount.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Can the program help me pay for \u003cem>any\u003c/em> EV I want?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>No — MyFirstEV discounts will only cover battery-electric cars and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles from automakers participating in the program. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hybrid vehicles are also not included in MyFirstEV, state officials confirmed with KQED. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There’s also a price limit: The EV you choose must cost under $50,000 if it’s a new car, and $25,000 if it’s used. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2274\" height=\"1706\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf.jpg\" alt=\"An aerial view of a parking lot that has EV chargers, with three cars parked in 'EV Charging Only' spots, and a fourth car pulling in to another one.\" class=\"wp-image-11971075\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf.jpg 2274w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/12/gettyimages-1576817852-98c5c2b1e80ed40f3e2b7969add10f2d9535efdf-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2274px) 100vw, 2274px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Polestar electric car prepares to park at an EV charging station on July 28, 2023, in Corte Madera. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There is, however, a \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB168\">small exception\u003c/a> to this price rule if the automaker is headquartered in California — in which case the discounts will apply regardless of the manufacturer’s retail price. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>More than a \u003ca href=\"https://www.builtinsf.com/articles/silicon-valley-electric-car-companies\">dozen electric car brands\u003c/a> are based in the Golden State, with several selling models priced beyond the $50,000 limit.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can low-income buyers get additional support?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While the MyFirstEV discount will not vary based on income, consumers can stack the discount with other incentive programs, including the \u003ca href=\"https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/driving-clean-assistance-program\">Driving Clean Assistance Program\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/clean-cars-4-all\">Clean Cars 4 All\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To qualify for Clean Cars 4 All, residents must have an income of less than or equal to 300% of the federal poverty level. This program could unlock up to $12,000 in additional savings. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Will some carmakers have more rebates available than others?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>No — funds will be divided equally among the participating automakers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>However, there may be greater demand for some brands, which could mean that rebates may run out faster at some dealerships.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This article includes reporting from KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/lklivans\">Laura Klivans.\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-California-Report-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The California Report",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/californiareport",
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 8
},
"link": "/californiareport",
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"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/26099305-72af-4542-9dde-ac1807fe36d5/kqed-s-the-california-report",
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"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/tag/tcram/feed/podcast"
}
},
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"id": "californiareportmagazine",
"title": "The California Report Magazine",
"tagline": "Your state, your stories",
"info": "Every week, The California Report Magazine takes you on a road trip for the ears: to visit the places and meet the people who make California unique. The in-depth storytelling podcast from the California Report.",
"airtime": "FRI 4:30pm-5pm, 6:30pm-7pm, 11pm-11:30pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-California-Report-Magazine-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "/californiareportmagazine",
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"order": 10
},
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM3NjkwNjk1OTAz",
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"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/tag/tcrmag/feed/podcast"
}
},
"city-arts": {
"id": "city-arts",
"title": "City Arts & Lectures",
"info": "A one-hour radio program to hear celebrated writers, artists and thinkers address contemporary ideas and values, often discussing the creative process. Please note: tapes or transcripts are not available",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/05/cityartsandlecture-300x300.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.cityarts.net/",
"airtime": "SUN 1pm-2pm, TUE 10pm, WED 1am",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "City Arts & Lectures"
},
"link": "https://www.cityarts.net",
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"rss": "https://www.cityarts.net/feed/"
}
},
"closealltabs": {
"id": "closealltabs",
"title": "Close All Tabs",
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"info": "Close All Tabs breaks down how digital culture shapes our world through thoughtful insights and irreverent humor.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CAT_2_Tile-scaled.jpg",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/closealltabs",
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"order": 1
},
"link": "/podcasts/closealltabs",
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"code-switch-life-kit": {
"id": "code-switch-life-kit",
"title": "Code Switch / Life Kit",
"info": "\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em>, which listeners will hear in the first part of the hour, has fearless and much-needed conversations about race. Hosted by journalists of color, the show tackles the subject of race head-on, exploring how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, sports and more.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em>, which will be in the second part of the hour, guides you through spaces and feelings no one prepares you for — from finances to mental health, from workplace microaggressions to imposter syndrome, from relationships to parenting. The show features experts with real world experience and shares their knowledge. Because everyone needs a little help being human.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510312/codeswitch\">\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/lifekit\">\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />",
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"meta": {
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubnByLm9yZy9yc3MvcG9kY2FzdC5waHA_aWQ9NTEwMzEy",
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"id": "commonwealth-club",
"title": "Commonwealth Club of California Podcast",
"info": "The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. As a non-partisan forum, The Club brings to the public airwaves diverse viewpoints on important topics. The Club's weekly radio broadcast - the oldest in the U.S., dating back to 1924 - is carried across the nation on public radio stations and is now podcasting. Our website archive features audio of our recent programs, as well as selected speeches from our long and distinguished history. This podcast feed is usually updated twice a week and is always un-edited.",
"airtime": "THU 10pm, FRI 1am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Commonwealth-Club-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
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"meta": {
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"source": "Commonwealth Club of California"
},
"link": "/radio/program/commonwealth-club",
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jb21tb253ZWFsdGhjbHViLm9yZy9hdWRpby9wb2RjYXN0L3dlZWtseS54bWw",
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}
},
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"id": "forum",
"title": "Forum",
"tagline": "The conversation starts here",
"info": "KQED’s live call-in program discussing local, state, national and international issues, as well as in-depth interviews.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 9am-11am, 10pm-11pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Forum-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Forum with Mina Kim and Alexis Madrigal",
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 9
},
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM5NTU3MzgxNjMz",
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},
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"id": "freakonomics-radio",
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"info": "Freakonomics Radio is a one-hour award-winning podcast and public-radio project hosted by Stephen Dubner, with co-author Steve Levitt as a regular guest. It is produced in partnership with WNYC.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/05/freakonomicsRadio.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://freakonomics.com/",
"airtime": "SUN 1am-2am, SAT 3pm-4pm",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/freakonomics-radio",
"subscribe": {
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/freakonomics-radio/id354668519",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/WNYC-Podcasts/Freakonomics-Radio-p272293/",
"rss": "https://feeds.feedburner.com/freakonomicsradio"
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},
"fresh-air": {
"id": "fresh-air",
"title": "Fresh Air",
"info": "Hosted by Terry Gross, \u003cem>Fresh Air from WHYY\u003c/em> is the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues. One of public radio's most popular programs, Fresh Air features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries.",
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"link": "/radio/program/fresh-air",
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=214089682&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/381444908/podcast.xml"
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"here-and-now": {
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"info": "A live production of NPR and WBUR Boston, in collaboration with stations across the country, Here & Now reflects the fluid world of news as it's happening in the middle of the day, with timely, in-depth news, interviews and conversation. Hosted by Robin Young, Jeremy Hobson and Tonya Mosley.",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510051/podcast.xml"
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},
"hidden-brain": {
"id": "hidden-brain",
"title": "Hidden Brain",
"info": "Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/05/hiddenbrain.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/series/423302056/hidden-brain",
"airtime": "SUN 7pm-8pm",
"meta": {
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"source": "NPR"
},
"link": "/radio/program/hidden-brain",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510308/podcast.xml"
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},
"how-i-built-this": {
"id": "how-i-built-this",
"title": "How I Built This with Guy Raz",
"info": "Guy Raz dives into the stories behind some of the world's best known companies. How I Built This weaves a narrative journey about innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/05/howIBuiltThis.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510313/how-i-built-this",
"airtime": "SUN 7:30pm-8pm",
"meta": {
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"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/how-i-built-this",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/3zxy",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-built-this-with-guy-raz/id1150510297?mt=2",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510313/podcast.xml"
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},
"hyphenacion": {
"id": "hyphenacion",
"title": "Hyphenación",
"tagline": "Where conversation and cultura meet",
"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. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hyphenacion_FinalAssets_PodcastTile.png",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/hyphenacion",
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"order": 15
},
"link": "/podcasts/hyphenacion",
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"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/2p3Fifq96nw9BPcmFdIq0o?si=39209f7b25774f38",
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"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6c3dd23c-93fb-4aab-97ba-1725fa6315f1/hyphenaci%C3%B3n",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC2275451163"
}
},
"jerrybrown": {
"id": "jerrybrown",
"title": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown",
"tagline": "Lessons from a lifetime in politics",
"info": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown brings listeners the wisdom of the former Governor, Mayor, and presidential candidate. Scott Shafer interviewed Brown for more than 40 hours, covering the former governor's life and half-century in the political game – and Brown has some lessons he'd like to share. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Political-Mind-of-Jerry-Brown-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
"meta": {
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 18
},
"link": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1492194549",
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}
},
"latino-usa": {
"id": "latino-usa",
"title": "Latino USA",
"airtime": "MON 1am-2am, SUN 6pm-7pm",
"info": "Latino USA, the radio journal of news and culture, is the only national, English-language radio program produced from a Latino perspective.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/latinoUsa.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://latinousa.org/",
"meta": {
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"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/latino-usa",
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=79681317&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510016/podcast.xml"
}
},
"marketplace": {
"id": "marketplace",
"title": "Marketplace",
"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.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 4pm-4:30pm, MON-WED 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marketplace-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.marketplace.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "American Public Media"
},
"link": "/radio/program/marketplace",
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"rss": "https://feeds.publicradio.org/public_feeds/marketplace-pm/rss/rss"
}
},
"masters-of-scale": {
"id": "masters-of-scale",
"title": "Masters of Scale",
"info": "Masters of Scale is an original podcast in which LinkedIn co-founder and Greylock Partner Reid Hoffman sets out to describe and prove theories that explain how great entrepreneurs take their companies from zero to a gazillion in ingenious fashion.",
"airtime": "Every other Wednesday June 12 through October 16 at 8pm (repeats Thursdays at 2am)",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "https://mastersofscale.com/",
"meta": {
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"source": "WaitWhat"
},
"link": "/radio/program/masters-of-scale",
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"apple": "http://mastersofscale.app.link/",
"rss": "https://rss.art19.com/masters-of-scale"
}
},
"mindshift": {
"id": "mindshift",
"title": "MindShift",
"tagline": "A podcast about the future of learning and how we raise our kids",
"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>",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mindshift-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED MindShift: How We Will Learn",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/mindshift/",
"meta": {
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 12
},
"link": "/podcasts/mindshift",
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM1NzY0NjAwNDI5",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/464615685/mind-shift-podcast",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/stories-teachers-share",
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}
},
"morning-edition": {
"id": "morning-edition",
"title": "Morning Edition",
"info": "\u003cem>Morning Edition\u003c/em> takes listeners around the country and the world with multi-faceted stories and commentaries every weekday. Hosts Steve Inskeep, David Greene and Rachel Martin bring you the latest breaking news and features to prepare you for the day.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3am-9am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Morning-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/morning-edition/",
"meta": {
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"link": "/radio/program/morning-edition"
},
"onourwatch": {
"id": "onourwatch",
"title": "On Our Watch",
"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?",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/On-Our-Watch-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "On Our Watch from NPR and KQED",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 11
},
"link": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1567098962",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5ucHIub3JnLzUxMDM2MC9wb2RjYXN0LnhtbD9zYz1nb29nbGVwb2RjYXN0cw",
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"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/0OLWoyizopu6tY1XiuX70x",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/On-Our-Watch-p1436229/",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/show/on-our-watch",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510360/podcast.xml"
}
},
"on-the-media": {
"id": "on-the-media",
"title": "On The Media",
"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",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm-3pm, MON 12am-1am",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/onTheMedia.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/otm",
"meta": {
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"source": "wnyc"
},
"link": "/radio/program/on-the-media",
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