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"content": "\u003cp>“Breathe in deeply through your nose and slowly exhale through your mouth. You are a part of the life cycle of this forest.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s just after 6 p.m. in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/muir-woods\">Muir Woods\u003c/a> National Monument, and below a thick canopy of redwoods, Ranger Jace Ritchey is speaking to a large group of people gathered on the boardwalk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But instead of walking these wooden boards, as thousands of tourists do every day at this national park, these people are lying down on them — gazing up at the forest from below as Ritchey leads them through a guided meditation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At this time of day, birds are chirping all around as dusk falls and the gurgle of a creek can be heard far off. The usually bustling park is nearly empty, apart from the lucky group lying on the ground.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This is not your typical walk through these famous trees. This is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.parksconservancy.org/events/mount-tamalpais-muir-woods-national-monument/muir-woods-night-tour\">Muir Woods night tour\u003c/a>, a monthly event on the last Friday of each month, between January and October.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078106\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12078106 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-21-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-21-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-21-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-21-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Muir Woods National Monument on March 27, 2026, during a ranger-led night walking tour. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But getting tickets to this in-demand ranger program is no easy feat. They go on sale two weeks before the tour and sell out almost immediately, Ritchey said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Tickets for the May tour were all snapped up within 30 seconds, with a waitlist of 200 people. And the next tour on June 26 — for which tickets become available this week, at 8 a.m. on Friday — looks to be no less competitive.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#muir-woods-night-tour-tickets\">How to get tickets for the Muir Woods night tour\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Behind the scenes on the night tour\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The tour itself is a two-mile walk, hitting all the famous landmarks in the central part of the park, meandering along the Redwood Grove Trail and Hillside Trail to pass landmarks like Founders Grove and Cathedral Grove.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the entrance to the park, Ritchey explains to the assembled night tourers that, unlike so many other places where old-growth redwood trees were logged or destroyed, this forest was protected, preserving its biodiversity.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The theme of this April tour, Ritchey tells the group on the boardwalk, is “community and perspective.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078111\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12078111\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-48-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-48-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-48-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-48-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Visitors walk through Muir Woods National Monument on March 27, 2026, during a ranger-led night walking tour. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“So as we walk into this old-growth ecosystem, I invite you to connect and reflect on what community means to you,” they said, leading the group into the forest just as the sun was setting.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One of them, Oakland resident Oren Finard, who’s attending with his in-laws tonight, is actually visiting Muir Woods for the first time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I can’t think of a prettier way to see this place than at twilight and with nobody else in the park,” he said. “That is pretty special.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Founders Grove, Muir Woods intern Ellie Hennessy asks the group to share a place where they’ve felt a sense of awe in nature. For Kenny Coy, visiting from Novato with his wife, that’s the Gualala River in Sonoma County.[aside postID=news_12050823 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/Armstrong-Redwoods-1.png']“The river will get super calm and glassy,” Coy said. “It’s really awesome.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When the group lies down on the boardwalk for their meditation, they find that the sounds of the forest become amplified. A woodpecker can be heard, the signature “tuck tuck tuck” of its beak pounding into a nearby tree.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The evening especially is one of those moments where the forest quiets for the visitors, but the forest comes alive for the wildlife,” Ritchey said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ritchey shows photos of other animals that call this park home at night, like bats, deer and even mountain lions, but promises the latter shouldn’t make an appearance tonight.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At Redwood Creek, Ritchey points out the handiwork of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/civilian-conservation-corps.htm\">Civilian Conservation Corps\u003c/a>, which, back in the ’30s and ’40s, built stone walls along the creek to control erosion and prevent flooding. Today, they explain, the park takes a more modern approach, allowing debris to build up in the creek naturally to support coho salmon habitat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cori Castro, who lives in San Rafael, said she tried for months to get a Muir Woods night tour ticket. Then, this month, her friend came to the rescue with an extra.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Her serendipitous luck even continued on the tour, Castro said, when she glanced up during the meditation and realized she recognized a specific tree from an earlier encounter decades ago.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078109\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12078109 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-37-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-37-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-37-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-37-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ranger Jace Ritchey leads a night walking tour through Muir Woods National Monument on March 27, 2026. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“I looked over, and I was like, ‘That tree looks really familiar,’” she said. “I remember it’s from a picture that I took of my kids.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That tree from the photograph “looks exactly the same,” she said. “And my kids are 30 and 28 now.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Castro said she’s been feeling weighed down by politics, the news and the general state of the world.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“But you come here, and you’re like — all that goes away,” she said. “That’s what this reminds me of: how insignificant I am, and we are. It gives me hope.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>‘Be one, benevolent’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The night hikers follow a trail that climbs up above the trees, bringing them eye-to-eye with the canopy. Darkness is closing in, and they’re watching their step carefully while using their flashlights and the light of the moon high in the sky, a bright beacon above.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The group stops for a history lesson. It starts with all the usual players — the white men who fought to protect this place from logging and destruction, and who named this park after naturalist John Muir.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But Ritchey said there’s more to the story, telling the assembled hikers about the stewardship of the Coast Miwok and the contributions of \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/articles/how-women-saved-muir-woods.htm\">a group of women \u003c/a>who fought for park conservation in the early 1900s. And Ritchey calls out the founders’ belief in eugenics, “who I kid you not saw in redwood trees a metaphor for the greatness of white people,” they said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078114\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12078114\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-59-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-59-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-59-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-59-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ranger Jace Ritchey leads a night walking tour through Muir Woods National Monument on March 27, 2026. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In keeping with tonight’s theme of community and perspective, Ritchey draws a lesson for the group.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Just like the trees are connected to their ecosystem, people connected, shared their resources, and said, ‘We want to protect a place we love. We will take action to do so,’” Ritchey said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“As darkness falls upon this place — and only feet away from you, you cannot see the faces of each other — know you are surrounded by people who care.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s the end of the tour, and time to pass back through Cathedral Grove — a federally designated “quiet area.” In the 1940s, \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/articles/the-united-nations-memorial-service-at-muir-woods.htm\">delegates from the United Nations came\u003c/a> to this spot during the organization’s founding to remind them what peace feels like.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078107\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12078107 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-31-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-31-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-31-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-31-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Oren Finard (left) and Rye Jupiter Seekins take part in a forest-bathing exercise, lying down and listening to the surrounding forest, during a night walking tour through Muir Woods National Monument on March 27, 2026. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Ritchey asks the group to turn off their lights and “bask in moonglow.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And to end, Ritchey’s favorite part of the tour: When the hikers make a single file line and wait for the person ahead of them to disappear into the silent darkness before they follow. Even though they’re all just a few paces behind each other, it feels like they’re out here alone in the forest.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I hope to inspire people to be one, benevolent, like so many presences in this forest are,” Ritchey said. “But ultimately, we have that choice to make. So make a good one.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Happy trails and good night.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"muir-woods-night-tour-tickets\">\u003c/a>How to get Muir Woods night tickets or sign up for other ranger tours\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/muwo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm\">Tickets for the free Muir Woods night tour\u003c/a> are released on \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/muwo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm\">nps.gov\u003c/a> two weeks ahead of the program at 8 a.m., and you can reserve tickets for a maximum of 4 people (was previously 6 people). You won’t be able to go through the ticket reservation process until that “two weeks before” date.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re unsuccessful at grabbing a ticket, the form will ask you if you’d like to join the waitlist. Stay hopeful but realistic: Ritchey said more than 200 people signed up for May’s waitlist, with only about five of those people ultimately getting a ticket.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050823/muir-woods-reservation-parking-redwood-forests-bay-area-alternative\">Muir Woods parking reservations\u003c/a> are not required for this tour if you arrive after 6 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078108\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12078108 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-36-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-36-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-36-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-36-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Muir Woods National Monument on March 27, 2026, during a ranger-led night walking tour. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/muwo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm\">2026 Muir Woods night tours\u003c/a> take place on the following Fridays:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>June 26 (opens June 12)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>July 31 (opens July 17)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Aug. 28 (opens Aug. 14)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Sept. 25 (opens Sept. 11)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Oct. 30 (opens Oct. 16)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You could also check out the more strenuous 3-mile \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DUqnJu2D8tp/\">“Owl Prowl”\u003c/a> guided hike at dusk in Muir Woods. Reservations are also required for this tour, which takes place on:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Aug 15 (reservations open Aug. 1)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Nov 7 (reservations open Oct. 24)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078118\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12078118\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-66-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-66-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-66-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-66-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Visitors walk through Muir Woods National Monument on March 27, 2026, during a ranger-led night walking tour. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>While night tour tickets are tough to snag, if you miss out, there are other free Muir Woods tours open to the public that don’t require signups, including:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>“Welcome to The Woods” 15-minute talks: Offered daily at 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. (and at 3:15 p.m. starting in May)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>One-hour ranger tours: Offered Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at 11 a.m.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Occasional Muir Woods \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=18475460-98D8-FFE0-AD0BA5EC3E0972AB\">Junior Ranger Days\u003c/a> with activities for all ages. Entry fee is waived for this event, but parking reservations are still required.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>“Breathe in deeply through your nose and slowly exhale through your mouth. You are a part of the life cycle of this forest.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s just after 6 p.m. in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/muir-woods\">Muir Woods\u003c/a> National Monument, and below a thick canopy of redwoods, Ranger Jace Ritchey is speaking to a large group of people gathered on the boardwalk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But instead of walking these wooden boards, as thousands of tourists do every day at this national park, these people are lying down on them — gazing up at the forest from below as Ritchey leads them through a guided meditation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At this time of day, birds are chirping all around as dusk falls and the gurgle of a creek can be heard far off. The usually bustling park is nearly empty, apart from the lucky group lying on the ground.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This is not your typical walk through these famous trees. This is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.parksconservancy.org/events/mount-tamalpais-muir-woods-national-monument/muir-woods-night-tour\">Muir Woods night tour\u003c/a>, a monthly event on the last Friday of each month, between January and October.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078106\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12078106 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-21-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-21-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-21-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-21-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Muir Woods National Monument on March 27, 2026, during a ranger-led night walking tour. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But getting tickets to this in-demand ranger program is no easy feat. They go on sale two weeks before the tour and sell out almost immediately, Ritchey said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Tickets for the May tour were all snapped up within 30 seconds, with a waitlist of 200 people. And the next tour on June 26 — for which tickets become available this week, at 8 a.m. on Friday — looks to be no less competitive.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#muir-woods-night-tour-tickets\">How to get tickets for the Muir Woods night tour\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Behind the scenes on the night tour\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The tour itself is a two-mile walk, hitting all the famous landmarks in the central part of the park, meandering along the Redwood Grove Trail and Hillside Trail to pass landmarks like Founders Grove and Cathedral Grove.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the entrance to the park, Ritchey explains to the assembled night tourers that, unlike so many other places where old-growth redwood trees were logged or destroyed, this forest was protected, preserving its biodiversity.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The theme of this April tour, Ritchey tells the group on the boardwalk, is “community and perspective.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078111\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12078111\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-48-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-48-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-48-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-48-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Visitors walk through Muir Woods National Monument on March 27, 2026, during a ranger-led night walking tour. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“So as we walk into this old-growth ecosystem, I invite you to connect and reflect on what community means to you,” they said, leading the group into the forest just as the sun was setting.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One of them, Oakland resident Oren Finard, who’s attending with his in-laws tonight, is actually visiting Muir Woods for the first time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I can’t think of a prettier way to see this place than at twilight and with nobody else in the park,” he said. “That is pretty special.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Founders Grove, Muir Woods intern Ellie Hennessy asks the group to share a place where they’ve felt a sense of awe in nature. For Kenny Coy, visiting from Novato with his wife, that’s the Gualala River in Sonoma County.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>“The river will get super calm and glassy,” Coy said. “It’s really awesome.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When the group lies down on the boardwalk for their meditation, they find that the sounds of the forest become amplified. A woodpecker can be heard, the signature “tuck tuck tuck” of its beak pounding into a nearby tree.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The evening especially is one of those moments where the forest quiets for the visitors, but the forest comes alive for the wildlife,” Ritchey said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ritchey shows photos of other animals that call this park home at night, like bats, deer and even mountain lions, but promises the latter shouldn’t make an appearance tonight.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At Redwood Creek, Ritchey points out the handiwork of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/civilian-conservation-corps.htm\">Civilian Conservation Corps\u003c/a>, which, back in the ’30s and ’40s, built stone walls along the creek to control erosion and prevent flooding. Today, they explain, the park takes a more modern approach, allowing debris to build up in the creek naturally to support coho salmon habitat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cori Castro, who lives in San Rafael, said she tried for months to get a Muir Woods night tour ticket. Then, this month, her friend came to the rescue with an extra.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Her serendipitous luck even continued on the tour, Castro said, when she glanced up during the meditation and realized she recognized a specific tree from an earlier encounter decades ago.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078109\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12078109 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-37-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-37-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-37-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-37-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ranger Jace Ritchey leads a night walking tour through Muir Woods National Monument on March 27, 2026. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“I looked over, and I was like, ‘That tree looks really familiar,’” she said. “I remember it’s from a picture that I took of my kids.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That tree from the photograph “looks exactly the same,” she said. “And my kids are 30 and 28 now.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Castro said she’s been feeling weighed down by politics, the news and the general state of the world.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“But you come here, and you’re like — all that goes away,” she said. “That’s what this reminds me of: how insignificant I am, and we are. It gives me hope.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>‘Be one, benevolent’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The night hikers follow a trail that climbs up above the trees, bringing them eye-to-eye with the canopy. Darkness is closing in, and they’re watching their step carefully while using their flashlights and the light of the moon high in the sky, a bright beacon above.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The group stops for a history lesson. It starts with all the usual players — the white men who fought to protect this place from logging and destruction, and who named this park after naturalist John Muir.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But Ritchey said there’s more to the story, telling the assembled hikers about the stewardship of the Coast Miwok and the contributions of \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/articles/how-women-saved-muir-woods.htm\">a group of women \u003c/a>who fought for park conservation in the early 1900s. And Ritchey calls out the founders’ belief in eugenics, “who I kid you not saw in redwood trees a metaphor for the greatness of white people,” they said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078114\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12078114\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-59-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-59-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-59-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-59-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ranger Jace Ritchey leads a night walking tour through Muir Woods National Monument on March 27, 2026. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In keeping with tonight’s theme of community and perspective, Ritchey draws a lesson for the group.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Just like the trees are connected to their ecosystem, people connected, shared their resources, and said, ‘We want to protect a place we love. We will take action to do so,’” Ritchey said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“As darkness falls upon this place — and only feet away from you, you cannot see the faces of each other — know you are surrounded by people who care.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s the end of the tour, and time to pass back through Cathedral Grove — a federally designated “quiet area.” In the 1940s, \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/articles/the-united-nations-memorial-service-at-muir-woods.htm\">delegates from the United Nations came\u003c/a> to this spot during the organization’s founding to remind them what peace feels like.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078107\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12078107 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-31-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-31-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-31-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-31-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Oren Finard (left) and Rye Jupiter Seekins take part in a forest-bathing exercise, lying down and listening to the surrounding forest, during a night walking tour through Muir Woods National Monument on March 27, 2026. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Ritchey asks the group to turn off their lights and “bask in moonglow.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And to end, Ritchey’s favorite part of the tour: When the hikers make a single file line and wait for the person ahead of them to disappear into the silent darkness before they follow. Even though they’re all just a few paces behind each other, it feels like they’re out here alone in the forest.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I hope to inspire people to be one, benevolent, like so many presences in this forest are,” Ritchey said. “But ultimately, we have that choice to make. So make a good one.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Happy trails and good night.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"muir-woods-night-tour-tickets\">\u003c/a>How to get Muir Woods night tickets or sign up for other ranger tours\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/muwo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm\">Tickets for the free Muir Woods night tour\u003c/a> are released on \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/muwo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm\">nps.gov\u003c/a> two weeks ahead of the program at 8 a.m., and you can reserve tickets for a maximum of 4 people (was previously 6 people). You won’t be able to go through the ticket reservation process until that “two weeks before” date.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re unsuccessful at grabbing a ticket, the form will ask you if you’d like to join the waitlist. Stay hopeful but realistic: Ritchey said more than 200 people signed up for May’s waitlist, with only about five of those people ultimately getting a ticket.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050823/muir-woods-reservation-parking-redwood-forests-bay-area-alternative\">Muir Woods parking reservations\u003c/a> are not required for this tour if you arrive after 6 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078108\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12078108 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-36-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-36-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-36-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-36-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Muir Woods National Monument on March 27, 2026, during a ranger-led night walking tour. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/muwo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm\">2026 Muir Woods night tours\u003c/a> take place on the following Fridays:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>June 26 (opens June 12)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>July 31 (opens July 17)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Aug. 28 (opens Aug. 14)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Sept. 25 (opens Sept. 11)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Oct. 30 (opens Oct. 16)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You could also check out the more strenuous 3-mile \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DUqnJu2D8tp/\">“Owl Prowl”\u003c/a> guided hike at dusk in Muir Woods. Reservations are also required for this tour, which takes place on:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Aug 15 (reservations open Aug. 1)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Nov 7 (reservations open Oct. 24)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078118\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12078118\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-66-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-66-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-66-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260327-MUIRWOODSNIGHTTOUR-66-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Visitors walk through Muir Woods National Monument on March 27, 2026, during a ranger-led night walking tour. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>While night tour tickets are tough to snag, if you miss out, there are other free Muir Woods tours open to the public that don’t require signups, including:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>“Welcome to The Woods” 15-minute talks: Offered daily at 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. (and at 3:15 p.m. starting in May)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>One-hour ranger tours: Offered Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at 11 a.m.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Occasional Muir Woods \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=18475460-98D8-FFE0-AD0BA5EC3E0972AB\">Junior Ranger Days\u003c/a> with activities for all ages. Entry fee is waived for this event, but parking reservations are still required.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "as-calfresh-guidelines-expand-where-can-students-who-rely-on-school-meals-go",
"title": "As CalFresh Guidelines Expand, Where Can Students Who Rely on School Meals Go?",
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"headTitle": "As CalFresh Guidelines Expand, Where Can Students Who Rely on School Meals Go? | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>This June, California started enforcing\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12083922/calfresh-snap-new-work-requirements-rules-2026-hr1-eligibility-who-is-exempt-food-stamps\"> new and expanded federal guidelines\u003c/a> that will now impact the CalFresh eligibility of households with a child 14 and older, right as the school year ends.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The timing has prompted food advocates to remind parents and caregivers that there \u003cem>are \u003c/em>meal options for students throughout summer break.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since the pandemic, California has been under a statewide waiver that exempted residents from completing a certain number of work hours to be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — known as SNAP nationwide and CalFresh in the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now — because of H.R. 1, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12083922/calfresh-snap-new-work-requirements-rules-2026-hr1-eligibility-who-is-exempt-food-stamps\">President Donald Trump’s so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill”\u003c/a> — the state must bring back the requirement that some CalFresh recipients must work \u003cem>and \u003c/em>show proof that they are working 20 hours a week, or an average of 80 hours a month. For those who don’t fulfill the requirements, a stark reduction in food benefits will ensue.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Not only does it add in the onerous work requirement — a lot of people who are already receiving CalFresh are working — but now they have this bureaucratic paperwork to provide,” said Kathy Saile, the state director of California’s branch of the national nonprofit No Kid Hungry. “There’s some real concern that people could lose benefits just because they couldn’t figure out the paperwork.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#WherecanteenagersandyoungpeoplefindmealsintheBayAreathissummer\">Where can teenagers and young people find meals in the Bay Area this summer?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>H.R.1’s impact, which also takes away food benefits for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12078168/april-1-snap-food-stamps-cal-fresh-eligibility-change-2026-immigrants-refugees-asylum-seekers-recertify-where-to-find-food-bank\">some humanitarian immigrants\u003c/a>, is apparent, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/snap-tracker-people-are-losing-food-assistance-as-the-republican-megabill\">federal data analyzed\u003c/a> by the nonpartisan research group Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The center estimated that nationwide, SNAP participation fell by almost 9% — more than 3.5 million people — between H.R.1’s start in July 2025 and February 2026.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Along with being stricter about implementing the work hours, the bill expands the age range. Now, barring exemptions, CalFresh recipients between the ages of 18 and 64 who do not live with a child under the age of 14 are required to fulfill the hours.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12039841\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12039841\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/OaklandSchoolChildren.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1364\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/OaklandSchoolChildren.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/OaklandSchoolChildren-800x546.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/OaklandSchoolChildren-1020x696.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/OaklandSchoolChildren-160x109.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/OaklandSchoolChildren-1536x1048.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/OaklandSchoolChildren-1920x1309.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">First-grade students grab lunch in the cafeteria at Franklin Elementary School on Sept. 7, 2018, in Oakland, California. \u003ccite>(Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Previously, the age range was between 18 and \u003cem>55\u003c/em>. Also notable is that, in the past, parents or caregivers with a child aged 17 or younger were also exempt.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The new guidelines do not kick in right away for all 5.5 million CalFresh recipients; they apply to new applicants and people who need to recertify their eligibility.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The rule changes \u003cem>also \u003c/em>do not mean that if a parent loses their benefits, their children will too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078496\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12078496\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/GroceriesAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/GroceriesAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/GroceriesAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/GroceriesAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A California’s SNAP benefits shopper pushes a cart through a supermarket in Bellflower, California, on Feb. 13, 2023. \u003ccite>(Allison Dinner/AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>However, “what we’re concerned about is that the parent or caregiver may not understand that the whole household is not losing benefits, or may not be able to get the paperwork and the continued recertification for their children,” Saile said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This potential loss for the child may come during the summer, which she said “can be the hungriest time of the year, because they don’t have access to school meals.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read more for summertime food options for kids and teens in the Bay Area. Keep in mind that this guide focuses on students 18 and under; there is \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/services/jobs/keep-benefits\">a work hour exemption for eligible college students\u003c/a> who are enrolled at least half-time.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"WherecanteenagersandyoungpeoplefindmealsintheBayAreathissummer\">\u003c/a>Where can teenagers and young people go for meals?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Make sure your kid is still on CalFresh\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If someone is a parent who has been impacted by the new work hour guidelines, Saile recommended that they “make sure that they’re staying in close contact with their caseworker.”[aside postID=news_12083922 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/CalFreshGetty.jpg']“Going online and making sure they’re not missing any deadlines or recertification appointments, and just paying attention to those details,” she added.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Saile pointed to recent research from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, which found that among 12 states with available data, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbpp.org/blog/sharp-drop-in-number-of-children-receiving-snap-food-assistance-under-new-federal-law\">“the number of children receiving SNAP food assistance has fallen by more than 700,000”\u003c/a> since H.R.1 in July 2025. The states include Texas, Ohio, Michigan and Massachusetts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Even though kids weren’t the stated target of H R.1, it’s certainly resulting in loss of food assistance for children,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There is “also the chilling effect,” she said. “There are a lot of families who are afraid to participate in programs right now.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Receive your SUN Bucks card\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Saile said children on CalFresh are automatically enrolled in other programs like \u003ca href=\"https://cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks\">SUN Bucks\u003c/a>, where a child can get $120 to buy food during the summer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The card can be used at places like \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks/faq\">grocery stores, farmers’ markets, Walmart and Amazon\u003c/a>. According to an FAQ from the state, people can use the card to buy food like fruits, vegetables, dairy and meat. However, the card — \u003ca href=\"https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items\">like most EBT cards\u003c/a> — cannot be used to buy things like \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks/faq\">“hot foods, pet foods, cleaning or household supplies, personal hygiene items, or medicine.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If the child is on CalFresh, the card “will just come automatically in the mail,” Saile said. “The parent or caregiver just creates a PIN for the card and then can use the card throughout the summer.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12086650\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 1209px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12086650\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/SUN-BUCKS.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1209\" height=\"385\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/SUN-BUCKS.jpg 1209w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/SUN-BUCKS-160x51.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1209px) 100vw, 1209px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A Sun Bucks card.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If a child is not enrolled in CalFresh but is income-eligible (\u003ca href=\"https://www.summerebt.org/faq\">in households at or under 185% of federal poverty guidelines\u003c/a>; \u003ca href=\"https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/rs/scales2526.asp\">see California’s breakdown on its website\u003c/a>), Saile said the parent or caregiver should contact their school and ask for \u003ca href=\"https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/sunbucks.asp#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20Universal%20Benefits,for%202025%20SUN%20Bucks%20eligibility.\">a universal benefit application form\u003c/a>. The form must be \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks/faq\">submitted back to the school\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Parents can do that anytime during the summer before Aug. 31, Saile said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When the card arrives, it may show up in a plain white envelope “for security reasons,” she said. “And people don’t know what it is. They think it might be a scam.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To recognize it, look for the card’s logo: blocky capitalized letters in orange, yellow and teal that say SUN Bucks. There is a little image of a sun with a knife and fork in the corner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For more information, people can call the SUN Bucks hotline at (877) 328-9677, which also has assistance in different languages.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Find nearby Summer Meals programs (also known as SUN Meals)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://state.nokidhungry.org/california/ca-summer-food-resources/\">SUN Meals\u003c/a> are \u003cem>free \u003c/em>meals available to kids 18 and under at places like schools, libraries and parks throughout the summer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Depending on the location, kids are \u003ca href=\"https://state.nokidhungry.org/program-toolkit/#5\">required\u003c/a> to either eat on-site or take a meal home with them. Some locations will not allow kids to take the meals home with them or have a parent pick up their meal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://state.nokidhungry.org/program-toolkit/#5\">the No Kid Hungry campaign\u003c/a>, no application is required, and no proof of income, residency or citizenship will be requested.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"https://arcg.is/1Han113\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The United States Department of Agriculture has \u003ca href=\"https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/bded45358b994a8fa009e1f88133eb03?org=USDA-FNS\">a comprehensive and regularly updated map of locations\u003c/a> that young people can visit for SUN Meals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to the USDA website, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/faqs\">“at most sites, children receive either one or two reimbursable meals each day.”\u003c/a> Meals tend to follow USDA nutrition guidelines, including milk, vegetables, fruit and grain. An example of a meal could be a \u003ca href=\"https://state.nokidhungry.org/program-toolkit/#5\">turkey sandwich on wheat bread with an apple and salad\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The No Kid Hungry California campaign suggests \u003ca href=\"https://state.nokidhungry.org/california/ca-summer-food-resources/\">on its website\u003c/a> that families double-check the hours of the meal site before heading out to make sure the information is up to date. Families can also call \u003ca href=\"https://www.fns.usda.gov/national-hunger-hotline\">the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-348-6479\u003c/a> to find a location closest to them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also download the state’s mobile app, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/mo/cameals.asp\">CA Meals for Kids\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Get familiar with Bay Area food banks \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough guide on using food banks or food pantries near you in both \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12061440/calfresh-snap-ebt-shutdown-find-food-banks-near-me-san-francisco-bay-area-alameda-oakland-contra-costa-newsom-national-guard\">English\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12062427/como-encontrar-un-banco-de-alimentos-o-despensa-cerca-de-usted-en-el-area-de-la-bahia\">Spanish\u003c/a>. The big takeaways:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Major food banks, like the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/workplace-giving/?ea.tracking.id=DigAd2526-PMG&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pmax&utm_campaign=evergreen&utm_content=workplacegiving&ea.tracking.id=DigAd2526-PMG&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pmax&utm_campaign=evergreen&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22903428179&gbraid=0AAAAACKCveNd07Igg9N0gD73ISiw1-uWD&gclid=CjwKCAjwpOfHBhAxEiwAm1SwErwV4xaFN_FEK7A9GBHjFfCEezDoE97Ft7G8ZkERCFXMNDrJVQO7YhoCKBsQAvD_BwE\">SF-Marin Food Bank\u003c/a>, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.cafoodbanks.org/our-members/\">California Association of Food Banks\u003c/a> or the \u003ca href=\"https://www.foodbankccs.org/find-food/foodbycity/?_gl=1*3ajdlo*_up*MQ..*_ga*MjA5ODkyMDQ5NS4xNzYxMjQ2NjU0*_ga_8BLR9BK6YN*czE3NjEyNDY2NTMkbzEkZzAkdDE3NjEyNDY2NTMkajYwJGwwJGgw\">Alameda County Community Food Bank\u003c/a>, will likely have \u003ca href=\"https://foodlocator.sfmfoodbank.org/?_gl=1*1lbew87*_gcl_au*MTkzNzUwMDUyLjE3NjEyNDUwMzE.&_ga=2.54192875.2143041145.1761245031-1508876033.1761245031\">a tool online that can help you locate food resources\u003c/a> near you. These maps or search engines can list locations ranging from large operations to small community fridges.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also call \u003ca href=\"https://211ca.org/\">the 211 state hotline \u003c/a>for more information.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064446\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064446\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/251113-SNAPDELAYSFEATURE00936_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/251113-SNAPDELAYSFEATURE00936_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/251113-SNAPDELAYSFEATURE00936_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/251113-SNAPDELAYSFEATURE00936_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shopping carts are parked around the Alameda Food Bank on Nov. 14, 2025. \u003ccite>(Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Once you find a spot, be sure to check out the food bank or pantry online before heading out. Note what hours they are open, and for how long. Some locations are open to anyone and to walk-ins, but some may require people to register for a spot beforehand or live in a specific zip code.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many food banks serve people regardless of immigration status. For example, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/find-food/\">SF-Marin Food Bank states on its website\u003c/a> that it “is committed to serving residents regardless of their immigration status or identity” and, as a non-government agency, does “not collect the immigration status of participants.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But food advocates suggest double-checking by calling the food bank and seeing if it has reporting requirements.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "With summer break on the way and CalFresh’s new, expanded federal guidelines in place, advocates say there are resources available to support students during what some call “the hungriest time of the year.”",
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"title": "As CalFresh Guidelines Expand, Where Can Students Who Rely on School Meals Go? | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>This June, California started enforcing\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12083922/calfresh-snap-new-work-requirements-rules-2026-hr1-eligibility-who-is-exempt-food-stamps\"> new and expanded federal guidelines\u003c/a> that will now impact the CalFresh eligibility of households with a child 14 and older, right as the school year ends.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The timing has prompted food advocates to remind parents and caregivers that there \u003cem>are \u003c/em>meal options for students throughout summer break.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since the pandemic, California has been under a statewide waiver that exempted residents from completing a certain number of work hours to be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — known as SNAP nationwide and CalFresh in the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now — because of H.R. 1, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12083922/calfresh-snap-new-work-requirements-rules-2026-hr1-eligibility-who-is-exempt-food-stamps\">President Donald Trump’s so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill”\u003c/a> — the state must bring back the requirement that some CalFresh recipients must work \u003cem>and \u003c/em>show proof that they are working 20 hours a week, or an average of 80 hours a month. For those who don’t fulfill the requirements, a stark reduction in food benefits will ensue.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Not only does it add in the onerous work requirement — a lot of people who are already receiving CalFresh are working — but now they have this bureaucratic paperwork to provide,” said Kathy Saile, the state director of California’s branch of the national nonprofit No Kid Hungry. “There’s some real concern that people could lose benefits just because they couldn’t figure out the paperwork.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#WherecanteenagersandyoungpeoplefindmealsintheBayAreathissummer\">Where can teenagers and young people find meals in the Bay Area this summer?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>H.R.1’s impact, which also takes away food benefits for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12078168/april-1-snap-food-stamps-cal-fresh-eligibility-change-2026-immigrants-refugees-asylum-seekers-recertify-where-to-find-food-bank\">some humanitarian immigrants\u003c/a>, is apparent, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/snap-tracker-people-are-losing-food-assistance-as-the-republican-megabill\">federal data analyzed\u003c/a> by the nonpartisan research group Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The center estimated that nationwide, SNAP participation fell by almost 9% — more than 3.5 million people — between H.R.1’s start in July 2025 and February 2026.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Along with being stricter about implementing the work hours, the bill expands the age range. Now, barring exemptions, CalFresh recipients between the ages of 18 and 64 who do not live with a child under the age of 14 are required to fulfill the hours.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12039841\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12039841\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/OaklandSchoolChildren.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1364\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/OaklandSchoolChildren.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/OaklandSchoolChildren-800x546.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/OaklandSchoolChildren-1020x696.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/OaklandSchoolChildren-160x109.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/OaklandSchoolChildren-1536x1048.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/OaklandSchoolChildren-1920x1309.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">First-grade students grab lunch in the cafeteria at Franklin Elementary School on Sept. 7, 2018, in Oakland, California. \u003ccite>(Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Previously, the age range was between 18 and \u003cem>55\u003c/em>. Also notable is that, in the past, parents or caregivers with a child aged 17 or younger were also exempt.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The new guidelines do not kick in right away for all 5.5 million CalFresh recipients; they apply to new applicants and people who need to recertify their eligibility.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The rule changes \u003cem>also \u003c/em>do not mean that if a parent loses their benefits, their children will too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078496\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12078496\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/GroceriesAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/GroceriesAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/GroceriesAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/GroceriesAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A California’s SNAP benefits shopper pushes a cart through a supermarket in Bellflower, California, on Feb. 13, 2023. \u003ccite>(Allison Dinner/AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>However, “what we’re concerned about is that the parent or caregiver may not understand that the whole household is not losing benefits, or may not be able to get the paperwork and the continued recertification for their children,” Saile said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This potential loss for the child may come during the summer, which she said “can be the hungriest time of the year, because they don’t have access to school meals.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read more for summertime food options for kids and teens in the Bay Area. Keep in mind that this guide focuses on students 18 and under; there is \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/services/jobs/keep-benefits\">a work hour exemption for eligible college students\u003c/a> who are enrolled at least half-time.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"WherecanteenagersandyoungpeoplefindmealsintheBayAreathissummer\">\u003c/a>Where can teenagers and young people go for meals?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Make sure your kid is still on CalFresh\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If someone is a parent who has been impacted by the new work hour guidelines, Saile recommended that they “make sure that they’re staying in close contact with their caseworker.”\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>“Going online and making sure they’re not missing any deadlines or recertification appointments, and just paying attention to those details,” she added.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Saile pointed to recent research from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, which found that among 12 states with available data, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbpp.org/blog/sharp-drop-in-number-of-children-receiving-snap-food-assistance-under-new-federal-law\">“the number of children receiving SNAP food assistance has fallen by more than 700,000”\u003c/a> since H.R.1 in July 2025. The states include Texas, Ohio, Michigan and Massachusetts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Even though kids weren’t the stated target of H R.1, it’s certainly resulting in loss of food assistance for children,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There is “also the chilling effect,” she said. “There are a lot of families who are afraid to participate in programs right now.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Receive your SUN Bucks card\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Saile said children on CalFresh are automatically enrolled in other programs like \u003ca href=\"https://cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks\">SUN Bucks\u003c/a>, where a child can get $120 to buy food during the summer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The card can be used at places like \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks/faq\">grocery stores, farmers’ markets, Walmart and Amazon\u003c/a>. According to an FAQ from the state, people can use the card to buy food like fruits, vegetables, dairy and meat. However, the card — \u003ca href=\"https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items\">like most EBT cards\u003c/a> — cannot be used to buy things like \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks/faq\">“hot foods, pet foods, cleaning or household supplies, personal hygiene items, or medicine.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If the child is on CalFresh, the card “will just come automatically in the mail,” Saile said. “The parent or caregiver just creates a PIN for the card and then can use the card throughout the summer.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12086650\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 1209px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12086650\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/SUN-BUCKS.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1209\" height=\"385\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/SUN-BUCKS.jpg 1209w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/SUN-BUCKS-160x51.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1209px) 100vw, 1209px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A Sun Bucks card.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If a child is not enrolled in CalFresh but is income-eligible (\u003ca href=\"https://www.summerebt.org/faq\">in households at or under 185% of federal poverty guidelines\u003c/a>; \u003ca href=\"https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/rs/scales2526.asp\">see California’s breakdown on its website\u003c/a>), Saile said the parent or caregiver should contact their school and ask for \u003ca href=\"https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/sunbucks.asp#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20Universal%20Benefits,for%202025%20SUN%20Bucks%20eligibility.\">a universal benefit application form\u003c/a>. The form must be \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks/faq\">submitted back to the school\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Parents can do that anytime during the summer before Aug. 31, Saile said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When the card arrives, it may show up in a plain white envelope “for security reasons,” she said. “And people don’t know what it is. They think it might be a scam.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To recognize it, look for the card’s logo: blocky capitalized letters in orange, yellow and teal that say SUN Bucks. There is a little image of a sun with a knife and fork in the corner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For more information, people can call the SUN Bucks hotline at (877) 328-9677, which also has assistance in different languages.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Find nearby Summer Meals programs (also known as SUN Meals)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://state.nokidhungry.org/california/ca-summer-food-resources/\">SUN Meals\u003c/a> are \u003cem>free \u003c/em>meals available to kids 18 and under at places like schools, libraries and parks throughout the summer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Depending on the location, kids are \u003ca href=\"https://state.nokidhungry.org/program-toolkit/#5\">required\u003c/a> to either eat on-site or take a meal home with them. Some locations will not allow kids to take the meals home with them or have a parent pick up their meal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://state.nokidhungry.org/program-toolkit/#5\">the No Kid Hungry campaign\u003c/a>, no application is required, and no proof of income, residency or citizenship will be requested.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"https://arcg.is/1Han113\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The United States Department of Agriculture has \u003ca href=\"https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/bded45358b994a8fa009e1f88133eb03?org=USDA-FNS\">a comprehensive and regularly updated map of locations\u003c/a> that young people can visit for SUN Meals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to the USDA website, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/faqs\">“at most sites, children receive either one or two reimbursable meals each day.”\u003c/a> Meals tend to follow USDA nutrition guidelines, including milk, vegetables, fruit and grain. An example of a meal could be a \u003ca href=\"https://state.nokidhungry.org/program-toolkit/#5\">turkey sandwich on wheat bread with an apple and salad\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The No Kid Hungry California campaign suggests \u003ca href=\"https://state.nokidhungry.org/california/ca-summer-food-resources/\">on its website\u003c/a> that families double-check the hours of the meal site before heading out to make sure the information is up to date. Families can also call \u003ca href=\"https://www.fns.usda.gov/national-hunger-hotline\">the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-348-6479\u003c/a> to find a location closest to them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also download the state’s mobile app, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/mo/cameals.asp\">CA Meals for Kids\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Get familiar with Bay Area food banks \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough guide on using food banks or food pantries near you in both \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12061440/calfresh-snap-ebt-shutdown-find-food-banks-near-me-san-francisco-bay-area-alameda-oakland-contra-costa-newsom-national-guard\">English\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12062427/como-encontrar-un-banco-de-alimentos-o-despensa-cerca-de-usted-en-el-area-de-la-bahia\">Spanish\u003c/a>. The big takeaways:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Major food banks, like the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/workplace-giving/?ea.tracking.id=DigAd2526-PMG&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pmax&utm_campaign=evergreen&utm_content=workplacegiving&ea.tracking.id=DigAd2526-PMG&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pmax&utm_campaign=evergreen&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22903428179&gbraid=0AAAAACKCveNd07Igg9N0gD73ISiw1-uWD&gclid=CjwKCAjwpOfHBhAxEiwAm1SwErwV4xaFN_FEK7A9GBHjFfCEezDoE97Ft7G8ZkERCFXMNDrJVQO7YhoCKBsQAvD_BwE\">SF-Marin Food Bank\u003c/a>, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.cafoodbanks.org/our-members/\">California Association of Food Banks\u003c/a> or the \u003ca href=\"https://www.foodbankccs.org/find-food/foodbycity/?_gl=1*3ajdlo*_up*MQ..*_ga*MjA5ODkyMDQ5NS4xNzYxMjQ2NjU0*_ga_8BLR9BK6YN*czE3NjEyNDY2NTMkbzEkZzAkdDE3NjEyNDY2NTMkajYwJGwwJGgw\">Alameda County Community Food Bank\u003c/a>, will likely have \u003ca href=\"https://foodlocator.sfmfoodbank.org/?_gl=1*1lbew87*_gcl_au*MTkzNzUwMDUyLjE3NjEyNDUwMzE.&_ga=2.54192875.2143041145.1761245031-1508876033.1761245031\">a tool online that can help you locate food resources\u003c/a> near you. These maps or search engines can list locations ranging from large operations to small community fridges.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also call \u003ca href=\"https://211ca.org/\">the 211 state hotline \u003c/a>for more information.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064446\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064446\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/251113-SNAPDELAYSFEATURE00936_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/251113-SNAPDELAYSFEATURE00936_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/251113-SNAPDELAYSFEATURE00936_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/251113-SNAPDELAYSFEATURE00936_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shopping carts are parked around the Alameda Food Bank on Nov. 14, 2025. \u003ccite>(Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Once you find a spot, be sure to check out the food bank or pantry online before heading out. Note what hours they are open, and for how long. Some locations are open to anyone and to walk-ins, but some may require people to register for a spot beforehand or live in a specific zip code.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many food banks serve people regardless of immigration status. For example, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/find-food/\">SF-Marin Food Bank states on its website\u003c/a> that it “is committed to serving residents regardless of their immigration status or identity” and, as a non-government agency, does “not collect the immigration status of participants.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But food advocates suggest double-checking by calling the food bank and seeing if it has reporting requirements.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "best-beaches-near-san-francisco-bay-area-weather-heat-wave-how-to-check-tides-wind",
"title": "Which Bay Area Beach Is Best to Beat This Week’s Heat?",
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"headTitle": "Which Bay Area Beach Is Best to Beat This Week’s Heat? | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>It’s about to get hot, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/bay-area\">Bay Area\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Starting Tuesday, temperatures will start to climb and rise “dramatically” on Wednesday as a ridge of high pressure builds over the region, Bay Area National Weather Service meteorologists wrote in their\u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=ci&glossary=1&issuedby=mtr&product=afd&site=mtr&version=1\"> daily forecast discussion\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Thursday is our hottest day of the week,” said Karleisa Rogacheski, a lead meteorologist with the weather service’s Bay Area office. “We may have a couple of 100-degree spots sitting up in the North Bay and East Bay areas.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These are the kinds of temperatures that will have many looking to hopefully find some chill in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12076459/best-san-francisco-bay-area-weather-hikes-forests-redwoods-coast-heat-wave-forecast\">the Bay Area’s cool and shaded spots\u003c/a> — or at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13976437/best-swimming-spots-public-pools-rivers-lakes-beaches-holes-bay-area\">beach\u003c/a>. And if you’re one of those hoping to sneakily call out of work next week for some sunshine and sand, you likely won’t be the only one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When it’s warm, San Francisco becomes this magical place where everyone is outside and enjoying it, and it’s really nice to go to the beach those days,” said Nina Atkind, manager of the San Francisco chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047560\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Heat-Wave-SF-Getty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1358\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Heat-Wave-SF-Getty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Heat-Wave-SF-Getty-160x109.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Heat-Wave-SF-Getty-1536x1043.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">People enjoying the sun at the Palace of Fine Arts as a heat wave rolls through San Francisco on July 11, 2024. \u003ccite>(Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>And crowds aren’t your only beach day challenge. As San Franciscans know, it’s not always sunny or warm on the city’s west side when inland neighborhoods are sweltering.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>San Francisco’s multiple microclimates mean that while the Mission District and Dolores Park might be steamy, the Sunset or Richmond Neighborhoods could be inundated with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11682057/how-the-bay-areas-fog-came-to-be-named-karl\">Karl the Fog\u003c/a>, our beloved marine layer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#GreatBayAreabeachesaccessiblebypublictransit\">Great Bay Area beaches accessible by public transit\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>If you’re among those who are eager for a beach day, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our expert-approved tips as we let you in on our decision-making process when we want to sink our feet into the sand.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>1. Decide which beach you want to visit\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re hoping to soak up some sun during the heat wave, deciding \u003cem>which \u003c/em>beach location to go to is the hardest decision you will have to make.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Firstly, consider: What kind of experience do you want, and what vibe are you looking for? The Bay Area offers it all — family-friendly parks by the sea, dog-friendly spaces, sprawling cliff-lined swaths of sand and even nude beaches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the North Bay, check out spots like Stinson Beach, China Beach, Rodeo Beach or even Heart’s Desire on Tomales Bay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12076411\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12076411\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/BayAreaHeatWaveGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/BayAreaHeatWaveGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/BayAreaHeatWaveGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/BayAreaHeatWaveGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">People enjoy the beach at Crissy Field as a heat wave warning was issued in San Francisco, California, on July 11, 2024. \u003ccite>(Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>And don’t forget about the Peninsula, with its abundance of options up and down the coastline from San Francisco’s Ocean Beach to Fort Funston, Pacifica, Montara, Half Moon Bay and beyond.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But Scott Havard, a lifeguard at Angel Island who created a \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfbayswim.info/\">website\u003c/a> on safe swimming data in the San Francisco Bay, said you don’t have to go all the way to the coast to get a great beach experience. In fact, he recommends spending a day soaking up the sun at any of the East Bay’s shorelines like Keller Beach Park in Richmond, Crown Beach in Alameda, the Berkeley Marina — or even his “home” beaches on Angel Island, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065289/this-thanksgiving-weekend-why-not-hop-on-a-ferry\">accessible by ferry\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If they don’t want to have to cross the bridge and they’re in the East Bay, just try to try out some of the regional shorelines and the Bay because they’re really gorgeous,” Havard said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And don’t be deterred from swimming in the San Francisco Bay itself, he said. Havard’s site pulls water quality information from sources all around the Bay Area, including the \u003ca href=\"https://webapps.sfpuc.org/sapps/beachesandbay.html\">San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s Beach Water Quality Survey\u003c/a>, where you can check the daily status of the area you’re headed to.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A lot of the Bay Area communities do a really, really good job of making sure that the Bay stays clean,” he said. “And the rule of thumb for 90% of the time, maybe even 99% of time, is: ‘just don’t swim after a big rain’” — for risk you’ll be swimming with sewage.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>2: Research the weather forecast (and change course on decision 1 if need be)\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>After you’ve got your beach in mind, your next step is the weather forecast. This is as easy as typing “weather” and the “beach name” into a search engine like Google, or your phone’s weather app or visiting the \u003ca href=\"https://www.weather.gov/mtr/\">National Weather Service Bay Area office’s website\u003c/a> for a more detailed breakdown of the regional weather. If you want to get really nerdy, read the \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=mtr&issuedby=MTR&product=AFD\">Forecast Discussion\u003c/a> that Bay Area meteorologists update several times a day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But you’ll need to go beyond basic temperatures and also look into factors like wind, the marine layer and when those temperatures may turn cooler during the day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Online tools like \u003ca href=\"https://www.windy.com/?37.751,-122.412,5\">Windy\u003c/a> can help you understand wind strength at beaches, which is helpful for traditional beachgoers as well as for surfers, kitesurfers, sailors and other extreme sportspeople.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12033006\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12033006\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250325-APARTMENTSONWESTSIDE-10-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250325-APARTMENTSONWESTSIDE-10-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250325-APARTMENTSONWESTSIDE-10-BL-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250325-APARTMENTSONWESTSIDE-10-BL-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250325-APARTMENTSONWESTSIDE-10-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250325-APARTMENTSONWESTSIDE-10-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250325-APARTMENTSONWESTSIDE-10-BL-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A view of the Sunset District and Ocean Beach in San Francisco on March 25, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Sylvia Lacock, co-owner of \u003ca href=\"https://www.pacificswim.co/about-pacific-open-water/\">Pacific Open Water Swim Company\u003c/a> in San Francisco, said she uses \u003ca href=\"https://www.windfinder.com/#3/39.5000/-98.3500/spot\">Windfinder\u003c/a> to learn how strong the wind will be before she swims in the ocean — or hangs out at the beach.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lacock’s own yardstick: A wind speed forecast of 5 miles per hour or less usually means “it’s going to be a pretty nice day,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Atkind said surfers like her use two sources to figure out whether to surf out at Ocean Beach, near her home in the Outer Sunset neighborhood: \u003ca href=\"https://www.ventusky.com/\">Ventuksy\u003c/a> for wind conditions and \u003ca href=\"https://www.surfline.com/\">Surfline\u003c/a> for wave conditions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The number one thing Atkind is paying attention to is the fog, noting that shifting winds can quickly change the temperature.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It can be really hot one second, and then five minutes later, a 20-degree drop,” Atkind said. “I often bring a pair of socks, a beanie, a sweater, and maybe a jacket too. It feels crazy in the moment when it’s hot, and then every time — I always need it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If anything in the forecast is a major deterrent, then go back to step 1 and look up another beach or a different part of the Bay Area to visit.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>3. Scout your chosen beach using webcams\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Many of us have had the experience of getting stoked to visit the beach, picking up an artisanal sandwich and some drinks … and then, upon arrival, the shoreline instead proves cold and windy, and the waves look scary.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s why truthing the weather with a live webcam of the exact beach or area you want to visit is an important step in deciding what beach to lounge at.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Atkind uses \u003ca href=\"https://www.surfline.com/\">Surfline\u003c/a>’s webcams to help her decide if she should head to the beach, but it comes at a pretty penny, requiring a subscription. She said that often friends split the subscription fee.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12007456\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12007456\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/GettyImages-2175344883-scaled-e1773420511511.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Douglas Williams leads his son, DJ, 2, through a pool of water at Crissy Field in San Francisco on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. \u003ccite>(Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“I use it to see if it’s foggy or sunny or what 75-degree day I’m missing at the beach,” Atkind said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy website lists \u003ca href=\"https://www.parksconservancy.org/parks/park-web-cams\">webcams across San Francisco\u003c/a>. They are particularly helpful in determining whether the fog bank is moving toward the Golden Gate Bridge.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://alertcalifornia.org/\">ALERTCalifornia\u003c/a>, a camera network operated by UC San Diego, also offers webcams across the state, including many in the Bay Area, to better understand natural disasters and inform management decisions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One particularly compelling view is from \u003ca href=\"https://ops.alertcalifornia.org/cam-console/2192\">Mt. Tamalpais\u003c/a>, where you can see the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco and all the way down to Pacifica. There’s also a view from \u003ca href=\"https://ops.alertcalifornia.org/cam-console/2429\">Sutro Tower\u003c/a> that offers a birds-eye view of San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What about webcams pointed at beaches themselves? Luckily, cameras are installed across the state at many beaches, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.skylinewebcams.com/en/webcam/united-states/california/pacifica/pacifica-sharp-park-beach.html\">Pacifica\u003c/a> and a slew of others listed \u003ca href=\"https://sfcam.live/\">publicly online\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And just like the steps above, if something you see in a webcam looks like a reason not to go to a particular beach, go back to step one and find another option.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>4. Look up the tides\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Checking out the tides is especially important if you’re going to visit a place that’s remote, rocky, or where high tides can cut off access, like \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/marshalls-beach\">San Francisco’s Marshall’s Beach\u003c/a>. They’re also essential for understanding if you plan to swim.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As a surfer, Atkind uses Surfline to understand how tides will affect the waves, and she often looks at \u003ca href=\"https://tidealert.app/\">Tide Alert\u003c/a>, a free app that uses a “really cool visual graphic” of the phase of the moon and when high and low tides will occur, as well as wind and temperature data and swell size.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When you get to the beach, Atkind’s last step is to look at the water and follow your gut once you’ve looked into everything above.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12055163\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12055163\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/AngelIslandGGBridgeGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/AngelIslandGGBridgeGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/AngelIslandGGBridgeGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/AngelIslandGGBridgeGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Golden Gate Bridge as seen from Angel Island, California, on March 8, 2019. \u003ccite>(Sundry Photography/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>And if the tides feel like they are too high or too low for you to visit a specific beach, Lacock suggests people who are nervous about entering the Pacific Ocean or San Francisco Bay visit places like Aquatic Park in San Francisco, Alameda Beach or Crown Beach in the City of Alameda because they offer a more controlled environment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Also, while temperatures will spike during the heat wave, the Pacific Ocean \u003cem>will \u003c/em>remain frigid, warned Lacock.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She recommended taking measures to stay warm to avoid hypothermia.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“People don’t realize until it’s too late to get out of the water and someone might have mild \u003ca href=\"https://pacificswimco.substack.com/p/hypothermia-what-every-open-water\">hypothermia\u003c/a>,” Lacock said. “Even when it’s warm outside, when you get out of the water, get warmed up quickly and put warm layers on.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And remember: as well as being cold, the ocean can be highly unpredictable. “Don’t treat the Pacific Ocean like a lake,” Lacock said, especially if you visit spots like Ocean Beach, where \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1978061/after-their-son-was-swept-into-the-ocean-this-fremont-family-turned-their-grief-into-advocacy\">rip currents or sneaker waves \u003c/a>can catch a person by surprise and tow you out into the sea.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"GreatBayAreabeachesaccessiblebypublictransit\">\u003c/a>5. Think about the best mode of transportation (knowing parking can suck)\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>What’s more posh than taking the bus to the beach? But seriously, there’s nothing worse than packing your tote and donning your sunnies only to arrive at a \u003cem>very \u003c/em>full parking lot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Not only can that extra 15-20 minutes spent looking for parking completely kill your carefree mood, but you run the risk of not being able to find parking at all.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Luckily, the Bay Area has more than its fair share of transit-accessible beaches — some of which the ride is nearly as pleasant as the destination itself. We’ve got a few suggestions below:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Take the ferry to Angel Island’s Ayala Cove\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Not only is Ayala Cove one of the Bay Area’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13976437/best-swimming-spots-public-pools-rivers-lakes-beaches-holes-bay-area#bay-area-beaches-to-swim\">best beaches to swim at\u003c/a>, but it’s also just a short walk from the ferry terminal at Angel Island, serviced by both San Francisco and Tiburon. The ferry ride itself is a complete joy, and your Clipper card — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065714/clipper-card-new-bart-caltrain-login-next-generation-discounts\">or even a credit/debit card \u003c/a>— works, so you don’t have to worry about buying a ticket in advance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The beach is in a small cove of the island, where the bay currents aren’t as strong. There are also bathrooms, tables, barbecues and a cafe if you forgot your picnic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’re seeking some extra adventure and a slightly quieter beach, Havard recommends strolling a couple of miles to \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1313\">Quarry Beach\u003c/a>.[aside postID=arts_13976437 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/GettyImages-1298780633-1020x736.jpg']“For those that are willing to put in the effort, Quarry Beach is one of the best beaches in the Bay,” he said. “It’s a nice white sand beach facing away from the wind, which is kind of hard to find.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Take the N Judah to San Francisco’s Ocean Beach\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There’s almost nothing better than a sunny day spent in San Francisco’s Sunset District, and the N Judah gets you there without a hitch. Hop off early to grab lunch or do some browsing at the boutiques around 45th Avenue before walking to the new \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/sunset-dunes\">Sunset Dunes park\u003c/a> and finding a spot along the vast beach below.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just be warned: Ocean Beach may be great for lying out, walking and all sorts of beach sports and activities, but \u003ca href=\"https://www.parksconservancy.org/park-e-ventures-article/hidden-dangers-ocean-beach\">swimming typically isn’t one of them\u003c/a> — as the currents there, especially in the winter, can be dangerous.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Any swell can take people off guard, especially at Ocean Beach,” Havard said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Take SamTrans to Pacifica State Beach\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Want to go to a real surfer’s beach, but without the headache of waiting in traffic on Highway 1? The \u003ca href=\"https://www.samtrans.com/media/21404\">110 SamTrans bus\u003c/a> is that girl.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Take BART to Daly City and switch to the 110, which will take you all the way to Linda Mar and Pacifica State Beach. Hit the beachfront Taco Bell Cantina, Humble Sea Brewing, or any of the local restaurants, shops and cafes before relaxing on the beach.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Taking the bus will not only remove the stress of navigating traffic; it also means you don’t have to pay the $9 parking fee at the beach.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeeeKhyuk-_odJH80iw5eAlpLBF-YWJnOi_Yqs4BEN9fY1YJA/viewform?usp=publish-editor\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>It’s about to get hot, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/bay-area\">Bay Area\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Starting Tuesday, temperatures will start to climb and rise “dramatically” on Wednesday as a ridge of high pressure builds over the region, Bay Area National Weather Service meteorologists wrote in their\u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=ci&glossary=1&issuedby=mtr&product=afd&site=mtr&version=1\"> daily forecast discussion\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Thursday is our hottest day of the week,” said Karleisa Rogacheski, a lead meteorologist with the weather service’s Bay Area office. “We may have a couple of 100-degree spots sitting up in the North Bay and East Bay areas.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These are the kinds of temperatures that will have many looking to hopefully find some chill in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12076459/best-san-francisco-bay-area-weather-hikes-forests-redwoods-coast-heat-wave-forecast\">the Bay Area’s cool and shaded spots\u003c/a> — or at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13976437/best-swimming-spots-public-pools-rivers-lakes-beaches-holes-bay-area\">beach\u003c/a>. And if you’re one of those hoping to sneakily call out of work next week for some sunshine and sand, you likely won’t be the only one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When it’s warm, San Francisco becomes this magical place where everyone is outside and enjoying it, and it’s really nice to go to the beach those days,” said Nina Atkind, manager of the San Francisco chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047560\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Heat-Wave-SF-Getty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1358\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Heat-Wave-SF-Getty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Heat-Wave-SF-Getty-160x109.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Heat-Wave-SF-Getty-1536x1043.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">People enjoying the sun at the Palace of Fine Arts as a heat wave rolls through San Francisco on July 11, 2024. \u003ccite>(Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>And crowds aren’t your only beach day challenge. As San Franciscans know, it’s not always sunny or warm on the city’s west side when inland neighborhoods are sweltering.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>San Francisco’s multiple microclimates mean that while the Mission District and Dolores Park might be steamy, the Sunset or Richmond Neighborhoods could be inundated with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11682057/how-the-bay-areas-fog-came-to-be-named-karl\">Karl the Fog\u003c/a>, our beloved marine layer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#GreatBayAreabeachesaccessiblebypublictransit\">Great Bay Area beaches accessible by public transit\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>If you’re among those who are eager for a beach day, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our expert-approved tips as we let you in on our decision-making process when we want to sink our feet into the sand.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>1. Decide which beach you want to visit\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re hoping to soak up some sun during the heat wave, deciding \u003cem>which \u003c/em>beach location to go to is the hardest decision you will have to make.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Firstly, consider: What kind of experience do you want, and what vibe are you looking for? The Bay Area offers it all — family-friendly parks by the sea, dog-friendly spaces, sprawling cliff-lined swaths of sand and even nude beaches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the North Bay, check out spots like Stinson Beach, China Beach, Rodeo Beach or even Heart’s Desire on Tomales Bay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12076411\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12076411\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/BayAreaHeatWaveGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/BayAreaHeatWaveGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/BayAreaHeatWaveGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/BayAreaHeatWaveGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">People enjoy the beach at Crissy Field as a heat wave warning was issued in San Francisco, California, on July 11, 2024. \u003ccite>(Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>And don’t forget about the Peninsula, with its abundance of options up and down the coastline from San Francisco’s Ocean Beach to Fort Funston, Pacifica, Montara, Half Moon Bay and beyond.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But Scott Havard, a lifeguard at Angel Island who created a \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfbayswim.info/\">website\u003c/a> on safe swimming data in the San Francisco Bay, said you don’t have to go all the way to the coast to get a great beach experience. In fact, he recommends spending a day soaking up the sun at any of the East Bay’s shorelines like Keller Beach Park in Richmond, Crown Beach in Alameda, the Berkeley Marina — or even his “home” beaches on Angel Island, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065289/this-thanksgiving-weekend-why-not-hop-on-a-ferry\">accessible by ferry\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If they don’t want to have to cross the bridge and they’re in the East Bay, just try to try out some of the regional shorelines and the Bay because they’re really gorgeous,” Havard said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And don’t be deterred from swimming in the San Francisco Bay itself, he said. Havard’s site pulls water quality information from sources all around the Bay Area, including the \u003ca href=\"https://webapps.sfpuc.org/sapps/beachesandbay.html\">San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s Beach Water Quality Survey\u003c/a>, where you can check the daily status of the area you’re headed to.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A lot of the Bay Area communities do a really, really good job of making sure that the Bay stays clean,” he said. “And the rule of thumb for 90% of the time, maybe even 99% of time, is: ‘just don’t swim after a big rain’” — for risk you’ll be swimming with sewage.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>2: Research the weather forecast (and change course on decision 1 if need be)\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>After you’ve got your beach in mind, your next step is the weather forecast. This is as easy as typing “weather” and the “beach name” into a search engine like Google, or your phone’s weather app or visiting the \u003ca href=\"https://www.weather.gov/mtr/\">National Weather Service Bay Area office’s website\u003c/a> for a more detailed breakdown of the regional weather. If you want to get really nerdy, read the \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=mtr&issuedby=MTR&product=AFD\">Forecast Discussion\u003c/a> that Bay Area meteorologists update several times a day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But you’ll need to go beyond basic temperatures and also look into factors like wind, the marine layer and when those temperatures may turn cooler during the day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Online tools like \u003ca href=\"https://www.windy.com/?37.751,-122.412,5\">Windy\u003c/a> can help you understand wind strength at beaches, which is helpful for traditional beachgoers as well as for surfers, kitesurfers, sailors and other extreme sportspeople.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12033006\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12033006\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250325-APARTMENTSONWESTSIDE-10-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250325-APARTMENTSONWESTSIDE-10-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250325-APARTMENTSONWESTSIDE-10-BL-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250325-APARTMENTSONWESTSIDE-10-BL-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250325-APARTMENTSONWESTSIDE-10-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250325-APARTMENTSONWESTSIDE-10-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250325-APARTMENTSONWESTSIDE-10-BL-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A view of the Sunset District and Ocean Beach in San Francisco on March 25, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Sylvia Lacock, co-owner of \u003ca href=\"https://www.pacificswim.co/about-pacific-open-water/\">Pacific Open Water Swim Company\u003c/a> in San Francisco, said she uses \u003ca href=\"https://www.windfinder.com/#3/39.5000/-98.3500/spot\">Windfinder\u003c/a> to learn how strong the wind will be before she swims in the ocean — or hangs out at the beach.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lacock’s own yardstick: A wind speed forecast of 5 miles per hour or less usually means “it’s going to be a pretty nice day,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Atkind said surfers like her use two sources to figure out whether to surf out at Ocean Beach, near her home in the Outer Sunset neighborhood: \u003ca href=\"https://www.ventusky.com/\">Ventuksy\u003c/a> for wind conditions and \u003ca href=\"https://www.surfline.com/\">Surfline\u003c/a> for wave conditions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The number one thing Atkind is paying attention to is the fog, noting that shifting winds can quickly change the temperature.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It can be really hot one second, and then five minutes later, a 20-degree drop,” Atkind said. “I often bring a pair of socks, a beanie, a sweater, and maybe a jacket too. It feels crazy in the moment when it’s hot, and then every time — I always need it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If anything in the forecast is a major deterrent, then go back to step 1 and look up another beach or a different part of the Bay Area to visit.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>3. Scout your chosen beach using webcams\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Many of us have had the experience of getting stoked to visit the beach, picking up an artisanal sandwich and some drinks … and then, upon arrival, the shoreline instead proves cold and windy, and the waves look scary.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s why truthing the weather with a live webcam of the exact beach or area you want to visit is an important step in deciding what beach to lounge at.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Atkind uses \u003ca href=\"https://www.surfline.com/\">Surfline\u003c/a>’s webcams to help her decide if she should head to the beach, but it comes at a pretty penny, requiring a subscription. She said that often friends split the subscription fee.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12007456\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12007456\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/GettyImages-2175344883-scaled-e1773420511511.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Douglas Williams leads his son, DJ, 2, through a pool of water at Crissy Field in San Francisco on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. \u003ccite>(Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“I use it to see if it’s foggy or sunny or what 75-degree day I’m missing at the beach,” Atkind said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy website lists \u003ca href=\"https://www.parksconservancy.org/parks/park-web-cams\">webcams across San Francisco\u003c/a>. They are particularly helpful in determining whether the fog bank is moving toward the Golden Gate Bridge.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://alertcalifornia.org/\">ALERTCalifornia\u003c/a>, a camera network operated by UC San Diego, also offers webcams across the state, including many in the Bay Area, to better understand natural disasters and inform management decisions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One particularly compelling view is from \u003ca href=\"https://ops.alertcalifornia.org/cam-console/2192\">Mt. Tamalpais\u003c/a>, where you can see the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco and all the way down to Pacifica. There’s also a view from \u003ca href=\"https://ops.alertcalifornia.org/cam-console/2429\">Sutro Tower\u003c/a> that offers a birds-eye view of San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What about webcams pointed at beaches themselves? Luckily, cameras are installed across the state at many beaches, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.skylinewebcams.com/en/webcam/united-states/california/pacifica/pacifica-sharp-park-beach.html\">Pacifica\u003c/a> and a slew of others listed \u003ca href=\"https://sfcam.live/\">publicly online\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And just like the steps above, if something you see in a webcam looks like a reason not to go to a particular beach, go back to step one and find another option.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>4. Look up the tides\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Checking out the tides is especially important if you’re going to visit a place that’s remote, rocky, or where high tides can cut off access, like \u003ca href=\"https://presidio.gov/explore/attractions/marshalls-beach\">San Francisco’s Marshall’s Beach\u003c/a>. They’re also essential for understanding if you plan to swim.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As a surfer, Atkind uses Surfline to understand how tides will affect the waves, and she often looks at \u003ca href=\"https://tidealert.app/\">Tide Alert\u003c/a>, a free app that uses a “really cool visual graphic” of the phase of the moon and when high and low tides will occur, as well as wind and temperature data and swell size.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When you get to the beach, Atkind’s last step is to look at the water and follow your gut once you’ve looked into everything above.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12055163\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12055163\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/AngelIslandGGBridgeGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/AngelIslandGGBridgeGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/AngelIslandGGBridgeGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/AngelIslandGGBridgeGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Golden Gate Bridge as seen from Angel Island, California, on March 8, 2019. \u003ccite>(Sundry Photography/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>And if the tides feel like they are too high or too low for you to visit a specific beach, Lacock suggests people who are nervous about entering the Pacific Ocean or San Francisco Bay visit places like Aquatic Park in San Francisco, Alameda Beach or Crown Beach in the City of Alameda because they offer a more controlled environment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Also, while temperatures will spike during the heat wave, the Pacific Ocean \u003cem>will \u003c/em>remain frigid, warned Lacock.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She recommended taking measures to stay warm to avoid hypothermia.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“People don’t realize until it’s too late to get out of the water and someone might have mild \u003ca href=\"https://pacificswimco.substack.com/p/hypothermia-what-every-open-water\">hypothermia\u003c/a>,” Lacock said. “Even when it’s warm outside, when you get out of the water, get warmed up quickly and put warm layers on.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And remember: as well as being cold, the ocean can be highly unpredictable. “Don’t treat the Pacific Ocean like a lake,” Lacock said, especially if you visit spots like Ocean Beach, where \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1978061/after-their-son-was-swept-into-the-ocean-this-fremont-family-turned-their-grief-into-advocacy\">rip currents or sneaker waves \u003c/a>can catch a person by surprise and tow you out into the sea.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"GreatBayAreabeachesaccessiblebypublictransit\">\u003c/a>5. Think about the best mode of transportation (knowing parking can suck)\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>What’s more posh than taking the bus to the beach? But seriously, there’s nothing worse than packing your tote and donning your sunnies only to arrive at a \u003cem>very \u003c/em>full parking lot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Not only can that extra 15-20 minutes spent looking for parking completely kill your carefree mood, but you run the risk of not being able to find parking at all.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Luckily, the Bay Area has more than its fair share of transit-accessible beaches — some of which the ride is nearly as pleasant as the destination itself. We’ve got a few suggestions below:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Take the ferry to Angel Island’s Ayala Cove\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Not only is Ayala Cove one of the Bay Area’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13976437/best-swimming-spots-public-pools-rivers-lakes-beaches-holes-bay-area#bay-area-beaches-to-swim\">best beaches to swim at\u003c/a>, but it’s also just a short walk from the ferry terminal at Angel Island, serviced by both San Francisco and Tiburon. The ferry ride itself is a complete joy, and your Clipper card — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065714/clipper-card-new-bart-caltrain-login-next-generation-discounts\">or even a credit/debit card \u003c/a>— works, so you don’t have to worry about buying a ticket in advance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The beach is in a small cove of the island, where the bay currents aren’t as strong. There are also bathrooms, tables, barbecues and a cafe if you forgot your picnic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’re seeking some extra adventure and a slightly quieter beach, Havard recommends strolling a couple of miles to \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1313\">Quarry Beach\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>“For those that are willing to put in the effort, Quarry Beach is one of the best beaches in the Bay,” he said. “It’s a nice white sand beach facing away from the wind, which is kind of hard to find.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Take the N Judah to San Francisco’s Ocean Beach\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There’s almost nothing better than a sunny day spent in San Francisco’s Sunset District, and the N Judah gets you there without a hitch. Hop off early to grab lunch or do some browsing at the boutiques around 45th Avenue before walking to the new \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/sunset-dunes\">Sunset Dunes park\u003c/a> and finding a spot along the vast beach below.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just be warned: Ocean Beach may be great for lying out, walking and all sorts of beach sports and activities, but \u003ca href=\"https://www.parksconservancy.org/park-e-ventures-article/hidden-dangers-ocean-beach\">swimming typically isn’t one of them\u003c/a> — as the currents there, especially in the winter, can be dangerous.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Any swell can take people off guard, especially at Ocean Beach,” Havard said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Take SamTrans to Pacifica State Beach\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Want to go to a real surfer’s beach, but without the headache of waiting in traffic on Highway 1? The \u003ca href=\"https://www.samtrans.com/media/21404\">110 SamTrans bus\u003c/a> is that girl.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Take BART to Daly City and switch to the 110, which will take you all the way to Linda Mar and Pacifica State Beach. Hit the beachfront Taco Bell Cantina, Humble Sea Brewing, or any of the local restaurants, shops and cafes before relaxing on the beach.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Taking the bus will not only remove the stress of navigating traffic; it also means you don’t have to pay the $9 parking fee at the beach.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cdiv class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__shortcodes__shortcodeWrapper'>\n \u003ciframe\n src='https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeeeKhyuk-_odJH80iw5eAlpLBF-YWJnOi_Yqs4BEN9fY1YJA/viewform?usp=publish-editor?embedded=true'\n title='https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeeeKhyuk-_odJH80iw5eAlpLBF-YWJnOi_Yqs4BEN9fY1YJA/viewform?usp=publish-editor'\n width='760' height='500'\n frameborder='0'\n marginheight='0' marginwidth='0'>\u003c/iframe>\u003c/div>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"title": "All the Free Nature Events at California State Parks Near You This Week",
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"content": "\u003cp>From watercolor classes, musical performances and yoga to guided birding, fishing demonstrations and scavenger hunts, dozens of events are on offer this week at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california-state-parks\">California state parks\u003c/a> — and they’re all free.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They’re all part of the fifth annual \u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/\">California State Parks Week \u003c/a>(June 10-14), when these events — designed for all ability levels — will be held at parks around the state, including several around the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#FreeeventsatstateparksneartheBayArea\">Free events at state parks near the Bay Area\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>But with such a range of events available, you might appreciate a little help navigating the list. Christen Beckert, interpretive manager for state parks’ Bay Area District, said \u003cem>she \u003c/em>is particularly excited about the events that “help us slow down,” like the \u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#wild-words-nature-journaling-in-miwok-meadows-at-china-camp-state-park-7698\">nature journaling program at China Camp\u003c/a> on Saturday and the Sunday \u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#park-rx-forest-bathing-walk-at-sugarloaf-7184\">forest bathing class at Sugarloaf Ridge.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’re especially looking for more child-friendly events, this year’s family days at \u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#inspired-by-the-land-art-at-bothe-napa-valley-state-park\">Bothe-Napa Valley State Park\u003c/a> and on \u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#family-day-at-angel-island-state-park\">Angel Island\u003c/a> will have music, dancing, storytelling, arts and crafts and hiking opportunities for all ages.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I love seeing events that multiple people can be part of, that you can bring your kids out to” – particularly when they’re on the weekend, Beckert said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12086604\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12086604\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Kayak-photo-for-body-of-lede.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Kayak-photo-for-body-of-lede.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Kayak-photo-for-body-of-lede-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Kayak-photo-for-body-of-lede-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kayakers enjoy an event as part of California State Parks Week in 2024. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of California State Parks Week)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Beckert said this year, rather than designate different days to celebrate \u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/\">each of the week’s five themes\u003c/a> — centered on exploring new experiences, nourishing your health and well-being, supporting climate resilience, celebrating community and culture and caring for our shared lands — state park leaders have encouraged the parks to be more flexible and schedule their tours for when they might be able to get the most sign-ups, like on weekends.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But this increased accessibility also means that some tours may fill up — so if you’re interested in an event, be sure to \u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-finder/\">sign up right away\u003c/a>, she said.[aside postID=news_12086272 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2276243121.jpg']If you’re not sure about what to bring or how to prepare for the event, check the event’s registration page, where all the information you’ll need is listed, Beckert said. One major bonus of this week of events is that many of their more involved excursions, like kayaking and bike tours, also include the equipment rentals for free.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Our goal is to have it fully accessible for anybody,” she said. “We try and supply everything that we can to make it easier for everybody. We don’t want people to have to spend money.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One note for your wallet: While the programs themselves are free, be aware that you’re likely to have to \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/737/files/Current_web_day%20use.pdf\">pay for parking or entrance fees\u003c/a> at certain state parks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for some standout events happening this week as part of 2026 California State Parks Week, or browse the full slate of offerings yourself on the \u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-finder/\">state parks website:\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"FreeeventsatstateparksneartheBayArea\">\u003c/a>Free events for families\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#inspired-by-the-land-art-at-bothe-napa-valley-state-park\">\u003cstrong>Art at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Saturday, June 13, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: Artists’ booths, live demonstrations, local food, craft workshops, art hikes\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12055163\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12055163\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/AngelIslandGGBridgeGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/AngelIslandGGBridgeGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/AngelIslandGGBridgeGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/AngelIslandGGBridgeGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Golden Gate Bridge as seen from Angel Island, California, on March 8, 2019. \u003ccite>(Sundry Photography/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#family-day-at-angel-island-state-park\">\u003cstrong>Family Day at Angel Island State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: Music, dance, history, storytelling for the whole family\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provided: Discounted ferry tickets, shuttle and museum entrance\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Free events for budding artists\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#plant-tunes-7956\">\u003cstrong>Plant Tunes at Half Moon Bay State Beach\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Wednesday, June 10, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: Walk and listen to music made by plants (yes, really) and create your own artwork\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provided: Art supplies\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12071710\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12071710\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/Mount-Tam.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1347\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/Mount-Tam.png 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/Mount-Tam-160x108.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/Mount-Tam-1536x1034.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hikers enjoy sunset at Trojan Point, on the western spur of Mount Tamalpais, on Nov. 21, 2025. \u003ccite>(Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#mount-tamalpais-watercolor-walk-1879\">\u003cstrong>Watercolor Walk at Mount Tamalpais State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Thursday, June 11, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: 1-mile round-trip nature walk with watercolor painting\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provided: Art supplies\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To bring: Sun protection, water, snacks\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Free events for adventure seekers\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#explore-lake-natoma-by-kayak-from-the-aquatic-center-12-00-pm-\">\u003cstrong>Kayak Tour at Lake Natoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Wednesday, June 10, 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: 2-hour guided kayak or stand-up paddle tour\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provided: Watercraft and equipment\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To bring: Sun protection, snack, water (expect to get wet)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required, ages 7+ only\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#catching-memories-fishing-101-at-delta-meadows-park-property\">\u003cstrong>Fishing 101 at Delta Meadows Park Property\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Wednesday, June 10, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: Learn to fish responsibly, tie knots and more\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provided: All equipment\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To bring: Ages 16 and older need \u003ca href=\"https://www.licenses.wildlife.ca.gov/internetsales/\">a CDFW fishing license\u003c/a> to attend \u003ca href=\"https://www.freedomboatclub.com/learning-center/how-to-get-a-fishing-license-in-california\">(more info on how to get one and what type to get here\u003c/a>). There are no bathrooms on-site\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#bike-in-the-bay-at-angel-island-sp\">\u003cstrong>Bike at Angel Island State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Wednesday, June 10, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: Bike tour around the perimeter of the island\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To bring: A bike or rent one on the island; closed-toed shoes, layers, water, sunscreen. Food available for purchase\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_10524511\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10524511\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2015/05/11771406834_b636cdef77_o-e1431555319971.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Folsom Lake, near its recent low point, in January 2014. \u003ccite>(Dan Brekke/KQED )\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#explore-folsom-lake-sra-on-horseback-9-00-am-\">\u003cstrong>Horseback Ride at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Friday, June 12, all day\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: Free hour-long horseback rides\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To bring: Sun protection, sturdy shoes, water and snacks\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Call Shadow Glen Stables directly to schedule at 916-989-1826\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Free events for relaxers\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#wild-words-nature-journaling-in-miwok-meadows-at-china-camp-state-park-7698\">\u003cstrong>Nature Journaling at China Camp State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: A short walk and guided journaling session\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provided: journals, writing utensils, light refreshments\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12086605\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12086605 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Sugarloaf-Ridge-State-Park-Getty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Sugarloaf-Ridge-State-Park-Getty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Sugarloaf-Ridge-State-Park-Getty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Sugarloaf-Ridge-State-Park-Getty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in California. \u003ccite>(Sundry Photography/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#park-rx-forest-bathing-walk-at-sugarloaf-7184\">\u003cstrong>Forest Bathing at Sugarloaf Ridge\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Sunday, June 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: Guided forest meditation\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To bring: Layers, comfortable footwear, water, sun protection, snacks\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Free events for people who want to volunteer\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#coastal-scrub-restoration-workday\">\u003cstrong>Coastal Scrub Restoration Workday at Año Nuevo State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Thursday, June 11, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: You’ll help with brush cutting, sheet mulching and invasive plant removal\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To bring: Sunscreen, closed-toed shoes, long pants\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provided: Gloves, tools, training, snacks, water\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12086606\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12086606\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/HalfMoonBayBeachGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/HalfMoonBayBeachGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/HalfMoonBayBeachGetty-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/HalfMoonBayBeachGetty-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">People relax outdoors on a sunny day at Half Moon Bay State Beach in Half Moon Bay, California, on May 12, 2019. \u003ccite>(Gado Images/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#coastal-dune-and-bluff-restoration-workday\">\u003cstrong>Coastal Dune and Bluff Restoration at Half Moon Bay State Beach\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Sunday, June 14, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: You’ll remove invasives and prepare restored areas for future native plantings:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To bring: Water bottle, closed-toed shoes, sun protection, layered clothing\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provided: Gloves\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Free events for wildlife enthusiasts\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#jack-london-state-historic-park-presents-the-secret-lives-of-mountain-lions\">\u003cstrong>The Secret Lives of Mountain Lions at Jack London State Historic Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Thursday, June 11, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: 3-mile hike with stops to discuss mountain lion ecology and conservation\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bring: Water, sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12086607\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12086607\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Jack-London-State-Historic-Park-Getty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1324\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Jack-London-State-Historic-Park-Getty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Jack-London-State-Historic-Park-Getty-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Jack-London-State-Historic-Park-Getty-1536x1017.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Glen Ellen: Jack London State Historic Park in Napa Valley, California. \u003ccite>(Ablokhin/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#birding-at-black-miners-bar-5881\">\u003cstrong>Birding at Folsom State Recreation Area\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Wednesday, June 10, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: Explore Black Miners Bar in search of Bald Eagles, Western Kingbirds and more\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provided: Binoculars\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Free events for science lovers\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#biodiverse-biomes-of-tomales-bay-state-park\">\u003cstrong>Biodiverse Biomes at Tomales Bay State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Friday, June 12, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: A 1.7- mile moderate hike and tour of local biodiversity\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12049654\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12049654\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20240820_BishopPines_GC-26_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20240820_BishopPines_GC-26_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20240820_BishopPines_GC-26_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20240820_BishopPines_GC-26_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A Bishop Pine at Jepson Memorial Grove, along the Johnstone Trail, at Tomales Bay State Park on Aug. 20, 2024. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>To bring: Weather-appropriate layers, sturdy shoes, snacks and/or lunch, sunscreen, water\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Free events for history lovers\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#california-state-symbol-scavenger-hunt-at-california-state-railroad-museum-6-10-\">\u003cstrong>California State Symbols Scavenger Hunt\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Wednesday, June 10, all day\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: Explore the California State Railroad Museum and search for symbols\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Head to your favorite state park — or check out a new one — for California State Parks Week.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>From watercolor classes, musical performances and yoga to guided birding, fishing demonstrations and scavenger hunts, dozens of events are on offer this week at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california-state-parks\">California state parks\u003c/a> — and they’re all free.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They’re all part of the fifth annual \u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/\">California State Parks Week \u003c/a>(June 10-14), when these events — designed for all ability levels — will be held at parks around the state, including several around the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#FreeeventsatstateparksneartheBayArea\">Free events at state parks near the Bay Area\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>But with such a range of events available, you might appreciate a little help navigating the list. Christen Beckert, interpretive manager for state parks’ Bay Area District, said \u003cem>she \u003c/em>is particularly excited about the events that “help us slow down,” like the \u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#wild-words-nature-journaling-in-miwok-meadows-at-china-camp-state-park-7698\">nature journaling program at China Camp\u003c/a> on Saturday and the Sunday \u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#park-rx-forest-bathing-walk-at-sugarloaf-7184\">forest bathing class at Sugarloaf Ridge.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’re especially looking for more child-friendly events, this year’s family days at \u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#inspired-by-the-land-art-at-bothe-napa-valley-state-park\">Bothe-Napa Valley State Park\u003c/a> and on \u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#family-day-at-angel-island-state-park\">Angel Island\u003c/a> will have music, dancing, storytelling, arts and crafts and hiking opportunities for all ages.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I love seeing events that multiple people can be part of, that you can bring your kids out to” – particularly when they’re on the weekend, Beckert said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12086604\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12086604\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Kayak-photo-for-body-of-lede.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Kayak-photo-for-body-of-lede.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Kayak-photo-for-body-of-lede-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Kayak-photo-for-body-of-lede-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kayakers enjoy an event as part of California State Parks Week in 2024. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of California State Parks Week)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Beckert said this year, rather than designate different days to celebrate \u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/\">each of the week’s five themes\u003c/a> — centered on exploring new experiences, nourishing your health and well-being, supporting climate resilience, celebrating community and culture and caring for our shared lands — state park leaders have encouraged the parks to be more flexible and schedule their tours for when they might be able to get the most sign-ups, like on weekends.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But this increased accessibility also means that some tours may fill up — so if you’re interested in an event, be sure to \u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-finder/\">sign up right away\u003c/a>, she said.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>If you’re not sure about what to bring or how to prepare for the event, check the event’s registration page, where all the information you’ll need is listed, Beckert said. One major bonus of this week of events is that many of their more involved excursions, like kayaking and bike tours, also include the equipment rentals for free.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Our goal is to have it fully accessible for anybody,” she said. “We try and supply everything that we can to make it easier for everybody. We don’t want people to have to spend money.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One note for your wallet: While the programs themselves are free, be aware that you’re likely to have to \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/737/files/Current_web_day%20use.pdf\">pay for parking or entrance fees\u003c/a> at certain state parks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for some standout events happening this week as part of 2026 California State Parks Week, or browse the full slate of offerings yourself on the \u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-finder/\">state parks website:\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"FreeeventsatstateparksneartheBayArea\">\u003c/a>Free events for families\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#inspired-by-the-land-art-at-bothe-napa-valley-state-park\">\u003cstrong>Art at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Saturday, June 13, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: Artists’ booths, live demonstrations, local food, craft workshops, art hikes\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12055163\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12055163\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/AngelIslandGGBridgeGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/AngelIslandGGBridgeGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/AngelIslandGGBridgeGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/AngelIslandGGBridgeGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Golden Gate Bridge as seen from Angel Island, California, on March 8, 2019. \u003ccite>(Sundry Photography/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#family-day-at-angel-island-state-park\">\u003cstrong>Family Day at Angel Island State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: Music, dance, history, storytelling for the whole family\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provided: Discounted ferry tickets, shuttle and museum entrance\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Free events for budding artists\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#plant-tunes-7956\">\u003cstrong>Plant Tunes at Half Moon Bay State Beach\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Wednesday, June 10, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: Walk and listen to music made by plants (yes, really) and create your own artwork\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provided: Art supplies\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12071710\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12071710\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/Mount-Tam.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1347\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/Mount-Tam.png 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/Mount-Tam-160x108.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/Mount-Tam-1536x1034.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hikers enjoy sunset at Trojan Point, on the western spur of Mount Tamalpais, on Nov. 21, 2025. \u003ccite>(Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#mount-tamalpais-watercolor-walk-1879\">\u003cstrong>Watercolor Walk at Mount Tamalpais State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Thursday, June 11, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: 1-mile round-trip nature walk with watercolor painting\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provided: Art supplies\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To bring: Sun protection, water, snacks\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Free events for adventure seekers\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#explore-lake-natoma-by-kayak-from-the-aquatic-center-12-00-pm-\">\u003cstrong>Kayak Tour at Lake Natoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Wednesday, June 10, 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: 2-hour guided kayak or stand-up paddle tour\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provided: Watercraft and equipment\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To bring: Sun protection, snack, water (expect to get wet)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required, ages 7+ only\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#catching-memories-fishing-101-at-delta-meadows-park-property\">\u003cstrong>Fishing 101 at Delta Meadows Park Property\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Wednesday, June 10, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: Learn to fish responsibly, tie knots and more\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provided: All equipment\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To bring: Ages 16 and older need \u003ca href=\"https://www.licenses.wildlife.ca.gov/internetsales/\">a CDFW fishing license\u003c/a> to attend \u003ca href=\"https://www.freedomboatclub.com/learning-center/how-to-get-a-fishing-license-in-california\">(more info on how to get one and what type to get here\u003c/a>). There are no bathrooms on-site\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#bike-in-the-bay-at-angel-island-sp\">\u003cstrong>Bike at Angel Island State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Wednesday, June 10, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: Bike tour around the perimeter of the island\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To bring: A bike or rent one on the island; closed-toed shoes, layers, water, sunscreen. Food available for purchase\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_10524511\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10524511\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2015/05/11771406834_b636cdef77_o-e1431555319971.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Folsom Lake, near its recent low point, in January 2014. \u003ccite>(Dan Brekke/KQED )\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#explore-folsom-lake-sra-on-horseback-9-00-am-\">\u003cstrong>Horseback Ride at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Friday, June 12, all day\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: Free hour-long horseback rides\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To bring: Sun protection, sturdy shoes, water and snacks\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Call Shadow Glen Stables directly to schedule at 916-989-1826\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Free events for relaxers\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#wild-words-nature-journaling-in-miwok-meadows-at-china-camp-state-park-7698\">\u003cstrong>Nature Journaling at China Camp State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: A short walk and guided journaling session\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provided: journals, writing utensils, light refreshments\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12086605\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12086605 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Sugarloaf-Ridge-State-Park-Getty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Sugarloaf-Ridge-State-Park-Getty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Sugarloaf-Ridge-State-Park-Getty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Sugarloaf-Ridge-State-Park-Getty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in California. \u003ccite>(Sundry Photography/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#park-rx-forest-bathing-walk-at-sugarloaf-7184\">\u003cstrong>Forest Bathing at Sugarloaf Ridge\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Sunday, June 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: Guided forest meditation\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To bring: Layers, comfortable footwear, water, sun protection, snacks\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Free events for people who want to volunteer\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#coastal-scrub-restoration-workday\">\u003cstrong>Coastal Scrub Restoration Workday at Año Nuevo State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Thursday, June 11, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: You’ll help with brush cutting, sheet mulching and invasive plant removal\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To bring: Sunscreen, closed-toed shoes, long pants\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provided: Gloves, tools, training, snacks, water\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12086606\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12086606\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/HalfMoonBayBeachGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/HalfMoonBayBeachGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/HalfMoonBayBeachGetty-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/HalfMoonBayBeachGetty-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">People relax outdoors on a sunny day at Half Moon Bay State Beach in Half Moon Bay, California, on May 12, 2019. \u003ccite>(Gado Images/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#coastal-dune-and-bluff-restoration-workday\">\u003cstrong>Coastal Dune and Bluff Restoration at Half Moon Bay State Beach\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Sunday, June 14, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: You’ll remove invasives and prepare restored areas for future native plantings:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To bring: Water bottle, closed-toed shoes, sun protection, layered clothing\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provided: Gloves\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Free events for wildlife enthusiasts\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#jack-london-state-historic-park-presents-the-secret-lives-of-mountain-lions\">\u003cstrong>The Secret Lives of Mountain Lions at Jack London State Historic Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Thursday, June 11, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: 3-mile hike with stops to discuss mountain lion ecology and conservation\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bring: Water, sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12086607\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12086607\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Jack-London-State-Historic-Park-Getty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1324\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Jack-London-State-Historic-Park-Getty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Jack-London-State-Historic-Park-Getty-160x106.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Jack-London-State-Historic-Park-Getty-1536x1017.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Glen Ellen: Jack London State Historic Park in Napa Valley, California. \u003ccite>(Ablokhin/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#birding-at-black-miners-bar-5881\">\u003cstrong>Birding at Folsom State Recreation Area\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Wednesday, June 10, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: Explore Black Miners Bar in search of Bald Eagles, Western Kingbirds and more\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provided: Binoculars\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Free events for science lovers\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#biodiverse-biomes-of-tomales-bay-state-park\">\u003cstrong>Biodiverse Biomes at Tomales Bay State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Friday, June 12, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: A 1.7- mile moderate hike and tour of local biodiversity\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12049654\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12049654\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20240820_BishopPines_GC-26_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20240820_BishopPines_GC-26_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20240820_BishopPines_GC-26_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20240820_BishopPines_GC-26_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A Bishop Pine at Jepson Memorial Grove, along the Johnstone Trail, at Tomales Bay State Park on Aug. 20, 2024. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>To bring: Weather-appropriate layers, sturdy shoes, snacks and/or lunch, sunscreen, water\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Free events for history lovers\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://castateparksweek.org/event-details/#california-state-symbol-scavenger-hunt-at-california-state-railroad-museum-6-10-\">\u003cstrong>California State Symbols Scavenger Hunt\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When: Wednesday, June 10, all day\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What: Explore the California State Railroad Museum and search for symbols\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Registration: Required\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cp>Navigating an application for benefits like \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/calfresh\">CalFresh\u003c/a> can be complicated — especially when you’re doing it without support.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This month, San Francisco is attempting to address some of these bureaucratic barriers by launching a new \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/services/mobile-benefits-center\">Mobile Benefits Center\u003c/a>, the first of its kind in the city.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The San Francisco Human Services Agency’s Mobile Benefits Center — think of a city office on wheels — will be driven to neighborhoods throughout the city by SFHSA staff who can help city residents apply for benefits without having to physically visit a government office or service center.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At an event to announce the service truck in late April, city officials noted that San Francisco’s southern and south-eastern neighborhoods — where many low-income residents live — \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/about/announcements/san-francisco-human-services-agency-launches-mobile-benefits-center\">do not have a dedicated service center,\u003c/a> making it difficult for people to make time to travel, apply for or renew benefits. This especially impacts residents who may have mobility issues or do not have the financial means to travel.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Mobile Benefits Center also aims to support older adults and immigrants who may prefer to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/sites/default/files/media/document/2026-04/external_program_guide_hsa_mobile_benefits_center_4.20.26.pdf\">have in-person support when navigating bureaucratic procedures like this.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12086392\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12086392\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/MBC-group.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/MBC-group.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/MBC-group-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/MBC-group-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Mobile Benefits Center from San Francisco’s Human Services Agency, which will be driven to different neighborhoods around the city. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of SFHSA)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Starting in June, the truck will be visiting the parking lots or spaces of partnering community-based organizations in different neighborhoods, SFHSA program specialist Kyle Lei said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Hopefully, the travel time — and also the financial aspect — is decreased” for residents who need to apply for benefits, Lei said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Mobile Benefits Center “allows services and benefits to come to where communities are,” said Mariela Donis, associate director with the No Kid Hungry campaign in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#WhencanIvisittheMobileBenefitsCenter\">When can I visit the Mobile Benefits Center?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>“This type of vehicle is a lot less intimidating, especially to immigrant communities,” Donis said. “We’re hopeful that through partnerships with other trusted community organizations, including school districts, this truck would allow for more access to benefits.”[aside postID=news_12083922 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/CalFreshGetty.jpg']The Mobile Benefits Center will come at a time when access to benefits like CalFresh has gotten more complicated and riddled with paperwork.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Due to the passing of H.R. 1 or the so-called \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101910533/what-the-big-beautiful-bill-means-for-california\">“One Big Beautiful Bill\u003c/a>,” California began \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12083922/calfresh-snap-new-work-requirements-rules-2026-hr1-eligibility-who-is-exempt-food-stamps\">enforcing new and expanded federal guidelines\u003c/a> this month that require some CalFresh recipients to work 20 hours a week, or an average of 80 hours a month — with a stark reduction in food benefits for those who don’t fulfill the requirements.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re seeing in other states’ data just devastating drops in the SNAP caseload,” Andrew Cheyne, managing director at the County Welfare Directors Association, said to KQED last month. “Not because people are ineligible. Not because they are getting good jobs with good wages. But because of the inability to navigate the red tape that Congress enacted in H.R. 1.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect from San Francisco’s Mobile Benefits Center — including where to actually find it.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What services can I access at the Mobile Benefits Center?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The center will support applications and renewals for services like CalFresh, Medi-Cal, County Adult Assistance Programs (CAAP) and CalWORKs, Lei said\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/services/mobile-benefits-center\">the city’s website\u003c/a>, the Mobile Benefits Center will also focus on submitting documents on behalf of residents and verifying eligibility, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/sites/default/files/media/document/2026-04/external_program_guide_hsa_mobile_benefits_center_4.20.26.pdf\">troubleshooting\u003c/a> applications and connecting with resources like childcare, employment support and referral services.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Eligible residents can also have their Electronic Benefits (EBT) card immediately printed inside the vehicle and handed to them, so that they can start receiving funds onto it.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What will visiting the Mobile Benefits Center in person be like?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The Mobile Benefits Center is shaped like a compact food truck, or even an ice cream truck. The vehicle can fit around five to six people at most — including employees — so you might not be able to enter straightaway.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12086394\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12086394\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/MBC-cube-stations.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/MBC-cube-stations.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/MBC-cube-stations-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/MBC-cube-stations-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Human Services Agency staff in the Mobile Benefits Center will be able to help city residents apply in person for different benefits. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of SFHSA)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>While each event may look different, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/sites/default/files/media/document/2026-04/external_program_guide_hsa_mobile_benefits_center_4.20.26.pdf\">materials for prospective organizations\u003c/a>, residents will be asked to stay in a \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/sites/default/files/media/document/2026-04/external_program_guide_hsa_mobile_benefits_center_4.20.26.pdf\">“comfortable waiting area that includes easy access to a restroom”\u003c/a> and then enter the truck once their turn is up, for privacy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There is also a window where employees can speak through to residents standing outside the truck.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"WhencanIvisittheMobileBenefitsCenter\">\u003c/a>When can I visit the Mobile Benefits Center?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The first Mobile Benefits Center stop will focus on applying for CalFresh and will be on Wednesday, June 10, at \u003ca href=\"https://campusrec.sfsu.edu/MWC\">SFSU’s Mashouf Wellness Center\u003c/a> from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The next stop will be on Saturday, July 11, at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/disabilityculturalcenter/\">San Francisco Disability Cultural Center\u003c/a> from 10:30 a.m. to noon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Residents can keep track of the next stop on the city’s website \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/services/mobile-benefits-center\">under MBC Events\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Additionally, community organizations, local groups and schools can request a visit from the Mobile Benefits Center \u003ca href=\"https://forms.office.com/g/DbEvxBRSfj\">using the city’s online form.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Navigating an application for benefits like \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/calfresh\">CalFresh\u003c/a> can be complicated — especially when you’re doing it without support.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This month, San Francisco is attempting to address some of these bureaucratic barriers by launching a new \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/services/mobile-benefits-center\">Mobile Benefits Center\u003c/a>, the first of its kind in the city.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The San Francisco Human Services Agency’s Mobile Benefits Center — think of a city office on wheels — will be driven to neighborhoods throughout the city by SFHSA staff who can help city residents apply for benefits without having to physically visit a government office or service center.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At an event to announce the service truck in late April, city officials noted that San Francisco’s southern and south-eastern neighborhoods — where many low-income residents live — \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/about/announcements/san-francisco-human-services-agency-launches-mobile-benefits-center\">do not have a dedicated service center,\u003c/a> making it difficult for people to make time to travel, apply for or renew benefits. This especially impacts residents who may have mobility issues or do not have the financial means to travel.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Mobile Benefits Center also aims to support older adults and immigrants who may prefer to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/sites/default/files/media/document/2026-04/external_program_guide_hsa_mobile_benefits_center_4.20.26.pdf\">have in-person support when navigating bureaucratic procedures like this.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12086392\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12086392\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/MBC-group.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/MBC-group.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/MBC-group-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/MBC-group-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Mobile Benefits Center from San Francisco’s Human Services Agency, which will be driven to different neighborhoods around the city. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of SFHSA)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Starting in June, the truck will be visiting the parking lots or spaces of partnering community-based organizations in different neighborhoods, SFHSA program specialist Kyle Lei said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Hopefully, the travel time — and also the financial aspect — is decreased” for residents who need to apply for benefits, Lei said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Mobile Benefits Center “allows services and benefits to come to where communities are,” said Mariela Donis, associate director with the No Kid Hungry campaign in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#WhencanIvisittheMobileBenefitsCenter\">When can I visit the Mobile Benefits Center?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>“This type of vehicle is a lot less intimidating, especially to immigrant communities,” Donis said. “We’re hopeful that through partnerships with other trusted community organizations, including school districts, this truck would allow for more access to benefits.”\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>The Mobile Benefits Center will come at a time when access to benefits like CalFresh has gotten more complicated and riddled with paperwork.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Due to the passing of H.R. 1 or the so-called \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101910533/what-the-big-beautiful-bill-means-for-california\">“One Big Beautiful Bill\u003c/a>,” California began \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12083922/calfresh-snap-new-work-requirements-rules-2026-hr1-eligibility-who-is-exempt-food-stamps\">enforcing new and expanded federal guidelines\u003c/a> this month that require some CalFresh recipients to work 20 hours a week, or an average of 80 hours a month — with a stark reduction in food benefits for those who don’t fulfill the requirements.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re seeing in other states’ data just devastating drops in the SNAP caseload,” Andrew Cheyne, managing director at the County Welfare Directors Association, said to KQED last month. “Not because people are ineligible. Not because they are getting good jobs with good wages. But because of the inability to navigate the red tape that Congress enacted in H.R. 1.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect from San Francisco’s Mobile Benefits Center — including where to actually find it.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What services can I access at the Mobile Benefits Center?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The center will support applications and renewals for services like CalFresh, Medi-Cal, County Adult Assistance Programs (CAAP) and CalWORKs, Lei said\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/services/mobile-benefits-center\">the city’s website\u003c/a>, the Mobile Benefits Center will also focus on submitting documents on behalf of residents and verifying eligibility, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/sites/default/files/media/document/2026-04/external_program_guide_hsa_mobile_benefits_center_4.20.26.pdf\">troubleshooting\u003c/a> applications and connecting with resources like childcare, employment support and referral services.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Eligible residents can also have their Electronic Benefits (EBT) card immediately printed inside the vehicle and handed to them, so that they can start receiving funds onto it.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What will visiting the Mobile Benefits Center in person be like?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The Mobile Benefits Center is shaped like a compact food truck, or even an ice cream truck. The vehicle can fit around five to six people at most — including employees — so you might not be able to enter straightaway.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12086394\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12086394\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/MBC-cube-stations.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/MBC-cube-stations.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/MBC-cube-stations-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/MBC-cube-stations-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Human Services Agency staff in the Mobile Benefits Center will be able to help city residents apply in person for different benefits. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of SFHSA)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>While each event may look different, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/sites/default/files/media/document/2026-04/external_program_guide_hsa_mobile_benefits_center_4.20.26.pdf\">materials for prospective organizations\u003c/a>, residents will be asked to stay in a \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/sites/default/files/media/document/2026-04/external_program_guide_hsa_mobile_benefits_center_4.20.26.pdf\">“comfortable waiting area that includes easy access to a restroom”\u003c/a> and then enter the truck once their turn is up, for privacy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There is also a window where employees can speak through to residents standing outside the truck.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"WhencanIvisittheMobileBenefitsCenter\">\u003c/a>When can I visit the Mobile Benefits Center?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The first Mobile Benefits Center stop will focus on applying for CalFresh and will be on Wednesday, June 10, at \u003ca href=\"https://campusrec.sfsu.edu/MWC\">SFSU’s Mashouf Wellness Center\u003c/a> from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The next stop will be on Saturday, July 11, at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/disabilityculturalcenter/\">San Francisco Disability Cultural Center\u003c/a> from 10:30 a.m. to noon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Residents can keep track of the next stop on the city’s website \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/services/mobile-benefits-center\">under MBC Events\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Additionally, community organizations, local groups and schools can request a visit from the Mobile Benefits Center \u003ca href=\"https://forms.office.com/g/DbEvxBRSfj\">using the city’s online form.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "world-cup-tickets-levis-stadium-santa-clara-parking-bart-vta-capitol-corridor",
"title": "Got World Cup Tickets? What to Know About Getting to a Match in Santa Clara",
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"headTitle": "Got World Cup Tickets? What to Know About Getting to a Match in Santa Clara | KQED",
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},
"content": "\u003cp>This month, the World Cup is coming to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/levis-stadium\">Levi’s Stadium\u003c/a> in Santa Clara.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Over two weeks beginning on June 13, the stadium — also known as “San Francisco Bay Area Stadium” for the purposes of the World Cup — will host six matches, including one elimination match, as part of a worldwide celebration of soccer that happens once every four years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With events at Levi’s Stadium already \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-cowboys-game-traffic-jam-17734652.php\">infamous\u003c/a> for causing hourslong traffic jams, local leaders are encouraging the tens of thousands of fans expected to attend each match to take public transportation instead of driving.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Bay Area’s public transit agencies are rolling out extended schedules to accommodate night games that are likely to end around midnight, discounted multi-day fare passes and increased service to make sure fans are able to get to and from games.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So whether you’re a Bay Area local who’s snagged World Cup tickets or you’re visiting our region from out of town, consider leaving your car — and definitely that \u003ca href=\"https://theworld.org/stories/2016/07/30/world-cups-official-instrument-now-banned-world-cup\">vuvuzela \u003c/a>— at home and keep reading for how to get to and from Levi’s Stadium on public transit. (And if you’re \u003cem>really \u003c/em>determined to drive there, we’ve got information on where to find parking at Levi’s Stadium, too.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#CanIstillgetticketstoWorldCupmatchesinSantaClara\">Can I still get tickets to World Cup matches in Santa Clara?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#HowcanIgethomefromWorldCupnightgamesonpublictransit\">How can I get home from World Cup night games on public transit?\u003c/a> \u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#WhatstheparkingsituationatLevisStadium\">What’s the parking situation at Levi’s Stadium?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>What matches are being played at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium)\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>There are\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12083101/world-cup-2026-bay-area-games-where-is-fifa-world-cup-santa-clara-levis-stadium-tickets-fan-zone-watch-parties\"> six World Cup matches at Levi’s Stadium\u003c/a>: five “group stage matches and one “Round of 32” match.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Group B: Qatar vs. Switzerland\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Saturday, June 13 at 12 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Group J: Austria vs. Jordan\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Tuesday, June 16 at 9 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Group D: Türkiye vs. Paraguay\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Friday, June 19 at 8 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085857\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085857\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Turkiye-vs.-Paraguay-Getty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1372\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Turkiye-vs.-Paraguay-Getty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Turkiye-vs.-Paraguay-Getty-160x110.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Turkiye-vs.-Paraguay-Getty-1536x1054.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Turkey’s player Kerem Kesgin (8) duels for the ball against Paraguay’s Luis Zarate (15) during the FIFA U-17 World Cup match between Turkey and Paraguay in Mumbai, India, on Oct. 12, 2017. \u003ccite>(Imtiyaz Shaikh/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Group J: Jordan vs. Algeria\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Monday, June 22 at 8 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Group D: Paraguay vs. Australia\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Thursday, June 25 at 7 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Levi’s Stadium will then host one knockout match:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Top-scoring team from Group D vs. the third-best team from either Group B, E, F, I or J\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Wednesday, July 1 at 5 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"CanIstillgetticketstoWorldCupmatchesinSantaClara\">\u003c/a>Can I still get World Cup tickets for the Santa Clara matches this month?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Yes, at the time of publication, some tickets were still available — but that might change. Check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/tickets\">FIFA’s ticket portal\u003c/a>, which includes last-minute sales and verified resales. You can also look for tickets on a verified resale website, such as \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/soccer\">Ticketmaster \u003c/a>or \u003ca href=\"https://www.stubhub.com/world-cup-tickets/grouping/45410\">StubHub\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We recommend reading \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12084228/dont-fall-for-world-cup-ticket-scams-in-california\">our guide on how to avoid World Cup resale ticket scams\u003c/a> first, though.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How many people are expected to come to the Bay Area for the World Cup?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The Bay Area Host Committee, which plans for major events like Super Bowl LX and the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics, is expecting 260,000 visitors from outside the Bay Area over the course of the region’s World Cup matches — according to Zaileen Janmohamed, the host committee’s CEO and president.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Compared to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12070878/watch-super-bowl-lx-santa-clara-2026-levis-stadium-nfl-tickets-parking-bag-policy\">Super Bowl LX\u003c/a>, which Levi’s Stadium hosted in February, the World Cup’s Bay Area engagements are longer and more spread out, with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12083101/world-cup-2026-bay-area-games-where-is-fifa-world-cup-santa-clara-levis-stadium-tickets-fan-zone-watch-parties\">fan-related activities and experiences \u003c/a>spanning multiple locations and weeks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12076519\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12076519\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/GettyImages-2259411504.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1321\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/GettyImages-2259411504.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/GettyImages-2259411504-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/GettyImages-2259411504-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An Adidas FIFA World Cup soccer ball is seen on a FIFA x NFL chair in the Media Center ahead of Super Bowl LX on Feb. 4, 2026, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. \u003ccite>(Matthew Huang/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“From a transit perspective, that means planning for repeated waves of movement across counties, venues, hotels and neighborhoods,” Janmohamed said — “for both local fans and a higher percentage of global visitors navigating the Bay Area for the first time.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This is the first time one region has hosted both the Super Bowl and the World Cup in the same year, Janmohamed said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"HowcanIgethomefromWorldCupnightgamesonpublictransit\">\u003c/a>How do I get to Levi’s Stadium using public transportation?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>There are three transit agencies that will get you to the front door of Levi’s Stadium: Capitol Corridor, ACE Rail and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority or VTA. And if you aren’t close to one of their stops, there are multiple ways to transfer to them from other transit agencies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here are the agencies that are changing their service schedules to accommodate World Cup fans.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>VTA\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority provides bus, light rail and paratransit services in Santa Clara County.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Great America and Lick Mill are the VTA stations closest to Levi’s Stadium.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12072787\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12072787 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/260208-SUPERBOWLSUNDAY00166_TV-KQED-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/260208-SUPERBOWLSUNDAY00166_TV-KQED-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/260208-SUPERBOWLSUNDAY00166_TV-KQED-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/260208-SUPERBOWLSUNDAY00166_TV-KQED-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Super Bowl attendees ride VTA to Levi’s Stadium for Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara on Feb. 8, 2026. \u003ccite>(Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>For information on fares, inter-agency transfers and where to park at VTA stations, check out the agency’s \u003ca href=\"https://worldcup.vta.org/fares\">World Cup page\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>VTA is expecting to carry as many as 15,000 people in and out of each match at Levi’s Stadium, according to Stacey Hendler Ross, the agency’s public information officer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Hendler Ross said the agency will be adjusting routes to accommodate an expected increase in local riders heading to the stadium. For instance, the blue line will serve Levi’s Stadium for World Cup matches, instead of traveling straight to its scheduled stop in Bay Point.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“ We’ll be running additional light rail service before and after matches, with trains serving the stadium every 10 minutes from Mountain View Transit Center, which connects to Caltrain — and every twenty minutes from the Milpitas Transit Center in downtown San José, which connects with BART,” Hendler Ross said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The agency says it’ll let riders know more information by email, SMS and VTA’s \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/vtaservice\">service updates on X\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://worldcup.vta.org/updates\">Sign up for route change updates for each match here.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We are hoping to put out a lot of messaging about that so that people know that the service plan is going to be a little bit different than it is for every day,” Hendler Ross said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For late-night games, Hendler Ross said VTA will guarantee service for up to about two hours after the end of each match.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“ If there are still hundreds of people on the platform two hours after the game, obviously we’re going to continue our service to get people where they need to go,” Hendler Ross said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Hendler Ross also recommends using the \u003ca href=\"https://transitapp.com/\">Transit app\u003c/a> for trip planning.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Learn more about \u003ca href=\"https://www.vta.org/go/fares\">paying for VTA rides\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>ACE Rail\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>ACE Rail connects Central Valley communities with the East and South Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The agency is planning additional services for three World Cup matches. Take a look at the \u003ca href=\"https://acerail.com/event-train/\">ACE Rail schedule. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Learn more about \u003ca href=\"https://acerail.com/tickets/\">paying for ACE Rail here\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Capitol Corridor\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Capitol Corridor connects the Sacramento area with the Bay Area by train, taking passengers from as far away as Rocklin and Auburn directly to Levi’s Stadium. The railway also provides easy transfers to BART and VTA.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Capitol Corridor is planning special match day service for five of the latest matches at Levi’s. The agency has a \u003ca href=\"https://www.capitolcorridor.org/fwc26-sfbayarea/\">World Cup page \u003c/a>including \u003ca href=\"https://www.capitolcorridor.org/trainschedule/FIFA-Train-Schedule_2026.pdf?v=28052026\">service adjustments\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For evening and night games, Capitol Corridor will time its final departure from Levi’s Stadium to 15 minutes after the match is expected to end, according to Rob Padgette, the managing director of Capitol Corridor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That means if you are taking Capitol Corridor to the game, you’ll want to leave the stadium \u003cem>right \u003c/em>after the match ends to ensure you catch your train home.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11932707\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11932707 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/Capitol-Corridor-Alviso.jpeg\" alt=\"A passenger train reflected in a trackside puddle at sunset.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/Capitol-Corridor-Alviso.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/Capitol-Corridor-Alviso-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/Capitol-Corridor-Alviso-1020x680.jpeg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/Capitol-Corridor-Alviso-160x107.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/Capitol-Corridor-Alviso-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/Capitol-Corridor-Alviso-1920x1280.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Amtrak California’s Capitol Corridor at Alviso on the south end of San Francisco Bay. \u003ccite>(Max Camden/Link21-BART)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Padgette also suggests riders \u003ca href=\"https://www.capitolcorridor.org/\">buy their ticket\u003c/a> in advance to make sure they get a seat. “ Because we expect a lot of fans to ride, we’re going to cap the number of sales on the train,” Padgette said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Learn more about \u003ca href=\"https://www.capitolcorridor.org/tickets/\">paying for Capitol Corridor rides here\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Caltrain\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Caltrain connects Santa Clara County to San Francisco by rail, passing through Silicon Valley, Stanford and San Mateo County on the way.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you plan to take Caltrain to Levi’s Stadium, get off at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/station/mountainview\">Mountain View station\u003c/a> and transfer to \u003ca href=\"https://www.vta.org/go/routes/orange-line\">VTA’s Orange Line\u003c/a> and ride towards Alum Rock station and get off at Great America station. VTA recommends entering and exiting the stadium through \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/4900+Centennial+Blvd+Intel+Gate+A,+Santa+Clara,+CA+95054/@37.4027987,-121.9717298,431m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x808fc9c827c5f0df:0x11455a372e1f7d18!2sLevi's+Stadium!8m2!3d37.4033165!4d-121.9693774!16s%2Fm%2F0269w0y!3m5!1s0x808fc9b7fe7b6d4b:0x40de625050fafeb7!8m2!3d37.4037655!4d-121.9712125!16s%2Fg%2F11f48k_zld?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDUyNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">Gate A\u003c/a> to get back to the Orange Line.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The agency is planning its regular \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/worldcup26?active_tab=route_explorer_tab&destination=7021\">half-hourly service\u003c/a> for World Cup matches, with additional trains on top of that, Caltrain public information officer Dan Lieberman said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re going to have one or two scheduled additional post-game trains for each match, while also keeping an additional train on standby if crowds necessitate it,” Lieberman said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lieberman said Caltrain will publish specific \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/about-caltrain/caltrain-news\">service plans for each match online soon\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Learn more about paying for \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/fares\">Caltrain fares\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>BART\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bay Area Rapid Transit serves five Bay Area counties, connecting a wide swath of the East Bay with San Francisco and the South Bay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To get to Levi’s Stadium, BART recommends riders take its Green or Orange Line (labeled “Berryessa” or “OAK/Berryessa”) to Milpitas Station and use the pedestrian bridge to transfer to VTA’s Orange Line and then get off at Lick Mill Station. To get back to VTA after the match, follow “Gate F” signs while exiting the stadium.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12080719\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12080719 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BARTSFGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1391\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BARTSFGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BARTSFGetty-160x111.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BARTSFGetty-1536x1068.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A commuter looks for a less crowded section of a westbound BART train at the West Oakland station in Oakland, California, on Friday, Feb. 16, 2018. \u003ccite>(Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The last scheduled BART train that stops at all stations systemwide leaves Milpitas at 11:53 p.m., heading towards the East Bay and San Francisco. But the agency is adding special limited-express service after midnight for matches that start at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Those trains will generally depart Milpitas every 30 minutes between 12:30 a.m. and 1:40 a.m., depending on how long it takes to clear the stadium and timed transfers with VTA.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Riders taking these special limited-express service trains should note that the trains will \u003cem>not \u003c/em>stop at all BART stations. Instead, they’ll l only serve the following BART stations:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Bay Fair\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Dublin\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>MacArthur\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>El Cerrito del Norte\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Pleasant Hill\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Powell Street\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11935689\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/gettyimages-1448202231-01daa7c0eabc9dfe5eff17bfe429ac097ee645ce-scaled-e1780442735101.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\">So if you plan to drive to a BART station and park your car, make sure you park at one of those stations to avoid getting stranded carless.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Find more details about special service on \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/news/fun/fifaworldcup\">BART’s World Cup page\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Learn more about \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/tickets\">BART fares\u003c/a> here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Muni \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Muni is the public transit agency serving the city of San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To get to Levi’s Stadium, riders can take Muni routes like the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/routes/30-stockton\">30 Stockton\u003c/a> bus, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/routes/45-unionstockton\">45 Union/Stockton\u003c/a> bus and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/routes/t-third-street\">T Third Street\u003c/a> train and transfer to either BART or Caltrain and then transfer to VTA.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The agency is planning \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/fifa-world-cup-26%E2%84%A2-sf-bay-area\">additional bus shuttle service\u003c/a> for nighttime World Cup matches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The shuttle will operate between Union Square, the SoMa neighborhood, the Powell Street BART station and Caltrain’s Fourth and King Station, using the 45 Union/Stockton route. The shuttle will operate as late as 3:15 a.m., depending on the day. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/fifa-world-cup-26%E2%84%A2-sf-bay-area\">Check here for specific shuttle times.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Learn more about \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/muni/fares\">Muni fares\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How do I pay for public transit to get to World Cup matches at Levi’s Stadium?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>There are a number of different ways to pay your fare.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tap to pay with a chip-enabled credit or debit card\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most transit agencies that will get you to Levi’s Stadium accept chip-enabled credit or debit cards as a form of payment. Just tap your card on the card reader as you enter a station or board a vehicle, and in some cases, tap when you exit.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Two exceptions to know: Capitol Corridor accepts tap to pay, \u003ca href=\"https://www.capitolcorridor.org/tap2ride/\">but it requires registration ahead of time. \u003c/a>ACE Rail does not accept tap to pay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12040954\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1999px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12040954\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20241204-BART-JY-028_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20241204-BART-JY-028_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20241204-BART-JY-028_qed-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20241204-BART-JY-028_qed-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20241204-BART-JY-028_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20241204-BART-JY-028_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20241204-BART-JY-028_qed-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A passenger tags their Clipper card at Montgomery BART Station in San Francisco on Dec. 4, 2024. \u003ccite>(Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Clipper\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most Bay Area transit agencies accept \u003ca href=\"https://www.clippercard.com/\">Clipper\u003c/a>, a fare payment platform for public transit. You can use Clipper by either purchasing a physical card for $3 at a ticket vending machine (located at many BART, Muni and Caltrain stations) and pre-loading money onto it, or by \u003ca href=\"https://www.clippercard.com/clipper-app\">downloading the app\u003c/a> and pre-loading money that way — through which you can also tap using your phone by transferring your Clipper card to your Apple or Google Wallet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Look up \u003ca href=\"https://www.clippercard.com/locations\">Clipper card sales and service locations\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>ACE Rail and Capitol Corridor trains do not accept Clipper as a form of payment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Token Transit\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>VTA is offering one-day, three-day, five-day and seven-day adult passes via the \u003ca href=\"https://tokentransit.com/app\">Token Transit app\u003c/a>. The agency is also offering a joint VTA/Caltrain Adult one-day pass that includes unlimited transfers within VTA, valid for World Cup match days only.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://worldcup.vta.org/fares\">Read more about paying for VTA\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cash\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>VTA buses only accept exact fare, while light rail ticket machines accept cash or card.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cash fareboxes are located at the front of each Muni bus or train. Use exact change and keep your transfer as proof of payment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11254007\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11254007\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2017/01/31909760916_d88814d339_o-e1483581327477.jpg\" alt=\"The side of a Caltrain train as it enters a station.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Caltrain cars at San José’s Diridon Station, December 2016. \u003ccite>(Dan Brekke/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>BART trains don’t accept cash, but you can pay with cash on BART by using the add value machines located inside every station to purchase or reload a plastic Clipper Card.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Caltrain has ticket vending machines at every station that accept coins and bills.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Capitol Corridor riders can use cash to pay for a ticket directly from a conductor on board a train.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>ACE Rail accepts cash for ticket purchases at staffed locations.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Can I ride my bike to Levi’s Stadium?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Yes — and the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition is offering secure, free bike valet for all World Cup matches at Levi’s Stadium.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The SVBC describes bike valet as a “secure, monitored coat check for your bicycle.” Check out their page on \u003ca href=\"https://bikesiliconvalley.org/learn-ride/levis-stadium\">how to use the bike valet\u003c/a> for World Cup matches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The bike valet opens three hours before kick-off and closes exactly one hour after the end of the match. It will be located at Gate C only (Green Lot 1).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The bike valet won’t accept shared fleet rentals like Lime, Bird or Spin, gas-powered bikes and bikes that aren’t owned by the rider.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for how to get to Levi’s by bike, it’s worth noting that the San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail adjacent to the stadium is closed during match days. Check out the \u003ca href=\"https://bikesiliconvalley.org/learn-ride/levis-stadium\">recommended detour\u003c/a> to access the bike valet if you are coming from the south.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here’s a list of all \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfbayareafwc26.com/road-closures-fifa-world-cup\">match-day road closures\u003c/a> and World Cup-related changes to Levi’s from FIFA.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"WhatstheparkingsituationatLevisStadium\">\u003c/a>What if I want to drive and park my car at Levi’s Stadium?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Parking at Levi’s Stadium must be purchased in advance, and only one parking pass may be purchased per World Cup match ticket. \u003ca href=\"https://www.justpark.com/us/event-parking/fifa-world-cup-2026/fifa-worldcup-2026-san-francisco/\">Check out FIFA’s official parking page. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also park at a \u003ca href=\"https://www.vta.org/go/stations\">VTA station,\u003c/a> a \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/rider-information/parking\">Caltrain station\u003c/a> or a \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/guide/parking\">BART station\u003c/a> and ride public transit to Levi’s Stadium from there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember: If you are taking BART to a night game, make sure you park at one of the stations that will be available by BART’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/news/fun/fifaworldcup\">limited express service\u003c/a> (Bay Fair, Dublin, MacArthur, El Cerrito del Norte, Pleasant Hill and Powell Street stations).\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Can I get to Levi’s Stadium using a ride-hailing app like Uber, Lyft or Waymo?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Yes, but according to the FIFA website, there will be “geofenced” rideshare stops for pickup starting one hour after kick-off — that is, you’ll have to meet your rideshare at a designated location at Levi’s Stadium.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rideshare North (Red Lot 7) covers northbound rides to San Francisco and Rideshare South (Freedom Circle) covers southbound rides to San José.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12063808\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12063808\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/WaymoSFGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/WaymoSFGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/WaymoSFGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/WaymoSFGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A self-driving Waymo car with rooftop lidar and a bird-themed mural on the Embarcadero with the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in the background, in San Francisco, California, on Aug. 14, 2025. \u003ccite>(Smith Collection/Gado via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>FIFA advises that World Cup guests leaving from Gates A, E and F will be directed to Rideshare North Red Lot 7. Guests leaving from Gates B or C will be directed to Rideshare South on Freedom Circle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Autonomous vehicles like Waymo are not allowed into the rideshare lots at Levi’s Stadium.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What about people with mobility needs?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>FIFA said accessible pickup and drop-off points for fans are located on Patrick Henry Drive.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Accessible parking is also offered to fans via the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 \u003ca href=\"https://www.justpark.com/us/event-parking/fifa-world-cup-2026/\">Parking Page\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The association said guests with mobility needs who use rideshare should use the Rideshare North lot and be shuttled to the Stadium Plaza drop-off.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Check out FIFA’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/stadiums/san-francisco-bay-area/accessibility\">accessibility page\u003c/a> here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Bay Area public transit agencies are offering extended schedules, increased frequency and discounted fare passes for soccer fans to get to World Cup matches at Levi’s Stadium.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>This month, the World Cup is coming to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/levis-stadium\">Levi’s Stadium\u003c/a> in Santa Clara.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Over two weeks beginning on June 13, the stadium — also known as “San Francisco Bay Area Stadium” for the purposes of the World Cup — will host six matches, including one elimination match, as part of a worldwide celebration of soccer that happens once every four years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With events at Levi’s Stadium already \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-cowboys-game-traffic-jam-17734652.php\">infamous\u003c/a> for causing hourslong traffic jams, local leaders are encouraging the tens of thousands of fans expected to attend each match to take public transportation instead of driving.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Bay Area’s public transit agencies are rolling out extended schedules to accommodate night games that are likely to end around midnight, discounted multi-day fare passes and increased service to make sure fans are able to get to and from games.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So whether you’re a Bay Area local who’s snagged World Cup tickets or you’re visiting our region from out of town, consider leaving your car — and definitely that \u003ca href=\"https://theworld.org/stories/2016/07/30/world-cups-official-instrument-now-banned-world-cup\">vuvuzela \u003c/a>— at home and keep reading for how to get to and from Levi’s Stadium on public transit. (And if you’re \u003cem>really \u003c/em>determined to drive there, we’ve got information on where to find parking at Levi’s Stadium, too.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#CanIstillgetticketstoWorldCupmatchesinSantaClara\">Can I still get tickets to World Cup matches in Santa Clara?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#HowcanIgethomefromWorldCupnightgamesonpublictransit\">How can I get home from World Cup night games on public transit?\u003c/a> \u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#WhatstheparkingsituationatLevisStadium\">What’s the parking situation at Levi’s Stadium?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>What matches are being played at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium)\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>There are\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12083101/world-cup-2026-bay-area-games-where-is-fifa-world-cup-santa-clara-levis-stadium-tickets-fan-zone-watch-parties\"> six World Cup matches at Levi’s Stadium\u003c/a>: five “group stage matches and one “Round of 32” match.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Group B: Qatar vs. Switzerland\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Saturday, June 13 at 12 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Group J: Austria vs. Jordan\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Tuesday, June 16 at 9 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Group D: Türkiye vs. Paraguay\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Friday, June 19 at 8 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085857\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085857\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Turkiye-vs.-Paraguay-Getty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1372\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Turkiye-vs.-Paraguay-Getty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Turkiye-vs.-Paraguay-Getty-160x110.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Turkiye-vs.-Paraguay-Getty-1536x1054.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Turkey’s player Kerem Kesgin (8) duels for the ball against Paraguay’s Luis Zarate (15) during the FIFA U-17 World Cup match between Turkey and Paraguay in Mumbai, India, on Oct. 12, 2017. \u003ccite>(Imtiyaz Shaikh/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Group J: Jordan vs. Algeria\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Monday, June 22 at 8 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Group D: Paraguay vs. Australia\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Thursday, June 25 at 7 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Levi’s Stadium will then host one knockout match:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Top-scoring team from Group D vs. the third-best team from either Group B, E, F, I or J\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Wednesday, July 1 at 5 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"CanIstillgetticketstoWorldCupmatchesinSantaClara\">\u003c/a>Can I still get World Cup tickets for the Santa Clara matches this month?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Yes, at the time of publication, some tickets were still available — but that might change. Check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/tickets\">FIFA’s ticket portal\u003c/a>, which includes last-minute sales and verified resales. You can also look for tickets on a verified resale website, such as \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/soccer\">Ticketmaster \u003c/a>or \u003ca href=\"https://www.stubhub.com/world-cup-tickets/grouping/45410\">StubHub\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We recommend reading \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12084228/dont-fall-for-world-cup-ticket-scams-in-california\">our guide on how to avoid World Cup resale ticket scams\u003c/a> first, though.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How many people are expected to come to the Bay Area for the World Cup?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The Bay Area Host Committee, which plans for major events like Super Bowl LX and the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics, is expecting 260,000 visitors from outside the Bay Area over the course of the region’s World Cup matches — according to Zaileen Janmohamed, the host committee’s CEO and president.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Compared to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12070878/watch-super-bowl-lx-santa-clara-2026-levis-stadium-nfl-tickets-parking-bag-policy\">Super Bowl LX\u003c/a>, which Levi’s Stadium hosted in February, the World Cup’s Bay Area engagements are longer and more spread out, with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12083101/world-cup-2026-bay-area-games-where-is-fifa-world-cup-santa-clara-levis-stadium-tickets-fan-zone-watch-parties\">fan-related activities and experiences \u003c/a>spanning multiple locations and weeks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12076519\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12076519\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/GettyImages-2259411504.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1321\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/GettyImages-2259411504.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/GettyImages-2259411504-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/GettyImages-2259411504-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An Adidas FIFA World Cup soccer ball is seen on a FIFA x NFL chair in the Media Center ahead of Super Bowl LX on Feb. 4, 2026, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. \u003ccite>(Matthew Huang/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“From a transit perspective, that means planning for repeated waves of movement across counties, venues, hotels and neighborhoods,” Janmohamed said — “for both local fans and a higher percentage of global visitors navigating the Bay Area for the first time.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This is the first time one region has hosted both the Super Bowl and the World Cup in the same year, Janmohamed said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"HowcanIgethomefromWorldCupnightgamesonpublictransit\">\u003c/a>How do I get to Levi’s Stadium using public transportation?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>There are three transit agencies that will get you to the front door of Levi’s Stadium: Capitol Corridor, ACE Rail and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority or VTA. And if you aren’t close to one of their stops, there are multiple ways to transfer to them from other transit agencies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here are the agencies that are changing their service schedules to accommodate World Cup fans.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>VTA\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority provides bus, light rail and paratransit services in Santa Clara County.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Great America and Lick Mill are the VTA stations closest to Levi’s Stadium.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12072787\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12072787 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/260208-SUPERBOWLSUNDAY00166_TV-KQED-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/260208-SUPERBOWLSUNDAY00166_TV-KQED-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/260208-SUPERBOWLSUNDAY00166_TV-KQED-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/260208-SUPERBOWLSUNDAY00166_TV-KQED-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Super Bowl attendees ride VTA to Levi’s Stadium for Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara on Feb. 8, 2026. \u003ccite>(Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>For information on fares, inter-agency transfers and where to park at VTA stations, check out the agency’s \u003ca href=\"https://worldcup.vta.org/fares\">World Cup page\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>VTA is expecting to carry as many as 15,000 people in and out of each match at Levi’s Stadium, according to Stacey Hendler Ross, the agency’s public information officer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Hendler Ross said the agency will be adjusting routes to accommodate an expected increase in local riders heading to the stadium. For instance, the blue line will serve Levi’s Stadium for World Cup matches, instead of traveling straight to its scheduled stop in Bay Point.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“ We’ll be running additional light rail service before and after matches, with trains serving the stadium every 10 minutes from Mountain View Transit Center, which connects to Caltrain — and every twenty minutes from the Milpitas Transit Center in downtown San José, which connects with BART,” Hendler Ross said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The agency says it’ll let riders know more information by email, SMS and VTA’s \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/vtaservice\">service updates on X\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://worldcup.vta.org/updates\">Sign up for route change updates for each match here.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We are hoping to put out a lot of messaging about that so that people know that the service plan is going to be a little bit different than it is for every day,” Hendler Ross said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For late-night games, Hendler Ross said VTA will guarantee service for up to about two hours after the end of each match.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“ If there are still hundreds of people on the platform two hours after the game, obviously we’re going to continue our service to get people where they need to go,” Hendler Ross said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Hendler Ross also recommends using the \u003ca href=\"https://transitapp.com/\">Transit app\u003c/a> for trip planning.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Learn more about \u003ca href=\"https://www.vta.org/go/fares\">paying for VTA rides\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>ACE Rail\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>ACE Rail connects Central Valley communities with the East and South Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The agency is planning additional services for three World Cup matches. Take a look at the \u003ca href=\"https://acerail.com/event-train/\">ACE Rail schedule. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Learn more about \u003ca href=\"https://acerail.com/tickets/\">paying for ACE Rail here\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Capitol Corridor\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Capitol Corridor connects the Sacramento area with the Bay Area by train, taking passengers from as far away as Rocklin and Auburn directly to Levi’s Stadium. The railway also provides easy transfers to BART and VTA.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Capitol Corridor is planning special match day service for five of the latest matches at Levi’s. The agency has a \u003ca href=\"https://www.capitolcorridor.org/fwc26-sfbayarea/\">World Cup page \u003c/a>including \u003ca href=\"https://www.capitolcorridor.org/trainschedule/FIFA-Train-Schedule_2026.pdf?v=28052026\">service adjustments\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For evening and night games, Capitol Corridor will time its final departure from Levi’s Stadium to 15 minutes after the match is expected to end, according to Rob Padgette, the managing director of Capitol Corridor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That means if you are taking Capitol Corridor to the game, you’ll want to leave the stadium \u003cem>right \u003c/em>after the match ends to ensure you catch your train home.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11932707\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11932707 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/Capitol-Corridor-Alviso.jpeg\" alt=\"A passenger train reflected in a trackside puddle at sunset.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/Capitol-Corridor-Alviso.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/Capitol-Corridor-Alviso-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/Capitol-Corridor-Alviso-1020x680.jpeg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/Capitol-Corridor-Alviso-160x107.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/Capitol-Corridor-Alviso-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/Capitol-Corridor-Alviso-1920x1280.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Amtrak California’s Capitol Corridor at Alviso on the south end of San Francisco Bay. \u003ccite>(Max Camden/Link21-BART)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Padgette also suggests riders \u003ca href=\"https://www.capitolcorridor.org/\">buy their ticket\u003c/a> in advance to make sure they get a seat. “ Because we expect a lot of fans to ride, we’re going to cap the number of sales on the train,” Padgette said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Learn more about \u003ca href=\"https://www.capitolcorridor.org/tickets/\">paying for Capitol Corridor rides here\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Caltrain\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Caltrain connects Santa Clara County to San Francisco by rail, passing through Silicon Valley, Stanford and San Mateo County on the way.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you plan to take Caltrain to Levi’s Stadium, get off at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/station/mountainview\">Mountain View station\u003c/a> and transfer to \u003ca href=\"https://www.vta.org/go/routes/orange-line\">VTA’s Orange Line\u003c/a> and ride towards Alum Rock station and get off at Great America station. VTA recommends entering and exiting the stadium through \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/4900+Centennial+Blvd+Intel+Gate+A,+Santa+Clara,+CA+95054/@37.4027987,-121.9717298,431m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x808fc9c827c5f0df:0x11455a372e1f7d18!2sLevi's+Stadium!8m2!3d37.4033165!4d-121.9693774!16s%2Fm%2F0269w0y!3m5!1s0x808fc9b7fe7b6d4b:0x40de625050fafeb7!8m2!3d37.4037655!4d-121.9712125!16s%2Fg%2F11f48k_zld?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDUyNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">Gate A\u003c/a> to get back to the Orange Line.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The agency is planning its regular \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/worldcup26?active_tab=route_explorer_tab&destination=7021\">half-hourly service\u003c/a> for World Cup matches, with additional trains on top of that, Caltrain public information officer Dan Lieberman said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re going to have one or two scheduled additional post-game trains for each match, while also keeping an additional train on standby if crowds necessitate it,” Lieberman said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lieberman said Caltrain will publish specific \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/about-caltrain/caltrain-news\">service plans for each match online soon\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Learn more about paying for \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/fares\">Caltrain fares\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>BART\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bay Area Rapid Transit serves five Bay Area counties, connecting a wide swath of the East Bay with San Francisco and the South Bay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To get to Levi’s Stadium, BART recommends riders take its Green or Orange Line (labeled “Berryessa” or “OAK/Berryessa”) to Milpitas Station and use the pedestrian bridge to transfer to VTA’s Orange Line and then get off at Lick Mill Station. To get back to VTA after the match, follow “Gate F” signs while exiting the stadium.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12080719\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12080719 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BARTSFGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1391\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BARTSFGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BARTSFGetty-160x111.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BARTSFGetty-1536x1068.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A commuter looks for a less crowded section of a westbound BART train at the West Oakland station in Oakland, California, on Friday, Feb. 16, 2018. \u003ccite>(Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The last scheduled BART train that stops at all stations systemwide leaves Milpitas at 11:53 p.m., heading towards the East Bay and San Francisco. But the agency is adding special limited-express service after midnight for matches that start at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Those trains will generally depart Milpitas every 30 minutes between 12:30 a.m. and 1:40 a.m., depending on how long it takes to clear the stadium and timed transfers with VTA.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Riders taking these special limited-express service trains should note that the trains will \u003cem>not \u003c/em>stop at all BART stations. Instead, they’ll l only serve the following BART stations:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Bay Fair\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Dublin\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>MacArthur\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>El Cerrito del Norte\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Pleasant Hill\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Powell Street\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11935689\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/gettyimages-1448202231-01daa7c0eabc9dfe5eff17bfe429ac097ee645ce-scaled-e1780442735101.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\">So if you plan to drive to a BART station and park your car, make sure you park at one of those stations to avoid getting stranded carless.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Find more details about special service on \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/news/fun/fifaworldcup\">BART’s World Cup page\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Learn more about \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/tickets\">BART fares\u003c/a> here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Muni \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Muni is the public transit agency serving the city of San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To get to Levi’s Stadium, riders can take Muni routes like the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/routes/30-stockton\">30 Stockton\u003c/a> bus, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/routes/45-unionstockton\">45 Union/Stockton\u003c/a> bus and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/routes/t-third-street\">T Third Street\u003c/a> train and transfer to either BART or Caltrain and then transfer to VTA.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The agency is planning \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/fifa-world-cup-26%E2%84%A2-sf-bay-area\">additional bus shuttle service\u003c/a> for nighttime World Cup matches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The shuttle will operate between Union Square, the SoMa neighborhood, the Powell Street BART station and Caltrain’s Fourth and King Station, using the 45 Union/Stockton route. The shuttle will operate as late as 3:15 a.m., depending on the day. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/fifa-world-cup-26%E2%84%A2-sf-bay-area\">Check here for specific shuttle times.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Learn more about \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/muni/fares\">Muni fares\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How do I pay for public transit to get to World Cup matches at Levi’s Stadium?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>There are a number of different ways to pay your fare.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tap to pay with a chip-enabled credit or debit card\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most transit agencies that will get you to Levi’s Stadium accept chip-enabled credit or debit cards as a form of payment. Just tap your card on the card reader as you enter a station or board a vehicle, and in some cases, tap when you exit.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Two exceptions to know: Capitol Corridor accepts tap to pay, \u003ca href=\"https://www.capitolcorridor.org/tap2ride/\">but it requires registration ahead of time. \u003c/a>ACE Rail does not accept tap to pay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12040954\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1999px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12040954\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20241204-BART-JY-028_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20241204-BART-JY-028_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20241204-BART-JY-028_qed-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20241204-BART-JY-028_qed-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20241204-BART-JY-028_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20241204-BART-JY-028_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20241204-BART-JY-028_qed-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A passenger tags their Clipper card at Montgomery BART Station in San Francisco on Dec. 4, 2024. \u003ccite>(Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Clipper\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most Bay Area transit agencies accept \u003ca href=\"https://www.clippercard.com/\">Clipper\u003c/a>, a fare payment platform for public transit. You can use Clipper by either purchasing a physical card for $3 at a ticket vending machine (located at many BART, Muni and Caltrain stations) and pre-loading money onto it, or by \u003ca href=\"https://www.clippercard.com/clipper-app\">downloading the app\u003c/a> and pre-loading money that way — through which you can also tap using your phone by transferring your Clipper card to your Apple or Google Wallet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Look up \u003ca href=\"https://www.clippercard.com/locations\">Clipper card sales and service locations\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>ACE Rail and Capitol Corridor trains do not accept Clipper as a form of payment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Token Transit\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>VTA is offering one-day, three-day, five-day and seven-day adult passes via the \u003ca href=\"https://tokentransit.com/app\">Token Transit app\u003c/a>. The agency is also offering a joint VTA/Caltrain Adult one-day pass that includes unlimited transfers within VTA, valid for World Cup match days only.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://worldcup.vta.org/fares\">Read more about paying for VTA\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cash\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>VTA buses only accept exact fare, while light rail ticket machines accept cash or card.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cash fareboxes are located at the front of each Muni bus or train. Use exact change and keep your transfer as proof of payment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11254007\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11254007\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2017/01/31909760916_d88814d339_o-e1483581327477.jpg\" alt=\"The side of a Caltrain train as it enters a station.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Caltrain cars at San José’s Diridon Station, December 2016. \u003ccite>(Dan Brekke/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>BART trains don’t accept cash, but you can pay with cash on BART by using the add value machines located inside every station to purchase or reload a plastic Clipper Card.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Caltrain has ticket vending machines at every station that accept coins and bills.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Capitol Corridor riders can use cash to pay for a ticket directly from a conductor on board a train.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>ACE Rail accepts cash for ticket purchases at staffed locations.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Can I ride my bike to Levi’s Stadium?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Yes — and the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition is offering secure, free bike valet for all World Cup matches at Levi’s Stadium.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The SVBC describes bike valet as a “secure, monitored coat check for your bicycle.” Check out their page on \u003ca href=\"https://bikesiliconvalley.org/learn-ride/levis-stadium\">how to use the bike valet\u003c/a> for World Cup matches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The bike valet opens three hours before kick-off and closes exactly one hour after the end of the match. It will be located at Gate C only (Green Lot 1).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The bike valet won’t accept shared fleet rentals like Lime, Bird or Spin, gas-powered bikes and bikes that aren’t owned by the rider.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for how to get to Levi’s by bike, it’s worth noting that the San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail adjacent to the stadium is closed during match days. Check out the \u003ca href=\"https://bikesiliconvalley.org/learn-ride/levis-stadium\">recommended detour\u003c/a> to access the bike valet if you are coming from the south.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here’s a list of all \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfbayareafwc26.com/road-closures-fifa-world-cup\">match-day road closures\u003c/a> and World Cup-related changes to Levi’s from FIFA.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"WhatstheparkingsituationatLevisStadium\">\u003c/a>What if I want to drive and park my car at Levi’s Stadium?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Parking at Levi’s Stadium must be purchased in advance, and only one parking pass may be purchased per World Cup match ticket. \u003ca href=\"https://www.justpark.com/us/event-parking/fifa-world-cup-2026/fifa-worldcup-2026-san-francisco/\">Check out FIFA’s official parking page. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also park at a \u003ca href=\"https://www.vta.org/go/stations\">VTA station,\u003c/a> a \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/rider-information/parking\">Caltrain station\u003c/a> or a \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/guide/parking\">BART station\u003c/a> and ride public transit to Levi’s Stadium from there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember: If you are taking BART to a night game, make sure you park at one of the stations that will be available by BART’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/news/fun/fifaworldcup\">limited express service\u003c/a> (Bay Fair, Dublin, MacArthur, El Cerrito del Norte, Pleasant Hill and Powell Street stations).\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Can I get to Levi’s Stadium using a ride-hailing app like Uber, Lyft or Waymo?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Yes, but according to the FIFA website, there will be “geofenced” rideshare stops for pickup starting one hour after kick-off — that is, you’ll have to meet your rideshare at a designated location at Levi’s Stadium.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rideshare North (Red Lot 7) covers northbound rides to San Francisco and Rideshare South (Freedom Circle) covers southbound rides to San José.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12063808\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12063808\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/WaymoSFGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/WaymoSFGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/WaymoSFGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/WaymoSFGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A self-driving Waymo car with rooftop lidar and a bird-themed mural on the Embarcadero with the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in the background, in San Francisco, California, on Aug. 14, 2025. \u003ccite>(Smith Collection/Gado via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>FIFA advises that World Cup guests leaving from Gates A, E and F will be directed to Rideshare North Red Lot 7. Guests leaving from Gates B or C will be directed to Rideshare South on Freedom Circle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Autonomous vehicles like Waymo are not allowed into the rideshare lots at Levi’s Stadium.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What about people with mobility needs?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>FIFA said accessible pickup and drop-off points for fans are located on Patrick Henry Drive.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Accessible parking is also offered to fans via the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 \u003ca href=\"https://www.justpark.com/us/event-parking/fifa-world-cup-2026/\">Parking Page\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The association said guests with mobility needs who use rideshare should use the Rideshare North lot and be shuttled to the Stadium Plaza drop-off.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Check out FIFA’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/stadiums/san-francisco-bay-area/accessibility\">accessibility page\u003c/a> here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "yosemite-national-park-visitor-congestion-crowding-camping-reservations-where-to-visit-outside-yosemite-valley-yarts",
"title": "Worried About Yosemite Crowds? The Tips That Could Save Your Summer Trip",
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"headTitle": "Worried About Yosemite Crowds? The Tips That Could Save Your Summer Trip | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>If you have a trip to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/yosemite\">Yosemite National Park\u003c/a> planned this year, you might be watching recent headlines about crowding in the park with mounting concern for your own visit.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yosemite’s summer season is already in full swing, \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjfrmPiWvJ8\">as crowds descended on the popular valley trails\u003c/a> this Memorial Day, with some visitors \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/Yosemite/comments/1tmfn0t/parking_full_at_739am/\">reporting parking lots completely full each weekend morning.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Videos captured by visitors of the popular Mist Trail show \u003ca href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/@trailblazingaby/video/7643941000976616735\">shoulder-to-shoulder lines\u003c/a> to see the park’s famous waterfalls at peak flow during the springtime. Other videos showed\u003ca href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/@ramireztreeservice512/video/7643256604854340877\"> long lines at park entrance gates\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some advocacy groups, including the \u003ca href=\"https://protectnps.org/2026/05/26/national-parks-face-a-strained-summer-as-staffing-shortages-deepen/\">Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks\u003c/a>, blame the overcrowding on the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074364/yosemite-national-park-no-reservations-2026-glacier-arches-timed-entry\">park’s decision to end its vehicle reservation system\u003c/a> this year — and continue to raise concerns about seasonal and full-time \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12066741/a-morale-bomb-national-park-workers-face-wage-cuts-and-dubiously-legal-review-system\">staffing at parks\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In response, a spokesperson from the National Park Service told KQED that high visitation and traffic delays during holiday weekends like Memorial Day are common and “not evidence of operational failure.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Instead, “they reflect the reality of managing one of the nation’s most-visited national parks during peak demand,” the spokesperson said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12074513\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12074513\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/YosemiteGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/YosemiteGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/YosemiteGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/YosemiteGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Visitors hike the Mist Trail toward Vernal Falls on Aug. 31, 2025, in Yosemite National Park, California. \u003ccite>(Apu Gomes/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If Memorial Day is an indication of what’s to come, visitors to Yosemite over the next few months should expect similar wait times and crowds during peak days and times all summer long.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if \u003cem>you \u003c/em>already have a Yosemite trip planned, luckily there are things you can do to — hopefully — make your visit as stress-free as possible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We talked to the experts for their tips on visiting Yosemite this summer, and the ways you can try to avoid the now-inevitable crowds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#Gobybus\"> Go by bus\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#Packyourownfood\"> Pack your own food\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#Bringabike\"> Bring a bike\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Consider your trip timing — and which entrance to use\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The key thing for any visitor planning on heading to Yosemite this summer is to be \u003cem>prepared \u003c/em>for the crowds, said Cory Goehring, a senior naturalist with the Yosemite Conservancy, the nonprofit organization that partners with the park on conservation and programs for visitors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Being prepared means expecting delays and full parking lots at the park’s main attractions in Yosemite Valley, the iconic loop containing some of the park’s most famous landmarks like El Capitan, as well as hotels and visitor centers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12060163\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12060163\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/YosemiteGetty3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/YosemiteGetty3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/YosemiteGetty3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/YosemiteGetty3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Views over the Yosemite Valley floor at sunset. \u003ccite>(Matthew Micah Wright/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Haven’t actually planned your Yosemite trip yet? Try to pick off-peak times to visit, like mid-week when crowds will be significantly more scarce.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Goehring said his typical advice is to arrive early to beat the crowds, but he said so far this year, “we are starting to see lines start to form at 7 a.m.,” he said. “So people are hearing that advice and taking it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These days, he tells visitors to check their traffic and map apps to see how long the delay at the entry gate might be.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also try entering the park via a less-popular entrance, like Big Oak Flat, Hetch Hetchy or via Tioga Pass. But be aware: These entrances are multiple hours from one another and from Yosemite Valley, so be sure to double-check your destination and accommodation before taking the long way around.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Look beyond Yosemite Valley\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Being realistic about visitor levels this summer means “it’s a good time to have a plan B,” Goehring said — and to be ready to explore further afield than the common tourist track.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I know that everyone wants to come to Yosemite Valley,” he said. “But there’s still magic to be had outside of Yosemite Valley if you need to pivot because of the parking lots filling.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The park is a huge 1,200 square miles, and you should take advantage of it, Goehring said. Attractions in the valley like Half Dome or El Cap will be slammed with visitors, so consider checking out less-trafficked — but often equally beautiful —areas like \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hh.htm\">Hetch Hetchy\u003c/a> or \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/tuolumne.htm\">Tuolumne Meadows\u003c/a> instead.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12086278\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12086278\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-1350909997.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1343\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-1350909997.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-1350909997-160x109.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-1350909997-1536x1042.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The “Gateway” sign at Camp Mather points to the road to Hetch Hetchy reservoir on Oct. 28, 2021, in Yosemite National Park, California. \u003ccite>(George Rose/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>And while, yes, the valley offers some of the park’s most stunning views, you should know: many of its trails are actually extremely steep and just as crowded.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Over the Memorial Day weekend, \u003ca href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/@trailblazingaby/video/7643941000976616735\">the popular Mist Trail in particular\u003c/a> saw a major traffic jam as visitors packed the popular day hike, which takes hikers up steep stone steps to views of Vernal and Nevada Falls.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Outside of the valley, Goehring suggested less crowded alternatives for hikes like:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/lyell-canyon--3\">Lyell Canyon\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/may-lake--7\">May Lake\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.yosemitehikes.com/glacier-point-road/mcgurk-meadow/mcgurk-meadow.htm\">McGurk Meadow\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Goehring also recommended finding \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/glacierhikes.htm\">day hikes off the Glacier Point Road like the Ostrander Trail\u003c/a>, which take hikers off the beaten path and deeper into the wild parts of the park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You can get some really nice, peaceful wilderness experiences by going on day hikes on some of those trails,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Gobybus\">\u003c/a>Leave your car behind\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you don’t have a car — or just don’t want to brave the difficult parking situation inside the park — \u003ca href=\"https://www.yarts.com/\">you can take public transportation via YARTS\u003c/a> into Yosemite and take advantage of the many shuttle services once inside the park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mary-Michal Rawlings, public affairs manager for YARTS, said with Yosemite “such an iconic, pristine environment … we want to do our part to preserve it by keeping as many cars off the road as possible.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The park is just inundated with cars,” she said. “People aren’t parking appropriately, there are no parking spaces, and so obviously a big benefit to riding YARTS this year is that you don’t have to worry about that.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12086279\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12086279\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2276435266.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1320\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2276435266.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2276435266-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2276435266-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">People ride the shuttle in Yosemite National Park on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in Yosemite, California. The National Park Service announced it will be doing away with summer reservation requirements at several popular parks, including Yosemite, leading to a surge in crowds. \u003ccite>(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>As well as knowing you’re choosing a more environmentally conscious option for getting into and around Yosemite, using public transit like this also “just takes that stress of the trip away,” Rawlings said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the summer, YARTS has four lines that take riders into the park from all four of its entrances, both east and west of the Sierra Nevada.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are stops at other iconic destinations and gateway towns along the way, like in June Lake and Lee Vining on the east side and Wawona and Mariposa to the west.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re coming from the Merced area, \u003ca href=\"https://www.yarts.com/plan-your-trip/how-to-ride/\">YARTS offers free extended parking\u003c/a> at several locations in the city. There are also free Park & Ride facilities in Mariposa and Midpines.[aside postID=news_12047124 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-3-1-scaled.jpg']Or, if you’re coming from even farther away using public transit, YARTS offers connections to Greyhound and Amtrak and to cities like Sonora, Merced and Fresno, where you can continue your journey.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just remember: YARTS is using the same roads as all those cars, and there are no special bus lanes approaching Yosemite or inside the park itself — so you still may experience some traffic and a wait to get through the entry gate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But one big benefit of being on the bus instead of in your car, Rawlings said, is the bathroom: “There’s lavatories on board. So you’re not sitting in the middle of nowhere thinking, ‘Uh-oh, I’ve got to go to the bathroom, now what?’ You sit back in that relaxed, comfortable AC, you look out the window, and hopefully that takes the stress out of the journey.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While YARTS sets aside half a bus’s tickets for walk-ons, Rawlings advises \u003ca href=\"https://tickets.yarts.com/\">making a reservation in advance\u003c/a> to secure your spot. \u003ca href=\"https://www.yarts.com/tickets-and-fares/\">Fares vary by starting and ending point\u003c/a>, but are generally anywhere from $10-$60 each way depending on the length of your trip.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Once inside the park, you can take the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/publictransportation.htm\">Yosemite Valley Shuttle\u003c/a>, which has two different lines — one short and one long loop — and is completely free. There are also a number of shuttles and tour buses that can get you nearly anywhere you’d like to be in the park, including to Tuolumne Meadows, Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Snag an $8 Yosemite campsite by entering on public transit\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Camping in Yosemite is notoriously competitive, and reservations for the high season are booked up months in advance. But another benefit of using YARTS to enter: you get automatic access to the\u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bpcamp.htm\"> four backpackers campgrounds\u003c/a> throughout the park when you arrive, with no advance reservations required.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These campgrounds, which include locations in Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, are typically set aside for people entering the park on foot or by bike.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12086280\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12086280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2276435220.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1320\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2276435220.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2276435220-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2276435220-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">People look for parking near Curry Village in Yosemite National Park on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Yosemite, California. The National Park Service announced it will be doing away with summer reservation requirements at several popular parks, including Yosemite, leading to a surge in crowds. \u003ccite>(Eric Thayer/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But users of public transportation like YARTS are \u003cem>also \u003c/em>allowed to stay in them for consecutive nights — so long as they don’t stay more than one night in any one campground.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Staying a night in one of these backpackers campgrounds costs $8 per person, and you can pay the fee using the Recreation.gov mobile app onsite, which will work without internet access if you’ve already downloaded it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And you can bring all the gear you need for that overnight stay, too, Rawlings said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While first-come, first-served, YARTS buses have a decent amount of capacity for gear and even space for a couple of larger pieces of equipment like bikes.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Packyourownfood\">\u003c/a>Bring your own food — but keep it safe\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>It isn’t just the entrances and parking that attract long lines in the park. Yosemite Valley’s limited infrastructure, including its kiosks, cafes and restaurants, is also bound to be busy this summer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One solution that will also help you avoid the high prices charged at these concessionaires: Pack your own food in a cooler for the day or weekend.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bears.htm\">But make sure you’re not just leaving your food outside at a campsite or in your car overnight\u003c/a>, since bears are notoriously determined to source a meal — and can even force their way into a locked vehicle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12002438\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12002438\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/BearCollarCamp.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/BearCollarCamp.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/BearCollarCamp-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/BearCollarCamp-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/BearCollarCamp-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/BearCollarCamp-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/BearCollarCamp-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A bear wearing a tag and transmitter collar walks near a campground in Yosemite National Park. \u003ccite>(Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Goehring said all of the major trailheads and parking lots have bear storage lockers, so you can leave your food securely while you head out on any adventure.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But don’t forget: It’s not just food that you should be storing, Goehring said. Anything that’s scented — like chapstick, deodorant, or even empty coolers — should all be stored safely away from where bears can access them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you have an empty cooler with no food in it, bears are really, really smart, so \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12002429/california-camping-tahoe-yosemite-bears-safety-what-to-do-bear-spray\">they can recognize those\u003c/a>, so you definitely want to store those properly,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Bringabike\">\u003c/a>If you have to drive, use a bike (maybe even for free)\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>You’ll have a much nicer time, Goehring said, if you can park your car at your campsite, accommodation or in another secure spot inside the park for the day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>From there, remember you can take the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/publictransportation.htm\">Yosemite Valley Shuttle\u003c/a> — or one of those other shuttles and tour buses — around the park to your adventures each day, or you can simply ride a bike.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you don’t have your own bike to bring,\u003ca href=\"https://www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/biking\"> there are several locations offering rental bikes around the park\u003c/a>, including Curry Village, Yosemite Village and the Yosemite Valley Lodge.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12065956\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1999px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12065956\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251027-YosemiteShutdown-51-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251027-YosemiteShutdown-51-BL_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251027-YosemiteShutdown-51-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251027-YosemiteShutdown-51-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Souvenirs, books, hiking gear and other items line the shelves at the Welcome Center in Yosemite National Park on Oct. 27, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The Yosemite Conservancy even has a \u003ca href=\"https://yosemite.org/yosemite-bike-share/\">free bicycle borrowing program. \u003c/a>Available from June through October in good weather from the Yosemite Village Day Use Parking Area and Camp 4, you can use the nonprofit’s bikes for up to two hours at a time in the valley.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To snag a free bike, download the \u003ca href=\"https://apps.apple.com/us/app/linka-go/id1300433189\">LINKA GO\u003c/a> app, create an account and scan the bike’s QR code to unlock it. Just be sure to obey traffic laws and remember to return it locked up to one of the two hubs, helmet and all.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“That is an awesome way to move around the valley and help reduce congestion,” Goehring said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "The Memorial Day weekend, with no reservation system, spelled long lines and no parking for the rest of the season. Here’s how to maximize your chances of still having a good time in the park this summer.",
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"title": "Worried About Yosemite Crowds? The Tips That Could Save Your Summer Trip | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>If you have a trip to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/yosemite\">Yosemite National Park\u003c/a> planned this year, you might be watching recent headlines about crowding in the park with mounting concern for your own visit.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yosemite’s summer season is already in full swing, \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjfrmPiWvJ8\">as crowds descended on the popular valley trails\u003c/a> this Memorial Day, with some visitors \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/Yosemite/comments/1tmfn0t/parking_full_at_739am/\">reporting parking lots completely full each weekend morning.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Videos captured by visitors of the popular Mist Trail show \u003ca href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/@trailblazingaby/video/7643941000976616735\">shoulder-to-shoulder lines\u003c/a> to see the park’s famous waterfalls at peak flow during the springtime. Other videos showed\u003ca href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/@ramireztreeservice512/video/7643256604854340877\"> long lines at park entrance gates\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some advocacy groups, including the \u003ca href=\"https://protectnps.org/2026/05/26/national-parks-face-a-strained-summer-as-staffing-shortages-deepen/\">Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks\u003c/a>, blame the overcrowding on the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074364/yosemite-national-park-no-reservations-2026-glacier-arches-timed-entry\">park’s decision to end its vehicle reservation system\u003c/a> this year — and continue to raise concerns about seasonal and full-time \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12066741/a-morale-bomb-national-park-workers-face-wage-cuts-and-dubiously-legal-review-system\">staffing at parks\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In response, a spokesperson from the National Park Service told KQED that high visitation and traffic delays during holiday weekends like Memorial Day are common and “not evidence of operational failure.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Instead, “they reflect the reality of managing one of the nation’s most-visited national parks during peak demand,” the spokesperson said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12074513\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12074513\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/YosemiteGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/YosemiteGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/YosemiteGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/YosemiteGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Visitors hike the Mist Trail toward Vernal Falls on Aug. 31, 2025, in Yosemite National Park, California. \u003ccite>(Apu Gomes/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If Memorial Day is an indication of what’s to come, visitors to Yosemite over the next few months should expect similar wait times and crowds during peak days and times all summer long.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if \u003cem>you \u003c/em>already have a Yosemite trip planned, luckily there are things you can do to — hopefully — make your visit as stress-free as possible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We talked to the experts for their tips on visiting Yosemite this summer, and the ways you can try to avoid the now-inevitable crowds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#Gobybus\"> Go by bus\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#Packyourownfood\"> Pack your own food\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"#Bringabike\"> Bring a bike\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Consider your trip timing — and which entrance to use\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The key thing for any visitor planning on heading to Yosemite this summer is to be \u003cem>prepared \u003c/em>for the crowds, said Cory Goehring, a senior naturalist with the Yosemite Conservancy, the nonprofit organization that partners with the park on conservation and programs for visitors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Being prepared means expecting delays and full parking lots at the park’s main attractions in Yosemite Valley, the iconic loop containing some of the park’s most famous landmarks like El Capitan, as well as hotels and visitor centers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12060163\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12060163\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/YosemiteGetty3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/YosemiteGetty3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/YosemiteGetty3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/YosemiteGetty3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Views over the Yosemite Valley floor at sunset. \u003ccite>(Matthew Micah Wright/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Haven’t actually planned your Yosemite trip yet? Try to pick off-peak times to visit, like mid-week when crowds will be significantly more scarce.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Goehring said his typical advice is to arrive early to beat the crowds, but he said so far this year, “we are starting to see lines start to form at 7 a.m.,” he said. “So people are hearing that advice and taking it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These days, he tells visitors to check their traffic and map apps to see how long the delay at the entry gate might be.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also try entering the park via a less-popular entrance, like Big Oak Flat, Hetch Hetchy or via Tioga Pass. But be aware: These entrances are multiple hours from one another and from Yosemite Valley, so be sure to double-check your destination and accommodation before taking the long way around.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Look beyond Yosemite Valley\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Being realistic about visitor levels this summer means “it’s a good time to have a plan B,” Goehring said — and to be ready to explore further afield than the common tourist track.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I know that everyone wants to come to Yosemite Valley,” he said. “But there’s still magic to be had outside of Yosemite Valley if you need to pivot because of the parking lots filling.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The park is a huge 1,200 square miles, and you should take advantage of it, Goehring said. Attractions in the valley like Half Dome or El Cap will be slammed with visitors, so consider checking out less-trafficked — but often equally beautiful —areas like \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hh.htm\">Hetch Hetchy\u003c/a> or \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/tuolumne.htm\">Tuolumne Meadows\u003c/a> instead.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12086278\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12086278\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-1350909997.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1343\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-1350909997.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-1350909997-160x109.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-1350909997-1536x1042.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The “Gateway” sign at Camp Mather points to the road to Hetch Hetchy reservoir on Oct. 28, 2021, in Yosemite National Park, California. \u003ccite>(George Rose/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>And while, yes, the valley offers some of the park’s most stunning views, you should know: many of its trails are actually extremely steep and just as crowded.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Over the Memorial Day weekend, \u003ca href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/@trailblazingaby/video/7643941000976616735\">the popular Mist Trail in particular\u003c/a> saw a major traffic jam as visitors packed the popular day hike, which takes hikers up steep stone steps to views of Vernal and Nevada Falls.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Outside of the valley, Goehring suggested less crowded alternatives for hikes like:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/lyell-canyon--3\">Lyell Canyon\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/may-lake--7\">May Lake\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.yosemitehikes.com/glacier-point-road/mcgurk-meadow/mcgurk-meadow.htm\">McGurk Meadow\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Goehring also recommended finding \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/glacierhikes.htm\">day hikes off the Glacier Point Road like the Ostrander Trail\u003c/a>, which take hikers off the beaten path and deeper into the wild parts of the park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You can get some really nice, peaceful wilderness experiences by going on day hikes on some of those trails,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Gobybus\">\u003c/a>Leave your car behind\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you don’t have a car — or just don’t want to brave the difficult parking situation inside the park — \u003ca href=\"https://www.yarts.com/\">you can take public transportation via YARTS\u003c/a> into Yosemite and take advantage of the many shuttle services once inside the park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mary-Michal Rawlings, public affairs manager for YARTS, said with Yosemite “such an iconic, pristine environment … we want to do our part to preserve it by keeping as many cars off the road as possible.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The park is just inundated with cars,” she said. “People aren’t parking appropriately, there are no parking spaces, and so obviously a big benefit to riding YARTS this year is that you don’t have to worry about that.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12086279\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12086279\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2276435266.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1320\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2276435266.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2276435266-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2276435266-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">People ride the shuttle in Yosemite National Park on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in Yosemite, California. The National Park Service announced it will be doing away with summer reservation requirements at several popular parks, including Yosemite, leading to a surge in crowds. \u003ccite>(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>As well as knowing you’re choosing a more environmentally conscious option for getting into and around Yosemite, using public transit like this also “just takes that stress of the trip away,” Rawlings said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the summer, YARTS has four lines that take riders into the park from all four of its entrances, both east and west of the Sierra Nevada.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are stops at other iconic destinations and gateway towns along the way, like in June Lake and Lee Vining on the east side and Wawona and Mariposa to the west.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re coming from the Merced area, \u003ca href=\"https://www.yarts.com/plan-your-trip/how-to-ride/\">YARTS offers free extended parking\u003c/a> at several locations in the city. There are also free Park & Ride facilities in Mariposa and Midpines.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Or, if you’re coming from even farther away using public transit, YARTS offers connections to Greyhound and Amtrak and to cities like Sonora, Merced and Fresno, where you can continue your journey.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just remember: YARTS is using the same roads as all those cars, and there are no special bus lanes approaching Yosemite or inside the park itself — so you still may experience some traffic and a wait to get through the entry gate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But one big benefit of being on the bus instead of in your car, Rawlings said, is the bathroom: “There’s lavatories on board. So you’re not sitting in the middle of nowhere thinking, ‘Uh-oh, I’ve got to go to the bathroom, now what?’ You sit back in that relaxed, comfortable AC, you look out the window, and hopefully that takes the stress out of the journey.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While YARTS sets aside half a bus’s tickets for walk-ons, Rawlings advises \u003ca href=\"https://tickets.yarts.com/\">making a reservation in advance\u003c/a> to secure your spot. \u003ca href=\"https://www.yarts.com/tickets-and-fares/\">Fares vary by starting and ending point\u003c/a>, but are generally anywhere from $10-$60 each way depending on the length of your trip.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Once inside the park, you can take the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/publictransportation.htm\">Yosemite Valley Shuttle\u003c/a>, which has two different lines — one short and one long loop — and is completely free. There are also a number of shuttles and tour buses that can get you nearly anywhere you’d like to be in the park, including to Tuolumne Meadows, Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Snag an $8 Yosemite campsite by entering on public transit\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Camping in Yosemite is notoriously competitive, and reservations for the high season are booked up months in advance. But another benefit of using YARTS to enter: you get automatic access to the\u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bpcamp.htm\"> four backpackers campgrounds\u003c/a> throughout the park when you arrive, with no advance reservations required.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These campgrounds, which include locations in Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, are typically set aside for people entering the park on foot or by bike.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12086280\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12086280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2276435220.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1320\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2276435220.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2276435220-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/GettyImages-2276435220-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">People look for parking near Curry Village in Yosemite National Park on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Yosemite, California. The National Park Service announced it will be doing away with summer reservation requirements at several popular parks, including Yosemite, leading to a surge in crowds. \u003ccite>(Eric Thayer/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But users of public transportation like YARTS are \u003cem>also \u003c/em>allowed to stay in them for consecutive nights — so long as they don’t stay more than one night in any one campground.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Staying a night in one of these backpackers campgrounds costs $8 per person, and you can pay the fee using the Recreation.gov mobile app onsite, which will work without internet access if you’ve already downloaded it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And you can bring all the gear you need for that overnight stay, too, Rawlings said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While first-come, first-served, YARTS buses have a decent amount of capacity for gear and even space for a couple of larger pieces of equipment like bikes.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Packyourownfood\">\u003c/a>Bring your own food — but keep it safe\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>It isn’t just the entrances and parking that attract long lines in the park. Yosemite Valley’s limited infrastructure, including its kiosks, cafes and restaurants, is also bound to be busy this summer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One solution that will also help you avoid the high prices charged at these concessionaires: Pack your own food in a cooler for the day or weekend.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bears.htm\">But make sure you’re not just leaving your food outside at a campsite or in your car overnight\u003c/a>, since bears are notoriously determined to source a meal — and can even force their way into a locked vehicle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12002438\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12002438\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/BearCollarCamp.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/BearCollarCamp.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/BearCollarCamp-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/BearCollarCamp-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/BearCollarCamp-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/BearCollarCamp-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/BearCollarCamp-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A bear wearing a tag and transmitter collar walks near a campground in Yosemite National Park. \u003ccite>(Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Goehring said all of the major trailheads and parking lots have bear storage lockers, so you can leave your food securely while you head out on any adventure.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But don’t forget: It’s not just food that you should be storing, Goehring said. Anything that’s scented — like chapstick, deodorant, or even empty coolers — should all be stored safely away from where bears can access them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you have an empty cooler with no food in it, bears are really, really smart, so \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12002429/california-camping-tahoe-yosemite-bears-safety-what-to-do-bear-spray\">they can recognize those\u003c/a>, so you definitely want to store those properly,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Bringabike\">\u003c/a>If you have to drive, use a bike (maybe even for free)\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>You’ll have a much nicer time, Goehring said, if you can park your car at your campsite, accommodation or in another secure spot inside the park for the day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>From there, remember you can take the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/publictransportation.htm\">Yosemite Valley Shuttle\u003c/a> — or one of those other shuttles and tour buses — around the park to your adventures each day, or you can simply ride a bike.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you don’t have your own bike to bring,\u003ca href=\"https://www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/biking\"> there are several locations offering rental bikes around the park\u003c/a>, including Curry Village, Yosemite Village and the Yosemite Valley Lodge.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12065956\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1999px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12065956\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251027-YosemiteShutdown-51-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251027-YosemiteShutdown-51-BL_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251027-YosemiteShutdown-51-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251027-YosemiteShutdown-51-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Souvenirs, books, hiking gear and other items line the shelves at the Welcome Center in Yosemite National Park on Oct. 27, 2025. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The Yosemite Conservancy even has a \u003ca href=\"https://yosemite.org/yosemite-bike-share/\">free bicycle borrowing program. \u003c/a>Available from June through October in good weather from the Yosemite Village Day Use Parking Area and Camp 4, you can use the nonprofit’s bikes for up to two hours at a time in the valley.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To snag a free bike, download the \u003ca href=\"https://apps.apple.com/us/app/linka-go/id1300433189\">LINKA GO\u003c/a> app, create an account and scan the bike’s QR code to unlock it. Just be sure to obey traffic laws and remember to return it locked up to one of the two hubs, helmet and all.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“That is an awesome way to move around the valley and help reduce congestion,” Goehring said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cp>In the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/bay-area\">Bay Area\u003c/a>, our temperate climate means there’s no shortage of stunning rose gardens.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And while the first, biggest bloom in springtime for many rose varietals has already come and gone, the arrival of summer offers many more weeks to visit one of these gardens — to admire these big, bright flowers that thrive in the Bay (almost) all season long.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You may have already been to the \u003ca href=\"http://google.com/search?q=berkeley+rose+garden&rlz=1C1GCCA_enUS1161US1161&oq=berkeley+rose+gar&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyEAgBEC4YrwEYxwEYgAQYjgUyEAgCEC4YrwEYxwEYgAQYjgUyBwgDEAAYgAQyBwgEEAAYgAQyEAgFEC4YrwEYxwEYgAQYjgUyBwgGEAAYgAQyBggHEEUYPKgCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&safe=active&ssui=on\">Berkeley Rose Garden,\u003c/a> a secluded and amphitheater-like space where you can meander along endless rows of flowers. In San Francisco, there’s the smaller — but just as stunning — \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/911/Golden-Gate-Park---Rose-Garden\">Golden Gate Park Rose Garden\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And in the South Bay, perhaps you’ve seen the gigantic \u003ca href=\"https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/2295/2028?npage=9\">San Jose Municipal Rose Garden\u003c/a> and its next-door \u003ca href=\"https://www.heritageroses.us/\">Heritage Rose Gardens\u003c/a>, which are famed for their enormous footprints and expansive varieties of the plants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lucky for us, the Bay Area holds \u003cem>even \u003c/em>more under-the-radar options for rose lovers looking for a romantic stroll, a contemplative break from the bustle of daily life or simply a scenic (and free) place to stroll with a coffee. A time and a space, if you will, to simply stop and smell the roses.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read on for three more local and blooming rose gardens around the Bay Area:\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://maringarden.org/\">Marin Art and Garden Center, Marin\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>This North Bay rose garden is small but mighty, boasting 150 different species of roses all “mapped out in a pretty tight space,” said garden manager and rosarian — yes, “rosarian” is the name for a cultivator of roses — Jennifer Board.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even so, the Marin Art and Garden Center’s roses range from miniatures to standard and climbing, hybrid and more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085323\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085323\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/240716-GLITTER-33-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/240716-GLITTER-33-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/240716-GLITTER-33-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/240716-GLITTER-33-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Morcom Rose Garden in Oakland on July 16, 2024. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>This year, their first major flush came a few weeks before Mother’s Day and lasted through the holiday. But most of their roses go through three seasons, so they expect another flush in a month or two, in June or July. And “when you come to the rose garden, you will always see something blooming now through October,” Board said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A visit to this place also offers a chance to spy wildlife in the air. In addition to the roses, their habitat garden “is lush with narrowleaf and showy milkweed, and so the monarch [butterflies] are dancing about that right now,” she said. They also have several ponds and fountains that make good habitat for dragonflies and birds as well as a redwood grove.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cost:\u003c/strong> The Marin Art and Garden Center is free to enter and is open to foot traffic from sunrise to sunset every day. The parking lot and public restrooms are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pro tip: \u003c/strong>Board recommended coming Mondays through Fridays, when the offices are open. That way you have the best chance of catching a staff member to ask questions and learn more about the roses you’re seeing. And if you can catch one of local artist \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tule-twined-basket-workshop-with-charlie-kennard-registration-1981806789456\">Charlie Kennard’s basketry classes\u003c/a> or see him in the garden behind the barn, you won’t be disappointed, Board said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandca.gov/Community/Parks-Facilities/Rent-a-Facility-or-Park/Morcom-Rose-Garden\">Morcom Rose Garden, Oakland\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Described by its caretakers, Friends of the Morcom Rose Garden, as an \u003ca href=\"https://friendsofoaklandrose.org/\">“oasis” right here in Oakland\u003c/a>, Morcom Garden is a 1930s-era 7-acre formal rose garden that’s “surrounded by winding paths, graceful stairways, dramatic water features, and enough natural habitat to attract and provide a sanctuary for a variety of birds.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Garden volunteer Nancy Friedman attested that “there’s plenty of bloom down there” right now, even despite some pesky deer who love to munch on the rose buds and\u003ca href=\"https://oaklandside.org/2025/11/05/morcom-rose-garden-oakland-stolen-bushes/\"> a series of thefts and vandalism\u003c/a> last year that affected some of their rarest plants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085321\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085321\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/240716-GLITTER-18-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/240716-GLITTER-18-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/240716-GLITTER-18-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/240716-GLITTER-18-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rosarian Royal Kreiger looks at a rose bush in the Morcom Rose Garden in Oakland on July 16, 2024. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Because of California’s Mediterranean climate, blooms will persist well into the fall, she said, and even all the way to December. Then, each winter, volunteers like her “hard-prune” the bushes to encourage growth again come spring.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The garden has bathrooms and is wheelchair accessible via the Jean Street entrance, Friedman said, “so there are many different ways to approach the garden depending on people’s physical abilities.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’re looking to spend even more time in your local rose garden, Morcom is currently in need of volunteers, so \u003ca href=\"https://friendsofoaklandrose.org/volunteer/\">you can even consider lending a hand yourself.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cost:\u003c/strong> Morcom Rose Garden is free to enter and is open seven days a week.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pro tip: \u003c/strong>Morcom is the perfect place for a photoshoot or celebration – groups of hundreds of people are often there to celebrate, Friedman said. But one thing is key: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11994024/heading-to-morcom-rose-garden-better-leave-your-glitter-at-home\">Leave the glitter at home.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://sanmateoarboretum.org/rose-garden/\">Marion Panaretos Rose Garden, San Mateo\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Managed by the San Mateo Arboretum Society, this garden in San Mateo’s Central Park is designed to “showcase the roses that do well in our area,” according to Susan Carter and Archana Singh, members of the San Mateo Arboretum Society, which developed and maintains the garden “so people can see the roses, admire them, and also know what they can plant in \u003cem>their \u003c/em>gardens.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Carter and Singh said their group chooses the roses primarily for their disease resistance, then their bloom power and finally, their fragrance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085317\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085317\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260521-ROSEGARDENS-02-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260521-ROSEGARDENS-02-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260521-ROSEGARDENS-02-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260521-ROSEGARDENS-02-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A visitor walks through the Berkeley Rose Garden in Berkeley on May 21, 2026, where approximately 1,500 rose bushes bloom across the terraced garden built in the 1930s. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Singh said they also tend to choose varieties that already do well in the area, so they are easy to care for. All of the roses here are labeled so that if you see one you like, you can figure out what it is and grow it at home, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There’s even a kiosk in the garden with a map and an alphabetical list of every type of rose growing there — so visitors “can look to see if it’s in the garden and exactly where to find it,” Carter said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Also in Central Park, you can visit the \u003ca href=\"https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/3319/Central-Park-Japanese-Garden\">Japanese Garden\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://sanmateoarboretum.org/community-outreach-gardens/\">butterfly and hummingbird garden\u003c/a> and a \u003ca href=\"https://sanmateoarboretum.org/gardens/\">new native garden\u003c/a>.[aside postID=news_12083697 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/CampingGetty1.jpg']This garden is open all year round, 24/7, and Singh said it’s especially rewarding to visit the garden at different times of day during different seasons – and get entirely different experiences each time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>From the bursting green buds to the spring flush and even late into autumn and winter, these roses “take on a glow that’s just magical,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cost: \u003c/strong>The Marion Panaretos Rose Garden is free to enter and is open 24/7\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pro tip: \u003c/strong>Singh said the biggest hidden gem of the area is the nearby \u003ca href=\"https://sanmateoarboretum.org/nursery/\">San Mateo Arboretum Society nursery and greenhouse\u003c/a>. They do plant sales there, with plants donated by volunteers, on Saturdays and Sundays and even offer workshops throughout the year. The arboretum is only open on weekends from noon to 3 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Regardless of whether you consider yourself a “plant enthusiast” or are new to gardening, “you can visit the nursery, and you get an amazing group of volunteers helping you out with the plantings,” Singh said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>In the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/bay-area\">Bay Area\u003c/a>, our temperate climate means there’s no shortage of stunning rose gardens.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And while the first, biggest bloom in springtime for many rose varietals has already come and gone, the arrival of summer offers many more weeks to visit one of these gardens — to admire these big, bright flowers that thrive in the Bay (almost) all season long.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You may have already been to the \u003ca href=\"http://google.com/search?q=berkeley+rose+garden&rlz=1C1GCCA_enUS1161US1161&oq=berkeley+rose+gar&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyEAgBEC4YrwEYxwEYgAQYjgUyEAgCEC4YrwEYxwEYgAQYjgUyBwgDEAAYgAQyBwgEEAAYgAQyEAgFEC4YrwEYxwEYgAQYjgUyBwgGEAAYgAQyBggHEEUYPKgCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&safe=active&ssui=on\">Berkeley Rose Garden,\u003c/a> a secluded and amphitheater-like space where you can meander along endless rows of flowers. In San Francisco, there’s the smaller — but just as stunning — \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/911/Golden-Gate-Park---Rose-Garden\">Golden Gate Park Rose Garden\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And in the South Bay, perhaps you’ve seen the gigantic \u003ca href=\"https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/2295/2028?npage=9\">San Jose Municipal Rose Garden\u003c/a> and its next-door \u003ca href=\"https://www.heritageroses.us/\">Heritage Rose Gardens\u003c/a>, which are famed for their enormous footprints and expansive varieties of the plants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lucky for us, the Bay Area holds \u003cem>even \u003c/em>more under-the-radar options for rose lovers looking for a romantic stroll, a contemplative break from the bustle of daily life or simply a scenic (and free) place to stroll with a coffee. A time and a space, if you will, to simply stop and smell the roses.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read on for three more local and blooming rose gardens around the Bay Area:\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://maringarden.org/\">Marin Art and Garden Center, Marin\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>This North Bay rose garden is small but mighty, boasting 150 different species of roses all “mapped out in a pretty tight space,” said garden manager and rosarian — yes, “rosarian” is the name for a cultivator of roses — Jennifer Board.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even so, the Marin Art and Garden Center’s roses range from miniatures to standard and climbing, hybrid and more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085323\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085323\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/240716-GLITTER-33-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/240716-GLITTER-33-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/240716-GLITTER-33-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/240716-GLITTER-33-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Morcom Rose Garden in Oakland on July 16, 2024. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>This year, their first major flush came a few weeks before Mother’s Day and lasted through the holiday. But most of their roses go through three seasons, so they expect another flush in a month or two, in June or July. And “when you come to the rose garden, you will always see something blooming now through October,” Board said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A visit to this place also offers a chance to spy wildlife in the air. In addition to the roses, their habitat garden “is lush with narrowleaf and showy milkweed, and so the monarch [butterflies] are dancing about that right now,” she said. They also have several ponds and fountains that make good habitat for dragonflies and birds as well as a redwood grove.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cost:\u003c/strong> The Marin Art and Garden Center is free to enter and is open to foot traffic from sunrise to sunset every day. The parking lot and public restrooms are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pro tip: \u003c/strong>Board recommended coming Mondays through Fridays, when the offices are open. That way you have the best chance of catching a staff member to ask questions and learn more about the roses you’re seeing. And if you can catch one of local artist \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tule-twined-basket-workshop-with-charlie-kennard-registration-1981806789456\">Charlie Kennard’s basketry classes\u003c/a> or see him in the garden behind the barn, you won’t be disappointed, Board said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandca.gov/Community/Parks-Facilities/Rent-a-Facility-or-Park/Morcom-Rose-Garden\">Morcom Rose Garden, Oakland\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Described by its caretakers, Friends of the Morcom Rose Garden, as an \u003ca href=\"https://friendsofoaklandrose.org/\">“oasis” right here in Oakland\u003c/a>, Morcom Garden is a 1930s-era 7-acre formal rose garden that’s “surrounded by winding paths, graceful stairways, dramatic water features, and enough natural habitat to attract and provide a sanctuary for a variety of birds.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Garden volunteer Nancy Friedman attested that “there’s plenty of bloom down there” right now, even despite some pesky deer who love to munch on the rose buds and\u003ca href=\"https://oaklandside.org/2025/11/05/morcom-rose-garden-oakland-stolen-bushes/\"> a series of thefts and vandalism\u003c/a> last year that affected some of their rarest plants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085321\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085321\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/240716-GLITTER-18-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/240716-GLITTER-18-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/240716-GLITTER-18-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/240716-GLITTER-18-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rosarian Royal Kreiger looks at a rose bush in the Morcom Rose Garden in Oakland on July 16, 2024. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Because of California’s Mediterranean climate, blooms will persist well into the fall, she said, and even all the way to December. Then, each winter, volunteers like her “hard-prune” the bushes to encourage growth again come spring.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The garden has bathrooms and is wheelchair accessible via the Jean Street entrance, Friedman said, “so there are many different ways to approach the garden depending on people’s physical abilities.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’re looking to spend even more time in your local rose garden, Morcom is currently in need of volunteers, so \u003ca href=\"https://friendsofoaklandrose.org/volunteer/\">you can even consider lending a hand yourself.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cost:\u003c/strong> Morcom Rose Garden is free to enter and is open seven days a week.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pro tip: \u003c/strong>Morcom is the perfect place for a photoshoot or celebration – groups of hundreds of people are often there to celebrate, Friedman said. But one thing is key: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11994024/heading-to-morcom-rose-garden-better-leave-your-glitter-at-home\">Leave the glitter at home.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://sanmateoarboretum.org/rose-garden/\">Marion Panaretos Rose Garden, San Mateo\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Managed by the San Mateo Arboretum Society, this garden in San Mateo’s Central Park is designed to “showcase the roses that do well in our area,” according to Susan Carter and Archana Singh, members of the San Mateo Arboretum Society, which developed and maintains the garden “so people can see the roses, admire them, and also know what they can plant in \u003cem>their \u003c/em>gardens.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Carter and Singh said their group chooses the roses primarily for their disease resistance, then their bloom power and finally, their fragrance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085317\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085317\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260521-ROSEGARDENS-02-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260521-ROSEGARDENS-02-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260521-ROSEGARDENS-02-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260521-ROSEGARDENS-02-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A visitor walks through the Berkeley Rose Garden in Berkeley on May 21, 2026, where approximately 1,500 rose bushes bloom across the terraced garden built in the 1930s. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Singh said they also tend to choose varieties that already do well in the area, so they are easy to care for. All of the roses here are labeled so that if you see one you like, you can figure out what it is and grow it at home, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There’s even a kiosk in the garden with a map and an alphabetical list of every type of rose growing there — so visitors “can look to see if it’s in the garden and exactly where to find it,” Carter said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Also in Central Park, you can visit the \u003ca href=\"https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/3319/Central-Park-Japanese-Garden\">Japanese Garden\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://sanmateoarboretum.org/community-outreach-gardens/\">butterfly and hummingbird garden\u003c/a> and a \u003ca href=\"https://sanmateoarboretum.org/gardens/\">new native garden\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>This garden is open all year round, 24/7, and Singh said it’s especially rewarding to visit the garden at different times of day during different seasons – and get entirely different experiences each time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>From the bursting green buds to the spring flush and even late into autumn and winter, these roses “take on a glow that’s just magical,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cost: \u003c/strong>The Marion Panaretos Rose Garden is free to enter and is open 24/7\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pro tip: \u003c/strong>Singh said the biggest hidden gem of the area is the nearby \u003ca href=\"https://sanmateoarboretum.org/nursery/\">San Mateo Arboretum Society nursery and greenhouse\u003c/a>. They do plant sales there, with plants donated by volunteers, on Saturdays and Sundays and even offer workshops throughout the year. The arboretum is only open on weekends from noon to 3 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Regardless of whether you consider yourself a “plant enthusiast” or are new to gardening, “you can visit the nursery, and you get an amazing group of volunteers helping you out with the plantings,” Singh said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "where-to-vote-election-day-california-primary-governor-find-dropbox-near-me-where-is-my-polling-place",
"title": "Primary 2026: Still Need to Vote on Election Day? Here’s Where to Do It (and Why You Shouldn’t Mail Your Ballot)",
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"headTitle": "Primary 2026: Still Need to Vote on Election Day? Here’s Where to Do It (and Why You Shouldn’t Mail Your Ballot) | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>Tuesday is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/electionsnews\">Election Day\u003c/a> in California, so it’s your last chance to vote in the state primary election — and to cast your vote for who should be the next governor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you still need to vote before 8 p.m., you’re not alone. As of Sunday, less than\u003ca href=\"https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/statewide-elections/2026-primary/bsr-statistics.pdf\"> 17%\u003c/a> of registered voters in California returned their ballots, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/primary-election-june-2-2026\">data\u003c/a> from the Secretary of State.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Luckily, you have lots of options for how to cast your vote on Election Day itself. One big thing to know: At this stage, officials say \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12085378/usps-changes-ballot-drop-box-near-me-deadline-california-primary-vote-for-governor\">you should definitely \u003cem>not \u003c/em>mail your ballot\u003c/a> using a United States Postal Service mail collection box, since it now runs the risk of being postmarked too late to be counted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for all the ways you can vote on Tuesday. If you still want to learn more about the candidates and measures on your ballot, including the candidates vying for state governor, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">take a look at our comprehensive KQED voter guide.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’ve already filled out your ballot but you’re worried you’ve made a mistake, read \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082075/california-primary-elections-2026-faq-governors-race-vote-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">our guide on addressing common ballot errors\u003c/a> before you submit it. The good news: If you’re \u003cem>really \u003c/em>concerned, you still have options to get a fresh ballot or vote in person, even on Tuesday.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>I’ve filled out my ballot. Where can I submit it?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>First, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082075/california-primary-elections-2026-faq-governors-race-vote-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">make sure you’ve signed the back\u003c/a> of your ballot and included the right date and your address. (It can be easy to forget when you’re rushing.) Then:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Find a secure election drop box near you\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Visit the\u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\"> state of California lookup tool\u003c/a>, where you can:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Enter your county (adding your city or ZIP code will give more localized results, but it’s optional).\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Check the “Drop Off Location” box.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Hit “Search” to see all the drop-off locations in that area.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11847168\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11847168\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45623_026_KQED_SanFrancisco_BallotDropOff_10312020-qut.jpg\" alt=\"Voters drop off their mail-in ballots at the Chase Center official ballot drop-off location on Oct. 31, 2020.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45623_026_KQED_SanFrancisco_BallotDropOff_10312020-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45623_026_KQED_SanFrancisco_BallotDropOff_10312020-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45623_026_KQED_SanFrancisco_BallotDropOff_10312020-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45623_026_KQED_SanFrancisco_BallotDropOff_10312020-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45623_026_KQED_SanFrancisco_BallotDropOff_10312020-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Voters drop off their mail-in ballots at the Chase Center official ballot drop-off location on Oct. 31, 2020. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Submit it at a voting location near you\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Use the\u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\"> state of California lookup tool\u003c/a> and check the “Early Voting” box to see all the Election Day voting locations near you. You can then take your ballot to one of these locations and hand-deliver it there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another perk of dropping off your ballot at a voting location during operating hours: If you have a few lingering questions about your ballot or the process, chances are good that you’ll find someone there to help answer them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Don’t mail your ballot using USPS on Tuesday\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember: State officials — and USPS — stress that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082075/california-primary-elections-2026-faq-governors-race-vote-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">you shouldn’t \u003cem>mail \u003c/em>your ballot on Election Day\u003c/a>, because there’s a real risk it might be postmarked too late for it to be counted at this stage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Instead, find a secure official election drop box or take it to an open voting location and submit it there. You can also take it to the counter at an open post office on Tuesday and ask them to postmark it today.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Regardless of how you deliver it, you can\u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\"> sign up to track your ballot’s progress with the “Where’s My Ballot?” online tool\u003c/a>, for reassurance that it’s on its way to being counted.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where can I vote in person on Election Day?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Until 8 p.m. on Election Day, in-person voting is still available at every county registrar’s office (also known as your county’s elections office) in the Bay Area. If you’re a San Francisco voter, this location will be City Hall.\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\"> Find your county registrar’s office and opening hours.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Check your mail-in ballot to see where you can vote and whether you’ve been assigned a specific polling place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11846400\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11846400\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_PollingPlaces_Columbarium_11032020.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_PollingPlaces_Columbarium_11032020.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_PollingPlaces_Columbarium_11032020-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_PollingPlaces_Columbarium_11032020-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_PollingPlaces_Columbarium_11032020-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_PollingPlaces_Columbarium_11032020-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The San Francisco Columbarium and Funeral Home polling place on Nov. 3, 2020 \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you live in San Francisco, Contra Costa or Solano counties:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You are assigned a specific polling place, though Contra Costa County election officials say they can process your ballot no matter where you show up to vote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But even if you live in a county that assigns you a particular polling place, you can still vote at\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\"> your county registrar’s office\u003c/a>.[aside label=\"2026 California Voter Guide\" link1='https://www.kqed.org/voterguide,Learn everything you need to cast an informed ballot for the 2026 primary election' hero=https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/80/2026/04/Aside-California-Voter-Guide-2026-Primary-Election-1200x1200@2x.png]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you live in Alameda, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara or Sonoma counties:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can vote at any voting location — known as Vote Centers — including your county registrar’s office.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can\u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\"> find your voting location through the state’s lookup tool\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Do I need to bring my ballot with me?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’d like to cast a ballot in person, it’s a good idea to bring the blank ballot you were mailed, as some counties may require you to vote provisionally if you don’t bring it. If you’re issued a new ballot when you vote in person, any ballot you left at home will be canceled.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provisional votes are subject to extra checks — confirming that you’re actually registered to vote in California, or that you didn’t already complete and mail your ballot — and this extra layer of confirmation takes time. That means that although your vote will eventually be counted, it might not be tallied on Election Day itself.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>I still need to register to vote. Can I do this on Election Day?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’ve changed your name or the political party choice that you previously registered to vote with, or you’ve moved addresses, you’ll need to\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\"> reregister\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can’t do this online on Election Day, but you can still complete the\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\"> same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process (also known as “conditional voting”) and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location. This system enables you to fill out and submit your ballot then and there, up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to voter registration, many voting locations also offer replacement ballots, accessible voting machines and language assistance.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How can I contact my county directly about voting?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\"> send a form email\u003c/a>.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"title": "Primary 2026: Still Need to Vote on Election Day? Here’s Where to Do It (and Why You Shouldn’t Mail Your Ballot) | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Tuesday is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/electionsnews\">Election Day\u003c/a> in California, so it’s your last chance to vote in the state primary election — and to cast your vote for who should be the next governor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you still need to vote before 8 p.m., you’re not alone. As of Sunday, less than\u003ca href=\"https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/statewide-elections/2026-primary/bsr-statistics.pdf\"> 17%\u003c/a> of registered voters in California returned their ballots, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/primary-election-june-2-2026\">data\u003c/a> from the Secretary of State.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Luckily, you have lots of options for how to cast your vote on Election Day itself. One big thing to know: At this stage, officials say \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12085378/usps-changes-ballot-drop-box-near-me-deadline-california-primary-vote-for-governor\">you should definitely \u003cem>not \u003c/em>mail your ballot\u003c/a> using a United States Postal Service mail collection box, since it now runs the risk of being postmarked too late to be counted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for all the ways you can vote on Tuesday. If you still want to learn more about the candidates and measures on your ballot, including the candidates vying for state governor, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">take a look at our comprehensive KQED voter guide.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’ve already filled out your ballot but you’re worried you’ve made a mistake, read \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082075/california-primary-elections-2026-faq-governors-race-vote-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">our guide on addressing common ballot errors\u003c/a> before you submit it. The good news: If you’re \u003cem>really \u003c/em>concerned, you still have options to get a fresh ballot or vote in person, even on Tuesday.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>I’ve filled out my ballot. Where can I submit it?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>First, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082075/california-primary-elections-2026-faq-governors-race-vote-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">make sure you’ve signed the back\u003c/a> of your ballot and included the right date and your address. (It can be easy to forget when you’re rushing.) Then:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Find a secure election drop box near you\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Visit the\u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\"> state of California lookup tool\u003c/a>, where you can:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Enter your county (adding your city or ZIP code will give more localized results, but it’s optional).\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Check the “Drop Off Location” box.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Hit “Search” to see all the drop-off locations in that area.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11847168\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11847168\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45623_026_KQED_SanFrancisco_BallotDropOff_10312020-qut.jpg\" alt=\"Voters drop off their mail-in ballots at the Chase Center official ballot drop-off location on Oct. 31, 2020.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45623_026_KQED_SanFrancisco_BallotDropOff_10312020-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45623_026_KQED_SanFrancisco_BallotDropOff_10312020-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45623_026_KQED_SanFrancisco_BallotDropOff_10312020-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45623_026_KQED_SanFrancisco_BallotDropOff_10312020-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45623_026_KQED_SanFrancisco_BallotDropOff_10312020-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Voters drop off their mail-in ballots at the Chase Center official ballot drop-off location on Oct. 31, 2020. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Submit it at a voting location near you\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Use the\u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\"> state of California lookup tool\u003c/a> and check the “Early Voting” box to see all the Election Day voting locations near you. You can then take your ballot to one of these locations and hand-deliver it there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another perk of dropping off your ballot at a voting location during operating hours: If you have a few lingering questions about your ballot or the process, chances are good that you’ll find someone there to help answer them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Don’t mail your ballot using USPS on Tuesday\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember: State officials — and USPS — stress that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082075/california-primary-elections-2026-faq-governors-race-vote-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">you shouldn’t \u003cem>mail \u003c/em>your ballot on Election Day\u003c/a>, because there’s a real risk it might be postmarked too late for it to be counted at this stage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Instead, find a secure official election drop box or take it to an open voting location and submit it there. You can also take it to the counter at an open post office on Tuesday and ask them to postmark it today.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Regardless of how you deliver it, you can\u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\"> sign up to track your ballot’s progress with the “Where’s My Ballot?” online tool\u003c/a>, for reassurance that it’s on its way to being counted.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where can I vote in person on Election Day?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Until 8 p.m. on Election Day, in-person voting is still available at every county registrar’s office (also known as your county’s elections office) in the Bay Area. If you’re a San Francisco voter, this location will be City Hall.\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\"> Find your county registrar’s office and opening hours.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Check your mail-in ballot to see where you can vote and whether you’ve been assigned a specific polling place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11846400\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11846400\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_PollingPlaces_Columbarium_11032020.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_PollingPlaces_Columbarium_11032020.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_PollingPlaces_Columbarium_11032020-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_PollingPlaces_Columbarium_11032020-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_PollingPlaces_Columbarium_11032020-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_PollingPlaces_Columbarium_11032020-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The San Francisco Columbarium and Funeral Home polling place on Nov. 3, 2020 \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you live in San Francisco, Contra Costa or Solano counties:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You are assigned a specific polling place, though Contra Costa County election officials say they can process your ballot no matter where you show up to vote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But even if you live in a county that assigns you a particular polling place, you can still vote at\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\"> your county registrar’s office\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you live in Alameda, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara or Sonoma counties:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can vote at any voting location — known as Vote Centers — including your county registrar’s office.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can\u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\"> find your voting location through the state’s lookup tool\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Do I need to bring my ballot with me?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’d like to cast a ballot in person, it’s a good idea to bring the blank ballot you were mailed, as some counties may require you to vote provisionally if you don’t bring it. If you’re issued a new ballot when you vote in person, any ballot you left at home will be canceled.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provisional votes are subject to extra checks — confirming that you’re actually registered to vote in California, or that you didn’t already complete and mail your ballot — and this extra layer of confirmation takes time. That means that although your vote will eventually be counted, it might not be tallied on Election Day itself.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>I still need to register to vote. Can I do this on Election Day?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’ve changed your name or the political party choice that you previously registered to vote with, or you’ve moved addresses, you’ll need to\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\"> reregister\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can’t do this online on Election Day, but you can still complete the\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\"> same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process (also known as “conditional voting”) and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location. This system enables you to fill out and submit your ballot then and there, up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to voter registration, many voting locations also offer replacement ballots, accessible voting machines and language assistance.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How can I contact my county directly about voting?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\"> send a form email\u003c/a>.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cp>California’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/governor%5C\">top-two primary for governor\u003c/a> is coming down to the final turn.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the last few polls before Election Day, Democrat Xavier Becerra has kept a steady — but small — lead. One survey \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12085443/new-california-governor-poll-shows-a-slim-but-growing-chance-of-2-democrats-advancing\">showed\u003c/a> Becerra leading with 25% support among likely voters, followed closely by Republican Steve Hilton with 21%. Another poll \u003ca href=\"https://emersoncollegepolling.com/california-2026-poll-becerra-leads-steyer-and-hilton-toss-up-for-second-spot/\">published\u003c/a> last Saturday also had Becerra ahead, but with Democrat Tom Steyer in second position instead.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Polls ask likely voters who they think they will vote for. But what if instead you ask voters who they think \u003cem>will win\u003c/em> the race? Two different questions, two different kinds of information.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As Californians follow this year’s governor’s race, they have access not only to polls but also to data from prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket. Major media outlets like \u003ca href=\"https://news.kalshi.com/p/kalshi-cnn-prediction-market-partnership\">CNN\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://news.kalshi.com/p/fox-kalshi-partnership-prediction-market-data-integration\">Fox News\u003c/a> now include the probabilities listed on Kalshi as part of their election coverage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And earlier this year, Polymarket \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/Polymarket/status/2024217326065783058\">announced\u003c/a> an exclusive partnership with the newsletter platform Substack, claiming that “journalism is better when it’s backed by live markets.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As of this story’s publishing, Becerra’s odds are listed at 74% on Polymarket and 72% on Kalshi. Steyer comes in second position on both sites, just shy of 20%.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12071100\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12071100\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/260226-GOVRACEFORUM-04-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/260226-GOVRACEFORUM-04-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/260226-GOVRACEFORUM-04-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/260226-GOVRACEFORUM-04-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra speaks during a gubernatorial candidate forum at the UCSF Mission Bay campus in San Francisco on Jan. 26, 2026. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Becerra’s odds on both prediction markets have steadily increased as more traders put money down on him becoming the next governor. The more people believe something will happen, the more valuable those “shares” become — unlike traditional betting, in which oddsmakers set odds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But just how good are prediction markets and what can they tell us that polls can’t?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While prediction markets have advertised themselves as \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA5bY4K9XPs\">powerful tools\u003c/a> to predict what will happen in the future, the experts KQED spoke with recommended looking at predictions on the governor’s race with a critical eye, as these markets can be informative but remain vulnerable to inefficiencies and manipulation.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What markets know (and don’t)\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Kalshi and Polymarket let people become “traders” and make predictions about future events by putting money down on a specific outcome. There are wagers for almost anything that involves some uncertainty: whether the United States and Iran will \u003ca href=\"https://kalshi.com/markets/kxusairanagreement/us-iran-nuclear-deal/kxusairanagreement-27\">sign a new nuclear deal\u003c/a>, which nation will win the \u003ca href=\"https://kalshi.com/markets/kxmenworldcup/mens-world-cup-winner/kxmenworldcup-26\">FIFA Men’s World Cup\u003c/a> and even whether Jesus Christ \u003ca href=\"https://polymarket.com/event/will-jesus-christ-return-before-2027\">will return\u003c/a> — before 2027.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>(But just don’t call it “betting” — both sites avoid that terminology as \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/u-s-sports-betting-where-all-50-states-stand-on-legalizing-online-sports-betting-sites-proposed-legislation/\">most states\u003c/a> prohibit online sports gambling, which makes up the bulk of the billions of dollars traded.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Prediction markets listing Becerra’s odds at 70% does not mean he will end up with 70% of the vote on Tuesday. Rather, this number lets traders know how much each share costs and the expected payout if he’s elected governor. If you were to buy the “yes” position on Becerra becoming the next governor, you would essentially be entering into a contract that pays $1 if he wins and $0 if he doesn’t. With 70% odds, each contract for a Becerra win will cost $.70.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082916\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082916\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2274719112-scaled-e1778887506369.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1316\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">California gubernatorial candidates former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, businessman Tom Steyer, businessman Steve Hilton, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, San José Mayor Matt Mahan look on during a CNN California Governor Primary Debate at East Los Angeles College on May 5, 2026, in Monterey Park, California. \u003ccite>(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>As more users — and their money — join Polymarket and Kalshi to trade on the \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2025/12/23/nx-s1-5647749/rise-of-prediction-markets\">outcomes of elections\u003c/a>, both sites have sought to brand themselves as more effective alternatives to polls. A spokesperson for Polymarket told KQED that the platform “has proved to be an accurate tool for political forecasting, oftentimes even more so than traditional polling data.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And while Kalshi did not respond to KQED’s questions, CEO Tarek Mansour said in a \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztDWEjW8xNg&t=21s\">recent interview\u003c/a> that people tend to be more truthful when they have money on the line. “I think there’s a little bit of elegance in the idea that markets don’t lie,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Prediction markets can aggregate a lot of different information at once, as traders are usually keeping up with the news and different polls, said Neil Malhotra, professor of political economy at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. The assumption, he said, “is that people are incentivized to make good predictions because if they don’t, they’ll lose money.”[aside label=\"From the 2026 Voter Guide\" link1='https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/governor,Learn about the California Governor Election' hero=https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/80/2026/04/Aside-California-Governor-2026-Primary-Election-1200x1200@2x.png]Traders can sell and buy shares of a race at any given time before election officials announce results. So the odds for a candidate can reflect changes on the campaign trail a lot faster than what it would take pollsters to conduct a survey.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Back in March, for example, then-Congressman Eric Swalwell saw his odds on Kalshi reach 75% but then quickly sink as more women \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12079505/sexual-assault-allegations-against-rep-eric-swalwell-could-upend-california-governors-race\">spoke up\u003c/a> to accuse him of sexual harassment. The day before he announced his exit from the race, Swalwell’s odds were almost at zero.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But Malhotra also cautioned that it’s still unclear how much the actions of a single trader could influence the probabilities listed on the platform. A single person could pump tens of thousands of dollars into the market for a specific outcome and potentially make one candidate look like they have a much stronger chance of victory. Earlier this year, major Democratic donor Stephen Cloobeck \u003ca href=\"https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/24/swalwell-ally-blocked-from-prediction-market-in-california-governors-race-00796988\">was blocked\u003c/a> from Kalshi after trying to place approximately $1,000 on ally and close friend Swalwell.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if traders are looking at different polls to make their predictions, any problems in polling, Malhotra said, “might be reflected in the prediction markets as well.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s why other researchers believe that prediction markets are flawed tools.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think that the movements that we see day to day in these markets oftentimes should be purely ignored,” said Eben Lazarus, assistant professor of finance at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Markets move so much in response to small trades and small pieces of news,” he said. “That adds to the uncertainty that you should attach to the numbers that you see in them.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11989914\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11989914 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/AP24164510666254-scaled-e1780339017880.jpg\" alt=\"A logo of a blue, white and red silhouette with a man dribbling a basketball.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The NBA logo is shown on a basketball court in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on Aug. 28, 2020. \u003ccite>(Ashley Landis/The Associated Press)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Let’s run that back — on the basketball court.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>By studying how basketball fans bet over NBA games, Lazarus \u003ca href=\"https://newsroom.haas.berkeley.edu/sports-betting-and-financial-market-data-show-how-people-misinterpret-new-information-in-predictable-ways/\">found\u003c/a> that individuals can be heavily influenced by small, insignificant news and actually underestimate much more important pieces of information. Participants in his study would place a lot of importance on things that would happen during the first quarter and underreact during the last few minutes of the game — when the game’s actual outcome is decided.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Traders might get really excited that Stephen Curry hits a three-pointer for the Golden State Warriors early in the first quarter, but, Lazarus said, “that means very little for the eventual outcome.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Similar behavior comes up in other types of markets that wager on predictions, he said. “People tend to treat pieces of information as sort of too similar to one another,” he said. “Then you’re going to overreact to basically useless stuff and often underreact to stuff that matters a lot.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That means that the odds listed in prediction markets are dependent not just on \u003cem>who’s\u003c/em> betting on what outcome, but \u003cem>how\u003c/em> traders process the information they’re being exposed to throughout the race. A flashy debate performance or big policy announcement may not actually move voters as much as it could influence traders who may be constantly consuming a lot more election coverage.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What’s the price of knowing?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>It’s important to remember that prediction markets have also been wrong many times, said Julian Vogel, assistant professor of finance at San José State University and \u003ca href=\"https://career.rady.ucsd.edu/blog/2023/01/24/what-is-a-chartered-financial-analyst-cfa/\">chartered financial analyst\u003c/a>. “This doesn’t show you what will actually happen; it shows you what most people — who invest in this platform in particular — think might happen,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These platforms \u003ca href=\"https://news.kalshi.com/p/fox-kalshi-partnership-prediction-market-data-integration\">may insist\u003c/a> that they offer data that’s accurate and unbiased, but for markets to be a “truth machine”, Vogel said, “there have to be insiders who know the truth [also] trading.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He pointed to the case of the U.S. soldier \u003ca href=\"https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-soldier-charged-using-classified-information-profit-prediction-market-bets\">charged\u003c/a> with using classified information about the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro to make more than $400,000 \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/04/23/nx-s1-5797957/maduro-raid-charges-polymarket-insider\">on Polymarket\u003c/a>. Having someone with access to real, classified information “tipped the scales in favor of what turned out to be the correct outcome,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12068661\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12068661\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/NicolasMaduroGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1485\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/NicolasMaduroGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/NicolasMaduroGetty-160x119.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/NicolasMaduroGetty-1536x1140.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are seen in handcuffs after landing at a Manhattan helipad, escorted by heavily armed Federal agents as they make their way into an armored car en route to a Federal courthouse in Manhattan on Jan. 5, 2026, in New York City. \u003ccite>(XNY/Star Max via GC Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“If that person would not have traded, then it would have been anybody’s best guess,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But having people with access to delicate information trade — and profit — from this knowledge raises both ethical and legal questions. The Senate \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/05/19/g-s1-121820/house-holds-off-on-prediction-market-ban-despite-bipartisan-calls-for-prohibition\">banned\u003c/a> earlier this year staff and Senators from using prediction markets, including buying shares related to federal policy. And in April, Kalshi \u003ca href=\"https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/kalshi-fines-and-suspends-3-congressional-candidates-for-betting-on-their-own-elections\">suspended\u003c/a> the accounts of three users who were also congressional candidates and wagered on the outcome of their own elections.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As more money flows into these sites, individual states have stepped up regulation. Last month, Minnesota became the \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/05/19/nx-s1-5821265/minnesota-ban-prediction-markets\">first state\u003c/a> to specifically ban prediction markets — including wagers over the outcome of “a federal, state, or local election.” However, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the federal agency tasked with regulating prediction markets, almost immediately filed \u003ca href=\"https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/9233-26\">a lawsuit\u003c/a> against Minnesota over the new law, claiming the legislation undermines federal authority.[aside label=\"2026 California Voter Guide\" link1='https://www.kqed.org/voterguide,Learn everything you need to cast an informed ballot for the 2026 primary election' hero=https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/80/2026/04/Aside-California-Voter-Guide-2026-Primary-Election-1200x1200@2x.png]President Donald Trump, in a recent \u003ca href=\"https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116642964849373081\">Truth Social post\u003c/a>, sided with the CFTC, insisting that the agency maintains “exclusive authority” over prediction markets and that it’s “critically important” that these companies “thrive.” Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump, Jr., is an advisor for both Kalshi and Polymarket — a relationship that independent experts \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/24/us/how-prediction-markets-and-crypto-firms-steamrolled-a-watchdog-agency.html\">have questioned\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And even in California, prediction market companies are flexing their own muscles. As first \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/06/kalshi-becerra-prediction-governor/\">reported\u003c/a> by CalMatters on Monday, Kalshi donated $39,200 to Becerra’s campaign, one of the company’s largest political contributions to date.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for individual voters looking at prediction markets now, they should consider if the people making wagers are actually “learning from other people’s wisdom,” Malhotra said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But this strategy comes with its own risks, he said. The wisdom of crowds doesn’t work when the judgment of each individual is correlated, meaning that the same outside factor influences us.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If we’re judging a candidate by how handsome they are or something like that, rather than their quality or their policy issues … then you might actually not have the wisdom of crowds because our mistakes might be correlated with each other,” Malhotra said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Financial markets help us understand the price of almost anything — something economists call “price discovery.” How much you pay to fill up your car’s gas tank is \u003ca href=\"https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/oil-and-petroleum-products/prices-and-outlook.php\">directly correlated\u003c/a> with the actions of investors in petroleum markets worldwide. But with prediction data now available alongside polls, voters have the power to decide how much markets will influence \u003cem>their \u003c/em>individual decisions when filling out a ballot, Malhotra said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A big social question we have to ask: Is the price discovery about things that are important to us as a society — like who’s going to win an election — should that be put in the same category as what’s the price of an apple?” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“That’s something we have to struggle with,” he said. “What are the pros and cons of these prediction markets on our democracy?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>California’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/governor%5C\">top-two primary for governor\u003c/a> is coming down to the final turn.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the last few polls before Election Day, Democrat Xavier Becerra has kept a steady — but small — lead. One survey \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12085443/new-california-governor-poll-shows-a-slim-but-growing-chance-of-2-democrats-advancing\">showed\u003c/a> Becerra leading with 25% support among likely voters, followed closely by Republican Steve Hilton with 21%. Another poll \u003ca href=\"https://emersoncollegepolling.com/california-2026-poll-becerra-leads-steyer-and-hilton-toss-up-for-second-spot/\">published\u003c/a> last Saturday also had Becerra ahead, but with Democrat Tom Steyer in second position instead.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Polls ask likely voters who they think they will vote for. But what if instead you ask voters who they think \u003cem>will win\u003c/em> the race? Two different questions, two different kinds of information.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As Californians follow this year’s governor’s race, they have access not only to polls but also to data from prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket. Major media outlets like \u003ca href=\"https://news.kalshi.com/p/kalshi-cnn-prediction-market-partnership\">CNN\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://news.kalshi.com/p/fox-kalshi-partnership-prediction-market-data-integration\">Fox News\u003c/a> now include the probabilities listed on Kalshi as part of their election coverage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And earlier this year, Polymarket \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/Polymarket/status/2024217326065783058\">announced\u003c/a> an exclusive partnership with the newsletter platform Substack, claiming that “journalism is better when it’s backed by live markets.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As of this story’s publishing, Becerra’s odds are listed at 74% on Polymarket and 72% on Kalshi. Steyer comes in second position on both sites, just shy of 20%.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12071100\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12071100\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/260226-GOVRACEFORUM-04-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/260226-GOVRACEFORUM-04-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/260226-GOVRACEFORUM-04-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/260226-GOVRACEFORUM-04-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra speaks during a gubernatorial candidate forum at the UCSF Mission Bay campus in San Francisco on Jan. 26, 2026. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Becerra’s odds on both prediction markets have steadily increased as more traders put money down on him becoming the next governor. The more people believe something will happen, the more valuable those “shares” become — unlike traditional betting, in which oddsmakers set odds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But just how good are prediction markets and what can they tell us that polls can’t?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While prediction markets have advertised themselves as \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA5bY4K9XPs\">powerful tools\u003c/a> to predict what will happen in the future, the experts KQED spoke with recommended looking at predictions on the governor’s race with a critical eye, as these markets can be informative but remain vulnerable to inefficiencies and manipulation.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What markets know (and don’t)\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Kalshi and Polymarket let people become “traders” and make predictions about future events by putting money down on a specific outcome. There are wagers for almost anything that involves some uncertainty: whether the United States and Iran will \u003ca href=\"https://kalshi.com/markets/kxusairanagreement/us-iran-nuclear-deal/kxusairanagreement-27\">sign a new nuclear deal\u003c/a>, which nation will win the \u003ca href=\"https://kalshi.com/markets/kxmenworldcup/mens-world-cup-winner/kxmenworldcup-26\">FIFA Men’s World Cup\u003c/a> and even whether Jesus Christ \u003ca href=\"https://polymarket.com/event/will-jesus-christ-return-before-2027\">will return\u003c/a> — before 2027.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>(But just don’t call it “betting” — both sites avoid that terminology as \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/u-s-sports-betting-where-all-50-states-stand-on-legalizing-online-sports-betting-sites-proposed-legislation/\">most states\u003c/a> prohibit online sports gambling, which makes up the bulk of the billions of dollars traded.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Prediction markets listing Becerra’s odds at 70% does not mean he will end up with 70% of the vote on Tuesday. Rather, this number lets traders know how much each share costs and the expected payout if he’s elected governor. If you were to buy the “yes” position on Becerra becoming the next governor, you would essentially be entering into a contract that pays $1 if he wins and $0 if he doesn’t. With 70% odds, each contract for a Becerra win will cost $.70.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082916\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082916\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2274719112-scaled-e1778887506369.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1316\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">California gubernatorial candidates former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, businessman Tom Steyer, businessman Steve Hilton, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, San José Mayor Matt Mahan look on during a CNN California Governor Primary Debate at East Los Angeles College on May 5, 2026, in Monterey Park, California. \u003ccite>(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>As more users — and their money — join Polymarket and Kalshi to trade on the \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2025/12/23/nx-s1-5647749/rise-of-prediction-markets\">outcomes of elections\u003c/a>, both sites have sought to brand themselves as more effective alternatives to polls. A spokesperson for Polymarket told KQED that the platform “has proved to be an accurate tool for political forecasting, oftentimes even more so than traditional polling data.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And while Kalshi did not respond to KQED’s questions, CEO Tarek Mansour said in a \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztDWEjW8xNg&t=21s\">recent interview\u003c/a> that people tend to be more truthful when they have money on the line. “I think there’s a little bit of elegance in the idea that markets don’t lie,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Prediction markets can aggregate a lot of different information at once, as traders are usually keeping up with the news and different polls, said Neil Malhotra, professor of political economy at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. The assumption, he said, “is that people are incentivized to make good predictions because if they don’t, they’ll lose money.”\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"link1": "https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/governor,Learn about the California Governor Election",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Traders can sell and buy shares of a race at any given time before election officials announce results. So the odds for a candidate can reflect changes on the campaign trail a lot faster than what it would take pollsters to conduct a survey.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Back in March, for example, then-Congressman Eric Swalwell saw his odds on Kalshi reach 75% but then quickly sink as more women \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12079505/sexual-assault-allegations-against-rep-eric-swalwell-could-upend-california-governors-race\">spoke up\u003c/a> to accuse him of sexual harassment. The day before he announced his exit from the race, Swalwell’s odds were almost at zero.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But Malhotra also cautioned that it’s still unclear how much the actions of a single trader could influence the probabilities listed on the platform. A single person could pump tens of thousands of dollars into the market for a specific outcome and potentially make one candidate look like they have a much stronger chance of victory. Earlier this year, major Democratic donor Stephen Cloobeck \u003ca href=\"https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/24/swalwell-ally-blocked-from-prediction-market-in-california-governors-race-00796988\">was blocked\u003c/a> from Kalshi after trying to place approximately $1,000 on ally and close friend Swalwell.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if traders are looking at different polls to make their predictions, any problems in polling, Malhotra said, “might be reflected in the prediction markets as well.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s why other researchers believe that prediction markets are flawed tools.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think that the movements that we see day to day in these markets oftentimes should be purely ignored,” said Eben Lazarus, assistant professor of finance at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Markets move so much in response to small trades and small pieces of news,” he said. “That adds to the uncertainty that you should attach to the numbers that you see in them.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11989914\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11989914 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/AP24164510666254-scaled-e1780339017880.jpg\" alt=\"A logo of a blue, white and red silhouette with a man dribbling a basketball.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The NBA logo is shown on a basketball court in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on Aug. 28, 2020. \u003ccite>(Ashley Landis/The Associated Press)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Let’s run that back — on the basketball court.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>By studying how basketball fans bet over NBA games, Lazarus \u003ca href=\"https://newsroom.haas.berkeley.edu/sports-betting-and-financial-market-data-show-how-people-misinterpret-new-information-in-predictable-ways/\">found\u003c/a> that individuals can be heavily influenced by small, insignificant news and actually underestimate much more important pieces of information. Participants in his study would place a lot of importance on things that would happen during the first quarter and underreact during the last few minutes of the game — when the game’s actual outcome is decided.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Traders might get really excited that Stephen Curry hits a three-pointer for the Golden State Warriors early in the first quarter, but, Lazarus said, “that means very little for the eventual outcome.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Similar behavior comes up in other types of markets that wager on predictions, he said. “People tend to treat pieces of information as sort of too similar to one another,” he said. “Then you’re going to overreact to basically useless stuff and often underreact to stuff that matters a lot.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That means that the odds listed in prediction markets are dependent not just on \u003cem>who’s\u003c/em> betting on what outcome, but \u003cem>how\u003c/em> traders process the information they’re being exposed to throughout the race. A flashy debate performance or big policy announcement may not actually move voters as much as it could influence traders who may be constantly consuming a lot more election coverage.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What’s the price of knowing?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>It’s important to remember that prediction markets have also been wrong many times, said Julian Vogel, assistant professor of finance at San José State University and \u003ca href=\"https://career.rady.ucsd.edu/blog/2023/01/24/what-is-a-chartered-financial-analyst-cfa/\">chartered financial analyst\u003c/a>. “This doesn’t show you what will actually happen; it shows you what most people — who invest in this platform in particular — think might happen,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These platforms \u003ca href=\"https://news.kalshi.com/p/fox-kalshi-partnership-prediction-market-data-integration\">may insist\u003c/a> that they offer data that’s accurate and unbiased, but for markets to be a “truth machine”, Vogel said, “there have to be insiders who know the truth [also] trading.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He pointed to the case of the U.S. soldier \u003ca href=\"https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-soldier-charged-using-classified-information-profit-prediction-market-bets\">charged\u003c/a> with using classified information about the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro to make more than $400,000 \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/04/23/nx-s1-5797957/maduro-raid-charges-polymarket-insider\">on Polymarket\u003c/a>. Having someone with access to real, classified information “tipped the scales in favor of what turned out to be the correct outcome,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12068661\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12068661\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/NicolasMaduroGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1485\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/NicolasMaduroGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/NicolasMaduroGetty-160x119.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/NicolasMaduroGetty-1536x1140.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are seen in handcuffs after landing at a Manhattan helipad, escorted by heavily armed Federal agents as they make their way into an armored car en route to a Federal courthouse in Manhattan on Jan. 5, 2026, in New York City. \u003ccite>(XNY/Star Max via GC Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“If that person would not have traded, then it would have been anybody’s best guess,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But having people with access to delicate information trade — and profit — from this knowledge raises both ethical and legal questions. The Senate \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/05/19/g-s1-121820/house-holds-off-on-prediction-market-ban-despite-bipartisan-calls-for-prohibition\">banned\u003c/a> earlier this year staff and Senators from using prediction markets, including buying shares related to federal policy. And in April, Kalshi \u003ca href=\"https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/kalshi-fines-and-suspends-3-congressional-candidates-for-betting-on-their-own-elections\">suspended\u003c/a> the accounts of three users who were also congressional candidates and wagered on the outcome of their own elections.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As more money flows into these sites, individual states have stepped up regulation. Last month, Minnesota became the \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/05/19/nx-s1-5821265/minnesota-ban-prediction-markets\">first state\u003c/a> to specifically ban prediction markets — including wagers over the outcome of “a federal, state, or local election.” However, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the federal agency tasked with regulating prediction markets, almost immediately filed \u003ca href=\"https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/9233-26\">a lawsuit\u003c/a> against Minnesota over the new law, claiming the legislation undermines federal authority.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>President Donald Trump, in a recent \u003ca href=\"https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116642964849373081\">Truth Social post\u003c/a>, sided with the CFTC, insisting that the agency maintains “exclusive authority” over prediction markets and that it’s “critically important” that these companies “thrive.” Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump, Jr., is an advisor for both Kalshi and Polymarket — a relationship that independent experts \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/24/us/how-prediction-markets-and-crypto-firms-steamrolled-a-watchdog-agency.html\">have questioned\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And even in California, prediction market companies are flexing their own muscles. As first \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/06/kalshi-becerra-prediction-governor/\">reported\u003c/a> by CalMatters on Monday, Kalshi donated $39,200 to Becerra’s campaign, one of the company’s largest political contributions to date.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for individual voters looking at prediction markets now, they should consider if the people making wagers are actually “learning from other people’s wisdom,” Malhotra said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But this strategy comes with its own risks, he said. The wisdom of crowds doesn’t work when the judgment of each individual is correlated, meaning that the same outside factor influences us.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If we’re judging a candidate by how handsome they are or something like that, rather than their quality or their policy issues … then you might actually not have the wisdom of crowds because our mistakes might be correlated with each other,” Malhotra said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Financial markets help us understand the price of almost anything — something economists call “price discovery.” How much you pay to fill up your car’s gas tank is \u003ca href=\"https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/oil-and-petroleum-products/prices-and-outlook.php\">directly correlated\u003c/a> with the actions of investors in petroleum markets worldwide. But with prediction data now available alongside polls, voters have the power to decide how much markets will influence \u003cem>their \u003c/em>individual decisions when filling out a ballot, Malhotra said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A big social question we have to ask: Is the price discovery about things that are important to us as a society — like who’s going to win an election — should that be put in the same category as what’s the price of an apple?” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“That’s something we have to struggle with,” he said. “What are the pros and cons of these prediction markets on our democracy?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "saws-sewing-machines-and-telescopes-the-surprising-things-on-loan-from-your-library",
"title": "Saws, Sewing Machines and Telescopes: The Surprising Things on Loan From Your Library",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">\u003cem>How We Get By\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, a KQED series exploring how people are coping with rising costs in the Bay Area and California. Find the \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">\u003cem>full series here\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>An Arturia DrumBrute is a sleek analog drum machine with buttons, pads and a sequencer capable of producing electronic beats, which retails for around $300.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And Jericho Saria and his family recently borrowed one from their local public library – for free.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Saria was surprised to find professional-grade music equipment available at his local library in San Mateo County.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“My brother-in-law is an electronic musician, and he has the same gear,” he said. “I’m like, wow, this is a legit instrument.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Saria originally checked out the drum machine for his 5-year-old daughter, who had become fascinated with the music of German electronic band Kraftwerk. They wanted to show her how electronic music gets made.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While the instrument ultimately proved a little too advanced for a kindergartner,\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“\u003cem>I\u003c/em> had fun with it,” Saria said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>His experience wasn’t a one-off. Across the Bay Area, libraries are lending out far more than books. Patrons can check out musical instruments, home-improvement tools, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/2000962/how-bay-area-libraries-are-helping-residents-switch-from-gas-to-induction-cooking\">induction cooktops\u003c/a>, sewing machines, telescopes, bicycles, toys, gardening kits, Wi-Fi hotspots and even\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11910495/how-to-get-free-entry-to-california-state-parks-with-your-library-card\"> passes to state parks\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085359\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085359\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-24-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1313\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-24-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-24-KQED-160x105.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-24-KQED-1536x1008.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Patrons work on tasks in the Mill Valley Public Library in Mill Valley on May 27, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Many of these collections fall under what libraries commonly call\u003ca href=\"https://smcl.org/libraryofthings/\"> a “Library of Things”\u003c/a> — a growing movement that allows patrons to borrow everyday objects, technology, tools and experiences. While offerings vary by library system, the goal is to expand access while reducing the burden of purchasing items outright.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As Bay Area residents \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080889/with-cost-of-living-rising-cuts-to-housing-programs-put-san-francisco-on-edge\">navigate rising costs\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080289/700-a-month-sleeping-pods-make-sf-more-affordable-but-at-what-cost\">smaller living spaces\u003c/a> and a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12078915/in-east-oakland-a-store-where-1-item-is-always-free\">growing desire to buy less and share more\u003c/a>, libraries are increasingly becoming places where people can try new hobbies, learn new skills and access experiences they might otherwise be unable to afford — all through these free rentals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The diverse offerings and their availability at no cost are a testament to the services a public library provides, said Anji Brenner, a city librarian at Mill Valley Public Library. Whether a library card holder is checking out a book, a tool or a sewing machine — or gathering with others under the bookstacks — it all speaks to the larger public library mission.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what you look like.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“All of those things don’t matter — you’re welcome here.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#HowdoIfindoutwhatsavailabletoloanatmylocallibrary\"> How do I find out what’s available to loan at my local library?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Creativity: Where to find musical instruments, karaoke machines, sewing machines, craft kits and more\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The drum machine was just one of many surprising things Saria’s family had checked out from the library. “It almost feels like a secret,” he said. “People should know more about this.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They’ve also rented ukuleles and experimented with Makey Makey kits: electronic sets that can turn \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1mYalegtdI\">bananas and other objects into musical instruments\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085222\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085222\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02832_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02832_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02832_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02832_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The San Mateo Public Library stands on 55 W 3rd Ave in San Mateo on April 17, 2026. \u003ccite>(Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It makes the library way more interesting,” Saria said. “It’s fun to see what’s available to bring home.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Libraries across the Bay Area offer collections built around creative experimentation: musical instruments, art tools, karaoke machines, record players, sewing machines and hobby equipment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Karaoke machines are available to loan out at the Belvedere-Tiburon Public Library, San Mateo County Libraries, Santa Clara County Library District and Sunnyvale Public Library, among others.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the Mill Valley Public Library, Brenner said many people use the library as a place to experiment before committing to an expensive purchase.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A resident recently borrowed a weaving loom as they considered whether to pursue weaving long-term. “Before you fork over $600, you might want to see how something works and if it works for you,” Brenner said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That same thinking extends to sewing machines, which are among the library’s most popular items. “Maybe I want to check it out, buy a simple pattern and see if I can even make it \u003cem>through \u003c/em>a simple pattern,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085215\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085215\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-05-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-05-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-05-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-05-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Power tools line shelves at the Oakland Tool Lending Library in Oakland on May 21, 2026. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In response to demand, sewing machines have become increasingly common to find for loan across Bay Area library systems, including the Marin County Free Library, the Mill Valley Public Library, the Santa Clara County Library District, the Sunnyvale Public Library, the San Mateo County Libraries and the Redwood City Public Library.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some libraries allow residents to take the machine home, while others will ask you to use it at the library itself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Besides weaving looms and sewing machines, the Marin County Free Library offers kits for embroidery, crochet and knitting, jewelry making and quilting.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>DIY: Where to find home improvement and gardening tools and supplies\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>For Oakland homeowner and DIY enthusiast Isaac Kelly, his local public library has been essential. “If it’s something I’m going to use once a year or less, I’ll absolutely check the library first,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Kelly regularly borrows tools from Oakland Public Library’s renowned tool-lending collection. The program traces its roots to \u003ca href=\"https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/01/20/oaklands-community-toolbox/\">rebuilding efforts following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake\u003c/a> and the 1991 Oakland Hills firestorm, in response to community demand.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085212\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085212\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-02-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-02-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-02-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-02-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Isaac Kelly uses a tamper checked out from the Oakland Tool Lending Library at his home in Oakland on May 20, 2026. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Recently, Kelly took home an SDS drill — a heavy-duty concrete drill roughly the size of a carry-on suitcase. Next on his list: a soil compactor for a paving project. The alternative would be spending hundreds of dollars on tools he expects to use only once.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Housing is scarce. Space is scarce,” Kelly said. But borrowing tools, he said, is also about more than affordability. “Being able to do things yourself is empowering,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Oakland residents Rosa and Aralya Yee-Phinith discovered the same thing while building a backyard deck at their home. The project stretched across several months and required rotary hammer drills, shovels and concrete-breaking tools — many of which they borrowed from Oakland’s tool lending library.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It saved a huge chunk of money,” Rosa Yee-Phinith said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The couple had already spent heavily on construction materials and didn’t want to spend even more on tools they might rarely use again. (This author, who is friends with the Yee-Phiniths, can attest that their deck turned out very nicely.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Oakland’s tool lending program includes all types of saws — including circular, pruning and reciprocating ones — along with drills, sledgehammers and caulking guns, among others.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085214\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085214\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-04-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-04-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-04-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-04-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rosendo Molina works checking in tools at the Oakland Tool Lending Library in Oakland on May 21, 2026. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>As for other cities around the Bay, the Berkeley public library offers a similar tool lending program to Oakland’s. And while not as extensive, the Sunnyvale Public Library has a manual lawn mower, orbital sanders, screwdrivers, hex-key sets and a collapsible hand truck available to residents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Gardening enthusiasts can find tools like soil block presses, fruit pickers and weeding tools at libraries, including those in Oakland, Berkeley, Sunnyvale and Marin County. Residents can also \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12079852/want-to-save-on-groceries-you-can-grow-your-own-garden\">obtain seeds to start their own vegetable garden \u003c/a>at libraries, including Marin, Fremont and Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Outdoors: Where to find bicycles, telescopes, hiking, camping, picnic kits and park passes\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At libraries throughout the Bay Area, patrons can check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11910495/how-to-get-free-entry-to-california-state-parks-with-your-library-card\">California State Parks passes\u003c/a> along with gear like hiking backpacks and stargazing kits.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jean Walker, a reference librarian with Oakland Public Library, said the goal is to help remove barriers that keep people from getting into nature. “We know how impactful it is on people’s mental health to just get outside,” Walker said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some libraries loan out hiking gear like trekking poles, baby carriers, camping gear like tents, bear canisters, foldable tables and portable power stations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085216\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085216\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-06-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-06-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-06-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-06-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Yard tools are arranged at the Oakland Public Library Tool Lending Library on May 21, 2026. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Mill Valley Public Library created “experience backpacks” designed around local exploration. One kit includes bird guides, trail maps and binoculars for self-guided walks through nearby marshes. Another includes a wildflower guide.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For Haniza Zainal Abidin, a longtime San Jose resident and homeschooling parent, those programs became essential for her family. As a single-income household, she regularly relied on libraries for books, science programming and museum passes while raising her children.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One of \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Zainal \u003c/span>Abidin’s favorite discoveries was a park pass she borrowed from the library, which allowed her family free entry to county parks.[aside postID=news_12084761 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/IMG_1522.jpg']It helped them discover Joseph D. Grant County Park, where the family spotted wild boars crossing nearby trails. “We could hear them snorting in the bushes,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Residents can find California park passes at most public libraries in the Bay Area. Some libraries, such as the San Mateo Public Library, include them in their backpack kits, which include hiking essentials like a water bottle, first aid kit and headlamp.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For those wanting to take a two-wheeled adventure, San Mateo County Libraries offer a number of bicycles through the system’s Book-A-Bike program.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bikes come equipped with a helmet, bike lock, cargo basket, first aid kit, headlight, two tail lights and a charger for the lights. Some libraries also loan out bike racks, like at the Sunnyvale Public Library.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And for skywatchers and stargazers alike, you can borrow a telescope at Oakland Public Library, Mill Valley Public Library and other libraries in Marin County, as well as Sunnyvale Public Library.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Cooking: Where to find Instant Pots, food dehydrators, sous vides and other culinary tools\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Libraries have also expanded their offerings into kitchen equipment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Berkeley Tool Lending Library also offers a wide selection of culinary and kitchen tools, including Instant Pots, air fryers, blenders and portable induction cooktops.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085220\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085220\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02262_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02262_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02262_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02262_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An induction stove available for check out at the San Mateo Public Library in San Mateo on April 17, 2026. \u003ccite>(Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Culinary equipment like sous vides, ice cream makers, dehydrators and cake pans is available in both Berkeley and at the Sunnyvale Public Library.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Sunnyvale, residents can also borrow a rice cooker, hot pot, grill, dehydrator, popcorn maker, baking pans, cookie cutters and knife sharpeners.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Kids: Where to find children’s toys and activities\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Libraries also provide kid-focused collections, from rotating toy libraries to educational kits and science activities. Walker said children at Oakland libraries often return toys after storytime and immediately check out something new.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The toys are “the highlight of a lot of those kids’ weeks,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Oakland Public Library has a large toy-lending program aimed at children ages 0 to 6. They can borrow train sets, toy cars, sensory toys and more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Libraries in San Mateo, Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara and other cities also offer play spaces for small children. For older kids, activities and resources related to coding, robotics, science and engineering, like STEAM kits, are readily available too.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"HowdoIfindoutwhatsavailabletoloanatmylocallibrary\">\u003c/a>How do I find out what kinds of items are available at my local public library?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>To find out what’s available in the “Library of Things” at your local library, staff advise checking their branch’s website or calling to learn more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most libraries have an updated online catalog of items and offer the option to place holds online, while others require you to call to place your hold.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085355\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085355\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-6-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-6-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-6-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-6-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hannah Waldschmidt, Library Assistant, holds trail and plant guides, part of the “Family Scavenger Hunt” kit, available for checkout at Mill Valley Public Library’s “Library of Things” on May 27, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Calling the library directly would get you the most recent updates on descriptions and availability.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some libraries allow nonresidents of that city to borrow certain items, as long as you’re a California resident. Others, like the tool lending libraries, require you to actually be a resident of that library’s city.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">\u003cem>How We Get By\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>, a KQED series exploring how people are coping with rising costs in the Bay Area and California. Find the \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/affordability\">\u003cem>full series here\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>An Arturia DrumBrute is a sleek analog drum machine with buttons, pads and a sequencer capable of producing electronic beats, which retails for around $300.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And Jericho Saria and his family recently borrowed one from their local public library – for free.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Saria was surprised to find professional-grade music equipment available at his local library in San Mateo County.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“My brother-in-law is an electronic musician, and he has the same gear,” he said. “I’m like, wow, this is a legit instrument.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Saria originally checked out the drum machine for his 5-year-old daughter, who had become fascinated with the music of German electronic band Kraftwerk. They wanted to show her how electronic music gets made.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While the instrument ultimately proved a little too advanced for a kindergartner,\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“\u003cem>I\u003c/em> had fun with it,” Saria said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>His experience wasn’t a one-off. Across the Bay Area, libraries are lending out far more than books. Patrons can check out musical instruments, home-improvement tools, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/2000962/how-bay-area-libraries-are-helping-residents-switch-from-gas-to-induction-cooking\">induction cooktops\u003c/a>, sewing machines, telescopes, bicycles, toys, gardening kits, Wi-Fi hotspots and even\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11910495/how-to-get-free-entry-to-california-state-parks-with-your-library-card\"> passes to state parks\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085359\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085359\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-24-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1313\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-24-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-24-KQED-160x105.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-24-KQED-1536x1008.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Patrons work on tasks in the Mill Valley Public Library in Mill Valley on May 27, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Many of these collections fall under what libraries commonly call\u003ca href=\"https://smcl.org/libraryofthings/\"> a “Library of Things”\u003c/a> — a growing movement that allows patrons to borrow everyday objects, technology, tools and experiences. While offerings vary by library system, the goal is to expand access while reducing the burden of purchasing items outright.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As Bay Area residents \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080889/with-cost-of-living-rising-cuts-to-housing-programs-put-san-francisco-on-edge\">navigate rising costs\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080289/700-a-month-sleeping-pods-make-sf-more-affordable-but-at-what-cost\">smaller living spaces\u003c/a> and a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12078915/in-east-oakland-a-store-where-1-item-is-always-free\">growing desire to buy less and share more\u003c/a>, libraries are increasingly becoming places where people can try new hobbies, learn new skills and access experiences they might otherwise be unable to afford — all through these free rentals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The diverse offerings and their availability at no cost are a testament to the services a public library provides, said Anji Brenner, a city librarian at Mill Valley Public Library. Whether a library card holder is checking out a book, a tool or a sewing machine — or gathering with others under the bookstacks — it all speaks to the larger public library mission.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what you look like.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“All of those things don’t matter — you’re welcome here.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#HowdoIfindoutwhatsavailabletoloanatmylocallibrary\"> How do I find out what’s available to loan at my local library?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Creativity: Where to find musical instruments, karaoke machines, sewing machines, craft kits and more\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The drum machine was just one of many surprising things Saria’s family had checked out from the library. “It almost feels like a secret,” he said. “People should know more about this.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They’ve also rented ukuleles and experimented with Makey Makey kits: electronic sets that can turn \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1mYalegtdI\">bananas and other objects into musical instruments\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085222\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085222\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02832_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02832_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02832_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02832_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The San Mateo Public Library stands on 55 W 3rd Ave in San Mateo on April 17, 2026. \u003ccite>(Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It makes the library way more interesting,” Saria said. “It’s fun to see what’s available to bring home.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Libraries across the Bay Area offer collections built around creative experimentation: musical instruments, art tools, karaoke machines, record players, sewing machines and hobby equipment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Karaoke machines are available to loan out at the Belvedere-Tiburon Public Library, San Mateo County Libraries, Santa Clara County Library District and Sunnyvale Public Library, among others.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the Mill Valley Public Library, Brenner said many people use the library as a place to experiment before committing to an expensive purchase.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A resident recently borrowed a weaving loom as they considered whether to pursue weaving long-term. “Before you fork over $600, you might want to see how something works and if it works for you,” Brenner said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That same thinking extends to sewing machines, which are among the library’s most popular items. “Maybe I want to check it out, buy a simple pattern and see if I can even make it \u003cem>through \u003c/em>a simple pattern,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085215\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085215\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-05-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-05-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-05-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-05-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Power tools line shelves at the Oakland Tool Lending Library in Oakland on May 21, 2026. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In response to demand, sewing machines have become increasingly common to find for loan across Bay Area library systems, including the Marin County Free Library, the Mill Valley Public Library, the Santa Clara County Library District, the Sunnyvale Public Library, the San Mateo County Libraries and the Redwood City Public Library.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some libraries allow residents to take the machine home, while others will ask you to use it at the library itself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Besides weaving looms and sewing machines, the Marin County Free Library offers kits for embroidery, crochet and knitting, jewelry making and quilting.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>DIY: Where to find home improvement and gardening tools and supplies\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>For Oakland homeowner and DIY enthusiast Isaac Kelly, his local public library has been essential. “If it’s something I’m going to use once a year or less, I’ll absolutely check the library first,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Kelly regularly borrows tools from Oakland Public Library’s renowned tool-lending collection. The program traces its roots to \u003ca href=\"https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/01/20/oaklands-community-toolbox/\">rebuilding efforts following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake\u003c/a> and the 1991 Oakland Hills firestorm, in response to community demand.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085212\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085212\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-02-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-02-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-02-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-02-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Isaac Kelly uses a tamper checked out from the Oakland Tool Lending Library at his home in Oakland on May 20, 2026. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Recently, Kelly took home an SDS drill — a heavy-duty concrete drill roughly the size of a carry-on suitcase. Next on his list: a soil compactor for a paving project. The alternative would be spending hundreds of dollars on tools he expects to use only once.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Housing is scarce. Space is scarce,” Kelly said. But borrowing tools, he said, is also about more than affordability. “Being able to do things yourself is empowering,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Oakland residents Rosa and Aralya Yee-Phinith discovered the same thing while building a backyard deck at their home. The project stretched across several months and required rotary hammer drills, shovels and concrete-breaking tools — many of which they borrowed from Oakland’s tool lending library.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It saved a huge chunk of money,” Rosa Yee-Phinith said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The couple had already spent heavily on construction materials and didn’t want to spend even more on tools they might rarely use again. (This author, who is friends with the Yee-Phiniths, can attest that their deck turned out very nicely.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Oakland’s tool lending program includes all types of saws — including circular, pruning and reciprocating ones — along with drills, sledgehammers and caulking guns, among others.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085214\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085214\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-04-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-04-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-04-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-04-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rosendo Molina works checking in tools at the Oakland Tool Lending Library in Oakland on May 21, 2026. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>As for other cities around the Bay, the Berkeley public library offers a similar tool lending program to Oakland’s. And while not as extensive, the Sunnyvale Public Library has a manual lawn mower, orbital sanders, screwdrivers, hex-key sets and a collapsible hand truck available to residents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Gardening enthusiasts can find tools like soil block presses, fruit pickers and weeding tools at libraries, including those in Oakland, Berkeley, Sunnyvale and Marin County. Residents can also \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12079852/want-to-save-on-groceries-you-can-grow-your-own-garden\">obtain seeds to start their own vegetable garden \u003c/a>at libraries, including Marin, Fremont and Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Outdoors: Where to find bicycles, telescopes, hiking, camping, picnic kits and park passes\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At libraries throughout the Bay Area, patrons can check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11910495/how-to-get-free-entry-to-california-state-parks-with-your-library-card\">California State Parks passes\u003c/a> along with gear like hiking backpacks and stargazing kits.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jean Walker, a reference librarian with Oakland Public Library, said the goal is to help remove barriers that keep people from getting into nature. “We know how impactful it is on people’s mental health to just get outside,” Walker said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some libraries loan out hiking gear like trekking poles, baby carriers, camping gear like tents, bear canisters, foldable tables and portable power stations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085216\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085216\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-06-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-06-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-06-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260526-10-THINGS-AT-YOUR-LIBRARY-MD-06-KQED-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Yard tools are arranged at the Oakland Public Library Tool Lending Library on May 21, 2026. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Mill Valley Public Library created “experience backpacks” designed around local exploration. One kit includes bird guides, trail maps and binoculars for self-guided walks through nearby marshes. Another includes a wildflower guide.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For Haniza Zainal Abidin, a longtime San Jose resident and homeschooling parent, those programs became essential for her family. As a single-income household, she regularly relied on libraries for books, science programming and museum passes while raising her children.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One of \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Zainal \u003c/span>Abidin’s favorite discoveries was a park pass she borrowed from the library, which allowed her family free entry to county parks.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>It helped them discover Joseph D. Grant County Park, where the family spotted wild boars crossing nearby trails. “We could hear them snorting in the bushes,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Residents can find California park passes at most public libraries in the Bay Area. Some libraries, such as the San Mateo Public Library, include them in their backpack kits, which include hiking essentials like a water bottle, first aid kit and headlamp.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For those wanting to take a two-wheeled adventure, San Mateo County Libraries offer a number of bicycles through the system’s Book-A-Bike program.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bikes come equipped with a helmet, bike lock, cargo basket, first aid kit, headlight, two tail lights and a charger for the lights. Some libraries also loan out bike racks, like at the Sunnyvale Public Library.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And for skywatchers and stargazers alike, you can borrow a telescope at Oakland Public Library, Mill Valley Public Library and other libraries in Marin County, as well as Sunnyvale Public Library.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Cooking: Where to find Instant Pots, food dehydrators, sous vides and other culinary tools\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Libraries have also expanded their offerings into kitchen equipment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Berkeley Tool Lending Library also offers a wide selection of culinary and kitchen tools, including Instant Pots, air fryers, blenders and portable induction cooktops.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085220\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085220\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02262_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02262_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02262_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260417-CLIMATESOLUTIONSINDUCTION02262_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An induction stove available for check out at the San Mateo Public Library in San Mateo on April 17, 2026. \u003ccite>(Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Culinary equipment like sous vides, ice cream makers, dehydrators and cake pans is available in both Berkeley and at the Sunnyvale Public Library.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Sunnyvale, residents can also borrow a rice cooker, hot pot, grill, dehydrator, popcorn maker, baking pans, cookie cutters and knife sharpeners.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Kids: Where to find children’s toys and activities\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Libraries also provide kid-focused collections, from rotating toy libraries to educational kits and science activities. Walker said children at Oakland libraries often return toys after storytime and immediately check out something new.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The toys are “the highlight of a lot of those kids’ weeks,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Oakland Public Library has a large toy-lending program aimed at children ages 0 to 6. They can borrow train sets, toy cars, sensory toys and more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Libraries in San Mateo, Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara and other cities also offer play spaces for small children. For older kids, activities and resources related to coding, robotics, science and engineering, like STEAM kits, are readily available too.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"HowdoIfindoutwhatsavailabletoloanatmylocallibrary\">\u003c/a>How do I find out what kinds of items are available at my local public library?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>To find out what’s available in the “Library of Things” at your local library, staff advise checking their branch’s website or calling to learn more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most libraries have an updated online catalog of items and offer the option to place holds online, while others require you to call to place your hold.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085355\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085355\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-6-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-6-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-6-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/20260527_AFFORDABILITYLIBRARY_GC-6-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hannah Waldschmidt, Library Assistant, holds trail and plant guides, part of the “Family Scavenger Hunt” kit, available for checkout at Mill Valley Public Library’s “Library of Things” on May 27, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Calling the library directly would get you the most recent updates on descriptions and availability.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some libraries allow nonresidents of that city to borrow certain items, as long as you’re a California resident. Others, like the tool lending libraries, require you to actually be a resident of that library’s city.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "usps-changes-ballot-drop-box-near-me-deadline-california-primary-vote-for-governor",
"title": "Still Need to Mail Your Primary Ballot? Don’t Rely on USPS, Officials Say",
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"headTitle": "Still Need to Mail Your Primary Ballot? Don’t Rely on USPS, Officials Say | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/electionsnews\">Election Day\u003c/a> in the California primary is on Tuesday — just days away — and it’ll decide the two candidates who will advance in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/2026-governors-race\">governor’s race\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you were still planning on mailing your ballot through the United States Postal Service, California officials have warned that at this stage, for voters outside major cities, there’s a risk it might not be counted — and they’re urging you to cast your vote another way.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Why is this happening? To be counted, a mail-in ballot needs to be postmarked by USPS before or on Election Day — June 2.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And in previous years, as long as you didn’t drop your ballot in a USPS mailbox that already saw its last collection, or at a closed post office, your ballot would have received that Election Day postmark.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But now, California Attorney General Rob Bonta warned, \u003ca href=\"https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-and-secretary-state-weber-sacramento-vote-early-june\">USPS has changed\u003c/a> how often it collects mail from post offices and collection boxes “in areas outside California’s major coastal cities.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you live in one of these regions, “a ballot dropped in the U.S. mail on Election Day might be collected too late to be counted,” he added.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>A new voter deadline\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In a joint statement with Secretary of State Shirley Weber, Bonta said that California voters planning to mail their ballots “should do so at least a week before Election Day.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This means Wednesday was actually the last day the state recommended putting your mail-in ballot into a USPS collection box — even if you live in a relatively metropolitan area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082778\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082778\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2274165052-scaled-e1778866234143.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Election voting materials, including an official voter information guide, a sample ballot and an official ballot with a return envelope, were mailed to a Southern California resident ahead of a state primary election, photographed May 5, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. \u003ccite>(Jay L Clendenin/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>These changes to how USPS collects its mail in certain areas are particularly impactful in a state like California, which saw \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/historical-absentee\">almost 90% of its votes\u003c/a> cast via mail-in ballots in the last statewide election.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the good news: If you were planning to mail your ballot through USPS before or on Tuesday, you still have \u003cem>lots \u003c/em>of other options for making sure your ballot reaches your county swiftly, so it can be counted after all.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what to know, or jump straight to.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Wheretosubmityourballotinsteadofmailingit\"> Where to submit your ballot instead of mailing it\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Howtomakesureyourballothasbeencounted\"> How to make sure your ballot has been counted\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>How has USPS changed mail collection — and how do I know if I’ll be affected?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In April 2025, \u003ca href=\"https://prc.gov/postal-service-implements-nationwide-changes-mail-service\">USPS implemented changes\u003c/a> that mean that if a post office or a collection box is more than 50 miles from a USPS regional hub, the mail dropped off there is now picked up the next day, rather than the same day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The only USPS regional hubs in Northern California are located in Richmond and West Sacramento.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So if your local post office or collection box where you live is more than 50 miles away from these locations, any mail you drop off there won’t be picked up until the next day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085425\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085425\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Voting-Rights-Social-Map.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Voting-Rights-Social-Map.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Voting-Rights-Social-Map-160x200.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Voting-Rights-Social-Map-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Voting-Rights-Social-Map-1638x2048.jpg 1638w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A map illustrating the location of California’s six USPS regional hubs, and the regions 50 miles or more away that are now impacted by the postal service’s new collections system. \u003ccite>(Office of the Attorney General of California)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>And if you’re dropping off your election ballot on Tuesday, it won’t be picked up until Wednesday and will therefore be considered invalid due to the lack of postmark by June 2.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In their early mailing PSA, Bonta and Weber cited \u003ca href=\"https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-04-04/california-election-experts-sound-alarm-as-rejected-ballots-quadruple\">an LA Times investigation \u003c/a>that found that under the new USPS system, mail-in ballots in California’s 2025 Proposition 50 election arrived too late to be counted at four times the 2024 rate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But even if you live within 50 miles of a USPS regional hub, the state \u003cem>still \u003c/em>recommends that, at this stage, you use another method to submit your ballot rather than mailing it to a USPS collection box.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Something that might convince you: The same LA Times report found that even within the 17 counties mostly or entirely within that 50-mile radius, the average rate of late ballots still doubled in 2025 under the new USPS system.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Wheretosubmityourballotinsteadofmailingit\">\u003c/a>How should I now submit my ballot instead of mailing it via USPS?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Regardless of the method you choose below, you should strongly consider submitting your mail-in ballot before Tuesday. In their statement, Bonta and Weber cited a USPS spokesperson’s \u003ca href=\"https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-and-secretary-state-weber-sacramento-vote-early-june\">warning \u003c/a>that “you should never be mailing your ballot on election day.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Instead of using a USPS collection box in the days before June 2, you can:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Use a secure drop box\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can submit your completed ballot into a secure drop box until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day. To find your closest drop box, visit the\u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\"> state of California lookup tool\u003c/a>, where you can:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Enter your county (adding your city or ZIP code will give more localized results, but it’s optional).\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Check “Drop Off Location.”\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Hit “Search” to see all the early voting and drop-off locations in that area.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Take your ballot to an open post office and ask staff to postmark it\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This approach — \u003ca href=\"https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-and-secretary-state-weber-sacramento-vote-early-june\">recommended \u003c/a>by Bonta and Weber specifically as a good option for Election Day itself — means you’ll have proof there and then that your ballot was postmarked by Election Day.[aside label=\"2026 California Voter Guide\" link1='https://www.kqed.org/voterguide,Learn everything you need to cast an informed ballot for the 2026 primary election' hero=https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/80/2026/04/Aside-California-Voter-Guide-2026-Primary-Election-1200x1200@2x.png]From there, you can drop it into a USPS collection box at the post office.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Vote early in person — or drop off your ballot at an open voting location\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/primary-election-june-2-2026\">The first vote centers\u003c/a> have already opened in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening on Saturday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To find your closest early voting location, visit the\u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\"> state of California lookup tool\u003c/a>, where you can:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Enter your county (adding your city or ZIP code will give more localized results, but it’s optional).\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Check “Early Voting.”\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Hit “Search” to see all the early voting and drop-off locations in that area.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Remember that in-person voting hours may differ by location, and some locations may not be open every day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you intend to vote in person, it’s a good idea to bring the blank ballot you were mailed, as some counties may require you to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082074/california-primary-2026-dropbox-near-me-san-francisco-bay-area-find-my-polling-place-election-day-voter-guide\">vote provisionally\u003c/a> if you don’t bring it. If you’re issued a new ballot when you vote in person, any ballot you left at home will be canceled.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Vote in person on Election Day itself\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On Tuesday, in-person voting is still available at every county registrar’s office (also known as your county’s elections office) in the Bay Area. If you’re a San Francisco voter, this location will be City Hall.\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\"> Find your county registrar’s office and opening hours.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Check your mail-in ballot to see where you can vote and whether you’ve been assigned a specific polling place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079133\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079133\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/230808-SanFranciscoCityHall-18-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/230808-SanFranciscoCityHall-18-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/230808-SanFranciscoCityHall-18-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/230808-SanFranciscoCityHall-18-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Vehicles pass by City Hall in San Francisco on Aug. 8, 2023. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you live in San Francisco, Contra Costa or Solano counties, you’ll be assigned a specific polling place, though Contra Costa County election officials say they can process your ballot no matter where you show up to vote. You can also still vote at\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\"> your county registrar’s office\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you live in Alameda, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara or Sonoma counties, you can vote at any voting location — known as Vote Centers — including your county registrar’s office. Find \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">your voting location through the state’s lookup tool\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Again, it’s a good idea to bring along the blank ballot that you were mailed.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Howtomakesureyourballothasbeencounted\">\u003c/a>I submitted my ballot, but now I’m paranoid. How can I make sure it’ll be counted?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>You can sign up to track your ballot’s progress with the state’s \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">“Where’s My Ballot?” online tool\u003c/a>, where you can receive updates — and be reassured that your vote is on its way to being counted.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How can I contact my county directly about voting?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call (510) 267-8683.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call (925) 335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call (415) 473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\"> send a form email\u003c/a>.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call (707) 253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call (415) 554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call (888) 762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll-free at (866) 430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call (707) 784-6675 or (888) 933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call (707) 565-6800 or toll-free at (800) 750-8683.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "State officials are warning that some ballots mailed too close to Election Day might not be counted. Here are other recommended ways to submit your ballot instead.",
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"title": "Still Need to Mail Your Primary Ballot? Don’t Rely on USPS, Officials Say | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/electionsnews\">Election Day\u003c/a> in the California primary is on Tuesday — just days away — and it’ll decide the two candidates who will advance in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/2026-governors-race\">governor’s race\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you were still planning on mailing your ballot through the United States Postal Service, California officials have warned that at this stage, for voters outside major cities, there’s a risk it might not be counted — and they’re urging you to cast your vote another way.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Why is this happening? To be counted, a mail-in ballot needs to be postmarked by USPS before or on Election Day — June 2.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And in previous years, as long as you didn’t drop your ballot in a USPS mailbox that already saw its last collection, or at a closed post office, your ballot would have received that Election Day postmark.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But now, California Attorney General Rob Bonta warned, \u003ca href=\"https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-and-secretary-state-weber-sacramento-vote-early-june\">USPS has changed\u003c/a> how often it collects mail from post offices and collection boxes “in areas outside California’s major coastal cities.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you live in one of these regions, “a ballot dropped in the U.S. mail on Election Day might be collected too late to be counted,” he added.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>A new voter deadline\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In a joint statement with Secretary of State Shirley Weber, Bonta said that California voters planning to mail their ballots “should do so at least a week before Election Day.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This means Wednesday was actually the last day the state recommended putting your mail-in ballot into a USPS collection box — even if you live in a relatively metropolitan area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082778\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082778\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2274165052-scaled-e1778866234143.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Election voting materials, including an official voter information guide, a sample ballot and an official ballot with a return envelope, were mailed to a Southern California resident ahead of a state primary election, photographed May 5, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. \u003ccite>(Jay L Clendenin/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>These changes to how USPS collects its mail in certain areas are particularly impactful in a state like California, which saw \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/historical-absentee\">almost 90% of its votes\u003c/a> cast via mail-in ballots in the last statewide election.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the good news: If you were planning to mail your ballot through USPS before or on Tuesday, you still have \u003cem>lots \u003c/em>of other options for making sure your ballot reaches your county swiftly, so it can be counted after all.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what to know, or jump straight to.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Wheretosubmityourballotinsteadofmailingit\"> Where to submit your ballot instead of mailing it\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Howtomakesureyourballothasbeencounted\"> How to make sure your ballot has been counted\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>How has USPS changed mail collection — and how do I know if I’ll be affected?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In April 2025, \u003ca href=\"https://prc.gov/postal-service-implements-nationwide-changes-mail-service\">USPS implemented changes\u003c/a> that mean that if a post office or a collection box is more than 50 miles from a USPS regional hub, the mail dropped off there is now picked up the next day, rather than the same day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The only USPS regional hubs in Northern California are located in Richmond and West Sacramento.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So if your local post office or collection box where you live is more than 50 miles away from these locations, any mail you drop off there won’t be picked up until the next day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12085425\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12085425\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Voting-Rights-Social-Map.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Voting-Rights-Social-Map.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Voting-Rights-Social-Map-160x200.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Voting-Rights-Social-Map-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Voting-Rights-Social-Map-1638x2048.jpg 1638w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A map illustrating the location of California’s six USPS regional hubs, and the regions 50 miles or more away that are now impacted by the postal service’s new collections system. \u003ccite>(Office of the Attorney General of California)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>And if you’re dropping off your election ballot on Tuesday, it won’t be picked up until Wednesday and will therefore be considered invalid due to the lack of postmark by June 2.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In their early mailing PSA, Bonta and Weber cited \u003ca href=\"https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-04-04/california-election-experts-sound-alarm-as-rejected-ballots-quadruple\">an LA Times investigation \u003c/a>that found that under the new USPS system, mail-in ballots in California’s 2025 Proposition 50 election arrived too late to be counted at four times the 2024 rate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But even if you live within 50 miles of a USPS regional hub, the state \u003cem>still \u003c/em>recommends that, at this stage, you use another method to submit your ballot rather than mailing it to a USPS collection box.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Something that might convince you: The same LA Times report found that even within the 17 counties mostly or entirely within that 50-mile radius, the average rate of late ballots still doubled in 2025 under the new USPS system.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Wheretosubmityourballotinsteadofmailingit\">\u003c/a>How should I now submit my ballot instead of mailing it via USPS?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Regardless of the method you choose below, you should strongly consider submitting your mail-in ballot before Tuesday. In their statement, Bonta and Weber cited a USPS spokesperson’s \u003ca href=\"https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-and-secretary-state-weber-sacramento-vote-early-june\">warning \u003c/a>that “you should never be mailing your ballot on election day.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Instead of using a USPS collection box in the days before June 2, you can:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Use a secure drop box\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can submit your completed ballot into a secure drop box until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day. 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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>From there, you can drop it into a USPS collection box at the post office.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Vote early in person — or drop off your ballot at an open voting location\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/primary-election-june-2-2026\">The first vote centers\u003c/a> have already opened in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening on Saturday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To find your closest early voting location, visit the\u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\"> state of California lookup tool\u003c/a>, where you can:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Enter your county (adding your city or ZIP code will give more localized results, but it’s optional).\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Check “Early Voting.”\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Hit “Search” to see all the early voting and drop-off locations in that area.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Remember that in-person voting hours may differ by location, and some locations may not be open every day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you intend to vote in person, it’s a good idea to bring the blank ballot you were mailed, as some counties may require you to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082074/california-primary-2026-dropbox-near-me-san-francisco-bay-area-find-my-polling-place-election-day-voter-guide\">vote provisionally\u003c/a> if you don’t bring it. If you’re issued a new ballot when you vote in person, any ballot you left at home will be canceled.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Vote in person on Election Day itself\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On Tuesday, in-person voting is still available at every county registrar’s office (also known as your county’s elections office) in the Bay Area. If you’re a San Francisco voter, this location will be City Hall.\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\"> Find your county registrar’s office and opening hours.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Check your mail-in ballot to see where you can vote and whether you’ve been assigned a specific polling place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079133\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079133\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/230808-SanFranciscoCityHall-18-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/230808-SanFranciscoCityHall-18-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/230808-SanFranciscoCityHall-18-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/230808-SanFranciscoCityHall-18-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Vehicles pass by City Hall in San Francisco on Aug. 8, 2023. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you live in San Francisco, Contra Costa or Solano counties, you’ll be assigned a specific polling place, though Contra Costa County election officials say they can process your ballot no matter where you show up to vote. You can also still vote at\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\"> your county registrar’s office\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you live in Alameda, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara or Sonoma counties, you can vote at any voting location — known as Vote Centers — including your county registrar’s office. Find \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">your voting location through the state’s lookup tool\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Again, it’s a good idea to bring along the blank ballot that you were mailed.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Howtomakesureyourballothasbeencounted\">\u003c/a>I submitted my ballot, but now I’m paranoid. How can I make sure it’ll be counted?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>You can sign up to track your ballot’s progress with the state’s \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">“Where’s My Ballot?” online tool\u003c/a>, where you can receive updates — and be reassured that your vote is on its way to being counted.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How can I contact my county directly about voting?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call (510) 267-8683.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call (925) 335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call (415) 473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\"> send a form email\u003c/a>.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call (707) 253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call (415) 554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call (888) 762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll-free at (866) 430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call (707) 784-6675 or (888) 933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call (707) 565-6800 or toll-free at (800) 750-8683.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"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.",
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"order": 9
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"airtime": "SUN 7:30pm-8pm",
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"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. ",
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"order": 15
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"title": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown",
"tagline": "Lessons from a lifetime in politics",
"info": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown brings listeners the wisdom of the former Governor, Mayor, and presidential candidate. Scott Shafer interviewed Brown for more than 40 hours, covering the former governor's life and half-century in the political game – and Brown has some lessons he'd like to share. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Political-Mind-of-Jerry-Brown-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
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"order": 18
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"info": "Latino USA, the radio journal of news and culture, is the only national, English-language radio program produced from a Latino perspective.",
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"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",
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"source": "American Public Media"
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"masters-of-scale": {
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"title": "Masters of Scale",
"info": "Masters of Scale is an original podcast in which LinkedIn co-founder and Greylock Partner Reid Hoffman sets out to describe and prove theories that explain how great entrepreneurs take their companies from zero to a gazillion in ingenious fashion.",
"airtime": "Every other Wednesday June 12 through October 16 at 8pm (repeats Thursdays at 2am)",
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},
"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>",
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"meta": {
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"order": 12
},
"link": "/podcasts/mindshift",
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM1NzY0NjAwNDI5",
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"morning-edition": {
"id": "morning-edition",
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"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.",
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"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",
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"order": 11
},
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"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",
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},
"link": "/radio/program/on-the-media",
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},
"pbs-newshour": {
"id": "pbs-newshour",
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"info": "Analysis, background reports and updates from the PBS NewsHour putting today's news in context.",
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"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PBS-News-Hour-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
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},
"link": "/radio/program/pbs-newshour",
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"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"
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},
"perspectives": {
"id": "perspectives",
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"order": 14
},
"link": "/perspectives",
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"planet-money": {
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"info": "The economy explained. Imagine you could call up a friend and say, Meet me at the bar and tell me what's going on with the economy. Now imagine that's actually a fun evening.",
"airtime": "SUN 3pm-4pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/planetmoney.jpg",
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},
"link": "/radio/program/planet-money",
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/planet-money/id290783428?mt=2",
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},
"politicalbreakdown": {
"id": "politicalbreakdown",
"title": "Political Breakdown",
"tagline": "Politics from a personal perspective",
"info": "Political Breakdown is a new series that explores the political intersection of California and the nation. Each week hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined with a new special guest to unpack politics -- with personality — and offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics happens.",
"airtime": "THU 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Political-Breakdown-2024-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
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"order": 5
},
"link": "/podcasts/politicalbreakdown",
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"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e0c2d153-ad36-4c8d-901d-f1da6a724824/political-breakdown",
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"possible": {
"id": "possible",
"title": "Possible",
"info": "Possible is hosted by entrepreneur Reid Hoffman and writer Aria Finger. Together in Possible, Hoffman and Finger lead enlightening discussions about building a brighter collective future. The show features interviews with visionary guests like Trevor Noah, Sam Altman and Janette Sadik-Khan. Possible paints an optimistic portrait of the world we can create through science, policy, business, art and our shared humanity. It asks: What if everything goes right for once? How can we get there? Each episode also includes a short fiction story generated by advanced AI GPT-4, serving as a thought-provoking springboard to speculate how humanity could leverage technology for good.",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Possible-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.possible.fm/",
"meta": {
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"source": "Possible"
},
"link": "/radio/program/possible",
"subscribe": {
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"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/730YpdUSNlMyPQwNnyjp4k"
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},
"pri-the-world": {
"id": "pri-the-world",
"title": "PRI's The World: Latest Edition",
"info": "Each weekday, host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories in an hour of radio that reminds us just how small our planet really is.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 2pm-3pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-World-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.pri.org/programs/the-world",
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},
"error": null
},
"youthMediaReducer": {},
"checkPleaseReducer": {
"filterData": {
"region": {
"key": "Restaurant Region",
"filters": [
"Any Region"
]
},
"cuisine": {
"key": "Restaurant Cuisine",
"filters": [
"Any Cuisine"
]
}
},
"restaurantDataById": {},
"restaurantIdsSorted": [],
"error": null
},
"userAgentReducer": {
"userAgent": "Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)",
"isBot": true
}
}
