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"content": "\u003cp>In California’s upcoming \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">June primary election\u003c/a>, you’ll have the opportunity to cast your ballot for any of the candidates for governor, regardless of which party you’re registered with. The top two vote-getters advance to the general election.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Known as a “jungle primary,” this system is different from how most states handle their primary elections.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This year,\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12075174/democratic-candidates-for-california-governor-defy-pressure-to-end-campaigns\"> Democrats raised the alarm\u003c/a> that two Republican gubernatorial candidates may move to the general election, locking out Democrats despite outnumbering Republican registered voters almost two to one. That’s because the crowded field of Democratic candidates threatens to split the party’s vote. Until recently, multiple polls have shown the two Republicans, former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, polling at the top of the race.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Driven in part by these concerns, critics of the top-two primary have now filed a ballot initiative that would repeal this system and return California to party-based primaries, potentially as early as 2030.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But how does this top-two arrangement work? Why does California do things this way? And what are the chances of voters choosing between two GOP candidates for governor in November?\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How does California’s top-two primary system work?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In a traditional closed primary, such as in presidential races, voters can only choose among candidates from their own party: That is, say, registered Democrats could only vote for Democratic candidates.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But in a top-two primary, all candidates from all parties appear on a single ballot open to any registered voter. The two candidates with the most votes in that primary then move on to the general election, even if they’re from the same party.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12070752\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12070752\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/GettyImages-2255038550-scaled-e1775501165458.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1586\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Candidates for California’s next governor listen to a question from a union worker during the 2026 Gubernatorial Candidate Forum in Los Angeles on Jan. 10, 2026. \u003ccite>(Christina House/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Kim Alexander, president and founder of the California Voter Foundation, said this is an even bigger concern for third parties in the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“One of the unfortunate byproducts” of California’s jungle primary system, Alexander said, is how “it’s really shut out a lot of minor parties from the general election and they run the risk of being kicked off the ballot altogether.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Because if you don’t have candidates appearing on ballots at a certain pace, then you can’t remain an official party,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Does this really mean Californians might not get a Republican vs. Democrat race for governor in November?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>That’s correct: Under the top-two primary system, the November contest could be an intraparty fight.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That scenario has worried many California Democrats. With seven top Democrats crowding the field, there’s a risk of fracturing their party’s vote. Meanwhile, if enough Republican voters back both Hilton and Bianco to push them both into the top two, California could be locked into an all-Republican general election for governor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12081068\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1999px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12081068\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/FTP_9P3A3287_1_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/FTP_9P3A3287_1_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/FTP_9P3A3287_1_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/FTP_9P3A3287_1_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Steve Hilton, Republican gubernatorial candidate for California, left, and Tom Steyer, Democratic gubernatorial candidate for California, fist-bump prior to a gubernatorial debate at KRON Studios in San Francisco, California, on April 22, 2026. California will hold its primary election on June 2, where the top two finishers advance to the general election in November regardless of party affiliation. \u003ccite>(Jason Henry/Nexstar via Bloomberg)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In March, state Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks urged politicians in his party to take a hard look at the viability of their campaigns and drop out before the filing deadline.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“California’s leadership on the world stage is significantly harder if a Democrat is not elected as our next Governor,” Hicks wrote in an \u003ca href=\"https://cadem.org/open-letter-to-the-democratic-candidates-for-governor/\">open letter\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>None of the contenders heeded his plea.\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>However, the likelihood of Republicans shutting Democrats out of the November election \u003cem>has \u003c/em>decreased since President Donald \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12078793/trump-endorses-steve-hilton-for-california-governor-giving-gop-a-front-runner\">Trump endorsed Hilton\u003c/a> in April. A clear front-runner could unify Republican voters behind Hilton and open the door for a Democrat to claim the second spot in the runoff.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Plus, the most \u003ca href=\"https://emersoncollegepolling.com/california-2026-poll-becerra-continues-to-surge-steyer-and-hilton-compete-for-second-spot/\">recent Emerson poll\u003c/a> now shows former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra in the lead with 19% of likely voters for the first time in the race. Hilton and Democrat Tom Steyer are tied for second with 17%.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Becerra’s surge came after former East Bay Rep. Eric Swalwell — who was regarded as a front-runner for the gubernatorial primary — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12079583/eric-swalwell-ends-california-governor-campaign-after-sexual-assault-allegations\">exited the race \u003c/a>last month amid sexual assault and misconduct allegations.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Why does California have this top-two system?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Historically, California required a two-thirds vote in the Legislature to pass the state budget instead of a simple majority vote.[aside label=\"From the 2026 Voter Guide\" link1='https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/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]In 2009, Democrats needed to court Republican votes to pass the state budget. Then-state Sen. Abel Maldonado, a Republican, agreed to vote yes — but only if the Legislature put a measure on the ballot to create the top-two primary system.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Voters approved that measure, \u003ca href=\"https://lao.ca.gov/ballot/2010/14_06_2010.aspx\">Proposition 14\u003c/a>, in 2010, amending the state constitution.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger backed the measure as a way to transform state politics, forcing candidates to appeal to voters across party lines and ultimately boost more moderate politicians.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“He liked to talk about living in a post-partisan political climate,” Alexander said. “He liked the idea of candidates having to appeal to more voters than just voters of their own party, and to face competition.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The system was also designed to give more influence to California’s \u003ca href=\"https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/ror/60day-primary-2026/historical-reg-stats.pdf\">no party preference\u003c/a> voters, who make up 23% of registered voters in the state, just behind Republicans at 25%.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Which political offices in California are decided using this system?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The top-two primary applies to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/primary-elections-california\">“voter-nominated”\u003c/a> offices: governor and other statewide positions like lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer, state controller, insurance commissioner and state board of equalization members.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It also covers state Senate and Assembly seats and U.S. congressional offices.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The jungle primary system does not apply to presidential elections, local and nonpartisan offices such as city council, school boards, judges, district attorneys or the superintendent of public instruction.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Which other states use this system?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Washington state was the first to adopt a top-two primary for congressional and state-level elections in 2004, but not for governor.[aside postID=news_12082926 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/260326-KATIE-PORTER-ON-PB-MD-03-KQED.jpg']Unlike California, Washington allows write-in candidates in the general election — a safety valve for scenarios where one party is locked out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A handful of other states use variations of the system. Nebraska’s legislature is nonpartisan, so it uses a top-two primary for state legislative races.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Louisiana uses a majority-vote system for statewide executive offices, state legislative seats and local offices. If a candidate receives a majority of the vote in the primary, they win outright. If not, there is a second round of voting with the top two vote-getters in November.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Alaska adopted a top-four primary in 2020 for state executive, state legislative and congressional races. An effort to \u003ca href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Alaska_Ballot_Measure_2,_Repeal_Top-Four_Ranked-Choice_Voting_Initiative_(2024)\">repeal\u003c/a> the state’s top-four primaries was narrowly defeated by voters in 2024 but will be on the \u003ca href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Alaska_Repeal_Top-Four_Ranked-Choice_Voting_Initiative_(2026)\">ballot again\u003c/a> this year.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>If I’m a ‘no party preference’ voter, can I even vote in the California primary?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Yes: Any registered voter, including those with no party preference, can vote for any candidate in voter-nominated races like the governor’s contest.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The top-two primary system draws no distinction based on a voter’s party registration.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Are there any efforts to get rid of California’s jungle primary?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Driven in part by concerns that Democrats could be locked out of this year’s governor’s race, a new ballot initiative seeks to repeal California’s top-two primary system.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Democratic strategist Steven Maviglio \u003ca href=\"https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/initiatives/pdfs/26-0004%20%28%26quot%3BUndo%20the%20Top-Two%26quot%3B%29.pdf\">filed the initiative\u003c/a>, called “Undo the Top Two,” with the attorney general on May 8.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079476\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079476\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260226-GovRaceForum-49-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260226-GovRaceForum-49-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260226-GovRaceForum-49-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260226-GovRaceForum-49-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A state gubernatorial candidate forum at the UCSF Mission Bay campus in San Francisco on Jan. 26, 2026. The Urban League of the Bay Area hosted the forum. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>He called the jungle primary a “failed experiment.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The prospect of having to vote for a candidate who’s not from your party in November has really woken up a lot of voters in the state about the dangers of the top-two primary,” Maviglio said. “The chance that a Democrat would have to choose between Chad Bianco or Steve Hilton is sending a chill up the spine of a lot of Democrats.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, even if successful, Maviglio’s initiative won’t impact the 2026 election — since he hopes to place the measure on the 2028 ballot, with any changes taking effect no earlier than the 2030 elections.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>In California’s upcoming \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">June primary election\u003c/a>, you’ll have the opportunity to cast your ballot for any of the candidates for governor, regardless of which party you’re registered with. The top two vote-getters advance to the general election.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Known as a “jungle primary,” this system is different from how most states handle their primary elections.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This year,\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12075174/democratic-candidates-for-california-governor-defy-pressure-to-end-campaigns\"> Democrats raised the alarm\u003c/a> that two Republican gubernatorial candidates may move to the general election, locking out Democrats despite outnumbering Republican registered voters almost two to one. That’s because the crowded field of Democratic candidates threatens to split the party’s vote. Until recently, multiple polls have shown the two Republicans, former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, polling at the top of the race.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Driven in part by these concerns, critics of the top-two primary have now filed a ballot initiative that would repeal this system and return California to party-based primaries, potentially as early as 2030.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But how does this top-two arrangement work? Why does California do things this way? And what are the chances of voters choosing between two GOP candidates for governor in November?\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How does California’s top-two primary system work?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In a traditional closed primary, such as in presidential races, voters can only choose among candidates from their own party: That is, say, registered Democrats could only vote for Democratic candidates.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But in a top-two primary, all candidates from all parties appear on a single ballot open to any registered voter. The two candidates with the most votes in that primary then move on to the general election, even if they’re from the same party.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12070752\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12070752\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/GettyImages-2255038550-scaled-e1775501165458.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1586\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Candidates for California’s next governor listen to a question from a union worker during the 2026 Gubernatorial Candidate Forum in Los Angeles on Jan. 10, 2026. \u003ccite>(Christina House/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Kim Alexander, president and founder of the California Voter Foundation, said this is an even bigger concern for third parties in the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“One of the unfortunate byproducts” of California’s jungle primary system, Alexander said, is how “it’s really shut out a lot of minor parties from the general election and they run the risk of being kicked off the ballot altogether.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Because if you don’t have candidates appearing on ballots at a certain pace, then you can’t remain an official party,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Does this really mean Californians might not get a Republican vs. Democrat race for governor in November?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>That’s correct: Under the top-two primary system, the November contest could be an intraparty fight.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That scenario has worried many California Democrats. With seven top Democrats crowding the field, there’s a risk of fracturing their party’s vote. Meanwhile, if enough Republican voters back both Hilton and Bianco to push them both into the top two, California could be locked into an all-Republican general election for governor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12081068\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1999px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12081068\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/FTP_9P3A3287_1_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/FTP_9P3A3287_1_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/FTP_9P3A3287_1_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/FTP_9P3A3287_1_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Steve Hilton, Republican gubernatorial candidate for California, left, and Tom Steyer, Democratic gubernatorial candidate for California, fist-bump prior to a gubernatorial debate at KRON Studios in San Francisco, California, on April 22, 2026. California will hold its primary election on June 2, where the top two finishers advance to the general election in November regardless of party affiliation. \u003ccite>(Jason Henry/Nexstar via Bloomberg)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In March, state Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks urged politicians in his party to take a hard look at the viability of their campaigns and drop out before the filing deadline.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“California’s leadership on the world stage is significantly harder if a Democrat is not elected as our next Governor,” Hicks wrote in an \u003ca href=\"https://cadem.org/open-letter-to-the-democratic-candidates-for-governor/\">open letter\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>None of the contenders heeded his plea.\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>However, the likelihood of Republicans shutting Democrats out of the November election \u003cem>has \u003c/em>decreased since President Donald \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12078793/trump-endorses-steve-hilton-for-california-governor-giving-gop-a-front-runner\">Trump endorsed Hilton\u003c/a> in April. A clear front-runner could unify Republican voters behind Hilton and open the door for a Democrat to claim the second spot in the runoff.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Plus, the most \u003ca href=\"https://emersoncollegepolling.com/california-2026-poll-becerra-continues-to-surge-steyer-and-hilton-compete-for-second-spot/\">recent Emerson poll\u003c/a> now shows former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra in the lead with 19% of likely voters for the first time in the race. Hilton and Democrat Tom Steyer are tied for second with 17%.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Becerra’s surge came after former East Bay Rep. Eric Swalwell — who was regarded as a front-runner for the gubernatorial primary — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12079583/eric-swalwell-ends-california-governor-campaign-after-sexual-assault-allegations\">exited the race \u003c/a>last month amid sexual assault and misconduct allegations.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Why does California have this top-two system?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Historically, California required a two-thirds vote in the Legislature to pass the state budget instead of a simple majority vote.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>In 2009, Democrats needed to court Republican votes to pass the state budget. Then-state Sen. Abel Maldonado, a Republican, agreed to vote yes — but only if the Legislature put a measure on the ballot to create the top-two primary system.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Voters approved that measure, \u003ca href=\"https://lao.ca.gov/ballot/2010/14_06_2010.aspx\">Proposition 14\u003c/a>, in 2010, amending the state constitution.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger backed the measure as a way to transform state politics, forcing candidates to appeal to voters across party lines and ultimately boost more moderate politicians.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“He liked to talk about living in a post-partisan political climate,” Alexander said. “He liked the idea of candidates having to appeal to more voters than just voters of their own party, and to face competition.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The system was also designed to give more influence to California’s \u003ca href=\"https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/ror/60day-primary-2026/historical-reg-stats.pdf\">no party preference\u003c/a> voters, who make up 23% of registered voters in the state, just behind Republicans at 25%.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Which political offices in California are decided using this system?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The top-two primary applies to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/primary-elections-california\">“voter-nominated”\u003c/a> offices: governor and other statewide positions like lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer, state controller, insurance commissioner and state board of equalization members.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It also covers state Senate and Assembly seats and U.S. congressional offices.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The jungle primary system does not apply to presidential elections, local and nonpartisan offices such as city council, school boards, judges, district attorneys or the superintendent of public instruction.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Which other states use this system?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Washington state was the first to adopt a top-two primary for congressional and state-level elections in 2004, but not for governor.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Unlike California, Washington allows write-in candidates in the general election — a safety valve for scenarios where one party is locked out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A handful of other states use variations of the system. Nebraska’s legislature is nonpartisan, so it uses a top-two primary for state legislative races.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Louisiana uses a majority-vote system for statewide executive offices, state legislative seats and local offices. If a candidate receives a majority of the vote in the primary, they win outright. If not, there is a second round of voting with the top two vote-getters in November.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Alaska adopted a top-four primary in 2020 for state executive, state legislative and congressional races. An effort to \u003ca href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Alaska_Ballot_Measure_2,_Repeal_Top-Four_Ranked-Choice_Voting_Initiative_(2024)\">repeal\u003c/a> the state’s top-four primaries was narrowly defeated by voters in 2024 but will be on the \u003ca href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Alaska_Repeal_Top-Four_Ranked-Choice_Voting_Initiative_(2026)\">ballot again\u003c/a> this year.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>If I’m a ‘no party preference’ voter, can I even vote in the California primary?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Yes: Any registered voter, including those with no party preference, can vote for any candidate in voter-nominated races like the governor’s contest.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The top-two primary system draws no distinction based on a voter’s party registration.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Are there any efforts to get rid of California’s jungle primary?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Driven in part by concerns that Democrats could be locked out of this year’s governor’s race, a new ballot initiative seeks to repeal California’s top-two primary system.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Democratic strategist Steven Maviglio \u003ca href=\"https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/initiatives/pdfs/26-0004%20%28%26quot%3BUndo%20the%20Top-Two%26quot%3B%29.pdf\">filed the initiative\u003c/a>, called “Undo the Top Two,” with the attorney general on May 8.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079476\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079476\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260226-GovRaceForum-49-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260226-GovRaceForum-49-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260226-GovRaceForum-49-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260226-GovRaceForum-49-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A state gubernatorial candidate forum at the UCSF Mission Bay campus in San Francisco on Jan. 26, 2026. The Urban League of the Bay Area hosted the forum. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>He called the jungle primary a “failed experiment.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The prospect of having to vote for a candidate who’s not from your party in November has really woken up a lot of voters in the state about the dangers of the top-two primary,” Maviglio said. “The chance that a Democrat would have to choose between Chad Bianco or Steve Hilton is sending a chill up the spine of a lot of Democrats.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, even if successful, Maviglio’s initiative won’t impact the 2026 election — since he hopes to place the measure on the 2028 ballot, with any changes taking effect no earlier than the 2030 elections.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "golden-state-valkyries-wnba-2026-ballhalla-chase-center-san-francisco-tickets-parking-bag-policy-merch",
"title": "What to Know About 2026 Valkyries Games at Chase Center: Transportation, Watch Parties and Tickets",
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"headTitle": "What to Know About 2026 Valkyries Games at Chase Center: Transportation, Watch Parties and Tickets | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>This spring, San Francisco’s Chase Center is once again morphing into \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/how-to-be-a-valkyries-fan-a-beginners-guide-to-bay-area-wnba-fandom\">Ballhalla\u003c/a>, the home of the Golden State Valkyries — who are \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082963/ballhalla-rising-golden-state-valkyries-cool-off-phoenix-mercury-to-take-home-opener\">beginning their second year\u003c/a> in the Women’s National Basketball Association.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the team’s inaugural year, fans enthusiastically welcomed the Valkyries to the Bay Area sports scene. Home games \u003ca href=\"https://frontofficesports.com/valkyries-have-stunned-the-wnba-nothing-has-held-us-back/#:~:text=The%20team%20sold%20out%20its,rebrand%20of%20the%20Chase%20Center.\">consistently sold out\u003c/a> and were so loud that even opposing players and their fans have taken notice on \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/warriors/comments/1lfu3np/why_is_the_valkyries_crowd_so_much_better_than/\">social\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.threads.com/@beltzner/post/DLG5Ur_RgiP/holy-moly-the-chase-center-sounds-as-loud-for-the-valkyries-at-least-on-the-broa\">media\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This year, the Valkyries are back with \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/roster\">new players\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/news/wnba-expansion-cleveland-detroit-philadelphia\">new teams to play against \u003c/a>and another chance to make it to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12056563/better-than-i-ever-dreamed-valkyries-fans-reflect-on-historic-first-season\">the WNBA playoffs\u003c/a> once again.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’re a newer fan, keep reading for our guide to how to attend a home game at Chase Center, including information about where to get tickets, parking and public transportation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#WherecanIfindparkingnearChaseCenterforaValkyriesgame\">Where can I find parking near Chase Center for a Valkyries game?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#ValkyrieswatchpartiesintheBayAreaifyoudidntgettickets\">Valkyries watch parties in the Bay Area (if you didn’t get tickets)\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>And if you missed out on the Valkyries hype last year altogether, jump in this month by using \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/how-to-be-a-valkyries-fan-a-beginners-guide-to-bay-area-wnba-fandom\">KQED’s 2025 guide on WNBA fandom and culture\u003c/a> to help you prepare. (Just keep in mind that some aspects of the guide may be outdated, like the team’s roster.) You can jump straight to our section on gatherings in the Bay to learn how you can meet other fans and celebrate the Valkyries outside of Chase Center.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What is the Valkyries’ 2026 schedule?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all&location=all&opponent=all&gclsrc=aw.ds&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=DEPT_SEM_Google_Brand_Acquisition_GSV_Bay-Area_US_Tickets_ROAS_BAU_02-05-2026&utm_term=valkyries&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23527058315&gbraid=0AAAAACpgn3d2oPa-VcSg7etJhBLaKdwcX&gclid=CjwKCAjwnN3OBhA8EiwAfpTYerWar1or-i19ohlTr_DUZOfqVv77H1ryO6-Esj5LVadL6-FZAof4ERoC7xMQAvD_BwE&upcoming=false\">current 2026 schedule\u003c/a> for home games is as follows:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Wednesday, May 13, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Chicago Sky\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Monday, May 25, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Connecticut Sun\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Thursday, May 28, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Indiana Fever\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sunday, May 31, at 12:30 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Las Vegas Aces\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Tuesday, June 2, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Portland Fire\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Tuesday, June 9, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Phoenix Mercury\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Monday, June 15, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Los Angeles Sparks\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Wednesday, June 17, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Dallas Wings\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Friday, June 19, at 7 p.m: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Minnesota Lynx\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Wednesday, June 24, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Friday, June 26, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sunday, June 28, at 4 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs New York Liberty\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, July 18, at 5:30 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Washington Mystics\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Monday, July 20, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Washington Mystics\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sunday, Aug. 2, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Toronto Tempo\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Toronto Tempo\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Chicago Sky\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Monday, Aug. 17, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Dallas Wings\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Minnesota Lynx\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Friday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Portland Fire\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Seattle Storm\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12083066\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12083066\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-35-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-35-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-35-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-35-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Golden State Valkyries celebrate the team’s win against the Phoenix Mercury during their home opener at Chase Center in San Francisco on May 10, 2026. The game marked the start of the Valkyries’ second WNBA season. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Home games usually have halftime shows featuring performances by local acts, such as \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DVcW0azDyUr/\">a Bollywood dance group\u003c/a>. The first home game of this season featured \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LYv5mupFaq0\">Oakland-born musician Sheila E.\u003c/a> as the halftime show act and \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/nbcolympics/videos/olympic-gold-meets-valkyries-violet-bay-area-native-eileen-gu-felt-right-at-home/1492140162634875/\">Bay Area Olympian Eileen Gu\u003c/a> hitting the GSV drum.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You may also see famous Bay Area faces at the game. Last year, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLgbcQyxEef/\">Warriors star Steph Curry\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/ali-wong-golden-state-valkyries-20332724.php\">comedian Ali Wong\u003c/a> were in the audience. The \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3TzNm7gRgI\">Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski\u003c/a> is also a frequent face at Valkyries games.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Valkyries’ away games are as scheduled:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Thursday, June 4, at 6 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Minnesota Lynx\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, June 6, at 12 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Las Vegas Aces\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Friday, June 12, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Seattle Storm\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sunday, June 21, at 1 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Las Vegas Aces\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, July 4, at 10 a.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Monday, July 6, at 4:30 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Washington Mystics\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Wednesday, July 8, at 4 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Toronto Tempo\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Friday, July 10, at 4:30 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Connecticut Sun\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Wednesday, July 15, at 5 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Indiana Fever\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Wednesday, July 29, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Phoenix Mercury\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Friday, Aug. 7, at 6:30 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Dallas Wings\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sunday, Aug. 9, at 4 p.m: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Los Angeles Sparks\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Friday, Aug. 21, at 4:30 p.m: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Chicago Sky\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Monday, Aug. 24, at 5 p.m: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Minnesota Lynx\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 5 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Connecticut Sun\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Thursday, Aug. 27, at 5 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs New York Liberty\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sunday, Aug. 30, at 4 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Portland Fire\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Portland Fire\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Thursday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Los Angeles Sparks\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You can keep an eye on \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule/broadcast-schedule\">the broadcast schedule\u003c/a> on the Valkyries’ website to see your options for streaming or live TV.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How can I get tickets to a Valkyries game?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>You can \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/tickets\">get tickets for home games\u003c/a> at the Valkyries’ official website, where options include mini-plans for multiple games or season tickets.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Single-game tickets currently start at relatively affordable prices. As of publication, for example, tickets for the May 25 game start \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/golden-state-valkyries-vs-connecticut-sun-san-francisco-california-05-25-2026/event/1C006435CB183623\">around $27 but run to over $216\u003c/a>. (Fans have noted that tickets have gotten \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/valkyries/article/valkyries-most-expensive-ticket-wnba-game-20325914.php\">more expensive as the hype for the team has grown\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12040692\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12040692\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-23_qed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1243\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-23_qed-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-23_qed-1-800x497.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-23_qed-1-1020x634.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-23_qed-1-160x99.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-23_qed-1-1536x955.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-23_qed-1-1920x1193.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Golden State Valkyries at their home opener at Chase Center on May 16, 2025. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Some fans who have season tickets may sell individual games to other people. You may be able to find these offers on social media sites like Facebook groups. Valqueeries organizer Megan Doherty-Baker said \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/how-to-be-a-valkyries-fan-a-beginners-guide-to-bay-area-wnba-fandom#valkyries-schedule\">in 2025\u003c/a> that fan groups like hers may also have a quick connection to people who are looking to sell or just generously give out their tickets.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>(But be careful, and verify the person before sending any money — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11956083/taylor-swift-levis-stadium-eras-santa-clara-tickets#taylorswifttickets\">ticket scams have been common in recent years\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What time should I arrive at Chase Center?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Doors are scheduled to open \u003ca href=\"https://chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/\">at least 90 minutes\u003c/a> before a game starts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you are new to the sport, like this reporter was last year, know that basketball games move \u003cem>fast,\u003c/em> and it is best to be in your seat at tip-off. Games, which are split into quarters, are around two to two-and-a-half hours long and it can be easy to miss something once play gets started (unlike, for example, baseball).\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where can I find Golden State Valkyries merch?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Some select games and themed nights at Chase Center may have promotions or complimentary merch for all fans or people who arrive early.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For example, on April 25, attendees will get \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all&location=all&opponent=all&gclsrc=aw.ds&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=DEPT_SEM_Google_Brand_Acquisition_GSV_Bay-Area_US_Tickets_ROAS_BAU_02-05-2026&utm_term=valkyries&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23527058315&gbraid=0AAAAACpgn3d2oPa-VcSg7etJhBLaKdwcX&gclid=CjwKCAjwnN3OBhA8EiwAfpTYerWar1or-i19ohlTr_DUZOfqVv77H1ryO6-Esj5LVadL6-FZAof4ERoC7xMQAvD_BwE&upcoming=false\">a free Valkyries shirt\u003c/a> that says, “Born in the Bay.” On July 20, the team will distribute a very cute plushie of Hello Kitty wearing Valkyries merch. Another special night to keep note of: June 28 is the 30th anniversary of the WNBA.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you are \u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-M\">on the hunt for merch\u003c/a> — \u003ca href=\"https://shop.valkyries.com/en/\">the Valkyries have plenty\u003c/a> in the team’s signature\u003ca href=\"https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/olivia-rodrigo-prince-hole-purple-pop-music-history\"> pop-girl purple\u003c/a> — check out the stands at Portals 10, 21, 41, 42, 47 and 59.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12040691\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1873px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12040691\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-53_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1873\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-53_qed.jpg 1873w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-53_qed-800x569.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-53_qed-1020x726.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-53_qed-160x114.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-53_qed-1536x1093.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1873px) 100vw, 1873px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans pose for a photo outside of Chase Center, following the WNBA game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Los Angeles Sparks on May 16, 2025. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The Golden State Shop right outside Chase Center, which stays \u003ca href=\"https://goldenstate.com/shop/\">open late after games\u003c/a>, also sells merch. Keep in mind: The line after a game will be \u003cem>long\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some merch can also be found online, including at the \u003ca href=\"https://shop.valkyries.com/\">official Valkyries shop\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://wnbastore.nba.com/Golden-State-Valkyries/t-13183796+z-9844603-3130371206?vap=1&ab=%7Bwt-static_graphic%7D%7Bpt-tlp%7D%7Bal-a_spot%7D%7Bct-team%7D%7Btt-valkyries%7D%7Baid-091825%7D\">the WNBA store\u003c/a>, local brands like \u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandish.com/collections/golden-state-valkyries-tees?srsltid=AfmBOooGOo08ctr3-Pf7IG-YyXXCATiZ8eSWRFcPNrBIMKdxNZOXHdbs\">Oaklandish\u003c/a> and retailers like \u003ca href=\"https://www.homage.com/collections/wnba-x-peanuts/products/peanuts-peppermint-patty-x-golden-state-valkyries\">Homage\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/f/golden-state-valkyries?srsltid=AfmBOootDt1JVfLmLqK5fBIm0qMA_zYCr5qdK117rjHshqK-zhYh9fxA\">Dick’s Sporting Goods\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In this reporter’s experience, Bay Area designers unveil their own specialized fan merch around WNBA season and can be found on Instagram and at block parties and street festivals. They are unofficial — and unaffiliated with the WNBA — but some designs may be worth keeping an eye on.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What is the Chase Center bag policy for Valkyries games?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Backpacks (except for single-compartment drawstring bags) of any kind are \u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-B\">prohibited from entering the arena\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Any other bag, including diaper bags, must be smaller than 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Attendees with bags that do not meet the requirements can check them at 16th Street & Terry Francois Boulevard for $10. Bag check opens an hour before doors open and closes an hour after the event ends.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12040681\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12040681\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-69_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1304\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-69_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-69_qed-800x522.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-69_qed-1020x665.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-69_qed-160x104.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-69_qed-1536x1001.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-69_qed-1920x1252.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Golden State Valkyries guard Julie Vanloo (35) advances toward the basket at the Valkyries’ home opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at Chase Center on May 16, 2025. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Here are some more things \u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-P\">you cannot bring into Chase Center\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Reusable bottles and cans\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Refillable water bottles or cups\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Signs over 11 x 17 inches or attached to any pole or stick\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Masks that cover the whole face (Face coverings to lower your risks of catching — or spreading — COVID-19, like N95 masks, are allowed. Limited face paint is acceptable.)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Lights, tripods and professional recording equipment\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Noise-making devices, such as air horns, whistles or cowbells\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Weapons and self-defense items of any kind, including mace, knives and tasers\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Selfie sticks\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Skateboards, scooters, rollerblades, bicycles and helmets\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You can bring:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-C\">Baby bags\u003c/a>, plastic baby bottles and formula\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-S\">Strollers\u003c/a>, which can be checked in at Portals 13 or 52 during the event\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-U\">Umbrellas\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-B\">Binoculars and their cases\u003c/a>, in most instances, but they will likely be searched.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Is food available at Chase Center?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Outside food and drink are \u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-F\">\u003cem>not\u003c/em> permitted \u003c/a>into the Chase Center. There are a lot of food stalls and bars within the center, with drink stands scattered throughout.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can find \u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/food-and-beverage/\">a list of restaurants on the Chase Center website\u003c/a>, although in this reporter’s experience, not all of them will be open on the day of a game. But there will be reliable game-day bites, like chicken tenders and fries.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"WherecanIfindparkingnearChaseCenterforaValkyriesgame\">\u003c/a>Where can I find parking near Chase Center?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Chase Center has \u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/transportation/parking/\">a guide to its parking garage\u003c/a> on 99 Warriors Way, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/transportation/parking/#event-day\">what to do during event days.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to the Chase Center website, event parking begins two hours before the start time, and the rate “is an additional $75, on top of any accrued public parking fees.” You can try \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/chase-center-tickets-san-francisco/venue/230012?addOnType=PARKING\">reserving parking on Ticketmaster\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12040685\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12040685\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-49_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-49_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-49_qed-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-49_qed-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-49_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-49_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-49_qed-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A fan cheers after the Golden State Valkyries scored during their home opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at Chase Center on May 16, 2025. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>You can also book a spot using \u003ca href=\"https://spothero.com/destination/san-francisco/chase-center-parking\">the third-party parking website SpotHero\u003c/a>, which may have cheaper parking options farther away.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can take a chance on street parking in the area \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/drive-park/oracle-park-and-chase-center-special-event-parking-regulations\">by using this guide from SFMTA\u003c/a>, but be sure to be careful of parking tickets.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What should I know about rideshare services like Uber, Lyft and Waymo at Chase Center?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Getting to Chase Center using a rideshare service will likely be pretty smooth — it’s getting \u003cem>out \u003c/em>of the area after a game that is almost certainly going to be a challenge. And due to surge pricing, it will also be far more expensive to get an Uber or Lyft as you exit the venue.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are \u003ca href=\"https://chasecenter.com/lyft/\">multiple designated pickup and drop-off zones\u003c/a> located around Chase Center, including:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Warriors Way & Terry Francois Boulevard\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Mission Bay Boulevard (South)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Fourth Street & Campus Way\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Zone 1 and 2: Pier 52\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Zone 3 and 4: Mission Rock Resort\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>What are my public transit options at Chase Center?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Public transit schedules are always subject to change, so check the timetable for your route on the day of the event, and be cognizant of when service ends so you don’t get stuck far from home.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A map of public transit options can be \u003ca href=\"https://cdn.nba.com/teams/uploads/sites/1610612744/2024/08/CC_BM_20231005_CC_Transportation_MapCC_BM_20231005_CC_Transportation_Map_1080x1080.jpg\">found on the Valkyries’ website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>SF Muni\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Any Chase Center patron who shows their event ticket at Muni turnstiles and boarding platforms can ride Muni \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/fares/your-chase-center-event-ticket-your-muni-fare\">without charge\u003c/a>. (This offer expires at 2 a.m.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There is a Muni Metro rail stop serving the venue on the T Third Street line, which connects Chinatown and Sunnydale. See \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/routes/t-third-street\">the Muni Metro schedule\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12040688\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12040688\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-11_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-11_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-11_qed-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-11_qed-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-11_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-11_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-11_qed-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Couple Cesar and Corrine Cueva pose for a photo, holding a sign that Cesar made, ahead of the Golden State Valkyries’ home opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at Chase Center on May 16, 2025. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>BART\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Several BART stations offer convenient connections to get to the venue.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Muni Route 22 connects to the 16th Street and Mission BART station. The closest stop is located on Third Street and Gene Friend Way.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Muni Route 15 serves as a connection to the Montgomery Street BART station. The closest stop is located on Third Street and Warriors Way.[aside postID=news_12047885 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/golden-state-valkyries.png']You can transfer to the new Union Square Muni Metro rail station from Powell BART station via the underground corridor to take the T Third Street line or S Shuttle Mission Bay line to the UCSF/Chase Center stop.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can find more information and schedules \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/\">on the BART website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Caltrain\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you take Caltrain to San Francisco, you can walk 15-20 minutes along Fourth Street and turn left on Gene Friend Way to Chase Center.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also transfer from the San Francisco Caltrain station to the Muni Metro T Third Street platform, which is located across the street, and take Muni to the UCSF/Chase Center stop.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you are attending a weekend game, be sure to check \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/dollarfares?active_tab=route_explorer_tab\">Caltrain’s weekend schedule to make sure you know when the last train leaves\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Riders 18 and under can ride for \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/dollarfares\">$1 one-way or buy a day pass for $2\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Biking\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chase Center offers guests \u003ca href=\"https://chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-B\">free bike valet\u003c/a> for up to 300 bikes beginning an hour before start time. The valet is available along 16th Street, on the south side of Chase Center.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There is also \u003ca href=\"https://www.lyft.com/bikes/bay-wheels\">a Lyft/Bay Wheels bike share station\u003c/a> on Warriors Way.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What should I know about accessibility at Chase Center?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Chase Center addresses \u003ca href=\"https://chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/accessible-services/\">questions about accessibility\u003c/a> in its \u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-A\">online A-to-Z Guide\u003c/a>, which includes information about accessible parking, hearing assistance, ADA-compliant restrooms and service animals. For more questions, fans can contact \u003ca href=\"mailto:guestexperiences@warriors.com\">guestexperiences@warriors.com\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to the guide, all entrances are wheelchair accessible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12049845\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12049845\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-79_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1284\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-79_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-79_qed-160x103.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-79_qed-1536x986.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) attempts to make a basket during the first quarter at the Valkyries’ home opener at Chase Center on May 16, 2025. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The venue said guests can request complimentary wheelchair escorts by visiting the kiosks located at Portal 13 and Portal 53, or by texting 833-CC4-FANS. Wheelchairs are not available for rent.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Accessible parking in \u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/transportation/#drive\">the parking garage\u003c/a> is available on a first-come, first-served basis.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-A\">the guide\u003c/a>, “disabled and accessible seating is available at Chase Center in all ticket price categories, based on availability.” Guests buying these seats “may purchase companion seating as well. Chase Center will attempt to reasonably accommodate any concern regarding guests with disabilities.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"ValkyrieswatchpartiesintheBayAreaifyoudidntgettickets\">\u003c/a>I didn’t get tickets. Are there any Valkyries watch parties in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>There will definitely be more watch parties popping up throughout the WNBA season (including at \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thetwelfthmarin\">a Marin women’s sports bar\u003c/a> scheduled to open this summer).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Local sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir, who writes about \u003ca href=\"https://wnbaroughnotes.substack.com/\">the WNBA in Rough Notes\u003c/a>, also pulled together \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1yIDpg_Y8ULIO2-IdC2H3wmR9nZeXbl4&ll=38.06201922218028%2C-121.05610149375002&z=8\">a \u003cem>very\u003c/em> thorough map of Valkyries fandom spots\u003c/a> throughout the Bay Area, including parties, extended Ballhalla communities and women’s/queer pickup basketball.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1yIDpg_Y8ULIO2-IdC2H3wmR9nZeXbl4&ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\" frameborder=\"0\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Spots that have aired Valkyries games, hosted viewing parties in the past or are part of the \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/bar-network\">Valkyries Bar Network\u003c/a> include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/events/?brand=Thrive%20city\">Thrive City\u003c/a> (the venue connected to Chase Center) may show away games on a large screen outside the arena. Be sure to check the website beforehand to verify.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">Rikki’s\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.mothersf.com/\">Mother\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://valleytavern.com/\">Valley Tavern\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.atwatertavern.com/\">Atwater Tavern\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://harmonicbrewing.com/\">Harmonic Brewing Thrive City\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.harrysbarsf.com/\">Harry’s Bar\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://hitopsbar.com/\">Hi Tops\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://standarddeviantbrewing.com/\">Standard Deviant\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://splashsportsbar.com/\">Splash Sports Bar\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Oakland\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/georgeandwaltsbar/\">George & Walt’s\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://line51beer.com/\">Line 51 Brewing\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://xingones.com/\">Xingones Cantina\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://lucybluebar.com/\">Lucy Blue\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://benandnicks.com/\">Ben n’ Nicks\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.pickleathletics.com/public-events/\">Pickle Athletics\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://whitehorsebar.com/\">The White Horse\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>South Bay\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rookieslodge.com/\">Rookie’s Sports Lodge\u003c/a> in San José\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>This spring, San Francisco’s Chase Center is once again morphing into \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/how-to-be-a-valkyries-fan-a-beginners-guide-to-bay-area-wnba-fandom\">Ballhalla\u003c/a>, the home of the Golden State Valkyries — who are \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082963/ballhalla-rising-golden-state-valkyries-cool-off-phoenix-mercury-to-take-home-opener\">beginning their second year\u003c/a> in the Women’s National Basketball Association.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the team’s inaugural year, fans enthusiastically welcomed the Valkyries to the Bay Area sports scene. Home games \u003ca href=\"https://frontofficesports.com/valkyries-have-stunned-the-wnba-nothing-has-held-us-back/#:~:text=The%20team%20sold%20out%20its,rebrand%20of%20the%20Chase%20Center.\">consistently sold out\u003c/a> and were so loud that even opposing players and their fans have taken notice on \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/warriors/comments/1lfu3np/why_is_the_valkyries_crowd_so_much_better_than/\">social\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.threads.com/@beltzner/post/DLG5Ur_RgiP/holy-moly-the-chase-center-sounds-as-loud-for-the-valkyries-at-least-on-the-broa\">media\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This year, the Valkyries are back with \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/roster\">new players\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/news/wnba-expansion-cleveland-detroit-philadelphia\">new teams to play against \u003c/a>and another chance to make it to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12056563/better-than-i-ever-dreamed-valkyries-fans-reflect-on-historic-first-season\">the WNBA playoffs\u003c/a> once again.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’re a newer fan, keep reading for our guide to how to attend a home game at Chase Center, including information about where to get tickets, parking and public transportation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#WherecanIfindparkingnearChaseCenterforaValkyriesgame\">Where can I find parking near Chase Center for a Valkyries game?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#ValkyrieswatchpartiesintheBayAreaifyoudidntgettickets\">Valkyries watch parties in the Bay Area (if you didn’t get tickets)\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>And if you missed out on the Valkyries hype last year altogether, jump in this month by using \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/how-to-be-a-valkyries-fan-a-beginners-guide-to-bay-area-wnba-fandom\">KQED’s 2025 guide on WNBA fandom and culture\u003c/a> to help you prepare. (Just keep in mind that some aspects of the guide may be outdated, like the team’s roster.) You can jump straight to our section on gatherings in the Bay to learn how you can meet other fans and celebrate the Valkyries outside of Chase Center.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What is the Valkyries’ 2026 schedule?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all&location=all&opponent=all&gclsrc=aw.ds&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=DEPT_SEM_Google_Brand_Acquisition_GSV_Bay-Area_US_Tickets_ROAS_BAU_02-05-2026&utm_term=valkyries&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23527058315&gbraid=0AAAAACpgn3d2oPa-VcSg7etJhBLaKdwcX&gclid=CjwKCAjwnN3OBhA8EiwAfpTYerWar1or-i19ohlTr_DUZOfqVv77H1ryO6-Esj5LVadL6-FZAof4ERoC7xMQAvD_BwE&upcoming=false\">current 2026 schedule\u003c/a> for home games is as follows:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Wednesday, May 13, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Chicago Sky\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Monday, May 25, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Connecticut Sun\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Thursday, May 28, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Indiana Fever\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sunday, May 31, at 12:30 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Las Vegas Aces\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Tuesday, June 2, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Portland Fire\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Tuesday, June 9, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Phoenix Mercury\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Monday, June 15, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Los Angeles Sparks\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Wednesday, June 17, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Dallas Wings\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Friday, June 19, at 7 p.m: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Minnesota Lynx\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Wednesday, June 24, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Friday, June 26, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sunday, June 28, at 4 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs New York Liberty\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, July 18, at 5:30 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Washington Mystics\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Monday, July 20, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Washington Mystics\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sunday, Aug. 2, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Toronto Tempo\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Toronto Tempo\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Chicago Sky\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Monday, Aug. 17, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Dallas Wings\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Minnesota Lynx\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Friday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Portland Fire\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Seattle Storm\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12083066\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12083066\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-35-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-35-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-35-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-35-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Golden State Valkyries celebrate the team’s win against the Phoenix Mercury during their home opener at Chase Center in San Francisco on May 10, 2026. The game marked the start of the Valkyries’ second WNBA season. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Home games usually have halftime shows featuring performances by local acts, such as \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DVcW0azDyUr/\">a Bollywood dance group\u003c/a>. The first home game of this season featured \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LYv5mupFaq0\">Oakland-born musician Sheila E.\u003c/a> as the halftime show act and \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/nbcolympics/videos/olympic-gold-meets-valkyries-violet-bay-area-native-eileen-gu-felt-right-at-home/1492140162634875/\">Bay Area Olympian Eileen Gu\u003c/a> hitting the GSV drum.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You may also see famous Bay Area faces at the game. Last year, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLgbcQyxEef/\">Warriors star Steph Curry\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/ali-wong-golden-state-valkyries-20332724.php\">comedian Ali Wong\u003c/a> were in the audience. The \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3TzNm7gRgI\">Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski\u003c/a> is also a frequent face at Valkyries games.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Valkyries’ away games are as scheduled:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Thursday, June 4, at 6 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Minnesota Lynx\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, June 6, at 12 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Las Vegas Aces\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Friday, June 12, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Seattle Storm\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sunday, June 21, at 1 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Las Vegas Aces\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, July 4, at 10 a.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Monday, July 6, at 4:30 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Washington Mystics\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Wednesday, July 8, at 4 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Toronto Tempo\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Friday, July 10, at 4:30 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Connecticut Sun\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Wednesday, July 15, at 5 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Indiana Fever\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Wednesday, July 29, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Phoenix Mercury\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Friday, Aug. 7, at 6:30 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Dallas Wings\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sunday, Aug. 9, at 4 p.m: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Los Angeles Sparks\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Friday, Aug. 21, at 4:30 p.m: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Chicago Sky\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Monday, Aug. 24, at 5 p.m: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Minnesota Lynx\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 5 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Connecticut Sun\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Thursday, Aug. 27, at 5 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs New York Liberty\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sunday, Aug. 30, at 4 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Portland Fire\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Portland Fire\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Thursday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m.: \u003c/strong>Valkyries vs. Los Angeles Sparks\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You can keep an eye on \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule/broadcast-schedule\">the broadcast schedule\u003c/a> on the Valkyries’ website to see your options for streaming or live TV.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How can I get tickets to a Valkyries game?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>You can \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/tickets\">get tickets for home games\u003c/a> at the Valkyries’ official website, where options include mini-plans for multiple games or season tickets.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Single-game tickets currently start at relatively affordable prices. As of publication, for example, tickets for the May 25 game start \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/golden-state-valkyries-vs-connecticut-sun-san-francisco-california-05-25-2026/event/1C006435CB183623\">around $27 but run to over $216\u003c/a>. (Fans have noted that tickets have gotten \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/valkyries/article/valkyries-most-expensive-ticket-wnba-game-20325914.php\">more expensive as the hype for the team has grown\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12040692\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12040692\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-23_qed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1243\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-23_qed-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-23_qed-1-800x497.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-23_qed-1-1020x634.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-23_qed-1-160x99.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-23_qed-1-1536x955.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-23_qed-1-1920x1193.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Golden State Valkyries at their home opener at Chase Center on May 16, 2025. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Some fans who have season tickets may sell individual games to other people. You may be able to find these offers on social media sites like Facebook groups. Valqueeries organizer Megan Doherty-Baker said \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/how-to-be-a-valkyries-fan-a-beginners-guide-to-bay-area-wnba-fandom#valkyries-schedule\">in 2025\u003c/a> that fan groups like hers may also have a quick connection to people who are looking to sell or just generously give out their tickets.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>(But be careful, and verify the person before sending any money — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11956083/taylor-swift-levis-stadium-eras-santa-clara-tickets#taylorswifttickets\">ticket scams have been common in recent years\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What time should I arrive at Chase Center?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Doors are scheduled to open \u003ca href=\"https://chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/\">at least 90 minutes\u003c/a> before a game starts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you are new to the sport, like this reporter was last year, know that basketball games move \u003cem>fast,\u003c/em> and it is best to be in your seat at tip-off. Games, which are split into quarters, are around two to two-and-a-half hours long and it can be easy to miss something once play gets started (unlike, for example, baseball).\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Where can I find Golden State Valkyries merch?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Some select games and themed nights at Chase Center may have promotions or complimentary merch for all fans or people who arrive early.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For example, on April 25, attendees will get \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all&location=all&opponent=all&gclsrc=aw.ds&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=DEPT_SEM_Google_Brand_Acquisition_GSV_Bay-Area_US_Tickets_ROAS_BAU_02-05-2026&utm_term=valkyries&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23527058315&gbraid=0AAAAACpgn3d2oPa-VcSg7etJhBLaKdwcX&gclid=CjwKCAjwnN3OBhA8EiwAfpTYerWar1or-i19ohlTr_DUZOfqVv77H1ryO6-Esj5LVadL6-FZAof4ERoC7xMQAvD_BwE&upcoming=false\">a free Valkyries shirt\u003c/a> that says, “Born in the Bay.” On July 20, the team will distribute a very cute plushie of Hello Kitty wearing Valkyries merch. Another special night to keep note of: June 28 is the 30th anniversary of the WNBA.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you are \u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-M\">on the hunt for merch\u003c/a> — \u003ca href=\"https://shop.valkyries.com/en/\">the Valkyries have plenty\u003c/a> in the team’s signature\u003ca href=\"https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/olivia-rodrigo-prince-hole-purple-pop-music-history\"> pop-girl purple\u003c/a> — check out the stands at Portals 10, 21, 41, 42, 47 and 59.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12040691\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1873px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12040691\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-53_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1873\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-53_qed.jpg 1873w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-53_qed-800x569.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-53_qed-1020x726.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-53_qed-160x114.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-53_qed-1536x1093.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1873px) 100vw, 1873px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans pose for a photo outside of Chase Center, following the WNBA game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Los Angeles Sparks on May 16, 2025. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The Golden State Shop right outside Chase Center, which stays \u003ca href=\"https://goldenstate.com/shop/\">open late after games\u003c/a>, also sells merch. Keep in mind: The line after a game will be \u003cem>long\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some merch can also be found online, including at the \u003ca href=\"https://shop.valkyries.com/\">official Valkyries shop\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://wnbastore.nba.com/Golden-State-Valkyries/t-13183796+z-9844603-3130371206?vap=1&ab=%7Bwt-static_graphic%7D%7Bpt-tlp%7D%7Bal-a_spot%7D%7Bct-team%7D%7Btt-valkyries%7D%7Baid-091825%7D\">the WNBA store\u003c/a>, local brands like \u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandish.com/collections/golden-state-valkyries-tees?srsltid=AfmBOooGOo08ctr3-Pf7IG-YyXXCATiZ8eSWRFcPNrBIMKdxNZOXHdbs\">Oaklandish\u003c/a> and retailers like \u003ca href=\"https://www.homage.com/collections/wnba-x-peanuts/products/peanuts-peppermint-patty-x-golden-state-valkyries\">Homage\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/f/golden-state-valkyries?srsltid=AfmBOootDt1JVfLmLqK5fBIm0qMA_zYCr5qdK117rjHshqK-zhYh9fxA\">Dick’s Sporting Goods\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In this reporter’s experience, Bay Area designers unveil their own specialized fan merch around WNBA season and can be found on Instagram and at block parties and street festivals. They are unofficial — and unaffiliated with the WNBA — but some designs may be worth keeping an eye on.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What is the Chase Center bag policy for Valkyries games?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Backpacks (except for single-compartment drawstring bags) of any kind are \u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-B\">prohibited from entering the arena\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Any other bag, including diaper bags, must be smaller than 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Attendees with bags that do not meet the requirements can check them at 16th Street & Terry Francois Boulevard for $10. Bag check opens an hour before doors open and closes an hour after the event ends.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12040681\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12040681\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-69_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1304\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-69_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-69_qed-800x522.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-69_qed-1020x665.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-69_qed-160x104.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-69_qed-1536x1001.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-69_qed-1920x1252.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Golden State Valkyries guard Julie Vanloo (35) advances toward the basket at the Valkyries’ home opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at Chase Center on May 16, 2025. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Here are some more things \u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-P\">you cannot bring into Chase Center\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Reusable bottles and cans\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Refillable water bottles or cups\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Signs over 11 x 17 inches or attached to any pole or stick\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Masks that cover the whole face (Face coverings to lower your risks of catching — or spreading — COVID-19, like N95 masks, are allowed. Limited face paint is acceptable.)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Lights, tripods and professional recording equipment\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Noise-making devices, such as air horns, whistles or cowbells\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Weapons and self-defense items of any kind, including mace, knives and tasers\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Selfie sticks\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Skateboards, scooters, rollerblades, bicycles and helmets\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You can bring:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-C\">Baby bags\u003c/a>, plastic baby bottles and formula\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-S\">Strollers\u003c/a>, which can be checked in at Portals 13 or 52 during the event\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-U\">Umbrellas\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-B\">Binoculars and their cases\u003c/a>, in most instances, but they will likely be searched.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Is food available at Chase Center?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Outside food and drink are \u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-F\">\u003cem>not\u003c/em> permitted \u003c/a>into the Chase Center. There are a lot of food stalls and bars within the center, with drink stands scattered throughout.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can find \u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/food-and-beverage/\">a list of restaurants on the Chase Center website\u003c/a>, although in this reporter’s experience, not all of them will be open on the day of a game. But there will be reliable game-day bites, like chicken tenders and fries.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"WherecanIfindparkingnearChaseCenterforaValkyriesgame\">\u003c/a>Where can I find parking near Chase Center?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Chase Center has \u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/transportation/parking/\">a guide to its parking garage\u003c/a> on 99 Warriors Way, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/transportation/parking/#event-day\">what to do during event days.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to the Chase Center website, event parking begins two hours before the start time, and the rate “is an additional $75, on top of any accrued public parking fees.” You can try \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/chase-center-tickets-san-francisco/venue/230012?addOnType=PARKING\">reserving parking on Ticketmaster\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12040685\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12040685\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-49_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-49_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-49_qed-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-49_qed-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-49_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-49_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-49_qed-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A fan cheers after the Golden State Valkyries scored during their home opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at Chase Center on May 16, 2025. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>You can also book a spot using \u003ca href=\"https://spothero.com/destination/san-francisco/chase-center-parking\">the third-party parking website SpotHero\u003c/a>, which may have cheaper parking options farther away.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can take a chance on street parking in the area \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/drive-park/oracle-park-and-chase-center-special-event-parking-regulations\">by using this guide from SFMTA\u003c/a>, but be sure to be careful of parking tickets.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What should I know about rideshare services like Uber, Lyft and Waymo at Chase Center?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Getting to Chase Center using a rideshare service will likely be pretty smooth — it’s getting \u003cem>out \u003c/em>of the area after a game that is almost certainly going to be a challenge. And due to surge pricing, it will also be far more expensive to get an Uber or Lyft as you exit the venue.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are \u003ca href=\"https://chasecenter.com/lyft/\">multiple designated pickup and drop-off zones\u003c/a> located around Chase Center, including:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Warriors Way & Terry Francois Boulevard\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Mission Bay Boulevard (South)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Fourth Street & Campus Way\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Zone 1 and 2: Pier 52\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Zone 3 and 4: Mission Rock Resort\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>What are my public transit options at Chase Center?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Public transit schedules are always subject to change, so check the timetable for your route on the day of the event, and be cognizant of when service ends so you don’t get stuck far from home.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A map of public transit options can be \u003ca href=\"https://cdn.nba.com/teams/uploads/sites/1610612744/2024/08/CC_BM_20231005_CC_Transportation_MapCC_BM_20231005_CC_Transportation_Map_1080x1080.jpg\">found on the Valkyries’ website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>SF Muni\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Any Chase Center patron who shows their event ticket at Muni turnstiles and boarding platforms can ride Muni \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/fares/your-chase-center-event-ticket-your-muni-fare\">without charge\u003c/a>. (This offer expires at 2 a.m.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There is a Muni Metro rail stop serving the venue on the T Third Street line, which connects Chinatown and Sunnydale. See \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/routes/t-third-street\">the Muni Metro schedule\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12040688\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12040688\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-11_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-11_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-11_qed-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-11_qed-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-11_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-11_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-11_qed-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Couple Cesar and Corrine Cueva pose for a photo, holding a sign that Cesar made, ahead of the Golden State Valkyries’ home opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at Chase Center on May 16, 2025. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>BART\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Several BART stations offer convenient connections to get to the venue.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Muni Route 22 connects to the 16th Street and Mission BART station. The closest stop is located on Third Street and Gene Friend Way.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Muni Route 15 serves as a connection to the Montgomery Street BART station. The closest stop is located on Third Street and Warriors Way.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>You can transfer to the new Union Square Muni Metro rail station from Powell BART station via the underground corridor to take the T Third Street line or S Shuttle Mission Bay line to the UCSF/Chase Center stop.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can find more information and schedules \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/\">on the BART website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Caltrain\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you take Caltrain to San Francisco, you can walk 15-20 minutes along Fourth Street and turn left on Gene Friend Way to Chase Center.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also transfer from the San Francisco Caltrain station to the Muni Metro T Third Street platform, which is located across the street, and take Muni to the UCSF/Chase Center stop.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you are attending a weekend game, be sure to check \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/dollarfares?active_tab=route_explorer_tab\">Caltrain’s weekend schedule to make sure you know when the last train leaves\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Riders 18 and under can ride for \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/dollarfares\">$1 one-way or buy a day pass for $2\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Biking\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chase Center offers guests \u003ca href=\"https://chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-B\">free bike valet\u003c/a> for up to 300 bikes beginning an hour before start time. The valet is available along 16th Street, on the south side of Chase Center.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There is also \u003ca href=\"https://www.lyft.com/bikes/bay-wheels\">a Lyft/Bay Wheels bike share station\u003c/a> on Warriors Way.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What should I know about accessibility at Chase Center?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Chase Center addresses \u003ca href=\"https://chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/accessible-services/\">questions about accessibility\u003c/a> in its \u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-A\">online A-to-Z Guide\u003c/a>, which includes information about accessible parking, hearing assistance, ADA-compliant restrooms and service animals. For more questions, fans can contact \u003ca href=\"mailto:guestexperiences@warriors.com\">guestexperiences@warriors.com\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to the guide, all entrances are wheelchair accessible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12049845\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12049845\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-79_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1284\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-79_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-79_qed-160x103.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-79_qed-1536x986.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) attempts to make a basket during the first quarter at the Valkyries’ home opener at Chase Center on May 16, 2025. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The venue said guests can request complimentary wheelchair escorts by visiting the kiosks located at Portal 13 and Portal 53, or by texting 833-CC4-FANS. Wheelchairs are not available for rent.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Accessible parking in \u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/transportation/#drive\">the parking garage\u003c/a> is available on a first-come, first-served basis.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/plan-your-visit/a-to-z-guide/#letter-A\">the guide\u003c/a>, “disabled and accessible seating is available at Chase Center in all ticket price categories, based on availability.” Guests buying these seats “may purchase companion seating as well. Chase Center will attempt to reasonably accommodate any concern regarding guests with disabilities.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"ValkyrieswatchpartiesintheBayAreaifyoudidntgettickets\">\u003c/a>I didn’t get tickets. Are there any Valkyries watch parties in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>There will definitely be more watch parties popping up throughout the WNBA season (including at \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thetwelfthmarin\">a Marin women’s sports bar\u003c/a> scheduled to open this summer).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Local sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir, who writes about \u003ca href=\"https://wnbaroughnotes.substack.com/\">the WNBA in Rough Notes\u003c/a>, also pulled together \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1yIDpg_Y8ULIO2-IdC2H3wmR9nZeXbl4&ll=38.06201922218028%2C-121.05610149375002&z=8\">a \u003cem>very\u003c/em> thorough map of Valkyries fandom spots\u003c/a> throughout the Bay Area, including parties, extended Ballhalla communities and women’s/queer pickup basketball.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1yIDpg_Y8ULIO2-IdC2H3wmR9nZeXbl4&ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\" frameborder=\"0\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Spots that have aired Valkyries games, hosted viewing parties in the past or are part of the \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/bar-network\">Valkyries Bar Network\u003c/a> include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.chasecenter.com/events/?brand=Thrive%20city\">Thrive City\u003c/a> (the venue connected to Chase Center) may show away games on a large screen outside the arena. Be sure to check the website beforehand to verify.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">Rikki’s\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.mothersf.com/\">Mother\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://valleytavern.com/\">Valley Tavern\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.atwatertavern.com/\">Atwater Tavern\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://harmonicbrewing.com/\">Harmonic Brewing Thrive City\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.harrysbarsf.com/\">Harry’s Bar\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://hitopsbar.com/\">Hi Tops\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://standarddeviantbrewing.com/\">Standard Deviant\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://splashsportsbar.com/\">Splash Sports Bar\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Oakland\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/georgeandwaltsbar/\">George & Walt’s\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://line51beer.com/\">Line 51 Brewing\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://xingones.com/\">Xingones Cantina\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://lucybluebar.com/\">Lucy Blue\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://benandnicks.com/\">Ben n’ Nicks\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.pickleathletics.com/public-events/\">Pickle Athletics\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://whitehorsebar.com/\">The White Horse\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>South Bay\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rookieslodge.com/\">Rookie’s Sports Lodge\u003c/a> in San José\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "bts-stanford-stadium-arirang-tickets-2026-bag-policy-setlist-parking-guide",
"title": "Seeing BTS at the Stanford Stadium This Weekend? From Bag Policy to Parking, What to Know",
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"headTitle": "Seeing BTS at the Stanford Stadium This Weekend? From Bag Policy to Parking, What to Know | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082588/bts-stanford-may-2026-stadium-army-kpop-things-to-do-bay-area-peninsula\">BTS is returning to the Bay Area\u003c/a> for the first time as a group in eight years for their \u003cem>Arirang \u003c/em>World Tour — and they’re stopping at the Stanford Stadium on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s been such a buildup,” said KQED’s resident BTS expert, the \u003cem>California Report Magazine’s\u003c/em> producer \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/sracho\">Suzie Racho\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em> “They’re really making a concerted effort to get to as many fans as possible.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The anticipation is high as fans like Racho — also known as BTS ARMY — have been eagerly waiting for the group’s return since the hiatus in 2022, where members spent time fulfilling their mandatory service in the Korean military and pursuing their solo projects.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And for a group that is performing elsewhere at some of \u003ca href=\"https://ibighit.com/en/bts/tour/\">the biggest stadiums in the world\u003c/a>, some may be a little surprised that BTS’s Bay Area shows are at Stanford Stadium, the university’s football stadium near Palo Alto. But Racho said she’s hopeful she is a chance that the venue may actually help fans “experience it a little bit more immersively.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This will be the second-ever touring concert engagement hosted at Stanford, one year after Coldplay played two sold-out shows here. And when it comes to the imminent BTS concerts, “there’s a pride of place — that this is happening here,” said Stanford Live director Iris Nemani.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082662\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082662\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2271173189.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1329\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2271173189.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2271173189-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2271173189-1536x1031.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A fan of Korean boy band BTS poses for a photo in front of a poster at Tokyo Dome before the start of the first BTS World Tour “Arirang” in Tokyo on April 17, 2026. \u003ccite>(Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“We’re not going to become a stadium venue that’s going to do 100 concerts a year,” Nemani said, “but when we have very special artists like BTS … the university has decided to say yes.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So if you have tickets to one of the three Stanford shows on May 16, 17 or 19, we’ve compiled this guide on everything you need to know about seeing BTS next week, from parking to bag policy to public transportation and more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’re looking for themed things to do in the Bay Area before the BTS shows, take a look at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082588/bts-stanford-may-2026-stadium-army-kpop-things-to-do-bay-area-peninsula\">our recommendations for K-Pop inspired stories, events and parties happening this weekend.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#CanIstillgetticketsforBTSsStanfordshows\">Can I still get tickets for BTS’s Stanford shows?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#WhatisthebagpolicyforStanfordStadium\">What is the bag policy for Stanford Stadium?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>What time are the BTS shows at Stanford?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The BTS shows are scheduled to \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/bts-world-tour-arirang-in-stanford-stanford-california-05-19-2026/event/1C006435858268EC?_gl=1*5woms*_ga*MTM5NDI3OTU5NC4xNzc4MDg2NzAw*_ga_C1T806G4DF*czE3NzgxMjM3NTEkbzQkZzAkdDE3NzgxMjM3NTEkajYwJGwwJGgw\">start at 7 p.m.\u003c/a> for all three nights.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Gates will \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bt\">open at 4:30 p.m.\u003c/a>\u003cu>,\u003c/u> with public entrances at Stanford Stadium’s Gates 2, 4, 5, 10 and 12. If you leave the venue, you cannot reenter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12083385\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1435px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12083385\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/StanfordBTSMap.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1435\" height=\"857\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/StanfordBTSMap.jpg 1435w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/StanfordBTSMap-160x96.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1435px) 100vw, 1435px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A map of Stanford Stadium. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Stanford Stadium)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>While some BTS concerts have started late in other cities, it is worth noting that Stanford has a \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/coldplay\">strict sound curfew at 10 p.m.\u003c/a> All in all, it might be reasonable to expect these shows to start on time.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"WhatisthebagpolicyforStanfordStadium\">\u003c/a>What is the bag policy for the BTS shows at Stanford?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Bags that are \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/stanford-athletics-fan-policies\">allowed at Stanford Stadium\u003c/a> include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed 12″x6″x12″\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Small clutch bags or purses no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” x 2” (with or without a handle or strap), in addition to a clear bag\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Non-clear “\u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bts#bags\">medically necessary” bags\u003c/a>, including diaper bags — although these will be subjected to additional screening\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Backpacks are not permitted, including those \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bts#bags\">sold at the Official BTS Merchandise stands.\u003c/a> There \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bts#bags\">are three bag checks\u003c/a> located near Gate 10, inside the main entrance of Sunken Diamond and the main entrance of Cobb Track and Angell Field.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Items that are allowed at Stanford Stadium include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>BTS Official Light sticks with batteries\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Blankets\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Sealed or empty soft plastic bottles smaller than 20 oz\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Plush toys\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Small, portable phone chargers, handheld fans and neck fans\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Keychains\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Liquid sunscreen\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Non-professional still cameras \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bts\">(disposable, Polaroid, lenses less than 6” in length)\u003c/a> for personal use\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Signs smaller than 11”x15” (but be nice to your fellow fans and try not to wave your sign throughout the entire concert – you’ll block their view)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Seat cushions \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/coldplay\">smaller than 18″\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bts#bags\">Items that are \u003cem>not\u003c/em> allowed\u003c/a> at Stanford Stadium include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Balls, frisbees, whole fruit (seriously) or “other potential projectiles,” according to Stanford\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Bicycles, skates, scooters, or skateboards\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Hard plastic, glass, ceramic or metal bottles\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Chairs (unless ADA compliant)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Horns or artificial noisemakers\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Laser lights, strobes and flashlights\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Open umbrellas\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Poles, selfie-sticks, GoPros, monopods and tripods\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Flags\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Strollers (unless ADA compliant)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>What if it rains during the BTS concert in this outdoor stadium?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Stanford’s Nemani confirmed the BTS show will go on in this outdoor stadium, rain or shine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Be sure to keep \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.417&lon=-122.1477\">an eye out for the weather in the coming days\u003c/a>. If you are not local to the area, keep in mind that the Bay Area can get deceptively cold at night.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Should I have cash on hand at the BTS concert?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Stanford Stadium is a cashless venue, so you need a debit card, credit card or mobile wallet like Apple Pay.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How do I know I have a good seat at Stanford Stadium?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>You can check out \u003ca href=\"https://preview.3ddigitalvenue.com/stanford-stadium-football\">a 3-D rendering\u003c/a> of Stanford Stadium on the university’s website. But the \u003cem>Arirang \u003c/em>tour is performed in the round, on a 360-degree stage, making it even easier for fans to actually see the BTS members.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What will the setlist be for BTS’s Stanford shows?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you don’t mind spoilers, \u003cem>Billboard\u003c/em> has \u003ca href=\"https://www.billboard.com/lists/bts-setlist-every-song-arirang-tour-tampa/?link_source=ta_thread_link&taid=69ede39154073e0001f57435&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=threads.net\">the tour’s setlist from Tampa, Florida\u003c/a>, which includes some of their big hits like “Fake Love” and “Butter.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What should I know about parking at Stanford for the BTS show?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Keitch Juricich, from the Stanford Athletics Operations and Events team, said the University has been working with the city on traffic flows and parking — and that more staffing will be available on BTS concert nights, “to make sure that we are moving people as quickly as we possibly can.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can buy \u003ca href=\"https://tickets.gostanford.com/p/parking-for-bts-arirang-in-stanford\">parking passes, including ADA parking passes\u003c/a>, on the Stanford website. According to Stanford\u003cu>,\u003c/u> these \u003ca href=\"https://tickets.gostanford.com/p/parking-for-bts-arirang-in-stanford\">passes must be purchased\u003c/a> by 12 a.m. on the day of the event. You will need to create an account on the Stanford website, and you can buy up to four passes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Parking lots will be open at 1:30 p.m. on show days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082781\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082781\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-1030324342.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1276\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-1030324342.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-1030324342-160x103.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-1030324342-1536x990.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans await the BTS concert as part of the “Love Yourself” North American Tour at Staples Center on Sept. 9, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. \u003ccite>(Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If these passes are sold out, you can try your luck with \u003ca href=\"https://spothero.com/\">third-party parking websites like SpotHero\u003c/a> for other non-Stanford parking options farther away. You may find residents of nearby Stanford neighborhoods are selling parking spots for the night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you are from out of town and have rented a car, be sure to read KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11959799/how-to-avoid-a-car-break-in-bay-area\">guide on the unfortunately common problem of break-ins\u003c/a> in the Bay Area and keep your vehicle safe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep in mind that Stanford is a pretty spread-out campus, and it could be worth wearing comfortable shoes for any walking you need to do.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Will there be road closures on the day of the BTS concerts?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you are driving, be aware that there will be some reroutes happening on the day of the concert.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bts#closures\">Stanford Stadium\u003c/a>, there will be street closures on:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Arboretum/Palm intersection between Palm Drive & Galvez Street, closed on show days from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Lasuen Street between Campus Drive & Arboretum Road, closed on show days from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Lasuen Street between Campus Drive & Roth Way, closed all day on show days\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Galvez Street between Campus Drive and Jane Stanford Way, closed on show days from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Where are the Uber and Lyft pickup/dropoff spots for BTS’s Stanford shows?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>On BTS concert night, the Wilbur Lot (660 Escondido Road) will be \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bts\">the spot for pickup and dropoff\u003c/a>, which is around a 20-minute walk from the Stadium.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Before and after the show, there will be ADA golf transportation for guests available.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What’s the best way to take public transit to the BTS show?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>To avoid some of the hassles of parking and rideshare costs, public transportation can be a great option for getting to these concerts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For some of these transportation options, you can use \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12052690/bart-fares-2025-credit-card-clipper-tap-and-ride-contactless\">a Clipper Card, a card or Apple/Google Pay to tap on and off these services\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Be sure to check when the last train leaves for the night. While the concert is likely to end at 10 p.m. sharp, there is a chance that the crowds might make it hard to exit the stadium.[aside postID=news_12082588 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/BTS-Bay-Area-Illustration_2.jpg']Stanford has \u003ca href=\"https://transportation.stanford.edu/getting-stanford/public-transit\">a pretty comprehensive guide\u003c/a> on public transportation in the area, but here are the highlights:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Caltrain\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The closest Caltrain station to the campus is \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/stanford\">the Palo Alto stop\u003c/a>. You can plan your route by using \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/?active_tab=trip_planner_tab\">Caltrain’s Trip Planner\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re working with Caltrain to really encourage alternative transportation modes,” Nemani said, adding that fans can expect themed Caltrain cars and Stanford merch giveaways.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Caltrain station is less than a mile away from Stanford Stadium, but you could catch the \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"http://transportation.stanford.edu/marguerite/\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">free Marguerite Shuttle\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to help you get closer. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">A spokesperson for Caltrain said in an email to KQED that \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/event/bts-concert\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">on the weekend concerts\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, the last northbound train leaving the Palo Alto Station will be at 11:58 p.m. The last southbound train of the night will leave at 12:56 a.m.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">For the Tuesday concert, the final northbound train of the night will leave the Palo Alto Station at 11:57 p.m. The last southbound train will leave at 12:54 p.m.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A heads-up: While there is a Stanford stop on the Caltrain, it will \u003cem>not\u003c/em> be in use during the BTS concerts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For younger fans 18 and under, Caltrain rides are under $1 for one day and $2 for a Day pass.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>BART\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>BART provides service through the Peninsula and the East Bay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can use \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/planner\">BART’s Trip Planner\u003c/a> for an exact route, but in general, \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/coldplay\">to get to Stanford\u003c/a>, you would need to transfer to the Caltrain at the Millbrae, Fremont and Union City stops.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082782\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082782\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2267034351.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1288\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2267034351.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2267034351-160x104.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2267034351-1536x999.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Drones illuminate the night sky with BTS logo during a drone light show at a riverside park in Seoul on March 20, 2026, ahead of the comeback concert of K-pop boy band BTS. \u003ccite>(Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>SamTrans\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>SamTrans connects to the Palo Alto train station to all of San Mateo County. You can \u003ca href=\"https://www.samtrans.com/\">plan your trip on the SamTrans’ website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>VTA\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The VTA, which serves Santa Clara, goes along El Camino Real. The VTA Trip Planner is \u003ca href=\"https://www.vta.org/\">available on the agency’s website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to VTA’s \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/VTA/status/2052102342778974493\">social media\u003c/a> accounts, Bus Routes 22 and 522 are the best ways to get to Stanford Stadium.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Biking\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There will be first-come, first-served bike parking on Nelson Road across from Gate 4 and Sam MacDonald Road across from Gate 3. Your bikes will be looked after by \u003ca href=\"http://bikesiliconvalley.org/?DB_OEM_ID=30600\">the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What should I know about accessibility for the BTS shows?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bts#ada\">Stanford Stadium\u003c/a>, if a fan needs accessible seating, they should contact Ticketmaster to switch their ticket to an ADA seat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>ADA seating is available in:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Row Y of all 100-level sections and Row V of 200-level sections in seats 201-207, 219-227, and 239-240\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Select portions of Sections 208, 218, 228, and 238\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>ADA platforms in Sections B, F, and P on the floor\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12083382\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12083382\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/StanfordBTSADA-scaled-e1778624702494.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1198\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Stanford’s accessibility policy. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Stanford Stadium)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Fans with floor access should enter through Gate 1B. There will be a golf cart available. However, there are no escort services.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To get ASL access, fans should reach out to \u003ca href=\"mailto:athleticstickets@stanford.edu\">athleticstickets@stanford.edu\u003c/a> a week before the day of the concert.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Can I tailgate at the \u003cem>Arirang\u003c/em> World Tour?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Yes, fans can tailgate around their vehicles “during the day, during the hours that the campus is open for the concerts,” Nemani said. Tailgate setups should not be blocking any pathways.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some fans have been known to \u003ca href=\"https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/music/articles/bts-fans-camp-overnight-raymond-153039408.html\">camp out overnight\u003c/a> to get a head start on merch lines. However, Nemani said “there is no overnight camping” on the Stanford campus: “None at all.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What do I need to know about merch at the \u003cem>Arirang\u003c/em> World Tour?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>There will be BTS merch trailers at the Stanford shows, where Nemani said the venue will be using \u003ca href=\"https://www.justwalkout.com/\">Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” technology\u003c/a>, which allows customers to pay at entry and walk out with merch without formally checking out their purchases. “Hopefully that will move people through quickly,” Nemani said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There will be \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bts#merch\">an early merch day\u003c/a> at the Stanford Hammer Throw on Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For Friday only: If you are being dropped off at the sale, go to Maples Pavilion (655 Campus Drive). If you are driving, there will be parking at the IM South lot, which will open at 9 a.m. Parking costs $10, and cash will not be accepted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12083381\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12083381\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/StanfordBTSEarlyMerch.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1628\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/StanfordBTSEarlyMerch.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/StanfordBTSEarlyMerch-160x130.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/StanfordBTSEarlyMerch-1536x1250.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Where early merch can be found near Stanford Stadium. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Stanford Stadium)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>There will also be BTS merch sales on the days of the show, when trailers will open at 9 a.m. There will also be merch sales within the stadium itself. Early parking will be available at 8 a.m. for merch opening at lots like the IM South Lot and Roth Garage — although bear in mind these spots will \u003ca href=\"http://www.gostanford.com/btsparking\">require a parking pass\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As people leave the BTS shows, “we will keep the main merch tent open for about an hour afterwards,” Nemani said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, she also emphasized that these trailers will not be pickup areas for \u003ca href=\"https://shop.weverse.io/en/home\">merch bought through Weverse Shop\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"CanIstillgetticketsforBTSsStanfordshows\">\u003c/a>Can I still get tickets for the \u003cem>Arirang\u003c/em> World Tour?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>According to Ticketmaster, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/bts-world-tour-arirang-in-stanford-stanford-california-05-16-2026/event/1C006429C95EA2B8?_gl=1*5woms*_ga*MTM5NDI3OTU5NC4xNzc4MDg2NzAw*_ga_C1T806G4DF*czE3NzgxMjM3NTEkbzQkZzAkdDE3NzgxMjM3NTEkajYwJGwwJGgw\">all\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/bts-world-tour-arirang-in-stanford-stanford-california-05-17-2026/event/1C006429C9DDA300?_gl=1*5woms*_ga*MTM5NDI3OTU5NC4xNzc4MDg2NzAw*_ga_C1T806G4DF*czE3NzgxMjM3NTEkbzQkZzAkdDE3NzgxMjM3NTEkajYwJGwwJGgw\">three\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/bts-world-tour-arirang-in-stanford-stanford-california-05-19-2026/event/1C006435858268EC?_gl=1*5woms*_ga*MTM5NDI3OTU5NC4xNzc4MDg2NzAw*_ga_C1T806G4DF*czE3NzgxMjM3NTEkbzQkZzAkdDE3NzgxMjM3NTEkajYwJGwwJGgw\">nights\u003c/a> of the \u003cem>Arirang \u003c/em>World Tour remain sold out. Box office, near Gate 2, opens at 2 p.m., but will not be able to help with BTS tickets on \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bts\">non-show days\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You \u003ca href=\"https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/tickets/how-to-buy-bts-world-tour-tickets-online-prices-sites-deals-1235505013/\">could try\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.stubhub.com/bts-tickets/performer/1503185?=&PCID=PSUSADWHOME730428403FF837&MetroRegionID=&psc=&ps=&ps_p=0&ps_c=23758590705&ps_ag=194340684174&ps_tg=kwd-16956083&ps_ad=805812870716&ps_adp=&ps_fi=&ps_li=&ps_lp=9061275&ps_n=g&ps_d=c&ps_ex=&pscpag=&gcid=C12289X486&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_sub_medium=prospecting&utm_term=nb&utm_campaign=23758590705%3Adefault&utm_content=default&keyword=194340684174_kwd-16956083_c&creative=805812870716&utm_kxconfid=s2rshsbmv&kwt=nb&mt=b&kw=bts&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23758590705&gbraid=0AAAAAD3ylY2A5_YLx9b6hHJpzUpuEvi9b&gclid=CjwKCAjwzevPBhBaEiwAplAxvpb-AUnpIzFOFYV6vxLatRhqnv-Yygjp8Zs8EYnQ30KNkf5NBFuCRRoC9K8QAvD_BwE&ct=\">resale vendors like StubHub\u003c/a>, where \u003ca href=\"https://www.stubhub.com/bts-stanford-tickets-5-16-2026/event/160262168/?backUrl=%2Fbts-tickets%2Fperformer%2F1503185<=37.427467&lg=-122.1702445&quantity=2\">tickets can range\u003c/a> from $250 to more than $900.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But remember, it’s worth being cautious about online resales, \u003cem>especially\u003c/em> with social media ticket trades. And some fans have \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/stubhub/comments/1sef583/bts_tickets_canceled/\">posted online\u003c/a> that their resale tickets for the earlier shows, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketnews.com/2026/04/bts-fans-cry-foul-after-ticketmaster-cancells-tickets-claining-glitch/\">like Tampa\u003c/a>, were being canceled.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Vendors like StubHub may be able to help you \u003ca href=\"https://www.syracuse.com/live-entertainment/2026/03/is-stubhub-legit-for-bts-tickets-what-to-know-before-buying-resale.html\">refund your tickets \u003c/a>if a situation like this arises.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "BTS is back together and coming to the Bay Area this weekend. If you've got tickets, here's what to know about attending one of these three concerts at Stanford Stadium.",
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"title": "Seeing BTS at the Stanford Stadium This Weekend? From Bag Policy to Parking, What to Know | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082588/bts-stanford-may-2026-stadium-army-kpop-things-to-do-bay-area-peninsula\">BTS is returning to the Bay Area\u003c/a> for the first time as a group in eight years for their \u003cem>Arirang \u003c/em>World Tour — and they’re stopping at the Stanford Stadium on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s been such a buildup,” said KQED’s resident BTS expert, the \u003cem>California Report Magazine’s\u003c/em> producer \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/sracho\">Suzie Racho\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em> “They’re really making a concerted effort to get to as many fans as possible.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The anticipation is high as fans like Racho — also known as BTS ARMY — have been eagerly waiting for the group’s return since the hiatus in 2022, where members spent time fulfilling their mandatory service in the Korean military and pursuing their solo projects.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And for a group that is performing elsewhere at some of \u003ca href=\"https://ibighit.com/en/bts/tour/\">the biggest stadiums in the world\u003c/a>, some may be a little surprised that BTS’s Bay Area shows are at Stanford Stadium, the university’s football stadium near Palo Alto. But Racho said she’s hopeful she is a chance that the venue may actually help fans “experience it a little bit more immersively.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This will be the second-ever touring concert engagement hosted at Stanford, one year after Coldplay played two sold-out shows here. And when it comes to the imminent BTS concerts, “there’s a pride of place — that this is happening here,” said Stanford Live director Iris Nemani.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082662\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082662\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2271173189.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1329\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2271173189.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2271173189-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2271173189-1536x1031.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A fan of Korean boy band BTS poses for a photo in front of a poster at Tokyo Dome before the start of the first BTS World Tour “Arirang” in Tokyo on April 17, 2026. \u003ccite>(Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“We’re not going to become a stadium venue that’s going to do 100 concerts a year,” Nemani said, “but when we have very special artists like BTS … the university has decided to say yes.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So if you have tickets to one of the three Stanford shows on May 16, 17 or 19, we’ve compiled this guide on everything you need to know about seeing BTS next week, from parking to bag policy to public transportation and more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’re looking for themed things to do in the Bay Area before the BTS shows, take a look at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082588/bts-stanford-may-2026-stadium-army-kpop-things-to-do-bay-area-peninsula\">our recommendations for K-Pop inspired stories, events and parties happening this weekend.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#CanIstillgetticketsforBTSsStanfordshows\">Can I still get tickets for BTS’s Stanford shows?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#WhatisthebagpolicyforStanfordStadium\">What is the bag policy for Stanford Stadium?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>What time are the BTS shows at Stanford?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The BTS shows are scheduled to \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/bts-world-tour-arirang-in-stanford-stanford-california-05-19-2026/event/1C006435858268EC?_gl=1*5woms*_ga*MTM5NDI3OTU5NC4xNzc4MDg2NzAw*_ga_C1T806G4DF*czE3NzgxMjM3NTEkbzQkZzAkdDE3NzgxMjM3NTEkajYwJGwwJGgw\">start at 7 p.m.\u003c/a> for all three nights.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Gates will \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bt\">open at 4:30 p.m.\u003c/a>\u003cu>,\u003c/u> with public entrances at Stanford Stadium’s Gates 2, 4, 5, 10 and 12. If you leave the venue, you cannot reenter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12083385\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1435px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12083385\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/StanfordBTSMap.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1435\" height=\"857\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/StanfordBTSMap.jpg 1435w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/StanfordBTSMap-160x96.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1435px) 100vw, 1435px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A map of Stanford Stadium. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Stanford Stadium)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>While some BTS concerts have started late in other cities, it is worth noting that Stanford has a \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/coldplay\">strict sound curfew at 10 p.m.\u003c/a> All in all, it might be reasonable to expect these shows to start on time.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"WhatisthebagpolicyforStanfordStadium\">\u003c/a>What is the bag policy for the BTS shows at Stanford?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Bags that are \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/stanford-athletics-fan-policies\">allowed at Stanford Stadium\u003c/a> include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed 12″x6″x12″\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Small clutch bags or purses no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” x 2” (with or without a handle or strap), in addition to a clear bag\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Non-clear “\u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bts#bags\">medically necessary” bags\u003c/a>, including diaper bags — although these will be subjected to additional screening\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Backpacks are not permitted, including those \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bts#bags\">sold at the Official BTS Merchandise stands.\u003c/a> There \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bts#bags\">are three bag checks\u003c/a> located near Gate 10, inside the main entrance of Sunken Diamond and the main entrance of Cobb Track and Angell Field.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Items that are allowed at Stanford Stadium include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>BTS Official Light sticks with batteries\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Blankets\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Sealed or empty soft plastic bottles smaller than 20 oz\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Plush toys\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Small, portable phone chargers, handheld fans and neck fans\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Keychains\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Liquid sunscreen\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Non-professional still cameras \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bts\">(disposable, Polaroid, lenses less than 6” in length)\u003c/a> for personal use\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Signs smaller than 11”x15” (but be nice to your fellow fans and try not to wave your sign throughout the entire concert – you’ll block their view)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Seat cushions \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/coldplay\">smaller than 18″\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bts#bags\">Items that are \u003cem>not\u003c/em> allowed\u003c/a> at Stanford Stadium include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Balls, frisbees, whole fruit (seriously) or “other potential projectiles,” according to Stanford\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Bicycles, skates, scooters, or skateboards\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Hard plastic, glass, ceramic or metal bottles\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Chairs (unless ADA compliant)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Horns or artificial noisemakers\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Laser lights, strobes and flashlights\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Open umbrellas\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Poles, selfie-sticks, GoPros, monopods and tripods\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Flags\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Strollers (unless ADA compliant)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>What if it rains during the BTS concert in this outdoor stadium?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Stanford’s Nemani confirmed the BTS show will go on in this outdoor stadium, rain or shine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Be sure to keep \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.417&lon=-122.1477\">an eye out for the weather in the coming days\u003c/a>. If you are not local to the area, keep in mind that the Bay Area can get deceptively cold at night.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Should I have cash on hand at the BTS concert?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Stanford Stadium is a cashless venue, so you need a debit card, credit card or mobile wallet like Apple Pay.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How do I know I have a good seat at Stanford Stadium?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>You can check out \u003ca href=\"https://preview.3ddigitalvenue.com/stanford-stadium-football\">a 3-D rendering\u003c/a> of Stanford Stadium on the university’s website. But the \u003cem>Arirang \u003c/em>tour is performed in the round, on a 360-degree stage, making it even easier for fans to actually see the BTS members.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What will the setlist be for BTS’s Stanford shows?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you don’t mind spoilers, \u003cem>Billboard\u003c/em> has \u003ca href=\"https://www.billboard.com/lists/bts-setlist-every-song-arirang-tour-tampa/?link_source=ta_thread_link&taid=69ede39154073e0001f57435&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=threads.net\">the tour’s setlist from Tampa, Florida\u003c/a>, which includes some of their big hits like “Fake Love” and “Butter.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What should I know about parking at Stanford for the BTS show?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Keitch Juricich, from the Stanford Athletics Operations and Events team, said the University has been working with the city on traffic flows and parking — and that more staffing will be available on BTS concert nights, “to make sure that we are moving people as quickly as we possibly can.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can buy \u003ca href=\"https://tickets.gostanford.com/p/parking-for-bts-arirang-in-stanford\">parking passes, including ADA parking passes\u003c/a>, on the Stanford website. According to Stanford\u003cu>,\u003c/u> these \u003ca href=\"https://tickets.gostanford.com/p/parking-for-bts-arirang-in-stanford\">passes must be purchased\u003c/a> by 12 a.m. on the day of the event. You will need to create an account on the Stanford website, and you can buy up to four passes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Parking lots will be open at 1:30 p.m. on show days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082781\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082781\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-1030324342.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1276\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-1030324342.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-1030324342-160x103.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-1030324342-1536x990.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans await the BTS concert as part of the “Love Yourself” North American Tour at Staples Center on Sept. 9, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. \u003ccite>(Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If these passes are sold out, you can try your luck with \u003ca href=\"https://spothero.com/\">third-party parking websites like SpotHero\u003c/a> for other non-Stanford parking options farther away. You may find residents of nearby Stanford neighborhoods are selling parking spots for the night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you are from out of town and have rented a car, be sure to read KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11959799/how-to-avoid-a-car-break-in-bay-area\">guide on the unfortunately common problem of break-ins\u003c/a> in the Bay Area and keep your vehicle safe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep in mind that Stanford is a pretty spread-out campus, and it could be worth wearing comfortable shoes for any walking you need to do.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Will there be road closures on the day of the BTS concerts?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you are driving, be aware that there will be some reroutes happening on the day of the concert.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bts#closures\">Stanford Stadium\u003c/a>, there will be street closures on:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Arboretum/Palm intersection between Palm Drive & Galvez Street, closed on show days from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Lasuen Street between Campus Drive & Arboretum Road, closed on show days from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Lasuen Street between Campus Drive & Roth Way, closed all day on show days\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Galvez Street between Campus Drive and Jane Stanford Way, closed on show days from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Where are the Uber and Lyft pickup/dropoff spots for BTS’s Stanford shows?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>On BTS concert night, the Wilbur Lot (660 Escondido Road) will be \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bts\">the spot for pickup and dropoff\u003c/a>, which is around a 20-minute walk from the Stadium.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Before and after the show, there will be ADA golf transportation for guests available.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What’s the best way to take public transit to the BTS show?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>To avoid some of the hassles of parking and rideshare costs, public transportation can be a great option for getting to these concerts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For some of these transportation options, you can use \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12052690/bart-fares-2025-credit-card-clipper-tap-and-ride-contactless\">a Clipper Card, a card or Apple/Google Pay to tap on and off these services\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Be sure to check when the last train leaves for the night. While the concert is likely to end at 10 p.m. sharp, there is a chance that the crowds might make it hard to exit the stadium.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Stanford has \u003ca href=\"https://transportation.stanford.edu/getting-stanford/public-transit\">a pretty comprehensive guide\u003c/a> on public transportation in the area, but here are the highlights:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Caltrain\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The closest Caltrain station to the campus is \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/stanford\">the Palo Alto stop\u003c/a>. You can plan your route by using \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/?active_tab=trip_planner_tab\">Caltrain’s Trip Planner\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re working with Caltrain to really encourage alternative transportation modes,” Nemani said, adding that fans can expect themed Caltrain cars and Stanford merch giveaways.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Caltrain station is less than a mile away from Stanford Stadium, but you could catch the \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"http://transportation.stanford.edu/marguerite/\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">free Marguerite Shuttle\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to help you get closer. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">A spokesperson for Caltrain said in an email to KQED that \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/event/bts-concert\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">on the weekend concerts\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, the last northbound train leaving the Palo Alto Station will be at 11:58 p.m. The last southbound train of the night will leave at 12:56 a.m.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">For the Tuesday concert, the final northbound train of the night will leave the Palo Alto Station at 11:57 p.m. The last southbound train will leave at 12:54 p.m.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A heads-up: While there is a Stanford stop on the Caltrain, it will \u003cem>not\u003c/em> be in use during the BTS concerts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For younger fans 18 and under, Caltrain rides are under $1 for one day and $2 for a Day pass.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>BART\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>BART provides service through the Peninsula and the East Bay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can use \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/planner\">BART’s Trip Planner\u003c/a> for an exact route, but in general, \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/coldplay\">to get to Stanford\u003c/a>, you would need to transfer to the Caltrain at the Millbrae, Fremont and Union City stops.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082782\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082782\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2267034351.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1288\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2267034351.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2267034351-160x104.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2267034351-1536x999.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Drones illuminate the night sky with BTS logo during a drone light show at a riverside park in Seoul on March 20, 2026, ahead of the comeback concert of K-pop boy band BTS. \u003ccite>(Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>SamTrans\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>SamTrans connects to the Palo Alto train station to all of San Mateo County. You can \u003ca href=\"https://www.samtrans.com/\">plan your trip on the SamTrans’ website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>VTA\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The VTA, which serves Santa Clara, goes along El Camino Real. The VTA Trip Planner is \u003ca href=\"https://www.vta.org/\">available on the agency’s website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to VTA’s \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/VTA/status/2052102342778974493\">social media\u003c/a> accounts, Bus Routes 22 and 522 are the best ways to get to Stanford Stadium.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Biking\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There will be first-come, first-served bike parking on Nelson Road across from Gate 4 and Sam MacDonald Road across from Gate 3. Your bikes will be looked after by \u003ca href=\"http://bikesiliconvalley.org/?DB_OEM_ID=30600\">the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What should I know about accessibility for the BTS shows?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bts#ada\">Stanford Stadium\u003c/a>, if a fan needs accessible seating, they should contact Ticketmaster to switch their ticket to an ADA seat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>ADA seating is available in:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Row Y of all 100-level sections and Row V of 200-level sections in seats 201-207, 219-227, and 239-240\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Select portions of Sections 208, 218, 228, and 238\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>ADA platforms in Sections B, F, and P on the floor\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12083382\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12083382\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/StanfordBTSADA-scaled-e1778624702494.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1198\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Stanford’s accessibility policy. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Stanford Stadium)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Fans with floor access should enter through Gate 1B. There will be a golf cart available. However, there are no escort services.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To get ASL access, fans should reach out to \u003ca href=\"mailto:athleticstickets@stanford.edu\">athleticstickets@stanford.edu\u003c/a> a week before the day of the concert.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Can I tailgate at the \u003cem>Arirang\u003c/em> World Tour?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Yes, fans can tailgate around their vehicles “during the day, during the hours that the campus is open for the concerts,” Nemani said. Tailgate setups should not be blocking any pathways.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some fans have been known to \u003ca href=\"https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/music/articles/bts-fans-camp-overnight-raymond-153039408.html\">camp out overnight\u003c/a> to get a head start on merch lines. However, Nemani said “there is no overnight camping” on the Stanford campus: “None at all.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What do I need to know about merch at the \u003cem>Arirang\u003c/em> World Tour?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>There will be BTS merch trailers at the Stanford shows, where Nemani said the venue will be using \u003ca href=\"https://www.justwalkout.com/\">Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” technology\u003c/a>, which allows customers to pay at entry and walk out with merch without formally checking out their purchases. “Hopefully that will move people through quickly,” Nemani said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There will be \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bts#merch\">an early merch day\u003c/a> at the Stanford Hammer Throw on Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For Friday only: If you are being dropped off at the sale, go to Maples Pavilion (655 Campus Drive). If you are driving, there will be parking at the IM South lot, which will open at 9 a.m. Parking costs $10, and cash will not be accepted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12083381\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12083381\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/StanfordBTSEarlyMerch.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1628\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/StanfordBTSEarlyMerch.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/StanfordBTSEarlyMerch-160x130.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/StanfordBTSEarlyMerch-1536x1250.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Where early merch can be found near Stanford Stadium. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Stanford Stadium)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>There will also be BTS merch sales on the days of the show, when trailers will open at 9 a.m. There will also be merch sales within the stadium itself. Early parking will be available at 8 a.m. for merch opening at lots like the IM South Lot and Roth Garage — although bear in mind these spots will \u003ca href=\"http://www.gostanford.com/btsparking\">require a parking pass\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As people leave the BTS shows, “we will keep the main merch tent open for about an hour afterwards,” Nemani said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, she also emphasized that these trailers will not be pickup areas for \u003ca href=\"https://shop.weverse.io/en/home\">merch bought through Weverse Shop\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"CanIstillgetticketsforBTSsStanfordshows\">\u003c/a>Can I still get tickets for the \u003cem>Arirang\u003c/em> World Tour?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>According to Ticketmaster, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/bts-world-tour-arirang-in-stanford-stanford-california-05-16-2026/event/1C006429C95EA2B8?_gl=1*5woms*_ga*MTM5NDI3OTU5NC4xNzc4MDg2NzAw*_ga_C1T806G4DF*czE3NzgxMjM3NTEkbzQkZzAkdDE3NzgxMjM3NTEkajYwJGwwJGgw\">all\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/bts-world-tour-arirang-in-stanford-stanford-california-05-17-2026/event/1C006429C9DDA300?_gl=1*5woms*_ga*MTM5NDI3OTU5NC4xNzc4MDg2NzAw*_ga_C1T806G4DF*czE3NzgxMjM3NTEkbzQkZzAkdDE3NzgxMjM3NTEkajYwJGwwJGgw\">three\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/bts-world-tour-arirang-in-stanford-stanford-california-05-19-2026/event/1C006435858268EC?_gl=1*5woms*_ga*MTM5NDI3OTU5NC4xNzc4MDg2NzAw*_ga_C1T806G4DF*czE3NzgxMjM3NTEkbzQkZzAkdDE3NzgxMjM3NTEkajYwJGwwJGgw\">nights\u003c/a> of the \u003cem>Arirang \u003c/em>World Tour remain sold out. Box office, near Gate 2, opens at 2 p.m., but will not be able to help with BTS tickets on \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/bts\">non-show days\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You \u003ca href=\"https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/tickets/how-to-buy-bts-world-tour-tickets-online-prices-sites-deals-1235505013/\">could try\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.stubhub.com/bts-tickets/performer/1503185?=&PCID=PSUSADWHOME730428403FF837&MetroRegionID=&psc=&ps=&ps_p=0&ps_c=23758590705&ps_ag=194340684174&ps_tg=kwd-16956083&ps_ad=805812870716&ps_adp=&ps_fi=&ps_li=&ps_lp=9061275&ps_n=g&ps_d=c&ps_ex=&pscpag=&gcid=C12289X486&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_sub_medium=prospecting&utm_term=nb&utm_campaign=23758590705%3Adefault&utm_content=default&keyword=194340684174_kwd-16956083_c&creative=805812870716&utm_kxconfid=s2rshsbmv&kwt=nb&mt=b&kw=bts&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23758590705&gbraid=0AAAAAD3ylY2A5_YLx9b6hHJpzUpuEvi9b&gclid=CjwKCAjwzevPBhBaEiwAplAxvpb-AUnpIzFOFYV6vxLatRhqnv-Yygjp8Zs8EYnQ30KNkf5NBFuCRRoC9K8QAvD_BwE&ct=\">resale vendors like StubHub\u003c/a>, where \u003ca href=\"https://www.stubhub.com/bts-stanford-tickets-5-16-2026/event/160262168/?backUrl=%2Fbts-tickets%2Fperformer%2F1503185<=37.427467&lg=-122.1702445&quantity=2\">tickets can range\u003c/a> from $250 to more than $900.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But remember, it’s worth being cautious about online resales, \u003cem>especially\u003c/em> with social media ticket trades. And some fans have \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/stubhub/comments/1sef583/bts_tickets_canceled/\">posted online\u003c/a> that their resale tickets for the earlier shows, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketnews.com/2026/04/bts-fans-cry-foul-after-ticketmaster-cancells-tickets-claining-glitch/\">like Tampa\u003c/a>, were being canceled.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Vendors like StubHub may be able to help you \u003ca href=\"https://www.syracuse.com/live-entertainment/2026/03/is-stubhub-legit-for-bts-tickets-what-to-know-before-buying-resale.html\">refund your tickets \u003c/a>if a situation like this arises.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "world-cup-2026-bay-area-games-where-is-fifa-world-cup-santa-clara-levis-stadium-tickets-fan-zone-watch-parties",
"title": "Which World Cup Games Will Be Played in the Bay Area — and How Can You Watch?",
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"headTitle": "Which World Cup Games Will Be Played in the Bay Area — and How Can You Watch? | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/world-cup\">Bay Area soccer fans\u003c/a> have come to accept a tough truth: superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lamine Yamal or James Rodríguez will \u003cem>not\u003c/em> be coming to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the lack of big names aside, the Bay Area will nonetheless be hosting six games as part of the tournament that stretches across North America starting June 11.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For two weeks in June, eight national teams — Qatar, Switzerland, Austria, Jordan, Türkiye, Paraguay, Algeria and Australia — are scheduled to play at Levi’s Stadium for World Cup group stage matches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#WhichWorldCupgamesareintheBayArea\"> Which World Cup games are in the Bay Area?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Then, on July 1, the Bay Area will host one match from the knockout stage of the competition.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Which teams play will be decided later based on results from the group stage, but a glance at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/knockout-stage-match-schedule-bracket\">tournament rules\u003c/a> shows there’s a \u003cem>very small\u003c/em> possibility that this game could see the United States face off against a powerhouse team like France, the Netherlands or Argentina.\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. \u003ccite>(Matthew Huang via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>That’s right: in the unlikely scenario that his team places third in the group phase, Lionel Messi could play a game in Santa Clara. It’s the World Cup — anything \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/takeaway/segments/world-cup-defeat-national-trauma\">can happen\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A silver lining for the Bay Area lineup’s relative lack of star power: While other World Cup host venues have already sold out — with resale tickets for the game between Colombia and Portugal in Miami Gardens \u003ca href=\"https://www.wsj.com/sports/soccer/colombia-portugal-world-cup-6c1f318b\">surpassing\u003c/a> Super Bowl prices — there \u003cem>are \u003c/em>still seats available for the matches at Levi’s Stadium.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you don’t want to splurge, there are many ways to enjoy the matches remotely.[aside postID=news_12080384 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-48_qed-1020x716.jpg'](Perhaps even with a dance party after the game, since FIFA has once again \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/48710188/shakira-unveils-teaser-official-world-cup-anthem-burna-boy\">chosen\u003c/a> musical icon Shakira to sing the competition’s official theme song, featuring Nigerian singer Burna Boy.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading to learn which World Cup matches are being played in the Bay Area, where you can watch these games surrounded by fans for free and how you can still find World Cup tickets for Levi’s Stadium next month if you’re willing to part with the cash.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>When does the World Cup start?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The World Cup kicks off in Mexico City on June 11. Then, over the following five weeks, more than 100 games will be played in the major metropolitan areas of the U.S., Mexico and Canada for the following five weeks.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"WhichWorldCupgamesareintheBayArea\">\u003c/a>Which World Cup games will be played at Levi’s Stadium?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The initial phase of the tournament is known as the group stage, where the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/teams\">48 participating nations\u003c/a> are divided into groups of four. Each team will play one game against the other three members of its group, and the results of these matches determine who passes to the knockout stage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the first two weeks of the tournament, Levi’s Stadium will host the following games from groups B, D and J:\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\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>Once all teams have played against their fellow group members, the top two performers from each group — along with eight additional third-place teams — advance to the knockout stage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12083161\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12083161\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2250193143.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1320\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2250193143.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2250193143-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2250193143-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The screen displays the final draw during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 5, 2025 in Washington, D.C. \u003ccite>(Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Levi’s Stadium will 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\u003cp>The World Cup final will be played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How can I watch a World Cup game in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Buy World Cup ticket to watch in person\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you want to watch one of the matches at Levi’s Stadium in person, you can still buy tickets either on the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/tickets\">official FIFA portal\u003c/a> (which includes a resale marketplace) or on a verified resale website like \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>As of this story’s publishing, prices range from several hundred dollars for nosebleed seats in the upper sideline sections to thousands of dollars for a \u003ca href=\"https://fifaworldcup26.hospitality.fifa.com/\">VIP hospitality experience\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Watch the World Cup remotely at fan events\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Don’t want to buy a ticket but still want to feel like you’re close to the action? The Bay Area Host Committee — a nonprofit established by the region’s professional sports teams — has organized \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfbayareafwc26.com/bay-area-events\">“Fan Zones” in multiple cities\u003c/a>, including San Francisco, Oakland, Richmond and Redwood City.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to organizers, Fan Zones are free community watch parties that will feature live matches on giant screens, along with local food vendors. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfbayareafwc26.com/bay-area-events\">\u003cstrong>Find the Fan Zone closest to you.\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12044957\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12044957\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/SJEarthquakesGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/SJEarthquakesGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/SJEarthquakesGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/SJEarthquakesGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nick Lima #24 of San José Earthquakes with the ball tackled by Jayden Reid #99 of St. Louis City SC during the second half of an MLS game between St. Louis City SC and San José Earthquakes at Energizer Park on May 31, 2025, in St Louis, Missouri. \u003ccite>(Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The San José Earthquakes — the Bay Area’s very own Major League Soccer team — will also be hosting family-friendly watch parties for \u003ca href=\"http://sjearthquakes.com/soccercelebration\">all 104 games\u003c/a> in the tournament at San Pedro Square in downtown San José.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you want to feel \u003cem>even \u003c/em>closer to the players, the Hilton Santa Clara is organizing “The End Zone” — the closest thing fans will see to a tailgate (since informal tailgates are not allowed at Levi’s Stadium) at its parking lot a block down from the stadium.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The End Zone will host fans of all ages during \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-cup-takeover-the-endzone-tickets-1986365934983?\">all Bay Area games\u003c/a> and will include live DJs and food available for purchase.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Stream World Cup games at home\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you want to watch the game at home with family and friends, World Cup games will be aired live on NBC, Telemundo and Peacock streaming.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How did the Bay Area get these World Cup match-ups?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Nobody knew which teams would play in Santa Clara till the World Cup Draw \u003ca href=\"https://time.com/7338971/world-cup-draw-fifa-2026/\">last December\u003c/a>. FIFA officials, along with the leaders of the three host nations, gathered in Washington, D.C. to assign each participating country to one of the 12 initial groups — through a blind draw in front of the media and a live audience.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Before the draw, organizers had already decided that Levi’s Stadium would host matches from groups B, D and J.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12083158\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12083158\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2249849133.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1320\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2249849133.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2249849133-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2249849133-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The FIFA World Cup Trophy is seen on stage at the Kennedy Center ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw on Dec. 3, 2025, in Washington, D.C. \u003ccite>(Michael Regan via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Once the makeup of each group was confirmed, Bay Area fans then learned which teams would get to play in the home of the 49ers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And don’t expect FIFA officials to grant the Bay Area more games or change which teams will play in Santa Clara.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The tournament’s governing body has stayed firm with its current schedule — even despite \u003ca href=\"https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116216801278101254\">recent statements\u003c/a> by President Donald Trump discouraging the Iranian soccer team from competing as the war between the U.S. and Iran continues.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/world-cup\">Bay Area soccer fans\u003c/a> have come to accept a tough truth: superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lamine Yamal or James Rodríguez will \u003cem>not\u003c/em> be coming to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the lack of big names aside, the Bay Area will nonetheless be hosting six games as part of the tournament that stretches across North America starting June 11.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For two weeks in June, eight national teams — Qatar, Switzerland, Austria, Jordan, Türkiye, Paraguay, Algeria and Australia — are scheduled to play at Levi’s Stadium for World Cup group stage matches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#WhichWorldCupgamesareintheBayArea\"> Which World Cup games are in the Bay Area?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Then, on July 1, the Bay Area will host one match from the knockout stage of the competition.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Which teams play will be decided later based on results from the group stage, but a glance at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/knockout-stage-match-schedule-bracket\">tournament rules\u003c/a> shows there’s a \u003cem>very small\u003c/em> possibility that this game could see the United States face off against a powerhouse team like France, the Netherlands or Argentina.\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. \u003ccite>(Matthew Huang via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>That’s right: in the unlikely scenario that his team places third in the group phase, Lionel Messi could play a game in Santa Clara. It’s the World Cup — anything \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/takeaway/segments/world-cup-defeat-national-trauma\">can happen\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A silver lining for the Bay Area lineup’s relative lack of star power: While other World Cup host venues have already sold out — with resale tickets for the game between Colombia and Portugal in Miami Gardens \u003ca href=\"https://www.wsj.com/sports/soccer/colombia-portugal-world-cup-6c1f318b\">surpassing\u003c/a> Super Bowl prices — there \u003cem>are \u003c/em>still seats available for the matches at Levi’s Stadium.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you don’t want to splurge, there are many ways to enjoy the matches remotely.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>(Perhaps even with a dance party after the game, since FIFA has once again \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/48710188/shakira-unveils-teaser-official-world-cup-anthem-burna-boy\">chosen\u003c/a> musical icon Shakira to sing the competition’s official theme song, featuring Nigerian singer Burna Boy.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading to learn which World Cup matches are being played in the Bay Area, where you can watch these games surrounded by fans for free and how you can still find World Cup tickets for Levi’s Stadium next month if you’re willing to part with the cash.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>When does the World Cup start?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The World Cup kicks off in Mexico City on June 11. Then, over the following five weeks, more than 100 games will be played in the major metropolitan areas of the U.S., Mexico and Canada for the following five weeks.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"WhichWorldCupgamesareintheBayArea\">\u003c/a>Which World Cup games will be played at Levi’s Stadium?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The initial phase of the tournament is known as the group stage, where the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/teams\">48 participating nations\u003c/a> are divided into groups of four. Each team will play one game against the other three members of its group, and the results of these matches determine who passes to the knockout stage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the first two weeks of the tournament, Levi’s Stadium will host the following games from groups B, D and J:\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\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>Once all teams have played against their fellow group members, the top two performers from each group — along with eight additional third-place teams — advance to the knockout stage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12083161\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12083161\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2250193143.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1320\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2250193143.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2250193143-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2250193143-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The screen displays the final draw during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 5, 2025 in Washington, D.C. \u003ccite>(Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Levi’s Stadium will 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\u003cp>The World Cup final will be played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How can I watch a World Cup game in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Buy World Cup ticket to watch in person\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you want to watch one of the matches at Levi’s Stadium in person, you can still buy tickets either on the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/tickets\">official FIFA portal\u003c/a> (which includes a resale marketplace) or on a verified resale website like \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>As of this story’s publishing, prices range from several hundred dollars for nosebleed seats in the upper sideline sections to thousands of dollars for a \u003ca href=\"https://fifaworldcup26.hospitality.fifa.com/\">VIP hospitality experience\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Watch the World Cup remotely at fan events\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Don’t want to buy a ticket but still want to feel like you’re close to the action? The Bay Area Host Committee — a nonprofit established by the region’s professional sports teams — has organized \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfbayareafwc26.com/bay-area-events\">“Fan Zones” in multiple cities\u003c/a>, including San Francisco, Oakland, Richmond and Redwood City.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to organizers, Fan Zones are free community watch parties that will feature live matches on giant screens, along with local food vendors. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfbayareafwc26.com/bay-area-events\">\u003cstrong>Find the Fan Zone closest to you.\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12044957\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12044957\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/SJEarthquakesGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/SJEarthquakesGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/SJEarthquakesGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/SJEarthquakesGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nick Lima #24 of San José Earthquakes with the ball tackled by Jayden Reid #99 of St. Louis City SC during the second half of an MLS game between St. Louis City SC and San José Earthquakes at Energizer Park on May 31, 2025, in St Louis, Missouri. \u003ccite>(Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The San José Earthquakes — the Bay Area’s very own Major League Soccer team — will also be hosting family-friendly watch parties for \u003ca href=\"http://sjearthquakes.com/soccercelebration\">all 104 games\u003c/a> in the tournament at San Pedro Square in downtown San José.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you want to feel \u003cem>even \u003c/em>closer to the players, the Hilton Santa Clara is organizing “The End Zone” — the closest thing fans will see to a tailgate (since informal tailgates are not allowed at Levi’s Stadium) at its parking lot a block down from the stadium.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The End Zone will host fans of all ages during \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-cup-takeover-the-endzone-tickets-1986365934983?\">all Bay Area games\u003c/a> and will include live DJs and food available for purchase.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Stream World Cup games at home\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you want to watch the game at home with family and friends, World Cup games will be aired live on NBC, Telemundo and Peacock streaming.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How did the Bay Area get these World Cup match-ups?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Nobody knew which teams would play in Santa Clara till the World Cup Draw \u003ca href=\"https://time.com/7338971/world-cup-draw-fifa-2026/\">last December\u003c/a>. FIFA officials, along with the leaders of the three host nations, gathered in Washington, D.C. to assign each participating country to one of the 12 initial groups — through a blind draw in front of the media and a live audience.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Before the draw, organizers had already decided that Levi’s Stadium would host matches from groups B, D and J.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12083158\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12083158\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2249849133.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1320\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2249849133.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2249849133-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2249849133-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The FIFA World Cup Trophy is seen on stage at the Kennedy Center ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw on Dec. 3, 2025, in Washington, D.C. \u003ccite>(Michael Regan via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Once the makeup of each group was confirmed, Bay Area fans then learned which teams would get to play in the home of the 49ers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And don’t expect FIFA officials to grant the Bay Area more games or change which teams will play in Santa Clara.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The tournament’s governing body has stayed firm with its current schedule — even despite \u003ca href=\"https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116216801278101254\">recent statements\u003c/a> by President Donald Trump discouraging the Iranian soccer team from competing as the war between the U.S. and Iran continues.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "bts-stanford-may-2026-stadium-army-kpop-things-to-do-bay-area-peninsula",
"title": "BTS Is Coming to Stanford. How to Have a Very K-Pop Day in the Bay Area to Celebrate",
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"headTitle": "BTS Is Coming to Stanford. How to Have a Very K-Pop Day in the Bay Area to Celebrate | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>After several years, K-Pop juggernaut BTS is returning to the stage for their \u003cem>Arirang \u003c/em>world tour — and they’re stopping at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13985347/bts-tickets-presale-info-stanford-tour\">Stanford Stadium\u003c/a> next week on May 16, 17 and 19.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>BTS announced \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2022/06/14/1104980432/bts-announces-break\">a break in 2022\u003c/a> for the band to pursue their solo projects as well as to fulfill their mandatory service in the Korean military.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now the seven members (RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook) have \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/03/20/nx-s1-5753931/bts-arirang-comeback-k-pop\">reunited \u003c/a>on the album \u003cem>Arirang, \u003c/em>which came out in March, and for which their new tour is named.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Needless to say,\u003ca href=\"https://www.usbtsarmy.com/\"> BTS ARMY\u003c/a> is \u003cem>thrilled\u003c/em>. And since the Bay Area – and \u003ca href=\"https://edition.pagesuite.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=617f82c1-03ff-45cb-8da4-2589808f8816\">the West Coast in general\u003c/a> – is home to a huge community of passionate K-Pop fans, there will be plenty of events leading up to the concert weekend to celebrate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To mark BTS’s first touring show on our home turf \u003ca href=\"https://abc7news.com/post/bts-heads-to-gma-after-oakland-concert/4285071/\">since 2018\u003c/a>, we’ve compiled ways fans can celebrate BTS and K-Pop in general in the Bay Area that weekend, including cup sleeve events, opportunities for freebie trading, parties and themed desserts – whether you got a ticket to the shows or not.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just be sure to snag spots at ticketed events, because they may sell out quickly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082662\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082662\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2271173189.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1329\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2271173189.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2271173189-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2271173189-1536x1031.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A fan of Korean boy band BTS poses for a photo in front of a poster at Tokyo Dome before the start of the first BTS World Tour ‘Arirang’ in Tokyo on April 17, 2026. \u003ccite>(Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>And if you’re BTS ARMY visiting the Bay \u003cem>just \u003c/em>for the concert, welcome!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Our region has a comparatively robust public transportation system, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/guide\">BART\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/\">Caltrain\u003c/a>, that can help you get to some of these spots, and you can use \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12052690/bart-fares-2025-credit-card-clipper-tap-and-ride-contactless\">a Clipper Card, a card or Apple/Google Pay\u003c/a> to tap on and off these services.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We’ll also be publishing a guide to visiting Stanford Stadium itself for you in a few days, so check back.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>BTS events on Friday, May 15\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Before the BTS concert weekend starts, you can still have a \u003cem>very \u003c/em>full day of concert prep.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the East Bay, you can start the day at \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/kpn_oakland/\">K-Pop Nation\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003cstrong>, \u003c/strong>a retail store dedicated solely to K-Pop music and merch.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then, you can grab a bite to eat at \u003ca href=\"https://www.pctofu.com/\">Pyeong Chang Tofu House\u003c/a>. Gangnam Jajang also has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13984330/best-dishes-sf-bay-area-2025\">highly recommended Korean comfort food\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082664\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12082664 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2268072068.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1320\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2268072068.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2268072068-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2268072068-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">V, Suga, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Jimin and J-Hope of BTS speak onstage during Spotify x BTS: SWIMSIDE at Pier 17 on March 23, 2026, in New York City. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Spotify)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday in Hayward\u003cstrong>, \u003c/strong>Max’s Cakes will have \u003ca href=\"https://kpoptracker.net/us/events/hayward/bts-in-the-bay-popup-event/\">an array of BTS themed desserts,\u003c/a> as well as first-come, first-served freebies made by fans, like a BTS World Tour \u003cem>Arirang \u003c/em>tote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rather stay closer to San Francisco? Take a look at beloved merch store \u003ca href=\"https://www.yelp.com/biz/kpop-nara-sf-san-francisco\">KPop Nara\u003c/a> in the Sunset District, or Stonestown Galleria’s own \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOFg0vmjhPx/\">Moonlly Fashion\u003c/a>, with photocards, lightsticks and music for sale. Near Stonestown is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13961328/bay-pocha-late-night-korean-pub-bossam-army-stew-sf\">Bay Pocha\u003c/a>, a Korean pub.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>SFMOMA \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13982078/rm-bts-curates-sfmoma-exhibit-2026\">will be collaborating with RM\u003c/a> on an exhibit later this year. And while the art show isn’t yet on display, you could do some \u003ca href=\"https://medium.com/publiclibrarysg/the-art-of-namjooning-books-bts-and-a-guide-to-slow-living-and-reading-c35d81ad6f82\">Namjooning \u003c/a>by visiting the museum to prepare (and you might even be able to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11943906/how-to-find-free-museum-tickets-in-the-bay-area\">do so for free\u003c/a>) or checking out the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12081122/bay-area-book-lovers-we-have-highly-literary-date-or-friend-hang-ideas-for-your-weekend?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=%7Bcampaign%7D&utm_content=807361520818&utm_campaign_id=23712169357&utm_ad_id=%7Badid%7D&utm_term=bay%20area%20bookstores&content_pillar=Free_Low_Cost_Things_to_Do&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23712169357&gbraid=0AAAAACreV8g3qckzOMaslbCjmsBLZSAP0&gclid=CjwKCAjwzevPBhBaEiwAplAxvhoKP7_n9-G2MSeHmoszE1Uuo8hlC7_d-pnuPj9HcGpspiK_hVuLQhoCY7cQAvD_BwE\">many best bookish spots\u003c/a> in the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Or you could also grab a group of friends to recreate \u003ca href=\"https://www.usbtsarmy.com/bts-army-in-usa/bay-area\">BTS’s own iconic photo opportunity in front of the Golden Gate Bridge\u003c/a>.[aside postID=news_12080384 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20250516_ValkyriesHomeOpener_GC-48_qed-1020x716.jpg']At night, you can head over to the Mission District, where The Korner Store Bites is hosting a \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DXIjZLIivVK/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">pre-concert party\u003c/a> featuring BTS music, an anju buffet, raffle prizes and themed drinks. There is \u003cem>also \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.tixr.com/groups/purenightclub/events/bts-tribute-rave-tour-185098\">a BTS-themed rave\u003c/a> at Pure Nightclub in San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re looking for a more private way to party, \u003ca href=\"https://www.k-box-karaoke.com/\">K-Box in the city’s Japantown\u003c/a> is a reliably good karaoke spot with rooms for rent. Other private karaoke room spots in the city include \u003ca href=\"https://pandorakaraoke.com/\">Pandora Karaoke\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/auracinemasf/\">Aura Cinema\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.karaokesf.com/k-time-karaoke\">K-Time\u003c/a>, and \u003ca href=\"https://taishosf.com/\">Taisho\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And this author would be remiss to not mention her favorite Korean barbecue spot in the city, \u003ca href=\"https://brothersrestaurantsf.com/\">Brothers in the Richmond district\u003c/a>. For late-night chicken, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13981034/toyose-korean-chicken-garage-late-night-san-francisco\">Toyose\u003c/a> is an excellent option as well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For K-Pop fans in the South Bay, there is \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kpop-army-preshow-social-tickets-1983324591242?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">a pre-concert social\u003c/a> at the Hyatt in Mountain View from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. You can follow that event up with an \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DVg9WkhD-pi/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">Armyang BTS Army Dance Party\u003c/a> at The Hub RWC in Redwood City.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>(But remember, if you’re attending one of the coming shows: Save your strength.)\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>BTS events on Saturday, May 16\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>On concert days, it’s probably best to stick to the South Bay and Peninsula area to make sure you get to the Stanford Stadium on time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough list of some of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/109872/bay-area-bites-guide-to-5-cant-miss-south-bay-korean-barbecue-restaurants\">best Korean restaurants\u003c/a> in the South Bay, including Gooyi Gooyi and Jang Su Jang in Santa Clara.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, Ryokucha Cafe in Palo Alto will have \u003ca href=\"https://kpoptracker.net/us/events/palo-alto/bts-arirang-themed-cupsleeve-event/\">a cupsleeve event\u003c/a> with a themed BTS menu, giveaways and fan merch.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11782708\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11782708\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/RS39801_StandfordEdit006-qut.jpg\" alt=\"Stanford's campus spans 8,180 acres in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and is one of the largest in the country\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1265\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/RS39801_StandfordEdit006-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/RS39801_StandfordEdit006-qut-160x105.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/RS39801_StandfordEdit006-qut-800x527.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/RS39801_StandfordEdit006-qut-1020x672.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/RS39801_StandfordEdit006-qut-1200x791.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Stanford’s campus spans 8,180 acres in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and is one of the largest in the country. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>You can also head to Sunnyvale for \u003ca href=\"https://www.citylinesunnyvale.com/get-ready-for-bangtan-sunnyvale-1\">its huge BTS ARMY meetup\u003c/a>, featuring 90+ local vendors and dance performances. The event is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But even if the vibes are immaculate, be sure to head to Stanford early for the concert, which starts at 7 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The exact time gates open for the concert has not been published on the Stanford Stadium website yet. (For Coldplay’s tour engagement at this venue last year, \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/coldplay\">gates opened at 5 p.m.\u003c/a> for a 5:25 p.m. showtime.)\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>BTS events on Sunday, May 17\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Start the day at Ryokucha Cafe in Palo Alto, which will have \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DXp_ZGrjP5I/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">a BTS-themed vendor market and desserts\u003c/a> from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Elsewhere in the city, Mr. Sun Tea is also celebrating with \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DXW2w0Ngjgo/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">boba and freebie bundles\u003c/a>, from 12 to 3:30 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A little farther away is \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/kloudkpop.sj\">Kloud K-Pop\u003c/a> in San José, which is hosting a pre-game event featuring photocard decorating and a lightstick giveaway.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>After \u003c/em>the concert, for those who want the party to keep going, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.tixr.com/groups/purenightclub/events/bts-tribute-rave-tour-185099\">BTS Rave Tour\u003c/a> is throwing a Night 2 event at Pure Nightclub in San Francisco, starting at 10 p.m. But if you’re going to the concert, be realistic that with travel from Stanford to San Francisco after the show, you’ll probably be arriving at the club closer to midnight.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>BTS events on Tuesday, May 19\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Fewer fan events are happening on the Tuesday show, but it is also a pretty good opportunity to check out the many stores dedicated to Korean pop culture in the area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you are closer to the East Bay, visit \u003ca href=\"https://www.12kstshop.com/\">12KST Shop\u003c/a> in Concord or \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/confetti_kpop?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D\">Confetti K-Pop\u003c/a> in San Leandro. If you are closer to the South Bay, take a look at \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/kloudkpop.sj\">Kloud K-Pop\u003c/a> in San Jose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11754389\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11754389\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/06/GettyImages-77152290-e1560402492305.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An aerial view of downtown San Jose. \u003ccite>(Helene Labriet-Gross/AFP/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In Santa Clara, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13988444/best-korean-barbecue-santa-clara-charcoal-grill-korean-spring-late-night\">Korean Spring BBQ\u003c/a> is one of the last places in the Bay Area where the meat is still grilled over wood charcoal, according to KQED’s Luke Tsai. Or head over to the city’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13973430/best-korean-spicy-raw-crabs-ondam-santa-clara-late-night\">Ondam restaurant\u003c/a> for spicy raw marinated crabs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Again, be sure to leave with plenty of time to get to Stanford’s campus – especially on a weekday, where you will be competing with commuters and the workday rush.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>More BTS and K-Pop events happening this week\u003c/h2>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Through Tuesday, May 19: \u003c/strong>\u003ca href=\"https://kpoptracker.net/us/events/dublin/bts-bay-area-takeover/\">BTS Take Over\u003c/a> at Boba & More Dublin\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Thursday, May 7:\u003c/strong> \u003ca href=\"https://tockify.com/kpopinyourarea/detail/232/1778198400000\">K-Pop Takeover at Downtown First Thursday\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Friday, May 8\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://tockify.com/kpopinyourarea/detail/227/1778292000000\">K-Pop Fireworks Night at Oracle Park\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, May 9:\u003c/strong> \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-make-freebies-for-bts-arirang-stanford-registration-1988058417243\">Making freebies with other fans\u003c/a> at Sunset Commons in San Francisco.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, May 9:\u003c/strong> \u003ca href=\"https://partiful.com/e/a2Kr5XxnX1PpEs0im1fC\">Bangtan Beach Bonfya\u003c/a> at Ocean Beach in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, May 9 and May 10: \u003c/strong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DXbH8ihDEj9/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">Pre-concert event\u003c/a> at Konditorei Cafe in Portola Valley\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, May 9 and May 10: \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bts-20-last-minute-pre-concert-prep-event-tickets-1988814015257?aff=erelexpmlt\">Last-minute pre-concert prep event\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> at DIY Decoden Art Studio in Cupertino\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, May 9\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://paloalto.bibliocommons.com/events/69cd8ae6b48451fc3c0cba28\">A BTS Celebration\u003c/a> with a concert screening and dance class at the Mitchell Park Community Center\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, May 9:\u003c/strong> \u003ca href=\"https://kpoptracker.net/us/events/san_jose/bts-world-tour-2026-preconcert-cupsleeve-event/\">Pre-Concert Cupsleeve Event\u003c/a> at A Sack of Potatoes in San Jose\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, May 9: \u003c/strong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/82allnight/p/DX0Y6EOFIuG/\">K-Pop Karaoke takeover\u003c/a> on Larkin Street in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sunday, May 10:\u003c/strong> \u003ca href=\"https://kpoptracker.net/us/events/rohnert-park/bangtan-is-back-cupsleeve-event/\">Cupsleeve Event\u003c/a> at ThirsTea in Rohnert Park\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s Suzie Racho and Luke Tsai contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Ahead of BTS’ first Bay Area concert in 8 years, here are the K-Pop-themed parties, events, stores and restaurants to visit – whether you’re a local or BTS ARMY visiting us from afar.\r\n",
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"title": "BTS Is Coming to Stanford. How to Have a Very K-Pop Day in the Bay Area to Celebrate | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>After several years, K-Pop juggernaut BTS is returning to the stage for their \u003cem>Arirang \u003c/em>world tour — and they’re stopping at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13985347/bts-tickets-presale-info-stanford-tour\">Stanford Stadium\u003c/a> next week on May 16, 17 and 19.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>BTS announced \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2022/06/14/1104980432/bts-announces-break\">a break in 2022\u003c/a> for the band to pursue their solo projects as well as to fulfill their mandatory service in the Korean military.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now the seven members (RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook) have \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/03/20/nx-s1-5753931/bts-arirang-comeback-k-pop\">reunited \u003c/a>on the album \u003cem>Arirang, \u003c/em>which came out in March, and for which their new tour is named.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Needless to say,\u003ca href=\"https://www.usbtsarmy.com/\"> BTS ARMY\u003c/a> is \u003cem>thrilled\u003c/em>. And since the Bay Area – and \u003ca href=\"https://edition.pagesuite.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=617f82c1-03ff-45cb-8da4-2589808f8816\">the West Coast in general\u003c/a> – is home to a huge community of passionate K-Pop fans, there will be plenty of events leading up to the concert weekend to celebrate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To mark BTS’s first touring show on our home turf \u003ca href=\"https://abc7news.com/post/bts-heads-to-gma-after-oakland-concert/4285071/\">since 2018\u003c/a>, we’ve compiled ways fans can celebrate BTS and K-Pop in general in the Bay Area that weekend, including cup sleeve events, opportunities for freebie trading, parties and themed desserts – whether you got a ticket to the shows or not.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just be sure to snag spots at ticketed events, because they may sell out quickly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082662\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082662\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2271173189.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1329\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2271173189.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2271173189-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2271173189-1536x1031.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A fan of Korean boy band BTS poses for a photo in front of a poster at Tokyo Dome before the start of the first BTS World Tour ‘Arirang’ in Tokyo on April 17, 2026. \u003ccite>(Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>And if you’re BTS ARMY visiting the Bay \u003cem>just \u003c/em>for the concert, welcome!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Our region has a comparatively robust public transportation system, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/guide\">BART\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/\">Caltrain\u003c/a>, that can help you get to some of these spots, and you can use \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12052690/bart-fares-2025-credit-card-clipper-tap-and-ride-contactless\">a Clipper Card, a card or Apple/Google Pay\u003c/a> to tap on and off these services.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We’ll also be publishing a guide to visiting Stanford Stadium itself for you in a few days, so check back.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>BTS events on Friday, May 15\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Before the BTS concert weekend starts, you can still have a \u003cem>very \u003c/em>full day of concert prep.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the East Bay, you can start the day at \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/kpn_oakland/\">K-Pop Nation\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003cstrong>, \u003c/strong>a retail store dedicated solely to K-Pop music and merch.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then, you can grab a bite to eat at \u003ca href=\"https://www.pctofu.com/\">Pyeong Chang Tofu House\u003c/a>. Gangnam Jajang also has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13984330/best-dishes-sf-bay-area-2025\">highly recommended Korean comfort food\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082664\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12082664 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2268072068.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1320\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2268072068.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2268072068-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2268072068-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">V, Suga, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Jimin and J-Hope of BTS speak onstage during Spotify x BTS: SWIMSIDE at Pier 17 on March 23, 2026, in New York City. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Spotify)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday in Hayward\u003cstrong>, \u003c/strong>Max’s Cakes will have \u003ca href=\"https://kpoptracker.net/us/events/hayward/bts-in-the-bay-popup-event/\">an array of BTS themed desserts,\u003c/a> as well as first-come, first-served freebies made by fans, like a BTS World Tour \u003cem>Arirang \u003c/em>tote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rather stay closer to San Francisco? Take a look at beloved merch store \u003ca href=\"https://www.yelp.com/biz/kpop-nara-sf-san-francisco\">KPop Nara\u003c/a> in the Sunset District, or Stonestown Galleria’s own \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOFg0vmjhPx/\">Moonlly Fashion\u003c/a>, with photocards, lightsticks and music for sale. Near Stonestown is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13961328/bay-pocha-late-night-korean-pub-bossam-army-stew-sf\">Bay Pocha\u003c/a>, a Korean pub.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>SFMOMA \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13982078/rm-bts-curates-sfmoma-exhibit-2026\">will be collaborating with RM\u003c/a> on an exhibit later this year. And while the art show isn’t yet on display, you could do some \u003ca href=\"https://medium.com/publiclibrarysg/the-art-of-namjooning-books-bts-and-a-guide-to-slow-living-and-reading-c35d81ad6f82\">Namjooning \u003c/a>by visiting the museum to prepare (and you might even be able to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11943906/how-to-find-free-museum-tickets-in-the-bay-area\">do so for free\u003c/a>) or checking out the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12081122/bay-area-book-lovers-we-have-highly-literary-date-or-friend-hang-ideas-for-your-weekend?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=%7Bcampaign%7D&utm_content=807361520818&utm_campaign_id=23712169357&utm_ad_id=%7Badid%7D&utm_term=bay%20area%20bookstores&content_pillar=Free_Low_Cost_Things_to_Do&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23712169357&gbraid=0AAAAACreV8g3qckzOMaslbCjmsBLZSAP0&gclid=CjwKCAjwzevPBhBaEiwAplAxvhoKP7_n9-G2MSeHmoszE1Uuo8hlC7_d-pnuPj9HcGpspiK_hVuLQhoCY7cQAvD_BwE\">many best bookish spots\u003c/a> in the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Or you could also grab a group of friends to recreate \u003ca href=\"https://www.usbtsarmy.com/bts-army-in-usa/bay-area\">BTS’s own iconic photo opportunity in front of the Golden Gate Bridge\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>At night, you can head over to the Mission District, where The Korner Store Bites is hosting a \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DXIjZLIivVK/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">pre-concert party\u003c/a> featuring BTS music, an anju buffet, raffle prizes and themed drinks. There is \u003cem>also \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.tixr.com/groups/purenightclub/events/bts-tribute-rave-tour-185098\">a BTS-themed rave\u003c/a> at Pure Nightclub in San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re looking for a more private way to party, \u003ca href=\"https://www.k-box-karaoke.com/\">K-Box in the city’s Japantown\u003c/a> is a reliably good karaoke spot with rooms for rent. Other private karaoke room spots in the city include \u003ca href=\"https://pandorakaraoke.com/\">Pandora Karaoke\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/auracinemasf/\">Aura Cinema\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.karaokesf.com/k-time-karaoke\">K-Time\u003c/a>, and \u003ca href=\"https://taishosf.com/\">Taisho\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And this author would be remiss to not mention her favorite Korean barbecue spot in the city, \u003ca href=\"https://brothersrestaurantsf.com/\">Brothers in the Richmond district\u003c/a>. For late-night chicken, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13981034/toyose-korean-chicken-garage-late-night-san-francisco\">Toyose\u003c/a> is an excellent option as well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For K-Pop fans in the South Bay, there is \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kpop-army-preshow-social-tickets-1983324591242?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">a pre-concert social\u003c/a> at the Hyatt in Mountain View from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. You can follow that event up with an \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DVg9WkhD-pi/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">Armyang BTS Army Dance Party\u003c/a> at The Hub RWC in Redwood City.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>(But remember, if you’re attending one of the coming shows: Save your strength.)\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>BTS events on Saturday, May 16\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>On concert days, it’s probably best to stick to the South Bay and Peninsula area to make sure you get to the Stanford Stadium on time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough list of some of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareabites/109872/bay-area-bites-guide-to-5-cant-miss-south-bay-korean-barbecue-restaurants\">best Korean restaurants\u003c/a> in the South Bay, including Gooyi Gooyi and Jang Su Jang in Santa Clara.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, Ryokucha Cafe in Palo Alto will have \u003ca href=\"https://kpoptracker.net/us/events/palo-alto/bts-arirang-themed-cupsleeve-event/\">a cupsleeve event\u003c/a> with a themed BTS menu, giveaways and fan merch.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11782708\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11782708\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/RS39801_StandfordEdit006-qut.jpg\" alt=\"Stanford's campus spans 8,180 acres in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and is one of the largest in the country\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1265\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/RS39801_StandfordEdit006-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/RS39801_StandfordEdit006-qut-160x105.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/RS39801_StandfordEdit006-qut-800x527.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/RS39801_StandfordEdit006-qut-1020x672.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/RS39801_StandfordEdit006-qut-1200x791.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Stanford’s campus spans 8,180 acres in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and is one of the largest in the country. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>You can also head to Sunnyvale for \u003ca href=\"https://www.citylinesunnyvale.com/get-ready-for-bangtan-sunnyvale-1\">its huge BTS ARMY meetup\u003c/a>, featuring 90+ local vendors and dance performances. The event is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But even if the vibes are immaculate, be sure to head to Stanford early for the concert, which starts at 7 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The exact time gates open for the concert has not been published on the Stanford Stadium website yet. (For Coldplay’s tour engagement at this venue last year, \u003ca href=\"https://gostanford.com/coldplay\">gates opened at 5 p.m.\u003c/a> for a 5:25 p.m. showtime.)\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>BTS events on Sunday, May 17\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Start the day at Ryokucha Cafe in Palo Alto, which will have \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DXp_ZGrjP5I/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">a BTS-themed vendor market and desserts\u003c/a> from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Elsewhere in the city, Mr. Sun Tea is also celebrating with \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DXW2w0Ngjgo/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">boba and freebie bundles\u003c/a>, from 12 to 3:30 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A little farther away is \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/kloudkpop.sj\">Kloud K-Pop\u003c/a> in San José, which is hosting a pre-game event featuring photocard decorating and a lightstick giveaway.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>After \u003c/em>the concert, for those who want the party to keep going, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.tixr.com/groups/purenightclub/events/bts-tribute-rave-tour-185099\">BTS Rave Tour\u003c/a> is throwing a Night 2 event at Pure Nightclub in San Francisco, starting at 10 p.m. But if you’re going to the concert, be realistic that with travel from Stanford to San Francisco after the show, you’ll probably be arriving at the club closer to midnight.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>BTS events on Tuesday, May 19\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Fewer fan events are happening on the Tuesday show, but it is also a pretty good opportunity to check out the many stores dedicated to Korean pop culture in the area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you are closer to the East Bay, visit \u003ca href=\"https://www.12kstshop.com/\">12KST Shop\u003c/a> in Concord or \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/confetti_kpop?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D\">Confetti K-Pop\u003c/a> in San Leandro. If you are closer to the South Bay, take a look at \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/kloudkpop.sj\">Kloud K-Pop\u003c/a> in San Jose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11754389\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11754389\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/06/GettyImages-77152290-e1560402492305.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An aerial view of downtown San Jose. \u003ccite>(Helene Labriet-Gross/AFP/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In Santa Clara, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13988444/best-korean-barbecue-santa-clara-charcoal-grill-korean-spring-late-night\">Korean Spring BBQ\u003c/a> is one of the last places in the Bay Area where the meat is still grilled over wood charcoal, according to KQED’s Luke Tsai. Or head over to the city’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13973430/best-korean-spicy-raw-crabs-ondam-santa-clara-late-night\">Ondam restaurant\u003c/a> for spicy raw marinated crabs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Again, be sure to leave with plenty of time to get to Stanford’s campus – especially on a weekday, where you will be competing with commuters and the workday rush.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>More BTS and K-Pop events happening this week\u003c/h2>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Through Tuesday, May 19: \u003c/strong>\u003ca href=\"https://kpoptracker.net/us/events/dublin/bts-bay-area-takeover/\">BTS Take Over\u003c/a> at Boba & More Dublin\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Thursday, May 7:\u003c/strong> \u003ca href=\"https://tockify.com/kpopinyourarea/detail/232/1778198400000\">K-Pop Takeover at Downtown First Thursday\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Friday, May 8\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://tockify.com/kpopinyourarea/detail/227/1778292000000\">K-Pop Fireworks Night at Oracle Park\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, May 9:\u003c/strong> \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-make-freebies-for-bts-arirang-stanford-registration-1988058417243\">Making freebies with other fans\u003c/a> at Sunset Commons in San Francisco.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, May 9:\u003c/strong> \u003ca href=\"https://partiful.com/e/a2Kr5XxnX1PpEs0im1fC\">Bangtan Beach Bonfya\u003c/a> at Ocean Beach in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, May 9 and May 10: \u003c/strong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DXbH8ihDEj9/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">Pre-concert event\u003c/a> at Konditorei Cafe in Portola Valley\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, May 9 and May 10: \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bts-20-last-minute-pre-concert-prep-event-tickets-1988814015257?aff=erelexpmlt\">Last-minute pre-concert prep event\u003c/a>\u003c/strong> at DIY Decoden Art Studio in Cupertino\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, May 9\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://paloalto.bibliocommons.com/events/69cd8ae6b48451fc3c0cba28\">A BTS Celebration\u003c/a> with a concert screening and dance class at the Mitchell Park Community Center\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, May 9:\u003c/strong> \u003ca href=\"https://kpoptracker.net/us/events/san_jose/bts-world-tour-2026-preconcert-cupsleeve-event/\">Pre-Concert Cupsleeve Event\u003c/a> at A Sack of Potatoes in San Jose\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Saturday, May 9: \u003c/strong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/82allnight/p/DX0Y6EOFIuG/\">K-Pop Karaoke takeover\u003c/a> on Larkin Street in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sunday, May 10:\u003c/strong> \u003ca href=\"https://kpoptracker.net/us/events/rohnert-park/bangtan-is-back-cupsleeve-event/\">Cupsleeve Event\u003c/a> at ThirsTea in Rohnert Park\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s Suzie Racho and Luke Tsai contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "cheap-camping-near-bay-area-checklist-gear-cookware-tent-rental-sleeping-bag-pad",
"title": "How Cheaply Can You Camp in the Bay Area — Without Sacrificing Comfort?",
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"headTitle": "How Cheaply Can You Camp in the Bay Area — Without Sacrificing Comfort? | KQED",
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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>As the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/07/travel/airfare-bag-fees-fuel-surcharges.html\">cost of travel\u003c/a> continues to skyrocket, with gas and flight prices rising amid the Iran war, even more Californians than usual might be considering camping as a more achievable way to take a vacation this summer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But as many people discover, the costs of camping can quickly rack up. And once you’ve bought your equipment, acquired the extras and secured those endless groceries, a getaway that originally seemed like the cheapest option can suddenly seem oddly expensive.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As it turns out, it doesn’t have to be. In my role as KQED’s Outdoor Reporter, I talked to local experts and set out to test the cheapest camping trip that would still be fun — and comfortable — right here in the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The quest for cheap camping\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>My aim: To keep costs under $200 — what a person might spend for dinner and a night at a hotel.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To run this experiment, I had to set some parameters:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>I couldn’t use the camping gear I already owned\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Anything I brought would have to be something your average person might have at home\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Everything else I would have to borrow, rent or buy as affordably as possible\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079258\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1999px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079258\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_005_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_005_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_005_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_005_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A view of Lake Chabot is seen from Anthony Chabot Family Campground, which sits about 1.5 miles above the lake, on April 5, 2026, in Castro Valley, California. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>I also brought my partner with me, because camping with others is nearly always more fun.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It would take some creativity, but I did it — and for far less than $200. All told, my weekend adventure came in at around $180.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading what I learned about camping as cheaply as possible near the Bay Area, and the tips you can use to make your next weekend away as budget-friendly as possible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#WheretofindfreecampsitesneartheBayArea\">Where to find free campsites near the Bay Area\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Howtokeepcostsdownwhenrentingcampingequipment\">How to keep costs down when renting camping equipment\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Wheretobuyorthriftcheapercampingsupplies\">Where to buy (or thrift) cheaper camping supplies\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Try reserving a cheaper ‘walk-in’ campsite …\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>For my night away, I spent $33 on \u003ca href=\"https://campnab.com/camping-glossary/walk-in-campsite\">a walk-in campsite \u003c/a>— that is, a campsite you have to walk a little way to after parking, as opposed to one where you can pop your tent right next to your vehicle. These are not to be confused with walk-\u003cem>up\u003c/em> campsites, which are “first-come, first-served” and can’t be reserved.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I chose a walk-in site because these are usually a few dollars cheaper than drive-up sites. (I even called the reservation office to see if making the $25 campsite reservation by phone could waive the $8 service fee — alas, it did not.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079262\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079262\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_018_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_018_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_018_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_018_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Used and borrowed coolers hold food at a campsite at Anthony Chabot Family Campground on April 5, 2026, in Castro Valley, California. Camper Ernesto Carmona said reusing gear is a key way to keep camping affordable. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>For the cost of a 5-minute walk with all your stuff, a walk-in site gives you a much more secluded, immersive camping experience. Still, first-time campers may use a regular drive-in site to keep their car close by. Regardless of what you decide, most Bay Area campsites will be in the $30-$50 range per night, including the service fee.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I chose the East Bay’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/parks/anthony-chabot/camping\">Anthony Chabot Campground\u003c/a> because of its beginner-friendly nature, and the short 35-minute drive from downtown Oakland (even closer if you live in Castro Valley or Hayward). Not only did this hillside spot have plenty of available reservations, but it’s beautiful, too: nestled within eucalyptus trees with a view of scenic Lake Chabot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And it has \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/california/anthony-chabot-regional-park--2\">hiking trails for all levels\u003c/a> — for a relaxed stroll at sunset, we took the easy, mostly flat Towhee Trail, connecting a loop around the campground above Lake Chabot.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"WheretofindfreecampsitesneartheBayArea\">\u003c/a>… or choose a dispersed site for even cheaper (or free) camping\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Want to keep your costs even lower? You can always “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11920867/how-to-find-free-camping-in-californias-national-forests\">dispersed camp\u003c/a>” in national forests or other federal land — meaning you’ll pitch your tent outside a developed campground.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Not only is dispersed camping far cheaper — it’s usually free, although certain forests may require a pass that costs a few dollars — it tends to be quieter and doesn’t usually require a permit.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dispersed camping “kind of brings the benefit of backpacking” while still having your car, said Brian Low, general manager at Club Urban Diversion, a Bay Area-based social club that organizes outdoor trips. “You get into the backcountry away from other people and have a really tranquil experience in the wilderness, but you have the benefit of being able to drive right up to your site and camp there.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082551\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082551\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/HikingJosh.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/HikingJosh.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/HikingJosh-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/HikingJosh-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Joshua Dillen hikes the Towhee Trail, which circles Anthony Chabot Campground, on April 5, 2026. \u003ccite>(Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But there is a catch: Most of those campsites don’t have any facilities at all, like toilets or showers, and may not be properly marked on maps. Make sure you know you’re camping legally and not on private property beforehand (apps like \u003ca href=\"https://www.gaiagps.com/\">Gaia GPS\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.onxmaps.com/backcountry/app?utm_source=googlesearch&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=PERF_BC_US_NATION_GOOGLE-AC_WEB_ACQ_BRAND_07-23-2025&https://www.onxmaps.com/backcountry/blog/fatmap-alternative&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22520966125&gbraid=0AAAAABs4zQ6QJkac9R-vd5C9tuG0WzE20&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkrzPBhCqARIsAJN460lTK-0LmtCQmpc7Tgsli9ZcuHAFAvNMLcLgGUd-7OSarKtVbhfCukwaAvSyEALw_wcB\">onX Backcountry\u003c/a> can help you navigate).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also call the local land management office where you’re trying to camp, usually the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/offices\">U.S. Forest Service\u003c/a> or \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/office/central-california-district-office\">Bureau of Land Management\u003c/a>, and ask a ranger or staff member where to camp safely and legally nearby.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Make sure you ask about \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/programs/fire/regional-info/california/fire-restrictions\">any local fire restrictions\u003c/a> or other regulations. You’ll probably also need a \u003ca href=\"http://readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/\">California Campfire Permit\u003c/a>, which is free.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082554\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082554\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/TentView.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/TentView.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/TentView-160x120.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/TentView-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A tent is set up in the corner of a campsite at Anthony Chabot Campground on April 5, 2026. \u003ccite>(Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Dispersed camping also means you’ll have to:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Bring water in your car (or a\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12040242/start-backpacking-trails-bay-area-near-me-permits#backpacking-gear\"> water filter\u003c/a>) for the entire weekend\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Expect to pack out your trash (yes, including toilet paper)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Follow other\u003ca href=\"https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/\"> Leave No Trace principles\u003c/a> like camping away from streams …\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>… and burying your poop at least 6 inches deep in the ground.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>“It does require a little bit more know-how and skill to camp in those places,” Low said. “So it’s not always the most beginner-friendly.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In short, while dispersed camping will keep reservation costs way down, saving this money might not be worth the stress if you’re more of a beginner camper.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Know the essentials you absolutely \u003cem>shouldn’t \u003c/em>cut corners on\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Namely, your “big three”: Your tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad. These are the essential pieces of gear you 100% need to safely enjoy a night out camping, even if the weather forecast is perfect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you go out and you can’t sleep because you’re freezing cold and you’re shivering all night, and then you wake up, tired and groggy and grumpy, you’re just not going to have fun the next day,” Low said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Besides a warm, comfortable sleep setup, you don’t technically \u003cem>need \u003c/em>anything else to camp. But there are some nice-to-haves, and you can borrow, rent or find them at local thrift stores. Which brings us to …\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Borrow from your community (before you invest in your own costly gear)\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Camping with friends or family is the easiest way to keep costs down. You can carpool, share tents and other gear — and you’ll probably have more fun, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also borrow extra equipment from that one friend who has too much or another who can’t make the trip this time. (Full disclosure: I am usually that one friend — I have lent my gear to pretty much anyone who asked. As far as I’m concerned, the more use my gear gets, the better.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Lean on your community, friends, family, acquaintances – see if there’s stuff that you can borrow,” Low said. “And then stuff you can’t borrow, see if you can rent it. And \u003cem>then \u003c/em>stuff you can’t rent, consider buying it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079264\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079264\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_025_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_025_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_025_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_025_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Marcus Johnson, of Hayward, with his family at Anthony Chabot Family Campground on April 5, 2026, in Castro Valley, CA. Bringing used gear and choosing local campsites helps keep trips affordable, according to Mr Johnson. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Your local library may also offer \u003ca href=\"https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/01/free-hiking-gear-bay-area-libraries/\">rentals for hiking gear\u003c/a> that you can check out the way you would a book — all for free. You can also reserve and check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11910495/how-to-get-free-entry-to-california-state-parks-with-your-library-card\">free state parks passes\u003c/a> from your library.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re associated with a university, check whether your school has an \u003ca href=\"https://chaosberkeley.org/gear-shed/\">outdoors club\u003c/a>, as these organizations often rent gear for cheap to students and faculty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For this trip, I borrowed a lawn chair from my roommate. It’s been sitting in our house for a while, and was the perfect way to relax around the campfire — so who cares if it wasn’t an actual camping chair?\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Howtokeepcostsdownwhenrentingcampingequipment\">\u003c/a>How to affordably rent your most crucial gear\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re planning on making camping a habit, you may consider buying your “big three” — tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad — but you’ll want to buy it from a reputable outdoors gear store, advised Low. When you buy from sellers on sites like Amazon, you run the risk of receiving dupes or low-quality gear that hasn’t been field-tested and may not hold up in bad weather.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Once you buy it, good gear can last a lifetime. Case in point: I have used my sleeping bag and pad for hundreds of nights outdoors. And you can trust the recommendations of many outfitters’ salespeople, as they generally don’t work on commission, Low said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079255\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079255\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_001_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_001_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_001_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_001_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A sign marks the entrance to Anthony Chabot Regional Park at Marciel Gate along Redwood Road on April 5, 2026, in Castro Valley, California. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But what if you’re a more casual camper who’s only planning on sleeping in a tent for a weekend or two per year? In this instance, you don’t have to drop hundreds of dollars on new gear — and if you can’t borrow it as above, you can plan to rent it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For my trip, I rented the big three from Sports Basement in San Francisco, where employees Neil Barbo and Erica Huerta helped me pick up my rentals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sportsbasement.com/pages/camping-rental-rates\">You can make reservations\u003c/a> for gear rentals online ahead of time, but in this case, I just walked in to find everything I needed right there in the store.[aside postID=news_12035515 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/GettyImages-1366211065_qed-1020x681.jpg']As Barbo and Huerta showed me, places like Sports Basement offer bundled \u003ca href=\"https://www.sportsbasement.com/products/sbrents-2-person-car-camping-package-with-duo-sleeping-options\">rental packages\u003c/a> for people who want to go all in. But most campers don’t need \u003cem>everything \u003c/em>in the package, Barbo said — so if keeping costs low is your priority, forget the bundles and just pick and choose what you need.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The cost of my setup for the weekend was $108 for a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad and camping stove. For the stove, I also had to buy fuel — I bought a refillable one, but most single-use cans go for around $10 (and may be found even cheaper at hardware stores).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I hadn’t used the kind of stove I was renting before, so Barbo offered me a demonstration right there in the shop to ensure I’d be able to make dinner when I got to Chabot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You shouldn’t be afraid of asking rental staff how to use an item, stressed Barbo, because the worst case scenario is spending money to rent something you then can’t figure out how to use.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another upside of renting, the pair said, is being able to test out different types of gear to see what you do and don’t like before committing to any one brand or item.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You can kind of figure out, ‘is camping for you?’” Huerta said. “‘Is maybe backpacking more your style?’ There’s different ways to camp, different ways to backpack, and it’s a good way to try out different variations and see what makes you happiest.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Wheretobuyorthriftcheapercampingsupplies\">\u003c/a>Where to buy or thrift the rest of your camping gear affordably\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you know you want to make camping a habit but don’t want to shell out just yet, online used markets like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are great options.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also visit your local thrift store, like Goodwill. For my trip, I went to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.communitythriftsf.org/\">Community Thrift Store\u003c/a> in the Mission and picked up a small cooler for $3, so I wouldn’t need that entire Sports Basement camping package. For another $3, I also found some solar-powered string lights to hang on my tent at night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082552\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082552\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Flashlights.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Flashlights.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Flashlights-160x120.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Flashlights-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A bin at the Community Thrift Store in San Francisco’s Mission District holds flashlights for sale. \u003ccite>(Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Other items I saw at the thrift store that I already owned but would be great to bring camping were:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>A headlamp and flashlight\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Tons of cookware, utensils, water bottles and Tupperware\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Warm beanies, gloves and sun hats\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Hiking boots and sandals\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Lawn toys like frisbees, inflatable footballs and bouncy balls\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Art supplies like colored pencils and paints\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Board games and books galore\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Once I arrived at Chabot, I got chatting to fellow camper Ernesto Carmona, who was there with his family. Lots of their gear was borrowed, said Carmona, but the rest was affordably acquired from places like Costco, Walmart and Target. “As simple as possible is the best way to go,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The first time we ever camped, we tried to bring a bunch of fancy stuff, and we were more worried about getting it damaged than enjoying the camping trip,” Carmona said. Instead, he advised bringing things you \u003cem>won’t \u003c/em>miss if they get damaged — or stressed out if they get dirty — and particularly suggested a cheap cooler.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You make better memories that way,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082556\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12082556 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GamesThrift.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GamesThrift.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GamesThrift-160x120.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GamesThrift-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Local thrift stores, including the Community Thrift Store in San Francisco’s Mission District, sell lots of toys and board games that you can bring camping. \u003ccite>(Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Carmona even got four or five giant boxes of firewood from Foodmax. He said big box stores fit his needs better than expensive outdoors ones, finding Bass Pro Shop in particular “too purpose-intended.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’re worried about staying warm at night around the campfire or in your tent, Sports Basement’s Huerta suggested you head to your local hardware store to pick up \u003ca href=\"https://www.backpacker.com/survival/survival-skills/emergency-shelters/how-and-when-hikers-should-use-space-blankets-and-survival-blankets/\">a space blanket\u003c/a> — those shiny Mylar emergency blankets used to prevent hypothermia — for just a few dollars. If you put one of these blankets down on your tent floor under your sleeping pad, it will reflect your body heat back up to you at night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s such a simple thing and has been such a great saver for a good night of sleep,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I happened to have one already at home, leftover from a race I participated in years ago, and can attest: wearing mine around the campfire at night kept me extra toasty.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>You almost certainly don’t need to buy or rent camping clothes\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>There’s no need to make this part complicated: You probably already have the right clothes for camping. So just bring whatever is comfortable and that you’re not afraid to get dirty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re planning on hiking, bring gear for that, including sun protection and walking or hiking shoes. Unless you’re planning a major hike, you probably don’t need hiking boots, as regular tennis shoes will perform just fine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082553\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082553\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Sunset.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Sunset.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Sunset-160x120.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Sunset-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dusk falls on a campground at Anthony Chabot Regional Park on April 5, 2026. Campers here thrifted string lights to deck out their tent. \u003ccite>(Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Always check the weather ahead of time — you might need a rain jacket. And be sure to bring more layers for nighttime, as temperatures in the Bay Area can drop dramatically when the sun goes down. A pair of gloves and a beanie go a long way – and can be easily thrifted, if you need to pick some up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Really \u003c/em>worried about being warm at night? Bring a hard-sided Nalgene bottle, if you own one, and fill it with boiling water before bed to act as a space heater in your sleeping bag.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Camp food can be as cheap as you’d like\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>For this trip, I spent just $15 at the grocery store for food for two, supplemented by a few pantry items from home (more on that below) — and found we had plenty of food to enjoy during our stay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We purchased buns, hot dogs and grilled zucchini for dinner and brought instant oatmeal packets and instant coffee from home for breakfast to keep things cheap and easy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082559\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082559\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Cooking.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Cooking.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Cooking-160x120.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Cooking-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Campers at Anthony Chabot Regional Park cook hot dogs on a two-burner camping stove rented at Sports Basement on April 5, 2026. \u003ccite>(Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>You could easily pack more involved fare, since preparing a somewhat time-consuming meal can be an intrinsic part of the fun when camping. But if you don’t care about making a big meal, some of my go-to cheap and easy camping meals are instant ramen, instant mashed potatoes and boxed mac and cheese — which are all around a dollar at stores like Grocery Outlet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’re not dead set on making s’mores, a simple mug of hot chocolate and tea can be a more budget-friendly campfire treat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>My partner and I also purchased a $10 bundle of wood at the campground to make our campfire. For extra thriftiness, we used our paper grocery bag as a firestarter.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Remember: You can bring a ton of stuff from home\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>While I prefer having a headlamp in a campsite, you can always bring an emergency flashlight from home or use your phone as a flashlight. Just remember, you may not be able to charge it, so airplane mode might be your best bet this trip.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And you can skip the fancy camping cookware. While I rented a Coleman-style camping stove from Sports Basement, I brought the pots and pans we used for meals right from my kitchen, as well as mugs, tongs for cooking and utensils, along with that extra food already in our pantry. I also brought a trash bag, dish soap and a sponge from home.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079256\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1999px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12079256 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_003_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_003_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_003_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_003_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Firewood and charcoal are sold at Anthony Chabot Family Campground on April 5, 2026, in Castro Valley, California. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Low also suggested items like takeout containers or Tupperware can be perfect to eat out of or help you prep your food. I took his advice: On my trip, my main eating bowl was a plastic tupperware that I’ve had forever.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Almost everybody usually has something like that at home,” he said. “So you don’t have to go out and buy everything.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Money left over? Don’t sleep on the fun optional extras\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>For entertainment around camp, bring a book you have lying around but haven’t gotten to, a deck of cards, a board game or even a frisbee. Sports Basement offers hammocks to rent as well. If you’re by a lake, you can even bring a floaty and a small speaker to lean into the beach vibes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One of Low’s favorite camp games is bocce ball, he said. He even found a set with LEDs so he can play at night with friends.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079263\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079263\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_021_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_021_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_021_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_021_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Elena Carmona, 5, holds a toy container with a darkling beetle and a kite at Anthony Chabot Family Campground on April 5, 2026, in Castro Valley, California. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It’s not serious,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if the ground is perfectly level. We’ve played it on a hill before, and it just kind of makes it that much more fun when all the balls roll out there and then roll back towards you.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Low has also had friends bring musical instruments. On my trip, I brought art supplies and a board game from home to pass the time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you’re car camping, the world is your oyster,” Low said. “If it fits in the car and you think it’s gonna improve your experience and be kind of fun out there, then bring it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Feel like a camping trip can quickly become expensive? We got expert tips on how to keep camping cheap — and tried them out. ",
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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>As the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/07/travel/airfare-bag-fees-fuel-surcharges.html\">cost of travel\u003c/a> continues to skyrocket, with gas and flight prices rising amid the Iran war, even more Californians than usual might be considering camping as a more achievable way to take a vacation this summer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But as many people discover, the costs of camping can quickly rack up. And once you’ve bought your equipment, acquired the extras and secured those endless groceries, a getaway that originally seemed like the cheapest option can suddenly seem oddly expensive.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As it turns out, it doesn’t have to be. In my role as KQED’s Outdoor Reporter, I talked to local experts and set out to test the cheapest camping trip that would still be fun — and comfortable — right here in the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The quest for cheap camping\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>My aim: To keep costs under $200 — what a person might spend for dinner and a night at a hotel.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To run this experiment, I had to set some parameters:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>I couldn’t use the camping gear I already owned\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Anything I brought would have to be something your average person might have at home\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Everything else I would have to borrow, rent or buy as affordably as possible\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079258\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1999px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079258\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_005_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_005_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_005_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_005_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A view of Lake Chabot is seen from Anthony Chabot Family Campground, which sits about 1.5 miles above the lake, on April 5, 2026, in Castro Valley, California. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>I also brought my partner with me, because camping with others is nearly always more fun.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It would take some creativity, but I did it — and for far less than $200. All told, my weekend adventure came in at around $180.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading what I learned about camping as cheaply as possible near the Bay Area, and the tips you can use to make your next weekend away as budget-friendly as possible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#WheretofindfreecampsitesneartheBayArea\">Where to find free campsites near the Bay Area\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Howtokeepcostsdownwhenrentingcampingequipment\">How to keep costs down when renting camping equipment\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Wheretobuyorthriftcheapercampingsupplies\">Where to buy (or thrift) cheaper camping supplies\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Try reserving a cheaper ‘walk-in’ campsite …\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>For my night away, I spent $33 on \u003ca href=\"https://campnab.com/camping-glossary/walk-in-campsite\">a walk-in campsite \u003c/a>— that is, a campsite you have to walk a little way to after parking, as opposed to one where you can pop your tent right next to your vehicle. These are not to be confused with walk-\u003cem>up\u003c/em> campsites, which are “first-come, first-served” and can’t be reserved.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I chose a walk-in site because these are usually a few dollars cheaper than drive-up sites. (I even called the reservation office to see if making the $25 campsite reservation by phone could waive the $8 service fee — alas, it did not.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079262\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079262\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_018_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_018_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_018_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_018_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Used and borrowed coolers hold food at a campsite at Anthony Chabot Family Campground on April 5, 2026, in Castro Valley, California. Camper Ernesto Carmona said reusing gear is a key way to keep camping affordable. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>For the cost of a 5-minute walk with all your stuff, a walk-in site gives you a much more secluded, immersive camping experience. Still, first-time campers may use a regular drive-in site to keep their car close by. Regardless of what you decide, most Bay Area campsites will be in the $30-$50 range per night, including the service fee.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I chose the East Bay’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/parks/anthony-chabot/camping\">Anthony Chabot Campground\u003c/a> because of its beginner-friendly nature, and the short 35-minute drive from downtown Oakland (even closer if you live in Castro Valley or Hayward). Not only did this hillside spot have plenty of available reservations, but it’s beautiful, too: nestled within eucalyptus trees with a view of scenic Lake Chabot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And it has \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/california/anthony-chabot-regional-park--2\">hiking trails for all levels\u003c/a> — for a relaxed stroll at sunset, we took the easy, mostly flat Towhee Trail, connecting a loop around the campground above Lake Chabot.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"WheretofindfreecampsitesneartheBayArea\">\u003c/a>… or choose a dispersed site for even cheaper (or free) camping\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Want to keep your costs even lower? You can always “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11920867/how-to-find-free-camping-in-californias-national-forests\">dispersed camp\u003c/a>” in national forests or other federal land — meaning you’ll pitch your tent outside a developed campground.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Not only is dispersed camping far cheaper — it’s usually free, although certain forests may require a pass that costs a few dollars — it tends to be quieter and doesn’t usually require a permit.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dispersed camping “kind of brings the benefit of backpacking” while still having your car, said Brian Low, general manager at Club Urban Diversion, a Bay Area-based social club that organizes outdoor trips. “You get into the backcountry away from other people and have a really tranquil experience in the wilderness, but you have the benefit of being able to drive right up to your site and camp there.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082551\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082551\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/HikingJosh.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/HikingJosh.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/HikingJosh-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/HikingJosh-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Joshua Dillen hikes the Towhee Trail, which circles Anthony Chabot Campground, on April 5, 2026. \u003ccite>(Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But there is a catch: Most of those campsites don’t have any facilities at all, like toilets or showers, and may not be properly marked on maps. Make sure you know you’re camping legally and not on private property beforehand (apps like \u003ca href=\"https://www.gaiagps.com/\">Gaia GPS\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.onxmaps.com/backcountry/app?utm_source=googlesearch&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=PERF_BC_US_NATION_GOOGLE-AC_WEB_ACQ_BRAND_07-23-2025&https://www.onxmaps.com/backcountry/blog/fatmap-alternative&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22520966125&gbraid=0AAAAABs4zQ6QJkac9R-vd5C9tuG0WzE20&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkrzPBhCqARIsAJN460lTK-0LmtCQmpc7Tgsli9ZcuHAFAvNMLcLgGUd-7OSarKtVbhfCukwaAvSyEALw_wcB\">onX Backcountry\u003c/a> can help you navigate).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also call the local land management office where you’re trying to camp, usually the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/offices\">U.S. Forest Service\u003c/a> or \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/office/central-california-district-office\">Bureau of Land Management\u003c/a>, and ask a ranger or staff member where to camp safely and legally nearby.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Make sure you ask about \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/programs/fire/regional-info/california/fire-restrictions\">any local fire restrictions\u003c/a> or other regulations. You’ll probably also need a \u003ca href=\"http://readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/\">California Campfire Permit\u003c/a>, which is free.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082554\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082554\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/TentView.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/TentView.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/TentView-160x120.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/TentView-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A tent is set up in the corner of a campsite at Anthony Chabot Campground on April 5, 2026. \u003ccite>(Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Dispersed camping also means you’ll have to:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Bring water in your car (or a\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12040242/start-backpacking-trails-bay-area-near-me-permits#backpacking-gear\"> water filter\u003c/a>) for the entire weekend\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Expect to pack out your trash (yes, including toilet paper)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Follow other\u003ca href=\"https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/\"> Leave No Trace principles\u003c/a> like camping away from streams …\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>… and burying your poop at least 6 inches deep in the ground.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>“It does require a little bit more know-how and skill to camp in those places,” Low said. “So it’s not always the most beginner-friendly.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In short, while dispersed camping will keep reservation costs way down, saving this money might not be worth the stress if you’re more of a beginner camper.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Know the essentials you absolutely \u003cem>shouldn’t \u003c/em>cut corners on\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Namely, your “big three”: Your tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad. These are the essential pieces of gear you 100% need to safely enjoy a night out camping, even if the weather forecast is perfect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you go out and you can’t sleep because you’re freezing cold and you’re shivering all night, and then you wake up, tired and groggy and grumpy, you’re just not going to have fun the next day,” Low said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Besides a warm, comfortable sleep setup, you don’t technically \u003cem>need \u003c/em>anything else to camp. But there are some nice-to-haves, and you can borrow, rent or find them at local thrift stores. Which brings us to …\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Borrow from your community (before you invest in your own costly gear)\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Camping with friends or family is the easiest way to keep costs down. You can carpool, share tents and other gear — and you’ll probably have more fun, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also borrow extra equipment from that one friend who has too much or another who can’t make the trip this time. (Full disclosure: I am usually that one friend — I have lent my gear to pretty much anyone who asked. As far as I’m concerned, the more use my gear gets, the better.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Lean on your community, friends, family, acquaintances – see if there’s stuff that you can borrow,” Low said. “And then stuff you can’t borrow, see if you can rent it. And \u003cem>then \u003c/em>stuff you can’t rent, consider buying it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079264\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079264\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_025_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_025_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_025_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_025_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Marcus Johnson, of Hayward, with his family at Anthony Chabot Family Campground on April 5, 2026, in Castro Valley, CA. Bringing used gear and choosing local campsites helps keep trips affordable, according to Mr Johnson. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Your local library may also offer \u003ca href=\"https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/01/free-hiking-gear-bay-area-libraries/\">rentals for hiking gear\u003c/a> that you can check out the way you would a book — all for free. You can also reserve and check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11910495/how-to-get-free-entry-to-california-state-parks-with-your-library-card\">free state parks passes\u003c/a> from your library.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re associated with a university, check whether your school has an \u003ca href=\"https://chaosberkeley.org/gear-shed/\">outdoors club\u003c/a>, as these organizations often rent gear for cheap to students and faculty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For this trip, I borrowed a lawn chair from my roommate. It’s been sitting in our house for a while, and was the perfect way to relax around the campfire — so who cares if it wasn’t an actual camping chair?\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Howtokeepcostsdownwhenrentingcampingequipment\">\u003c/a>How to affordably rent your most crucial gear\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re planning on making camping a habit, you may consider buying your “big three” — tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad — but you’ll want to buy it from a reputable outdoors gear store, advised Low. When you buy from sellers on sites like Amazon, you run the risk of receiving dupes or low-quality gear that hasn’t been field-tested and may not hold up in bad weather.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Once you buy it, good gear can last a lifetime. Case in point: I have used my sleeping bag and pad for hundreds of nights outdoors. And you can trust the recommendations of many outfitters’ salespeople, as they generally don’t work on commission, Low said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079255\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079255\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_001_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_001_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_001_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_001_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A sign marks the entrance to Anthony Chabot Regional Park at Marciel Gate along Redwood Road on April 5, 2026, in Castro Valley, California. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But what if you’re a more casual camper who’s only planning on sleeping in a tent for a weekend or two per year? In this instance, you don’t have to drop hundreds of dollars on new gear — and if you can’t borrow it as above, you can plan to rent it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For my trip, I rented the big three from Sports Basement in San Francisco, where employees Neil Barbo and Erica Huerta helped me pick up my rentals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sportsbasement.com/pages/camping-rental-rates\">You can make reservations\u003c/a> for gear rentals online ahead of time, but in this case, I just walked in to find everything I needed right there in the store.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>As Barbo and Huerta showed me, places like Sports Basement offer bundled \u003ca href=\"https://www.sportsbasement.com/products/sbrents-2-person-car-camping-package-with-duo-sleeping-options\">rental packages\u003c/a> for people who want to go all in. But most campers don’t need \u003cem>everything \u003c/em>in the package, Barbo said — so if keeping costs low is your priority, forget the bundles and just pick and choose what you need.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The cost of my setup for the weekend was $108 for a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad and camping stove. For the stove, I also had to buy fuel — I bought a refillable one, but most single-use cans go for around $10 (and may be found even cheaper at hardware stores).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I hadn’t used the kind of stove I was renting before, so Barbo offered me a demonstration right there in the shop to ensure I’d be able to make dinner when I got to Chabot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You shouldn’t be afraid of asking rental staff how to use an item, stressed Barbo, because the worst case scenario is spending money to rent something you then can’t figure out how to use.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another upside of renting, the pair said, is being able to test out different types of gear to see what you do and don’t like before committing to any one brand or item.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You can kind of figure out, ‘is camping for you?’” Huerta said. “‘Is maybe backpacking more your style?’ There’s different ways to camp, different ways to backpack, and it’s a good way to try out different variations and see what makes you happiest.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Wheretobuyorthriftcheapercampingsupplies\">\u003c/a>Where to buy or thrift the rest of your camping gear affordably\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you know you want to make camping a habit but don’t want to shell out just yet, online used markets like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are great options.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also visit your local thrift store, like Goodwill. For my trip, I went to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.communitythriftsf.org/\">Community Thrift Store\u003c/a> in the Mission and picked up a small cooler for $3, so I wouldn’t need that entire Sports Basement camping package. For another $3, I also found some solar-powered string lights to hang on my tent at night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082552\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082552\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Flashlights.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Flashlights.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Flashlights-160x120.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Flashlights-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A bin at the Community Thrift Store in San Francisco’s Mission District holds flashlights for sale. \u003ccite>(Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Other items I saw at the thrift store that I already owned but would be great to bring camping were:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>A headlamp and flashlight\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Tons of cookware, utensils, water bottles and Tupperware\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Warm beanies, gloves and sun hats\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Hiking boots and sandals\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Lawn toys like frisbees, inflatable footballs and bouncy balls\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Art supplies like colored pencils and paints\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Board games and books galore\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Once I arrived at Chabot, I got chatting to fellow camper Ernesto Carmona, who was there with his family. Lots of their gear was borrowed, said Carmona, but the rest was affordably acquired from places like Costco, Walmart and Target. “As simple as possible is the best way to go,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The first time we ever camped, we tried to bring a bunch of fancy stuff, and we were more worried about getting it damaged than enjoying the camping trip,” Carmona said. Instead, he advised bringing things you \u003cem>won’t \u003c/em>miss if they get damaged — or stressed out if they get dirty — and particularly suggested a cheap cooler.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You make better memories that way,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082556\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12082556 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GamesThrift.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GamesThrift.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GamesThrift-160x120.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GamesThrift-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Local thrift stores, including the Community Thrift Store in San Francisco’s Mission District, sell lots of toys and board games that you can bring camping. \u003ccite>(Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Carmona even got four or five giant boxes of firewood from Foodmax. He said big box stores fit his needs better than expensive outdoors ones, finding Bass Pro Shop in particular “too purpose-intended.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’re worried about staying warm at night around the campfire or in your tent, Sports Basement’s Huerta suggested you head to your local hardware store to pick up \u003ca href=\"https://www.backpacker.com/survival/survival-skills/emergency-shelters/how-and-when-hikers-should-use-space-blankets-and-survival-blankets/\">a space blanket\u003c/a> — those shiny Mylar emergency blankets used to prevent hypothermia — for just a few dollars. If you put one of these blankets down on your tent floor under your sleeping pad, it will reflect your body heat back up to you at night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s such a simple thing and has been such a great saver for a good night of sleep,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I happened to have one already at home, leftover from a race I participated in years ago, and can attest: wearing mine around the campfire at night kept me extra toasty.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>You almost certainly don’t need to buy or rent camping clothes\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>There’s no need to make this part complicated: You probably already have the right clothes for camping. So just bring whatever is comfortable and that you’re not afraid to get dirty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re planning on hiking, bring gear for that, including sun protection and walking or hiking shoes. Unless you’re planning a major hike, you probably don’t need hiking boots, as regular tennis shoes will perform just fine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082553\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082553\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Sunset.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Sunset.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Sunset-160x120.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Sunset-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dusk falls on a campground at Anthony Chabot Regional Park on April 5, 2026. Campers here thrifted string lights to deck out their tent. \u003ccite>(Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Always check the weather ahead of time — you might need a rain jacket. And be sure to bring more layers for nighttime, as temperatures in the Bay Area can drop dramatically when the sun goes down. A pair of gloves and a beanie go a long way – and can be easily thrifted, if you need to pick some up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Really \u003c/em>worried about being warm at night? Bring a hard-sided Nalgene bottle, if you own one, and fill it with boiling water before bed to act as a space heater in your sleeping bag.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Camp food can be as cheap as you’d like\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>For this trip, I spent just $15 at the grocery store for food for two, supplemented by a few pantry items from home (more on that below) — and found we had plenty of food to enjoy during our stay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We purchased buns, hot dogs and grilled zucchini for dinner and brought instant oatmeal packets and instant coffee from home for breakfast to keep things cheap and easy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082559\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082559\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Cooking.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Cooking.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Cooking-160x120.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/Cooking-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Campers at Anthony Chabot Regional Park cook hot dogs on a two-burner camping stove rented at Sports Basement on April 5, 2026. \u003ccite>(Sarah Wright/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>You could easily pack more involved fare, since preparing a somewhat time-consuming meal can be an intrinsic part of the fun when camping. But if you don’t care about making a big meal, some of my go-to cheap and easy camping meals are instant ramen, instant mashed potatoes and boxed mac and cheese — which are all around a dollar at stores like Grocery Outlet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’re not dead set on making s’mores, a simple mug of hot chocolate and tea can be a more budget-friendly campfire treat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>My partner and I also purchased a $10 bundle of wood at the campground to make our campfire. For extra thriftiness, we used our paper grocery bag as a firestarter.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Remember: You can bring a ton of stuff from home\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>While I prefer having a headlamp in a campsite, you can always bring an emergency flashlight from home or use your phone as a flashlight. Just remember, you may not be able to charge it, so airplane mode might be your best bet this trip.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And you can skip the fancy camping cookware. While I rented a Coleman-style camping stove from Sports Basement, I brought the pots and pans we used for meals right from my kitchen, as well as mugs, tongs for cooking and utensils, along with that extra food already in our pantry. I also brought a trash bag, dish soap and a sponge from home.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079256\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1999px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12079256 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_003_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_003_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_003_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_003_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Firewood and charcoal are sold at Anthony Chabot Family Campground on April 5, 2026, in Castro Valley, California. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Low also suggested items like takeout containers or Tupperware can be perfect to eat out of or help you prep your food. I took his advice: On my trip, my main eating bowl was a plastic tupperware that I’ve had forever.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Almost everybody usually has something like that at home,” he said. “So you don’t have to go out and buy everything.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Money left over? Don’t sleep on the fun optional extras\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>For entertainment around camp, bring a book you have lying around but haven’t gotten to, a deck of cards, a board game or even a frisbee. Sports Basement offers hammocks to rent as well. If you’re by a lake, you can even bring a floaty and a small speaker to lean into the beach vibes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One of Low’s favorite camp games is bocce ball, he said. He even found a set with LEDs so he can play at night with friends.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079263\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079263\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_021_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_021_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_021_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/040526CheapCamping_GH_021_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Elena Carmona, 5, holds a toy container with a darkling beetle and a kite at Anthony Chabot Family Campground on April 5, 2026, in Castro Valley, California. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It’s not serious,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if the ground is perfectly level. We’ve played it on a hill before, and it just kind of makes it that much more fun when all the balls roll out there and then roll back towards you.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Low has also had friends bring musical instruments. On my trip, I brought art supplies and a board game from home to pass the time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you’re car camping, the world is your oyster,” Low said. “If it fits in the car and you think it’s gonna improve your experience and be kind of fun out there, then bring it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "19th-ave-closure-san-francisco-april-24-27-golden-gate-bridge-caltrans",
"title": "19th Avenue Closure: What to Know About Travel Through San Francisco This Weekend",
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"headTitle": "19th Avenue Closure: What to Know About Travel Through San Francisco This Weekend | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>People passing through \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> will face another traffic test as Caltrans rolls out its latest planned weekend closure of a major artery near Golden Gate Park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>From Friday to Monday, Caltrans will close two lanes of southbound 19th Avenue from Lincoln Way to Sloat Boulevard for asphalt resurfacing work, following an initial weekend-long closure at the end of April.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The artery doubles as State Highway 1 and is a primary way for drivers to access the Golden Gate Bridge from the south.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what to know about the 19th Avenue closure and how it could affect your weekend.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What part of 19th Avenue will be closed this weekend?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Matt O’Donnell, a spokesperson for Caltrans, said crews will pave the southbound lanes of 19th Avenue during the 74-hour closure, after repairing northbound lanes at the end of April.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_jGlcUAMVs\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Crews will start at Lincoln Way and then head south to Sloat Boulevard by Stonestown Galleria.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">O’Donnell said additional crews will be deployed this weekend to ensure maintenance is as “efficient as possible.”\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">One lane will remain open on 19th Avenue for public transit, emergency responders and local access. Parking on 19th Avenue will also be restricted in work zones. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082801\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 619px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082801\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/traffic-advisory-2026-05-04-19th_ave_repaving_work_detour_map.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"619\" height=\"801\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/traffic-advisory-2026-05-04-19th_ave_repaving_work_detour_map.jpeg 619w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/traffic-advisory-2026-05-04-19th_ave_repaving_work_detour_map-160x207.jpeg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 619px) 100vw, 619px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Caltrans suggested a detour route for drivers navigating the southbound 19th Avenue partial closure. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“ This is a really busy area in San Francisco. There’s a lot going on,” O’Donnell said, adding that Caltrans has canvassed the area to alert residents and businesses of the upcoming work.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>When exactly will the 19th Avenue closure start and end?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">This weekend’s closure will start at 3 a.m. Friday, May 8, and end at 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What detours and alternative routes are recommended during the 19th Avenue closure?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Caltrans recommended three main alternate routes for circumventing the lane shutdowns, each using Sunset Boulevard. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“One of the things we found last time was the traffic [on Sunset] was really flowing very, very well,” O’Donnell said. “So that’s a very good way to get around the closure.”\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Caltrans said the work is needed to improve driver safety, upgrade facilities to the Americans with Disabilities Act standards and extend the life of the existing pavement. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 24px\">Will this 19th Avenue closure end this weekend?\u003c/span>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">No: This weekend’s work is the second of three planned weekend closures on 19th Avenue over roughly the next month. A final closure is planned for Memorial Day weekend. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">When completed, Caltrans said it will have repaved more than 18 lane miles of 19th Avenue, stretching from Lincoln Way to Holloway Avenue, by San Francisco State University.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 24px\">Will public transit be affected by the 19th Avenue closure?\u003c/span>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Director Julie Kirschbaum said in April that the agency worked with Caltrans to schedule the work over three long weekends, dramatically shortening the timeline for completion from an estimated 40 days to nine.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">During the repaving work, the SFMTA is \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/northbound-19th-avenue-repaving-friday-april-24-monday-april-27-2026\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">adjusting \u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">stops for the 28, 28R, 48, 66, and 91 Muni routes and said the 7, 29, L-Owl, N-Owl, N Bus, L Taraval, and N Judah may experience delays. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12060014\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12060014\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/20231128-Muni-025-JY_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/20231128-Muni-025-JY_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/20231128-Muni-025-JY_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/20231128-Muni-025-JY_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Muni riders wait for the bus outside West Portal Station in San Francisco on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. \u003ccite>(Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">At the time, Kirschbaum said she expected travel to be slow on the corridor during construction.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“This is a major construction project, and it will inconvenience people who travel on 19th Avenue,” Kirschbaum said. “We know Muni riders and drivers will appreciate the smooth ride they’ll experience after the repaving work is done.”\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The 19th Avenue repaving project is part of Caltrans’ “Fab 4 Rehab,” four \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-projects/d4-san-francisco-freeway-and-road-rehabilitation/d4-fab-4-rehabilitation-projects-toolkit\">major\u003c/a> road rehabilitation projects in San Francisco County that are planned or currently underway.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Will the Golden Gate Bridge be affected by the 19th Avenue closure?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">O’Donnell said that travelers who typically use the thoroughfare to access the Golden Gate Bridge and the North Bay should “stay off of 19th Avenue, use the alternate routes.”\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District said in April it does not anticipate major traffic impacts due to the closure, but said it will be ready to respond if the need arises. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Residents can reach out to Caltrans at the project’s hotline at 510-286-0319 to ask questions and share feedback. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">KQED’s \u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/aemslie\">\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Alex Emslie\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and \u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/emanoukian\">\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Elize Manoukian\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> contributed to this report. \u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Caltrans is partially closing a major west side artery and Golden Gate Bridge connector for repairs for a second weekend. Here’s what to know about traffic and detours. ",
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"title": "19th Avenue Closure: What to Know About Travel Through San Francisco This Weekend | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>People passing through \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> will face another traffic test as Caltrans rolls out its latest planned weekend closure of a major artery near Golden Gate Park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>From Friday to Monday, Caltrans will close two lanes of southbound 19th Avenue from Lincoln Way to Sloat Boulevard for asphalt resurfacing work, following an initial weekend-long closure at the end of April.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The artery doubles as State Highway 1 and is a primary way for drivers to access the Golden Gate Bridge from the south.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what to know about the 19th Avenue closure and how it could affect your weekend.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What part of 19th Avenue will be closed this weekend?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Matt O’Donnell, a spokesperson for Caltrans, said crews will pave the southbound lanes of 19th Avenue during the 74-hour closure, after repairing northbound lanes at the end of April.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/X_jGlcUAMVs'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/X_jGlcUAMVs'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Crews will start at Lincoln Way and then head south to Sloat Boulevard by Stonestown Galleria.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">O’Donnell said additional crews will be deployed this weekend to ensure maintenance is as “efficient as possible.”\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">One lane will remain open on 19th Avenue for public transit, emergency responders and local access. Parking on 19th Avenue will also be restricted in work zones. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082801\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 619px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082801\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/traffic-advisory-2026-05-04-19th_ave_repaving_work_detour_map.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"619\" height=\"801\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/traffic-advisory-2026-05-04-19th_ave_repaving_work_detour_map.jpeg 619w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/traffic-advisory-2026-05-04-19th_ave_repaving_work_detour_map-160x207.jpeg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 619px) 100vw, 619px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Caltrans suggested a detour route for drivers navigating the southbound 19th Avenue partial closure. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“ This is a really busy area in San Francisco. There’s a lot going on,” O’Donnell said, adding that Caltrans has canvassed the area to alert residents and businesses of the upcoming work.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>When exactly will the 19th Avenue closure start and end?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">This weekend’s closure will start at 3 a.m. Friday, May 8, and end at 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What detours and alternative routes are recommended during the 19th Avenue closure?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Caltrans recommended three main alternate routes for circumventing the lane shutdowns, each using Sunset Boulevard. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“One of the things we found last time was the traffic [on Sunset] was really flowing very, very well,” O’Donnell said. “So that’s a very good way to get around the closure.”\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Caltrans said the work is needed to improve driver safety, upgrade facilities to the Americans with Disabilities Act standards and extend the life of the existing pavement. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 24px\">Will this 19th Avenue closure end this weekend?\u003c/span>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">No: This weekend’s work is the second of three planned weekend closures on 19th Avenue over roughly the next month. A final closure is planned for Memorial Day weekend. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">When completed, Caltrans said it will have repaved more than 18 lane miles of 19th Avenue, stretching from Lincoln Way to Holloway Avenue, by San Francisco State University.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 24px\">Will public transit be affected by the 19th Avenue closure?\u003c/span>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Director Julie Kirschbaum said in April that the agency worked with Caltrans to schedule the work over three long weekends, dramatically shortening the timeline for completion from an estimated 40 days to nine.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">During the repaving work, the SFMTA is \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/northbound-19th-avenue-repaving-friday-april-24-monday-april-27-2026\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">adjusting \u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">stops for the 28, 28R, 48, 66, and 91 Muni routes and said the 7, 29, L-Owl, N-Owl, N Bus, L Taraval, and N Judah may experience delays. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12060014\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12060014\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/20231128-Muni-025-JY_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/20231128-Muni-025-JY_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/20231128-Muni-025-JY_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/20231128-Muni-025-JY_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Muni riders wait for the bus outside West Portal Station in San Francisco on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. \u003ccite>(Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">At the time, Kirschbaum said she expected travel to be slow on the corridor during construction.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“This is a major construction project, and it will inconvenience people who travel on 19th Avenue,” Kirschbaum said. “We know Muni riders and drivers will appreciate the smooth ride they’ll experience after the repaving work is done.”\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The 19th Avenue repaving project is part of Caltrans’ “Fab 4 Rehab,” four \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-projects/d4-san-francisco-freeway-and-road-rehabilitation/d4-fab-4-rehabilitation-projects-toolkit\">major\u003c/a> road rehabilitation projects in San Francisco County that are planned or currently underway.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Will the Golden Gate Bridge be affected by the 19th Avenue closure?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">O’Donnell said that travelers who typically use the thoroughfare to access the Golden Gate Bridge and the North Bay should “stay off of 19th Avenue, use the alternate routes.”\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District said in April it does not anticipate major traffic impacts due to the closure, but said it will be ready to respond if the need arises. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Residents can reach out to Caltrans at the project’s hotline at 510-286-0319 to ask questions and share feedback. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">KQED’s \u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/aemslie\">\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Alex Emslie\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and \u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/emanoukian\">\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Elize Manoukian\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> contributed to this report. \u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "where-to-sell-or-donate-clothes-near-me-san-francisco-bay-area-recycle-sell-clothing-online",
"title": "How to Sell or Donate Your Clothes in the Bay Area",
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"headTitle": "How to Sell or Donate Your Clothes in the Bay Area | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>Is your overflowing closet starting to get out of hand? Piles of clothes you haven’t worn in months — or even years — but can’t seem to part with?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Or maybe you’ve already done the hard part and sorted through your closet, but that trash bag of items to get rid of has somehow never left your house.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re looking for advice on how to sell your clothes, donate them or recycle them in the Bay Area — and maybe even make a little bit of cash along the way — we’re here to help. And we know this process isn’t easy, so we talked to the experts who do this every day for a living for pro tips on tackling your closet, and what to do once you’ve finally settled on a giveaway pile.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read on for Bay Area-specific ideas on:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Howtodecidewhattopurge\">How to decide what to purge\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Wheretosellyourclothes\">Where to sell your clothes\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Howtodonateyourclothes\">How to donate your clothes\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Howtorecycleyourclothes\">How to recycle your clothes\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>(And if you’re looking for ideas on how to sell or donate your books, too, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080674/want-to-spring-clean-your-bookshelf-where-to-sell-or-donate-used-books-in-the-bay-area\">we have a guide to that as well\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Why get rid of your clothes?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Aondrea Maynard runs \u003ca href=\"https://www.artfulorganizingsf.com/about\">Artful Organizing SF\u003c/a>, a home organizing and styling business. She helps people tackle the worst of their clutter and messes for a fresh start, and she said every person’s reasons and needs are different — and that’s OK.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Some people are collectors, and they love seeing their beautiful things,” she said. “And some people really find too much visual stimulation to be draining.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some have lifestyle constraints that require them to be minimalists, like a tiny apartment or a lack of storage space. Others, she said, are particularly sentimental — but she’s not there to judge.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082422\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12082422 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/ClothingRecyclingThriftGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/ClothingRecyclingThriftGetty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/ClothingRecyclingThriftGetty2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/ClothingRecyclingThriftGetty2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">“It’s not that you’re giving up something, but you’re making room for something new in your life,” — Aondrea Maynard, Artful Organizing SF \u003ccite>(Raphye Alexius/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Some people, they’re very comfortable having things more tucked away visually,” she said. For others, “if you tuck it away and organize it too far back and too minimally visible, they forget they have it and they buy duplicates.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For the latter group, one question she likes to ask is: “How do you highlight the things you love, but then let go of the things that are really getting in the way of \u003cem>seeing \u003c/em>the things you love?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Maynard suggested using online organizer Cassandra Aarssen’s “\u003ca href=\"https://clutterbug.me/\">Clutterbug\u003c/a>” method, which offers \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYtiQhCJ574\">a bug-themed test\u003c/a> to find your own organizing style to help you better understand and work with, not against, your natural tendencies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYtiQhCJ574\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There’s not one way that fits each person,” Maynard said. A person’s own organizing style is “very customized, very unique and that’s OK.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>See “the luxury of space” as something you’re giving yourself when you part with an item, she said. Or, you can even work toward a reward — like something that fits into your new life better in that space.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s not that you’re giving up something, but you’re making room for something new in your life,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Howtodecidewhattopurge\">\u003c/a>How to decide what clothing stays — and what goes\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>To help her clients get started tackling a looming decluttering project, Maynard uses a method with the acronym SPACE:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sort: \u003c/strong>How much do you use or like each item?\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Purge: \u003c/strong>What can you part with?\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Accessibility and aesthetics: \u003c/strong>What goes where and why?\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Containment: \u003c/strong>How is your stuff contained or organized?\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Evaluate: \u003c/strong>How is it working?\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>When going through clothes, Maynard said, if a client doesn’t immediately know a use for the item, it goes in the “maybe” pile.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then, once they’ve started to get that dopamine hit of getting rid of stuff, they revisit the item, “and with no pressure,” she said. “A lot of it is just talking it through and having someone to brainstorm with.” Consider inviting a friend over to be that sounding board as you go through your closet together.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082423\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082423\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/OutoftheClosetGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/OutoftheClosetGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/OutoftheClosetGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/OutoftheClosetGetty-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Out of the Closet thrift store on Feb. 19, 2026, in San Francisco, California. \u003ccite>(Smith Collection/Gado via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>A big question Maynard finds herself asking, rather than about specific brands or trends, is: What feels \u003cem>good \u003c/em>on your body?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sometimes, people absolutely love how a garment looks — its pattern or colors or cut — but never wear it because they don’t like how it looks \u003cem>on them.\u003c/em> Also: Do you see yourself using it again? Or will renting something be a better fit for future events?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And all this is so, so personal, she said: “You want to feel like you’re shopping your own closet, like your favorite shop, your favorite boutiques, where it’s easy to find things that are catching your eye, that spark joy, that feel good.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even having a donation bag already on hand is helpful, she said, as you’re doing laundry and flowing through life.[aside postID=news_12080674 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/BooksGetty.jpg']“It’s an organic, continuous process that we outgrow things,” she said. “And then there are new things that represent what we’re moving into next for our lives.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For clothes in particular, KQED’s own senior editor Carly Severn has her own tactic, called “The Last Chance Saloon,” where you bring all the items you haven’t worn in a while to the front, and you have a week to wear them, or else they go.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Maynard complimented this strategy, “because sometimes you might have an item that you love, but it’s really the past version of yourself.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The process of getting rid of your clothes is not always easy. Maynard said the best way to remove friction — whether it’s memories, shame, distraction or decision fatigue — is by decluttering with other people.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Much of her job, she said, is reminding clients that they’re “setting themselves up for the version of their life that they desire. We really talk about it like solving a puzzle with friends.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But now that you know what you’re getting rid of, how do you go about it?\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Option 1: \u003ca id=\"Wheretosellyourclothes\">\u003c/a>Sell your clothes\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’ve got the time, energy and interest, you can start by trying to sell some of your clothes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2026/apr/24/5-tips-to-sell-your-clothes-online\">Online options for selling clothes abound\u003c/a>, including:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Depop\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Poshmark\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Mercari\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>The Real Real\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>ThredUp\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You can even try to sell your nicer pieces in person at local consignment stores or chains like Plato’s Closet. If you’re going this route, you’ll have the most success if you price your item in line with the market (look up other similar items for a price range) and include critical details like sizing and any wear and tear.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082431\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082431\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/ThriftStoreSFGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1349\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/ThriftStoreSFGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/ThriftStoreSFGetty-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/ThriftStoreSFGetty-1536x1036.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A price tag is seen on a suit jacket at a Thrift Town on Oct. 14, 2008, in San Francisco, California. \u003ccite>(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Here are some of the stores in the Bay Area that could pay you — or offer store credit — for your used clothes:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.shopwasteland.com/pages/sell-with-us\">Wasteland\u003c/a> has several locations around the Bay, including in the Haight. You can get 30% of what the buyers set as selling prices.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://buffaloexchange.com/How-to-Sell/\">Buffalo Exchange\u003c/a> has locations in the Haight and Mission Districts as well as all over the Bay Area. You get 25% of the selling price in cash or 50% in store credit.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Crossroads on Fillmore, Market and Irving Streets in San Francisco \u003ca href=\"https://crossroadstrading.com/buy-sell-trade-2-2/\">offer in-store and drop-off selling options\u003c/a>. You can also \u003ca href=\"https://crossroadstrading.com/sell-by-mail/?utm_source=home&utm_medium=popup&utm_campaign=sbm_winterweb\">request a prepaid bag\u003c/a> to sell your clothes by mail or sell higher-value items with consignment.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://2ndstreetusa.com/selling-guide\">2nd Street\u003c/a> has Haight, Stonestown and Berkeley locations, and buys used clothes in-store.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://shoprelove.com/pages/sell-with-relove\">ReLove\u003c/a> in Polk Gulch and Oakland offers 35% of the selling price in cash, 40% in store credit or 35-60% for consignment (reserved for high-end or high-risk items, paid once the item sells).\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Remember: All of these locations are likely to require you to be 18 or older and present your ID. They will only accept clothing that’s clean.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Option 2: \u003ca id=\"Howtodonateyourclothes\">\u003c/a>Donate your clothes\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If selling doesn’t seem worth the effort, here in the Bay Area, there are tons of opportunities to donate your used clothing and make sure it \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11760158/how-to-responsibly-purge-your-closet-in-the-bay-area\">stays as clothing\u003c/a> and doesn’t end up in the landfill.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Maynard helps her clients give clothes to stores and organizations like Community Thrift, St. Anthony’s, Out of the Closet, Goodwill and The Salvation Army (more info on these below). She said she often helps clients post on local BuyNothing groups, the free section of Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace “to get them into the hands of people that can use them sooner rather than later.”’\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Not sure if your clothes are high-quality enough to donate? Rest assured: “Bring us everything,” said Tim O’Neal, president and CEO for Goodwill in the San Francisco Bay Area. “We are happy to take it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082426\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082426\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/CTSThriftSFGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/CTSThriftSFGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/CTSThriftSFGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/CTSThriftSFGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">CTS, Community Thrift Store, in the Mission District on Sept. 11, 2025. \u003ccite>(Smith Collection/Gado via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The Bay Area is a particularly generous market when it comes to people donating clothes, O’Neal said. Previously, clothes you donated here in the Bay Area \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/bay-area-goodwill-arizona-22075698.php\">might get shipped to other markets where fewer people donate\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Despite \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/goodwill-slashes-sf-headquarters-oakland-20265800.php\">closing its Oakland \u003c/a>location, O’Neal said Goodwill has plans to expand its Bay Area presence and open 80 new stores here in the next decade, outfitted with drive-up donation centers onsite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A few Bay Area locations to drop off clothing donations (in general, these centers prefer clean clothing and textiles, but are more flexible than buyers in what they accept):\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.communitythriftsf.org/donate/\">Community Thrift Store\u003c/a> in San Francisco’s Mission District takes donations almost every day, and has a thorough list of what you can and cannot donate\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://outofthecloset.org/donate/\">Out of the Closet\u003c/a> accepts in-store donations at its San Francisco and East Bay locations, as well as large item pickup if needed\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfgoodwill.org/\">Goodwill\u003c/a> has dozens of locations all over the Bay Area, and many accept donations (\u003ca href=\"https://sfgoodwill.org/locations/\">check this list to verify\u003c/a>)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>And locally, \u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">other \u003ca href=\"https://www.donationsorter.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">organizations\u003c/a> will\u003c/span> gladly take used clothing donations off your hands to get them to people who need them the most, including:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.stanthonysf.org/services/clothing/how-to-donate/\">St. Anthony’s:\u003c/a> Accepts donations at its Golden Gate Avenue location in San Francisco or via mail\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://westernusa.salvationarmy.org/usw_thq/location_search?query=94114&map=1055512969972\">The Salvation Army:\u003c/a> Has donation drop-off sites all over the Bay Area\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://streetsox.org\">StreetSox.org\u003c/a>: Founded by a San Francisco paramedic, this organization collects used socks to redistribute to people and organizations across the Bay Area\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfserviceguide.org/services/4292\">Angel Child Program\u003c/a>: Active during the holidays, this program asks for gently used women’s and children’s clothing for distribution\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfdress.org/donate/donate-clothing\">Dress for Success San Francisco:\u003c/a> To help women succeed in the workforce, you can donate work-appropriate clothing at scheduled times\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You could also consider getting your friends in on the act and organizing — even hosting — an in-person clothing swap party. You could even start one for your workplace: Here at KQED, we’re lucky to even have a periodic clothing exchange, which helps motivate many of us to finally part with that too-small jacket or dress we’ll never wear again.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Option 3: \u003ca id=\"Howtorecycleyourclothes\">\u003c/a>Recycle your clothes\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If your clothes can’t be resold at all — for example, if they’re stained or broken beyond repair — Goodwill can still send them elsewhere to be recycled back to their fibers to be used in other industries, O’Neal said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If we can’t use it, we can find a way to recycle it or repurpose it,” he said. Just don’t bring them any hazardous materials, he stressed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082425\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082425\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/New-Goodwill-Fairfield-Store.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/New-Goodwill-Fairfield-Store.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/New-Goodwill-Fairfield-Store-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/New-Goodwill-Fairfield-Store-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A new Goodwill store just opened in Fairfield, California. The company says it hopes to open 80 new locations in the Bay Area in the next decade. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Goodwill)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Other groups, like The Salvation Army in San Francisco, also take textile donations for recycling. And if you’re cleaning out your closet and stumble upon other, non-clothing items to get rid of, most donation centers will take those, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>How to recycle your clothes at:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfenvironment.org/sfrecycles/vendor/salvation-army-donation-center-valencia-st-cesar-chavez-st\">The Salvation Army\u003c/a>: Drop off clothes at its Bay Area locations or schedule a home pickup\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www2.hm.com/en_us/customer-service/product-and-quality/garment-collecting-reycling.html\">H&M\u003c/a>: With locations all over the Bay Area, you can drop off clean clothes in donation bins.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.ridwell.com/what-we-take/rewearable-clothes\">Ridwell\u003c/a>: This subscription service recycler will also take your textiles, but you have to pay a fee.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://resource.stopwaste.org/items/clothing-poor-condition?order=name&sort=asc\">Check out this county-run list\u003c/a> for even more locations in the Bay Area (\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfenvironment.org/sfrecycles/item/clothes-usable\">or this one for San Francisco\u003c/a>) that accept clothing to recycle, including retailers accepting specific items like denim and socks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just remember: \u003ca href=\"https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200710-why-clothes-are-so-hard-to-recycle\">Textiles are hard to recycle\u003c/a>, so if you want to minimize waste, you may try to repair, repurpose, sell or donate your clothes before recycling them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Is your overflowing closet starting to get out of hand? Piles of clothes you haven’t worn in months — or even years — but can’t seem to part with?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Or maybe you’ve already done the hard part and sorted through your closet, but that trash bag of items to get rid of has somehow never left your house.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re looking for advice on how to sell your clothes, donate them or recycle them in the Bay Area — and maybe even make a little bit of cash along the way — we’re here to help. And we know this process isn’t easy, so we talked to the experts who do this every day for a living for pro tips on tackling your closet, and what to do once you’ve finally settled on a giveaway pile.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read on for Bay Area-specific ideas on:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Howtodecidewhattopurge\">How to decide what to purge\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Wheretosellyourclothes\">Where to sell your clothes\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Howtodonateyourclothes\">How to donate your clothes\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Howtorecycleyourclothes\">How to recycle your clothes\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>(And if you’re looking for ideas on how to sell or donate your books, too, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080674/want-to-spring-clean-your-bookshelf-where-to-sell-or-donate-used-books-in-the-bay-area\">we have a guide to that as well\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Why get rid of your clothes?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Aondrea Maynard runs \u003ca href=\"https://www.artfulorganizingsf.com/about\">Artful Organizing SF\u003c/a>, a home organizing and styling business. She helps people tackle the worst of their clutter and messes for a fresh start, and she said every person’s reasons and needs are different — and that’s OK.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Some people are collectors, and they love seeing their beautiful things,” she said. “And some people really find too much visual stimulation to be draining.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some have lifestyle constraints that require them to be minimalists, like a tiny apartment or a lack of storage space. Others, she said, are particularly sentimental — but she’s not there to judge.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082422\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12082422 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/ClothingRecyclingThriftGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/ClothingRecyclingThriftGetty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/ClothingRecyclingThriftGetty2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/ClothingRecyclingThriftGetty2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">“It’s not that you’re giving up something, but you’re making room for something new in your life,” — Aondrea Maynard, Artful Organizing SF \u003ccite>(Raphye Alexius/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Some people, they’re very comfortable having things more tucked away visually,” she said. For others, “if you tuck it away and organize it too far back and too minimally visible, they forget they have it and they buy duplicates.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For the latter group, one question she likes to ask is: “How do you highlight the things you love, but then let go of the things that are really getting in the way of \u003cem>seeing \u003c/em>the things you love?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Maynard suggested using online organizer Cassandra Aarssen’s “\u003ca href=\"https://clutterbug.me/\">Clutterbug\u003c/a>” method, which offers \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYtiQhCJ574\">a bug-themed test\u003c/a> to find your own organizing style to help you better understand and work with, not against, your natural tendencies.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/hYtiQhCJ574'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/hYtiQhCJ574'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>“There’s not one way that fits each person,” Maynard said. A person’s own organizing style is “very customized, very unique and that’s OK.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>See “the luxury of space” as something you’re giving yourself when you part with an item, she said. Or, you can even work toward a reward — like something that fits into your new life better in that space.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s not that you’re giving up something, but you’re making room for something new in your life,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Howtodecidewhattopurge\">\u003c/a>How to decide what clothing stays — and what goes\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>To help her clients get started tackling a looming decluttering project, Maynard uses a method with the acronym SPACE:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Sort: \u003c/strong>How much do you use or like each item?\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Purge: \u003c/strong>What can you part with?\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Accessibility and aesthetics: \u003c/strong>What goes where and why?\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Containment: \u003c/strong>How is your stuff contained or organized?\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Evaluate: \u003c/strong>How is it working?\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>When going through clothes, Maynard said, if a client doesn’t immediately know a use for the item, it goes in the “maybe” pile.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then, once they’ve started to get that dopamine hit of getting rid of stuff, they revisit the item, “and with no pressure,” she said. “A lot of it is just talking it through and having someone to brainstorm with.” Consider inviting a friend over to be that sounding board as you go through your closet together.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082423\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082423\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/OutoftheClosetGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/OutoftheClosetGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/OutoftheClosetGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/OutoftheClosetGetty-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Out of the Closet thrift store on Feb. 19, 2026, in San Francisco, California. \u003ccite>(Smith Collection/Gado via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>A big question Maynard finds herself asking, rather than about specific brands or trends, is: What feels \u003cem>good \u003c/em>on your body?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sometimes, people absolutely love how a garment looks — its pattern or colors or cut — but never wear it because they don’t like how it looks \u003cem>on them.\u003c/em> Also: Do you see yourself using it again? Or will renting something be a better fit for future events?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And all this is so, so personal, she said: “You want to feel like you’re shopping your own closet, like your favorite shop, your favorite boutiques, where it’s easy to find things that are catching your eye, that spark joy, that feel good.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even having a donation bag already on hand is helpful, she said, as you’re doing laundry and flowing through life.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>“It’s an organic, continuous process that we outgrow things,” she said. “And then there are new things that represent what we’re moving into next for our lives.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For clothes in particular, KQED’s own senior editor Carly Severn has her own tactic, called “The Last Chance Saloon,” where you bring all the items you haven’t worn in a while to the front, and you have a week to wear them, or else they go.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Maynard complimented this strategy, “because sometimes you might have an item that you love, but it’s really the past version of yourself.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The process of getting rid of your clothes is not always easy. Maynard said the best way to remove friction — whether it’s memories, shame, distraction or decision fatigue — is by decluttering with other people.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Much of her job, she said, is reminding clients that they’re “setting themselves up for the version of their life that they desire. We really talk about it like solving a puzzle with friends.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But now that you know what you’re getting rid of, how do you go about it?\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Option 1: \u003ca id=\"Wheretosellyourclothes\">\u003c/a>Sell your clothes\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’ve got the time, energy and interest, you can start by trying to sell some of your clothes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2026/apr/24/5-tips-to-sell-your-clothes-online\">Online options for selling clothes abound\u003c/a>, including:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Depop\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Poshmark\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Mercari\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>The Real Real\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>ThredUp\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You can even try to sell your nicer pieces in person at local consignment stores or chains like Plato’s Closet. If you’re going this route, you’ll have the most success if you price your item in line with the market (look up other similar items for a price range) and include critical details like sizing and any wear and tear.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082431\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082431\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/ThriftStoreSFGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1349\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/ThriftStoreSFGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/ThriftStoreSFGetty-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/ThriftStoreSFGetty-1536x1036.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A price tag is seen on a suit jacket at a Thrift Town on Oct. 14, 2008, in San Francisco, California. \u003ccite>(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Here are some of the stores in the Bay Area that could pay you — or offer store credit — for your used clothes:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.shopwasteland.com/pages/sell-with-us\">Wasteland\u003c/a> has several locations around the Bay, including in the Haight. You can get 30% of what the buyers set as selling prices.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://buffaloexchange.com/How-to-Sell/\">Buffalo Exchange\u003c/a> has locations in the Haight and Mission Districts as well as all over the Bay Area. You get 25% of the selling price in cash or 50% in store credit.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Crossroads on Fillmore, Market and Irving Streets in San Francisco \u003ca href=\"https://crossroadstrading.com/buy-sell-trade-2-2/\">offer in-store and drop-off selling options\u003c/a>. You can also \u003ca href=\"https://crossroadstrading.com/sell-by-mail/?utm_source=home&utm_medium=popup&utm_campaign=sbm_winterweb\">request a prepaid bag\u003c/a> to sell your clothes by mail or sell higher-value items with consignment.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://2ndstreetusa.com/selling-guide\">2nd Street\u003c/a> has Haight, Stonestown and Berkeley locations, and buys used clothes in-store.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://shoprelove.com/pages/sell-with-relove\">ReLove\u003c/a> in Polk Gulch and Oakland offers 35% of the selling price in cash, 40% in store credit or 35-60% for consignment (reserved for high-end or high-risk items, paid once the item sells).\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Remember: All of these locations are likely to require you to be 18 or older and present your ID. They will only accept clothing that’s clean.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Option 2: \u003ca id=\"Howtodonateyourclothes\">\u003c/a>Donate your clothes\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If selling doesn’t seem worth the effort, here in the Bay Area, there are tons of opportunities to donate your used clothing and make sure it \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11760158/how-to-responsibly-purge-your-closet-in-the-bay-area\">stays as clothing\u003c/a> and doesn’t end up in the landfill.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Maynard helps her clients give clothes to stores and organizations like Community Thrift, St. Anthony’s, Out of the Closet, Goodwill and The Salvation Army (more info on these below). She said she often helps clients post on local BuyNothing groups, the free section of Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace “to get them into the hands of people that can use them sooner rather than later.”’\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Not sure if your clothes are high-quality enough to donate? Rest assured: “Bring us everything,” said Tim O’Neal, president and CEO for Goodwill in the San Francisco Bay Area. “We are happy to take it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082426\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082426\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/CTSThriftSFGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/CTSThriftSFGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/CTSThriftSFGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/CTSThriftSFGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">CTS, Community Thrift Store, in the Mission District on Sept. 11, 2025. \u003ccite>(Smith Collection/Gado via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The Bay Area is a particularly generous market when it comes to people donating clothes, O’Neal said. Previously, clothes you donated here in the Bay Area \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/bay-area-goodwill-arizona-22075698.php\">might get shipped to other markets where fewer people donate\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Despite \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/goodwill-slashes-sf-headquarters-oakland-20265800.php\">closing its Oakland \u003c/a>location, O’Neal said Goodwill has plans to expand its Bay Area presence and open 80 new stores here in the next decade, outfitted with drive-up donation centers onsite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A few Bay Area locations to drop off clothing donations (in general, these centers prefer clean clothing and textiles, but are more flexible than buyers in what they accept):\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.communitythriftsf.org/donate/\">Community Thrift Store\u003c/a> in San Francisco’s Mission District takes donations almost every day, and has a thorough list of what you can and cannot donate\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://outofthecloset.org/donate/\">Out of the Closet\u003c/a> accepts in-store donations at its San Francisco and East Bay locations, as well as large item pickup if needed\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfgoodwill.org/\">Goodwill\u003c/a> has dozens of locations all over the Bay Area, and many accept donations (\u003ca href=\"https://sfgoodwill.org/locations/\">check this list to verify\u003c/a>)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>And locally, \u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">other \u003ca href=\"https://www.donationsorter.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">organizations\u003c/a> will\u003c/span> gladly take used clothing donations off your hands to get them to people who need them the most, including:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.stanthonysf.org/services/clothing/how-to-donate/\">St. Anthony’s:\u003c/a> Accepts donations at its Golden Gate Avenue location in San Francisco or via mail\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://westernusa.salvationarmy.org/usw_thq/location_search?query=94114&map=1055512969972\">The Salvation Army:\u003c/a> Has donation drop-off sites all over the Bay Area\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://streetsox.org\">StreetSox.org\u003c/a>: Founded by a San Francisco paramedic, this organization collects used socks to redistribute to people and organizations across the Bay Area\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfserviceguide.org/services/4292\">Angel Child Program\u003c/a>: Active during the holidays, this program asks for gently used women’s and children’s clothing for distribution\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfdress.org/donate/donate-clothing\">Dress for Success San Francisco:\u003c/a> To help women succeed in the workforce, you can donate work-appropriate clothing at scheduled times\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You could also consider getting your friends in on the act and organizing — even hosting — an in-person clothing swap party. You could even start one for your workplace: Here at KQED, we’re lucky to even have a periodic clothing exchange, which helps motivate many of us to finally part with that too-small jacket or dress we’ll never wear again.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Option 3: \u003ca id=\"Howtorecycleyourclothes\">\u003c/a>Recycle your clothes\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If your clothes can’t be resold at all — for example, if they’re stained or broken beyond repair — Goodwill can still send them elsewhere to be recycled back to their fibers to be used in other industries, O’Neal said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If we can’t use it, we can find a way to recycle it or repurpose it,” he said. Just don’t bring them any hazardous materials, he stressed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082425\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082425\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/New-Goodwill-Fairfield-Store.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/New-Goodwill-Fairfield-Store.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/New-Goodwill-Fairfield-Store-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/New-Goodwill-Fairfield-Store-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A new Goodwill store just opened in Fairfield, California. The company says it hopes to open 80 new locations in the Bay Area in the next decade. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Goodwill)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Other groups, like The Salvation Army in San Francisco, also take textile donations for recycling. And if you’re cleaning out your closet and stumble upon other, non-clothing items to get rid of, most donation centers will take those, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>How to recycle your clothes at:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfenvironment.org/sfrecycles/vendor/salvation-army-donation-center-valencia-st-cesar-chavez-st\">The Salvation Army\u003c/a>: Drop off clothes at its Bay Area locations or schedule a home pickup\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www2.hm.com/en_us/customer-service/product-and-quality/garment-collecting-reycling.html\">H&M\u003c/a>: With locations all over the Bay Area, you can drop off clean clothes in donation bins.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.ridwell.com/what-we-take/rewearable-clothes\">Ridwell\u003c/a>: This subscription service recycler will also take your textiles, but you have to pay a fee.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://resource.stopwaste.org/items/clothing-poor-condition?order=name&sort=asc\">Check out this county-run list\u003c/a> for even more locations in the Bay Area (\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfenvironment.org/sfrecycles/item/clothes-usable\">or this one for San Francisco\u003c/a>) that accept clothing to recycle, including retailers accepting specific items like denim and socks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just remember: \u003ca href=\"https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200710-why-clothes-are-so-hard-to-recycle\">Textiles are hard to recycle\u003c/a>, so if you want to minimize waste, you may try to repair, repurpose, sell or donate your clothes before recycling them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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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>For Marisol, it’s not strange to feel aches and pains all over her body when she comes home after work. She picks and packages fruit for farms in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/contra-costa-county\">Contra Costa County\u003c/a>. Even when temperatures rise over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, she’s out in the field collecting cherries, peaches, nectarines and apricots.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She knows it takes a toll on her body. “Sometimes you’re so exhausted that it feels like there’s something wrong with your body, and you don’t know if you’re actually sick or just tired,” she said in Spanish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As an undocumented immigrant without employer-provided health insurance, actually finding out if she’s sick is a luxury. KQED is withholding her full name because publishing it could expose her to potential immigration enforcement. “I either pay my rent or I go to the doctor,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But in the summer of 2023 — when she began to feel several bumps on her breasts — she decided her health could no longer wait. She went to the one place she knew she could get care at no cost: \u003ca href=\"https://www.hijasdelcampo.org/\">Hijas del Campo\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Every Tuesday afternoon, the Contra Costa County Department of Public Health parks \u003ca href=\"https://www.cchealth.org/get-care/for-people-without-health-coverage/health-care-for-the-homeless\">a mobile clinic\u003c/a> outside the nonprofit’s Brentwood offices. The clinic offers limited free care to residents like Marisol who qualify. It’s one of dozens of free clinics across the Bay Area that serve low-income and undocumented immigrants who don’t have access to healthcare.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078942\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12078942 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_016_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_016_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_016_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_016_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Marisol, a farmworker in Brentwood, sits outside the Hijas del Campo offices, an organization that connects agricultural workers and their families to free health services, food assistance and legal support on March 31, 2026, in Brentwood, California. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Free clinics across California are bracing for a surge of uninsured patients as provisions in President Donald Trump’s “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12073880/tax-credits-trump-2026-refund-tips-child-tax-credit-car-loan-interest-documents\">One Big Beautiful Bill\u003c/a>” take effect, eliminating federal subsidies for some Affordable Care Act plans and tightening Medicaid eligibility rules.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>About 160,000 Californians have already \u003ca href=\"https://www.ppic.org/blog/many-californians-are-paying-more-for-health-insurance-from-covered-california/\">lost federal subsidies\u003c/a> that made their premiums cheaper and in the coming years, state officials \u003ca href=\"https://lao.ca.gov/reports/2026/5180/Changing_Landscape_Affects_Californias_Health_Care_System_050426.pdf\">estimate\u003c/a> that the number of Californians without health insurance — currently around 2 million — could double by 2030, leaving safety-net clinics to absorb the growing demand for care.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The White House has \u003ca href=\"https://www.whitehouse.gov/releases/2025/06/myth-vs-fact-the-one-big-beautiful-bill/\">defended\u003c/a> the OBBB, arguing that these changes will help eliminate “waste, fraud, and abuse” from the nation’s healthcare system. But doctors and volunteers who staff free clinics are already seeing people who have lost coverage and warn that a growing uninsured population could negatively impact care for all patients.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How free care works\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Free clinics have existed for decades across the Bay Area, offering primary care to those without health insurance. Many serve suburban and rural communities far from the medical infrastructure of the region’s larger cities. But even in San Francisco, free clinics serve thousands each year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.clinicbythebay.org/\">Clinic by the Bay\u003c/a> — located in San Francisco’s Excelsior District, one of the most \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/demographic-map-san-francisco-21310100.php\">ethnically diverse neighborhoods\u003c/a> in the city — sees many patients who are experiencing a transition that left them uninsured, often a layoff, aging out of their parents’ insurance or migrating to the United States.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079790\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079790\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/030526_FREECLINICS-_GH_017-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/030526_FREECLINICS-_GH_017-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/030526_FREECLINICS-_GH_017-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/030526_FREECLINICS-_GH_017-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Katelyn McMeekin-Jackson, executive director of Clinic by the Bay, poses for a portrait inside the clinic in San Francisco on March 5, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“And there’s people who are working but cannot afford their healthcare premiums, so they have decided to go without health insurance,” said Katelyn McMeekin-Jackson, executive director of Clinic by the Bay. She knows many patients by their first name, greeting them warmly when they come through the front door.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are only a few requirements to get care there, McMeekin-Jackson said. A new patient must share a copy of an ID, proof of income and confirm they do not have health insurance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>More than 200 volunteers — many of them retired doctors, resident physicians and medical students — help the clinic offer primary and ongoing care for those living with chronic conditions, like diabetes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079789\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079789\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/030526_FREECLINICS-_GH_016-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/030526_FREECLINICS-_GH_016-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/030526_FREECLINICS-_GH_016-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/030526_FREECLINICS-_GH_016-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Volunteer Melissa Castillo, left, and executive director Katelyn McMeekin-Jackson walk through a hallway inside Clinic by the Bay in San Francisco on March 5, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>When a patient needs a service that’s not available in-house, staff work with the clinic’s extended network of physicians who are willing to donate their time. Companies like LabCorp also provide a limited number of free screenings, and skilled nursing homes regularly donate surplus medication.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A big part of the puzzle is figuring out how we can get around the limitations to get free care,” McMeekin-Jackson said, adding that over the past year, volunteer numbers increased by about 30% to keep pace with the growing number of patients.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re anticipating that patient numbers will grow as premiums increase,” she said. “And there are Medi-Cal changes projected in the future.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Finding the limits\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>As Congress raced to finalize the details of the OBBB last summer, lawmakers \u003ca href=\"https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/trump-wsj-poll-tax-bill-support-ee51c67e\">sought to balance\u003c/a> the price tag of other Trump policy priorities — reshaping the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12073880/tax-credits-trump-2026-refund-tips-child-tax-credit-car-loan-interest-documents\">nation’s tax system\u003c/a> and supercharging immigration enforcement — by freeing up funding elsewhere.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Republicans moved to end the subsidies that lowered the costs of healthcare premiums for millions of people nationwide who bought their plan through an Affordable Care Act marketplace, which includes Covered California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079787\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079787\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_037-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_037-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_037-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_037-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Jewish Community Free Clinic building is seen on March 2, 2026, in Santa Rosa. The clinic provides free healthcare services to uninsured patients. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In 2024, the federal government spent nearly $14 billion \u003ca href=\"https://www.kff.org/medicaid/what-does-the-federal-government-spend-on-health-care/#Appendix-Table-3\">on subsidies\u003c/a>, which helped millions of Americans \u003ca href=\"https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2026/01/22/what-the-data-says-about-affordable-care-act-health-insurance-exchanges/\">enroll in a plan\u003c/a>. According to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/inflation-reduction-act-health-insurance-subsidies-what-is-their-impact-and-what-would-happen-if-they-expire/#:~:text=The%20enhanced%20subsidies%20in%20the%20Inflation%20Reduction%20Act%20reduce%20net%20premium%20costs%20by%2044%25%2C%20on%20average%2C%20for%20enrollees%20receiving%20premium%20tax%20credits%2C%20though%20the%20amount%20of%20savings%20varies%20by%20person.\">Kaiser Family Foundation\u003c/a>, a San Francisco-based public health research nonprofit, the subsidies lowered the annual premium payment in 2024 from about $1,600 to $900 — a difference of about 44%.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On Jan. 1, the majority of Covered California enrollees saw their \u003ca href=\"https://www.ppic.org/blog/many-californians-are-paying-more-for-health-insurance-from-covered-california/\">premiums rise\u003c/a> as the federal government pulled back subsidies. But people making above 400% of the federal poverty level — roughly $62,000 for a single person — began paying the full monthly premium for their health insurance. In the Bay Area, some residents \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101912612/how-are-you-coping-with-increased-health-insurance-premiums\">have shared\u003c/a> that their premiums have gone up by over 150%.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re getting a lot of calls from people who lost their plan because they couldn’t pay these outrageous new premiums,” said Donna Waldman, the executive director of the Santa Rosa-based \u003ca href=\"https://www.jewishfreeclinic.org/\">Jewish Community Free Clinic\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079785\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079785\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_027-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_027-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_027-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_027-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Donna Waldman, executive director and one of the founders of the Jewish Community Free Clinic, listens during a conversation inside the clinic on March 2, 2026, in Santa Rosa. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Waldman, along with a handful of doctors and nurses, started the clinic in 2001. The majority of patients are immigrant farmworkers who power Sonoma County’s multimillion-dollar wine industry. Many are seeing a doctor for the first time in years and are coming in for a one-time check-in — a situation that the clinic is well-equipped for, Waldman said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We are not set up to do chronic disease maintenance,” she said. “Our system’s not set up to have you come back every three or four months to get your blood pressure checked — that’s not our type of practice.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Higher premiums are not just forcing people to drop their plan, but also discouraging those who could qualify for a Covered California plan from signing up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079786\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079786\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_029-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_029-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_029-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_029-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rivka Vaughs, who works at the front desk and assists with grant writing, sits in the waiting area of the Jewish Community Free Clinic on March 2, 2026, in Santa Rosa. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In Sonoma County, new enrollment this year \u003ca href=\"https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2026/02/28/new-affordable-care-act-enrollment-declines-by-33-in-north-bay/\">decreased by 33%\u003c/a>, with officials reporting a \u003ca href=\"https://www.coveredca.com/newsroom/news-releases/2026/02/26/as-enhanced-federal-subsidies-expire-covered-california-ends-open-enrollment-with-state-subsidies-keeping-renewals-steady-for-now-and-new-signups-down/#:~:text=California%20allocated%20%24190%20million%20from,of%20the%20federal%20poverty%20level.\">similar drop statewide\u003c/a>. And according to \u003ca href=\"https://lao.ca.gov/reports/2026/5180/Changing_Landscape_Affects_Californias_Health_Care_System_050426.pdf\">some researchers\u003c/a>, the first people to drop their Covered California plans are usually younger, healthier individuals who use fewer benefits. Those enrollees help lower the costs of care for everyone else. But with fewer healthier people in the marketplace, premiums could rise even higher.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When folks call in after dropping their plan, Waldman said the clinic can see them in the meantime, but they also work with the patient to see if they qualify for care at a \u003ca href=\"https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/\">federally qualified health center\u003c/a> — which serve patients on a sliding fee scale, but are subject to income limits and \u003ca href=\"https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/prwora-hhs-bans-illegal-aliens-accessing-taxpayer-funded-programs.html\">potential immigration rules\u003c/a> from the Trump administration.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We have nothing to lose monetarily from the federal government,” Waldman said. “Free clinics play a really important role in the resiliency of the community right now because we are independent organizations.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>‘Influenza doesn’t know if you have insurance or not’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The OBBB’s next big shock to healthcare is expected at the end of this year. By Dec. 31, states must implement stricter eligibility requirements for patients enrolled in Medicaid — known as Medi-Cal in California, which provides free or low-cost care to roughly 15 million lower-income residents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2010, the Obama administration expanded Medicaid eligibility to include adults aged 19-64 with incomes below 138% of the federal poverty level. In the decade that followed, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ppic.org/blog/medi-cal-has-expanded-health-coverage-in-california/\">Medi-Cal enrollment soared\u003c/a>, with the biggest increase in that newly-eligible group.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079783\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079783\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_009-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_009-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_009-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_009-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A hallway inside the San Francisco Free Clinic in the Richmond District on Feb. 27, 2026. The clinic provides free primary care and specialty services to patients without health insurance. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Under the OBBB, Medi-Cal recipients will need to renew their eligibility every six months, instead of annually, and those who are able-bodied and without dependents have to either work, go to school or do community service for at least 80 hours each month.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>State officials \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/newsom-medicaid-impacts-memo.pdf\">estimated\u003c/a> the new requirements would result in up to 3.4 million Californians losing their Medi-Cal coverage. And because federal funding for Medi-Cal is dependent on how many people are enrolled, the state could lose over $30 billion.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s unfortunate, said Ashley Tsang, medical director for the San Francisco Free Clinic, because more people on Medi-Cal means fewer people who are uninsured.[aside postID=news_12078480 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/AffordabilitySeriesIntro_Lede.jpg']“We were hoping that there were going to be fewer people uninsured as Medi-Cal covered more people,” Tsang said. “At some point, our numbers would have actually dropped.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The clinic currently sees around 1,500 uninsured patients each year with the help of a few dozen physicians and medical students. Tsang — who helps run the Richmond District clinic along with her husband and fellow physician Ian Nelligan — said the team hasn’t yet needed to expand service hours, but that’s something they are thinking about given the political situation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“COVID-19 taught us that [infectious diseases don’t] know if you have insurance or not, and people will end up at the emergency department one way or the other,” she said. “We all end up paying for patients who have no health insurance.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A \u003ca href=\"https://lao.ca.gov/reports/2026/5180/Changing_Landscape_Affects_Californias_Health_Care_System_050426.pdf\">recent report\u003c/a> from the state Legislative Analyst’s Office predicts that care providers — including private and public hospitals that treat patients with coverage — may feel greater financial pressure as the uninsured population grows in the coming years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many providers, the report finds, “will still provide some care to these populations without receiving reimbursement,” and as these expenses go up, they may negotiate higher rates with private insurance plans.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Pushing back on closed doors\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>White House officials have argued that other parts of the OBBB — like larger tax deductibles and expanded flexible spending accounts — will make it easier for individuals to pay for health insurance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the administration has made clear the changes will limit access to low-cost care for one group of people in particular: undocumented immigrants. Blocking this group from Medicaid is necessary “to preserve it for hardworking Americans who need it,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt said before the bill’s passage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The OBBB reduced federal funds that helped states provide emergency Medicaid coverage to undocumented immigrants — a \u003ca href=\"https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/WFTCA-Illegal-Immigrant-Healthcare-Memo-FINAL.pdf\">White House memo\u003c/a> went as far as calling this move “closing the California loophole.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078937\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12078937\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_001_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_001_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_001_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_001_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pro-farmworker posters adorn the walls inside the Hijas del Campo workspace. The group helps coordinate services including food distribution, healthcare access and legal aid for farmworkers and their families, on March 31, 2026, in Brentwood, California. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>This change — along with other expected healthcare cuts from the federal government — prompted state lawmakers last year to \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/06/california-budget-newsom-democrats/\">block new Medi-Cal enrollment\u003c/a> for undocumented immigrants aged 19 and older.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That means Marisol can no longer sign up for Medi-Cal, leaving her with only the mobile clinic outside Hijas del Campo for care.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This is an injustice,” the farmworker said. “Our work is very intense, and it’s what brings food to people’s tables. But this work is not valued.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078938\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12078938\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_008_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_008_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_008_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_008_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dorina Salgado-Moraida, co-founder of Hijas del Campo, stands beside a Contra Costa Health Department mobile clinic used to provide free and low-cost medical services to farmworkers and underserved residents, on March 31, 2026, in Brentwood, California. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>When she first felt those bumps on her breasts in 2023, a doctor at the clinic confirmed she had a tumor — but a benign one that was treated thanks to the county program. Marisol still comes to the mobile clinic for follow-ups.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“People are still going to be sick,” said Hijas del Campo co-founder Dorina Salgado-Moraida, who pointed out that there are thousands of undocumented immigrants in other parts of the state who will be left with no options for care.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We had some learnings from the pandemic, but then at the same time, we didn’t really learn much,” she said. “We didn’t put systems in place to protect those who are the most essential.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Editor’s Note: This story was updated to clarify medical terminology. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "After the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, many Californians no longer have access to healthcare because of higher premiums or their immigration status. Free clinics are rushing to fill the gaps in coverage.",
"status": "publish",
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"title": "After the One Big Beautiful Bill, Free Clinics Are Stepping Up | KQED",
"description": "After the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, many Californians no longer have access to healthcare because of higher premiums or their immigration status. Free clinics are rushing to fill the gaps in coverage.",
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"headline": "After the One Big Beautiful Bill, Free Clinics Are Stepping Up",
"datePublished": "2026-05-05T07:00:32-07:00",
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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>For Marisol, it’s not strange to feel aches and pains all over her body when she comes home after work. She picks and packages fruit for farms in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/contra-costa-county\">Contra Costa County\u003c/a>. Even when temperatures rise over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, she’s out in the field collecting cherries, peaches, nectarines and apricots.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She knows it takes a toll on her body. “Sometimes you’re so exhausted that it feels like there’s something wrong with your body, and you don’t know if you’re actually sick or just tired,” she said in Spanish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As an undocumented immigrant without employer-provided health insurance, actually finding out if she’s sick is a luxury. KQED is withholding her full name because publishing it could expose her to potential immigration enforcement. “I either pay my rent or I go to the doctor,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But in the summer of 2023 — when she began to feel several bumps on her breasts — she decided her health could no longer wait. She went to the one place she knew she could get care at no cost: \u003ca href=\"https://www.hijasdelcampo.org/\">Hijas del Campo\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Every Tuesday afternoon, the Contra Costa County Department of Public Health parks \u003ca href=\"https://www.cchealth.org/get-care/for-people-without-health-coverage/health-care-for-the-homeless\">a mobile clinic\u003c/a> outside the nonprofit’s Brentwood offices. The clinic offers limited free care to residents like Marisol who qualify. It’s one of dozens of free clinics across the Bay Area that serve low-income and undocumented immigrants who don’t have access to healthcare.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078942\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12078942 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_016_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_016_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_016_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_016_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Marisol, a farmworker in Brentwood, sits outside the Hijas del Campo offices, an organization that connects agricultural workers and their families to free health services, food assistance and legal support on March 31, 2026, in Brentwood, California. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Free clinics across California are bracing for a surge of uninsured patients as provisions in President Donald Trump’s “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12073880/tax-credits-trump-2026-refund-tips-child-tax-credit-car-loan-interest-documents\">One Big Beautiful Bill\u003c/a>” take effect, eliminating federal subsidies for some Affordable Care Act plans and tightening Medicaid eligibility rules.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>About 160,000 Californians have already \u003ca href=\"https://www.ppic.org/blog/many-californians-are-paying-more-for-health-insurance-from-covered-california/\">lost federal subsidies\u003c/a> that made their premiums cheaper and in the coming years, state officials \u003ca href=\"https://lao.ca.gov/reports/2026/5180/Changing_Landscape_Affects_Californias_Health_Care_System_050426.pdf\">estimate\u003c/a> that the number of Californians without health insurance — currently around 2 million — could double by 2030, leaving safety-net clinics to absorb the growing demand for care.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The White House has \u003ca href=\"https://www.whitehouse.gov/releases/2025/06/myth-vs-fact-the-one-big-beautiful-bill/\">defended\u003c/a> the OBBB, arguing that these changes will help eliminate “waste, fraud, and abuse” from the nation’s healthcare system. But doctors and volunteers who staff free clinics are already seeing people who have lost coverage and warn that a growing uninsured population could negatively impact care for all patients.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How free care works\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Free clinics have existed for decades across the Bay Area, offering primary care to those without health insurance. Many serve suburban and rural communities far from the medical infrastructure of the region’s larger cities. But even in San Francisco, free clinics serve thousands each year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.clinicbythebay.org/\">Clinic by the Bay\u003c/a> — located in San Francisco’s Excelsior District, one of the most \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/demographic-map-san-francisco-21310100.php\">ethnically diverse neighborhoods\u003c/a> in the city — sees many patients who are experiencing a transition that left them uninsured, often a layoff, aging out of their parents’ insurance or migrating to the United States.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079790\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079790\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/030526_FREECLINICS-_GH_017-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/030526_FREECLINICS-_GH_017-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/030526_FREECLINICS-_GH_017-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/030526_FREECLINICS-_GH_017-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Katelyn McMeekin-Jackson, executive director of Clinic by the Bay, poses for a portrait inside the clinic in San Francisco on March 5, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“And there’s people who are working but cannot afford their healthcare premiums, so they have decided to go without health insurance,” said Katelyn McMeekin-Jackson, executive director of Clinic by the Bay. She knows many patients by their first name, greeting them warmly when they come through the front door.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are only a few requirements to get care there, McMeekin-Jackson said. A new patient must share a copy of an ID, proof of income and confirm they do not have health insurance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>More than 200 volunteers — many of them retired doctors, resident physicians and medical students — help the clinic offer primary and ongoing care for those living with chronic conditions, like diabetes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079789\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079789\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/030526_FREECLINICS-_GH_016-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/030526_FREECLINICS-_GH_016-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/030526_FREECLINICS-_GH_016-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/030526_FREECLINICS-_GH_016-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Volunteer Melissa Castillo, left, and executive director Katelyn McMeekin-Jackson walk through a hallway inside Clinic by the Bay in San Francisco on March 5, 2026. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>When a patient needs a service that’s not available in-house, staff work with the clinic’s extended network of physicians who are willing to donate their time. Companies like LabCorp also provide a limited number of free screenings, and skilled nursing homes regularly donate surplus medication.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A big part of the puzzle is figuring out how we can get around the limitations to get free care,” McMeekin-Jackson said, adding that over the past year, volunteer numbers increased by about 30% to keep pace with the growing number of patients.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re anticipating that patient numbers will grow as premiums increase,” she said. “And there are Medi-Cal changes projected in the future.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Finding the limits\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>As Congress raced to finalize the details of the OBBB last summer, lawmakers \u003ca href=\"https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/trump-wsj-poll-tax-bill-support-ee51c67e\">sought to balance\u003c/a> the price tag of other Trump policy priorities — reshaping the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12073880/tax-credits-trump-2026-refund-tips-child-tax-credit-car-loan-interest-documents\">nation’s tax system\u003c/a> and supercharging immigration enforcement — by freeing up funding elsewhere.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Republicans moved to end the subsidies that lowered the costs of healthcare premiums for millions of people nationwide who bought their plan through an Affordable Care Act marketplace, which includes Covered California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079787\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079787\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_037-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_037-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_037-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_037-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Jewish Community Free Clinic building is seen on March 2, 2026, in Santa Rosa. The clinic provides free healthcare services to uninsured patients. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In 2024, the federal government spent nearly $14 billion \u003ca href=\"https://www.kff.org/medicaid/what-does-the-federal-government-spend-on-health-care/#Appendix-Table-3\">on subsidies\u003c/a>, which helped millions of Americans \u003ca href=\"https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2026/01/22/what-the-data-says-about-affordable-care-act-health-insurance-exchanges/\">enroll in a plan\u003c/a>. According to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/inflation-reduction-act-health-insurance-subsidies-what-is-their-impact-and-what-would-happen-if-they-expire/#:~:text=The%20enhanced%20subsidies%20in%20the%20Inflation%20Reduction%20Act%20reduce%20net%20premium%20costs%20by%2044%25%2C%20on%20average%2C%20for%20enrollees%20receiving%20premium%20tax%20credits%2C%20though%20the%20amount%20of%20savings%20varies%20by%20person.\">Kaiser Family Foundation\u003c/a>, a San Francisco-based public health research nonprofit, the subsidies lowered the annual premium payment in 2024 from about $1,600 to $900 — a difference of about 44%.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On Jan. 1, the majority of Covered California enrollees saw their \u003ca href=\"https://www.ppic.org/blog/many-californians-are-paying-more-for-health-insurance-from-covered-california/\">premiums rise\u003c/a> as the federal government pulled back subsidies. But people making above 400% of the federal poverty level — roughly $62,000 for a single person — began paying the full monthly premium for their health insurance. In the Bay Area, some residents \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101912612/how-are-you-coping-with-increased-health-insurance-premiums\">have shared\u003c/a> that their premiums have gone up by over 150%.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re getting a lot of calls from people who lost their plan because they couldn’t pay these outrageous new premiums,” said Donna Waldman, the executive director of the Santa Rosa-based \u003ca href=\"https://www.jewishfreeclinic.org/\">Jewish Community Free Clinic\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079785\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079785\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_027-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_027-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_027-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_027-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Donna Waldman, executive director and one of the founders of the Jewish Community Free Clinic, listens during a conversation inside the clinic on March 2, 2026, in Santa Rosa. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Waldman, along with a handful of doctors and nurses, started the clinic in 2001. The majority of patients are immigrant farmworkers who power Sonoma County’s multimillion-dollar wine industry. Many are seeing a doctor for the first time in years and are coming in for a one-time check-in — a situation that the clinic is well-equipped for, Waldman said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We are not set up to do chronic disease maintenance,” she said. “Our system’s not set up to have you come back every three or four months to get your blood pressure checked — that’s not our type of practice.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Higher premiums are not just forcing people to drop their plan, but also discouraging those who could qualify for a Covered California plan from signing up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079786\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079786\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_029-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_029-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_029-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_029-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rivka Vaughs, who works at the front desk and assists with grant writing, sits in the waiting area of the Jewish Community Free Clinic on March 2, 2026, in Santa Rosa. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In Sonoma County, new enrollment this year \u003ca href=\"https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2026/02/28/new-affordable-care-act-enrollment-declines-by-33-in-north-bay/\">decreased by 33%\u003c/a>, with officials reporting a \u003ca href=\"https://www.coveredca.com/newsroom/news-releases/2026/02/26/as-enhanced-federal-subsidies-expire-covered-california-ends-open-enrollment-with-state-subsidies-keeping-renewals-steady-for-now-and-new-signups-down/#:~:text=California%20allocated%20%24190%20million%20from,of%20the%20federal%20poverty%20level.\">similar drop statewide\u003c/a>. And according to \u003ca href=\"https://lao.ca.gov/reports/2026/5180/Changing_Landscape_Affects_Californias_Health_Care_System_050426.pdf\">some researchers\u003c/a>, the first people to drop their Covered California plans are usually younger, healthier individuals who use fewer benefits. Those enrollees help lower the costs of care for everyone else. But with fewer healthier people in the marketplace, premiums could rise even higher.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When folks call in after dropping their plan, Waldman said the clinic can see them in the meantime, but they also work with the patient to see if they qualify for care at a \u003ca href=\"https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/\">federally qualified health center\u003c/a> — which serve patients on a sliding fee scale, but are subject to income limits and \u003ca href=\"https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/prwora-hhs-bans-illegal-aliens-accessing-taxpayer-funded-programs.html\">potential immigration rules\u003c/a> from the Trump administration.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We have nothing to lose monetarily from the federal government,” Waldman said. “Free clinics play a really important role in the resiliency of the community right now because we are independent organizations.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>‘Influenza doesn’t know if you have insurance or not’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The OBBB’s next big shock to healthcare is expected at the end of this year. By Dec. 31, states must implement stricter eligibility requirements for patients enrolled in Medicaid — known as Medi-Cal in California, which provides free or low-cost care to roughly 15 million lower-income residents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2010, the Obama administration expanded Medicaid eligibility to include adults aged 19-64 with incomes below 138% of the federal poverty level. In the decade that followed, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ppic.org/blog/medi-cal-has-expanded-health-coverage-in-california/\">Medi-Cal enrollment soared\u003c/a>, with the biggest increase in that newly-eligible group.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12079783\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12079783\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_009-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_009-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_009-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/022726_FREE-CLINICS-_GH_009-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A hallway inside the San Francisco Free Clinic in the Richmond District on Feb. 27, 2026. The clinic provides free primary care and specialty services to patients without health insurance. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Under the OBBB, Medi-Cal recipients will need to renew their eligibility every six months, instead of annually, and those who are able-bodied and without dependents have to either work, go to school or do community service for at least 80 hours each month.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>State officials \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/newsom-medicaid-impacts-memo.pdf\">estimated\u003c/a> the new requirements would result in up to 3.4 million Californians losing their Medi-Cal coverage. And because federal funding for Medi-Cal is dependent on how many people are enrolled, the state could lose over $30 billion.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s unfortunate, said Ashley Tsang, medical director for the San Francisco Free Clinic, because more people on Medi-Cal means fewer people who are uninsured.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>“We were hoping that there were going to be fewer people uninsured as Medi-Cal covered more people,” Tsang said. “At some point, our numbers would have actually dropped.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The clinic currently sees around 1,500 uninsured patients each year with the help of a few dozen physicians and medical students. Tsang — who helps run the Richmond District clinic along with her husband and fellow physician Ian Nelligan — said the team hasn’t yet needed to expand service hours, but that’s something they are thinking about given the political situation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“COVID-19 taught us that [infectious diseases don’t] know if you have insurance or not, and people will end up at the emergency department one way or the other,” she said. “We all end up paying for patients who have no health insurance.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A \u003ca href=\"https://lao.ca.gov/reports/2026/5180/Changing_Landscape_Affects_Californias_Health_Care_System_050426.pdf\">recent report\u003c/a> from the state Legislative Analyst’s Office predicts that care providers — including private and public hospitals that treat patients with coverage — may feel greater financial pressure as the uninsured population grows in the coming years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many providers, the report finds, “will still provide some care to these populations without receiving reimbursement,” and as these expenses go up, they may negotiate higher rates with private insurance plans.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Pushing back on closed doors\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>White House officials have argued that other parts of the OBBB — like larger tax deductibles and expanded flexible spending accounts — will make it easier for individuals to pay for health insurance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the administration has made clear the changes will limit access to low-cost care for one group of people in particular: undocumented immigrants. Blocking this group from Medicaid is necessary “to preserve it for hardworking Americans who need it,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt said before the bill’s passage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The OBBB reduced federal funds that helped states provide emergency Medicaid coverage to undocumented immigrants — a \u003ca href=\"https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/WFTCA-Illegal-Immigrant-Healthcare-Memo-FINAL.pdf\">White House memo\u003c/a> went as far as calling this move “closing the California loophole.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078937\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12078937\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_001_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_001_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_001_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_001_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pro-farmworker posters adorn the walls inside the Hijas del Campo workspace. The group helps coordinate services including food distribution, healthcare access and legal aid for farmworkers and their families, on March 31, 2026, in Brentwood, California. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>This change — along with other expected healthcare cuts from the federal government — prompted state lawmakers last year to \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/06/california-budget-newsom-democrats/\">block new Medi-Cal enrollment\u003c/a> for undocumented immigrants aged 19 and older.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That means Marisol can no longer sign up for Medi-Cal, leaving her with only the mobile clinic outside Hijas del Campo for care.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This is an injustice,” the farmworker said. “Our work is very intense, and it’s what brings food to people’s tables. But this work is not valued.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12078938\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12078938\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_008_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_008_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_008_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/033126Free-Clinics-Brentwood_GH_008_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dorina Salgado-Moraida, co-founder of Hijas del Campo, stands beside a Contra Costa Health Department mobile clinic used to provide free and low-cost medical services to farmworkers and underserved residents, on March 31, 2026, in Brentwood, California. \u003ccite>(Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>When she first felt those bumps on her breasts in 2023, a doctor at the clinic confirmed she had a tumor — but a benign one that was treated thanks to the county program. Marisol still comes to the mobile clinic for follow-ups.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“People are still going to be sick,” said Hijas del Campo co-founder Dorina Salgado-Moraida, who pointed out that there are thousands of undocumented immigrants in other parts of the state who will be left with no options for care.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We had some learnings from the pandemic, but then at the same time, we didn’t really learn much,” she said. “We didn’t put systems in place to protect those who are the most essential.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Editor’s Note: This story was updated to clarify medical terminology. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "these-yosemite-alternatives-are-just-as-beautiful-and-much-less-crowded",
"title": "These Yosemite Alternatives Are Just as Beautiful — and Much Less Crowded",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">It might only be May, but Yosemite National Park’s summertime crowds are \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/outdoors/article/yosemite-valley-parking-full-22238123.php\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">already back in full force\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And with \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074364\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">the park’s vehicle reservation system to enter the park officially scrapped for 2026\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, visitors are reporting that finding parking and a peaceful place to soak in the iconic views on peak weekends is \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/Yosemite/s/WgwigquZ01\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">already proving challenging.\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In March of this year, \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://irma.nps.gov/Stats/SSRSReports/Park%20Specific%20Reports/Monthly%20Public%20Use?Park=ARCH\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yosemite reported a 45% increase in visitation from 2025\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, rivaling 2016 numbers. And last year, when a reservation system was still limiting daily visitation, \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/environment/yosemite-visitation-2025/?scope=initial\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">4.2 million people still visited the park:\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> its fourth-busiest year on record. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So whether it’s the traffic, the \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1996404/yosemite-camping-national-park-reservations-delay-2025\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">huge popularity\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> of \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/gateways/2991\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yosemite’s campgrounds\u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">,\u003c/span>\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065737\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">the $100 fee for visitors from abroad\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> or the widespread uncertainty caused by \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12066741/a-morale-bomb-national-park-workers-face-wage-cuts-and-dubiously-legal-review-system\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">the Trump administration’s attacks\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> on National Parks Service staffing last year, there are several reasons some people might be looking to other corners of California for a wilderness getaway this summer.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And if that’s you, depending\u003c/span> on what attracted you to the High Sierra park in the first place — like iconic waterfalls, clear, swimmable rivers, scenic drives or wildlife — you may still find what you’re looking for at these six more underrated spots.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read more below for some “alternatives to Yosemite” recreation areas within driving distance of the Bay Area that could bring you that same remote mountain feeling — without the stress of reservations or crowds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jump straight to:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#A\">Sweeping landscapes at Sunol\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#B\">The clear, swimmable Smith River\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#C\">The rustic mountain town of Etna\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#D\">Scenic mountain drive Sonora Pass\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#E\">Castle Crags’ granite peaks\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#F\">Picturesque June Lake\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047200\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047200\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The road leading to June Lake Loop takes visitors on a 14-mile drive underneath Carson Peak with access to several small towns and campgrounds, as well as lots of lake and mountain recreation. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"A\">\u003c/a>Looking for Valley-like views? Soak up sweeping landscapes at Sunol\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Did you know we have our very own “\u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/parks/sunol\">Little Yosemite\u003c/a>” right here in the Bay Area? At Sunol Wilderness Regional Park, \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/poi/us/california/sunol/alameda-creek-overlook--formerly-little-yosemite-\">a 4.5-mile round-trip hike\u003c/a> will take you through a gorge that’s not unlike a miniature Yosemite Valley, and up close to stunning cliff sides, over babbling creeks and under gushing waterfalls. And you’re more than likely to spot native birds, wildflowers in the spring and cows all year round.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re up for even more adventure, snag a reservation at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/recreation/camping/backpack-camping-faqs#sunol\">Sunol Backpack Campground\u003c/a>, just a few miles from the Visitor Center and parking lot, up to a remarkably remote-feeling cluster of campsites. \u003ca href=\"https://www.redwoodhikes.com/EastBay/SunolCG.html\">Each site is unique\u003c/a>, hidden around rock formations, nestled in giant oak trees or with sweeping vistas of the valley below. Running water is available but needs to be treated, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12040242#backpacking-gear\">so don’t forget your filter.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Reservations: \u003c/em>Make sure to call at least two days in advance — or more if you’re aiming for a weekend — \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/recreation/camping/backpack-camping-faqs\">to reserve a backcountry camping spot\u003c/a>. You’ll also need a trail permit, which you can purchase online, in person or over the phone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047203\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2121px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047203\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2121\" height=\"1414\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245.jpg 2121w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2121px) 100vw, 2121px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Alameda Creek winds through the Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve. \u003ccite>(Yiming Chen/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"B\">\u003c/a>Love Yosemite’s Merced River? Take a plunge in the clear, swimmable Smith River\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>No trip to Yosemite is complete without a dip in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.yosemite.com/things-to-do/adventure-activities/merced-river/\">Merced River\u003c/a>. But if a visit to the national park isn’t in the cards for you this year, consider heading up north — like, way north — to the 140-mile-long \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sixrivers\">Six Rivers National Forest\u003c/a> that runs from the Oregon border to Mendocino County, to get a more remote river experience.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID=news_12044161 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/inntown-3-2000x1333.jpg']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Betsy Totten, forest staff officer for the national forest, particularly recommends the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sixrivers/recreation/smith-river-national-recreation-area-0\">Smith River National Recreation Area\u003c/a> — \u003ca href=\"https://rivers.gov/river/smith\">the only major undammed river in California\u003c/a> — for its crystal-clear emerald waters, which are “ideal for swimming, kayaking, canoeing and rafting.” She pointed to the \u003ca href=\"https://redwood-edventures.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/quest-grayfalls.pdf\">Gray Falls Day Use Picnic Area\u003c/a> for the best fishing and \u003ca href=\"https://www.redwoodhikes.com/JedSmith/SandCG.html\">Sand Camp\u003c/a> for its sandy beaches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Or, head to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/07/klamath-river-trip-dam-removal\">Klamath \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://rivers.gov/river/trinity\">Trinity rivers\u003c/a>, which are fast-flowing and best for anyone looking for a whitewater rafting or kayak adventure down rapids, Totten said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And “keep an eye out for black bears, ospreys, and a variety of fish, including salmon, steelhead, and trout,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Finally,\u003ca href=\"https://smithriveralliance.org/goose-creek/\"> the South Fork of the Smith River at Goose Creek\u003c/a> could be the best bet for families, where clear pools make for a leisurely afternoon float or swim.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Accommodations: \u003c/em>While the area is generally less crowded than others across the state, Totten said campgrounds at popular lakes and river spots can fill up on the weekends, so securing \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/gateways/1075\">reservations in advance\u003c/a> may be necessary.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047209\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047209\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0074309.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0074309.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0074309-160x106.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A view of Mount Shasta emerges through trees in Castle Crags State Park. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of California State Parks, 2025)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047210\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2500px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047210\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2500\" height=\"833\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2.jpg 2500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2-2000x666.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2-160x53.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2-1536x512.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2-2048x682.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Left: Horsetail Falls is the largest waterfall in the June Lake Loop in the Eastern Sierra and a popular hiking destination in the summer. Right: Kayakers float on Silver Lake, one of the more remote lakes that make up the June Lake area in the Eastern Sierra. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"C\">\u003c/a>Want that Curry Village vibe? Relax in the rustic mountain town of Etna\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>When Caleb Agron first went backpacking near the Siskiyou County town of Etna in Northern California, “it reminded me of what I saw in \u003ca href=\"https://articles.anseladams.com/ansel-adams-wilderness/?doing_wp_cron=1751578829.4512479305267333984375\">Ansel Adams Wilderness\u003c/a>,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>An iconic stop along the \u003ca href=\"https://northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com/blog/2020/09/16/etna-summit-pct-russian-wilderness/\">Pacific Crest Trail\u003c/a>, the tiny Scott Valley community is the ideal mountain town and jumping-off spot for adventures up north.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Situated between the Marble Mountain Wilderness, the Trinity Alps and the Russian Wilderness, there is a wealth of trails and lakes to explore within minutes of town, \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/taylor-lake-trail\">ranging from short jaunts\u003c/a> to \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/paynes-lake-trail--2\">moderate outings\u003c/a> to \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/cliff-lake-via-shackelford-creek-trail\">extended weekend trips.\u003c/a> Etna is also a popular spot to begin any fishing, rafting, mountain biking or horseback riding outing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And with a population of just under 700 people, the quaint streets of Etna come alive during its \u003ca href=\"https://www.trailsendmusicfest.org/\">annual Trails End Music Festival\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"http://www.etnarodeo.com/\">The Etna Rodeo\u003c/a>, two events that bring in crowds from far and wide.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Everything is better than you expect it to be,” Agron said — especially the people, who take pride in their friendliness to visitors. Agron and his cousin Stephen Daniel are the outgoing and incoming managers, respectively, of \u003ca href=\"https://etnabluebird.com/\">The Bluebird Inn\u003c/a>, a relatively new bed and breakfast in an old Victorian house.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://etnafarmersmarket.org/\">Etna Farmers Market\u003c/a> is on Saturdays all summer, and its downtown area features artisanal eateries beloved by locals and visitors alike, like general store-turned-restaurant and distillery \u003ca href=\"https://www.dennybarcompany.com/\">Denny Bar Company\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.farmhousebakery.org/\">Farmhouse Bakery\u003c/a>, whose fresh loaves are known far and wide — plus a hardware and sporting goods store for all your adventure needs. And if you’re ready to relax after a long day on the trails, \u003ca href=\"https://www.yelp.com/biz/mountain-healing-spa-etna\">there’s even a spa right downtown. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Accommodations: \u003c/em>If you’re planning on going backpacking, the wilderness areas around Etna generally only require \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/klamath/wilderness\">self-issued overnight and fire permits\u003c/a>, which are easy to come by. During the rodeo and music festivals, hotels can fill up quickly in the area, but the town of Etna also allows \u003ca href=\"https://discoversiskiyou.com/activities/johnson-joss-memorial-park-etna-city-park/\">free tent camping at its city park. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"D\">\u003c/a>Craving a Tioga Pass alternative? Take a scenic mountain drive up and over Sonora Pass\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047201\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1707px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047201\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1707\" height=\"2560\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-scaled.jpg 1707w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-2000x3000.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-160x240.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-1365x2048.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">At 9,600 feet, Sonora Pass features sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, including waterfalls, wildflowers and high alpine lakes. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Instead of waiting in hourslong traffic on Highway 120 into Yosemite, consider a leisurely drive over \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sonora-pass-scenic-drive-sonora-to-us-395\">Sonora Pass\u003c/a> instead — and soak in dramatic High Sierra views from the comfort of your car.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s not Yosemite, but it’s still pretty freaking spectacular,” said Liz Grans, economic development director for Mono County.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Amanda Carlson, the county’s economic development coordinator, recommended checking out \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/listing/leavitt-falls-vista/1432/\">Leavitt Falls,\u003c/a> which is \u003ca href=\"https://yosemiteparkphotos.com/high-sierra/sonora-pass-photos/sonora-pass-waterfalls/\">one of many waterfalls flowing near the highway\u003c/a> and is viewable from a parking lot and picnic area just off Highway 108.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the apex of the pass, you can spot various peaks, or keep going for a sweeping view of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/west-walker-river/\">West Walker River\u003c/a> and Yosemite to the south.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047202\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2500px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047202\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2500\" height=\"833\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1.jpg 2500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1-2000x666.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1-160x53.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1-1536x512.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1-2048x682.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Left: A small waterfall flows near Sonora Pass, a scenic drive over the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, on Oct. 10, 2024. Right: Road sign at Sonora Pass. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11640709/how-this-ghost-towns-curse-backfired-on-park-rangers\">Bodie State Historic Park\u003c/a> is a hidden gem of the Eastern Sierra, where nearly 200 buildings of a historic gold and silver mining town — now a ghost town — still stand, including a stamp mill.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You can walk the streets, and it is just how it was left,” Grans said. “When the gold ran out and people started to leave, and they didn’t have cars, many of them didn’t have horses or carts or anything, so the furniture — their clothing — is all still there.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Accommodations: \u003c/em>The drive over Sonora Pass from the Bay Area takes a full day, so make sure to plan to stay overnight on the eastern side of the Sierra. Bridgeport is the closest major town to the pass, but Mono City and Lee Vining — which offer easy access to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12046670/mono-lake-could-be-losing-its-california-gulls\">biodiverse Mono Lake\u003c/a> — aren’t far away, either.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"E\">\u003c/a>Want Half Dome without the long hike? Scale Castle Crags’ granite peaks\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047196\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047196\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064419A.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064419A.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064419A-160x106.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The famous granite ‘crags,’ formed around 160 million years ago, rise up over Castle Crags State Park. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of California State Parks, 2025)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/permits/234652\">Permits to scale Yosemite’s Half Dome\u003c/a> are notoriously hard to come by — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1941829/the-half-dome-lottery-system-was-supposed-to-make-the-hike-safer-this-study-says-it-hasnt\">and the 14-mile round-trip hike is no walk in the park, either. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re looking for a similar granite landscape with a more achievable goal, consider \u003ca href=\"https://mountshastatrailassociation.org/trails/castle-crags/castle-dome-and-indian-springs/\">Castle Dome\u003c/a> in Shasta County’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=454\">Castle Crags State Park.\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://castlecragspark.org/the-park\">Formed around 160 million years ago\u003c/a>, the rocks that give the park its iconic “crags” not only feel ancient but are also home to a wide biodiversity of wildlife.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The 5.4-mile round trip is much more manageable than Half Dome, but it’s still quite a trek, climbing 2,000 feet of elevation that brings hikers up and around steep granite cliffs, revealing a full view of Mount Shasta ahead. Most hikers choose to turn around at the base of the dome, but \u003ca href=\"https://californiathroughmylens.com/castle-dome-hike-in-castle-crags-state-park/\">if you’re an experienced climber, you can even attempt the summit itself. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Don’t forget to check out nearby \u003ca href=\"https://www.visitcalifornia.com/places-to-visit/dunsmuir/\">Dunsmuir\u003c/a> along a calm portion of the Sacramento River, with swimming holes and lunch spots aplenty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Accommodations: \u003c/em>The state park has 76 campsites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $25. It costs $8 to enter the park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047197\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047197\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064423A.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064423A.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064423A-160x106.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The granite crags at Castle Crags State Park. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of California State Parks, 2025)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"F\">\u003c/a>Seeking refuge at a high-altitude alpine lake? Visit picturesque June Lake\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re still hoping to head to the High Sierra but don’t want to fight Yosemite’s crowds, try the \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/june-lake/\">June Lake Loop\u003c/a>, a 15-mile detour off Highway 395 in the Eastern Sierra.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With four lakes, numerous resorts and tons of trails, you can escape deep into the wilderness or enjoy a luxurious visit to the town of June Lake, often dubbed “the Switzerland of California.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/grant-lake/\">Grant Lake,\u003c/a> the biggest of the four, is open to recreational speedboats after 10 a.m., while \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/june-lake/\">June\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/gull-lake/\">Gull\u003c/a> lakes are more suited to fishing and paddling. The most remote is\u003ca href=\"https://www.silverlakeresort.net/\"> Silver Lake,\u003c/a> where visitors can grab lunch and go out on a kayak to explore the picturesque alpine environment. Hikers and backpackers start their journeys from the loop to access the Inyo National Forest and Ansel Adams Wilderness areas, \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/parker-lake-trail\">including the scenic 3.5-mile hike to Parker Lake.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047198\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047198\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The view from above Gull Lake, one of the four lakes that make up the June Lake Loop, where visitors can paddle, fish and swim in the summer. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Silver Lake is my favorite,” Carlson said. “We rented kayaks and went out on that very same day; there were only two other human beings on the lake.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Down closer to town, popular activities include trout fishing, biking and boating, \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/event/june-lake-autumn-beer-festival/7324/\">plus the annual beer festival every fall, hosted at Gull Lake Park.\u003c/a> As far as accommodations go, visitors can find everything from upscale resorts to more rustic spots.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Accommodations: \u003c/em>June Lake is not nearly as crowded as nearby Yosemite — or even Mammoth Lakes, which can get extremely busy, especially in the wintertime. Still, be sure to book early for long weekends or peak summer times. If you strike out on finding something in your price range on the loop itself, try Lee Vining or Bridgeport to the north, with even more options to choose from.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047205\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047205\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Silver-Lake-August-2017-AV-2-Mono-County-Tourism-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Boats are docked at Silver Lake, a remote lake near June Lake, California, in the Eastern Sierra. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCeDp_MY_h4G6VWj_-VPl-BJlQ3Uya2H0vxRZZd_47BpXwVA/viewform?embedded=true\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Looking for a mountain escape minus the chaos of a national park? Here are some ideas.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">It might only be May, but Yosemite National Park’s summertime crowds are \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/outdoors/article/yosemite-valley-parking-full-22238123.php\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">already back in full force\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And with \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074364\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">the park’s vehicle reservation system to enter the park officially scrapped for 2026\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, visitors are reporting that finding parking and a peaceful place to soak in the iconic views on peak weekends is \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/Yosemite/s/WgwigquZ01\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">already proving challenging.\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In March of this year, \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://irma.nps.gov/Stats/SSRSReports/Park%20Specific%20Reports/Monthly%20Public%20Use?Park=ARCH\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yosemite reported a 45% increase in visitation from 2025\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, rivaling 2016 numbers. And last year, when a reservation system was still limiting daily visitation, \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/environment/yosemite-visitation-2025/?scope=initial\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">4.2 million people still visited the park:\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> its fourth-busiest year on record. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So whether it’s the traffic, the \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1996404/yosemite-camping-national-park-reservations-delay-2025\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">huge popularity\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> of \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/gateways/2991\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yosemite’s campgrounds\u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">,\u003c/span>\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065737\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">the $100 fee for visitors from abroad\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> or the widespread uncertainty caused by \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12066741/a-morale-bomb-national-park-workers-face-wage-cuts-and-dubiously-legal-review-system\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">the Trump administration’s attacks\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> on National Parks Service staffing last year, there are several reasons some people might be looking to other corners of California for a wilderness getaway this summer.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And if that’s you, depending\u003c/span> on what attracted you to the High Sierra park in the first place — like iconic waterfalls, clear, swimmable rivers, scenic drives or wildlife — you may still find what you’re looking for at these six more underrated spots.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read more below for some “alternatives to Yosemite” recreation areas within driving distance of the Bay Area that could bring you that same remote mountain feeling — without the stress of reservations or crowds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jump straight to:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#A\">Sweeping landscapes at Sunol\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#B\">The clear, swimmable Smith River\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#C\">The rustic mountain town of Etna\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#D\">Scenic mountain drive Sonora Pass\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#E\">Castle Crags’ granite peaks\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#F\">Picturesque June Lake\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047200\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047200\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-entrance-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The road leading to June Lake Loop takes visitors on a 14-mile drive underneath Carson Peak with access to several small towns and campgrounds, as well as lots of lake and mountain recreation. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"A\">\u003c/a>Looking for Valley-like views? Soak up sweeping landscapes at Sunol\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Did you know we have our very own “\u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/parks/sunol\">Little Yosemite\u003c/a>” right here in the Bay Area? At Sunol Wilderness Regional Park, \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/poi/us/california/sunol/alameda-creek-overlook--formerly-little-yosemite-\">a 4.5-mile round-trip hike\u003c/a> will take you through a gorge that’s not unlike a miniature Yosemite Valley, and up close to stunning cliff sides, over babbling creeks and under gushing waterfalls. And you’re more than likely to spot native birds, wildflowers in the spring and cows all year round.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re up for even more adventure, snag a reservation at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/recreation/camping/backpack-camping-faqs#sunol\">Sunol Backpack Campground\u003c/a>, just a few miles from the Visitor Center and parking lot, up to a remarkably remote-feeling cluster of campsites. \u003ca href=\"https://www.redwoodhikes.com/EastBay/SunolCG.html\">Each site is unique\u003c/a>, hidden around rock formations, nestled in giant oak trees or with sweeping vistas of the valley below. Running water is available but needs to be treated, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12040242#backpacking-gear\">so don’t forget your filter.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Reservations: \u003c/em>Make sure to call at least two days in advance — or more if you’re aiming for a weekend — \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebparks.org/recreation/camping/backpack-camping-faqs\">to reserve a backcountry camping spot\u003c/a>. You’ll also need a trail permit, which you can purchase online, in person or over the phone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047203\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2121px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047203\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2121\" height=\"1414\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245.jpg 2121w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/GettyImages-2024341245-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2121px) 100vw, 2121px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Alameda Creek winds through the Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve. \u003ccite>(Yiming Chen/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"B\">\u003c/a>Love Yosemite’s Merced River? Take a plunge in the clear, swimmable Smith River\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>No trip to Yosemite is complete without a dip in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.yosemite.com/things-to-do/adventure-activities/merced-river/\">Merced River\u003c/a>. But if a visit to the national park isn’t in the cards for you this year, consider heading up north — like, way north — to the 140-mile-long \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sixrivers\">Six Rivers National Forest\u003c/a> that runs from the Oregon border to Mendocino County, to get a more remote river experience.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Betsy Totten, forest staff officer for the national forest, particularly recommends the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sixrivers/recreation/smith-river-national-recreation-area-0\">Smith River National Recreation Area\u003c/a> — \u003ca href=\"https://rivers.gov/river/smith\">the only major undammed river in California\u003c/a> — for its crystal-clear emerald waters, which are “ideal for swimming, kayaking, canoeing and rafting.” She pointed to the \u003ca href=\"https://redwood-edventures.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/quest-grayfalls.pdf\">Gray Falls Day Use Picnic Area\u003c/a> for the best fishing and \u003ca href=\"https://www.redwoodhikes.com/JedSmith/SandCG.html\">Sand Camp\u003c/a> for its sandy beaches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Or, head to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/07/klamath-river-trip-dam-removal\">Klamath \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://rivers.gov/river/trinity\">Trinity rivers\u003c/a>, which are fast-flowing and best for anyone looking for a whitewater rafting or kayak adventure down rapids, Totten said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And “keep an eye out for black bears, ospreys, and a variety of fish, including salmon, steelhead, and trout,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Finally,\u003ca href=\"https://smithriveralliance.org/goose-creek/\"> the South Fork of the Smith River at Goose Creek\u003c/a> could be the best bet for families, where clear pools make for a leisurely afternoon float or swim.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Accommodations: \u003c/em>While the area is generally less crowded than others across the state, Totten said campgrounds at popular lakes and river spots can fill up on the weekends, so securing \u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/gateways/1075\">reservations in advance\u003c/a> may be necessary.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047209\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047209\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0074309.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0074309.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0074309-160x106.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A view of Mount Shasta emerges through trees in Castle Crags State Park. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of California State Parks, 2025)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047210\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2500px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047210\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2500\" height=\"833\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2.jpg 2500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2-2000x666.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2-160x53.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2-1536x512.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-2-2048x682.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Left: Horsetail Falls is the largest waterfall in the June Lake Loop in the Eastern Sierra and a popular hiking destination in the summer. Right: Kayakers float on Silver Lake, one of the more remote lakes that make up the June Lake area in the Eastern Sierra. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"C\">\u003c/a>Want that Curry Village vibe? Relax in the rustic mountain town of Etna\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>When Caleb Agron first went backpacking near the Siskiyou County town of Etna in Northern California, “it reminded me of what I saw in \u003ca href=\"https://articles.anseladams.com/ansel-adams-wilderness/?doing_wp_cron=1751578829.4512479305267333984375\">Ansel Adams Wilderness\u003c/a>,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>An iconic stop along the \u003ca href=\"https://northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com/blog/2020/09/16/etna-summit-pct-russian-wilderness/\">Pacific Crest Trail\u003c/a>, the tiny Scott Valley community is the ideal mountain town and jumping-off spot for adventures up north.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Situated between the Marble Mountain Wilderness, the Trinity Alps and the Russian Wilderness, there is a wealth of trails and lakes to explore within minutes of town, \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/taylor-lake-trail\">ranging from short jaunts\u003c/a> to \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/paynes-lake-trail--2\">moderate outings\u003c/a> to \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/cliff-lake-via-shackelford-creek-trail\">extended weekend trips.\u003c/a> Etna is also a popular spot to begin any fishing, rafting, mountain biking or horseback riding outing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And with a population of just under 700 people, the quaint streets of Etna come alive during its \u003ca href=\"https://www.trailsendmusicfest.org/\">annual Trails End Music Festival\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"http://www.etnarodeo.com/\">The Etna Rodeo\u003c/a>, two events that bring in crowds from far and wide.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Everything is better than you expect it to be,” Agron said — especially the people, who take pride in their friendliness to visitors. Agron and his cousin Stephen Daniel are the outgoing and incoming managers, respectively, of \u003ca href=\"https://etnabluebird.com/\">The Bluebird Inn\u003c/a>, a relatively new bed and breakfast in an old Victorian house.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://etnafarmersmarket.org/\">Etna Farmers Market\u003c/a> is on Saturdays all summer, and its downtown area features artisanal eateries beloved by locals and visitors alike, like general store-turned-restaurant and distillery \u003ca href=\"https://www.dennybarcompany.com/\">Denny Bar Company\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.farmhousebakery.org/\">Farmhouse Bakery\u003c/a>, whose fresh loaves are known far and wide — plus a hardware and sporting goods store for all your adventure needs. And if you’re ready to relax after a long day on the trails, \u003ca href=\"https://www.yelp.com/biz/mountain-healing-spa-etna\">there’s even a spa right downtown. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Accommodations: \u003c/em>If you’re planning on going backpacking, the wilderness areas around Etna generally only require \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/klamath/wilderness\">self-issued overnight and fire permits\u003c/a>, which are easy to come by. During the rodeo and music festivals, hotels can fill up quickly in the area, but the town of Etna also allows \u003ca href=\"https://discoversiskiyou.com/activities/johnson-joss-memorial-park-etna-city-park/\">free tent camping at its city park. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"D\">\u003c/a>Craving a Tioga Pass alternative? Take a scenic mountain drive up and over Sonora Pass\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047201\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1707px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047201\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1707\" height=\"2560\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-scaled.jpg 1707w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-2000x3000.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-160x240.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-6-1365x2048.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">At 9,600 feet, Sonora Pass features sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, including waterfalls, wildflowers and high alpine lakes. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Instead of waiting in hourslong traffic on Highway 120 into Yosemite, consider a leisurely drive over \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sonora-pass-scenic-drive-sonora-to-us-395\">Sonora Pass\u003c/a> instead — and soak in dramatic High Sierra views from the comfort of your car.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s not Yosemite, but it’s still pretty freaking spectacular,” said Liz Grans, economic development director for Mono County.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Amanda Carlson, the county’s economic development coordinator, recommended checking out \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/listing/leavitt-falls-vista/1432/\">Leavitt Falls,\u003c/a> which is \u003ca href=\"https://yosemiteparkphotos.com/high-sierra/sonora-pass-photos/sonora-pass-waterfalls/\">one of many waterfalls flowing near the highway\u003c/a> and is viewable from a parking lot and picnic area just off Highway 108.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the apex of the pass, you can spot various peaks, or keep going for a sweeping view of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/west-walker-river/\">West Walker River\u003c/a> and Yosemite to the south.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047202\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2500px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047202\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2500\" height=\"833\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1.jpg 2500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1-2000x666.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1-160x53.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1-1536x512.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Side-by-side-Downpage-1-2048x682.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Left: A small waterfall flows near Sonora Pass, a scenic drive over the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, on Oct. 10, 2024. Right: Road sign at Sonora Pass. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11640709/how-this-ghost-towns-curse-backfired-on-park-rangers\">Bodie State Historic Park\u003c/a> is a hidden gem of the Eastern Sierra, where nearly 200 buildings of a historic gold and silver mining town — now a ghost town — still stand, including a stamp mill.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You can walk the streets, and it is just how it was left,” Grans said. “When the gold ran out and people started to leave, and they didn’t have cars, many of them didn’t have horses or carts or anything, so the furniture — their clothing — is all still there.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Accommodations: \u003c/em>The drive over Sonora Pass from the Bay Area takes a full day, so make sure to plan to stay overnight on the eastern side of the Sierra. Bridgeport is the closest major town to the pass, but Mono City and Lee Vining — which offer easy access to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12046670/mono-lake-could-be-losing-its-california-gulls\">biodiverse Mono Lake\u003c/a> — aren’t far away, either.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"E\">\u003c/a>Want Half Dome without the long hike? Scale Castle Crags’ granite peaks\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047196\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047196\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064419A.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064419A.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064419A-160x106.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The famous granite ‘crags,’ formed around 160 million years ago, rise up over Castle Crags State Park. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of California State Parks, 2025)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.recreation.gov/permits/234652\">Permits to scale Yosemite’s Half Dome\u003c/a> are notoriously hard to come by — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1941829/the-half-dome-lottery-system-was-supposed-to-make-the-hike-safer-this-study-says-it-hasnt\">and the 14-mile round-trip hike is no walk in the park, either. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re looking for a similar granite landscape with a more achievable goal, consider \u003ca href=\"https://mountshastatrailassociation.org/trails/castle-crags/castle-dome-and-indian-springs/\">Castle Dome\u003c/a> in Shasta County’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=454\">Castle Crags State Park.\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://castlecragspark.org/the-park\">Formed around 160 million years ago\u003c/a>, the rocks that give the park its iconic “crags” not only feel ancient but are also home to a wide biodiversity of wildlife.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The 5.4-mile round trip is much more manageable than Half Dome, but it’s still quite a trek, climbing 2,000 feet of elevation that brings hikers up and around steep granite cliffs, revealing a full view of Mount Shasta ahead. Most hikers choose to turn around at the base of the dome, but \u003ca href=\"https://californiathroughmylens.com/castle-dome-hike-in-castle-crags-state-park/\">if you’re an experienced climber, you can even attempt the summit itself. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Don’t forget to check out nearby \u003ca href=\"https://www.visitcalifornia.com/places-to-visit/dunsmuir/\">Dunsmuir\u003c/a> along a calm portion of the Sacramento River, with swimming holes and lunch spots aplenty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Accommodations: \u003c/em>The state park has 76 campsites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $25. It costs $8 to enter the park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047197\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047197\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064423A.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064423A.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/P0064423A-160x106.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The granite crags at Castle Crags State Park. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of California State Parks, 2025)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"F\">\u003c/a>Seeking refuge at a high-altitude alpine lake? Visit picturesque June Lake\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re still hoping to head to the High Sierra but don’t want to fight Yosemite’s crowds, try the \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/june-lake/\">June Lake Loop\u003c/a>, a 15-mile detour off Highway 395 in the Eastern Sierra.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With four lakes, numerous resorts and tons of trails, you can escape deep into the wilderness or enjoy a luxurious visit to the town of June Lake, often dubbed “the Switzerland of California.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/grant-lake/\">Grant Lake,\u003c/a> the biggest of the four, is open to recreational speedboats after 10 a.m., while \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/june-lake/\">June\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/gull-lake/\">Gull\u003c/a> lakes are more suited to fishing and paddling. The most remote is\u003ca href=\"https://www.silverlakeresort.net/\"> Silver Lake,\u003c/a> where visitors can grab lunch and go out on a kayak to explore the picturesque alpine environment. Hikers and backpackers start their journeys from the loop to access the Inyo National Forest and Ansel Adams Wilderness areas, \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/parker-lake-trail\">including the scenic 3.5-mile hike to Parker Lake.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047198\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047198\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-2000x1333.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/June-Lake-Gull-lake-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The view from above Gull Lake, one of the four lakes that make up the June Lake Loop, where visitors can paddle, fish and swim in the summer. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Silver Lake is my favorite,” Carlson said. “We rented kayaks and went out on that very same day; there were only two other human beings on the lake.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Down closer to town, popular activities include trout fishing, biking and boating, \u003ca href=\"https://www.monocounty.org/event/june-lake-autumn-beer-festival/7324/\">plus the annual beer festival every fall, hosted at Gull Lake Park.\u003c/a> As far as accommodations go, visitors can find everything from upscale resorts to more rustic spots.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Accommodations: \u003c/em>June Lake is not nearly as crowded as nearby Yosemite — or even Mammoth Lakes, which can get extremely busy, especially in the wintertime. Still, be sure to book early for long weekends or peak summer times. If you strike out on finding something in your price range on the loop itself, try Lee Vining or Bridgeport to the north, with even more options to choose from.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047205\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047205\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Silver-Lake-August-2017-AV-2-Mono-County-Tourism-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Boats are docked at Silver Lake, a remote lake near June Lake, California, in the Eastern Sierra. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cdiv class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__shortcodes__shortcodeWrapper'>\n \u003ciframe\n src='https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCeDp_MY_h4G6VWj_-VPl-BJlQ3Uya2H0vxRZZd_47BpXwVA/viewform?embedded=true?embedded=true'\n title='https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCeDp_MY_h4G6VWj_-VPl-BJlQ3Uya2H0vxRZZd_47BpXwVA/viewform?embedded=true'\n width='760' height='500'\n frameborder='0'\n marginheight='0' marginwidth='0'>\u003c/iframe>\u003c/div>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "california-primary-2026-dropbox-near-me-san-francisco-bay-area-find-my-polling-place-election-day-voter-guide",
"title": "Primary 2026: Where Can I Drop Off My Ballot — or Vote Early?",
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"headTitle": "Primary 2026: Where Can I Drop Off My Ballot — or Vote Early? | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>California voters: the state primary elections are here. And if you’re registered to vote, your ballot will be on its way in the next few days — ahead of Election Day itself on June 2.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Wondering where to drop off your completed mail-in ballot in the Bay Area? Or where can you vote in person, and find a polling place near you? What about if you prefer to vote on Election Day itself?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for everything you need to know about submitting your vote in the California primary elections. And if you’re looking for detailed information about what you’ll be voting on, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">take a look at KQED’s Voter Guide.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Howtofindyourclosestvotinglocationorballotdropoff\">How to find your closest voting location or ballot drop-off\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#HowtofindyourpollingplaceonElectionDay\">How to find your polling place on Election Day\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Howtocontactyourcountydirectlyaboutvoting\">How to contact your county directly about voting\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>If you’re concerned you might have made a mistake when filling out your ballot, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082075/california-primary-elections-2026-faq-governors-race-vote-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">read our guide to addressing common errors on your ballot\u003c/a> (\u003cem>before\u003c/em> you mail it) — and find out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082075/california-primary-elections-2026-faq-governors-race-vote-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">how to get a fresh ballot or vote in person\u003c/a> if you really messed up.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Can I mail my ballot through the Postal Service?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Yes, you can mail your completed ballot via the U.S. Postal Service at any regular collection box. The envelope is postage paid, so it doesn’t require a stamp, and it’ll be counted as long as it’s\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections\"> postmarked by Election Day and arrives at your county registrar’s office by June 2\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082112\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082112\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Porfirio Diaz fills out his mail-in ballot for California’s gubernatorial recall election at his home in Oakland on Sept. 9, 2021. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you’re planning to mail your ballot on Election Day itself, be \u003cem>very\u003c/em> sure you don’t miss the last collection time for that specific mailbox (which at many locations is 5 p.m. or earlier).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You also shouldn’t drop off your ballot on Election Day at a post office that’s already closed. Doing either of these things will mean your ballot will not be postmarked on Election Day and won’t be counted when it reaches your county’s election office.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Can I drop off my ballot in a drop box or at a voting location?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Once you complete your mail-in ballot, you can drop it off at an official drop box or voting location instead of mailing it via a U.S. Postal Service collection box. These drop boxes will \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/primary-election-june-2-2026\">open by May 5.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A few reasons you might prefer to hand-deliver your completed ballot:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Peace of mind:\u003c/strong> There’s a satisfaction that comes with knowing your ballot should now travel straight to your county elections office rather than going through USPS collection and sorting for delivery\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Timing:\u003c/strong> If it’s Election Day itself, using a drop box or a voting location to drop off your ballot is the best way to be sure it’ll reach your county elections office in time to be counted\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Assistance:\u003c/strong> If you drop off your ballot at a voting location during operating hours and 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/li>\n\u003c/ul>\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> and be reassured it’s on its way to being counted.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"HowtofindyourpollingplaceonElectionDay\">\u003c/a>Where can I vote in person on Election Day?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>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_12082113\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082113\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/023_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/023_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/023_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/023_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A San Francisco resident hands their mail-in ballot to USPS employee Elmer Padilla on Oct. 9, 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>\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\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082088\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082088\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A San Francisco official mail-in ballot for the Nov. 3, 2020, election. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\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. What should I do? Can I do this on Election Day?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The official deadline to\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\"> register online to vote \u003c/a>is Monday, May 18.[aside postID=news_12081345 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/GettyImages-2272001355-2000x1334.jpg']Remember, if you’ve changed your name or the political party choice you previously registered to vote with, or you’ve moved address, you’ll need to\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\"> reregister\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you miss the deadline to register, don’t panic: After May 18, 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.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This system enables you to fill out and submit your ballot then and there, up until when polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.\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>\u003ca id=\"Howtofindyourclosestvotinglocationorballotdropoff\">\u003c/a>How can I find my voting location or ballot drop-off?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Secure drop boxes \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/primary-election-june-2-2026\">open by May 5, and the first vote centers open \u003c/a>May 23 in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening May 30.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082116\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082116\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/010_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/010_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/010_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/010_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Porfirio Diaz drops off his ballot for California’s gubernatorial recall election at a ballot dropbox in Fruitvale on Sept. 9, 2021. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\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\u003c/ul>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Check the “Early Voting” and/or “Drop Off Location” boxes\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cul>\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\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Howtocontactyourcountydirectlyaboutvoting\">\u003c/a>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": "Where to find a ballot drop box near you in the Bay Area, how to use USPS to mail your primary ballot and where you can vote early.",
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"title": "Primary 2026: Where Can I Drop Off My Ballot — or Vote Early? | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>California voters: the state primary elections are here. And if you’re registered to vote, your ballot will be on its way in the next few days — ahead of Election Day itself on June 2.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Wondering where to drop off your completed mail-in ballot in the Bay Area? Or where can you vote in person, and find a polling place near you? What about if you prefer to vote on Election Day itself?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for everything you need to know about submitting your vote in the California primary elections. And if you’re looking for detailed information about what you’ll be voting on, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">take a look at KQED’s Voter Guide.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Howtofindyourclosestvotinglocationorballotdropoff\">How to find your closest voting location or ballot drop-off\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#HowtofindyourpollingplaceonElectionDay\">How to find your polling place on Election Day\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Howtocontactyourcountydirectlyaboutvoting\">How to contact your county directly about voting\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>If you’re concerned you might have made a mistake when filling out your ballot, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082075/california-primary-elections-2026-faq-governors-race-vote-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">read our guide to addressing common errors on your ballot\u003c/a> (\u003cem>before\u003c/em> you mail it) — and find out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082075/california-primary-elections-2026-faq-governors-race-vote-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">how to get a fresh ballot or vote in person\u003c/a> if you really messed up.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Can I mail my ballot through the Postal Service?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Yes, you can mail your completed ballot via the U.S. Postal Service at any regular collection box. The envelope is postage paid, so it doesn’t require a stamp, and it’ll be counted as long as it’s\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections\"> postmarked by Election Day and arrives at your county registrar’s office by June 2\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082112\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082112\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/004_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Porfirio Diaz fills out his mail-in ballot for California’s gubernatorial recall election at his home in Oakland on Sept. 9, 2021. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you’re planning to mail your ballot on Election Day itself, be \u003cem>very\u003c/em> sure you don’t miss the last collection time for that specific mailbox (which at many locations is 5 p.m. or earlier).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You also shouldn’t drop off your ballot on Election Day at a post office that’s already closed. Doing either of these things will mean your ballot will not be postmarked on Election Day and won’t be counted when it reaches your county’s election office.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Can I drop off my ballot in a drop box or at a voting location?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Once you complete your mail-in ballot, you can drop it off at an official drop box or voting location instead of mailing it via a U.S. Postal Service collection box. These drop boxes will \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/primary-election-june-2-2026\">open by May 5.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A few reasons you might prefer to hand-deliver your completed ballot:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Peace of mind:\u003c/strong> There’s a satisfaction that comes with knowing your ballot should now travel straight to your county elections office rather than going through USPS collection and sorting for delivery\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Timing:\u003c/strong> If it’s Election Day itself, using a drop box or a voting location to drop off your ballot is the best way to be sure it’ll reach your county elections office in time to be counted\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Assistance:\u003c/strong> If you drop off your ballot at a voting location during operating hours and 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/li>\n\u003c/ul>\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> and be reassured it’s on its way to being counted.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"HowtofindyourpollingplaceonElectionDay\">\u003c/a>Where can I vote in person on Election Day?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>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_12082113\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082113\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/023_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/023_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/023_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/023_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A San Francisco resident hands their mail-in ballot to USPS employee Elmer Padilla on Oct. 9, 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>\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\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082088\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082088\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A San Francisco official mail-in ballot for the Nov. 3, 2020, election. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\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. What should I do? Can I do this on Election Day?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The official deadline to\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\"> register online to vote \u003c/a>is Monday, May 18.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Remember, if you’ve changed your name or the political party choice you previously registered to vote with, or you’ve moved address, you’ll need to\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\"> reregister\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you miss the deadline to register, don’t panic: After May 18, 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.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This system enables you to fill out and submit your ballot then and there, up until when polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.\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>\u003ca id=\"Howtofindyourclosestvotinglocationorballotdropoff\">\u003c/a>How can I find my voting location or ballot drop-off?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Secure drop boxes \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/primary-election-june-2-2026\">open by May 5, and the first vote centers open \u003c/a>May 23 in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening May 30.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12082116\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12082116\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/010_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/010_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/010_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/010_Oakland_ItzelDiazandFamily_09092021_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Porfirio Diaz drops off his ballot for California’s gubernatorial recall election at a ballot dropbox in Fruitvale on Sept. 9, 2021. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\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\u003c/ul>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Check the “Early Voting” and/or “Drop Off Location” boxes\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cul>\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\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Howtocontactyourcountydirectlyaboutvoting\">\u003c/a>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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"slug": "california-primary-elections-2026-faq-governors-race-vote-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake",
"title": "Primary 2026: Read This Before You Fill Out Your California Ballot (or Need to Correct a Mistake)",
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"headTitle": "Primary 2026: Read This Before You Fill Out Your California Ballot (or Need to Correct a Mistake) | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>The midterm elections have arrived, and it’s time to vote in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/election-2026\">California 2026 primary election\u003c/a> — which includes your chance to decide who’ll advance in the race to be the state’s next governor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re a registered California voter, your ballot is on its way in the next few days, if it hasn’t already arrived. Your last day to vote will be Election Day itself, June 2.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But what if you’re unsure of how to fill that ballot out according to how you want to vote? Or what to do if you’ve made a mistake on it?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read on to learn how to fill out your ballot when it arrives, how important your signature is, and your options if you need to start again with a fresh ballot. And if you’re looking for detailed information about what you’ll be voting on, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">take a look at KQED’s Voter Guide.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#ImessedupmyballotWhatshouldIdo\">I messed up my ballot. What should I do? \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>First of all: Am I registered to vote?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The official deadline to\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\"> register online to vote \u003c/a>is Monday, May 18.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So if you’re unsure whether you’re already registered to vote or can’t remember which party preference you already have,\u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\"> check your voter registration details\u003c/a> ASAP.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember, if you’ve changed your name or the political party choice you previously registered to vote with, or you’ve moved address, you’ll need to\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\"> reregister\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Making sure you’re registered — and to the right address — is crucial for getting your ballot on time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11930674\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11930674\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/10/RS59249_Early_Voting_009-qut.jpg\" alt=\"Bright red box reading 'official ballot drop box' on a bright blue table\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1282\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/10/RS59249_Early_Voting_009-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/10/RS59249_Early_Voting_009-qut-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/10/RS59249_Early_Voting_009-qut-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/10/RS59249_Early_Voting_009-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/10/RS59249_Early_Voting_009-qut-1536x1026.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An official ballot drop box during early voting at City Hall in San Francisco on Oct. 11, 2022. \u003ccite>(Marlena Sloss/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>And if you miss the deadline to register, don’t panic: That’s the last day to do it \u003cem>online\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After May 18, 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 receive your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location, all the way up to 8 p.m. on Election Day itself.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What’s on my 2026 primary elections ballot?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Depending on which county you live in, your California ballot will present you with a mix of races to vote on:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>The primaries for statewide offices \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/governor\">Governor\u003c/a>: The most wide-open primary for governor in a generation was rocked by sexual assault allegations against a leading candidate — former East Bay Rep. Eric Swalwell.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/attorney-general\">Attorney general\u003c/a>: Democratic incumbent Rob Bonta seeks reelection to the state’s top law enforcement position.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/insurance-commissioner\">Insurance commissioner\u003c/a>: Wildfires and inflation have thrown California into an insurance crisis. Voters will decide who will be the insurance industry’s chief regulator.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Local measures and races \u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These will depend on your Bay Area county or district, so \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/bayarea\">read more about the local races that are on your ballot.\u003c/a>\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How do I return my ballot when I’ve completed it?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Drop off your ballot in a secure ballot drop box\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These drop boxes \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/primary-election-june-2-2026\">open by May 5.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Return your ballot through the Postal Service \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The return postage is already paid for you. Keep in mind that the Postal Service must postmark your ballot envelope by the end of Election Day for your vote to count — and the last collection at many mailboxes is 5 p.m. If it’s getting late in the day on June 2, you might consider using a county drop box instead of a USPS mailbox.[aside postID=news_12081927 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/VotingCM.jpg']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Drop off your ballot in 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 open \u003c/a>May 23 in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening May 30.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Do I \u003cem>have\u003c/em> to vote by mail?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>No. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail\">If you’re registered to vote, you’ll be receiving a mail-in ballot by default\u003c/a> for the 2026 primary, without requesting it. But voting by mail is still just one option that’s open to you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can still vote in person, either at an early voting location before Election Day or on Election Day, June 2, itself.\u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\"> Early voting locations will open starting May 23.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"ImessedupmyballotWhatshouldIdo\">\u003c/a>How do I fix a mistake on my ballot?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>It’s important to note that each county is slightly different in how they’d prefer for you to address a mistake on your ballot, and will often provide specific details about corrections \u003cem>on\u003c/em> the ballot itself. If you have a specific question about your ballot that isn’t answered here, you can always contact your local registrar of voters for advice and instructions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What if I have problems with my signature?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When you’re done filling out your ballot, you must sign the envelope. But two big mistakes people make with their signatures are:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Forgetting to sign their ballot entirely.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Making a signature that doesn’t match the signature they made when they registered to vote.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Why \u003cem>wouldn’t\u003c/em> your signature match the one on file? If you registered to vote at a young age, maybe your signature has changed over time. Or perhaps you registered to vote at the DMV and provided your signature on a screen with a stylus, which doesn’t quite replicate how you’d make your signature with a pen on paper.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you registered this way, one simple way to avoid any signature problems is to take a quick glance at the signature that’s on your driver’s license or state ID — because that’s the one you want your ballot signature to match.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11932470\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11932470\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/RS59970_010_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A voter seen dropping off a ballot.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/RS59970_010_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/RS59970_010_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/RS59970_010_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/RS59970_010_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/RS59970_010_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A voter drops off a ballot at the City Hall Voting Center in San Francisco on Election Day, Nov. 8, 2022. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Even if you didn’t register at the DMV, that signature on your most recent license or state ID is still very likely the one to emulate. That’s because when you register to vote online, your county elections office electronically requests a copy of the signature the DMV \u003cem>currently\u003c/em> has for you, and this information is regularly updated.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To further set your mind at rest, know that California isn’t an “exact match” state, and doesn’t demand that voters’ signatures 100% replicate the signature that’s on file.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What if I just don’t know my ‘correct’ signature I’m registered to vote with?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re \u003cem>really\u003c/em> worried about the signature on your envelope not matching the signature you’re registered to vote with, there are two good solutions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One: If it’s on or before May 18, you can\u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\"> reregister to vote with your current signature\u003c/a>, to be sure that the state now has your most recent one on file. If you are reregistering after May 18, you’d need to 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.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2021, Kim Alexander, president of the nonpartisan\u003ca href=\"https://www.calvoter.org/\"> California Voter Foundation\u003c/a>, told us there’s another solution if you’re worried about your signature: Go vote in person, if you’re able.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11931537\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11931537\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/002_KQED_SanJoseVoting_11082022.jpg\" alt=\"Voter submitting their ballot\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/002_KQED_SanJoseVoting_11082022.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/002_KQED_SanJoseVoting_11082022-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/002_KQED_SanJoseVoting_11082022-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/002_KQED_SanJoseVoting_11082022-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/002_KQED_SanJoseVoting_11082022-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Voters drop off their ballot at Mexican Heritage Plaza polling place in San José on Election Day Nov. 8, 2022. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>That’s because the signature goes only on your ballot’s \u003cem>envelope\u003c/em> — and if you’re voting in person, there’s no envelope, because that ballot then goes straight into the ballot box without needing that envelope at all.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“So if you want that satisfaction of seeing your ballot drop in the box and know that it’s not going to get held up because of some signature issue, you can go and vote in person,” Alexander said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>I already mailed my ballot, but now I’m paranoid about my signature. What if I messed it up?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rest assured: There’s a whole system in place to help you correct your mistake.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If your county’s election office detects a signature mismatch on your ballot, they’ll reach out to you via mail to verify and work with you to correct it, so that your ballot can be counted after all. It’s called “curing” a ballot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This system is also applied when it looks like a member of a voter’s family might have signed their ballot, instead of the voter. This happens a \u003cem>surprising\u003c/em> amount when one household has several voters who all receive a ballot in the mail.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One way to get peace of mind:\u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\"> Sign up to track your ballot\u003c/a>, and you’ll find out about any issues with your ballot or your signature quickly.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>I made a mistake on my ballot. How do I fix it?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>First, don’t panic. People make mistakes on ballots and find good ways to correct them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Counties give different directions to voters about what to do if they make a mistake (remember: Read the instructions!), but you can usually simply x out the choice you didn’t intend.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11847170\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11847170\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45375_017_KQED_SanMateo_ElectionsOffice_10212020-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A woman in short sleeves and a mask sits at a fold-out table in front of baskets of mail.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1278\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45375_017_KQED_SanMateo_ElectionsOffice_10212020-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45375_017_KQED_SanMateo_ElectionsOffice_10212020-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45375_017_KQED_SanMateo_ElectionsOffice_10212020-qut-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45375_017_KQED_SanMateo_ElectionsOffice_10212020-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45375_017_KQED_SanMateo_ElectionsOffice_10212020-qut-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An election employee works in the mail cleaning section, which includes arranging the ballots with their barcodes facing in one direction, at the San Mateo County Elections Office on Oct. 21, 2020. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The job of county elections officials — once they’ve verified your signature — is to make sure your ballot can be read correctly. If that means that your corrections on your ballot have resulted in readability issues, officials working in teams of two will actually remake it for you according to the intent you’ve signaled with your corrections.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some counties, like Alameda, ask that you actually contact them first if you make a serious mistake — including voting for the wrong candidate — so they can send you a replacement ballot. So, wherever you live, it’s a good idea to check with your local elections office first to see what \u003cem>they\u003c/em> recommend if you made a mistake.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And remember, there’s always this option …\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What if I just want a new ballot?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’ve made a big mistake on your ballot — too big to fix — your best plan of action may be to focus on getting a new one. And that’s totally OK. You can:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Call your county elections office and ask them to cancel that ballot and issue a new one to you.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Go to your county elections office with your spoiled ballot during business hours and vote right there at the counter.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Take advantage of the early voting options available in many counties.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Go to a voting site on Election Day, June 2, turn in your spoiled ballot there and get a new ballot.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You can also do this if you’ve accidentally damaged your ballot in some way (coffee spills happen).\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>I think I put the wrong date on my envelope.\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>First off, that date should be the date you signed your envelope — not your date of birth.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you’re worried you messed up the date, don’t worry. Elections officials say that the date they’re \u003cem>really\u003c/em> looking for is the date that the ballot is postmarked, to make sure it was submitted on time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Election officials will only truly scrutinize the date you’ve written if they receive your ballot \u003cem>after\u003c/em> Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12012693\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12012693\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-21-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-21-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-21-BL-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-21-BL-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-21-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-21-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-21-BL-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Voters drop off their ballots on Election Day at City Hall in San Francisco on Nov. 5, 2024. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Like maybe you mailed it Monday before Election Day,” John Gardner, assistant registrar of voters for Solano County, told us in 2020. “That’s when we have to start looking at postmarks on the ballot, or date that the voter signed the envelope, to determine if we can count the ballot or not.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you haven’t mailed your envelope yet, it’s an easy fix: Just clearly cross out the incorrect date on the envelope and write in the correct one above it.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What if I use assistive technology to complete forms?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Getting physical assistance with filling out your ballot from someone you trust is always fine, whether you’re voting at home or at a voting site.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You just need to make sure your signature is your own and matches the one you’re registered to vote with.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Disabled voters can also choose to use the\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/remote-accessible-vote-mail\"> Remote Accessible Vote-by-Mail\u003c/a> system to vote privately and independently at home, using their usual assistive device on their home computer to fill out the ballot on their screen and then print and mail it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Every voting location in California is also equipped with an accessible voting unit. Here, voters with blindness or low vision or who have a disability that limits their dexterity will be able to use the assistive device of their choice that allows them to vote privately and independently.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How can I make sure my mail-in ballot gets there on time?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Remember, one big reason that ballots get disqualified in elections is that voters mail them too late: either too late on Election Day itself (after U.S. Postal Service mailboxes have already been collected), or after Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To be counted in this election, your ballot must be postmarked on Election Day, June 2, at the latest. Your ballot has seven days to reach your county elections office.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12012702\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12012702\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTION-DAY-ALLEN-TEMPLE-MD-05-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTION-DAY-ALLEN-TEMPLE-MD-05-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTION-DAY-ALLEN-TEMPLE-MD-05-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTION-DAY-ALLEN-TEMPLE-MD-05-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTION-DAY-ALLEN-TEMPLE-MD-05-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTION-DAY-ALLEN-TEMPLE-MD-05-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTION-DAY-ALLEN-TEMPLE-MD-05-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Voters fill out their ballots as others wait their turn to do the same at Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland on Nov. 5, 2024. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>So in this election, it’s as crucial as ever to make sure you have a plan for voting on time — and if you’re not voting in person, that means making sure you get your ballot into a mailbox or into a secure voting drop box, at a polling location or your county elections office, by the time polls close on June 2.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>A few other common ballot mistakes to watch out for …\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Make sure you’re filling out and signing the ballot and envelope with \u003cem>your\u003c/em> name on it:\u003c/strong> It’s common to see partners or roommates accidentally mix up their ballots. So make sure you’re signing the document that bears your name.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Make sure you use a black or blue pen:\u003c/strong> It reads better, and it doesn’t slow workers down when they have to check to see what voter intent was. (Don’t use a felt-tip or a Sharpie that bleeds through the paper and marks other pages on your ballot.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Don’t mail an empty envelope:\u003c/strong> It does happen. Keeping your envelope and your ballot together in your home might be a helpful way of avoiding this problem. And of course, when you’re ready to mail your ballot, make sure it’s actually inside the envelope before you seal it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Don’t bother with a stamp:\u003c/strong> Your ballot envelope is postage-paid. You don’t need it.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>My ballot is missing or hasn’t arrived. What should I do?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re reading this and you’re worried that your ballot hasn’t arrived yet, make sure you’re not worrying \u003cem>too \u003c/em>early, as the deadline for counties to send out ballots is only May 4.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if it gets to late-May and your ballot still hasn’t materialized, don’t panic: You have options. Here’s what to do:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Check that you’re actually registered to vote — and to the right address.\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">Input your details on the secretary of state’s voter status page\u003c/a> to check your registration status. This will show whether you’re actually registered to vote, and to which address. It should also show whether your ballot was mailed out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also use\u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\"> the Where’s My Ballot? tool\u003c/a> to check whether your ballot has been sent.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you’re registered to the wrong address, you can update it before May 18. \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you update your voter registration and address using\u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\"> the secretary of state’s voter status page\u003c/a> before the May 18 deadline to register online, your county will cancel the ballot that went to your old address and send you a new one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12015120\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12015120\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/103024-Shasta-County-Election-Ballots-MG-CM-02.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/103024-Shasta-County-Election-Ballots-MG-CM-02.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/103024-Shasta-County-Election-Ballots-MG-CM-02-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/103024-Shasta-County-Election-Ballots-MG-CM-02-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/103024-Shasta-County-Election-Ballots-MG-CM-02-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/103024-Shasta-County-Election-Ballots-MG-CM-02-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/103024-Shasta-County-Election-Ballots-MG-CM-02-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Election workers process ballots at the Shasta County Clerk Registrar of Voters office in Redding on Oct. 30, 2024. \u003ccite>(Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>And if it turns out your ballot \u003cem>was \u003c/em>missing because your voter registration wasn’t updated, don’t feel bad — people move all the time and forget to update their registrations accordingly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The California Voter Foundation’s Kim Alexander confirmed to KQED in 2021 that updating your address at the post office doesn’t, in fact, update your voter registration.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The DMV, on the other hand, \u003cem>will\u003c/em> update your voter registration details if you update your address with them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If your voter registration address was correct but your ballot never showed up, you still have options.\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If it’s more than six days before Election Day, you can call your county elections office and ask them to send a new ballot. Find your county elections office in our contact list (below).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Your county elections office won’t mail you a ballot six days or less before Election Day, because it can’t be sure it’ll reach you in time. So if you’re trying to get a ballot in the immediate run-up to Election Day, go to your county elections office in person and request one at the counter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12012692\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12012692\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-20-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-20-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-20-BL-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-20-BL-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-20-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-20-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-20-BL-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">‘I Voted’ stickers sit on a table during Election Day at City Hall in San Francisco on Nov. 5, 2024. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>From May 4, your county elections office will be open for early voting through June 2, so you could also go there in person during opening hours and vote right there at the counter. More early voting locations will be opening throughout May.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And remember, if you’re \u003cem>not\u003c/em> actually registered to vote, you always have the option of\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg\"> same-day voter registration\u003c/a>, also known as conditional voter registration, at a voting location, where you can then fill out and submit your ballot, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Contact your county directly\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": "From the signature on your envelope to what happens if you make a mistake on your ballot, here's how to correctly cast your vote in the 2026 California primary elections.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>The midterm elections have arrived, and it’s time to vote in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/election-2026\">California 2026 primary election\u003c/a> — which includes your chance to decide who’ll advance in the race to be the state’s next governor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re a registered California voter, your ballot is on its way in the next few days, if it hasn’t already arrived. Your last day to vote will be Election Day itself, June 2.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But what if you’re unsure of how to fill that ballot out according to how you want to vote? Or what to do if you’ve made a mistake on it?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read on to learn how to fill out your ballot when it arrives, how important your signature is, and your options if you need to start again with a fresh ballot. And if you’re looking for detailed information about what you’ll be voting on, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">take a look at KQED’s Voter Guide.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#ImessedupmyballotWhatshouldIdo\">I messed up my ballot. What should I do? \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>First of all: Am I registered to vote?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The official deadline to\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\"> register online to vote \u003c/a>is Monday, May 18.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So if you’re unsure whether you’re already registered to vote or can’t remember which party preference you already have,\u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\"> check your voter registration details\u003c/a> ASAP.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember, if you’ve changed your name or the political party choice you previously registered to vote with, or you’ve moved address, you’ll need to\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\"> reregister\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Making sure you’re registered — and to the right address — is crucial for getting your ballot on time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11930674\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11930674\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/10/RS59249_Early_Voting_009-qut.jpg\" alt=\"Bright red box reading 'official ballot drop box' on a bright blue table\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1282\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/10/RS59249_Early_Voting_009-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/10/RS59249_Early_Voting_009-qut-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/10/RS59249_Early_Voting_009-qut-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/10/RS59249_Early_Voting_009-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/10/RS59249_Early_Voting_009-qut-1536x1026.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An official ballot drop box during early voting at City Hall in San Francisco on Oct. 11, 2022. \u003ccite>(Marlena Sloss/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>And if you miss the deadline to register, don’t panic: That’s the last day to do it \u003cem>online\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After May 18, 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 receive your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location, all the way up to 8 p.m. on Election Day itself.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What’s on my 2026 primary elections ballot?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Depending on which county you live in, your California ballot will present you with a mix of races to vote on:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>The primaries for statewide offices \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/governor\">Governor\u003c/a>: The most wide-open primary for governor in a generation was rocked by sexual assault allegations against a leading candidate — former East Bay Rep. Eric Swalwell.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/attorney-general\">Attorney general\u003c/a>: Democratic incumbent Rob Bonta seeks reelection to the state’s top law enforcement position.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/insurance-commissioner\">Insurance commissioner\u003c/a>: Wildfires and inflation have thrown California into an insurance crisis. Voters will decide who will be the insurance industry’s chief regulator.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Local measures and races \u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These will depend on your Bay Area county or district, so \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/bayarea\">read more about the local races that are on your ballot.\u003c/a>\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How do I return my ballot when I’ve completed it?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Drop off your ballot in a secure ballot drop box\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These drop boxes \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/primary-election-june-2-2026\">open by May 5.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Return your ballot through the Postal Service \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The return postage is already paid for you. Keep in mind that the Postal Service must postmark your ballot envelope by the end of Election Day for your vote to count — and the last collection at many mailboxes is 5 p.m. If it’s getting late in the day on June 2, you might consider using a county drop box instead of a USPS mailbox.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Drop off your ballot in 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 open \u003c/a>May 23 in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening May 30.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Do I \u003cem>have\u003c/em> to vote by mail?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>No. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail\">If you’re registered to vote, you’ll be receiving a mail-in ballot by default\u003c/a> for the 2026 primary, without requesting it. But voting by mail is still just one option that’s open to you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can still vote in person, either at an early voting location before Election Day or on Election Day, June 2, itself.\u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\"> Early voting locations will open starting May 23.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"ImessedupmyballotWhatshouldIdo\">\u003c/a>How do I fix a mistake on my ballot?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>It’s important to note that each county is slightly different in how they’d prefer for you to address a mistake on your ballot, and will often provide specific details about corrections \u003cem>on\u003c/em> the ballot itself. If you have a specific question about your ballot that isn’t answered here, you can always contact your local registrar of voters for advice and instructions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What if I have problems with my signature?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When you’re done filling out your ballot, you must sign the envelope. But two big mistakes people make with their signatures are:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Forgetting to sign their ballot entirely.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Making a signature that doesn’t match the signature they made when they registered to vote.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Why \u003cem>wouldn’t\u003c/em> your signature match the one on file? If you registered to vote at a young age, maybe your signature has changed over time. Or perhaps you registered to vote at the DMV and provided your signature on a screen with a stylus, which doesn’t quite replicate how you’d make your signature with a pen on paper.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you registered this way, one simple way to avoid any signature problems is to take a quick glance at the signature that’s on your driver’s license or state ID — because that’s the one you want your ballot signature to match.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11932470\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11932470\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/RS59970_010_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A voter seen dropping off a ballot.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/RS59970_010_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/RS59970_010_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/RS59970_010_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/RS59970_010_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/RS59970_010_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A voter drops off a ballot at the City Hall Voting Center in San Francisco on Election Day, Nov. 8, 2022. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Even if you didn’t register at the DMV, that signature on your most recent license or state ID is still very likely the one to emulate. That’s because when you register to vote online, your county elections office electronically requests a copy of the signature the DMV \u003cem>currently\u003c/em> has for you, and this information is regularly updated.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To further set your mind at rest, know that California isn’t an “exact match” state, and doesn’t demand that voters’ signatures 100% replicate the signature that’s on file.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What if I just don’t know my ‘correct’ signature I’m registered to vote with?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re \u003cem>really\u003c/em> worried about the signature on your envelope not matching the signature you’re registered to vote with, there are two good solutions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One: If it’s on or before May 18, you can\u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\"> reregister to vote with your current signature\u003c/a>, to be sure that the state now has your most recent one on file. If you are reregistering after May 18, you’d need to 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.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2021, Kim Alexander, president of the nonpartisan\u003ca href=\"https://www.calvoter.org/\"> California Voter Foundation\u003c/a>, told us there’s another solution if you’re worried about your signature: Go vote in person, if you’re able.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11931537\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11931537\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/002_KQED_SanJoseVoting_11082022.jpg\" alt=\"Voter submitting their ballot\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/002_KQED_SanJoseVoting_11082022.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/002_KQED_SanJoseVoting_11082022-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/002_KQED_SanJoseVoting_11082022-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/002_KQED_SanJoseVoting_11082022-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/002_KQED_SanJoseVoting_11082022-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Voters drop off their ballot at Mexican Heritage Plaza polling place in San José on Election Day Nov. 8, 2022. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>That’s because the signature goes only on your ballot’s \u003cem>envelope\u003c/em> — and if you’re voting in person, there’s no envelope, because that ballot then goes straight into the ballot box without needing that envelope at all.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“So if you want that satisfaction of seeing your ballot drop in the box and know that it’s not going to get held up because of some signature issue, you can go and vote in person,” Alexander said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>I already mailed my ballot, but now I’m paranoid about my signature. What if I messed it up?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rest assured: There’s a whole system in place to help you correct your mistake.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If your county’s election office detects a signature mismatch on your ballot, they’ll reach out to you via mail to verify and work with you to correct it, so that your ballot can be counted after all. It’s called “curing” a ballot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This system is also applied when it looks like a member of a voter’s family might have signed their ballot, instead of the voter. This happens a \u003cem>surprising\u003c/em> amount when one household has several voters who all receive a ballot in the mail.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One way to get peace of mind:\u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\"> Sign up to track your ballot\u003c/a>, and you’ll find out about any issues with your ballot or your signature quickly.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>I made a mistake on my ballot. How do I fix it?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>First, don’t panic. People make mistakes on ballots and find good ways to correct them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Counties give different directions to voters about what to do if they make a mistake (remember: Read the instructions!), but you can usually simply x out the choice you didn’t intend.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11847170\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11847170\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45375_017_KQED_SanMateo_ElectionsOffice_10212020-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A woman in short sleeves and a mask sits at a fold-out table in front of baskets of mail.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1278\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45375_017_KQED_SanMateo_ElectionsOffice_10212020-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45375_017_KQED_SanMateo_ElectionsOffice_10212020-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45375_017_KQED_SanMateo_ElectionsOffice_10212020-qut-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45375_017_KQED_SanMateo_ElectionsOffice_10212020-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/11/RS45375_017_KQED_SanMateo_ElectionsOffice_10212020-qut-1536x1022.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An election employee works in the mail cleaning section, which includes arranging the ballots with their barcodes facing in one direction, at the San Mateo County Elections Office on Oct. 21, 2020. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The job of county elections officials — once they’ve verified your signature — is to make sure your ballot can be read correctly. If that means that your corrections on your ballot have resulted in readability issues, officials working in teams of two will actually remake it for you according to the intent you’ve signaled with your corrections.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some counties, like Alameda, ask that you actually contact them first if you make a serious mistake — including voting for the wrong candidate — so they can send you a replacement ballot. So, wherever you live, it’s a good idea to check with your local elections office first to see what \u003cem>they\u003c/em> recommend if you made a mistake.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And remember, there’s always this option …\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What if I just want a new ballot?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’ve made a big mistake on your ballot — too big to fix — your best plan of action may be to focus on getting a new one. And that’s totally OK. You can:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Call your county elections office and ask them to cancel that ballot and issue a new one to you.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Go to your county elections office with your spoiled ballot during business hours and vote right there at the counter.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Take advantage of the early voting options available in many counties.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Go to a voting site on Election Day, June 2, turn in your spoiled ballot there and get a new ballot.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You can also do this if you’ve accidentally damaged your ballot in some way (coffee spills happen).\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>I think I put the wrong date on my envelope.\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>First off, that date should be the date you signed your envelope — not your date of birth.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you’re worried you messed up the date, don’t worry. Elections officials say that the date they’re \u003cem>really\u003c/em> looking for is the date that the ballot is postmarked, to make sure it was submitted on time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Election officials will only truly scrutinize the date you’ve written if they receive your ballot \u003cem>after\u003c/em> Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12012693\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12012693\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-21-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-21-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-21-BL-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-21-BL-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-21-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-21-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-21-BL-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Voters drop off their ballots on Election Day at City Hall in San Francisco on Nov. 5, 2024. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Like maybe you mailed it Monday before Election Day,” John Gardner, assistant registrar of voters for Solano County, told us in 2020. “That’s when we have to start looking at postmarks on the ballot, or date that the voter signed the envelope, to determine if we can count the ballot or not.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you haven’t mailed your envelope yet, it’s an easy fix: Just clearly cross out the incorrect date on the envelope and write in the correct one above it.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What if I use assistive technology to complete forms?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Getting physical assistance with filling out your ballot from someone you trust is always fine, whether you’re voting at home or at a voting site.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You just need to make sure your signature is your own and matches the one you’re registered to vote with.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Disabled voters can also choose to use the\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/remote-accessible-vote-mail\"> Remote Accessible Vote-by-Mail\u003c/a> system to vote privately and independently at home, using their usual assistive device on their home computer to fill out the ballot on their screen and then print and mail it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Every voting location in California is also equipped with an accessible voting unit. Here, voters with blindness or low vision or who have a disability that limits their dexterity will be able to use the assistive device of their choice that allows them to vote privately and independently.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How can I make sure my mail-in ballot gets there on time?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Remember, one big reason that ballots get disqualified in elections is that voters mail them too late: either too late on Election Day itself (after U.S. Postal Service mailboxes have already been collected), or after Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To be counted in this election, your ballot must be postmarked on Election Day, June 2, at the latest. Your ballot has seven days to reach your county elections office.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12012702\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12012702\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTION-DAY-ALLEN-TEMPLE-MD-05-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTION-DAY-ALLEN-TEMPLE-MD-05-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTION-DAY-ALLEN-TEMPLE-MD-05-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTION-DAY-ALLEN-TEMPLE-MD-05-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTION-DAY-ALLEN-TEMPLE-MD-05-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTION-DAY-ALLEN-TEMPLE-MD-05-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTION-DAY-ALLEN-TEMPLE-MD-05-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Voters fill out their ballots as others wait their turn to do the same at Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland on Nov. 5, 2024. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>So in this election, it’s as crucial as ever to make sure you have a plan for voting on time — and if you’re not voting in person, that means making sure you get your ballot into a mailbox or into a secure voting drop box, at a polling location or your county elections office, by the time polls close on June 2.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>A few other common ballot mistakes to watch out for …\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Make sure you’re filling out and signing the ballot and envelope with \u003cem>your\u003c/em> name on it:\u003c/strong> It’s common to see partners or roommates accidentally mix up their ballots. So make sure you’re signing the document that bears your name.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Make sure you use a black or blue pen:\u003c/strong> It reads better, and it doesn’t slow workers down when they have to check to see what voter intent was. (Don’t use a felt-tip or a Sharpie that bleeds through the paper and marks other pages on your ballot.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Don’t mail an empty envelope:\u003c/strong> It does happen. Keeping your envelope and your ballot together in your home might be a helpful way of avoiding this problem. And of course, when you’re ready to mail your ballot, make sure it’s actually inside the envelope before you seal it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Don’t bother with a stamp:\u003c/strong> Your ballot envelope is postage-paid. You don’t need it.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>My ballot is missing or hasn’t arrived. What should I do?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re reading this and you’re worried that your ballot hasn’t arrived yet, make sure you’re not worrying \u003cem>too \u003c/em>early, as the deadline for counties to send out ballots is only May 4.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if it gets to late-May and your ballot still hasn’t materialized, don’t panic: You have options. Here’s what to do:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Check that you’re actually registered to vote — and to the right address.\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">Input your details on the secretary of state’s voter status page\u003c/a> to check your registration status. This will show whether you’re actually registered to vote, and to which address. It should also show whether your ballot was mailed out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also use\u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\"> the Where’s My Ballot? tool\u003c/a> to check whether your ballot has been sent.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you’re registered to the wrong address, you can update it before May 18. \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you update your voter registration and address using\u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\"> the secretary of state’s voter status page\u003c/a> before the May 18 deadline to register online, your county will cancel the ballot that went to your old address and send you a new one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12015120\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12015120\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/103024-Shasta-County-Election-Ballots-MG-CM-02.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/103024-Shasta-County-Election-Ballots-MG-CM-02.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/103024-Shasta-County-Election-Ballots-MG-CM-02-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/103024-Shasta-County-Election-Ballots-MG-CM-02-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/103024-Shasta-County-Election-Ballots-MG-CM-02-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/103024-Shasta-County-Election-Ballots-MG-CM-02-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/103024-Shasta-County-Election-Ballots-MG-CM-02-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Election workers process ballots at the Shasta County Clerk Registrar of Voters office in Redding on Oct. 30, 2024. \u003ccite>(Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>And if it turns out your ballot \u003cem>was \u003c/em>missing because your voter registration wasn’t updated, don’t feel bad — people move all the time and forget to update their registrations accordingly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The California Voter Foundation’s Kim Alexander confirmed to KQED in 2021 that updating your address at the post office doesn’t, in fact, update your voter registration.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The DMV, on the other hand, \u003cem>will\u003c/em> update your voter registration details if you update your address with them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If your voter registration address was correct but your ballot never showed up, you still have options.\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If it’s more than six days before Election Day, you can call your county elections office and ask them to send a new ballot. Find your county elections office in our contact list (below).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Your county elections office won’t mail you a ballot six days or less before Election Day, because it can’t be sure it’ll reach you in time. So if you’re trying to get a ballot in the immediate run-up to Election Day, go to your county elections office in person and request one at the counter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12012692\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12012692\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-20-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-20-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-20-BL-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-20-BL-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-20-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-20-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241105-ELECTIONDAY-20-BL-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">‘I Voted’ stickers sit on a table during Election Day at City Hall in San Francisco on Nov. 5, 2024. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>From May 4, your county elections office will be open for early voting through June 2, so you could also go there in person during opening hours and vote right there at the counter. More early voting locations will be opening throughout May.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And remember, if you’re \u003cem>not\u003c/em> actually registered to vote, you always have the option of\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg\"> same-day voter registration\u003c/a>, also known as conditional voter registration, at a voting location, where you can then fill out and submit your ballot, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Contact your county directly\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": "For decades, the process for how police police themselves has been inconsistent – if not opaque. In some states, like California, these proceedings were completely hidden. After a new police transparency law unsealed scores of internal affairs files, our reporters set out to examine these cases and the shadow world of police discipline. On Our Watch brings listeners into the rooms where officers are questioned and witnesses are interrogated to find out who this system is really protecting. Is it the officers, or the public they've sworn to serve?",
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"info": "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.",
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"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.",
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"radiolab": {
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},
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"info": "The Snap Judgment radio show and podcast mixes real stories with killer beats to produce cinematic, dramatic radio. Snap's musical brand of storytelling dares listeners to see the world through the eyes of another. This is storytelling... with a BEAT!! Snap first aired on public radio stations nationwide in July 2010. Today, Snap Judgment airs on over 450 public radio stations and is brought to the airwaves by KQED & PRX.",
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"soldout": {
"id": "soldout",
"title": "SOLD OUT: Rethinking Housing in America",
"tagline": "A new future for housing",
"info": "Sold Out: Rethinking Housing in America",
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