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"content": "\u003cp>President Joe Biden’s decision to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11996616/biden-ends-reelection-campaign-leaving-democrats-next-steps-unclear\">bow out of the presidential race\u003c/a> and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the nomination sets off an open convention process for Democrats not seen since \u003ca href=\"https://www.politico.com/news/2023/04/11/looking-back-at-the-1968-democratic-national-convention-00091441\">the chaotic 1968 convention\u003c/a> that resulted in the nomination of Vice President Hubert Humphrey.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The biggest question now hanging over the party’s next steps: Will anyone besides Harris run, or will Democrats essentially anoint her Biden’s successor without a public process? While high-profile challengers, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, could certainly throw their hats into the ring, there are political risks to both scenarios.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some Democrats have argued that bypassing Harris or making her compete for the nomination would turn off Black voters and other supporters, and could result in a chaotic and disorganized convention process that would play out on TV and potentially weaken Democrats in the eyes of voters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But others, including, \u003ca href=\"https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/19/pelosi-support-open-nomination-biden-drop-out-00169893#:~:text=In%20a%20meeting%20with%20fellow,of%20a%20Kamala%20Harris%20coronation.\">reportedly, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi,\u003c/a> believe that Harris would be a stronger candidate if she wins the nomination publicly — allowing her to make her case to the American people and avoiding any perception that the party elites are handpicking a nominee. Some Democrats also believe that an open race between now and the August convention would give the party an opportunity to dominate airwaves, capture the nation’s attention and reshuffle the dynamics in a presidential race that has turned many voters off until now.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Harris, for her part, said in a statement after Biden announced his decision that she intends “to earn and win this nomination” and will continue to campaign “across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Democratic Party changed its nominating process after the 1968 convention, which was marked by violent crackdowns by police on anti-Vietnam War protestors and conflict among delegates — disagreement that played out on TV. Republican Richard Nixon won that fall, defeating Democratic Vice President Hubert Humphrey.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Starting in 1972, Democratic state caucuses and primaries became more important in the nominating process, making it less likely that floor fights like the one in 1968 would play out at the nominating convention.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But party delegates — a mix of party activists and insiders — still have a role in making the nomination official. Here’s what to know about the current rules governing a Democratic National Convention and its \u003ca href=\"https://democrats.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2024-Call-for-Convention.pdf\">nominating process (PDF).\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Because Biden won the state primaries, the vast majority of the 4,700 Democratic delegates that will vote on the nomination are “pledged” to him\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Biden didn’t face a serious Democratic challenger this year, and — \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2024/07/08/nx-s1-5032737/biden-tells-democrats-stop-speculation\">as he pointed out in a recent letter to members of Congress\u003c/a> — received “over 14 million votes, 87% of the votes cast across the entire nominating process.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That means under party rules, those nearly 3,900 \u003ca href=\"https://www.usa.gov/primaries-caucuses\">delegates\u003c/a> are pledged to Biden and under DNC rules “shall in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>While primary voters choose the nominee, it’s still not official until the delegates vote\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.usa.gov/national-conventions\">Presidential nominations are made official by a roll call vote of delegates. \u003c/a>The pledged delegates are the only ones allowed to vote on the first roll call; if no one gets a majority of votes, the nominating contest will move to a second ballot, and the other 800 or so delegates can also vote. Balloting continues until a nominee is finally selected by a majority of delegates.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Even with Biden supporting Harris, other Democrats can also be nominated at the convention\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In order to be considered for the nomination, a candidate needs to gather at least 300 signatures from delegates from six states. Then, each candidate would be allowed 20 minutes of nominating speeches before delegates begin voting.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It seems likely that Democrats would coalesce behind the vice president if Biden indicates that’s his preference — but nothing would necessarily stop another candidate from trying to whip enough delegates to also vie for the nomination.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>The process could potentially play out before the August convention. \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The DNC had planned to nominate Biden before the DNC begins on August 19, because state law in Ohio previously required that political parties name their official nominee 90 days before the general election — which this year fell on August 7, almost two weeks before the Democratic convention. So before Biden’s disastrous debate performance and calls for him to drop out began mounting, the DNC decided they would do the official nomination by virtual roll call in early August.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That doesn’t appear to be necessary any more — Republicans in Ohio\u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/biden-ohio-ballot-48601b3522a42e2680fe40b416d0421d\"> recently passed a bill, which was signed by Governor Mike DeWine\u003c/a>, that relaxed the deadline. But Democratic Party leaders had still been moving forward with the earlier nomination vote, arguing that \u003ca href=\"https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/19/dnc-officials-defend-virtual-roll-call-vote-00169803\">outstanding lawsuits over the legislation\u003c/a> make the earlier vote necessary. Before today’s Biden announcement, the DNC had scheduled the vote to start as early as August 1, more than two weeks before the convention begins.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s possible that they could do the same in an open nominating process: Ask delegates to vote ahead of the convention, then unveil a winner in Chicago.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Who are the delegates — and can Democratic leaders influence who they vote for in an open convention?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most delegates are party activists, elected by their peers. There are \u003ca href=\"https://democrats.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2024-Delegate-Selection-Rules.pdf\">also 700 “superdelegates” (PDF)\u003c/a> — members of the House and Senate, Democratic governors, DNC members and all former Democratic presidents, vice presidents, congressional leaders and DNC chairs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But since “regular” delegates far out number superdelegates, they would be the ones picking a nominee if Biden steps aside. And once an open convention begins, party leaders (including Biden) have no official power to dictate who they vote for.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That means even if the president asks the party to nominate Harris, things could get chaotic at the convention in August.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>President Joe Biden’s decision to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11996616/biden-ends-reelection-campaign-leaving-democrats-next-steps-unclear\">bow out of the presidential race\u003c/a> and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the nomination sets off an open convention process for Democrats not seen since \u003ca href=\"https://www.politico.com/news/2023/04/11/looking-back-at-the-1968-democratic-national-convention-00091441\">the chaotic 1968 convention\u003c/a> that resulted in the nomination of Vice President Hubert Humphrey.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The biggest question now hanging over the party’s next steps: Will anyone besides Harris run, or will Democrats essentially anoint her Biden’s successor without a public process? While high-profile challengers, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, could certainly throw their hats into the ring, there are political risks to both scenarios.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some Democrats have argued that bypassing Harris or making her compete for the nomination would turn off Black voters and other supporters, and could result in a chaotic and disorganized convention process that would play out on TV and potentially weaken Democrats in the eyes of voters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But others, including, \u003ca href=\"https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/19/pelosi-support-open-nomination-biden-drop-out-00169893#:~:text=In%20a%20meeting%20with%20fellow,of%20a%20Kamala%20Harris%20coronation.\">reportedly, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi,\u003c/a> believe that Harris would be a stronger candidate if she wins the nomination publicly — allowing her to make her case to the American people and avoiding any perception that the party elites are handpicking a nominee. Some Democrats also believe that an open race between now and the August convention would give the party an opportunity to dominate airwaves, capture the nation’s attention and reshuffle the dynamics in a presidential race that has turned many voters off until now.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Harris, for her part, said in a statement after Biden announced his decision that she intends “to earn and win this nomination” and will continue to campaign “across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Democratic Party changed its nominating process after the 1968 convention, which was marked by violent crackdowns by police on anti-Vietnam War protestors and conflict among delegates — disagreement that played out on TV. Republican Richard Nixon won that fall, defeating Democratic Vice President Hubert Humphrey.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Starting in 1972, Democratic state caucuses and primaries became more important in the nominating process, making it less likely that floor fights like the one in 1968 would play out at the nominating convention.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But party delegates — a mix of party activists and insiders — still have a role in making the nomination official. Here’s what to know about the current rules governing a Democratic National Convention and its \u003ca href=\"https://democrats.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2024-Call-for-Convention.pdf\">nominating process (PDF).\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Because Biden won the state primaries, the vast majority of the 4,700 Democratic delegates that will vote on the nomination are “pledged” to him\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Biden didn’t face a serious Democratic challenger this year, and — \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2024/07/08/nx-s1-5032737/biden-tells-democrats-stop-speculation\">as he pointed out in a recent letter to members of Congress\u003c/a> — received “over 14 million votes, 87% of the votes cast across the entire nominating process.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That means under party rules, those nearly 3,900 \u003ca href=\"https://www.usa.gov/primaries-caucuses\">delegates\u003c/a> are pledged to Biden and under DNC rules “shall in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>While primary voters choose the nominee, it’s still not official until the delegates vote\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.usa.gov/national-conventions\">Presidential nominations are made official by a roll call vote of delegates. \u003c/a>The pledged delegates are the only ones allowed to vote on the first roll call; if no one gets a majority of votes, the nominating contest will move to a second ballot, and the other 800 or so delegates can also vote. Balloting continues until a nominee is finally selected by a majority of delegates.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Even with Biden supporting Harris, other Democrats can also be nominated at the convention\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In order to be considered for the nomination, a candidate needs to gather at least 300 signatures from delegates from six states. Then, each candidate would be allowed 20 minutes of nominating speeches before delegates begin voting.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It seems likely that Democrats would coalesce behind the vice president if Biden indicates that’s his preference — but nothing would necessarily stop another candidate from trying to whip enough delegates to also vie for the nomination.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>The process could potentially play out before the August convention. \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The DNC had planned to nominate Biden before the DNC begins on August 19, because state law in Ohio previously required that political parties name their official nominee 90 days before the general election — which this year fell on August 7, almost two weeks before the Democratic convention. So before Biden’s disastrous debate performance and calls for him to drop out began mounting, the DNC decided they would do the official nomination by virtual roll call in early August.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That doesn’t appear to be necessary any more — Republicans in Ohio\u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/biden-ohio-ballot-48601b3522a42e2680fe40b416d0421d\"> recently passed a bill, which was signed by Governor Mike DeWine\u003c/a>, that relaxed the deadline. But Democratic Party leaders had still been moving forward with the earlier nomination vote, arguing that \u003ca href=\"https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/19/dnc-officials-defend-virtual-roll-call-vote-00169803\">outstanding lawsuits over the legislation\u003c/a> make the earlier vote necessary. Before today’s Biden announcement, the DNC had scheduled the vote to start as early as August 1, more than two weeks before the convention begins.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s possible that they could do the same in an open nominating process: Ask delegates to vote ahead of the convention, then unveil a winner in Chicago.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Who are the delegates — and can Democratic leaders influence who they vote for in an open convention?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most delegates are party activists, elected by their peers. There are \u003ca href=\"https://democrats.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2024-Delegate-Selection-Rules.pdf\">also 700 “superdelegates” (PDF)\u003c/a> — members of the House and Senate, Democratic governors, DNC members and all former Democratic presidents, vice presidents, congressional leaders and DNC chairs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But since “regular” delegates far out number superdelegates, they would be the ones picking a nominee if Biden steps aside. And once an open convention begins, party leaders (including Biden) have no official power to dictate who they vote for.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That means even if the president asks the party to nominate Harris, things could get chaotic at the convention in August.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "how-long-to-isolate-with-covid-in-2024-california-now-says-that-depends-on-symptoms",
"title": "Got COVID (Again)? Here's What the CDC Says About 2024 Isolation Guidelines",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>Updated 1:20 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We’re now in the fifth year of the COVID-19 pandemic and still \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11987343/covid-bay-area-wastewater-variant-symptoms-isolation-guidance\">the virus continues to spread,\u003c/a> with \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-currentlevels.html\">California currently in the “Very High” category\u003c/a> for levels of the virus in wastewater. And after several years of evolving guidelines and best practices from public health officials, if you’re unclear on the current recommendations on what anyone with COVID-19 should actually \u003cem>do\u003c/em> when it comes to what we all used to call “quarantine,” you’re definitely not alone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This spring, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially revised their national guidance for how long people with COVID-19 should isolate from others — saying that \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p0301-respiratory-virus.html\">COVID-positive people can now return to work or regular activities\u003c/a> once their symptoms are “improving overall,” and they’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without use of a fever-reducing medication. The CDC’s new isolation guidelines have been in effect since March 1.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Previously, the CDC advised that people who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home and isolate from other people for at least five days, regardless of the severity of their symptoms — or whether they had symptoms at all. Now, the CDC says that the number of days you isolate for instead depends on how long you have symptoms, which could be longer (or shorter) than five days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#covidguidelines\">\u003cstrong>I tested positive. How do the CDC’s latest COVID isolation guidelines work?\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#asymptomaticcovid\">\u003cstrong>Why do officials think it’s safe for asymptomatic COVID-positive folks to be in public?\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for a breakdown of the CDC’s 2024 COVID-19 isolation guidelines, how they’re different to the recommendations you may have become used to over the past few years and how to think about the risk your positive COVID-19 test still poses to others.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And remember, if you get COVID-19 there’s nothing stopping you — if you’re able — from continuing to use at-home antigen testing and leaving isolation only when you get that negative result. (In fact, t\u003ca href=\"http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019/covidcommunity/\">he Los Angeles County Department of Public Health still recommends that you “test negative\u003c/a> before leaving isolation.”)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Unfortunately, this option has become a lot more difficult for many people in 2024, due to limited sick days and how it’s become far harder to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11940562/how-to-find-a-free-covid-test-near-you-in-2023-because-its-getting-harder\">find free COVID-19 tests\u003c/a> to do that repeat testing. Remember, you can still \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11902122/at-home-covid-test-reimbursement-from-blue-shield-to-kaiser-how-to-get-your-health-insurance-to-pay-you-back\">get your health insurer to reimburse you\u003c/a> for the costs of up to eight antigen tests per month.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"covidguidelines\">\u003c/a>I just tested positive. How do the CDC’s latest COVID isolation guidelines work?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>According to the CDC, you should isolate from other people for as long as you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms that aren’t improving.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>When can I start to consider leaving isolation, according to the CDC?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Once your symptoms start improving, \u003cem>and\u003c/em> any fever you’ve had has been gone for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medication, the CDC says that you can exit isolation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But you’ll need both of these things — symptoms improving for at least 24 hours \u003cem>and\u003c/em> the absence of fever for at least 24 hours — to happen before you can leave isolation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So if your fever has been gone more than a day but your other symptoms haven’t improved, you still need to keep isolating until they do improve, says the CDC. And if your other symptoms get better but you get a new fever, you need to keep isolating (or go back into isolation) until that fever has been gone for 24 hours.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>(Remember, there’s growing evidence that\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11972313/negative-covid-test-incubation-period\"> some people take longer to get a positive test on an at-home antigen test.\u003c/a> If you have symptoms but have tested negative, don’t assume it means you’re COVID-free. \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html\">The CDC recommends that you take another antigen test 48 hours later\u003c/a> and then test again after another 48 hours. (You can also \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11957790/the-new-covid-eris-variant-and-rising-cases-what-you-need-to-know#freecovidtests\">seek out a PCR test\u003c/a>, which is more sensitive.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11993742\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11993742\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/covid-isolation.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1912\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/covid-isolation.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/covid-isolation-800x797.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/covid-isolation-1020x1016.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/covid-isolation-160x159.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/covid-isolation-1536x1530.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A visualization of the CDC’s 2024 guidelines around isolating with COVID \u003ccite>(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What should I do when I leave isolation, according to the CDC?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Once your COVID-19 symptoms are mild and improving for at least 24 hours, and any fever has been gone without the aid of medication for that period of time, the CDC says that you should still take “added precaution over the next 5 days.” These precautions include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Wearing \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/masks.html\">a mask around others.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Taking additional \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/air-quality.html\">steps for cleaner air.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/hygiene.html\">Taking additional steps for hygiene.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Maintaining \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/physical-distancing.html\">physical distance \u003c/a>around others.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/testing.html\">Testing \u003c/a>when you will be around other people indoors.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>The CDC recommends that you “keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better.” How much less contagious you actually are during this time “depend[s] on factors like how long you were sick or how sick you were,” says the CDC.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html\">See the CDC’s visualizations of different isolation timelines for people who test positive for COVID.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What if I test positive but don’t have any symptoms?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You may be contagious,” says the CDC, so assume that you are, for the safety of those around you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The CDC recommends that for five days after you test positive without symptoms, you should take those same added precautions they advise for symptomatic people once they leave isolation: masking, creating cleaner air, enhanced hygiene and physical distancing. This is, the agency says, “especially important to protect people with factors that increase their risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Are California’s isolation guidelines any different from the CDC’s?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>No. \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Respiratory-Viruses/Home.aspx\">California’s own online resources around COVID-19\u003c/a> and other respiratory viruses now recommend that Californians with COVID-19 refer directly to \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html\">the CDC’s guidelines around isolation\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you feel like the state’s quarantine guidance used to be different to the CDC’s, you’re not imagining it — they were. Back in January, when the CDC was still recommending that people who test positive should stay away from other people for at least five days regardless of whether or not they had symptoms, the California Department of Public Health announced it was softening those guidelines for Californians — and was instead advising a move away from the five-day rule in favor of “instead focus[ing] on clinical symptoms to determine when to end isolation.” Then in March, the CDC’s own update isolation guidance almost exactly resembled the policy California had adopted a few months earlier.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The biggest difference between \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/COVID-19-Isolation-Guidance.aspx#\">California’s January guidelines\u003c/a> and the CDC’s revised advice was what people who test positive for COVID but do \u003cem>not\u003c/em> have symptoms — known as asymptomatic infections — should do when it comes to isolation and avoiding infecting others. \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/COVID-19-Isolation-Guidance.aspx#\">The state said that asymptomatic people with COVID should wear a mask indoors around others for 10 days\u003c/a> and avoid higher-risk people for the same duration. \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html\">The CDC’s update noted that asymptomatic people “may be contagious”\u003c/a> and should only take “added precautions[s],” including possible masking, for five days — advice that California’s public health officials have now also adopted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California’s January guidelines also recommended that \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/COVID-19-Isolation-Guidance.aspx#\">COVID-positive people with symptoms should mask \u003c/a>around other people indoors for a full 10 days after their positive test or symptom onset. Now that California public health officials are directing state residents to the CDC’s own advice, this 10-day requirement is no longer mentioned.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The March 1 update represented the first time during the pandemic that the CDC had moved away from set periods of isolation for people with COVID. At the outset of the pandemic in 2020, the CDC stipulated a 10-day period of isolation for COVID-positive patients —\u003ca href=\"https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html\"> a period shortened to five days in December 2021\u003c/a>. This update was still accompanied by guidance to wear a well-fitted mask for another five days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else do you need information about right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Why did public health officials make this change to COVID isolation guidelines?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The CDC says that this latest guidance “brings a unified approach to addressing risks from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses,” bundling guidance on COVID into that for other viruses like flu and RSV as \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/guidance/respiratory-virus-guidance.html\">one set of Respiratory Virus Guidance\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Doing this, said the agency, “makes recommendations easier to follow and thus more likely to be adopted and does not rely on individuals to test for illness, a practice that data indicates is uneven.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>CDPH says that in 2024, the agency’s “policies and priorities for intervention are now \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/COVID-19-Isolation-Guidance.aspx#\">focused on protecting those most at risk for serious illness while reducing social disruption \u003c/a>that is disproportionate to recommendations for the prevention of other endemic respiratory viral infections.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"asymptomaticcovid\">\u003c/a>Why does the state now think it’s safe for asymptomatic COVID-positive folks to be in public?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>After over four years of public health policy at the federal and state levels that’s emphasized “If you’re COVID-positive, stay the heck away from other people,” the 2024 update might seem jarring to you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There’s also the fact that since 2020, we’ve been told that not only can asymptomatic people be contagious with COVID-19, they might be responsible for fueling a lot of the spread of COVID-19 — because those folks are so often unaware they even have the virus.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We know that you can be contagious without symptoms,” said Dr. Abraar Karan, an infectious disease physician and researcher at Stanford University. “We also know that symptomatology can increase the risk of transmission. So if you’re coughing and sneezing, you’re probably emitting more viral particles.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID=news_11968709 hero='https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/GettyImages-1447896208-1020x680.jpg']This latest guidance focuses on symptomatic people as posing the \u003ci>most \u003c/i>risk to others, noted Karan — hence the continuing recommendation that those people stay home until those symptoms get milder.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What are the concerns over this latest guidance?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Karan says he’d have liked to have seen California public health officials give the public more information about “the rationale behind why they were doing it,” so that the public could understand that this guidance wasn’t a green light to go out into the world with COVID-19.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If they’d said, ‘People that are not symptomatic can be contagious, but it’s less likely, and people without symptoms are likely going to be shedding less virus, so if you wear a high filtration mask, your risk of infecting others is quite low, and that’s why we’re doing it’? I think that would have made a lot of sense,” Karan says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/health/2024/01/california-covid-rule-isolation/\">Calmatters has reported that disability and equity advocates particularly criticized the latest guidelines when they were first announced by California health officials\u003c/a>, saying the guidance could increase the risk of infection for Californians most vulnerable to severe illness or death from the virus.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This policy is not based in science, equity or public health,” Lisa McCorkell, cofounder of the Patient-Led Research Collaborative that studies the impacts of long COVID, told CalMatters. “It devalues the lives of immunocompromised and disabled people and completely ignores \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11950643/screaming-into-a-void-long-covid-patients-have-waited-in-vain-for-years-for-treatments\">the risk of long COVID\u003c/a>.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Michelle Gutierrez Vo, a registered nurse with Kaiser Permanente and a president of the California Nurses Association, echoed these concerns back when CDPH announced their guidelines relaxing isolation requirements, calling them “a step backwards from protecting public health” and “very dangerous.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“High risk people do not walk around with a flag saying ‘I am high risk,’ so then the people that are COVID-positive can identify them and stay away from them,” said Gutierrez Vo. “It doesn’t work that way.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“So therefore, if you cannot be selective of who you need to be getting away from, then there just has to be a general understanding or a mandate — which is what we had — to make sure to protect the general public. It is the Department of Public Health’s responsibility to uphold public health, and they are not doing that with this new guidance,” said Gutierrez Vo.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On the risks of long COVID, Gutierrez Vo said that California’s relaxing of isolation protocol\u003cem> “\u003c/em>puts everyone in danger.” COVID, she said, “is not like any other respiratory illness. When you have flu and you get over it, it doesn’t have long term effects. When you have RSV, or any other respiratory illness like a viral syndrome, it doesn’t damage your kidney or it doesn’t damage your heart.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story contains reporting by KQED’s Lesley McClurg. An earlier version of this story originally published on March 4.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2024. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, practical explainers and guides about COVID-19\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a>, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger and help us decide what to cover here on our site and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[hearken id=\"10483\" src=\"https://modules.wearehearken.com/kqed/embed/10483.js\"]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Updated 1:20 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We’re now in the fifth year of the COVID-19 pandemic and still \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11987343/covid-bay-area-wastewater-variant-symptoms-isolation-guidance\">the virus continues to spread,\u003c/a> with \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-currentlevels.html\">California currently in the “Very High” category\u003c/a> for levels of the virus in wastewater. And after several years of evolving guidelines and best practices from public health officials, if you’re unclear on the current recommendations on what anyone with COVID-19 should actually \u003cem>do\u003c/em> when it comes to what we all used to call “quarantine,” you’re definitely not alone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This spring, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially revised their national guidance for how long people with COVID-19 should isolate from others — saying that \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p0301-respiratory-virus.html\">COVID-positive people can now return to work or regular activities\u003c/a> once their symptoms are “improving overall,” and they’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without use of a fever-reducing medication. The CDC’s new isolation guidelines have been in effect since March 1.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Previously, the CDC advised that people who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home and isolate from other people for at least five days, regardless of the severity of their symptoms — or whether they had symptoms at all. Now, the CDC says that the number of days you isolate for instead depends on how long you have symptoms, which could be longer (or shorter) than five days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#covidguidelines\">\u003cstrong>I tested positive. How do the CDC’s latest COVID isolation guidelines work?\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#asymptomaticcovid\">\u003cstrong>Why do officials think it’s safe for asymptomatic COVID-positive folks to be in public?\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for a breakdown of the CDC’s 2024 COVID-19 isolation guidelines, how they’re different to the recommendations you may have become used to over the past few years and how to think about the risk your positive COVID-19 test still poses to others.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And remember, if you get COVID-19 there’s nothing stopping you — if you’re able — from continuing to use at-home antigen testing and leaving isolation only when you get that negative result. (In fact, t\u003ca href=\"http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019/covidcommunity/\">he Los Angeles County Department of Public Health still recommends that you “test negative\u003c/a> before leaving isolation.”)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Unfortunately, this option has become a lot more difficult for many people in 2024, due to limited sick days and how it’s become far harder to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11940562/how-to-find-a-free-covid-test-near-you-in-2023-because-its-getting-harder\">find free COVID-19 tests\u003c/a> to do that repeat testing. Remember, you can still \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11902122/at-home-covid-test-reimbursement-from-blue-shield-to-kaiser-how-to-get-your-health-insurance-to-pay-you-back\">get your health insurer to reimburse you\u003c/a> for the costs of up to eight antigen tests per month.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"covidguidelines\">\u003c/a>I just tested positive. How do the CDC’s latest COVID isolation guidelines work?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>According to the CDC, you should isolate from other people for as long as you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms that aren’t improving.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>When can I start to consider leaving isolation, according to the CDC?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Once your symptoms start improving, \u003cem>and\u003c/em> any fever you’ve had has been gone for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medication, the CDC says that you can exit isolation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But you’ll need both of these things — symptoms improving for at least 24 hours \u003cem>and\u003c/em> the absence of fever for at least 24 hours — to happen before you can leave isolation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So if your fever has been gone more than a day but your other symptoms haven’t improved, you still need to keep isolating until they do improve, says the CDC. And if your other symptoms get better but you get a new fever, you need to keep isolating (or go back into isolation) until that fever has been gone for 24 hours.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>(Remember, there’s growing evidence that\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11972313/negative-covid-test-incubation-period\"> some people take longer to get a positive test on an at-home antigen test.\u003c/a> If you have symptoms but have tested negative, don’t assume it means you’re COVID-free. \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html\">The CDC recommends that you take another antigen test 48 hours later\u003c/a> and then test again after another 48 hours. (You can also \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11957790/the-new-covid-eris-variant-and-rising-cases-what-you-need-to-know#freecovidtests\">seek out a PCR test\u003c/a>, which is more sensitive.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11993742\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11993742\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/covid-isolation.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1912\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/covid-isolation.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/covid-isolation-800x797.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/covid-isolation-1020x1016.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/covid-isolation-160x159.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/covid-isolation-1536x1530.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A visualization of the CDC’s 2024 guidelines around isolating with COVID \u003ccite>(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What should I do when I leave isolation, according to the CDC?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Once your COVID-19 symptoms are mild and improving for at least 24 hours, and any fever has been gone without the aid of medication for that period of time, the CDC says that you should still take “added precaution over the next 5 days.” These precautions include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Wearing \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/masks.html\">a mask around others.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Taking additional \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/air-quality.html\">steps for cleaner air.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/hygiene.html\">Taking additional steps for hygiene.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Maintaining \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/physical-distancing.html\">physical distance \u003c/a>around others.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/testing.html\">Testing \u003c/a>when you will be around other people indoors.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>The CDC recommends that you “keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better.” How much less contagious you actually are during this time “depend[s] on factors like how long you were sick or how sick you were,” says the CDC.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html\">See the CDC’s visualizations of different isolation timelines for people who test positive for COVID.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What if I test positive but don’t have any symptoms?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You may be contagious,” says the CDC, so assume that you are, for the safety of those around you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The CDC recommends that for five days after you test positive without symptoms, you should take those same added precautions they advise for symptomatic people once they leave isolation: masking, creating cleaner air, enhanced hygiene and physical distancing. This is, the agency says, “especially important to protect people with factors that increase their risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Are California’s isolation guidelines any different from the CDC’s?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>No. \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Respiratory-Viruses/Home.aspx\">California’s own online resources around COVID-19\u003c/a> and other respiratory viruses now recommend that Californians with COVID-19 refer directly to \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html\">the CDC’s guidelines around isolation\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you feel like the state’s quarantine guidance used to be different to the CDC’s, you’re not imagining it — they were. Back in January, when the CDC was still recommending that people who test positive should stay away from other people for at least five days regardless of whether or not they had symptoms, the California Department of Public Health announced it was softening those guidelines for Californians — and was instead advising a move away from the five-day rule in favor of “instead focus[ing] on clinical symptoms to determine when to end isolation.” Then in March, the CDC’s own update isolation guidance almost exactly resembled the policy California had adopted a few months earlier.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The biggest difference between \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/COVID-19-Isolation-Guidance.aspx#\">California’s January guidelines\u003c/a> and the CDC’s revised advice was what people who test positive for COVID but do \u003cem>not\u003c/em> have symptoms — known as asymptomatic infections — should do when it comes to isolation and avoiding infecting others. \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/COVID-19-Isolation-Guidance.aspx#\">The state said that asymptomatic people with COVID should wear a mask indoors around others for 10 days\u003c/a> and avoid higher-risk people for the same duration. \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html\">The CDC’s update noted that asymptomatic people “may be contagious”\u003c/a> and should only take “added precautions[s],” including possible masking, for five days — advice that California’s public health officials have now also adopted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California’s January guidelines also recommended that \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/COVID-19-Isolation-Guidance.aspx#\">COVID-positive people with symptoms should mask \u003c/a>around other people indoors for a full 10 days after their positive test or symptom onset. Now that California public health officials are directing state residents to the CDC’s own advice, this 10-day requirement is no longer mentioned.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The March 1 update represented the first time during the pandemic that the CDC had moved away from set periods of isolation for people with COVID. At the outset of the pandemic in 2020, the CDC stipulated a 10-day period of isolation for COVID-positive patients —\u003ca href=\"https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html\"> a period shortened to five days in December 2021\u003c/a>. This update was still accompanied by guidance to wear a well-fitted mask for another five days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else do you need information about right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Why did public health officials make this change to COVID isolation guidelines?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The CDC says that this latest guidance “brings a unified approach to addressing risks from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses,” bundling guidance on COVID into that for other viruses like flu and RSV as \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/guidance/respiratory-virus-guidance.html\">one set of Respiratory Virus Guidance\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Doing this, said the agency, “makes recommendations easier to follow and thus more likely to be adopted and does not rely on individuals to test for illness, a practice that data indicates is uneven.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>CDPH says that in 2024, the agency’s “policies and priorities for intervention are now \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/COVID-19-Isolation-Guidance.aspx#\">focused on protecting those most at risk for serious illness while reducing social disruption \u003c/a>that is disproportionate to recommendations for the prevention of other endemic respiratory viral infections.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"asymptomaticcovid\">\u003c/a>Why does the state now think it’s safe for asymptomatic COVID-positive folks to be in public?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>After over four years of public health policy at the federal and state levels that’s emphasized “If you’re COVID-positive, stay the heck away from other people,” the 2024 update might seem jarring to you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There’s also the fact that since 2020, we’ve been told that not only can asymptomatic people be contagious with COVID-19, they might be responsible for fueling a lot of the spread of COVID-19 — because those folks are so often unaware they even have the virus.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We know that you can be contagious without symptoms,” said Dr. Abraar Karan, an infectious disease physician and researcher at Stanford University. “We also know that symptomatology can increase the risk of transmission. So if you’re coughing and sneezing, you’re probably emitting more viral particles.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>This latest guidance focuses on symptomatic people as posing the \u003ci>most \u003c/i>risk to others, noted Karan — hence the continuing recommendation that those people stay home until those symptoms get milder.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What are the concerns over this latest guidance?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Karan says he’d have liked to have seen California public health officials give the public more information about “the rationale behind why they were doing it,” so that the public could understand that this guidance wasn’t a green light to go out into the world with COVID-19.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If they’d said, ‘People that are not symptomatic can be contagious, but it’s less likely, and people without symptoms are likely going to be shedding less virus, so if you wear a high filtration mask, your risk of infecting others is quite low, and that’s why we’re doing it’? I think that would have made a lot of sense,” Karan says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/health/2024/01/california-covid-rule-isolation/\">Calmatters has reported that disability and equity advocates particularly criticized the latest guidelines when they were first announced by California health officials\u003c/a>, saying the guidance could increase the risk of infection for Californians most vulnerable to severe illness or death from the virus.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This policy is not based in science, equity or public health,” Lisa McCorkell, cofounder of the Patient-Led Research Collaborative that studies the impacts of long COVID, told CalMatters. “It devalues the lives of immunocompromised and disabled people and completely ignores \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11950643/screaming-into-a-void-long-covid-patients-have-waited-in-vain-for-years-for-treatments\">the risk of long COVID\u003c/a>.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Michelle Gutierrez Vo, a registered nurse with Kaiser Permanente and a president of the California Nurses Association, echoed these concerns back when CDPH announced their guidelines relaxing isolation requirements, calling them “a step backwards from protecting public health” and “very dangerous.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“High risk people do not walk around with a flag saying ‘I am high risk,’ so then the people that are COVID-positive can identify them and stay away from them,” said Gutierrez Vo. “It doesn’t work that way.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“So therefore, if you cannot be selective of who you need to be getting away from, then there just has to be a general understanding or a mandate — which is what we had — to make sure to protect the general public. It is the Department of Public Health’s responsibility to uphold public health, and they are not doing that with this new guidance,” said Gutierrez Vo.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On the risks of long COVID, Gutierrez Vo said that California’s relaxing of isolation protocol\u003cem> “\u003c/em>puts everyone in danger.” COVID, she said, “is not like any other respiratory illness. When you have flu and you get over it, it doesn’t have long term effects. When you have RSV, or any other respiratory illness like a viral syndrome, it doesn’t damage your kidney or it doesn’t damage your heart.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story contains reporting by KQED’s Lesley McClurg. An earlier version of this story originally published on March 4.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2024. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, practical explainers and guides about COVID-19\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a>, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger and help us decide what to cover here on our site and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"title": "COVID Levels in Bay Area Wastewater Are Now as High as the Winter Peak",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>Updated 2:25 p.m., July 23\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Levels of COVID-19 in the Bay Area’s wastewater are continuing to rise — and now, those numbers are as high as they were during \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11957790/the-new-covid-eris-variant-and-rising-cases-what-you-need-to-know\">the last winter surge of infections\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Data from Stanford University’s WastewaterSCAN project, which monitors the presence of COVID-19 and other viruses in human sewage across the U.S., indicates that COVID-19 levels are still on the rise across 61% of the sites monitored around the Bay Area. Statewide, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-currentlevels.html\">California is currently in the “Very High” category\u003c/a> for levels of the virus in wastewater, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>WastewaterSCAN’s Amanda Bidwell told KQED by email that COVID-19 has been detected in 100% of Bay Area sewage samples they’ve collected over the last three weeks. (If you have COVID-19, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1963120/one-way-to-monitor-a-communitys-coronavirus-infections-raw-sewage\">the virus will show up in your feces \u003c/a>soon after you’re infected.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11996997\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11996997\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/WastewaterSCAN-Bay-Area-July-22.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"932\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/WastewaterSCAN-Bay-Area-July-22.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/WastewaterSCAN-Bay-Area-July-22-800x388.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/WastewaterSCAN-Bay-Area-July-22-1020x495.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/WastewaterSCAN-Bay-Area-July-22-160x78.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/WastewaterSCAN-Bay-Area-July-22-1536x746.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A graph showing WastewaterSCAN data from July 22 on COVID-19 levels in Bay Area wastewater, aggregated from across the region’s wastewater sites. \u003ccite>(WastewaterSCAN)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what to know about this rise in Bay Area COVID-19 levels, or jump straight to:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#covidcontagiousperiodisolation\">What’s the current COVID contagion and isolation guidance?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#latestcovidvariants\">How much are new COVID variants driving this rise?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#covidsymptoms2024\">Are there any new 2024 COVID symptoms?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#covidrisksmasks\">Who is the most at risk for COVID right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>What’s going on with COVID in the Bay Area’s wastewater right now?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The Bay Area’s own COVID-19 wastewater levels are “higher than where they were this time last year and on average as high as we saw during the winter peak earlier this year,” said WastewaterSCAN’s Bidwell.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the last weeks, the Stanford team has observed \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CkIQACABSABSBmU5ZTg3ZVIGMzc0MzBhWgZOIEdlbmVyCjIwMjQtMDQtMDJyCjIwMjQtMDUtMTSKAQY4MzNmYjDAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=833fb0\">a particularly pronounced rise in San Francisco’s wastewater.\u003c/a> Bidwell told KQED that the data shows “some of the highest wastewater levels we’ve observed at these 2 SF sites to date.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11996998\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11996998\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/sf-covid-wastewater-7-22.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"932\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/sf-covid-wastewater-7-22.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/sf-covid-wastewater-7-22-800x388.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/sf-covid-wastewater-7-22-1020x495.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/sf-covid-wastewater-7-22-160x78.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/sf-covid-wastewater-7-22-1536x746.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A graph showing WastewaterSCAN data from July 19 illustrating COVID-19 levels in San Francisco wastewater, aggregated from the city’s two wastewater sites. \u003ccite>(WastewaterSCAN)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The San Francisco Department of Public Health told KQED in a June 11 email that it’s “difficult to determine an exact cause of why COVID-19 detections have increased” locally, noting that “it can be the result of various factors, including waning immunity, the increase in travel and gatherings associated with the summer season, and the emergence of new subvariants.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The agency also pointed to the seasonal behavior of the virus in previous years, notably the “increase in COVID-19 activity around late spring to late summer, followed by another increase during the winter.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nationally, \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker?charts=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%2FAQ%3D%3D&selectedChartId=806084\">COVID-19 wastewater levels have kept rising across the country, \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/?selectedLocation=%7B%22label%22%3A%22National%22,%22level%22%3A%22national%22,%22value%22%3A%22national%22%7D&locationExpanded=true&charts=CjIQACABSABaBk4gR2VuZXIKMjAyNC0wNS0wMXIKMjAyNC0wNi0xMooBBjEwYTE3NsABAQ%3D%3D&selectedChartId=10a176\">levels of the virus are currently classified as “High” on WastewaterSCAN’s dashboard \u003c/a>of all its sites around the United States.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can check the COVID-19 levels in your own county’s wastewater according to WastewaterSCAN’s monitoring:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Ci0QACABSABSBmU5ZTg3ZVIGMzc0MzBhWgZOIEdlbmV41AGKAQZiNDYyMGHAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=b4620a\">San Francisco \u003c/a>| \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CkUQACABSABSBjVhYTY5OVIGMDJkMjQyUgZkZDM2ZmJSBjY3YzJlYlIGMjkzYjI1WgZOIEdlbmV40gGKAQY1OTRlYzPAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=594ec3\">Alameda\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Cj0QACABSABSBjA3Y2VkN1IGN2NhOTA1UgY3NGIzOWFSBmM5NWU2NFoGTiBHZW5leNIBigEGMjc3MmU4wAEB&selectedChartId=2772e8\">San Mateo\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Cj0QACABSABSBjI1NDgxOVIGOGE5YjRiUgY1NzlkYTNSBmM4ZDM1N1oGTiBHZW5leNIBigEGZDVjZjMzwAEB&selectedChartId=d5cf33\">Santa Clara\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Ci0QACABSABSBjc0ZDAyNlIGNTc1NzM4WgZOIEdlbmV40gGKAQY1MDg4Y2XAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=5088ce\">Contra Costa\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Ci0QACABSABSBmZhMmQ2M1IGMGM4MDkxWgZOIEdlbmV40gGKAQYwMzU3N2bAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=03577f\">Solano\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CkQQACABSABSBjI0ZDAzMFIGNjQ3M2MwUgZiOTI1ZTdSBmRkZTg4ZlIGODRkNDg5WgZOIEdlbmV4dYoBBmZhZGM0ZsABAQ%3D%3D&selectedChartId=fadc4f\">Marin\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CjIQACABSABSBjMwMzJjOFIGNzFhMmY0UgZiYzc5ZjlaBk4gR2VuZXjSAYoBBmQ1NjA5Yw%3D%3D&selectedChartId=d5609c\">Sonoma\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CiUQACABSABSBmI3MjNhZVoGTiBHZW5leNIBigEGZDU1MTZkwAEB&selectedChartId=d5516d\">Napa\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#covidrisksmasks\">How should I be altering my behavior during a rise in COVID?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>COVID swelled earlier this summer than it did in 2023. Why?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In 2023, “late June is when we started to see a summer increase,” said WastewaterSCAN’s Bidwell — but this 2024 swell started several weeks earlier than that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s undoubtedly become harder in 2024 to materially track COVID-19 levels in a certain area. As of May 1, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/california-stop-posting-covid-hospitalization-19408893.php\">the CDC no longer requires hospitals nationwide to report the number of patients admitted with COVID-19\u003c/a>. This had been one of the remaining indicators of rising COVID-19 levels in an area, along with PCR tests. Now, health officials must rely on a combination of wastewater data and hospital deaths of patients with COVID-19.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Respiratory-Viruses/RespiratoryDashboard.aspx\">the state’s seven-day test positivity rate\u003c/a> — the average percentage of people each week who get a positive diagnostic test result from a lab after taking a PCR test — has kept rising since April 27 (from 1.9% to 12.8%, with the last available data from July 15).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, since this data doesn’t include at-home antigen testing, it doesn’t represent the full picture of COVID-19 positivity around the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11987440\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11987440\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1297701066_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1297701066_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1297701066_qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1297701066_qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1297701066_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1297701066_qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A registered nurse prepares a dose of the Moderna vaccine at St. Rose Hospital in Hayward, Alameda County, on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. \u003ccite>(Jessica Christian/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Of course, it’s hard to use wastewater to tell you how many people that represents,” said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), of the recent observed rise in sewage. “But nevertheless, the trend is important.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for \u003cem>why \u003c/em>the Bay Area could now be seeing a summer rise in COVID-19 wastewater levels over a month earlier than it did in 2023, Chin-Hong said a big factor is our collective waning immunity against the virus.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else do you need to know about COVID right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>“One year ago, last year, many more people had gotten additional vaccines,” he said. “They had additional immunity that was more recent.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But in 2024, “we only have about 22% or so of Americans vaccinated” nationally, Chin-Hong said. In California, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-Vaccine-Data.aspx\">only 14.9% of people statewide are up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines\u003c/a>. So if someone hasn’t been infected with COVID-19 recently and they haven’t gotten the latest vaccine, they’re left extra-vulnerable to rising COVID-19 levels in their community.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"latestcovidvariants\">\u003c/a>How much are new COVID variants driving this rise?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>You might hear about \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/flirt-variants-summer-covid-wave-19445209.php\">new COVID-19 variants informally called “FLiRT”\u003c/a>: KP.1.1, KP.2 and KP.3.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These latest omicron descendants, nicknamed for the letters used for their mutations, have risen in prominence recently around the country, overtaking \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11957790/the-new-covid-eris-variant-and-rising-cases-what-you-need-to-know\">the previous leading variant, JN.1\u003c/a> — the one that “was ruling the roost for a lot of the winter and spring,” Chin-Hong said. Now, \u003ca href=\"https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions\">KP.3 has become the most dominant strain nationwide\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the Bay Area, WastewaterSCAN’s Bidwell said that KP.2 is still the dominant variant in the three Bay Area wastewater sites where the Stanford team sequenced this data on specific variants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The new variants matter because each new one brought increased transmissibility during the pandemic. This means that although much of the general population will not get particularly sick with these new COVID-19 variants when they become dominant, there will still be higher-risk groups that will get seriously ill, Chin-Hong said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Maybe that’s the fact of life, but my point is: It \u003cem>shouldn’t \u003c/em>be the fact of life because we have so many tools” to reduce COVID-19 spread and treat infectious people, Chin-Hong said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The CDC has also stated that based on current data, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbsnews.com/news/flirt-covid-variants-us-cases/\">“there are no indicators that KP.2 would cause more severe illness than other strains.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for the reformulated seasonal COVID-19 vaccine, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended on June 5 that \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/updated-covid-19-vaccines-use-united-states-beginning-fall-2024\">the new, updated COVID-19 vaccine that will be offered in the fall should in fact be based on the JN.1 variant.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"covidrisksmasks\">\u003c/a>Who is the most at risk for COVID right now?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>“I’m not worried about the general population because people have seen it so many times already,” Chin-Hong said. “The majority of folks [are] going to be OK.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But “I’m worried about the most vulnerable,” he said, pointing to \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-Vaccine-Data.aspx\">low vaccination rates among people age 65 and older\u003c/a> — despite\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11977786/a-new-covid-vaccine-dose-is-now-available-for-people-age-65-and-older-where-can-you-find-a-shot-near-you\"> an extra COVID-19 vaccine dose being made available to this age group back in February \u003c/a>because of their heightened risk levels.\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11977786/a-new-covid-vaccine-dose-is-now-available-for-people-age-65-and-older-where-can-you-find-a-shot-near-you\"> Read more about finding an additional COVID-19 vaccine if you’re 65 or older.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While it may feel confusing and frustrating — or like a personal step backward — to still think about COVID-19 precautions in 2024, that’s understandable. But there are actions you can take in response to a rise in COVID-19 numbers to protect the health of you and your loved ones, stop community spread among the most high-risk people and reduce the disruption that a COVID-19 infection in your household can bring to your lives, your work and much-anticipated summer travel plans.[aside postID=news_11973108 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/GettyImages-1361590305-1-1020x680.jpg']During a rise in COVID-19 levels locally, this might include bringing a well-fitting N95 mask along to indoor spaces that you know could be crowded, like the grocery store or BART during rush hour. Or, if you’re hosting people indoors in your home,\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11967946/covid-ventilation-guide-indoors-windows\"> ensure the space has good ventilation by taking measures like opening windows\u003c/a>. If the weather allows, you might also consider favoring outdoor hangouts and meetups with friends and family at this current time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’re at higher risk for serious illness or hospitalization from COVID-19, it’s an especially good idea to take extra precautions against the virus during a rise in COVID-19 locally. These groups can include older people, immunocompromised and disabled folks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It also includes people who aren’t up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines, so if you haven’t already gotten the latest vaccine, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11960630/free-new-covid-vaccine-near-me-2023\">you can still find a free COVID-19 shot near you.\u003c/a> Remember,\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11977786/a-new-covid-vaccine-dose-is-now-available-for-people-age-65-and-older-where-can-you-find-a-shot-near-you\"> people 65 and older are also eligible for an extra COVID-19 vaccine dose\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One more reason you might consider being extra cautious about COVID-19 right now is if you’ve got upcoming travel plans. Even if your symptoms are mild, a COVID-19 infection can require isolation from other people for well over a week. And you can double that timeline if you get a rebound (i.e., second) infection, which is surprisingly common even in people who don’t take the antiviral treatment Paxlovid.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"covidsymptoms2024\">\u003c/a>I’m worried I might have COVID. What should I do?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Know the 2024 symptoms of COVID-19 \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chin-Hong confirms that there don’t appear to be any surprising “wild card” symptoms expected for a COVID-19 infection in 2024, either for JN.1 or the FLiRT variants. Rather, they seem to largely be the same COVID-19 symptoms you’re used to hearing about from previous variants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to the CDC, possible symptoms of COVID-19 include, but aren’t limited to, fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat and congestion or runny nose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/10/well/covid-flirt-variants-symptoms.html\"> They can also include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea\u003c/a>, which Chin-Hong told the \u003cem>New York Times\u003c/em> can often confuse people experiencing them, who initially assume they have a condition like norovirus rather than COVID-19.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11987436\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11987436\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1311844306_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1287\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1311844306_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1311844306_qut-800x536.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1311844306_qut-1020x684.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1311844306_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1311844306_qut-1536x1030.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">During a rise in COVID-19 levels locally, protect the health of yourself and your loved ones by bringing a well-fitting N95 mask to spaces that could be crowded, like the ballpark, grocery store or BART during rush hour. \u003ccite>(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca id=\"covidcontagiousperiodisolation\">\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>Find a reliable test (and keep testing)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Incubation periods for COVID-19 — the time between exposure and testing positive — have shortened during the pandemic. It went from a five-day average in 2020 to as soon as a few days in 2024. So, if you’re having symptoms even two days after an exposure, it makes sense to test.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if your first test is negative, you should absolutely test again in the next 48 hours if symptoms persist — and again after that if you’re still negative. It’s been suggested that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11972313/negative-covid-test-incubation-period\">COVID-19 symptoms can start much earlier in 2024\u003c/a>. This is due to the average immune system being more primed to detect and react to a COVID-19 infection as we navigate the fifth year of this pandemic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So don’t assume a negative result means you don’t actually have COVID-19: If you’re feeling sick, play it safe, stay home as much as you can and wear a well-fitted mask if you can’t. Also, be sure to take another antigen test soon. You could also seek out a more sensitive PCR test.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember, if you’ve been stockpiling COVID-19 tests in the last year, make sure the one you’re using hasn’t expired. And if it has, you can still \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list\">check the list of manufacturers who’ve had their test expiration dates extended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you have health insurance, you can still \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11969300/how-to-get-reimbursed-for-at-home-covid-tests-in-2023\">request reimbursement from your health insurer for up to eight at-home tests per month\u003c/a>. You can also \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11957790/the-new-covid-eris-variant-and-rising-cases-what-you-need-to-know#freecovidtests\">read more about how to find free COVID-19 tests near you.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>And if you test positive for COVID …\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In March, the CDC officially revised their national COVID-19 isolation guidance, saying that \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p0301-respiratory-virus.html\">COVID-positive people could now return to work or regular activities\u003c/a> once “symptoms are improving overall” and they’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without use of a fever-reducing medication.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11973108/how-long-to-isolate-with-covid-in-2024-california-now-says-that-depends-on-symptoms\">Read more about current isolation guidance for COVID-19.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’ve been infected, consider asking your health provider for the COVID-19 medication \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11914514/if-you-get-covid-should-you-try-to-get-paxlovid-heres-how-with-or-without-health-insurance\">Paxlovid, an antiviral treatment in pill form that is still available free by prescription in California. \u003c/a>Read more on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11914514/if-you-get-covid-should-you-try-to-get-paxlovid-heres-how-with-or-without-health-insurance\">requesting a prescription for Paxlovid, with or without health insurance.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need to know about COVID right now?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2024. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, practical explainers and guides about COVID\u003c/a>, but also \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about when it comes to COVID — or anything else? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger, and help us decide what to cover here on our site, and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[hearken id=\"10483\" src=\"https://modules.wearehearken.com/kqed/embed/10483.js\"]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Earlier versions of this story were originally published on June 12, June 5 and May 23.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"title": "COVID Levels in Bay Area Wastewater Are Now as High as the Winter Peak | KQED",
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"headline": "COVID Levels in Bay Area Wastewater Are Now as High as the Winter Peak",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Updated 2:25 p.m., July 23\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Levels of COVID-19 in the Bay Area’s wastewater are continuing to rise — and now, those numbers are as high as they were during \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11957790/the-new-covid-eris-variant-and-rising-cases-what-you-need-to-know\">the last winter surge of infections\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Data from Stanford University’s WastewaterSCAN project, which monitors the presence of COVID-19 and other viruses in human sewage across the U.S., indicates that COVID-19 levels are still on the rise across 61% of the sites monitored around the Bay Area. Statewide, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-currentlevels.html\">California is currently in the “Very High” category\u003c/a> for levels of the virus in wastewater, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>WastewaterSCAN’s Amanda Bidwell told KQED by email that COVID-19 has been detected in 100% of Bay Area sewage samples they’ve collected over the last three weeks. (If you have COVID-19, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1963120/one-way-to-monitor-a-communitys-coronavirus-infections-raw-sewage\">the virus will show up in your feces \u003c/a>soon after you’re infected.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11996997\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11996997\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/WastewaterSCAN-Bay-Area-July-22.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"932\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/WastewaterSCAN-Bay-Area-July-22.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/WastewaterSCAN-Bay-Area-July-22-800x388.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/WastewaterSCAN-Bay-Area-July-22-1020x495.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/WastewaterSCAN-Bay-Area-July-22-160x78.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/WastewaterSCAN-Bay-Area-July-22-1536x746.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A graph showing WastewaterSCAN data from July 22 on COVID-19 levels in Bay Area wastewater, aggregated from across the region’s wastewater sites. \u003ccite>(WastewaterSCAN)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what to know about this rise in Bay Area COVID-19 levels, or jump straight to:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#covidcontagiousperiodisolation\">What’s the current COVID contagion and isolation guidance?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#latestcovidvariants\">How much are new COVID variants driving this rise?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#covidsymptoms2024\">Are there any new 2024 COVID symptoms?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#covidrisksmasks\">Who is the most at risk for COVID right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>What’s going on with COVID in the Bay Area’s wastewater right now?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The Bay Area’s own COVID-19 wastewater levels are “higher than where they were this time last year and on average as high as we saw during the winter peak earlier this year,” said WastewaterSCAN’s Bidwell.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the last weeks, the Stanford team has observed \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CkIQACABSABSBmU5ZTg3ZVIGMzc0MzBhWgZOIEdlbmVyCjIwMjQtMDQtMDJyCjIwMjQtMDUtMTSKAQY4MzNmYjDAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=833fb0\">a particularly pronounced rise in San Francisco’s wastewater.\u003c/a> Bidwell told KQED that the data shows “some of the highest wastewater levels we’ve observed at these 2 SF sites to date.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11996998\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11996998\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/sf-covid-wastewater-7-22.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"932\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/sf-covid-wastewater-7-22.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/sf-covid-wastewater-7-22-800x388.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/sf-covid-wastewater-7-22-1020x495.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/sf-covid-wastewater-7-22-160x78.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/sf-covid-wastewater-7-22-1536x746.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A graph showing WastewaterSCAN data from July 19 illustrating COVID-19 levels in San Francisco wastewater, aggregated from the city’s two wastewater sites. \u003ccite>(WastewaterSCAN)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The San Francisco Department of Public Health told KQED in a June 11 email that it’s “difficult to determine an exact cause of why COVID-19 detections have increased” locally, noting that “it can be the result of various factors, including waning immunity, the increase in travel and gatherings associated with the summer season, and the emergence of new subvariants.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The agency also pointed to the seasonal behavior of the virus in previous years, notably the “increase in COVID-19 activity around late spring to late summer, followed by another increase during the winter.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nationally, \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker?charts=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%2FAQ%3D%3D&selectedChartId=806084\">COVID-19 wastewater levels have kept rising across the country, \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/?selectedLocation=%7B%22label%22%3A%22National%22,%22level%22%3A%22national%22,%22value%22%3A%22national%22%7D&locationExpanded=true&charts=CjIQACABSABaBk4gR2VuZXIKMjAyNC0wNS0wMXIKMjAyNC0wNi0xMooBBjEwYTE3NsABAQ%3D%3D&selectedChartId=10a176\">levels of the virus are currently classified as “High” on WastewaterSCAN’s dashboard \u003c/a>of all its sites around the United States.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can check the COVID-19 levels in your own county’s wastewater according to WastewaterSCAN’s monitoring:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Ci0QACABSABSBmU5ZTg3ZVIGMzc0MzBhWgZOIEdlbmV41AGKAQZiNDYyMGHAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=b4620a\">San Francisco \u003c/a>| \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CkUQACABSABSBjVhYTY5OVIGMDJkMjQyUgZkZDM2ZmJSBjY3YzJlYlIGMjkzYjI1WgZOIEdlbmV40gGKAQY1OTRlYzPAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=594ec3\">Alameda\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Cj0QACABSABSBjA3Y2VkN1IGN2NhOTA1UgY3NGIzOWFSBmM5NWU2NFoGTiBHZW5leNIBigEGMjc3MmU4wAEB&selectedChartId=2772e8\">San Mateo\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Cj0QACABSABSBjI1NDgxOVIGOGE5YjRiUgY1NzlkYTNSBmM4ZDM1N1oGTiBHZW5leNIBigEGZDVjZjMzwAEB&selectedChartId=d5cf33\">Santa Clara\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Ci0QACABSABSBjc0ZDAyNlIGNTc1NzM4WgZOIEdlbmV40gGKAQY1MDg4Y2XAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=5088ce\">Contra Costa\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=Ci0QACABSABSBmZhMmQ2M1IGMGM4MDkxWgZOIEdlbmV40gGKAQYwMzU3N2bAAQE%3D&selectedChartId=03577f\">Solano\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CkQQACABSABSBjI0ZDAzMFIGNjQ3M2MwUgZiOTI1ZTdSBmRkZTg4ZlIGODRkNDg5WgZOIEdlbmV4dYoBBmZhZGM0ZsABAQ%3D%3D&selectedChartId=fadc4f\">Marin\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CjIQACABSABSBjMwMzJjOFIGNzFhMmY0UgZiYzc5ZjlaBk4gR2VuZXjSAYoBBmQ1NjA5Yw%3D%3D&selectedChartId=d5609c\">Sonoma\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker/?charts=CiUQACABSABSBmI3MjNhZVoGTiBHZW5leNIBigEGZDU1MTZkwAEB&selectedChartId=d5516d\">Napa\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#covidrisksmasks\">How should I be altering my behavior during a rise in COVID?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>COVID swelled earlier this summer than it did in 2023. Why?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In 2023, “late June is when we started to see a summer increase,” said WastewaterSCAN’s Bidwell — but this 2024 swell started several weeks earlier than that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s undoubtedly become harder in 2024 to materially track COVID-19 levels in a certain area. As of May 1, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/california-stop-posting-covid-hospitalization-19408893.php\">the CDC no longer requires hospitals nationwide to report the number of patients admitted with COVID-19\u003c/a>. This had been one of the remaining indicators of rising COVID-19 levels in an area, along with PCR tests. Now, health officials must rely on a combination of wastewater data and hospital deaths of patients with COVID-19.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Respiratory-Viruses/RespiratoryDashboard.aspx\">the state’s seven-day test positivity rate\u003c/a> — the average percentage of people each week who get a positive diagnostic test result from a lab after taking a PCR test — has kept rising since April 27 (from 1.9% to 12.8%, with the last available data from July 15).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, since this data doesn’t include at-home antigen testing, it doesn’t represent the full picture of COVID-19 positivity around the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11987440\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11987440\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1297701066_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1297701066_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1297701066_qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1297701066_qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1297701066_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1297701066_qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A registered nurse prepares a dose of the Moderna vaccine at St. Rose Hospital in Hayward, Alameda County, on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. \u003ccite>(Jessica Christian/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Of course, it’s hard to use wastewater to tell you how many people that represents,” said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), of the recent observed rise in sewage. “But nevertheless, the trend is important.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for \u003cem>why \u003c/em>the Bay Area could now be seeing a summer rise in COVID-19 wastewater levels over a month earlier than it did in 2023, Chin-Hong said a big factor is our collective waning immunity against the virus.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else do you need to know about COVID right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>“One year ago, last year, many more people had gotten additional vaccines,” he said. “They had additional immunity that was more recent.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But in 2024, “we only have about 22% or so of Americans vaccinated” nationally, Chin-Hong said. In California, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-Vaccine-Data.aspx\">only 14.9% of people statewide are up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines\u003c/a>. So if someone hasn’t been infected with COVID-19 recently and they haven’t gotten the latest vaccine, they’re left extra-vulnerable to rising COVID-19 levels in their community.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"latestcovidvariants\">\u003c/a>How much are new COVID variants driving this rise?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>You might hear about \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/flirt-variants-summer-covid-wave-19445209.php\">new COVID-19 variants informally called “FLiRT”\u003c/a>: KP.1.1, KP.2 and KP.3.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These latest omicron descendants, nicknamed for the letters used for their mutations, have risen in prominence recently around the country, overtaking \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11957790/the-new-covid-eris-variant-and-rising-cases-what-you-need-to-know\">the previous leading variant, JN.1\u003c/a> — the one that “was ruling the roost for a lot of the winter and spring,” Chin-Hong said. Now, \u003ca href=\"https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions\">KP.3 has become the most dominant strain nationwide\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the Bay Area, WastewaterSCAN’s Bidwell said that KP.2 is still the dominant variant in the three Bay Area wastewater sites where the Stanford team sequenced this data on specific variants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The new variants matter because each new one brought increased transmissibility during the pandemic. This means that although much of the general population will not get particularly sick with these new COVID-19 variants when they become dominant, there will still be higher-risk groups that will get seriously ill, Chin-Hong said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Maybe that’s the fact of life, but my point is: It \u003cem>shouldn’t \u003c/em>be the fact of life because we have so many tools” to reduce COVID-19 spread and treat infectious people, Chin-Hong said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The CDC has also stated that based on current data, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbsnews.com/news/flirt-covid-variants-us-cases/\">“there are no indicators that KP.2 would cause more severe illness than other strains.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for the reformulated seasonal COVID-19 vaccine, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended on June 5 that \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/updated-covid-19-vaccines-use-united-states-beginning-fall-2024\">the new, updated COVID-19 vaccine that will be offered in the fall should in fact be based on the JN.1 variant.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"covidrisksmasks\">\u003c/a>Who is the most at risk for COVID right now?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>“I’m not worried about the general population because people have seen it so many times already,” Chin-Hong said. “The majority of folks [are] going to be OK.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But “I’m worried about the most vulnerable,” he said, pointing to \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-Vaccine-Data.aspx\">low vaccination rates among people age 65 and older\u003c/a> — despite\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11977786/a-new-covid-vaccine-dose-is-now-available-for-people-age-65-and-older-where-can-you-find-a-shot-near-you\"> an extra COVID-19 vaccine dose being made available to this age group back in February \u003c/a>because of their heightened risk levels.\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11977786/a-new-covid-vaccine-dose-is-now-available-for-people-age-65-and-older-where-can-you-find-a-shot-near-you\"> Read more about finding an additional COVID-19 vaccine if you’re 65 or older.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While it may feel confusing and frustrating — or like a personal step backward — to still think about COVID-19 precautions in 2024, that’s understandable. But there are actions you can take in response to a rise in COVID-19 numbers to protect the health of you and your loved ones, stop community spread among the most high-risk people and reduce the disruption that a COVID-19 infection in your household can bring to your lives, your work and much-anticipated summer travel plans.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>During a rise in COVID-19 levels locally, this might include bringing a well-fitting N95 mask along to indoor spaces that you know could be crowded, like the grocery store or BART during rush hour. Or, if you’re hosting people indoors in your home,\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11967946/covid-ventilation-guide-indoors-windows\"> ensure the space has good ventilation by taking measures like opening windows\u003c/a>. If the weather allows, you might also consider favoring outdoor hangouts and meetups with friends and family at this current time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’re at higher risk for serious illness or hospitalization from COVID-19, it’s an especially good idea to take extra precautions against the virus during a rise in COVID-19 locally. These groups can include older people, immunocompromised and disabled folks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It also includes people who aren’t up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines, so if you haven’t already gotten the latest vaccine, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11960630/free-new-covid-vaccine-near-me-2023\">you can still find a free COVID-19 shot near you.\u003c/a> Remember,\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11977786/a-new-covid-vaccine-dose-is-now-available-for-people-age-65-and-older-where-can-you-find-a-shot-near-you\"> people 65 and older are also eligible for an extra COVID-19 vaccine dose\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One more reason you might consider being extra cautious about COVID-19 right now is if you’ve got upcoming travel plans. Even if your symptoms are mild, a COVID-19 infection can require isolation from other people for well over a week. And you can double that timeline if you get a rebound (i.e., second) infection, which is surprisingly common even in people who don’t take the antiviral treatment Paxlovid.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"covidsymptoms2024\">\u003c/a>I’m worried I might have COVID. What should I do?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Know the 2024 symptoms of COVID-19 \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chin-Hong confirms that there don’t appear to be any surprising “wild card” symptoms expected for a COVID-19 infection in 2024, either for JN.1 or the FLiRT variants. Rather, they seem to largely be the same COVID-19 symptoms you’re used to hearing about from previous variants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to the CDC, possible symptoms of COVID-19 include, but aren’t limited to, fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat and congestion or runny nose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/10/well/covid-flirt-variants-symptoms.html\"> They can also include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea\u003c/a>, which Chin-Hong told the \u003cem>New York Times\u003c/em> can often confuse people experiencing them, who initially assume they have a condition like norovirus rather than COVID-19.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11987436\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11987436\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1311844306_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1287\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1311844306_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1311844306_qut-800x536.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1311844306_qut-1020x684.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1311844306_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/GettyImages-1311844306_qut-1536x1030.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">During a rise in COVID-19 levels locally, protect the health of yourself and your loved ones by bringing a well-fitting N95 mask to spaces that could be crowded, like the ballpark, grocery store or BART during rush hour. \u003ccite>(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca id=\"covidcontagiousperiodisolation\">\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>Find a reliable test (and keep testing)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Incubation periods for COVID-19 — the time between exposure and testing positive — have shortened during the pandemic. It went from a five-day average in 2020 to as soon as a few days in 2024. So, if you’re having symptoms even two days after an exposure, it makes sense to test.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if your first test is negative, you should absolutely test again in the next 48 hours if symptoms persist — and again after that if you’re still negative. It’s been suggested that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11972313/negative-covid-test-incubation-period\">COVID-19 symptoms can start much earlier in 2024\u003c/a>. This is due to the average immune system being more primed to detect and react to a COVID-19 infection as we navigate the fifth year of this pandemic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So don’t assume a negative result means you don’t actually have COVID-19: If you’re feeling sick, play it safe, stay home as much as you can and wear a well-fitted mask if you can’t. Also, be sure to take another antigen test soon. You could also seek out a more sensitive PCR test.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember, if you’ve been stockpiling COVID-19 tests in the last year, make sure the one you’re using hasn’t expired. And if it has, you can still \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list\">check the list of manufacturers who’ve had their test expiration dates extended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you have health insurance, you can still \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11969300/how-to-get-reimbursed-for-at-home-covid-tests-in-2023\">request reimbursement from your health insurer for up to eight at-home tests per month\u003c/a>. You can also \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11957790/the-new-covid-eris-variant-and-rising-cases-what-you-need-to-know#freecovidtests\">read more about how to find free COVID-19 tests near you.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>And if you test positive for COVID …\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In March, the CDC officially revised their national COVID-19 isolation guidance, saying that \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p0301-respiratory-virus.html\">COVID-positive people could now return to work or regular activities\u003c/a> once “symptoms are improving overall” and they’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without use of a fever-reducing medication.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11973108/how-long-to-isolate-with-covid-in-2024-california-now-says-that-depends-on-symptoms\">Read more about current isolation guidance for COVID-19.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’ve been infected, consider asking your health provider for the COVID-19 medication \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11914514/if-you-get-covid-should-you-try-to-get-paxlovid-heres-how-with-or-without-health-insurance\">Paxlovid, an antiviral treatment in pill form that is still available free by prescription in California. \u003c/a>Read more on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11914514/if-you-get-covid-should-you-try-to-get-paxlovid-heres-how-with-or-without-health-insurance\">requesting a prescription for Paxlovid, with or without health insurance.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need to know about COVID right now?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2024. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, practical explainers and guides about COVID\u003c/a>, but also \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about when it comes to COVID — or anything else? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger, and help us decide what to cover here on our site, and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Earlier versions of this story were originally published on June 12, June 5 and May 23.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "2024-fourth-of-july-fireworks-in-the-bay-area-the-official-shows-plus-advice-on-safety-ptsd-and-pets",
"title": "2024 Fourth of July Fireworks in the Bay Area: The Official Shows, Plus Advice on Safety, PTSD and Pets",
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"content": "\u003cp>The Fourth of July is here, and it’s time to prepare for a weekend of fireworks displays and a hot dog or two (or three).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But unofficial fireworks can lead to \u003ca href=\"https://readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/fireworks-safety/#:~:text=Fireworks%20are%20illegal%20in%20certain,fires%20throughout%20all%20of%20California.\">dangerous outcomes\u003c/a>, including burning and seriously injuring people, sparking wildfires, and causing major property damage. Because of this, fireworks are also illegal in many parts of California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>KQED’s updated parts of its \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11954298/fireworks-near-me-fourth-of-july-safety\">2023 guide to Fourth of July fireworks\u003c/a> to list out where you can safely view a show, tips on comforting your pets, or navigating a holiday if you are living with post-traumatic stress disorder.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>Jump straight to:\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#fireworkinjury\">The kinds of injuries doctors see every year from fireworks\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#wildfirescalifornia\">Wildfire risks posed by personal fireworks\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#fireworksillegal\">Which fireworks are illegal in California\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#ptsd\">Firework risks for people living with PTSD\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#pets\">How to keep your pets calm\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Fourth of July firework displays around the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Keep in mind that not all fireworks displays are on Thursday, which is the Fourth of July this year. So, double-check the date and time before you head out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some of the events listed below also include festivals, vendors, and musical performances before the fireworks show.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.fishermanswharf.org/events/annual-events/4th-of-july/\">Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco at 9:30 p.m.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.sausalito.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/events/4th-of-july-festivities\">Gabrielson Park in Sausalito at 9:15 p.m.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.concordjuly4th.com/home/festival/\">Mt. Diablo High School in Concord at 9:15 p.m.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/C74rZgavLSQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8d0547b6-1aed-47ef-b638-a6d0a453cf6c&img_index=1\">Marina Bay Park in Richmond at 9:15 p.m.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/C7FgQoyyegA/\">Lake Cunningham in East San Jose\u003c/a> at \u003ca href=\"https://sf.funcheap.com/4th-july-fireworks-show-san-joses-lake-cunningham-park/\">9 p.m.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://sjd10.com/4th-of-july\">Almaden Lake Park in San Jose at 9:15 p.m.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.milb.com/san-jose/news/san-jose-s-star-spangled-fourth-at-excite-ballpark\">A post-Giants game fireworks display in San Jose at 7 p.m\u003c/a>.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.antiochca.gov/fourth-of-july-celebration/\">Rivertown in Antioch County at 4 p.m.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://morganhillfreedomfest.com/fireworks-on-the-green\">Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center in Morgan Hill at 3 p.m.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"fireworkinjury\">\u003c/a>How personal fireworks — and bonfires — can injure or kill you\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Even before considering the huge risks of sparking a wildfire (more on this below), setting off your own fireworks — even when legally purchased in one of the areas that permits them — can be incredibly dangerous.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At a 2023 safety briefing, Dr. Clifford Sheckter, Director of the Regional Burn Center at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, gave graphic examples of the kinds of injuries — and even deaths — that attempting to set off your own fireworks can incur. On mortar-style fireworks, Sheckter warned that “if those go off in your hand, you are losing fingers, if not your whole hand. If this goes off by your face, you could end up blind.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And while sparklers might strike many folks as a small, innocuous kind of personal firework on July Fourth, Sheckter noted that not only are they illegal in many areas, but sparklers can also pose massive threats to children. “Kids think it’s a popsicle: They put it in their mouths, they put it near their faces, they give themselves pretty severe burns and end up on the burn unit for one to two weeks,” he warned.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lt. Jonathan Baxter, a spokesperson for the San Francisco Fire Department, also told us in 2019 that sparklers are illegal in San Francisco. “Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees, which is [hot] enough to burn gold,” he says. “So if it can burn gold, you can imagine what it can do to your hand.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sheckter particularly stresses the importance of not mixing alcohol and drugs with fireworks or fire, noting that “one of the most common injuries” his burns unit sees around the Fourth of July is incurred by people “mixing alcohol and bonfires.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you get wasted and fall into a bonfire, you’re either going to die, or you’re going to end up severely burned and on my burn unit for the next six months,” Sheckter says, warning of so-called sixth-degree burns that can extend down into a person’s bones. Injuries from these kinds of burns, Sheckter says, are very difficult to reconstruct and often necessitate tissue grafts or prostheses. Curious children wandering around campsites and grasping coals, embers or fire pit rings are also a common source of pediatric injuries.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"wildfirescalifornia\">\u003c/a>How personal fireworks can spark wildfires at this time of year\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11878946\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/06/OaklandFireworks.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11878946\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/06/OaklandFireworks.jpg\" alt=\"A display of fireworks in the city.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1047\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/06/OaklandFireworks.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/06/OaklandFireworks-800x436.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/06/OaklandFireworks-1020x556.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/06/OaklandFireworks-160x87.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/06/OaklandFireworks-1536x838.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Unsanctioned fireworks displays are seen over the East Bay on July 4, 2013. \u003ccite>(Eugene Eric Kim/Flickr)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In 2021, \u003ca href=\"https://theconversation.com/skip-the-fireworks-this-record-dry-4th-of-july-over-150-wildfire-scientists-urge-the-us-west-163561\">over 150 fire scientists\u003c/a> were moved enough to join many fire officials across the West in urging residents to abandon their plans to launch personal fireworks on July Fourth because of the wildfire risk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mishandled fireworks, specifically around the Fourth of July in California, have caused real damage in the past. In 2014, \u003ca href=\"https://www.mercurynews.com/2015/06/27/fourth-of-july-gone-bad-fireworks-casualty-warns-of-holiday-hazard/\">a reveler set off fireworks\u003c/a> in Yolo County near the Monticello Dam, igniting a 6,500-acre blaze that took days to put out, injured five firefighters and drove dozens of people from their homes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1944577/keep-your-fireworks-from-becoming-a-wildfire-this-fourth-of-july\">full list of tips on preventing causing a wildfire with your fireworks\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.baaqmd.gov/news-and-events/page-resources/2023-news/062923-fireworks?sc_lang=zh-TW&switch_lang=true\">Bay Area Air Quality Management District\u003c/a> has also warned that “smoke from exploding fireworks results in elevated levels of particulate matter close to the ground, making it difficult for people to breathe, and may trigger asthma attacks, coughing, wheezing and eye irritation.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“At the local level, personal fireworks can cause unhealthy buildup in particulate matter pollution over the July 4 holiday,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.baaqmd.gov/news-and-events/page-resources/2023-news/062923-fireworks?sc_lang=zh-TW&switch_lang=true\">a 2023 statement reads\u003c/a>. “‘Safe and sane’ fireworks, like those purchased at pop-up fireworks stands, contain metal salts used to produce colors and can also cause excessive smoke.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Whether you’re planning to light up some fireworks or simply watch them from afar, here are a few safety tips compiled from experts around the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"fireworksillegal\">\u003c/a>Know the regulations in your community\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Some types of fireworks — or any fireworks at all — are illegal in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A legal firework has gone under testing by the state to ensure that the characteristics of it are inherently safer than those that don’t get our safety seal,” Daniel Berlant, deputy director of community wildfire preparedness and mitigation at Cal Fire, told KQED in 2022. “Really, any firework that explodes, goes up in the air or moves around the ground uncontrollably are considered illegal fireworks.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Check this list to \u003ca href=\"https://ca-fireworks.presskit247.com/content/content-article.asp?ArticleID=508\">find out whether fireworks are legal in your city\u003c/a> this Fourth of July (be sure to check the date.) Check this list to see which\u003ca href=\"https://readyforwildfire.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/fireworks-retailbooth-locations.pdf\"> communities allow the sale of “Safe and Sane” fireworks (PDF)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If your community is not on this list, it is likely illegal — like \u003ca href=\"https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/fire-department/public-education/seasonal-holiday-safety/fireworks-rules-laws#:~:text=All%20types%20of%20fireworks%E2%80%94even,most%20of%20Santa%20Clara%20County.\">San Jose\u003c/a>, for example.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Fireworks are \u003ci>not \u003c/i>permitted in \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/NewsRelease/1283#:~:text=No%20Fireworks%3A%20As%20a%20reminder,completely%20before%20leaving%20your%20site.\">California State Parks\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Know that in some communities, even viewing an illegal fireworks show can get you into hot water. For example, in 2023, the City of San José will now be “holding spectators responsible for their role in the use of dangerous and illegal fireworks” by making anyone who is \u003ca href=\"https://library.municode.com/ca/san_jose/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT10PUPEMOWE_CH10.17FI_PT2SAUSPOSTFI_10.17.105SPPRFIEX\">“knowingly present and watching a fireworks exhibition”\u003c/a> subject to a fine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Use only approved fireworks\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Although certain fireworks are legal in much of California, the state has a zero-tolerance policy for both the sale and use of illegal fireworks, and violators may face fines of up to $50,000 and jail time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside label='Get More Guides from KQED' tag='audience-news']Illegal fireworks include firecrackers, Roman candles, skyrockets, bottle rockets, aerial shells and other fireworks that move on the ground or in the air uncontrollably. Want to do a quick check? Look for the Safe and Sane label that indicates fire marshal approval.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Plan your location wisely\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As well as being sure whether fireworks are even legal in your city this Fourth of July, consider where you’re setting them off.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We really are urging people to be extra cautious in wildland areas,” says Cal Fire’s Berlant, who notes that even in urban areas, fireworks can still spark a wildfire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Berlant recommends you make “sure that Safe and Sane fireworks are used in areas that are cleared from vegetation” and are lit in “parking lots or in driveways that are surrounded by nothing that could catch on fire.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Be ready to douse a fire\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Never point fireworks at yourself or another person, and never attempt to relight or fix a firework that won’t light. Designate a sober, responsible adult to light up the fireworks. Light one firework at a time, far away from dry grass, and have a bucket of water or a hose handy in case something goes wrong. Also, this may sound obvious, but alcohol and fireworks do not mix well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Properly dispose of fireworks\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the end of the celebration, all used and misfired fireworks should be submerged in water for 15 minutes and wrapped in a plastic bag to keep them from drying up. Then, toss them in the household trash. Any unused fireworks that have not expired should be kept in a cool, dry place away from children.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"ptsd\">\u003c/a>Firework risks for people living with PTSD\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11954350\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/230628-SAN-FRANCISCO-FIREWORKS-GETTY-SM-KQED.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11954350\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/230628-SAN-FRANCISCO-FIREWORKS-GETTY-SM-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"The silhouettes of two or more people are thrown into relief by the explosions of fireworks in the distance over a city setting.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/230628-SAN-FRANCISCO-FIREWORKS-GETTY-SM-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/230628-SAN-FRANCISCO-FIREWORKS-GETTY-SM-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/230628-SAN-FRANCISCO-FIREWORKS-GETTY-SM-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/230628-SAN-FRANCISCO-FIREWORKS-GETTY-SM-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/230628-SAN-FRANCISCO-FIREWORKS-GETTY-SM-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/230628-SAN-FRANCISCO-FIREWORKS-GETTY-SM-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Illegal fireworks light up the sky in the Potrero Hill neighborhood on Saturday, July 4, 2020, in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Santiago Mejia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Fireworks can trigger symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans or victims of gun violence.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dr. Brian Mohlenhoff, a psychiatrist in the PTSD clinic at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, told KQED in 2020 that many of his patients struggle when there’s an uptick in fireworks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mohlenhoff says he encourages his patients to focus on the present, adding, “What I’m hoping is that after [fireworks] happen, they can quickly reorient and remind themselves that they’re in a safe place, and they’re not back there. So anything that can help with that is a good thing.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With the inevitability of fireworks going off across the Bay Area on a nightly basis, Mohlenhoff shared advice with KQED for how people suffering from PTSD can prepare and cope.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Plan ahead (if you can)\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Preparation may be more difficult if you hear fireworks going off ahead of July Fourth—instead of being confined to a single holiday. With fireworks happening at unpredictable times, knowing when to expect them is impossible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think it’s harder than the Fourth of July because that random explosion is very similar to a lot of people to what it’s like on a base,” Mohlenhoff says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you can, try to reduce the noise by listening to music, watching a movie or playing video games with headphones on. If bright flashes also trigger you, close your curtains or blinds to block the light at night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Focus on the present and ask for support\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The most important mental health tip, Mohlenhoff says, is to ground in the present moment and remind yourself you’re safe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can use grounding techniques to focus on your surroundings, such as naming out loud five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mohlenhoff says it can also be helpful to orient toward what’s around you and tell yourself things like, “I’m here in my home. I’m here with my loved ones. I’m here with my dog. And that boom is just the fireworks.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Having a supportive friend or family member present (or that you can call) is often the most grounding for patients, Mohlenhoff says. It’s important for them to remind the person suffering from PTSD that they’re safe in the here and now. \u003ca href=\"https://www.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/helping-someone-with-ptsd.htm\">More tips on how to help a loved one cope with PTSD.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Download a mindfulness app\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re by yourself or need extra support, you can try a coaching app to guide you through grounding exercises.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mohlenhoff recommends \u003ca href=\"https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/mindfulcoach_app.asp\">Mindfulness Coach\u003c/a>, a free app created by the National Center for PTSD that offers guided meditations and coping strategies. Here is \u003ca href=\"https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/index.asp\">a list of more recommended apps from the National Center for PTSD\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Talk to a mental health professional\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re seeking professional help, the National Center for PTSD has \u003ca href=\"https://www.ptsd.va.gov/gethelp/find_therapist.asp\">information on how to find a therapist, counselor or mental health provider\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here is a list of free hotlines to speak with a professional:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/\">National Suicide Prevention Lifeline\u003c/a>: \u003ca href=\"https://www.988california.org/\">988\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help\">National Institute of Mental Health\u003c/a>: 866-615-6464\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.crisistextline.org/\">Crisis Text Line\u003c/a>: Text HOME to 741741\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Here are Bay Area centers specializing in patients with PTSD:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.sanfrancisco.va.gov/\">San Francisco VA Health Care System\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"http://www.bayareatrauma.com/\">Bay Area Trauma Center \u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"http://www.traumarecoveryclinic.org/\">Bay Area Trauma Recovery Clinical Services\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"pets\">\u003c/a>Fireworks and dogs: How to keep your pets calm\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11992817\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2159247406.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11992817\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2159247406.jpg\" alt=\"A white dog with two American flags and a Minnie Mouse toy on its back.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"747\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2159247406.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2159247406-800x584.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2159247406-1020x744.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2159247406-160x117.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hilda, owned by Kirstin and David Vasquez, of Huntington Beach, sports a Minnie Mouse doll holding American flags as hundreds of patriotic bicyclists cruise down Main Street during the 5th Annual Huntington Beach Locals Fourth of July Bicycle Cruise in advance of the annual Independence Day parade and fireworks in Huntington Beach on Saturday, June 29, 2024. \u003ccite>(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Fireworks are notorious for spooking animals, and shelters across the nation report \u003ca href=\"https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/verify-are-more-pets-lost-during-4th-of-july-than-any-other-time-of-the-year/103-569349422\">an increase in lost pets every year on July Fourth\u003c/a>. A Sacramento-area animal shelter is even \u003ca href=\"https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article289646864.html\">looking for volunteers\u003c/a> to sit with, comfort, and even sing to their animals on Thursday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11758991/6-tips-from-a-vet-to-keep-your-pets-safe-on-july-fourth\">In 2019\u003c/a>, we interviewed a veterinarian from the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for advice on\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11758991/6-tips-from-a-vet-to-keep-your-pets-safe-on-july-fourth\"> keeping dogs and other pets happy while fireworks happen\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here are her top tips:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Keep pets at home — or leave town\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s natural for animals to be fearful of loud noises,” Dr. Sophie Liu, San Francisco SPCA resident in behavior medicine, told KQED in an email.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since fireworks have been so frequent, make sure your pets are secure inside your home, and you’re able to monitor them. But, if possible, she recommends going out of town with your pets for July Fourth — somewhere without fireworks, if possible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Update your pet’s tag and microchip information\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Liu says shelters often receive microchipped animals but are unable to contact their owner because the pet’s microchip information is outdated. Your veterinarian can help if you don’t know how to update this information or if you don’t remember which microchip company you used.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Recognize fearful behavior\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Pets may perceive loud, unexpected noises as a threat, and running away or hiding is a natural survival instinct.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s important to know whether your animal is anxious in order to prevent them from accidentally injuring themselves. Animals may show signs of fear if they pant, lick their lips, whine, drool, shake, yawn, hide or do not accept a treat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Create a safe space\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It is not uncommon to see pets trying to tear through metal crates, chew through door frames or jump out of windows,” Liu warns.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She suggests owners create a safe haven for their pets before and during fireworks celebrations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Choose a comfortable room without windows or where you can close the curtains. Play soothing music or use a white noise machine,” Liu says. “The goal of these tools is to help your pet relax and stay calm.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Liu says some pets may want to hide in the bathroom due to its extra insulation, which could make a great safe space if your pet is naturally attracted to it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Give them treats — but watch what they eat\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Distract your furry friends with what they love most — treats. Even better: Try a treat-dispensing toy, like a Kong, to keep them distracted for long periods of time. “A pet that is comfortable enough to be eating is less likely to be panicked or worried,” Liu says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But be aware of what they have access to, she warns.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’ve had animals come to our veterinary hospitals with severe injuries due to fireworks, including burns,” Liu says. “Pets should never be near fireworks — not only is it scary for animals, but fireworks have the potential to cause serious harm.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dogs may also try to eat fireworks that aren’t safely stored, which contain chemicals and heavy metals. Also, keep your canines from munching on sparklers, glow sticks, charcoal, kabob skewers and \u003ca href=\"https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/foods-to-avoid.aspx\">even these common foods\u003c/a> that can be dangerous to pets.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Consider over-the-counter medication \u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can try using calming pheromones to relax your pet, such as sprays for cats and collars or plug-ins for dogs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If all else fails and your pet is exhibiting severe anxious behavior, Liu says to talk with your vet about medication options.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>These tips were drawn from our 2019 story \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11758991/6-tips-from-a-vet-to-keep-your-pets-safe-on-july-fourth\">\u003cstrong>6 Tips From a Vet to Keep Your Pets Safe on July Fourth\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2024. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, practical explainers and guides about COVID-19\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11878134/bay-area-heat-wave-how-to-stay-safe-during-dangerously-hot-weather\">staying safe during intense hot weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will strengthen our reporting and help us decide what to cover here on our site and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003cbr>\n[hearken id=\"10483\" src=\"https://modules.wearehearken.com/kqed/embed/10483.js\"]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Check out KQED's list of some of the official firework displays in the Bay Area for the Fourth of July, plus which fireworks are illegal in California (clue: lots) and the safety risks of setting off your own personal firework display.",
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"title": "2024 Fourth of July Fireworks in the Bay Area: The Official Shows, Plus Advice on Safety, PTSD and Pets | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>The Fourth of July is here, and it’s time to prepare for a weekend of fireworks displays and a hot dog or two (or three).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But unofficial fireworks can lead to \u003ca href=\"https://readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/fireworks-safety/#:~:text=Fireworks%20are%20illegal%20in%20certain,fires%20throughout%20all%20of%20California.\">dangerous outcomes\u003c/a>, including burning and seriously injuring people, sparking wildfires, and causing major property damage. Because of this, fireworks are also illegal in many parts of California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>KQED’s updated parts of its \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11954298/fireworks-near-me-fourth-of-july-safety\">2023 guide to Fourth of July fireworks\u003c/a> to list out where you can safely view a show, tips on comforting your pets, or navigating a holiday if you are living with post-traumatic stress disorder.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>Jump straight to:\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#fireworkinjury\">The kinds of injuries doctors see every year from fireworks\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#wildfirescalifornia\">Wildfire risks posed by personal fireworks\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#fireworksillegal\">Which fireworks are illegal in California\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#ptsd\">Firework risks for people living with PTSD\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#pets\">How to keep your pets calm\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Fourth of July firework displays around the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Keep in mind that not all fireworks displays are on Thursday, which is the Fourth of July this year. So, double-check the date and time before you head out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some of the events listed below also include festivals, vendors, and musical performances before the fireworks show.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.fishermanswharf.org/events/annual-events/4th-of-july/\">Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco at 9:30 p.m.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.sausalito.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/events/4th-of-july-festivities\">Gabrielson Park in Sausalito at 9:15 p.m.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.concordjuly4th.com/home/festival/\">Mt. Diablo High School in Concord at 9:15 p.m.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/C74rZgavLSQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8d0547b6-1aed-47ef-b638-a6d0a453cf6c&img_index=1\">Marina Bay Park in Richmond at 9:15 p.m.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/C7FgQoyyegA/\">Lake Cunningham in East San Jose\u003c/a> at \u003ca href=\"https://sf.funcheap.com/4th-july-fireworks-show-san-joses-lake-cunningham-park/\">9 p.m.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://sjd10.com/4th-of-july\">Almaden Lake Park in San Jose at 9:15 p.m.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.milb.com/san-jose/news/san-jose-s-star-spangled-fourth-at-excite-ballpark\">A post-Giants game fireworks display in San Jose at 7 p.m\u003c/a>.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.antiochca.gov/fourth-of-july-celebration/\">Rivertown in Antioch County at 4 p.m.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://morganhillfreedomfest.com/fireworks-on-the-green\">Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center in Morgan Hill at 3 p.m.\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"fireworkinjury\">\u003c/a>How personal fireworks — and bonfires — can injure or kill you\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Even before considering the huge risks of sparking a wildfire (more on this below), setting off your own fireworks — even when legally purchased in one of the areas that permits them — can be incredibly dangerous.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At a 2023 safety briefing, Dr. Clifford Sheckter, Director of the Regional Burn Center at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, gave graphic examples of the kinds of injuries — and even deaths — that attempting to set off your own fireworks can incur. On mortar-style fireworks, Sheckter warned that “if those go off in your hand, you are losing fingers, if not your whole hand. If this goes off by your face, you could end up blind.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And while sparklers might strike many folks as a small, innocuous kind of personal firework on July Fourth, Sheckter noted that not only are they illegal in many areas, but sparklers can also pose massive threats to children. “Kids think it’s a popsicle: They put it in their mouths, they put it near their faces, they give themselves pretty severe burns and end up on the burn unit for one to two weeks,” he warned.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lt. Jonathan Baxter, a spokesperson for the San Francisco Fire Department, also told us in 2019 that sparklers are illegal in San Francisco. “Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees, which is [hot] enough to burn gold,” he says. “So if it can burn gold, you can imagine what it can do to your hand.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sheckter particularly stresses the importance of not mixing alcohol and drugs with fireworks or fire, noting that “one of the most common injuries” his burns unit sees around the Fourth of July is incurred by people “mixing alcohol and bonfires.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you get wasted and fall into a bonfire, you’re either going to die, or you’re going to end up severely burned and on my burn unit for the next six months,” Sheckter says, warning of so-called sixth-degree burns that can extend down into a person’s bones. Injuries from these kinds of burns, Sheckter says, are very difficult to reconstruct and often necessitate tissue grafts or prostheses. Curious children wandering around campsites and grasping coals, embers or fire pit rings are also a common source of pediatric injuries.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"wildfirescalifornia\">\u003c/a>How personal fireworks can spark wildfires at this time of year\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11878946\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/06/OaklandFireworks.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11878946\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/06/OaklandFireworks.jpg\" alt=\"A display of fireworks in the city.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1047\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/06/OaklandFireworks.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/06/OaklandFireworks-800x436.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/06/OaklandFireworks-1020x556.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/06/OaklandFireworks-160x87.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/06/OaklandFireworks-1536x838.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Unsanctioned fireworks displays are seen over the East Bay on July 4, 2013. \u003ccite>(Eugene Eric Kim/Flickr)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In 2021, \u003ca href=\"https://theconversation.com/skip-the-fireworks-this-record-dry-4th-of-july-over-150-wildfire-scientists-urge-the-us-west-163561\">over 150 fire scientists\u003c/a> were moved enough to join many fire officials across the West in urging residents to abandon their plans to launch personal fireworks on July Fourth because of the wildfire risk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mishandled fireworks, specifically around the Fourth of July in California, have caused real damage in the past. In 2014, \u003ca href=\"https://www.mercurynews.com/2015/06/27/fourth-of-july-gone-bad-fireworks-casualty-warns-of-holiday-hazard/\">a reveler set off fireworks\u003c/a> in Yolo County near the Monticello Dam, igniting a 6,500-acre blaze that took days to put out, injured five firefighters and drove dozens of people from their homes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1944577/keep-your-fireworks-from-becoming-a-wildfire-this-fourth-of-july\">full list of tips on preventing causing a wildfire with your fireworks\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.baaqmd.gov/news-and-events/page-resources/2023-news/062923-fireworks?sc_lang=zh-TW&switch_lang=true\">Bay Area Air Quality Management District\u003c/a> has also warned that “smoke from exploding fireworks results in elevated levels of particulate matter close to the ground, making it difficult for people to breathe, and may trigger asthma attacks, coughing, wheezing and eye irritation.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“At the local level, personal fireworks can cause unhealthy buildup in particulate matter pollution over the July 4 holiday,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.baaqmd.gov/news-and-events/page-resources/2023-news/062923-fireworks?sc_lang=zh-TW&switch_lang=true\">a 2023 statement reads\u003c/a>. “‘Safe and sane’ fireworks, like those purchased at pop-up fireworks stands, contain metal salts used to produce colors and can also cause excessive smoke.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Whether you’re planning to light up some fireworks or simply watch them from afar, here are a few safety tips compiled from experts around the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"fireworksillegal\">\u003c/a>Know the regulations in your community\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Some types of fireworks — or any fireworks at all — are illegal in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A legal firework has gone under testing by the state to ensure that the characteristics of it are inherently safer than those that don’t get our safety seal,” Daniel Berlant, deputy director of community wildfire preparedness and mitigation at Cal Fire, told KQED in 2022. “Really, any firework that explodes, goes up in the air or moves around the ground uncontrollably are considered illegal fireworks.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Check this list to \u003ca href=\"https://ca-fireworks.presskit247.com/content/content-article.asp?ArticleID=508\">find out whether fireworks are legal in your city\u003c/a> this Fourth of July (be sure to check the date.) Check this list to see which\u003ca href=\"https://readyforwildfire.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/fireworks-retailbooth-locations.pdf\"> communities allow the sale of “Safe and Sane” fireworks (PDF)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If your community is not on this list, it is likely illegal — like \u003ca href=\"https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/fire-department/public-education/seasonal-holiday-safety/fireworks-rules-laws#:~:text=All%20types%20of%20fireworks%E2%80%94even,most%20of%20Santa%20Clara%20County.\">San Jose\u003c/a>, for example.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Fireworks are \u003ci>not \u003c/i>permitted in \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/NewsRelease/1283#:~:text=No%20Fireworks%3A%20As%20a%20reminder,completely%20before%20leaving%20your%20site.\">California State Parks\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Know that in some communities, even viewing an illegal fireworks show can get you into hot water. For example, in 2023, the City of San José will now be “holding spectators responsible for their role in the use of dangerous and illegal fireworks” by making anyone who is \u003ca href=\"https://library.municode.com/ca/san_jose/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT10PUPEMOWE_CH10.17FI_PT2SAUSPOSTFI_10.17.105SPPRFIEX\">“knowingly present and watching a fireworks exhibition”\u003c/a> subject to a fine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Use only approved fireworks\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Although certain fireworks are legal in much of California, the state has a zero-tolerance policy for both the sale and use of illegal fireworks, and violators may face fines of up to $50,000 and jail time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Illegal fireworks include firecrackers, Roman candles, skyrockets, bottle rockets, aerial shells and other fireworks that move on the ground or in the air uncontrollably. Want to do a quick check? Look for the Safe and Sane label that indicates fire marshal approval.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Plan your location wisely\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As well as being sure whether fireworks are even legal in your city this Fourth of July, consider where you’re setting them off.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We really are urging people to be extra cautious in wildland areas,” says Cal Fire’s Berlant, who notes that even in urban areas, fireworks can still spark a wildfire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Berlant recommends you make “sure that Safe and Sane fireworks are used in areas that are cleared from vegetation” and are lit in “parking lots or in driveways that are surrounded by nothing that could catch on fire.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Be ready to douse a fire\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Never point fireworks at yourself or another person, and never attempt to relight or fix a firework that won’t light. Designate a sober, responsible adult to light up the fireworks. Light one firework at a time, far away from dry grass, and have a bucket of water or a hose handy in case something goes wrong. Also, this may sound obvious, but alcohol and fireworks do not mix well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Properly dispose of fireworks\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the end of the celebration, all used and misfired fireworks should be submerged in water for 15 minutes and wrapped in a plastic bag to keep them from drying up. Then, toss them in the household trash. Any unused fireworks that have not expired should be kept in a cool, dry place away from children.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"ptsd\">\u003c/a>Firework risks for people living with PTSD\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11954350\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/230628-SAN-FRANCISCO-FIREWORKS-GETTY-SM-KQED.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11954350\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/230628-SAN-FRANCISCO-FIREWORKS-GETTY-SM-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"The silhouettes of two or more people are thrown into relief by the explosions of fireworks in the distance over a city setting.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/230628-SAN-FRANCISCO-FIREWORKS-GETTY-SM-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/230628-SAN-FRANCISCO-FIREWORKS-GETTY-SM-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/230628-SAN-FRANCISCO-FIREWORKS-GETTY-SM-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/230628-SAN-FRANCISCO-FIREWORKS-GETTY-SM-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/230628-SAN-FRANCISCO-FIREWORKS-GETTY-SM-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/230628-SAN-FRANCISCO-FIREWORKS-GETTY-SM-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Illegal fireworks light up the sky in the Potrero Hill neighborhood on Saturday, July 4, 2020, in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Santiago Mejia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Fireworks can trigger symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans or victims of gun violence.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dr. Brian Mohlenhoff, a psychiatrist in the PTSD clinic at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, told KQED in 2020 that many of his patients struggle when there’s an uptick in fireworks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mohlenhoff says he encourages his patients to focus on the present, adding, “What I’m hoping is that after [fireworks] happen, they can quickly reorient and remind themselves that they’re in a safe place, and they’re not back there. So anything that can help with that is a good thing.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With the inevitability of fireworks going off across the Bay Area on a nightly basis, Mohlenhoff shared advice with KQED for how people suffering from PTSD can prepare and cope.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Plan ahead (if you can)\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Preparation may be more difficult if you hear fireworks going off ahead of July Fourth—instead of being confined to a single holiday. With fireworks happening at unpredictable times, knowing when to expect them is impossible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think it’s harder than the Fourth of July because that random explosion is very similar to a lot of people to what it’s like on a base,” Mohlenhoff says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you can, try to reduce the noise by listening to music, watching a movie or playing video games with headphones on. If bright flashes also trigger you, close your curtains or blinds to block the light at night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Focus on the present and ask for support\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The most important mental health tip, Mohlenhoff says, is to ground in the present moment and remind yourself you’re safe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can use grounding techniques to focus on your surroundings, such as naming out loud five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mohlenhoff says it can also be helpful to orient toward what’s around you and tell yourself things like, “I’m here in my home. I’m here with my loved ones. I’m here with my dog. And that boom is just the fireworks.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Having a supportive friend or family member present (or that you can call) is often the most grounding for patients, Mohlenhoff says. It’s important for them to remind the person suffering from PTSD that they’re safe in the here and now. \u003ca href=\"https://www.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/helping-someone-with-ptsd.htm\">More tips on how to help a loved one cope with PTSD.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Download a mindfulness app\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re by yourself or need extra support, you can try a coaching app to guide you through grounding exercises.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mohlenhoff recommends \u003ca href=\"https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/mindfulcoach_app.asp\">Mindfulness Coach\u003c/a>, a free app created by the National Center for PTSD that offers guided meditations and coping strategies. Here is \u003ca href=\"https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/index.asp\">a list of more recommended apps from the National Center for PTSD\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Talk to a mental health professional\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re seeking professional help, the National Center for PTSD has \u003ca href=\"https://www.ptsd.va.gov/gethelp/find_therapist.asp\">information on how to find a therapist, counselor or mental health provider\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here is a list of free hotlines to speak with a professional:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/\">National Suicide Prevention Lifeline\u003c/a>: \u003ca href=\"https://www.988california.org/\">988\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help\">National Institute of Mental Health\u003c/a>: 866-615-6464\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.crisistextline.org/\">Crisis Text Line\u003c/a>: Text HOME to 741741\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Here are Bay Area centers specializing in patients with PTSD:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.sanfrancisco.va.gov/\">San Francisco VA Health Care System\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"http://www.bayareatrauma.com/\">Bay Area Trauma Center \u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"http://www.traumarecoveryclinic.org/\">Bay Area Trauma Recovery Clinical Services\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"pets\">\u003c/a>Fireworks and dogs: How to keep your pets calm\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11992817\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2159247406.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11992817\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2159247406.jpg\" alt=\"A white dog with two American flags and a Minnie Mouse toy on its back.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"747\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2159247406.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2159247406-800x584.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2159247406-1020x744.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/GettyImages-2159247406-160x117.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hilda, owned by Kirstin and David Vasquez, of Huntington Beach, sports a Minnie Mouse doll holding American flags as hundreds of patriotic bicyclists cruise down Main Street during the 5th Annual Huntington Beach Locals Fourth of July Bicycle Cruise in advance of the annual Independence Day parade and fireworks in Huntington Beach on Saturday, June 29, 2024. \u003ccite>(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Fireworks are notorious for spooking animals, and shelters across the nation report \u003ca href=\"https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/verify-are-more-pets-lost-during-4th-of-july-than-any-other-time-of-the-year/103-569349422\">an increase in lost pets every year on July Fourth\u003c/a>. A Sacramento-area animal shelter is even \u003ca href=\"https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article289646864.html\">looking for volunteers\u003c/a> to sit with, comfort, and even sing to their animals on Thursday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11758991/6-tips-from-a-vet-to-keep-your-pets-safe-on-july-fourth\">In 2019\u003c/a>, we interviewed a veterinarian from the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for advice on\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11758991/6-tips-from-a-vet-to-keep-your-pets-safe-on-july-fourth\"> keeping dogs and other pets happy while fireworks happen\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here are her top tips:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Keep pets at home — or leave town\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s natural for animals to be fearful of loud noises,” Dr. Sophie Liu, San Francisco SPCA resident in behavior medicine, told KQED in an email.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since fireworks have been so frequent, make sure your pets are secure inside your home, and you’re able to monitor them. But, if possible, she recommends going out of town with your pets for July Fourth — somewhere without fireworks, if possible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Update your pet’s tag and microchip information\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Liu says shelters often receive microchipped animals but are unable to contact their owner because the pet’s microchip information is outdated. Your veterinarian can help if you don’t know how to update this information or if you don’t remember which microchip company you used.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Recognize fearful behavior\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Pets may perceive loud, unexpected noises as a threat, and running away or hiding is a natural survival instinct.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s important to know whether your animal is anxious in order to prevent them from accidentally injuring themselves. Animals may show signs of fear if they pant, lick their lips, whine, drool, shake, yawn, hide or do not accept a treat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Create a safe space\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It is not uncommon to see pets trying to tear through metal crates, chew through door frames or jump out of windows,” Liu warns.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She suggests owners create a safe haven for their pets before and during fireworks celebrations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Choose a comfortable room without windows or where you can close the curtains. Play soothing music or use a white noise machine,” Liu says. “The goal of these tools is to help your pet relax and stay calm.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Liu says some pets may want to hide in the bathroom due to its extra insulation, which could make a great safe space if your pet is naturally attracted to it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Give them treats — but watch what they eat\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Distract your furry friends with what they love most — treats. Even better: Try a treat-dispensing toy, like a Kong, to keep them distracted for long periods of time. “A pet that is comfortable enough to be eating is less likely to be panicked or worried,” Liu says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But be aware of what they have access to, she warns.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’ve had animals come to our veterinary hospitals with severe injuries due to fireworks, including burns,” Liu says. “Pets should never be near fireworks — not only is it scary for animals, but fireworks have the potential to cause serious harm.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dogs may also try to eat fireworks that aren’t safely stored, which contain chemicals and heavy metals. Also, keep your canines from munching on sparklers, glow sticks, charcoal, kabob skewers and \u003ca href=\"https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/foods-to-avoid.aspx\">even these common foods\u003c/a> that can be dangerous to pets.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Consider over-the-counter medication \u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can try using calming pheromones to relax your pet, such as sprays for cats and collars or plug-ins for dogs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If all else fails and your pet is exhibiting severe anxious behavior, Liu says to talk with your vet about medication options.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>These tips were drawn from our 2019 story \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11758991/6-tips-from-a-vet-to-keep-your-pets-safe-on-july-fourth\">\u003cstrong>6 Tips From a Vet to Keep Your Pets Safe on July Fourth\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2024. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, practical explainers and guides about COVID-19\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11878134/bay-area-heat-wave-how-to-stay-safe-during-dangerously-hot-weather\">staying safe during intense hot weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will strengthen our reporting and help us decide what to cover here on our site and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003cbr>\n\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cp>Pride Weekend in San Francisco is kicking off in just a few hours — and if this will be your first time at this iconic celebration, you are in for a weekend full of music, drag, marches and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/program/pride-as-protest\">a deep dive into Bay Area queer history\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough guide \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11991990/san-francisco-pride-2024-parade-logistics-transportation-and-partying-safely\">with all of the logistics for 2024 Pride weekend in San Francisco\u003c/a>, including transit details, how to get Narcan in the case of an overdose, and ways to reduce the risks of STI exposure. Other guides to keep in mind during Pride Weekend include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11878134/bay-area-heat-wave-how-to-stay-safe-during-dangerously-hot-weather\">Bay Area Weather: How to Stay Cool and Safe in the Next California Heat Wave\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11988079/2024-mpox-vaccine-formerly-monkeypox-symptoms-rash\">Get Your Free 2024 Mpox Vaccine, Say San Francisco Health Officials\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11987343/covid-bay-area-wastewater-variant-symptoms-isolation-guidance\">COVID Keeps Rising in Bay Area Wastewater. What to Know, From New Variants to Symptoms\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>As you get ready for your first Pride, you may feel a lot of happiness and excitement — but you may also be a bit anxious. Oliver EliasTinoco, youth co-facilitator with LYRIC, a center for LGBTQ+ young people based in San Francisco, recalled their hectic first Pride weekend at 17. Between stages, after-parties, performances, crowds, music and more, it’s easy for one to feel the need to do it all.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It can be a whole day thing if you choose it to be,” they said. “I was running on fumes by the end of my first time.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But it is a moment they hold dear. EliasTinoco graduated this year from San Francisco State University, a college experience that also included the COVID-19 pandemic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Because I spent two years of my college experience online, one of the biggest things that being able to be at Pride again now means to me is that creation of community,” they said. “I am someone who gets my energy from other people, from seeing my friends, from just being in a community space with other folks who look like me, talk like me, act like me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read on for advice on navigating all the feelings that come with celebrating Pride for the first time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11954009\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11954009\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66575_230625-sf-pride-07-ks-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"A marcher holds a sign reading “It should not be a crime to be queer” as the Pride parade gets underway in downtown San Francisco on June 25, 2023.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1335\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66575_230625-sf-pride-07-ks-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66575_230625-sf-pride-07-ks-KQED-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66575_230625-sf-pride-07-ks-KQED-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66575_230625-sf-pride-07-ks-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66575_230625-sf-pride-07-ks-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66575_230625-sf-pride-07-ks-KQED-1920x1282.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A marcher holds a sign reading ‘It should not be a crime to be queer’ as the Pride parade gets underway in downtown San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Kori Suzuki/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>First things first: Remember the essentials\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Some mom-like advice to get out of the way. (It’s important, sorry.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you don’t live in the city, do not drive to San Francisco, said Madisen Ellis, who is also part of LYRIC. “It’s really not going to be a fun time for you. Parking is going to be a nightmare. Just take public transport,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside label=\"Related Stories\" postID=\"arts_13960283,news_11991990,news_11990430\"]If you do end up driving in, KQED has a guide on how to reduce \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11959799/how-to-avoid-a-car-break-in-bay-area\">the risk of your car being broken\u003c/a> into (yes, it happens) and if the unfortunate strikes, KQED has a guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11959477/car-break-ins-bay-area-glass-repair-what-to-do\">what to do at that moment\u003c/a>. And for cyclists, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11985510/what-to-do-when-your-bike-is-stolen-in-the-bay-area\">what to do if your bike is stolen in the Bay Area\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Wear sunscreen and drink water — \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.777120000000025&lon=-122.41965999999996\">the weather forecast predicts\u003c/a> a sunny weekend in San Francisco.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Charge your phone in the morning and try bringing a portable battery to charge it on the go.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll likely do a lot of walking.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>EliasTinoco’s biggest advice is for young people not to skip breakfast in the morning.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I know we run up the house because we’re spending the entire morning getting ready … but take 10 minutes to eat some cereal, eat a sandwich, do something because you’re going to be feeling it,” they said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They pointed out vendor food at Pride can be pricey too, so budgeting can help a lot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11918052\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11918052\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56869_005_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-qut.jpg\" alt=\"Several people are seen walking down the middle of the street holding up a large rainbow flag.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56869_005_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56869_005_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56869_005_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56869_005_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56869_005_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Participants carry an oversized rainbow flag during the San Francisco Pride Parade on June 26, 2022. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>There is a \u003cem>lot \u003c/em>to tackle\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Pride can be three days of back-to-back events — and it will feel \u003cem>packed. \u003c/em>(And there will be a lot of free merchandise you can nab during your time there.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This year will also have the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/sfpride_youthstage/\">San Francisco Pride’s Youth Stage\u003c/a>, which is dedicated for LGBTQ+ people ages 18 to 24, on Saturday at Polk and Grove. The stage will feature young performers in that age range, with a special highlight for the ballroom scene in San Francisco. Ellis said a family-friendly area will also be nearby, including balloon artists and face painters for children.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“What we’re trying to do is create a space at Pride where youth feel like this is just as much their celebration as it is anyone else’s,” said EliasTinoco, who is also helping to run the stage. “It’s the youth that’s ultimately going to be who takes over this city like a couple years down. So we want them to know that this is a space that’s nurturing to them — that San Francisco is a safe space for them.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>EliasTinoco also recommended \u003ca href=\"https://sfpride.org/soul\">checking out other stages\u003c/a> with highlight performers — like the \u003ca href=\"https://sfpride.org/latin\">Latin Stage\u003c/a>, which will feature RuPaul Drag Race’s Vanessa Vanjie Mateo.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There will also be after-parties as well — and KQED Arts has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13960283/2024-san-francisco-pride-party-guide\">a lengthy roundup of Pride parties\u003c/a> in the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11992016\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11992016\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/017_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Drag dancer dance on an outdoor stage.\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/017_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/017_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/017_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/017_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/017_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/017_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/017_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Drag queens Nicki Jizz, Heaven on Earth and Snaxx dance on the Oasis SF float during the San Francisco Pride Parade on June 26, 2022. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>So don’t feel like you need to do it all\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Something that EliasTinoco remembers from their first Pride weekend is feeling like they needed to be a more “extroverted” version of themselves for their first weekend — and it ended up draining them and taking away some of the fun of the experience.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Their biggest advice to other young people is not to pressure yourself to act a certain way or “be anything other than yourself.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>EliasTinoco also said that with all of the programming during the weekend, first-time attendees should not feel like they need to see every single thing there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“‘I need to make sure that people know I saw everything, I need to get all my pictures,’” they described the feelings. “And it’s honestly: Don’t feel like you have to be a part of every single thing there because you’re going to learn that some of the things being represented there and some of the groups there maybe don’t really resonate with, or maybe they’re just not as fun for you.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They explained that Pride is what you make of it — something you would want to return next year and do all over again.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11954005\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11954005\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66569_230625-sf-pride-03-ks-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"Wayne Shi, 23, of San Francisco waits for the Pride parade to begin in downtown San Francisco on June 25, 2023.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1335\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66569_230625-sf-pride-03-ks-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66569_230625-sf-pride-03-ks-KQED-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66569_230625-sf-pride-03-ks-KQED-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66569_230625-sf-pride-03-ks-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66569_230625-sf-pride-03-ks-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66569_230625-sf-pride-03-ks-KQED-1920x1282.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Wayne Shi, 23, of San Francisco waits for the Pride parade to begin in downtown San Francisco on June 25, 2023. \u003ccite>(Kori Suzuki/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>Understand others celebrate Pride in their own way\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>EliasTinoco said new attendees are going “to be seeing a lot of things, maybe for the first time, that you haven’t seen before.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Understand that Pride is a very open space. Pride covers the range of ages, the range of identities, the range of interests and \u003ca href=\"https://www.vox.com/the-goods/22463879/kink-at-pride-discourse-lgbtq\">different subcommunities within the LGBTQ+ community\u003c/a>,” they said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For example, you may see someone naked at Pride — which is also a regular occurrence in the Castro District.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you do not want to be around this, EliasTinoco said you do not have to engage with everything and instead should head to another part of Pride “where you feel a little more comfortable or safer and also just keep an open mind, know that nobody really is there to harm you or to cause you any kind of discomfort or make you feel uneasy.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s simply that this is a chance for everyone to express their own interests and their own identity within the queer community, meaning that just as much as we have a right to express ourselves, other people do too.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "We've got practical tips for your first time at Pride – as well as advice on navigating all the feelings that come with it.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Pride Weekend in San Francisco is kicking off in just a few hours — and if this will be your first time at this iconic celebration, you are in for a weekend full of music, drag, marches and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/program/pride-as-protest\">a deep dive into Bay Area queer history\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough guide \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11991990/san-francisco-pride-2024-parade-logistics-transportation-and-partying-safely\">with all of the logistics for 2024 Pride weekend in San Francisco\u003c/a>, including transit details, how to get Narcan in the case of an overdose, and ways to reduce the risks of STI exposure. Other guides to keep in mind during Pride Weekend include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11878134/bay-area-heat-wave-how-to-stay-safe-during-dangerously-hot-weather\">Bay Area Weather: How to Stay Cool and Safe in the Next California Heat Wave\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11988079/2024-mpox-vaccine-formerly-monkeypox-symptoms-rash\">Get Your Free 2024 Mpox Vaccine, Say San Francisco Health Officials\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11987343/covid-bay-area-wastewater-variant-symptoms-isolation-guidance\">COVID Keeps Rising in Bay Area Wastewater. What to Know, From New Variants to Symptoms\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>As you get ready for your first Pride, you may feel a lot of happiness and excitement — but you may also be a bit anxious. Oliver EliasTinoco, youth co-facilitator with LYRIC, a center for LGBTQ+ young people based in San Francisco, recalled their hectic first Pride weekend at 17. Between stages, after-parties, performances, crowds, music and more, it’s easy for one to feel the need to do it all.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It can be a whole day thing if you choose it to be,” they said. “I was running on fumes by the end of my first time.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But it is a moment they hold dear. EliasTinoco graduated this year from San Francisco State University, a college experience that also included the COVID-19 pandemic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Because I spent two years of my college experience online, one of the biggest things that being able to be at Pride again now means to me is that creation of community,” they said. “I am someone who gets my energy from other people, from seeing my friends, from just being in a community space with other folks who look like me, talk like me, act like me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read on for advice on navigating all the feelings that come with celebrating Pride for the first time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11954009\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11954009\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66575_230625-sf-pride-07-ks-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"A marcher holds a sign reading “It should not be a crime to be queer” as the Pride parade gets underway in downtown San Francisco on June 25, 2023.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1335\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66575_230625-sf-pride-07-ks-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66575_230625-sf-pride-07-ks-KQED-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66575_230625-sf-pride-07-ks-KQED-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66575_230625-sf-pride-07-ks-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66575_230625-sf-pride-07-ks-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66575_230625-sf-pride-07-ks-KQED-1920x1282.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A marcher holds a sign reading ‘It should not be a crime to be queer’ as the Pride parade gets underway in downtown San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Kori Suzuki/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>First things first: Remember the essentials\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Some mom-like advice to get out of the way. (It’s important, sorry.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you don’t live in the city, do not drive to San Francisco, said Madisen Ellis, who is also part of LYRIC. “It’s really not going to be a fun time for you. Parking is going to be a nightmare. Just take public transport,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>If you do end up driving in, KQED has a guide on how to reduce \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11959799/how-to-avoid-a-car-break-in-bay-area\">the risk of your car being broken\u003c/a> into (yes, it happens) and if the unfortunate strikes, KQED has a guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11959477/car-break-ins-bay-area-glass-repair-what-to-do\">what to do at that moment\u003c/a>. And for cyclists, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11985510/what-to-do-when-your-bike-is-stolen-in-the-bay-area\">what to do if your bike is stolen in the Bay Area\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Wear sunscreen and drink water — \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.777120000000025&lon=-122.41965999999996\">the weather forecast predicts\u003c/a> a sunny weekend in San Francisco.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Charge your phone in the morning and try bringing a portable battery to charge it on the go.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll likely do a lot of walking.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>EliasTinoco’s biggest advice is for young people not to skip breakfast in the morning.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I know we run up the house because we’re spending the entire morning getting ready … but take 10 minutes to eat some cereal, eat a sandwich, do something because you’re going to be feeling it,” they said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They pointed out vendor food at Pride can be pricey too, so budgeting can help a lot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11918052\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11918052\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56869_005_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-qut.jpg\" alt=\"Several people are seen walking down the middle of the street holding up a large rainbow flag.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56869_005_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56869_005_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56869_005_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56869_005_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56869_005_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Participants carry an oversized rainbow flag during the San Francisco Pride Parade on June 26, 2022. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>There is a \u003cem>lot \u003c/em>to tackle\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Pride can be three days of back-to-back events — and it will feel \u003cem>packed. \u003c/em>(And there will be a lot of free merchandise you can nab during your time there.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This year will also have the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/sfpride_youthstage/\">San Francisco Pride’s Youth Stage\u003c/a>, which is dedicated for LGBTQ+ people ages 18 to 24, on Saturday at Polk and Grove. The stage will feature young performers in that age range, with a special highlight for the ballroom scene in San Francisco. Ellis said a family-friendly area will also be nearby, including balloon artists and face painters for children.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“What we’re trying to do is create a space at Pride where youth feel like this is just as much their celebration as it is anyone else’s,” said EliasTinoco, who is also helping to run the stage. “It’s the youth that’s ultimately going to be who takes over this city like a couple years down. So we want them to know that this is a space that’s nurturing to them — that San Francisco is a safe space for them.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>EliasTinoco also recommended \u003ca href=\"https://sfpride.org/soul\">checking out other stages\u003c/a> with highlight performers — like the \u003ca href=\"https://sfpride.org/latin\">Latin Stage\u003c/a>, which will feature RuPaul Drag Race’s Vanessa Vanjie Mateo.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There will also be after-parties as well — and KQED Arts has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13960283/2024-san-francisco-pride-party-guide\">a lengthy roundup of Pride parties\u003c/a> in the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11992016\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11992016\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/017_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Drag dancer dance on an outdoor stage.\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/017_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/017_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/017_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/017_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/017_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/017_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/017_KQED_SFPrideParade_06262022-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Drag queens Nicki Jizz, Heaven on Earth and Snaxx dance on the Oasis SF float during the San Francisco Pride Parade on June 26, 2022. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>So don’t feel like you need to do it all\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Something that EliasTinoco remembers from their first Pride weekend is feeling like they needed to be a more “extroverted” version of themselves for their first weekend — and it ended up draining them and taking away some of the fun of the experience.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Their biggest advice to other young people is not to pressure yourself to act a certain way or “be anything other than yourself.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>EliasTinoco also said that with all of the programming during the weekend, first-time attendees should not feel like they need to see every single thing there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“‘I need to make sure that people know I saw everything, I need to get all my pictures,’” they described the feelings. “And it’s honestly: Don’t feel like you have to be a part of every single thing there because you’re going to learn that some of the things being represented there and some of the groups there maybe don’t really resonate with, or maybe they’re just not as fun for you.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They explained that Pride is what you make of it — something you would want to return next year and do all over again.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11954005\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11954005\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66569_230625-sf-pride-03-ks-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"Wayne Shi, 23, of San Francisco waits for the Pride parade to begin in downtown San Francisco on June 25, 2023.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1335\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66569_230625-sf-pride-03-ks-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66569_230625-sf-pride-03-ks-KQED-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66569_230625-sf-pride-03-ks-KQED-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66569_230625-sf-pride-03-ks-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66569_230625-sf-pride-03-ks-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66569_230625-sf-pride-03-ks-KQED-1920x1282.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Wayne Shi, 23, of San Francisco waits for the Pride parade to begin in downtown San Francisco on June 25, 2023. \u003ccite>(Kori Suzuki/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>Understand others celebrate Pride in their own way\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>EliasTinoco said new attendees are going “to be seeing a lot of things, maybe for the first time, that you haven’t seen before.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Understand that Pride is a very open space. Pride covers the range of ages, the range of identities, the range of interests and \u003ca href=\"https://www.vox.com/the-goods/22463879/kink-at-pride-discourse-lgbtq\">different subcommunities within the LGBTQ+ community\u003c/a>,” they said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For example, you may see someone naked at Pride — which is also a regular occurrence in the Castro District.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you do not want to be around this, EliasTinoco said you do not have to engage with everything and instead should head to another part of Pride “where you feel a little more comfortable or safer and also just keep an open mind, know that nobody really is there to harm you or to cause you any kind of discomfort or make you feel uneasy.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s simply that this is a chance for everyone to express their own interests and their own identity within the queer community, meaning that just as much as we have a right to express ourselves, other people do too.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.educationsuperhighway.org/no-home-left-offline/acp-data/#dashboard\">Close to 3 million California households\u003c/a> are losing access to free or discounted broadband internet due to the recent expiration of the White House’s Affordable Connectivity Program.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>ACP was \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11954197/how-to-find-free-or-lower-cost-wi-fi-in-the-bay-area\">the federal government’s $14.2 billion measure\u003c/a> from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide discounted broadband internet to eligible households. ACP offered a discount of $30 per month on broadband plans or a discount of $75 for people living on Tribal lands — but as of May 31, the program has ended.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During a press conference before the program’s official expiration date, President Joe Biden’s senior adviser, Mayor Steven Benjamin, blamed Congress’s Republicans for failing to act on \u003ca href=\"https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/31/tech/fcc-affordable-connectivity-program-acp-close/index.html\">the president’s repeated calls to extend funding for the program\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Millions of Americans will see prices increase for the necessary connectivity to do their homework, access telehealth, hold a remote job or run a small business from their homes,” Benjamin said at the May 30 press conference. “In the absence of funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program, President Biden remains committed to doing everything possible to ensure families continue to access affordable, high-speed internet.” (Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#whatwillthewhitehousedotoprovidewifitothosewhoneedit\">What will the White House do to provide Wi-Fi to those who need it?\u003c/a>)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.fcc.gov/acp-survey\">a 2023 FCC survey\u003c/a>, almost half of respondents said before the ACP, they had either no internet service or were relying entirely on mobile internet service. 77% of respondents said that losing their ACP benefit “would disrupt their service by making them change their plan or drop internet service entirely.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Are you one of millions of people relying on ACP for their Wi-Fi? Read on more to learn about other affordable Wi-Fi options in the Bay Area that might be available to you — and the White House’s future plans are \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11982394/new-bill-pushes-california-to-confront-digital-discrimination\">around this aspect of the digital divide\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Now ACP is gone, where else could I find affordable Wi-Fi?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Programs from internet providers\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some providers offer their own access programs you may be eligible for, based on income or if you receive benefits like CalFresh (previously known as food stamps) or Supplemental Security Income. These include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.att.com/internet/access/\">AT&T’s Access feature\u003c/a> offers free Wi-Fi up to 100 Mbps.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/internet-essentials\">Comcast’s Internet Essential program\u003c/a> gives $9.95 per month for 50 Mbps and $29.95 per month for 100 Mbps.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>T-Mobile’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.t-mobile.com/business/education/project-10-million\">Project 10Million program for certain students\u003c/a>.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>If you were previously enrolled in ACP and did not hear from your internet service provider after ACP ended, reach out to your provider to see how they can help with your bill throughout 2024.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lifeline\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers\">Lifeline\u003c/a> is an FCC program that provides discounts for phone or internet service. While separate from ACP, households who qualify for Lifeline also qualify for ACP, and it’s technically possible to be enrolled in both programs (more on this below).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lifeline provides up to $9.25 off the monthly bill for eligible lower-income households (up to $34.25 per month for those on Tribal lands). However, there are caveats: One household cannot have more than one Lifeline service, and it cannot get a discount on both wireline (home phone) or wireless (cellphone) services.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But there is also \u003ca href=\"https://www.californialifeline.com/en/discounts_comparison\">a California-only version of Lifeline\u003c/a>. Here, the monthly cellphone service discount is up to $19, and the service connection discount is up to $39 — but again, there’s fine print. “Only one discount per household for each residential address is allowed (except for teletypewriter users and Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program participants),” \u003ca href=\"https://www.californialifeline.com/en/discounts_comparison\">the website reads\u003c/a>. “Households cannot get the discount from multiple phone companies. Households not following the one discount per household rule will lose their discounts.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California households qualify for either Lifeline program if they are enrolled in other benefits programs such as:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>SNAP (CalFresh in California)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Section 8\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Households can also qualify based on income before taxes. If a household is made up of one to two people, that collective income must be at or under $32,500. For a house of four, it must be at or under $45,900. \u003ca href=\"https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/consumer-support/financial-assistance-savings-and-discounts/lifeline/california-lifeline-eligibility#qualify\">See the full eligibility list for Lifeline.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If households are only interested in broadband (internet access), they can apply for Lifeline on \u003ca href=\"https://www.getinternet.gov/apply?id=nv_home\">the National Verifier application system\u003c/a>. If you’d like help from an internet service provider when getting connected, you can check out \u003ca href=\"https://cnm.universalservice.org/\">this tool to see which companies are nearest to you\u003c/a>. Households will have to recertify every year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Other programs to investigate\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Residents may also qualify for the \u003ca href=\"https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/consumer-support/financial-assistance-savings-and-discounts/ddtp\">Deaf and Disabled Telecommunication Program,\u003c/a> which provides specialized technology and services.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For those who represent community-based organizations, they may be eligible for 50% off their connection services through \u003ca href=\"https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/consumer-support/financial-assistance-savings-and-discounts/california-teleconnect-fund\">the California Teleconnect Fund\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Map: Find a free or low-cost internet plan near you\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>California’s Public Utilities Commission has \u003ca href=\"https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/california-low-cost-internet-plans\">a tool for users to find free or low-cost options near them, sorted by zip code\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Hover over the highlighted areas to get more information broken down to mobile providers and internet providers near you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cdiv id=\"viz1717788128458\" class=\"tableauPlaceholder\" style=\"position: relative;\">\u003ca href=\"https://ia.cpuc.ca.gov/\">\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: none;\" src=\"https://public.tableau.com/static/images/Ca/CaliforniaAffordableInternetPlans/Dashboard/1_rss.png\" alt=\"Dashboard \">\u003c/a>\u003c/div>\n\u003cp>(\u003cem>Visit the map to locate your neighborhood \u003ca href=\"https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/california-low-cost-internet-plans\">here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For example, in 94110 (where KQED’s office is located), \u003ca href=\"https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/internet-essentials\">Comcast’s Internet Essentials\u003c/a> is a nearby low-cost option.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"whatwillthewhitehousedotoprovidewifitothosewhoneedit\">\u003c/a>What will the White House do to provide Wi-Fi to those who need it?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>According to Biden adviser Steven Benjamin, during the May 30 press conference, the White House encouraged — and received — “voluntary commitments from internet service providers across the private sector … to continue offering high-speed internet plans at $30 or less through 2024 for eligible households.” Those volunteer internet service providers include AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, and Spectrum, Benjamin said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to an AT&T spokesperson, the company is “working with customers that previously received the ACP benefit to help them adjust to life without it” by \u003ca href=\"https://www.attconnects.com/helping-customers-adjust-to-the-end-of-acp/\">offering temporary benefits and other previously existing low-cost AT&T plans\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We continue to urge the government to act on a more permanent and reliable funding solution for programs like ACP,” AT&T’s spokesperson told KQED by email. [aside postID=news_11988884 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/092223-Native-American-Day-MG-CM-28-1020x680.jpg']However, Benjamin emphasized that “while we’re very happy to see companies pledging to continue these plans, President Biden knows that even $30 is too much for many families.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There is also currently pending legislation to consider restarting the ACP in 2024, with a version both in \u003ca href=\"https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6929/cosponsors\">the House\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/3565/cosponsors\">the Senate\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Biden administration also has an assortment of other infrastructure bills addressing Wi-Fi accessibility and funding, which, according to a White House news release, includes The \u003ca href=\"https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/funding-programs/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program\">Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program\u003c/a>, which “requires every state and territory to develop a low-cost plan to ensure networks built with BEAD funding are affordable to the communities and people they connect.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another program, \u003ca href=\"https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/funding-programs/enabling-middle-mile-broadband-infrastructure-program\">Middle Mile\u003c/a>, is funding the construction of regional fiber networks, with which the government promises to lower “the cost of building ‘last mile’ connections directly to homes and businesses.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California residents can view the funding breakdown \u003ca href=\"https://www.internetforall.gov/funding-recipients?state=CA&form_build_id=form-m1Y5mB5z5mtBc4WeYMKVqZ3z0876nZEIIU6qUn2Q-kk&form_id=ntia_interactive_map_state_and_program_selection\">specifically for internet access expansion on internetforall.gov.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.educationsuperhighway.org/no-home-left-offline/acp-data/#dashboard\">Close to 3 million California households\u003c/a> are losing access to free or discounted broadband internet due to the recent expiration of the White House’s Affordable Connectivity Program.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>ACP was \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11954197/how-to-find-free-or-lower-cost-wi-fi-in-the-bay-area\">the federal government’s $14.2 billion measure\u003c/a> from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide discounted broadband internet to eligible households. ACP offered a discount of $30 per month on broadband plans or a discount of $75 for people living on Tribal lands — but as of May 31, the program has ended.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During a press conference before the program’s official expiration date, President Joe Biden’s senior adviser, Mayor Steven Benjamin, blamed Congress’s Republicans for failing to act on \u003ca href=\"https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/31/tech/fcc-affordable-connectivity-program-acp-close/index.html\">the president’s repeated calls to extend funding for the program\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Millions of Americans will see prices increase for the necessary connectivity to do their homework, access telehealth, hold a remote job or run a small business from their homes,” Benjamin said at the May 30 press conference. “In the absence of funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program, President Biden remains committed to doing everything possible to ensure families continue to access affordable, high-speed internet.” (Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#whatwillthewhitehousedotoprovidewifitothosewhoneedit\">What will the White House do to provide Wi-Fi to those who need it?\u003c/a>)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.fcc.gov/acp-survey\">a 2023 FCC survey\u003c/a>, almost half of respondents said before the ACP, they had either no internet service or were relying entirely on mobile internet service. 77% of respondents said that losing their ACP benefit “would disrupt their service by making them change their plan or drop internet service entirely.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Are you one of millions of people relying on ACP for their Wi-Fi? Read on more to learn about other affordable Wi-Fi options in the Bay Area that might be available to you — and the White House’s future plans are \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11982394/new-bill-pushes-california-to-confront-digital-discrimination\">around this aspect of the digital divide\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Now ACP is gone, where else could I find affordable Wi-Fi?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Programs from internet providers\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some providers offer their own access programs you may be eligible for, based on income or if you receive benefits like CalFresh (previously known as food stamps) or Supplemental Security Income. These include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.att.com/internet/access/\">AT&T’s Access feature\u003c/a> offers free Wi-Fi up to 100 Mbps.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/internet-essentials\">Comcast’s Internet Essential program\u003c/a> gives $9.95 per month for 50 Mbps and $29.95 per month for 100 Mbps.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>T-Mobile’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.t-mobile.com/business/education/project-10-million\">Project 10Million program for certain students\u003c/a>.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>If you were previously enrolled in ACP and did not hear from your internet service provider after ACP ended, reach out to your provider to see how they can help with your bill throughout 2024.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lifeline\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers\">Lifeline\u003c/a> is an FCC program that provides discounts for phone or internet service. While separate from ACP, households who qualify for Lifeline also qualify for ACP, and it’s technically possible to be enrolled in both programs (more on this below).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lifeline provides up to $9.25 off the monthly bill for eligible lower-income households (up to $34.25 per month for those on Tribal lands). However, there are caveats: One household cannot have more than one Lifeline service, and it cannot get a discount on both wireline (home phone) or wireless (cellphone) services.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But there is also \u003ca href=\"https://www.californialifeline.com/en/discounts_comparison\">a California-only version of Lifeline\u003c/a>. Here, the monthly cellphone service discount is up to $19, and the service connection discount is up to $39 — but again, there’s fine print. “Only one discount per household for each residential address is allowed (except for teletypewriter users and Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program participants),” \u003ca href=\"https://www.californialifeline.com/en/discounts_comparison\">the website reads\u003c/a>. “Households cannot get the discount from multiple phone companies. Households not following the one discount per household rule will lose their discounts.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California households qualify for either Lifeline program if they are enrolled in other benefits programs such as:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>SNAP (CalFresh in California)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Section 8\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Households can also qualify based on income before taxes. If a household is made up of one to two people, that collective income must be at or under $32,500. For a house of four, it must be at or under $45,900. \u003ca href=\"https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/consumer-support/financial-assistance-savings-and-discounts/lifeline/california-lifeline-eligibility#qualify\">See the full eligibility list for Lifeline.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If households are only interested in broadband (internet access), they can apply for Lifeline on \u003ca href=\"https://www.getinternet.gov/apply?id=nv_home\">the National Verifier application system\u003c/a>. If you’d like help from an internet service provider when getting connected, you can check out \u003ca href=\"https://cnm.universalservice.org/\">this tool to see which companies are nearest to you\u003c/a>. Households will have to recertify every year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Other programs to investigate\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Residents may also qualify for the \u003ca href=\"https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/consumer-support/financial-assistance-savings-and-discounts/ddtp\">Deaf and Disabled Telecommunication Program,\u003c/a> which provides specialized technology and services.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For those who represent community-based organizations, they may be eligible for 50% off their connection services through \u003ca href=\"https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/consumer-support/financial-assistance-savings-and-discounts/california-teleconnect-fund\">the California Teleconnect Fund\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Map: Find a free or low-cost internet plan near you\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>California’s Public Utilities Commission has \u003ca href=\"https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/california-low-cost-internet-plans\">a tool for users to find free or low-cost options near them, sorted by zip code\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Hover over the highlighted areas to get more information broken down to mobile providers and internet providers near you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cdiv id=\"viz1717788128458\" class=\"tableauPlaceholder\" style=\"position: relative;\">\u003ca href=\"https://ia.cpuc.ca.gov/\">\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: none;\" src=\"https://public.tableau.com/static/images/Ca/CaliforniaAffordableInternetPlans/Dashboard/1_rss.png\" alt=\"Dashboard \">\u003c/a>\u003c/div>\n\u003cp>(\u003cem>Visit the map to locate your neighborhood \u003ca href=\"https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/california-low-cost-internet-plans\">here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For example, in 94110 (where KQED’s office is located), \u003ca href=\"https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/internet-essentials\">Comcast’s Internet Essentials\u003c/a> is a nearby low-cost option.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"whatwillthewhitehousedotoprovidewifitothosewhoneedit\">\u003c/a>What will the White House do to provide Wi-Fi to those who need it?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>According to Biden adviser Steven Benjamin, during the May 30 press conference, the White House encouraged — and received — “voluntary commitments from internet service providers across the private sector … to continue offering high-speed internet plans at $30 or less through 2024 for eligible households.” Those volunteer internet service providers include AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, and Spectrum, Benjamin said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to an AT&T spokesperson, the company is “working with customers that previously received the ACP benefit to help them adjust to life without it” by \u003ca href=\"https://www.attconnects.com/helping-customers-adjust-to-the-end-of-acp/\">offering temporary benefits and other previously existing low-cost AT&T plans\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We continue to urge the government to act on a more permanent and reliable funding solution for programs like ACP,” AT&T’s spokesperson told KQED by email. \u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>However, Benjamin emphasized that “while we’re very happy to see companies pledging to continue these plans, President Biden knows that even $30 is too much for many families.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There is also currently pending legislation to consider restarting the ACP in 2024, with a version both in \u003ca href=\"https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6929/cosponsors\">the House\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/3565/cosponsors\">the Senate\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Biden administration also has an assortment of other infrastructure bills addressing Wi-Fi accessibility and funding, which, according to a White House news release, includes The \u003ca href=\"https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/funding-programs/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program\">Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program\u003c/a>, which “requires every state and territory to develop a low-cost plan to ensure networks built with BEAD funding are affordable to the communities and people they connect.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another program, \u003ca href=\"https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/funding-programs/enabling-middle-mile-broadband-infrastructure-program\">Middle Mile\u003c/a>, is funding the construction of regional fiber networks, with which the government promises to lower “the cost of building ‘last mile’ connections directly to homes and businesses.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California residents can view the funding breakdown \u003ca href=\"https://www.internetforall.gov/funding-recipients?state=CA&form_build_id=form-m1Y5mB5z5mtBc4WeYMKVqZ3z0876nZEIIU6qUn2Q-kk&form_id=ntia_interactive_map_state_and_program_selection\">specifically for internet access expansion on internetforall.gov.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"title": "Want to Go Camping in Big Sur This Summer? What to Know",
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"content": "\u003cp>You heard that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11986383/when-will-highway-1-big-sur-reopen\">Highway 1 into Big Sur from the Bay Area is finally open again\u003c/a>, and you’re excited about a summer trip.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You want to go camping on that stunning coastline or among the redwoods, but perhaps you still have questions. What Big Sur campsites are actually open right now? What state park camping is available, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11953853/how-to-find-a-camping-spot-in-california-when-they-always-seem-to-be-fully-booked\">how hard \u003cem>is \u003c/em>it to find a camping reservation\u003c/a>?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for everything you need to know about camping in Big Sur in 2024.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Which Big Sur camping areas can I access from the Bay Area, and where is Highway 1 still closed?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>First, a reminder: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11986383/when-will-highway-1-big-sur-reopen\">Highway 1 — the only road in and out of the region — has finally reopened to allow access from the Bay Area into Big Sur\u003c/a> after a slide at Rocky Creek Bridge about 17 miles south of Monterey forced the road’s closure on March 30.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But you still can not drive down Highway 1 from San Francisco to Central Coast towns like Cambria, Santa Barbara or Los Angeles. That’s because while Highway 1 is open from Rocky Creek to just south of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, a longer section to the south near the town of Lucia remains closed after a rock slide in January 2023 and is \u003ca href=\"https://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_conditions.html\">not scheduled to reopen until at least late fall 2024.\u003c/a> If you’re driving south from the Bay Area along Highway 1, you’ll be able to get as far as Lime Creek, south of the Esalen Institute, but will then be turned back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The good news: That means you can once again access all the parks and camping on the northern end of Big Sur until the Lime Creek turnaround.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The bad news: All of Limekiln State Park and its campground remain closed to all visitors because of the Highway 1 repair. If you want to access the camping south of Lucia, you’ll have to \u003ca href=\"https://maps.app.goo.gl/nhYMC9LDeNy2Sz4a8\">drive the (really) long way around from the Bay\u003c/a>: Down Highway 101 to Paso Robles, west on Highway 46 to the coast and then north on Highway 1.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#wherecanIcampinbigsur\">Where can I camp in Big Sur?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>If you’re planning a quick Big Sur camping getaway on the weekend, you probably want to stick to the northern options closer to the Bay Area. There are public and private campgrounds throughout Big Sur, as well as dispersed camping in the wilderness area.[aside postID=news_11986383 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/BigSur-1020x680.jpg']Because Big Sur is so large, you should decide whether you’re looking for waterfront camping with an ocean view (which is much harder to find), camping along the Big Sur River under the redwoods or the more rugged backpacking up along the wilderness backcountry ridges.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Before you head out, you should also be prepared for even slower driving along Highway 1 than usual. Just one lane is open on the highway at Rocky Creek, with a timed light alternating traffic in each direction. Check the latest road conditions and be sure any new closures or delays don’t impact your route. You can find the latest info on \u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/\">Caltrans’ own QuickMap site\u003c/a> or \u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/QM/app.htm\">the QuickMap app (available on the App Store and Google Play)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Plan on downloading any Google Maps or info before you go, too, because reception can be very spotty.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"wherecanIcampinbigsur\">\u003c/a>Where can I camp in Big Sur?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Remember, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=577\">Limekiln State Park\u003c/a> is along the off-limited closed section of Highway 1, and all access and campgrounds remain closed. And \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=590\">Hearst San Simeon State Park\u003c/a> is south of that closure, so it requires a longer detour — though it is open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The rest of these Big Sur state parks, just south of Monterey on Highway 1, are currently open. All state park campsites can be booked at \u003ca href=\"https://reservecalifornia.com/Web/\">ReserveCalifornia\u003c/a>, typically six months in advance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Big Sur state parks that offer camping are:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29852\">\u003cstrong>Andrew Molera State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Campsites here opened earlier in May. Both the standard tent campground and the hike-in/bike-in campsites require reservations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>How do I make a camping reservation here? \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/#!park/1077\">Andrew Molera State Park reservations open six months in advance at 8 a.m\u003c/a>. However, with cancellations and road closures, several reservations are currently still available, especially on weekdays.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29886\">\u003cstrong>Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While this park is best known for its hikes and waterfall viewpoint, there are two walk-in campsites near the famous McWay Falls. (No, you can not access or walk down to the beach \u003cem>from \u003c/em>the campsites, so don’t try it — you will be heavily fined.) These sites are among the most popular in the state park system and book up almost instantly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>How do I make a camping reservation here? \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/#!park/661/518\">Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park camping reservations open six months in advance at 8 a.m.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29832\">\u003cstrong>Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This is a \u003cem>different\u003c/em> state park than Julia Pfeiffer Burns, to be clear. Pfeiffer Big Sur has a much larger campground, with a ranger station, that sits along the Big Sur River. There are 189 campsites and one cabin. The group campsite is currently closed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>How do I make a camping reservation here? \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/#!park/690\">Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park camping reservations open six months in advance at 8 a.m.\u003c/a> and typically fill up. However, the ranger \u003cem>does\u003c/em> hand out any open campsites because of last-minute cancellations at 3 p.m.; you must be physically present to get one of those walk-up camping spots. Be warned that the park does not recommend this because you could very easily strike out (and be left with a long drive out).\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Camping in Big Sur private campgrounds\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In addition to the state parks above, many Big Sur campgrounds are run privately. While some of these private campsites are high-end and book out far in advance, many of the private Big Sur campgrounds have more availability than the state parks and are almost indistinguishable from the public campgrounds. However, they are typically more expensive.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The main private Big Sur campgrounds that are north of the road closure:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.bigsurcamp.com/\">\u003cstrong>Big Sur Campgrounds & Cabins\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A campground with tent sites, RV sites and a variety of cabins (both larger and metal lean-to’s) along the Big Sur River near the post office.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>How do I make a camping reservation here?\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://secure.webrez.com/Bookings105/activity-edit.html?hotel_id=3590&table=hotels&listing_id=3590&mode=command&command=bookingrequestform_v2&_gl=1*1ypmdpq*_ga*OTYxNzMwNDU2LjE3MTcxMDc0OTM.*_ga_C4GSX0DJKW*MTcxNzEwNzQ5My4xLjEuMTcxNzEwNzUzNy4xNi4wLjA.\">Big Sur Campgrounds and Cabins reservations are available on their website.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.riversidecampground.com/\">\u003cstrong>Riverside Campgrounds & Cabins\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This campground is next door to the Big Sur Campgrounds & Cabins and offers tent sites, RV sites and small cabins.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>How do I make a camping reservation here?\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.campspot.com/book/riversidecampground\">Riverside Campgrounds & Cabins reservations are available on their website.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fernwoodbigsur.com/\">\u003cstrong>Fernwood Resort & Campground\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With a motel, bar and grill plus tavern in front, the campground behind the motel has tent sites and pre-pitched tent camping (kind of like glamping) near the river, as well as cabins and RV sites.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>How do I make a camping reservation here? \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.camplife.com/837/reservation/step1\">Fernwood Resort & Campground reservations are available on their website.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://ventanacamping.com/\">\u003cstrong>Ventana Campground\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Next to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Ventana does not allow RVs or pop-up travel trailers but offers tent campsites and glamping sites.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>How do I make a camping reservation here? \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/ventana-campground/sjcac\">Ventana Campground reservations are available on their website\u003c/a>, which is Hyatt runs.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Dispersed camping options near Big Sur\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Dispersed camping — meaning \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11920867/how-to-find-free-camping-in-californias-national-forests\">camping not at a developed campground, without the amenities those sites would offer\u003c/a> — is allowed for free across the country on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and, in most cases, on Forest Service land.[aside postID=news_11953853 hero='https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66535_GettyImages-523679818-1-qut-1020x686.jpg']Near Big Sur that means \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/lpnf/recreation/camping-cabins\">the Los Padres National Forest\u003c/a> (Monterey Ranger District) and the BLM’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/visit/ventana-wilderness\">Ventana Wilderness\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/ivm/index.html?minx=-13627654&miny=4108556&maxx=-13158025&maxy=4329306&exploremenu=no&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=Bay%20Curious%20Newsletter&mc_key=90524295\">use the Forest Service map to find possible campsites.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Pine Ridge Trail is the most popular thru-hiking and camping route in Ventana — however, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ventanawild.org/plan-a-trip\">part of it remains closed\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lpnf/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=10951&actid=51\">hikers are being rerouted\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>How do I make a camping reservation here? \u003c/em>Bookings are not required for dispersed camping. However, \u003ca href=\"https://readyforwildfire.org/permits/\">if you want to run a campfire or stove, you will need a permit\u003c/a>. Los Padres National Forest also runs \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/lpnf/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=10902&actid=29\">a few campgrounds that do require reservations\u003c/a> on Recreation.gov.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For the most up-to-date info about all the public lands and road closures, as well as maps, you can stop at the Big Sur Visitor Center, which is at the trailhead for the Pine Ridge Trail, inside the entrance of \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29832\">Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Highway 1 has reopened after a monthslong closure, and camping in Big Sur is back on the table. Here’s what to know about snagging camping reservations in Big Sur.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>You heard that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11986383/when-will-highway-1-big-sur-reopen\">Highway 1 into Big Sur from the Bay Area is finally open again\u003c/a>, and you’re excited about a summer trip.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You want to go camping on that stunning coastline or among the redwoods, but perhaps you still have questions. What Big Sur campsites are actually open right now? What state park camping is available, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11953853/how-to-find-a-camping-spot-in-california-when-they-always-seem-to-be-fully-booked\">how hard \u003cem>is \u003c/em>it to find a camping reservation\u003c/a>?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for everything you need to know about camping in Big Sur in 2024.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Which Big Sur camping areas can I access from the Bay Area, and where is Highway 1 still closed?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>First, a reminder: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11986383/when-will-highway-1-big-sur-reopen\">Highway 1 — the only road in and out of the region — has finally reopened to allow access from the Bay Area into Big Sur\u003c/a> after a slide at Rocky Creek Bridge about 17 miles south of Monterey forced the road’s closure on March 30.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But you still can not drive down Highway 1 from San Francisco to Central Coast towns like Cambria, Santa Barbara or Los Angeles. That’s because while Highway 1 is open from Rocky Creek to just south of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, a longer section to the south near the town of Lucia remains closed after a rock slide in January 2023 and is \u003ca href=\"https://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_conditions.html\">not scheduled to reopen until at least late fall 2024.\u003c/a> If you’re driving south from the Bay Area along Highway 1, you’ll be able to get as far as Lime Creek, south of the Esalen Institute, but will then be turned back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The good news: That means you can once again access all the parks and camping on the northern end of Big Sur until the Lime Creek turnaround.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The bad news: All of Limekiln State Park and its campground remain closed to all visitors because of the Highway 1 repair. If you want to access the camping south of Lucia, you’ll have to \u003ca href=\"https://maps.app.goo.gl/nhYMC9LDeNy2Sz4a8\">drive the (really) long way around from the Bay\u003c/a>: Down Highway 101 to Paso Robles, west on Highway 46 to the coast and then north on Highway 1.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#wherecanIcampinbigsur\">Where can I camp in Big Sur?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>If you’re planning a quick Big Sur camping getaway on the weekend, you probably want to stick to the northern options closer to the Bay Area. There are public and private campgrounds throughout Big Sur, as well as dispersed camping in the wilderness area.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Because Big Sur is so large, you should decide whether you’re looking for waterfront camping with an ocean view (which is much harder to find), camping along the Big Sur River under the redwoods or the more rugged backpacking up along the wilderness backcountry ridges.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Before you head out, you should also be prepared for even slower driving along Highway 1 than usual. Just one lane is open on the highway at Rocky Creek, with a timed light alternating traffic in each direction. Check the latest road conditions and be sure any new closures or delays don’t impact your route. You can find the latest info on \u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/\">Caltrans’ own QuickMap site\u003c/a> or \u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/QM/app.htm\">the QuickMap app (available on the App Store and Google Play)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Plan on downloading any Google Maps or info before you go, too, because reception can be very spotty.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"wherecanIcampinbigsur\">\u003c/a>Where can I camp in Big Sur?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Remember, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=577\">Limekiln State Park\u003c/a> is along the off-limited closed section of Highway 1, and all access and campgrounds remain closed. And \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=590\">Hearst San Simeon State Park\u003c/a> is south of that closure, so it requires a longer detour — though it is open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The rest of these Big Sur state parks, just south of Monterey on Highway 1, are currently open. All state park campsites can be booked at \u003ca href=\"https://reservecalifornia.com/Web/\">ReserveCalifornia\u003c/a>, typically six months in advance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Big Sur state parks that offer camping are:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29852\">\u003cstrong>Andrew Molera State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Campsites here opened earlier in May. Both the standard tent campground and the hike-in/bike-in campsites require reservations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>How do I make a camping reservation here? \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/#!park/1077\">Andrew Molera State Park reservations open six months in advance at 8 a.m\u003c/a>. However, with cancellations and road closures, several reservations are currently still available, especially on weekdays.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29886\">\u003cstrong>Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While this park is best known for its hikes and waterfall viewpoint, there are two walk-in campsites near the famous McWay Falls. (No, you can not access or walk down to the beach \u003cem>from \u003c/em>the campsites, so don’t try it — you will be heavily fined.) These sites are among the most popular in the state park system and book up almost instantly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>How do I make a camping reservation here? \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/#!park/661/518\">Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park camping reservations open six months in advance at 8 a.m.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29832\">\u003cstrong>Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This is a \u003cem>different\u003c/em> state park than Julia Pfeiffer Burns, to be clear. Pfeiffer Big Sur has a much larger campground, with a ranger station, that sits along the Big Sur River. There are 189 campsites and one cabin. The group campsite is currently closed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>How do I make a camping reservation here? \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/#!park/690\">Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park camping reservations open six months in advance at 8 a.m.\u003c/a> and typically fill up. However, the ranger \u003cem>does\u003c/em> hand out any open campsites because of last-minute cancellations at 3 p.m.; you must be physically present to get one of those walk-up camping spots. Be warned that the park does not recommend this because you could very easily strike out (and be left with a long drive out).\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Camping in Big Sur private campgrounds\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In addition to the state parks above, many Big Sur campgrounds are run privately. While some of these private campsites are high-end and book out far in advance, many of the private Big Sur campgrounds have more availability than the state parks and are almost indistinguishable from the public campgrounds. However, they are typically more expensive.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The main private Big Sur campgrounds that are north of the road closure:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.bigsurcamp.com/\">\u003cstrong>Big Sur Campgrounds & Cabins\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A campground with tent sites, RV sites and a variety of cabins (both larger and metal lean-to’s) along the Big Sur River near the post office.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>How do I make a camping reservation here?\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://secure.webrez.com/Bookings105/activity-edit.html?hotel_id=3590&table=hotels&listing_id=3590&mode=command&command=bookingrequestform_v2&_gl=1*1ypmdpq*_ga*OTYxNzMwNDU2LjE3MTcxMDc0OTM.*_ga_C4GSX0DJKW*MTcxNzEwNzQ5My4xLjEuMTcxNzEwNzUzNy4xNi4wLjA.\">Big Sur Campgrounds and Cabins reservations are available on their website.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.riversidecampground.com/\">\u003cstrong>Riverside Campgrounds & Cabins\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This campground is next door to the Big Sur Campgrounds & Cabins and offers tent sites, RV sites and small cabins.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>How do I make a camping reservation here?\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.campspot.com/book/riversidecampground\">Riverside Campgrounds & Cabins reservations are available on their website.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fernwoodbigsur.com/\">\u003cstrong>Fernwood Resort & Campground\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With a motel, bar and grill plus tavern in front, the campground behind the motel has tent sites and pre-pitched tent camping (kind of like glamping) near the river, as well as cabins and RV sites.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>How do I make a camping reservation here? \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.camplife.com/837/reservation/step1\">Fernwood Resort & Campground reservations are available on their website.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://ventanacamping.com/\">\u003cstrong>Ventana Campground\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Next to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Ventana does not allow RVs or pop-up travel trailers but offers tent campsites and glamping sites.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>How do I make a camping reservation here? \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/ventana-campground/sjcac\">Ventana Campground reservations are available on their website\u003c/a>, which is Hyatt runs.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Dispersed camping options near Big Sur\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Dispersed camping — meaning \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11920867/how-to-find-free-camping-in-californias-national-forests\">camping not at a developed campground, without the amenities those sites would offer\u003c/a> — is allowed for free across the country on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and, in most cases, on Forest Service land.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Near Big Sur that means \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/lpnf/recreation/camping-cabins\">the Los Padres National Forest\u003c/a> (Monterey Ranger District) and the BLM’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/visit/ventana-wilderness\">Ventana Wilderness\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/ivm/index.html?minx=-13627654&miny=4108556&maxx=-13158025&maxy=4329306&exploremenu=no&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=Bay%20Curious%20Newsletter&mc_key=90524295\">use the Forest Service map to find possible campsites.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Pine Ridge Trail is the most popular thru-hiking and camping route in Ventana — however, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ventanawild.org/plan-a-trip\">part of it remains closed\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lpnf/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=10951&actid=51\">hikers are being rerouted\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>How do I make a camping reservation here? \u003c/em>Bookings are not required for dispersed camping. However, \u003ca href=\"https://readyforwildfire.org/permits/\">if you want to run a campfire or stove, you will need a permit\u003c/a>. Los Padres National Forest also runs \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/lpnf/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=10902&actid=29\">a few campgrounds that do require reservations\u003c/a> on Recreation.gov.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For the most up-to-date info about all the public lands and road closures, as well as maps, you can stop at the Big Sur Visitor Center, which is at the trailhead for the Pine Ridge Trail, inside the entrance of \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29832\">Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"headTitle": "Heading to a River This Summer? Here’s How to Stay Safe | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>Northern California is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1993132/northern-california-set-to-sizzle-under-first-heat-wave\">getting a major heat wave this week\u003c/a>. And when the weather gets as warm as this, many residents seek relief from the sun by heading out to the state’s beautiful rivers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some rivers, like the American River, are \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11953792/visiting-rivers-is-extra-dangerous-this-summer-if-you-were-planning-a-trip-heres-what-to-know\">not flowing as harshly as they did last year \u003c/a>when conditions led officials to warn that swimming could be life-threatening. The snowpack — which contributes to strong, cold river flows — in \u003ca href=\"https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/152673/a-surprisingly-average-year-for-sierra-snowpack\">the Sierra Nevada mountains\u003c/a> has been average this season, in contrast to\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11947435/what-will-the-big-melt-look-like-in-california-and-how-much-could-it-affect-fire-season\"> 2023’s epic winter\u003c/a>. For example, this graph shows the water outflow into the American River.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How Fast Is Water Released From Folsom Dam Each Year Into the American River?\" aria-label=\"Table\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-WVvCz\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/WVvCz/3/\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border: none;\" width=\"800\" height=\"590\" data-external=\"1\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, your local river could \u003ci>still \u003c/i>be fast and cold this year — and pose a potential threat even if you’re not planning on going into the water.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://twitter.com/nwssacramento/status/1797349969243803876\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re planning to visit the river this season, here are some tips from officials to ensure a safe trip for you and your loved ones.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Be particularly careful at the South Yuba River\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11953792/visiting-rivers-is-extra-dangerous-this-summer-if-you-were-planning-a-trip-heres-what-to-know\">As they did in 2023\u003c/a>, Nevada County officials are again \u003ca href=\"https://nevadacountyca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=7537\">emphasizing possibly dangerous conditions\u003c/a> at the South Yuba River due to fast and often unpredictable water flows, according to public information officer Taylor Wolfe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Our Yuba River is majestic, but she’s also unforgiving, and it only takes an instant to lose a life,” District 4 Supervisor Sue Hoek said in \u003ca href=\"https://nevadacountyca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=7537\">a news release, which also reported that one person has already died in the high water flows of this river in May\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEn73Aro7Bc\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Tragic and fatal accidents happen at the river every year, and this year, water flows are even more unregulated with the water flowing from Spaulding Dam,” Nevada County Consolidated Fire District Operations Chief Pat Sullivan said. “In an area where you could be standing on a rock high and dry in the morning, you could be knee-deep in cold and dangerous fast-flowing water in the afternoon.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Check the status and temperature of the river\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Sarah Kennedy, California State Parks’ boating safety education and outreach coordinator, told KQED in 2023 that visitors should check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.dreamflows.com/flows.php?page=real&zone=canv&form=maps\">Dreamflows\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-index\">American Whitewater\u003c/a>, two handy websites that allow you to assess the flow of a river before you go.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On these maps, the color green denotes the rivers where the flow is safer — but be warned that even these rivers can have high flows that demand caution. For example, while some parts of the Yuba River may be calmer, other parts may be best left to more experienced visitors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11988990\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1094px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/2024map.png\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11988990\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/2024map.png\" alt=\"A map of the California with red, green and blue lines.\" width=\"1094\" height=\"703\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/2024map.png 1094w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/2024map-800x514.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/2024map-1020x655.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/2024map-160x103.png 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1094px) 100vw, 1094px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A screenshot from a map at American Whitewater displaying the flow of California rivers. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of American Whitewater)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>You can also \u003ca href=\"https://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/?product=zerohourWT&zoom=8&lat=38.963&lng=-121.367&MAJORRIVERS=true&WFOS=true\">check the temperature of an area’s water using the California Nevada River Forecast Center’s map\u003c/a>, where you can also check for any specific messaging around that county’s rivers.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Make sure you pack properly for your river trip\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Once you’ve checked online how swift the river is, using a resource like \u003ca href=\"https://www.dreamflows.com/flows.php?page=real&zone=canv&form=maps\">Dreamflows\u003c/a> or \u003ca href=\"https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-index\">American Whitewater\u003c/a>, here’s a checklist of things to then keep in mind when prepping for your trip, according to experts like Kennedy, Nevada County official Heidi Hall and Sacramento Park’s ranger commander David Spencer in interviews with KQED in 2023.[aside postID=\"science_1993132,news_11878134,science_1993056\" label=\"Related Stories\"]\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">Do you have the right shoes to get down to the river if a hike is required?\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">Do you have enough drinkable water?\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">Do you have enough food?\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">Do you have a trash bag to pack out your litter?\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You should also be ready for the fact that some of the most picturesque (and private) river spots are in remote areas, potentially with no cell service or amenities like drinking water or bathrooms. Prepare to be “in the wild for the day,” Hall said. (According to a 2024 news release from Nevada County, \u003ca href=\"https://nevadacountyca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=7537\">there can be a 15- to 45-minute emergency response time\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Kennedy said visitors should know where they \u003ci>are \u003c/i>on the river and whether there is a big rapid nearby. She suggested people not wade or swim right now, even if it looks calm.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The reason is \u003ca href=\"https://fyfluiddynamics.com/2012/08/one-of-the-perils-of-whitewater-sports-is-getting/\">hydraulic holes in the river\u003c/a>, which can suck people in — even those with life jackets, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Spencer, the ranger commander from Sacramento, asked people to have a plan when getting into the water and to have someone onshore who can track them since the cold water can be quickly disorienting. \u003ca href=\"https://regionalparks.saccounty.gov/Rangers/Pages/RulesRegulationsWaterSafety.aspx\">See more water safety tips about the American River\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Know what you’d do if somebody gets into trouble in the water\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you see someone in trouble in the water or spot somebody falling in, don’t jump in after them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s hard not to go after someone that you love, but … you’ll probably become a victim yourself,” Kennedy said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Instead, Kennedy said that “the best thing you can do” is to call 911 immediately with your exact location and a description of what that person was wearing. “ The best thing you can do is keep an eye on them, keep calm, know exactly where you are and be able to give good information” to the emergency services, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Spencer echoes the importance of giving accurate descriptions to 911 operators: On the American River, “we usually will have an airship in the air, or they’ll get one in the air pretty quick to help locate these people,” he said. “And knowing what they’re wearing really helps us.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://regionalparks.saccounty.gov/Rangers/Pages/RulesRegulationsWaterSafety.aspx\">Sacramento County’s water safety guidance\u003c/a> suggested yelling, “Help!” to draw attention if you spot someone in trouble in the water, and — if you’re able, without getting in the water yourself — reaching toward the person with a pole, branch or paddle, to help them stay afloat until they can get to shore or help arrives. If you have a life jacket or ice chest on hand, you could also throw that out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To raise the chances of a person staying afloat, Hall said people can put their feet up, facing down the river, and try to go through the rapids to swim out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Along the South Yuba River, where the cellphone signal is frequently spotty or nonexistent, there are emergency call boxes at Bridgeport, Purdon, Edwards, Maybert Road and Highway 49 river crossings.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Get a life jacket\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>All of the experts emphasized the importance of having a fitted life vest, especially those good for whitewater, even if you’re just fishing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The American River, even with milder flows, can still be dangerous, and the best way to stay safe is by wearing a life jacket,” Ken Casparis, spokesperson for Sacramento County, told KQED in an email.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you plan on floating down the river this summer, make sure you have a durable raft or kayak — pool floaties and other pool toys purchased at most big box stores can be easily punctured by branches or other sharp objects stuck in the riverbed,” Casparis said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"http://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29179\">Find your county on this list to borrow a life jacket through the Life Jacket Loaner program. \u003c/a>Children under 13 on the American River are legally required to wear a life vest.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Think carefully about alcohol at the river\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Hall outright advised against bringing alcohol to the river as it impairs judgment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A few of our parks have zero tolerance on alcohol,” Spencer also said. “We enforce that pretty strictly.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“But if you’re going to choose to be in one of those parks that allows alcohol and you choose to be in the water, please be safe,” he urged. “Make sure that you don’t overestimate your abilities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Whatever you’re doing or consuming, take the time to “make sure people keep track of each other,” Spencer said. “And don’t hesitate to call 911 because seconds really count in the river.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Pausing on river plans for now? Check out the alternatives\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Hall said some lakes could be a safer visit (but can still be cold), such as:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.sardinelakeresort.com/\">Sardine Lake\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/plumas/recarea/?recid=11197\">Gold Lake\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tahoe/recarea/?recid=55588\">Grouse Ridge\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://orchardspringscampground.com/scotts-flat-lake-2/\">Scotts Flat Lake\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://nevadacountyfair.com/locations/lions-lake/\">Lions Lake\u003c/a> at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, which offers family-friendly fishing.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "With California's heat wave this week, people are flocking to rivers for relief. However, your local river could still be fast, cold and pose a potential threat, even if you’re not planning on going into the water.",
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"title": "Heading to a River This Summer? Here’s How to Stay Safe | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Northern California is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1993132/northern-california-set-to-sizzle-under-first-heat-wave\">getting a major heat wave this week\u003c/a>. And when the weather gets as warm as this, many residents seek relief from the sun by heading out to the state’s beautiful rivers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some rivers, like the American River, are \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11953792/visiting-rivers-is-extra-dangerous-this-summer-if-you-were-planning-a-trip-heres-what-to-know\">not flowing as harshly as they did last year \u003c/a>when conditions led officials to warn that swimming could be life-threatening. The snowpack — which contributes to strong, cold river flows — in \u003ca href=\"https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/152673/a-surprisingly-average-year-for-sierra-snowpack\">the Sierra Nevada mountains\u003c/a> has been average this season, in contrast to\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11947435/what-will-the-big-melt-look-like-in-california-and-how-much-could-it-affect-fire-season\"> 2023’s epic winter\u003c/a>. For example, this graph shows the water outflow into the American River.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How Fast Is Water Released From Folsom Dam Each Year Into the American River?\" aria-label=\"Table\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-WVvCz\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/WVvCz/3/\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border: none;\" width=\"800\" height=\"590\" data-external=\"1\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, your local river could \u003ci>still \u003c/i>be fast and cold this year — and pose a potential threat even if you’re not planning on going into the water.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>If you’re planning to visit the river this season, here are some tips from officials to ensure a safe trip for you and your loved ones.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Be particularly careful at the South Yuba River\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11953792/visiting-rivers-is-extra-dangerous-this-summer-if-you-were-planning-a-trip-heres-what-to-know\">As they did in 2023\u003c/a>, Nevada County officials are again \u003ca href=\"https://nevadacountyca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=7537\">emphasizing possibly dangerous conditions\u003c/a> at the South Yuba River due to fast and often unpredictable water flows, according to public information officer Taylor Wolfe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Our Yuba River is majestic, but she’s also unforgiving, and it only takes an instant to lose a life,” District 4 Supervisor Sue Hoek said in \u003ca href=\"https://nevadacountyca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=7537\">a news release, which also reported that one person has already died in the high water flows of this river in May\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/OEn73Aro7Bc'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/OEn73Aro7Bc'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>“Tragic and fatal accidents happen at the river every year, and this year, water flows are even more unregulated with the water flowing from Spaulding Dam,” Nevada County Consolidated Fire District Operations Chief Pat Sullivan said. “In an area where you could be standing on a rock high and dry in the morning, you could be knee-deep in cold and dangerous fast-flowing water in the afternoon.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Check the status and temperature of the river\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Sarah Kennedy, California State Parks’ boating safety education and outreach coordinator, told KQED in 2023 that visitors should check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.dreamflows.com/flows.php?page=real&zone=canv&form=maps\">Dreamflows\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-index\">American Whitewater\u003c/a>, two handy websites that allow you to assess the flow of a river before you go.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On these maps, the color green denotes the rivers where the flow is safer — but be warned that even these rivers can have high flows that demand caution. For example, while some parts of the Yuba River may be calmer, other parts may be best left to more experienced visitors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11988990\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1094px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/2024map.png\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11988990\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/2024map.png\" alt=\"A map of the California with red, green and blue lines.\" width=\"1094\" height=\"703\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/2024map.png 1094w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/2024map-800x514.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/2024map-1020x655.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/2024map-160x103.png 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1094px) 100vw, 1094px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A screenshot from a map at American Whitewater displaying the flow of California rivers. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of American Whitewater)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>You can also \u003ca href=\"https://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/?product=zerohourWT&zoom=8&lat=38.963&lng=-121.367&MAJORRIVERS=true&WFOS=true\">check the temperature of an area’s water using the California Nevada River Forecast Center’s map\u003c/a>, where you can also check for any specific messaging around that county’s rivers.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Make sure you pack properly for your river trip\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Once you’ve checked online how swift the river is, using a resource like \u003ca href=\"https://www.dreamflows.com/flows.php?page=real&zone=canv&form=maps\">Dreamflows\u003c/a> or \u003ca href=\"https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-index\">American Whitewater\u003c/a>, here’s a checklist of things to then keep in mind when prepping for your trip, according to experts like Kennedy, Nevada County official Heidi Hall and Sacramento Park’s ranger commander David Spencer in interviews with KQED in 2023.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">Do you have the right shoes to get down to the river if a hike is required?\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">Do you have enough drinkable water?\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">Do you have enough food?\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">Do you have a trash bag to pack out your litter?\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You should also be ready for the fact that some of the most picturesque (and private) river spots are in remote areas, potentially with no cell service or amenities like drinking water or bathrooms. Prepare to be “in the wild for the day,” Hall said. (According to a 2024 news release from Nevada County, \u003ca href=\"https://nevadacountyca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=7537\">there can be a 15- to 45-minute emergency response time\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Kennedy said visitors should know where they \u003ci>are \u003c/i>on the river and whether there is a big rapid nearby. She suggested people not wade or swim right now, even if it looks calm.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The reason is \u003ca href=\"https://fyfluiddynamics.com/2012/08/one-of-the-perils-of-whitewater-sports-is-getting/\">hydraulic holes in the river\u003c/a>, which can suck people in — even those with life jackets, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Spencer, the ranger commander from Sacramento, asked people to have a plan when getting into the water and to have someone onshore who can track them since the cold water can be quickly disorienting. \u003ca href=\"https://regionalparks.saccounty.gov/Rangers/Pages/RulesRegulationsWaterSafety.aspx\">See more water safety tips about the American River\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Know what you’d do if somebody gets into trouble in the water\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you see someone in trouble in the water or spot somebody falling in, don’t jump in after them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s hard not to go after someone that you love, but … you’ll probably become a victim yourself,” Kennedy said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Instead, Kennedy said that “the best thing you can do” is to call 911 immediately with your exact location and a description of what that person was wearing. “ The best thing you can do is keep an eye on them, keep calm, know exactly where you are and be able to give good information” to the emergency services, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Spencer echoes the importance of giving accurate descriptions to 911 operators: On the American River, “we usually will have an airship in the air, or they’ll get one in the air pretty quick to help locate these people,” he said. “And knowing what they’re wearing really helps us.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://regionalparks.saccounty.gov/Rangers/Pages/RulesRegulationsWaterSafety.aspx\">Sacramento County’s water safety guidance\u003c/a> suggested yelling, “Help!” to draw attention if you spot someone in trouble in the water, and — if you’re able, without getting in the water yourself — reaching toward the person with a pole, branch or paddle, to help them stay afloat until they can get to shore or help arrives. If you have a life jacket or ice chest on hand, you could also throw that out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To raise the chances of a person staying afloat, Hall said people can put their feet up, facing down the river, and try to go through the rapids to swim out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Along the South Yuba River, where the cellphone signal is frequently spotty or nonexistent, there are emergency call boxes at Bridgeport, Purdon, Edwards, Maybert Road and Highway 49 river crossings.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Get a life jacket\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>All of the experts emphasized the importance of having a fitted life vest, especially those good for whitewater, even if you’re just fishing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The American River, even with milder flows, can still be dangerous, and the best way to stay safe is by wearing a life jacket,” Ken Casparis, spokesperson for Sacramento County, told KQED in an email.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you plan on floating down the river this summer, make sure you have a durable raft or kayak — pool floaties and other pool toys purchased at most big box stores can be easily punctured by branches or other sharp objects stuck in the riverbed,” Casparis said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"http://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29179\">Find your county on this list to borrow a life jacket through the Life Jacket Loaner program. \u003c/a>Children under 13 on the American River are legally required to wear a life vest.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Think carefully about alcohol at the river\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Hall outright advised against bringing alcohol to the river as it impairs judgment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A few of our parks have zero tolerance on alcohol,” Spencer also said. “We enforce that pretty strictly.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“But if you’re going to choose to be in one of those parks that allows alcohol and you choose to be in the water, please be safe,” he urged. “Make sure that you don’t overestimate your abilities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Whatever you’re doing or consuming, take the time to “make sure people keep track of each other,” Spencer said. “And don’t hesitate to call 911 because seconds really count in the river.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Pausing on river plans for now? Check out the alternatives\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Hall said some lakes could be a safer visit (but can still be cold), such as:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.sardinelakeresort.com/\">Sardine Lake\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/plumas/recarea/?recid=11197\">Gold Lake\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tahoe/recarea/?recid=55588\">Grouse Ridge\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://orchardspringscampground.com/scotts-flat-lake-2/\">Scotts Flat Lake\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003ca href=\"https://nevadacountyfair.com/locations/lions-lake/\">Lions Lake\u003c/a> at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, which offers family-friendly fishing.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cp>Every tax season, hundreds of thousands of Californians are hit with an unexpected bill: They owe hundreds of dollars or more to the IRS because they accepted more money in subsidies for health insurance than they were allowed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The chargeback can sting. Collectively, \u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/statistics/soi-tax-stats-historic-table-2\">415,000 California households\u003c/a> owed the IRS close to $690 million in 2021 in charges related to the health care subsidies, according to agency data from the most recent year available. That is roughly $1,662 per person or family. Many people who end up owing money live in lower-income households.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID=\"news_11974310,news_11956545\" label=\"What are teachers really paid?\"]This repayment rule is connected to the federal \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/tag/affordable-care-act/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Affordable Care Act\u003c/a> and the state-based health insurance plans it encouraged. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/health/2023/07/covered-california-2024-health-rates/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Covered California\u003c/a>, the state’s insurance marketplace offers generous premium subsidies to those who qualify based on their income, but people can unknowingly receive too much aid if they underestimate how much they’ll earn the following year or if they lose a dependent and do not report that change.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The federal government collects any “excess” aid when people file their taxes. The government calls this process “reconciliation.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ten years after the rollout of the insurance marketplace, many Californians continue to be caught off guard come tax filing time. Often, the charges come as a shock.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They feel like they’re following the rules, they’re getting their coverage. And, they just kind of feel like they’re getting in trouble for doing everything right,” said \u003ca href=\"https://www.kyccla.org/about/executive-leadership/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Audrey Casillas\u003c/a>, assistant director of community economic development services at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kyccla.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Koreatown Youth and Community Center.\u003c/a> Her nonprofit helps local low-income residents prepare their taxes at no cost as part of a \u003ca href=\"https://dcba.lacounty.gov/volunteer-income-tax-assistance/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Los Angeles County tax assistance program\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The people who receive excess aid are not wealthy. About half of the households who owed the IRS for excess premium subsidies in tax year 2021 earned less than $50,000, according to data from the agency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.quotevalley.com/about-us/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alex Hernandez\u003c/a>, an insurance broker in Merced, said most people can avoid this clawback by reporting any changes in income and dependents to Covered California as soon as possible. This way, the agency will adjust the amount of premium subsidies a person or family receives, and they’ll avoid an unpleasant surprise come tax filing time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Hernandez tells clients to report all taxable income to the agency, including any extras, such as a bonus or significant winnings from a lucky night at the casino.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Some members who are doing the enrollment themselves think that they need to go by last year’s income, and that’s not always the case,” Hernandez said. People should instead estimate income based on their current situation, he explained.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Don’t wait for open enrollment\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Covered California, in an emailed response to questions from CalMatters, said it sends a notice reminding enrollees to report any changes, such as income and household size before they sign up for or renew coverage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Consumers are reminded throughout the notice to ensure their information is accurate, and states what the tax implications are if information is incorrect,” Jagdip Dhillon, a Covered California spokesperson, said in an email.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Of course, people shouldn’t wait until open enrollment to declare changes. Enrollees can report changes at any point, either with the help of an enrollment counselor or by calling Covered California directly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“People may need mid-year reminders; if you’re only getting this (notice) once a year, it can be kind of late,” said \u003ca href=\"https://www.kff.org/person/cynthia-cox/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cynthia Cox\u003c/a>, director of the program on the Affordable Care Act at KFF, a health policy organization that conducts polling and research. “Open enrollment is in November, and tax season is April. It might be a good idea to think about it in July.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The reconciliation rule also works the other way around. People who overestimate their income and receive less subsidies than they’re eligible for could get money back. And for those who make less than 400% of the federal poverty level, there are \u003ca href=\"https://www.kff.org/faqs/faqs-health-insurance-marketplace-and-the-aca/whats-the-most-i-would-have-to-repay-the-irs/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">limits to how much they’d have to repay\u003c/a> the IRS if they were to owe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the time of learning they’ll owe the IRS, some people question whether they should keep their health insurance, Casillas said. But people may also owe if they go without insurance. That’s because California is one of five states that require residents to have health insurance. Those \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/health/2024/03/california-health-insurance-penalty/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">who go without it may face penalties\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Many save money with Covered California\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Some people who have encountered this issue in the past see it as a tradeoff, Casillas said. They pay very little for their health insurance every month but pay hundreds or a couple of thousand dollars when they file their taxes. For many people, what they end up owing the IRS is still less than what they’d pay for a health plan at full price or what they’d pay for a hospital visit, Casillas said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We just tell them, ‘Hey, you know what, these things can be unpredictable. You want to have some savings,’” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Correctly estimating next year’s earnings can be especially difficult for people who freelance or job hop, causing their estimates to be less precise, experts say.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A lot of people on the ACA marketplace do have incomes that can be very volatile. They might be piecing together part-time jobs or are self-employed or small business owners,” Cox said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Hernandez said he advises people enrolled in a Covered California plan to find an agent of their own and check in with them every so often. Because agents get commissions from insurance companies, this service is often free to the public. This is the best way to be informed and avoid unexpected charges, he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Supported by the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF), which works to ensure that people have access to the care they need, when they need it, at a price they can afford. Visit www.chcf.org to learn more.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Every tax season, hundreds of thousands of Californians are hit with an unexpected bill: They owe hundreds of dollars or more to the IRS because they accepted more money in subsidies for health insurance than they were allowed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The chargeback can sting. Collectively, \u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/statistics/soi-tax-stats-historic-table-2\">415,000 California households\u003c/a> owed the IRS close to $690 million in 2021 in charges related to the health care subsidies, according to agency data from the most recent year available. That is roughly $1,662 per person or family. Many people who end up owing money live in lower-income households.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>This repayment rule is connected to the federal \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/tag/affordable-care-act/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Affordable Care Act\u003c/a> and the state-based health insurance plans it encouraged. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/health/2023/07/covered-california-2024-health-rates/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Covered California\u003c/a>, the state’s insurance marketplace offers generous premium subsidies to those who qualify based on their income, but people can unknowingly receive too much aid if they underestimate how much they’ll earn the following year or if they lose a dependent and do not report that change.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The federal government collects any “excess” aid when people file their taxes. The government calls this process “reconciliation.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ten years after the rollout of the insurance marketplace, many Californians continue to be caught off guard come tax filing time. Often, the charges come as a shock.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They feel like they’re following the rules, they’re getting their coverage. And, they just kind of feel like they’re getting in trouble for doing everything right,” said \u003ca href=\"https://www.kyccla.org/about/executive-leadership/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Audrey Casillas\u003c/a>, assistant director of community economic development services at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kyccla.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Koreatown Youth and Community Center.\u003c/a> Her nonprofit helps local low-income residents prepare their taxes at no cost as part of a \u003ca href=\"https://dcba.lacounty.gov/volunteer-income-tax-assistance/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Los Angeles County tax assistance program\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The people who receive excess aid are not wealthy. About half of the households who owed the IRS for excess premium subsidies in tax year 2021 earned less than $50,000, according to data from the agency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.quotevalley.com/about-us/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alex Hernandez\u003c/a>, an insurance broker in Merced, said most people can avoid this clawback by reporting any changes in income and dependents to Covered California as soon as possible. This way, the agency will adjust the amount of premium subsidies a person or family receives, and they’ll avoid an unpleasant surprise come tax filing time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Hernandez tells clients to report all taxable income to the agency, including any extras, such as a bonus or significant winnings from a lucky night at the casino.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Some members who are doing the enrollment themselves think that they need to go by last year’s income, and that’s not always the case,” Hernandez said. People should instead estimate income based on their current situation, he explained.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Don’t wait for open enrollment\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Covered California, in an emailed response to questions from CalMatters, said it sends a notice reminding enrollees to report any changes, such as income and household size before they sign up for or renew coverage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Consumers are reminded throughout the notice to ensure their information is accurate, and states what the tax implications are if information is incorrect,” Jagdip Dhillon, a Covered California spokesperson, said in an email.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Of course, people shouldn’t wait until open enrollment to declare changes. Enrollees can report changes at any point, either with the help of an enrollment counselor or by calling Covered California directly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“People may need mid-year reminders; if you’re only getting this (notice) once a year, it can be kind of late,” said \u003ca href=\"https://www.kff.org/person/cynthia-cox/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cynthia Cox\u003c/a>, director of the program on the Affordable Care Act at KFF, a health policy organization that conducts polling and research. “Open enrollment is in November, and tax season is April. It might be a good idea to think about it in July.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The reconciliation rule also works the other way around. People who overestimate their income and receive less subsidies than they’re eligible for could get money back. And for those who make less than 400% of the federal poverty level, there are \u003ca href=\"https://www.kff.org/faqs/faqs-health-insurance-marketplace-and-the-aca/whats-the-most-i-would-have-to-repay-the-irs/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">limits to how much they’d have to repay\u003c/a> the IRS if they were to owe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the time of learning they’ll owe the IRS, some people question whether they should keep their health insurance, Casillas said. But people may also owe if they go without insurance. That’s because California is one of five states that require residents to have health insurance. Those \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/health/2024/03/california-health-insurance-penalty/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">who go without it may face penalties\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Many save money with Covered California\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Some people who have encountered this issue in the past see it as a tradeoff, Casillas said. They pay very little for their health insurance every month but pay hundreds or a couple of thousand dollars when they file their taxes. For many people, what they end up owing the IRS is still less than what they’d pay for a health plan at full price or what they’d pay for a hospital visit, Casillas said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We just tell them, ‘Hey, you know what, these things can be unpredictable. You want to have some savings,’” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Correctly estimating next year’s earnings can be especially difficult for people who freelance or job hop, causing their estimates to be less precise, experts say.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A lot of people on the ACA marketplace do have incomes that can be very volatile. They might be piecing together part-time jobs or are self-employed or small business owners,” Cox said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Hernandez said he advises people enrolled in a Covered California plan to find an agent of their own and check in with them every so often. Because agents get commissions from insurance companies, this service is often free to the public. This is the best way to be informed and avoid unexpected charges, he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Supported by the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF), which works to ensure that people have access to the care they need, when they need it, at a price they can afford. Visit www.chcf.org to learn more.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "how-to-find-a-camping-spot-in-california-when-they-always-seem-to-be-fully-booked",
"title": "California Camping: Finding a Spot When It's Fully Booked",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003cstrong>A version of this story first appeared in the Bay Curious newsletter. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/newsletters/bay-curious\">Sign up to get Bay Curious in your inbox every month.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’ve ever tried to grab a spot at one of the state’s more popular campgrounds, especially campsites near San Francisco, you’ve probably experienced this frustrating moment: You log in at the exact minute reservations are opened and … everything’s already booked.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In fact, it’s such a common experience that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11450483/cant-get-that-camping-spot-it-could-be-bots\">many people assume that bots are to blame for snagging all the best campsites\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Let’s get this out of the way first: Bots aren’t actually a problem anymore, says California State Parks information officer Jorge Moreno.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After the state parks moved to a third-party online reservation system called \u003ca href=\"https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/\">Reserve California\u003c/a> in 2017, many campers did complain about bots automatically snapping up spots faster than a human could click a button. But Moreno says that’s why, in 2019, that site’s parent company, Reserve America, added a captcha and verification step to the process.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else do you need information about right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>In 2021, to be sure the new methods were effective, they did an analysis of the reservation IPs and time stamps. “It was determined that automated bots were no longer an issue,” he said. Additionally, any account caught using bots or reselling reservations now earns a ban.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If that’s the case, then why are so many campsites still already full the second they open up for reservations?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Demand is greater than inventory,” Moreno said. For some of the most popular spots — like \u003ca href=\"https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/#!park/682/766\">the cabins at Steep Ravine in Mount Tamalpais State Park\u003c/a> — there might be 100 people logging on for one of eight cabins. “It’s really like a lottery,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So how can you find a campsite near you? Are there free campgrounds near San Francisco? KQED talked to the experts to learn several tips for booking a camping spot in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#campingnearme\">The different kinds of California campsites, and how to book them\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#walkincampsites\">How to find cancellations and day-of reservations\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#hiddengemscamping\">Under-the-radar campsites in California that are less crowded\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Be ready with all your info — ahead of time\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Low-hanging fruit first: Moreno recommends creating an account on the camping reservation website and confirming all your account details are up to date — before you need to reserve your campsite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You should also have all other information you might need on hand, even your vehicle license plate (some campgrounds require that when you’re finalizing your reservation).[aside postID=news_11920867 hero='https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/07/RS57480_Photo-by-Todd-Trapani-Pexels-qut-1020x681.jpg']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another part of making sure you have all the info you need? Understanding all the various California camping options out there — which can definitely be confusing — and making sure you have the right one (keep reading for those tips).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Finally, get logged into the reservation site before the time slot opens, so you’re ready to go when the clock strikes.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"campingnearme\">\u003c/a>Understand the different types of California campsites\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>It’s also key to know that there are many different parks and campgrounds in California, with varying availability and reservation processes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>State parks and national parks are often the most crowded. Local and regional parks are sometimes overlooked, and can have open spots. And the (very rustic) U.S. Forest Service camping spots are often virtually empty if you want a real adventure.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Camping via the National Park Service\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Reserve through:\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/\">Recreation.gov\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Reservations open:\u003c/em> For GGNRA and Pt. Reyes it’s three months in advance at 7 a.m. (except for a handful of sites in Pt. Reyes National Seashore that are held back until 14 days in advance or for same-day reservations); for the Presidio campground and others it’s six months in advance at 7 a.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the Bay Area, National Parks Service campgrounds include those at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/camping.htm\">Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA)\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm\">Point Reyes National Seashore\u003c/a>, as well as the one campsite within San Francisco proper, \u003ca href=\"https://www.presidio.gov/lodging/rob-hill-campground\">the Rob Hill campground in the Presidio\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Camping in California State Parks\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Reserve through:\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/\">ReserveCalifornia.com\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Reservations open:\u003c/em> Typically, six months in advance at 8 a.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the Bay Area, California State Parks camping areas include \u003ca href=\"https://reservecalifornia.com/Web/#!park/682\">Mount Tamalpais State Park\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://reservecalifornia.com/Web/#!park/683\">Mount Diablo State Park\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://reservecalifornia.com/Web/#!park/695\">Portola Redwoods State Park\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://reservecalifornia.com/Web/#!park/656\">Henry W. Coe State Park\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://reservecalifornia.com/Web/#!park/614\">Angel Island State Park\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Camping in county and local parks\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Reserve through:\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.reserveamerica.com/\">ReserveAmerica.com\u003c/a> and individual park websites\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Reservations open:\u003c/em> Varies\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In some cases, there are campgrounds run locally — like the East Bay Regional Park District campgrounds at \u003ca href=\"https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/del-valle/EB/110003/overview\">Lake Del Valle\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/anthony-chabot/EB/110004/overview\">Anthony Chabot\u003c/a> (which open in two six-month blocks in 2024 on Jan. 3 and May 1) or the Santa Clara County campgrounds at \u003ca href=\"https://parks.sccgov.org/santa-clara-county-parks/uvas-canyon-county-park\">Uvas Canyon\u003c/a> or Coyote Lake (which open six months in advance).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Camping via the US Forest Service\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Reserve through:\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/\">Recreation.gov\u003c/a>, but\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11920867/how-to-find-free-camping-in-californias-national-forests\"> dispersed camping\u003c/a> — i.e., camping not in a campground — is allowed for free across the country on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and in most cases on Forest Service land. Backcountry camping, or thru-camping, however, may require specific permits with the local ranger.\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Reservations open:\u003c/em> Varies\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Forest Service land is found farther away from the Bay Area, in the national forests around Tahoe, the Mendocino National Forest or the wilderness area outside Big Sur. \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/ivm/index.html?minx=-13627654&miny=4108556&maxx=-13158025&maxy=4329306&exploremenu=no&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=Bay%20Curious%20Newsletter&mc_key=90524295\">Use the Forest Service map to find possible campgrounds.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ready to try dispersed camping in one of California’s national forests? It’s one way to nearly guarantee yourself a last-minute campsite. Don’t be intimidated: \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/sierra/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5121831\">Dispersed camping\u003c/a> just means camping not in a developed campground — so you need to pack-in and pack-out all waste. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11920867/how-to-find-free-camping-in-californias-national-forests\">Here’s how to find free dispersed camping sites and get started.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Camping in private campgrounds\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Reserve through:\u003c/em> Individual websites and/or sites like \u003ca href=\"https://www.hipcamp.com/\">Hipcamp\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Reservations\u003c/em> open: Varies\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In popular camping areas near San Francisco — like around the Russian River — there are also private campgrounds. Services like Hipcamp can help narrow those down.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11953872\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11953872\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66536_GettyImages-1366211065-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A view of a brown tent in a forest, with a canopy extended from its top.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66536_GettyImages-1366211065-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66536_GettyImages-1366211065-qut-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66536_GettyImages-1366211065-qut-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66536_GettyImages-1366211065-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66536_GettyImages-1366211065-qut-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">It pays to know about your different camping options before you try to secure a site. \u003ccite>(Twenty47studio/Getty)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"walkincampsites\">\u003c/a>Look for last-minute cancellations and day-of walk-up spots\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Of course, it’s easiest to find open campsites on weekdays (especially if you work remotely) or on non-holiday weekends. But if you have some flexibility, then you can also utilize last-minute camping options.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Hit the road and cruise for reservation-free spots\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This is where we once more must shout out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11920867/how-to-find-free-camping-in-californias-national-forests\">the benefits of dispersed camping and backpacking\u003c/a>. If you make a list of possible dispersed and backcountry campsites, then you can hit them up on the road until you find one that’s open — just remember to download an offline map of the area using a service like Google Maps, in case you lose cellphone service.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Want a weekend spot? Try making a booking that starts a few days before\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Because reservations can fill up three or six months in advance (depending on the campground), many industrious campers will book a spot starting Wednesday or Thursday that extends through the weekend. This approach allows you to get into the reservation system earlier and book the weekend before it fills up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, if you’re trying this, it’s important to know what the deadline is by which you need to arrive at your campsite — so you don’t lose your spot. For example, Moreno said, state parks require you to be there by noon the day after your arrival date — and you need to actually call the park if you’re going to be late. How many days you can book out a campsite also varies by agency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Be vigilant for cancellations\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The flip side of that coin is a surprising number of people don’t actually use their hard-earned reservations. \u003ca href=\"https://www.backpacker.com/news-and-events/news/california-law-campsite-reservations/\">A bill that passed the state Legislature this past fall\u003c/a> incentivizes people to cancel their reservations early, opening them up to others. You can then use the reservation websites to look for last-minute cancellations or call the campgrounds to find out whether there are no-shows. (Or, if you’re an adventurous person with flexibility, you can also just show up — and hope someone else doesn’t.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Don’t want to keep pressing refresh? \u003ca href=\"https://campnab.com/\">The site Campnab lets you know if a cancellation opens up.\u003c/a> (Yes, this service is something of a bot – but it doesn’t book the reservation for you, rather just tells you when it opens up.) You can also set notification alerts on both the state and national park websites to email you if a spot opens up within your parameters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Know about day-of spots and walk-in sites\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Point Reyes National Seashore, for example, holds back a handful of campsites both to give out two weeks beforehand and a few to hand out each day. \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233359?tab=info\">These spots open up online at 7 a.m.\u003c/a> for camping either in two weeks or for later that day, depending on the site, so you still need to reserve.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for walk-ins, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=22230\">many popular campgrounds also operate first-come, first-serve sites\u003c/a>, which you can typically claim if you get there by noon — but if you want the site for a busy weekend, then you probably need to be there on Friday morning or Thursday evening for long weekends. The farther you’re willing to walk, the more likely you are to find a campsite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A number of popular walk-in campgrounds are currently still closed from storm damage, but some remaining open options are:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.redwoodhikes.com/Muir/PantollCG.html\">Bootjack and Pantoll walk-in campsites\u003c/a> on Mount Tamalpais\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=26658\">Five backcountry sites at Castle Rock\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29736\">Huckleberry Campground at Portola Redwoods\u003c/a> has four hike or bike first-come, first-serve sites\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://coepark.net/camping/\">Henry W. Coe State Park\u003c/a> opens up backpacking permits first-come, first-serve\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1348\">Five campsites at Ruck-a-Chucky\u003c/a> at Auburn State Recreation Area\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>A portion of all the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/tahoe/recreation/camping-cabins\">family campgrounds in the Tahoe National Forest\u003c/a> are held back for first-come, first serve.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"hiddengemscamping\">\u003c/a>Finally, hit up lesser-known camping spots\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Moreno also recommends using the Reserve California recommendation engine to find other state park campgrounds. When you input certain dates, the site will then suggest other parks nearby that have availability. Having a few options on your list can help you book if your Plan A is full — and heading to places that are less well-known will help you find more open campsites.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A couple of Moreno’s favorite hidden gem campsites\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=557\">Caswell Memorial State Park\u003c/a> along the Stanislaus River\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=435\">Navarro Beach Campground\u003c/a> (first-come, first-serve), where the river hits the ocean along the Mendocino coast\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Other campgrounds farther afield\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/camp.htm\">Pinnacles National Park\u003c/a>, a great Yosemite alternative\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=453\">Salt Point State Park\u003c/a> up past Fort Ross along the water on Highway 1\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/juniper-lake-campground.htm\">Juniper Lake\u003c/a> near Lassen Volcanic National Park remains closed in 2024\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=469\">Samuel P. Taylor State Park in Marin\u003c/a> is an easily reachable, large area, and also has \u003ca href=\"https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/#!park/706\">cabins available for rental\u003c/a>. And if you really want to try something different, \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/tomales-bay-boat-in-camping.htm\">boat-in camping on Tomales Bay\u003c/a> is almost always open — but you’ll need to rent a kayak.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2024. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, practical explainers and guides about COVID\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger, and help us decide what to cover here on our site, and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[hearken id=\"10483\" src=\"https://modules.wearehearken.com/kqed/embed/10483.js\"]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>A version of this story originally published on June 23, 2023.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "'Why can't I find camping near me that's available?' is a common refrain in the San Francisco Bay Area. We have tips for how to find a campsite this summer — yes, even on a weekend.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003cstrong>A version of this story first appeared in the Bay Curious newsletter. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/newsletters/bay-curious\">Sign up to get Bay Curious in your inbox every month.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’ve ever tried to grab a spot at one of the state’s more popular campgrounds, especially campsites near San Francisco, you’ve probably experienced this frustrating moment: You log in at the exact minute reservations are opened and … everything’s already booked.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In fact, it’s such a common experience that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11450483/cant-get-that-camping-spot-it-could-be-bots\">many people assume that bots are to blame for snagging all the best campsites\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Let’s get this out of the way first: Bots aren’t actually a problem anymore, says California State Parks information officer Jorge Moreno.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After the state parks moved to a third-party online reservation system called \u003ca href=\"https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/\">Reserve California\u003c/a> in 2017, many campers did complain about bots automatically snapping up spots faster than a human could click a button. But Moreno says that’s why, in 2019, that site’s parent company, Reserve America, added a captcha and verification step to the process.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else do you need information about right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>In 2021, to be sure the new methods were effective, they did an analysis of the reservation IPs and time stamps. “It was determined that automated bots were no longer an issue,” he said. Additionally, any account caught using bots or reselling reservations now earns a ban.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If that’s the case, then why are so many campsites still already full the second they open up for reservations?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Demand is greater than inventory,” Moreno said. For some of the most popular spots — like \u003ca href=\"https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/#!park/682/766\">the cabins at Steep Ravine in Mount Tamalpais State Park\u003c/a> — there might be 100 people logging on for one of eight cabins. “It’s really like a lottery,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So how can you find a campsite near you? Are there free campgrounds near San Francisco? KQED talked to the experts to learn several tips for booking a camping spot in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#campingnearme\">The different kinds of California campsites, and how to book them\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#walkincampsites\">How to find cancellations and day-of reservations\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#hiddengemscamping\">Under-the-radar campsites in California that are less crowded\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Be ready with all your info — ahead of time\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Low-hanging fruit first: Moreno recommends creating an account on the camping reservation website and confirming all your account details are up to date — before you need to reserve your campsite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You should also have all other information you might need on hand, even your vehicle license plate (some campgrounds require that when you’re finalizing your reservation).\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another part of making sure you have all the info you need? Understanding all the various California camping options out there — which can definitely be confusing — and making sure you have the right one (keep reading for those tips).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Finally, get logged into the reservation site before the time slot opens, so you’re ready to go when the clock strikes.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"campingnearme\">\u003c/a>Understand the different types of California campsites\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>It’s also key to know that there are many different parks and campgrounds in California, with varying availability and reservation processes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>State parks and national parks are often the most crowded. Local and regional parks are sometimes overlooked, and can have open spots. And the (very rustic) U.S. Forest Service camping spots are often virtually empty if you want a real adventure.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Camping via the National Park Service\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Reserve through:\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/\">Recreation.gov\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Reservations open:\u003c/em> For GGNRA and Pt. Reyes it’s three months in advance at 7 a.m. (except for a handful of sites in Pt. Reyes National Seashore that are held back until 14 days in advance or for same-day reservations); for the Presidio campground and others it’s six months in advance at 7 a.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the Bay Area, National Parks Service campgrounds include those at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/camping.htm\">Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA)\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm\">Point Reyes National Seashore\u003c/a>, as well as the one campsite within San Francisco proper, \u003ca href=\"https://www.presidio.gov/lodging/rob-hill-campground\">the Rob Hill campground in the Presidio\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Camping in California State Parks\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Reserve through:\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/\">ReserveCalifornia.com\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Reservations open:\u003c/em> Typically, six months in advance at 8 a.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the Bay Area, California State Parks camping areas include \u003ca href=\"https://reservecalifornia.com/Web/#!park/682\">Mount Tamalpais State Park\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://reservecalifornia.com/Web/#!park/683\">Mount Diablo State Park\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://reservecalifornia.com/Web/#!park/695\">Portola Redwoods State Park\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://reservecalifornia.com/Web/#!park/656\">Henry W. Coe State Park\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://reservecalifornia.com/Web/#!park/614\">Angel Island State Park\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Camping in county and local parks\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Reserve through:\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.reserveamerica.com/\">ReserveAmerica.com\u003c/a> and individual park websites\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Reservations open:\u003c/em> Varies\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In some cases, there are campgrounds run locally — like the East Bay Regional Park District campgrounds at \u003ca href=\"https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/del-valle/EB/110003/overview\">Lake Del Valle\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/anthony-chabot/EB/110004/overview\">Anthony Chabot\u003c/a> (which open in two six-month blocks in 2024 on Jan. 3 and May 1) or the Santa Clara County campgrounds at \u003ca href=\"https://parks.sccgov.org/santa-clara-county-parks/uvas-canyon-county-park\">Uvas Canyon\u003c/a> or Coyote Lake (which open six months in advance).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Camping via the US Forest Service\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Reserve through:\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/\">Recreation.gov\u003c/a>, but\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11920867/how-to-find-free-camping-in-californias-national-forests\"> dispersed camping\u003c/a> — i.e., camping not in a campground — is allowed for free across the country on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and in most cases on Forest Service land. Backcountry camping, or thru-camping, however, may require specific permits with the local ranger.\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Reservations open:\u003c/em> Varies\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Forest Service land is found farther away from the Bay Area, in the national forests around Tahoe, the Mendocino National Forest or the wilderness area outside Big Sur. \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/ivm/index.html?minx=-13627654&miny=4108556&maxx=-13158025&maxy=4329306&exploremenu=no&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=Bay%20Curious%20Newsletter&mc_key=90524295\">Use the Forest Service map to find possible campgrounds.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ready to try dispersed camping in one of California’s national forests? It’s one way to nearly guarantee yourself a last-minute campsite. Don’t be intimidated: \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/sierra/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5121831\">Dispersed camping\u003c/a> just means camping not in a developed campground — so you need to pack-in and pack-out all waste. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11920867/how-to-find-free-camping-in-californias-national-forests\">Here’s how to find free dispersed camping sites and get started.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Camping in private campgrounds\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Reserve through:\u003c/em> Individual websites and/or sites like \u003ca href=\"https://www.hipcamp.com/\">Hipcamp\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Reservations\u003c/em> open: Varies\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In popular camping areas near San Francisco — like around the Russian River — there are also private campgrounds. Services like Hipcamp can help narrow those down.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11953872\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11953872\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66536_GettyImages-1366211065-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A view of a brown tent in a forest, with a canopy extended from its top.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66536_GettyImages-1366211065-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66536_GettyImages-1366211065-qut-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66536_GettyImages-1366211065-qut-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66536_GettyImages-1366211065-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/RS66536_GettyImages-1366211065-qut-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">It pays to know about your different camping options before you try to secure a site. \u003ccite>(Twenty47studio/Getty)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"walkincampsites\">\u003c/a>Look for last-minute cancellations and day-of walk-up spots\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Of course, it’s easiest to find open campsites on weekdays (especially if you work remotely) or on non-holiday weekends. But if you have some flexibility, then you can also utilize last-minute camping options.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Hit the road and cruise for reservation-free spots\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This is where we once more must shout out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11920867/how-to-find-free-camping-in-californias-national-forests\">the benefits of dispersed camping and backpacking\u003c/a>. If you make a list of possible dispersed and backcountry campsites, then you can hit them up on the road until you find one that’s open — just remember to download an offline map of the area using a service like Google Maps, in case you lose cellphone service.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Want a weekend spot? Try making a booking that starts a few days before\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Because reservations can fill up three or six months in advance (depending on the campground), many industrious campers will book a spot starting Wednesday or Thursday that extends through the weekend. This approach allows you to get into the reservation system earlier and book the weekend before it fills up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, if you’re trying this, it’s important to know what the deadline is by which you need to arrive at your campsite — so you don’t lose your spot. For example, Moreno said, state parks require you to be there by noon the day after your arrival date — and you need to actually call the park if you’re going to be late. How many days you can book out a campsite also varies by agency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Be vigilant for cancellations\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The flip side of that coin is a surprising number of people don’t actually use their hard-earned reservations. \u003ca href=\"https://www.backpacker.com/news-and-events/news/california-law-campsite-reservations/\">A bill that passed the state Legislature this past fall\u003c/a> incentivizes people to cancel their reservations early, opening them up to others. You can then use the reservation websites to look for last-minute cancellations or call the campgrounds to find out whether there are no-shows. (Or, if you’re an adventurous person with flexibility, you can also just show up — and hope someone else doesn’t.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Don’t want to keep pressing refresh? \u003ca href=\"https://campnab.com/\">The site Campnab lets you know if a cancellation opens up.\u003c/a> (Yes, this service is something of a bot – but it doesn’t book the reservation for you, rather just tells you when it opens up.) You can also set notification alerts on both the state and national park websites to email you if a spot opens up within your parameters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Know about day-of spots and walk-in sites\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Point Reyes National Seashore, for example, holds back a handful of campsites both to give out two weeks beforehand and a few to hand out each day. \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233359?tab=info\">These spots open up online at 7 a.m.\u003c/a> for camping either in two weeks or for later that day, depending on the site, so you still need to reserve.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for walk-ins, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=22230\">many popular campgrounds also operate first-come, first-serve sites\u003c/a>, which you can typically claim if you get there by noon — but if you want the site for a busy weekend, then you probably need to be there on Friday morning or Thursday evening for long weekends. The farther you’re willing to walk, the more likely you are to find a campsite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A number of popular walk-in campgrounds are currently still closed from storm damage, but some remaining open options are:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.redwoodhikes.com/Muir/PantollCG.html\">Bootjack and Pantoll walk-in campsites\u003c/a> on Mount Tamalpais\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=26658\">Five backcountry sites at Castle Rock\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29736\">Huckleberry Campground at Portola Redwoods\u003c/a> has four hike or bike first-come, first-serve sites\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://coepark.net/camping/\">Henry W. Coe State Park\u003c/a> opens up backpacking permits first-come, first-serve\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1348\">Five campsites at Ruck-a-Chucky\u003c/a> at Auburn State Recreation Area\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>A portion of all the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/tahoe/recreation/camping-cabins\">family campgrounds in the Tahoe National Forest\u003c/a> are held back for first-come, first serve.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"hiddengemscamping\">\u003c/a>Finally, hit up lesser-known camping spots\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Moreno also recommends using the Reserve California recommendation engine to find other state park campgrounds. When you input certain dates, the site will then suggest other parks nearby that have availability. Having a few options on your list can help you book if your Plan A is full — and heading to places that are less well-known will help you find more open campsites.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A couple of Moreno’s favorite hidden gem campsites\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=557\">Caswell Memorial State Park\u003c/a> along the Stanislaus River\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=435\">Navarro Beach Campground\u003c/a> (first-come, first-serve), where the river hits the ocean along the Mendocino coast\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Other campgrounds farther afield\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/camp.htm\">Pinnacles National Park\u003c/a>, a great Yosemite alternative\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=453\">Salt Point State Park\u003c/a> up past Fort Ross along the water on Highway 1\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/juniper-lake-campground.htm\">Juniper Lake\u003c/a> near Lassen Volcanic National Park remains closed in 2024\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=469\">Samuel P. Taylor State Park in Marin\u003c/a> is an easily reachable, large area, and also has \u003ca href=\"https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/#!park/706\">cabins available for rental\u003c/a>. And if you really want to try something different, \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/tomales-bay-boat-in-camping.htm\">boat-in camping on Tomales Bay\u003c/a> is almost always open — but you’ll need to rent a kayak.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2024. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, practical explainers and guides about COVID\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger, and help us decide what to cover here on our site, and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>A version of this story originally published on June 23, 2023.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "2024-mpox-vaccine-formerly-monkeypox-symptoms-rash",
"title": "Get Your Free 2024 Mpox Vaccine, Say San Francisco Health Officials",
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"headTitle": "Get Your Free 2024 Mpox Vaccine, Say San Francisco Health Officials | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>Back in the summer and fall of 2022, \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\">an outbreak of the mpox virus\u003c/a>— \u003cu>\u003c/u>\u003ca href=\"https://www.who.int/news/item/28-11-2022-who-recommends-new-name-for-monkeypox-disease\">formerly known as monkeypox\u003c/a> — hit the United States, particularly affecting gay and bisexual men, as well as trans and nonbinary people who have sex with men.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11939819/when-mpox-hit-community-clinics-stepped-in-why-hasnt-the-government-paid-them-back-yet\">a mass vaccination effort led by organizers from the LGBTQ+ community\u003c/a> and public health officials, the rate of mpox infections dropped sharply to very low numbers in California. But with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/pride\">San Francisco’s giant 2024 Pride celebrations\u003c/a> a month away, the city’s health officials are once again reminding local communities to seek out the free mpox vaccine if they haven’t already — even though there hasn’t been another outbreak here so far.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading to learn what we know about mpox in the Bay Area in 2024, the precautions local public health officials recommend ahead of Pride month, and where you can find an mpox vaccine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#findmonkeypoxvaccine\">Where can I find a free mpox vaccine?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#whatismpox\">What is mpox and how does it spread?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#monkeypoxsymptomsrash\">What are the symptoms of mpox? What does the rash look like?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Do I need to worry about mpox again in the Bay Area in 2024?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The good news: There is no current mpox outbreak in the Bay Area or California, confirmed Dr. Julia Janssen, deputy director of the HIV/STI Prevention and Control Branch at the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) — and case counts remain low. In 2024, San Francisco has only seen nine total mpox cases so far.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Janssen said that SFPDH is, therefore, basing its vaccine reminder on:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>The possible seasonality of mpox\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Based on previous surges of infections during the summer and fall months, city health officials recognize “that this may be a seasonal pattern,” Janssen said — and they’re making their recommendations accordingly. (After the “large surge of cases” during the initial 2022 outbreak, San Francisco saw a second, smaller surge of 87 cases the following year from July through December 2023.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And while “we don’t know enough about mpox yet to know if we’ll see that again,” Janssen said, “because we’ve seen it in the past, we want to be ready, and we want to be prepared.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Summer travel and mpox cases elsewhere\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There’s also San Francisco’s Pride celebrations right around the corner in June — when many folks gather and arrive in the region from other parts of the United States.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“In the summer months, with more travel, more events, more interactions, and more gatherings, there’s more opportunities for mpox to spread,” Janssen said. And while nationally, mpox cases have “remained quite low over the past several months,” Janssen said, “we are watching other areas of the country.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Globally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are also monitoring\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7319a3.htm?s_cid=mm7319a3_w\"> a recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo\u003c/a> of a strain of mpox — called “clade I” — that causes more severe illness and higher fatality rates than the “clade II” type that’s been circulating in the U.S. According to the CDC’s most recent available figures, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/outbreak/2023-drc.html#:~:text=Since%20January%201%2C%202023%2C%20DRC,and%20more%20than%20900%20deaths.\">this clade I outbreak has resulted in more than 19,000 suspected cases and over 900 deaths\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Thus far, there have been no known clade I cases of mpox in the United States,” Janssen said. “We would provide any updates if that were to change.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Making the mpox vaccine routine\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>SFPDH and other health agencies want people to consider the mpox vaccine “as a part of comprehensive sexual health care,” Janssen said— rather than an emergency response.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We want to encourage people to think about it as they’re thinking about STI testing, treatment and evaluation … as a part of their comprehensive sexual health,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Who is most at risk from mpox?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>SFDPH said that previous mpox outbreaks have predominantly affected communities of gay and bisexual men, and men who have sex with men (MSM), as well as trans and nonbinary people who have sex with men.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>City health officials also especially recommend the mpox vaccine for all people living with HIV, and “anyone taking or eligible to take HIV PrEP.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“In San Francisco, over 99% of our cases since July 1, 2023, have been among cis men with male partners,” Janssen said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A reminder: The mpox vaccine is available to anybody in the Bay Area, with no eligibility requirements to meet. (In the early days of the 2022 outbreak, public health officials \u003cem>were\u003c/em> originally only offering vaccines to people who’d been exposed to mpox or were categorized as being in a specific group more at risk from mpox, but rest assured that those criteria are no longer in effect.)\u003c/p>\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\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"findmonkeypoxvaccine\">\u003c/a>Do I need to get the mpox vaccine?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The mpox vaccine currently available in the U.S. (brand name: Jynneos) is a two-dose series, with roughly a month between doses.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Maximal immunity is achieved two weeks after receipt of the second dose of the vaccine,” Janssen said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So …\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you’ve already had both doses of the mpox vaccine:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You’re all up to date — and you don’t need to get another mpox vaccine in 2024. There’s no recommendation at this time to get an mpox booster, confirmed Janssen.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you \u003cem>haven’t \u003c/em>already had the mpox vaccine\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Go ahead and get your first dose as soon as possible, then get your second dose around 28 days later. A good reason to move quickly to get your first dose right now: You’ll then be able to get your second dose just ahead of Pride, and your immunity will quickly start building to that maximal level.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you forget or get overwhelmed by events, don’t stress too much about timing: Just go get your mpox vaccine when you can. “Any vaccine is better than no vaccine,” Janssen said, “so we’re encouraging people to get vaccinated as soon as possible to get protection.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you got \u003cem>only your first dose\u003c/em> of the mpox vaccine or more than 28 days ago:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Go get your second dose as soon as possible, Janssen said — and don’t worry if you got your first dose as long ago as 2022, back in the original outbreak.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You can get the second dose at any time,” Janssen confirmed.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where can I find the mpox vaccine?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Your mpox vaccine will be 100% free, and you don’t need health insurance to receive one. As with the COVID-19 vaccine, receiving an mpox vaccine won’t make you \u003ca href=\"https://documentedny.com/2021/04/04/public-charge-rule-explained/\">a public charge\u003c/a> 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\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\u003cp>If you don’t have a regular health care provider or insurance, you can find the mpox vaccine free at clinics around the Bay Area. You can opt to schedule an appointment or choose a walk-in clinic, depending on what works best for you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you live in or near San Francisco:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>See \u003ca href=\"https://sf.gov/information/mpox-vaccine\">a full list of mpox vaccine sites near you in San Francisco\u003c/a>. Cohen confirms that you don’t have to be a city resident to get vaccinated for mpox in San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Mpox vaccination sites elsewhere in the Bay Area and California:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Find an mpox vaccine clinic near you using \u003ca href=\"https://npin.cdc.gov/DynWidgets/index.html?chost=www.cdc.gov&cpath=/lgbthealth/summer/index.html&csearch=&chash=&ctitle=Get%20Healthy%20and%20Ready%20for%20Summer%20%7C%20LGBT%20Health%20%7C%20CDC&wn=DynWidgets&wf=/DynWidgets/&wid=DynWidgets1&mMode=widget&mPage=&mChannel=&componentName=MpoxLocator#/\">the CDC’s Vaccine Locator\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Find an mpox vaccine clinic near you using \u003ca href=\"https://myturn.ca.gov/\">the state’s myturn.ca.gov site\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Can I get my mpox vaccine at a pharmacy?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some pharmacies offer mpox vaccination appointments online, along with other vaccines like COVID and flu. But if you choose this route, you’ll be asked for insurance details — and it’s important to verify with your insurer first that they’ll cover you receiving the mpox vaccine at a pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens, as the out-of-pocket costs you’ll be quoted may be steep.\u003c/p>\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 — the way you can’t get your COVID or flu shot covered by Kaiser at a pharmacy either — and may have to seek it directly from a Kaiser provider.\u003c/p>\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 supply in stock. A CVS spokesperson told KQED by email that in San Francisco, CVS pharmacies have “limited supply of the monkeypox vaccine in our pharmacies, but a pharmacist can order the vaccine if requested by a patient.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>How effective is the mpox vaccine?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Very. “While we know that no vaccine is 100% effective, we do know that less than 1% of persons who have been fully vaccinated have been diagnosed with mpox,” Janssen said, citing \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7320a3.htm?s_cid=mm7320a3_w\">a recent study from the CDC on the mpox vaccine’s efficacy.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another reason to get an mpox vaccine: It’s been shown to help reduce symptoms — which can be very painful — if you \u003cem>do\u003c/em> still get infected. It also “reduces illness severity and the risk of hospitalization and death,” Janssen said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"whatismpox\">\u003c/a>What is mpox, and how does it spread?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://sf.gov/information/monkeypox\">Mpox is a disease that is caused when a person is infected with the mpox virus.\u003c/a> As the name might suggest, the virus is related to the smallpox virus but is generally less severe and “much less contagious” than smallpox, according to CDPH.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://sf.gov/information/mpox\">Mpox spreads through “prolonged skin-to-skin contact,”\u003c/a> SFDPH said, which can include sex, kissing and sharing bedding or clothing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>See how mpox cases are tracked around the country:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Mpox-Data.aspx\">Mpox case data for California\u003c/a> via the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sf.gov/information/monkeypox-cases\">Mpox case data for San Francisco\u003c/a> via SFDPH\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/us-map.html\">Mpox case data for the United States\u003c/a> via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"monkeypoxsymptomsrash\">\u003c/a>What are the symptoms of mpox?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Mpox symptoms often start as flu-like conditions, SFPDH said, but the virus also appears as a rash or sores or spots that can resemble pimples or blisters on the skin anywhere on the body, especially around your genitals. These spots often start as “red, flat spots and then become bumps,” SFDPH said, before the bumps become filled with pus and turn into scabs when they break.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/symptoms/index.html\">If you’re unsure about recognizing an mpox rash, the CDC has a photo guide.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/symptoms/index.html\">Mpox can have a long incubation period\u003c/a> — that is, the time between when you’re exposed to mpox and when you start to develop symptoms — that can range from three to 17 days, according to the CDC.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you suspect you might have mpox symptoms — even if they’re subtle — see your health care provider right away or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/get-mpox-vaccines-testing-and-medicine\">consult one of SFPDH’s clinics for mpox testing\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://sf.gov/information/mpox\">See more on what to do if you suspect you have mpox.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>Is mpox the same as monkeypox?\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Yes. In 2022, the World Health Organization \u003ca href=\"https://www.ems1.com/infectious-diseases/articles/monkeypox-gets-new-name-after-racist-and-stigmatizing-language-health-officials-say-i1djjhzOPR7VCJrC/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CWhen%20the%20outbreak%20of%20monkeypox,monkeypox%20worldwide%20as%20of%20Nov.\">announced it would adopt the new, preferred term “mpox” as a synonym for monkeypox\u003c/a> in light of the “racist and stigmatizing language online, in other settings and in some communities” that the agency said it had observed during the outbreak earlier that year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You may have also seen the virus referred to as MPX, which was the name originally adopted by SFDPH.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "A month from Pride, officials are urging people at higher risk for mpox — formerly monkeypox — to find a free vaccine if they haven't already. Here’s how mpox spreads, the symptoms to look for, and what to do if you have already received an mpox vaccine.",
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"title": "Get Your Free 2024 Mpox Vaccine, Say San Francisco Health Officials | KQED",
"description": "A month from Pride, officials are urging people at higher risk for mpox — formerly monkeypox — to find a free vaccine if they haven't already. Here’s how mpox spreads, the symptoms to look for, and what to do if you have already received an mpox vaccine.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Back in the summer and fall of 2022, \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\">an outbreak of the mpox virus\u003c/a>— \u003cu>\u003c/u>\u003ca href=\"https://www.who.int/news/item/28-11-2022-who-recommends-new-name-for-monkeypox-disease\">formerly known as monkeypox\u003c/a> — hit the United States, particularly affecting gay and bisexual men, as well as trans and nonbinary people who have sex with men.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11939819/when-mpox-hit-community-clinics-stepped-in-why-hasnt-the-government-paid-them-back-yet\">a mass vaccination effort led by organizers from the LGBTQ+ community\u003c/a> and public health officials, the rate of mpox infections dropped sharply to very low numbers in California. But with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/pride\">San Francisco’s giant 2024 Pride celebrations\u003c/a> a month away, the city’s health officials are once again reminding local communities to seek out the free mpox vaccine if they haven’t already — even though there hasn’t been another outbreak here so far.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading to learn what we know about mpox in the Bay Area in 2024, the precautions local public health officials recommend ahead of Pride month, and where you can find an mpox vaccine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#findmonkeypoxvaccine\">Where can I find a free mpox vaccine?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#whatismpox\">What is mpox and how does it spread?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#monkeypoxsymptomsrash\">What are the symptoms of mpox? What does the rash look like?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Do I need to worry about mpox again in the Bay Area in 2024?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The good news: There is no current mpox outbreak in the Bay Area or California, confirmed Dr. Julia Janssen, deputy director of the HIV/STI Prevention and Control Branch at the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) — and case counts remain low. In 2024, San Francisco has only seen nine total mpox cases so far.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Janssen said that SFPDH is, therefore, basing its vaccine reminder on:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>The possible seasonality of mpox\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Based on previous surges of infections during the summer and fall months, city health officials recognize “that this may be a seasonal pattern,” Janssen said — and they’re making their recommendations accordingly. (After the “large surge of cases” during the initial 2022 outbreak, San Francisco saw a second, smaller surge of 87 cases the following year from July through December 2023.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And while “we don’t know enough about mpox yet to know if we’ll see that again,” Janssen said, “because we’ve seen it in the past, we want to be ready, and we want to be prepared.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Summer travel and mpox cases elsewhere\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There’s also San Francisco’s Pride celebrations right around the corner in June — when many folks gather and arrive in the region from other parts of the United States.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“In the summer months, with more travel, more events, more interactions, and more gatherings, there’s more opportunities for mpox to spread,” Janssen said. And while nationally, mpox cases have “remained quite low over the past several months,” Janssen said, “we are watching other areas of the country.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Globally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are also monitoring\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7319a3.htm?s_cid=mm7319a3_w\"> a recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo\u003c/a> of a strain of mpox — called “clade I” — that causes more severe illness and higher fatality rates than the “clade II” type that’s been circulating in the U.S. According to the CDC’s most recent available figures, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/outbreak/2023-drc.html#:~:text=Since%20January%201%2C%202023%2C%20DRC,and%20more%20than%20900%20deaths.\">this clade I outbreak has resulted in more than 19,000 suspected cases and over 900 deaths\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Thus far, there have been no known clade I cases of mpox in the United States,” Janssen said. “We would provide any updates if that were to change.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Making the mpox vaccine routine\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>SFPDH and other health agencies want people to consider the mpox vaccine “as a part of comprehensive sexual health care,” Janssen said— rather than an emergency response.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We want to encourage people to think about it as they’re thinking about STI testing, treatment and evaluation … as a part of their comprehensive sexual health,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Who is most at risk from mpox?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>SFDPH said that previous mpox outbreaks have predominantly affected communities of gay and bisexual men, and men who have sex with men (MSM), as well as trans and nonbinary people who have sex with men.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>City health officials also especially recommend the mpox vaccine for all people living with HIV, and “anyone taking or eligible to take HIV PrEP.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“In San Francisco, over 99% of our cases since July 1, 2023, have been among cis men with male partners,” Janssen said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A reminder: The mpox vaccine is available to anybody in the Bay Area, with no eligibility requirements to meet. (In the early days of the 2022 outbreak, public health officials \u003cem>were\u003c/em> originally only offering vaccines to people who’d been exposed to mpox or were categorized as being in a specific group more at risk from mpox, but rest assured that those criteria are no longer in effect.)\u003c/p>\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\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"findmonkeypoxvaccine\">\u003c/a>Do I need to get the mpox vaccine?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The mpox vaccine currently available in the U.S. (brand name: Jynneos) is a two-dose series, with roughly a month between doses.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Maximal immunity is achieved two weeks after receipt of the second dose of the vaccine,” Janssen said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So …\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you’ve already had both doses of the mpox vaccine:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You’re all up to date — and you don’t need to get another mpox vaccine in 2024. There’s no recommendation at this time to get an mpox booster, confirmed Janssen.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you \u003cem>haven’t \u003c/em>already had the mpox vaccine\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Go ahead and get your first dose as soon as possible, then get your second dose around 28 days later. A good reason to move quickly to get your first dose right now: You’ll then be able to get your second dose just ahead of Pride, and your immunity will quickly start building to that maximal level.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you forget or get overwhelmed by events, don’t stress too much about timing: Just go get your mpox vaccine when you can. “Any vaccine is better than no vaccine,” Janssen said, “so we’re encouraging people to get vaccinated as soon as possible to get protection.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you got \u003cem>only your first dose\u003c/em> of the mpox vaccine or more than 28 days ago:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Go get your second dose as soon as possible, Janssen said — and don’t worry if you got your first dose as long ago as 2022, back in the original outbreak.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You can get the second dose at any time,” Janssen confirmed.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where can I find the mpox vaccine?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Your mpox vaccine will be 100% free, and you don’t need health insurance to receive one. As with the COVID-19 vaccine, receiving an mpox vaccine won’t make you \u003ca href=\"https://documentedny.com/2021/04/04/public-charge-rule-explained/\">a public charge\u003c/a> 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\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\u003cp>If you don’t have a regular health care provider or insurance, you can find the mpox vaccine free at clinics around the Bay Area. You can opt to schedule an appointment or choose a walk-in clinic, depending on what works best for you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you live in or near San Francisco:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>See \u003ca href=\"https://sf.gov/information/mpox-vaccine\">a full list of mpox vaccine sites near you in San Francisco\u003c/a>. Cohen confirms that you don’t have to be a city resident to get vaccinated for mpox in San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Mpox vaccination sites elsewhere in the Bay Area and California:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Find an mpox vaccine clinic near you using \u003ca href=\"https://npin.cdc.gov/DynWidgets/index.html?chost=www.cdc.gov&cpath=/lgbthealth/summer/index.html&csearch=&chash=&ctitle=Get%20Healthy%20and%20Ready%20for%20Summer%20%7C%20LGBT%20Health%20%7C%20CDC&wn=DynWidgets&wf=/DynWidgets/&wid=DynWidgets1&mMode=widget&mPage=&mChannel=&componentName=MpoxLocator#/\">the CDC’s Vaccine Locator\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Find an mpox vaccine clinic near you using \u003ca href=\"https://myturn.ca.gov/\">the state’s myturn.ca.gov site\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Can I get my mpox vaccine at a pharmacy?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some pharmacies offer mpox vaccination appointments online, along with other vaccines like COVID and flu. But if you choose this route, you’ll be asked for insurance details — and it’s important to verify with your insurer first that they’ll cover you receiving the mpox vaccine at a pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens, as the out-of-pocket costs you’ll be quoted may be steep.\u003c/p>\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 — the way you can’t get your COVID or flu shot covered by Kaiser at a pharmacy either — and may have to seek it directly from a Kaiser provider.\u003c/p>\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 supply in stock. A CVS spokesperson told KQED by email that in San Francisco, CVS pharmacies have “limited supply of the monkeypox vaccine in our pharmacies, but a pharmacist can order the vaccine if requested by a patient.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>How effective is the mpox vaccine?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Very. “While we know that no vaccine is 100% effective, we do know that less than 1% of persons who have been fully vaccinated have been diagnosed with mpox,” Janssen said, citing \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7320a3.htm?s_cid=mm7320a3_w\">a recent study from the CDC on the mpox vaccine’s efficacy.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another reason to get an mpox vaccine: It’s been shown to help reduce symptoms — which can be very painful — if you \u003cem>do\u003c/em> still get infected. It also “reduces illness severity and the risk of hospitalization and death,” Janssen said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"whatismpox\">\u003c/a>What is mpox, and how does it spread?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://sf.gov/information/monkeypox\">Mpox is a disease that is caused when a person is infected with the mpox virus.\u003c/a> As the name might suggest, the virus is related to the smallpox virus but is generally less severe and “much less contagious” than smallpox, according to CDPH.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://sf.gov/information/mpox\">Mpox spreads through “prolonged skin-to-skin contact,”\u003c/a> SFDPH said, which can include sex, kissing and sharing bedding or clothing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>See how mpox cases are tracked around the country:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Mpox-Data.aspx\">Mpox case data for California\u003c/a> via the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sf.gov/information/monkeypox-cases\">Mpox case data for San Francisco\u003c/a> via SFDPH\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/us-map.html\">Mpox case data for the United States\u003c/a> via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"monkeypoxsymptomsrash\">\u003c/a>What are the symptoms of mpox?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Mpox symptoms often start as flu-like conditions, SFPDH said, but the virus also appears as a rash or sores or spots that can resemble pimples or blisters on the skin anywhere on the body, especially around your genitals. These spots often start as “red, flat spots and then become bumps,” SFDPH said, before the bumps become filled with pus and turn into scabs when they break.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/symptoms/index.html\">If you’re unsure about recognizing an mpox rash, the CDC has a photo guide.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/symptoms/index.html\">Mpox can have a long incubation period\u003c/a> — that is, the time between when you’re exposed to mpox and when you start to develop symptoms — that can range from three to 17 days, according to the CDC.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you suspect you might have mpox symptoms — even if they’re subtle — see your health care provider right away or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/get-mpox-vaccines-testing-and-medicine\">consult one of SFPDH’s clinics for mpox testing\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://sf.gov/information/mpox\">See more on what to do if you suspect you have mpox.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>Is mpox the same as monkeypox?\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Yes. In 2022, the World Health Organization \u003ca href=\"https://www.ems1.com/infectious-diseases/articles/monkeypox-gets-new-name-after-racist-and-stigmatizing-language-health-officials-say-i1djjhzOPR7VCJrC/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CWhen%20the%20outbreak%20of%20monkeypox,monkeypox%20worldwide%20as%20of%20Nov.\">announced it would adopt the new, preferred term “mpox” as a synonym for monkeypox\u003c/a> in light of the “racist and stigmatizing language online, in other settings and in some communities” that the agency said it had observed during the outbreak earlier that year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You may have also seen the virus referred to as MPX, which was the name originally adopted by SFDPH.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>This story has been updated.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Over 42,000 fewer students in California applied for federal student aid in 2024 than last year after a major overhaul of the application process resulted in serious technical problems for would-be college applicants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Less than half of California high school seniors completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — or FAFSA — form this year, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncan.org/page/FAFSAtracker\">May 17 data from the National College Attainment Network\u003c/a> (NCAN), a nonprofit that aims to increase postsecondary degree access.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to NCAN’s latest available figures, which are still being updated as more forms are processed, the California class of 2024 saw a 14% decrease in FAFSA completions compared to the same time last year. (Due to the delayed launch of the 2024-25 FAFSA the data for that year starts in January, as shown in the graph below, rather than in October as in previous years.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The extended deadline for California \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11957693/applying-for-fafsa-in-2023-will-be-different-what-to-know-including-deadlines\">state aid was May 2\u003c/a>, although \u003ca href=\"https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/fafsa-deadlines#fafsa-deadlines-2024-25\">students can still apply to FAFSA to assess their potential eligibility\u003c/a> for other types of aid.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"California's total FAFSA Completions since 2017\" aria-label=\"Table\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-Uon0q\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Zp4Bd/4\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border: none;\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-external=\"1\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nationally, the drop in FAFSA applications was even higher: A 16% decrease compared to the class of 2023. California was ranked ninth in highest among U.S. states and territories for FAFSA completion, a position that has nonetheless improved in the past two weeks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"High school seniors' FAFSA completions in 2024\" aria-label=\"Table\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-Uon0q\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/vX50o/6/\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border: none;\" width=\"800\" height=\"475\" data-external=\"1\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>NCAN measured FAFSA completion data rather than just submissions, meaning the application has been submitted \u003cem>and \u003c/em>not sent back to the student for any corrections. The nonprofit’s data comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office and includes both public and private high schools. As it continues to report the submission numbers that are still coming in, NCAN also mounted \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncan.org/page/DoTheFAFSA\">a social campaign to highlight the national FAFSA statistics lagging\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bill DeBaun, NCAN’s senior director, said the submission data “really raises the question about how many students actually started the application but didn’t finish, because of the glitches in the application — or because of whatever complication.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Who’s applying for financial aid — and who’s not?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>NCAN’s data also reveals demographic disparities in who’s applying for financial aid in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Low-income schools, defined as schools where at least half of the students are qualified for free or reduced-priced lunch, saw a FAFSA completion rate of 47%. This means, over 165,000 lower-income students did not complete the FAFSA this year compared to 2023 — a 15% decrease. By comparison, higher-income schools saw a 56% completion rate among their students and a 13% decrease from last year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The data is similar when examining completions among students of color in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Less than half of seniors in “high-minority” schools (which NCAN defines as enrolling 40% or more Black and/or Hispanic students) completed the FAFSA for 2024 — a 15% drop in this same group from last year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>By contrast, a higher percentage of seniors in “low-minority schools” — 56% — completed the FAFSA this year, with a smaller decrease of 12% in 2023.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Monitoring the relative levels of FAFSA completion matters, DeBaun said, because the numbers give an idea of how many young people intend to enroll in college in the fall.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When we see FAFSA completion go up, we see immediate college enrollment also go up,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>For mixed-status students, a particular burden\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>As school counselors like Piedmont Hills’ Jill Shoopman can attest, applying to the FAFSA is already a dreaded process for most high school seniors who aim to attend postsecondary institutions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11979367/fafsa-2024-the-big-error-affecting-mixed-status-families-and-what-to-do-if-youre-an-affected-student\">the bungled rollout\u003c/a> had Shoopman fearing that many high school students would give up trying to complete the form entirely and miss out on aid they could be qualified for, especially those who need it most.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Like many in similar positions, Shoopman saw the particular impact on students from California’s mixed-status families. Mixed-status students \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11979367/fafsa-2024-the-big-error-affecting-mixed-status-families-and-what-to-do-if-youre-an-affected-student\">found themselves blocked from completing the FAFSA application\u003c/a> if one of their parents didn’t have a Social Security number due to their immigration status. Shoopman recalled how one of her favorite students, a senior from a mixed-status family, would stop by her office each week to anxiously ask, “Is there a fix? Is there a fix?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“She understands, even at her young age, how important this is,” Shoopman said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Counselors, high schools and college-prep organizations say \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11957693/applying-for-fafsa-in-2023-will-be-different-what-to-know-including-deadlines\">the delayed rollout of the relaunched FAFSA\u003c/a> — a revamp intended to streamline and simplify the process for students — was no big surprise. Further complicating the process were \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/63005/exclusive-the-education-department-says-it-will-fix-its-1-8-billion-fafsa-mistake\">glitches \u003c/a>with Social Security numbers and instances where students could not create accounts entirely, which created real panic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The application launched on Dec. 30, 2023, but students from mixed-status families could only complete the application starting March 12.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I just don’t know how they didn’t anticipate that [mixed-status families not being able to apply] was going to be a concern,” Shoopman said — especially in a state like California, where \u003ca href=\"https://immigrantdataca.org/indicators/mixed-status-families?breakdown=by-age-group\">20% of Californians under 18 are either undocumented or living with undocumented family members\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Families, support staff and schools under pressure\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>For David Alvarez, the director of college readiness and success at Alpha Public Schools in San José, it was “the worst financial aid application season that I’ve ever experienced” in his 15 years in education.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I know that us as a team, as well as fellow educators, tried our absolute best to improve completion rates from years to the next,” Alvarez said. “But the system [this year] didn’t really allow for it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Alvarez’s school has a large number of first-generation and Latino students, he explained. In preparation for the application season, the school prepared FAFSA workshops and early morning hours for seniors to work on their application to provide specialized attention to students — trying to work around the complications of the form.[aside postID=news_11984551 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/04/240423-SAT-III-MD-06-KQED-1020x680.jpg']During those workshops, Alvarez managed the growing frustrations of students and their parents. He said some had taken time off work to attend a workshop and faced unanswered questions exacerbated by FAFSA glitches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The experience has become a nightmare when you realize that applications weren’t working properly, that you didn’t always have the answers when you were troubleshooting things … and that created a lot of distrust from students and parents,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Sometimes, they might see it as, ‘Hey, you don’t have the answers. You might be incompetent. You don’t know what you’re talking about,’” Alvarez said. “And the reality is: It’s so much bigger than us.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Our community is losing out on both the time and the money that, let’s be real, we didn’t really have in the first place to begin with,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Oftentimes, students would question the purpose of even doing the application, Alvarez said. Some four-year eligible students instead planned to go to community college, potentially overloading the community college system, which is unsure who will be attending in the fall.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“With a delay in FAFSA, it delayed the ability for schools to present financial aid award letters,” Alvarez said. The FAFSA delays also delayed schools’ ability to present financial aid award letters, Alvarez said — meaning that “ultimately, students and parents can’t confidently select the institution that they want to go to — because they’re just unaware of how much money they will receive.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While many states extended their college application deadlines, this led to institutions not knowing who would attend their school in the fall. According to DeBaun, this impacts course schedules, staffing and residential halls.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There is a limit to how far back institutions can push these deadlines and still be prepared to receive students for the fall semester,” he said. Shoopman also said it can keep students on college waitlists in limbo as others consider if they can afford to enroll.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“For students in California, or anywhere in America right now, we should be concerned about what full enrollment would look like based on the FAFSA completion declines that we’re seeing,” DeBaun said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Examining the reasons behind FAFSA declines\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>One factor to consider in this year’s sharp fall in FAFSA submissions is the record number of applications the state saw last year, according to California State Aid Commission (CSAC) spokesperson Shelveen Ratnam.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2023, the agency’s widespread \u003ca href=\"https://campussuite-storage.s3.amazonaws.com/prod/1558523/0672826e-a84b-11e7-9779-0ae3e1d9783c/2627890/325d1d6e-1cfb-11ee-b757-02b0137163b1/file/all_in_for_fafsa_ca_dream_act_fact_sheet.pdf\">“All in for FAFSA/CA Dream” campaign\u003c/a> promoted awareness of FAFSA, encouraging California high schools to have all students fill out an application or actively opt out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Like every state that also implemented this policy, California saw a large jump in FAFSA completion numbers last year, DeBaun said. By September 2023, 62% of the class of 2023 had completed the FAFSA — compared to 58% of the class of 2022 in the same period that year.[aside postID=news_11982354 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/04/240408-UCLAWSF-014-BL-KQED-1020x680.jpg']States that have traditionally done well with FAFSA completion, like California and Texas, are also seeing major drops this year, DeBaun said. However, for him, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/fafsa\">the delay in this year’s FAFSA application\u003c/a> is at least partly responsible for these marked decreases.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Think about it this way: Every day, [successful states] are relatively more effective at getting more students to complete a FAFSA than their peers,” DeBaun said. “So when you take 90 days out of the FAFSA cycle … every single one of those days, relatively speaking, costs that state more in terms of FAFSA completion.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The class of 2024 [has] just had a much smaller window in which to complete the FAFSA,” DeBaun said — and all the while — “the fall semester isn’t getting pushed back.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ratnam described the trend in data — and the technical difficulties that students faced — as “definitely alarming.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“[Financial aid is] one of the most important things that students or families think about when it comes to deciding if they want to pursue higher education,” Ratnam said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While Alvarez noted that FAFSA submission numbers have increased in the last weeks, likely helped by the fact that the previous glitches with the form had been fixed, he said that distrust of the process among students and their families is still noticeable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As this winter’s initial FAFSA errors might have been resolved, “tell that to someone who’s come to the high school five, six, seven, eight times already,” Alvarez said. “And that’s really what we’re facing: Just re-energizing the students and the parents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“As difficult as it is, it has long-term impacts, and we want to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Do students still have time to apply?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>While the May 2 deadline for in-state aid has passed, CSAC is encouraging students to still apply to the FAFSA to see if they qualify for other types of financial aid.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.csac.ca.gov/post/cal-grant-community-college-entitlement-award\">Cal Grant Community College Entitlement Award FAFSA application\u003c/a> is due on Sept. 2\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Alvarez said the FAFSA is often the first college-related struggle students face. But he tells his students to apply for financial aid to keep the door open to college enrollment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And to parents, Alvarez said his message on the importance of financial aid’s role in getting a student to college often comes when their children are graduating: “They’re literally transcending their circumstances; they’re narrowing that achievement gap,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They’re breaking barriers for their families.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"title": "California's Class of 2024 Lags in Student Aid Applications, Data Shows | KQED",
"description": "Over 42,000 fewer students in California applied for federal student aid in 2024 compared to last year. What happened?",
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"headline": "California's Class of 2024 Lags in Student Aid Applications, Data Shows",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>This story has been updated.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Over 42,000 fewer students in California applied for federal student aid in 2024 than last year after a major overhaul of the application process resulted in serious technical problems for would-be college applicants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Less than half of California high school seniors completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — or FAFSA — form this year, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncan.org/page/FAFSAtracker\">May 17 data from the National College Attainment Network\u003c/a> (NCAN), a nonprofit that aims to increase postsecondary degree access.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to NCAN’s latest available figures, which are still being updated as more forms are processed, the California class of 2024 saw a 14% decrease in FAFSA completions compared to the same time last year. (Due to the delayed launch of the 2024-25 FAFSA the data for that year starts in January, as shown in the graph below, rather than in October as in previous years.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The extended deadline for California \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11957693/applying-for-fafsa-in-2023-will-be-different-what-to-know-including-deadlines\">state aid was May 2\u003c/a>, although \u003ca href=\"https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/fafsa-deadlines#fafsa-deadlines-2024-25\">students can still apply to FAFSA to assess their potential eligibility\u003c/a> for other types of aid.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"California's total FAFSA Completions since 2017\" aria-label=\"Table\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-Uon0q\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Zp4Bd/4\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border: none;\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-external=\"1\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nationally, the drop in FAFSA applications was even higher: A 16% decrease compared to the class of 2023. California was ranked ninth in highest among U.S. states and territories for FAFSA completion, a position that has nonetheless improved in the past two weeks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"High school seniors' FAFSA completions in 2024\" aria-label=\"Table\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-Uon0q\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/vX50o/6/\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border: none;\" width=\"800\" height=\"475\" data-external=\"1\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>NCAN measured FAFSA completion data rather than just submissions, meaning the application has been submitted \u003cem>and \u003c/em>not sent back to the student for any corrections. The nonprofit’s data comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office and includes both public and private high schools. As it continues to report the submission numbers that are still coming in, NCAN also mounted \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncan.org/page/DoTheFAFSA\">a social campaign to highlight the national FAFSA statistics lagging\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bill DeBaun, NCAN’s senior director, said the submission data “really raises the question about how many students actually started the application but didn’t finish, because of the glitches in the application — or because of whatever complication.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Who’s applying for financial aid — and who’s not?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>NCAN’s data also reveals demographic disparities in who’s applying for financial aid in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Low-income schools, defined as schools where at least half of the students are qualified for free or reduced-priced lunch, saw a FAFSA completion rate of 47%. This means, over 165,000 lower-income students did not complete the FAFSA this year compared to 2023 — a 15% decrease. By comparison, higher-income schools saw a 56% completion rate among their students and a 13% decrease from last year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The data is similar when examining completions among students of color in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Less than half of seniors in “high-minority” schools (which NCAN defines as enrolling 40% or more Black and/or Hispanic students) completed the FAFSA for 2024 — a 15% drop in this same group from last year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>By contrast, a higher percentage of seniors in “low-minority schools” — 56% — completed the FAFSA this year, with a smaller decrease of 12% in 2023.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Monitoring the relative levels of FAFSA completion matters, DeBaun said, because the numbers give an idea of how many young people intend to enroll in college in the fall.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When we see FAFSA completion go up, we see immediate college enrollment also go up,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>For mixed-status students, a particular burden\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>As school counselors like Piedmont Hills’ Jill Shoopman can attest, applying to the FAFSA is already a dreaded process for most high school seniors who aim to attend postsecondary institutions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11979367/fafsa-2024-the-big-error-affecting-mixed-status-families-and-what-to-do-if-youre-an-affected-student\">the bungled rollout\u003c/a> had Shoopman fearing that many high school students would give up trying to complete the form entirely and miss out on aid they could be qualified for, especially those who need it most.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Like many in similar positions, Shoopman saw the particular impact on students from California’s mixed-status families. Mixed-status students \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11979367/fafsa-2024-the-big-error-affecting-mixed-status-families-and-what-to-do-if-youre-an-affected-student\">found themselves blocked from completing the FAFSA application\u003c/a> if one of their parents didn’t have a Social Security number due to their immigration status. Shoopman recalled how one of her favorite students, a senior from a mixed-status family, would stop by her office each week to anxiously ask, “Is there a fix? Is there a fix?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“She understands, even at her young age, how important this is,” Shoopman said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Counselors, high schools and college-prep organizations say \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11957693/applying-for-fafsa-in-2023-will-be-different-what-to-know-including-deadlines\">the delayed rollout of the relaunched FAFSA\u003c/a> — a revamp intended to streamline and simplify the process for students — was no big surprise. Further complicating the process were \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/63005/exclusive-the-education-department-says-it-will-fix-its-1-8-billion-fafsa-mistake\">glitches \u003c/a>with Social Security numbers and instances where students could not create accounts entirely, which created real panic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The application launched on Dec. 30, 2023, but students from mixed-status families could only complete the application starting March 12.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I just don’t know how they didn’t anticipate that [mixed-status families not being able to apply] was going to be a concern,” Shoopman said — especially in a state like California, where \u003ca href=\"https://immigrantdataca.org/indicators/mixed-status-families?breakdown=by-age-group\">20% of Californians under 18 are either undocumented or living with undocumented family members\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Families, support staff and schools under pressure\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>For David Alvarez, the director of college readiness and success at Alpha Public Schools in San José, it was “the worst financial aid application season that I’ve ever experienced” in his 15 years in education.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I know that us as a team, as well as fellow educators, tried our absolute best to improve completion rates from years to the next,” Alvarez said. “But the system [this year] didn’t really allow for it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Alvarez’s school has a large number of first-generation and Latino students, he explained. In preparation for the application season, the school prepared FAFSA workshops and early morning hours for seniors to work on their application to provide specialized attention to students — trying to work around the complications of the form.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>During those workshops, Alvarez managed the growing frustrations of students and their parents. He said some had taken time off work to attend a workshop and faced unanswered questions exacerbated by FAFSA glitches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The experience has become a nightmare when you realize that applications weren’t working properly, that you didn’t always have the answers when you were troubleshooting things … and that created a lot of distrust from students and parents,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Sometimes, they might see it as, ‘Hey, you don’t have the answers. You might be incompetent. You don’t know what you’re talking about,’” Alvarez said. “And the reality is: It’s so much bigger than us.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Our community is losing out on both the time and the money that, let’s be real, we didn’t really have in the first place to begin with,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Oftentimes, students would question the purpose of even doing the application, Alvarez said. Some four-year eligible students instead planned to go to community college, potentially overloading the community college system, which is unsure who will be attending in the fall.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“With a delay in FAFSA, it delayed the ability for schools to present financial aid award letters,” Alvarez said. The FAFSA delays also delayed schools’ ability to present financial aid award letters, Alvarez said — meaning that “ultimately, students and parents can’t confidently select the institution that they want to go to — because they’re just unaware of how much money they will receive.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While many states extended their college application deadlines, this led to institutions not knowing who would attend their school in the fall. According to DeBaun, this impacts course schedules, staffing and residential halls.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There is a limit to how far back institutions can push these deadlines and still be prepared to receive students for the fall semester,” he said. Shoopman also said it can keep students on college waitlists in limbo as others consider if they can afford to enroll.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“For students in California, or anywhere in America right now, we should be concerned about what full enrollment would look like based on the FAFSA completion declines that we’re seeing,” DeBaun said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Examining the reasons behind FAFSA declines\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>One factor to consider in this year’s sharp fall in FAFSA submissions is the record number of applications the state saw last year, according to California State Aid Commission (CSAC) spokesperson Shelveen Ratnam.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2023, the agency’s widespread \u003ca href=\"https://campussuite-storage.s3.amazonaws.com/prod/1558523/0672826e-a84b-11e7-9779-0ae3e1d9783c/2627890/325d1d6e-1cfb-11ee-b757-02b0137163b1/file/all_in_for_fafsa_ca_dream_act_fact_sheet.pdf\">“All in for FAFSA/CA Dream” campaign\u003c/a> promoted awareness of FAFSA, encouraging California high schools to have all students fill out an application or actively opt out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Like every state that also implemented this policy, California saw a large jump in FAFSA completion numbers last year, DeBaun said. By September 2023, 62% of the class of 2023 had completed the FAFSA — compared to 58% of the class of 2022 in the same period that year.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>States that have traditionally done well with FAFSA completion, like California and Texas, are also seeing major drops this year, DeBaun said. However, for him, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/fafsa\">the delay in this year’s FAFSA application\u003c/a> is at least partly responsible for these marked decreases.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Think about it this way: Every day, [successful states] are relatively more effective at getting more students to complete a FAFSA than their peers,” DeBaun said. “So when you take 90 days out of the FAFSA cycle … every single one of those days, relatively speaking, costs that state more in terms of FAFSA completion.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The class of 2024 [has] just had a much smaller window in which to complete the FAFSA,” DeBaun said — and all the while — “the fall semester isn’t getting pushed back.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ratnam described the trend in data — and the technical difficulties that students faced — as “definitely alarming.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“[Financial aid is] one of the most important things that students or families think about when it comes to deciding if they want to pursue higher education,” Ratnam said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While Alvarez noted that FAFSA submission numbers have increased in the last weeks, likely helped by the fact that the previous glitches with the form had been fixed, he said that distrust of the process among students and their families is still noticeable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As this winter’s initial FAFSA errors might have been resolved, “tell that to someone who’s come to the high school five, six, seven, eight times already,” Alvarez said. “And that’s really what we’re facing: Just re-energizing the students and the parents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“As difficult as it is, it has long-term impacts, and we want to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Do students still have time to apply?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>While the May 2 deadline for in-state aid has passed, CSAC is encouraging students to still apply to the FAFSA to see if they qualify for other types of financial aid.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.csac.ca.gov/post/cal-grant-community-college-entitlement-award\">Cal Grant Community College Entitlement Award FAFSA application\u003c/a> is due on Sept. 2\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Alvarez said the FAFSA is often the first college-related struggle students face. But he tells his students to apply for financial aid to keep the door open to college enrollment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And to parents, Alvarez said his message on the importance of financial aid’s role in getting a student to college often comes when their children are graduating: “They’re literally transcending their circumstances; they’re narrowing that achievement gap,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They’re breaking barriers for their families.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"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",
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"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.",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/closealltabs",
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"order": 1
},
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"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": {
"site": "radio",
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},
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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": {
"site": "news",
"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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"freakonomics-radio": {
"id": "freakonomics-radio",
"title": "Freakonomics Radio",
"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.",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "http://freakonomics.com/",
"airtime": "SUN 1am-2am, SAT 3pm-4pm",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/freakonomics-radio",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/4s8b",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/freakonomics-radio/id354668519",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/WNYC-Podcasts/Freakonomics-Radio-p272293/",
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},
"fresh-air": {
"id": "fresh-air",
"title": "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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"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.",
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"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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},
"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",
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"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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},
"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",
"meta": {
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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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"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC2275451163"
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},
"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",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Political Mind of Jerry Brown",
"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",
"subscribe": {
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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": {
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"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)",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Masters-of-Scale-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://mastersofscale.com/",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "WaitWhat"
},
"link": "/radio/program/masters-of-scale",
"subscribe": {
"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/",
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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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"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": {
"site": "news",
"source": "wnyc"
},
"link": "/radio/program/on-the-media",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-media/id73330715?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/On-the-Media-p69/",
"rss": "http://feeds.wnyc.org/onthemedia"
}
},
"pbs-newshour": {
"id": "pbs-newshour",
"title": "PBS NewsHour",
"info": "Analysis, background reports and updates from the PBS NewsHour putting today's news in context.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3pm-4pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PBS-News-Hour-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/",
"meta": {
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"source": "pbs"
},
"link": "/radio/program/pbs-newshour",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pbs-newshour-full-show/id394432287?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/PBS-NewsHour---Full-Show-p425698/",
"rss": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/feeds/rss/podcasts/show"
}
},
"perspectives": {
"id": "perspectives",
"title": "Perspectives",
"tagline": "KQED's series of daily listener commentaries since 1991",
"info": "KQED's series of daily listener commentaries since 1991.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Perspectives_Tile_Final.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Perspectives",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/perspectives/",
"meta": {
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 14
},
"link": "/perspectives",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id73801135",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432309616/perspectives",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/perspectives/category/perspectives/feed/",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93dzIua3FlZC5vcmcvcGVyc3BlY3RpdmVzL2NhdGVnb3J5L3BlcnNwZWN0aXZlcy9mZWVkLw"
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},
"planet-money": {
"id": "planet-money",
"title": "Planet Money",
"info": "The economy explained. Imagine you could call up a friend and say, Meet me at the bar and tell me what's going on with the economy. Now imagine that's actually a fun evening.",
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